the people look
differently, as well. What is that? I believe they have firearms." The
Professor's brow gathered, as he said this, because now, that the alarm
had been given, the warriors were running to and fro, and among them
were several who carried guns.

The wagon was hurriedly put into a posture of defense, and the cattle
protected as best they could. They approached cautiously, and the
Professor walked forward and held out his hand in token of friendliness.
They withdrew a short distance for consultation. This gave the party an
opportunity to study the new people.

The first thing noticed was the entire difference in the clothing worn.
The other tribes had nothing but the breech clout, but these had other
garments, and their skin was darker in color.

"I am afraid we shall have trouble in a fight with these people, because
their guns are first-class make," said Harry.

"You need have no fear of their guns," answered the Professor.

The boys looked at him wonderingly, as he continued: "They may have had
ammunition in the past, but it is evident that they have none now. See
how the fellows who have the guns carry them. They use them like
spears."

They finally turned from their conference, and without a word or sign
opened hostilities with a volley of arrows. The gage of battle had been
thrown down. It was fortunate that the warriors were few in comparison
with their last enemies. Not more than twenty were counted as they were
waiting for the result of the consultation.

This challenge could not well be misunderstood, and the Professor gave
the word to fire. Every shot took effect, and the result was a startling
one for the savages. Without waiting for the second round they broke and
fled, rushing down past the large hut and through the village,
gathering, as they went, the women and children which had previously
grouped together to witness the fight. This was too much for the boys,
who rushed down after them, followed by John and the Professor, until
the large hut was reached.

CHAPTER V

THE RESCUE OF THE CAPTIVE BOYS

The boys were chattering and whooping as they ran, to the immense
amusement of the Professor. They had converted themselves into regular
American Indians for the occasion, and tried to imitate the yells of the
savages who had attacked them the previous day.

Passing the large hut which stood in the foreground, the boys imagined
they heard a cry from within. Possibly it was a