nd certain. We shall not even have the choice of that last desperate
resort, on which we have built a hope. We shall be cut off from all
escape: for our animals will be gone before we can reach them. On foot,
it will be idle to attempt flight. Even could we run the gauntlet
through their line, we know they could overtake us upon the plain!

We feel like men about to throw dice for our lives, and dice too that
are loaded against us! Nearer and nearer they come, until they are
coursing within fifty yards of the butte, and scarcely twice that
distance from our guns. Were their bodies uncovered, we could reach
them; but we see only their hands, feet, and faces--the latter only at
intervals. They draw nearer and nearer, till at length they are riding
within the circle of danger. Our superior elevation gives us the
advantage. We begin to see their bodies over the backs of their horses.
A little nearer yet, and some of these horses will go riderless over
the plain! Ha! they have perceived their danger--one and all of them.
Notwithstanding their cries of bravado, and mutual encouragement, they
dread to make the final rush. Each fears that himself may be the
victim!

Our heads were growing dizzy with watching them, and we were still
expecting to see some of them turn their horses, and dash inward to the
butte; when we heard a signal-cry circulating through their ranks. All
at once the foremost of them was seen swerving off, followed by the
whole troop! Before we could recover from our surprise, they had
galloped far beyond the range of our guns, and once more stood halted
upon the plain!

CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT.

A RAMPART ON WHEELS.

For a time, our hearts throbbed more lightly; the pressure of
apprehension was removed. We fancied the savages had either not yet
become fully aware of the advantage of storming our position, or that
the certainty of losing some of their number had intimidated them from
making the attempt. They had abandoned their design, whatever it was;
and intended waiting for night--the favourite fighting-time of the
Indian. This was just what we desired; and we were congratulating
ourselves that the prospect had changed in our favour. Our joy was
short-lived: the enemy showed no signs of repose. Clustered upon the
plain, they still kept to their horses. By this, we knew that some
other movement was intended. The chiefs were again in the centre of the
crowd, the Red-Hand conspicuous.