longer under charge of a guard: for the
latter had just left them, and was running forward to intercept me. I
saw that he had a weapon in his hand. It was a gun. He was pointing it
upon me as he ran--endeavouring to take aim before firing. I heeded not
the threatening attitude, but rushed straight towards him. I could not
go round him: since he was between me and the horses. We both ran, as
if to meet one another. When less than five paces separated us, the
Indian stopped, sighted me and pulled trigger. His gun snapped! Before
he could lower the piece, I had clutched the barrel: and, with a
desperate effort, wrenched the weapon from his grasp. I made a feint to
strike him over the head. He threw up his arms to ward off the blow.
Instead of using the gun as a club, I thrust him with the butt right
under the ribs; and stretched him gasping upon the grass. He fell, as
if shot through the head! Still holding on to the gun--which, by a
strange accident, proved to be my own rifle--I ran up to my horse. The
creature welcomed me with a neigh of joy! It was but the work of a
moment to draw the picket-pin, gather up the laryette, and spring to his
back. Once there, I felt that I was free!

The Indians came screaming around the butte--most of them afoot, and
with no other weapons than the empty muskets. A few, more prudent than
their fellows, had made towards their arms and horses; but, both being
at a distance, they had not yet reached them; and the advantage was
mine. I was no longer hurried in my actions--not even afraid. I had no
apprehension of being retaken. On the back of my brave steed, I felt
like an ocean cast-away, who has climbed up the sides of a strong ship,
and once more stands safely upon deck! I felt confident that from my
pursuers, I could gallop away at will; and, after taking time to adjust
my laryette as a halter, I gave the head to my horse, and rode off. My
Arab needed no urging. Up the valley went he, like a bird upon the
wing. I could laugh to scorn the savage pack that came hallooing behind
me.

CHAPTER SIXTY SIX.

THE CHASE AND THE SYNCOPE.

I made direct for the canon whence issued the stream. Its gap grew
wider as I approached it--though still appearing only a dark cleft
between the rocks, like the entrance to some subterranean passage. I
looked forward to it with satisfaction. Its shadowy chasm promised
shelter and concealment. When near the entrance of the gorge, I