s fairly caught and would have to make a
desperate fight to extricate himself. If it was open in front he had
little to fear.

He spoke to Whirlwind, who instantly increased his speed. The
Assiniboines seemed to make no effort to lessen the distance between
themselves and the fugitive. This looked bad, for it indicated that the
Shawanoe was riding toward a shut door and would fall into their power
like ripe fruit shaken from a limb.

When Deerfoot reached the next curve in the canyon he perceived that
only a little way in front it curved again. He decided at once to
settle the doubt in his mind, for, if the canyon was a blind one, every
rod of advance added to his danger. The walls drew steadily nearer and
he began to fear that they really met not far off. If obliged to turn
back he should do so without further delay.

Checking Whirlwind he slipped to the ground and ran to the side of the
ravine. He left his blanket on the back of the horse, and leaned his
rifle against the base of the rocks, up which he began climbing with
the nimbleness of a sailor ascending the rigging of a ship. His
intention was to reach the level ground above, from which he could gain
a view that would tell him whether it was safe to go any farther into
the canyon or whether he must make instant retreat.

From the foot of the mountain wall to the top was fully forty feet, and
it was perpendicular all the way; but the face was so rugged that he
went up without trouble, only turning a little to the right now and
then to gain a better support for his hands and feet. The stallion
stood motionless and watching him with what must have been wondering
interest.

As he ascended Deerfoot glanced down the ravine and saw the
Assiniboines still coming with their horses on a walk. This pointed to
the probability that the Shawanoe had really entered a pocket and his
enemies saw no need of haste, since they felt sure of their victim. And
yet with all his acumen the Shawanoe erred in explaining the
deliberation of his pursuers.

At last the agile climber reached the upper edge of the ravine, and it
only remained for him to lift himself a foot farther to gain the view
which would reveal the truth of the situation. He extended his hand
upward to secure the grip that was to raise his head above the level.
As he did so he rested it on something cold and soft, which he
instantly recognized as a coiled rattlesnake.

Deerfoot shared the shivering disgust which n