gloom. They were fleet of foot, and in the belief that they
could speedily run the fugitive to earth they made after him. Hardly
had the singular race opened when the astounded pursuers saw no
fugitive before them! He had been swallowed up in the darkness like an
arrow launched from a powerful bow. The Assiniboines must have come to
the belief that whoever the stranger was he knew how to run. You and I
came to that belief long ago.

One of the chagrined pursuers fired in the direction of the flying
fugitive. The bullet probably passed within fifty feet of him,
certainly not near enough for Deerfoot to hear the whistle of the
missile.

The Shawanoe was too wise to maintain his flight in a direct line, for
there was no saying how long his enemies would hunt for him. He made a
wide detour to the right and passed around the head of the lake, moving
as silently as a shadow and issuing no call to Whirlwind to join him.
Reaching the point he had in mind he stopped, peered around in the
gloom and carefully located himself. Then he placed his thumb and
forefinger between his teeth and pierced the stillness with that
peculiar whistle which could have been heard a mile away.

Meanwhile, if we can believe that animals are capable of reasoning,
Whirlwind must have had some uncomfortable thoughts. He was listening
for the next orders of his master and could make nothing of the tumult
going on near him. He would have been eager to lend a helping hand, or,
rather, hoof, but did not know how to lend it. He might make matters
worse by the attempt. He had received his commands and it only remained
for him to obey them.

While thus waiting, the Assiniboine leader--he who claimed him as his
particular property--assumed form in the starlight and drew near.
Whirlwind snuffed suspiciously. He could not understand matters, but he
had seen his master and comrade and resented any impertinence from
others.

The Assiniboine hurried up and extended one hand to grasp the forelock
of the stallion, in order to lead him back to his place on the other
side of the camp. At that moment the signal of Deerfoot rang out.

Perhaps the Assiniboine suspected the meaning of the call, for he
darted forward and seized the forelock. Whirlwind instantly reared, and
with a single blow of his hoof knocked the red man senseless. He did
not kill him, but it is safe to conclude that when the Assiniboine
regained his senses he knew a good deal more than he ever kne