The bronzed countenances of a few of the men paled a trifle; but as
soldiers they were ready to do their best, obey orders and trust in
their leaders.

"All right, sir." That was all they said.

"Mount."

Away they trotted at a smart pace, Scout Gruard guiding, west by north,
directly for the nearest slope of the first range. Carbines thumped,
bridles jingled, leather squeaked, the horses' hoofs clattered on the
sandstone ledges. They emerged from the last of the reddish defiles
and proceeded to climb--up, up, up into the pines. The going was
steep, and the horses puffed and groaned.

Gazing back, they might see the Sioux a mile behind, and below, bunched
in council, and looking and gesturing. They appeared uncertain whether
to pursue.

Soon Frank turned into an old, narrow pony trail, pointing still
westward as if to cross the first range.

"This is an old Sioux hunting trail," he called, over his shoulder, to
the lieutenant and Reporter Finerty. "It leads clear to the snowy
range. If we can get there our chances are pretty fair."

The trail was good. They pushed on at a trot, never sparing the
horses. They began to feel more hopeful. The Sioux were out of sight;
there were no sounds of pursuit; was it possible that they had been let
off? As everybody knew, the Plains Indians rarely ventured far into
the mountains, except on quick forays against enemies who did not
expect them.

After five miles more, Scouts Gruard and Big Bat stopped. The column
had climbed almost to the top of the first range.

"Do you want to rest the horses, lieutenant?"

"Yes, if it's safe. What do you think?"

"Bat and I've about decided that those fellows have quit. We've given
them the slip. They're not likely to risk attacking us in the high
country. So you can take a breathing spell. We've a hard trip ahead."

"Dismount," Lieutenant Sibley ordered.

The word was welcome. The horses were badly winded, and the men were
hungry and thirsty, for they had had an early breakfast and the sun
beat down hotly.

Noon camp was made here in a little park, where amidst the surrounding
trees the grass grew long and the flowers nodded. The sweaty horses
were unsaddled and picketed short, to graze; coffee was set upon small
fires, to boil; sentries had been posted, and the other men were
permitted to stretch out, in the shade.

Everything seemed very peaceful, but--!

At any rate, they all might talk and laugh and sip t