We have heard of the whereabouts of the savages, Senhor Armstrong. You
are a civilian, and as surgeon to the force it is your duty, of course,
to keep as much out of danger as possible, but as brave men usually
prefer the front, I absolve you from this duty. You are at liberty to
go there if you choose."

The blood rushed to our hero's face. He knew well what the old soldier
meant. With a simple "Thank you, colonel," he put spurs to his steed,
and was in a few seconds galloping alongside of Pedro.

"You ride furiously, senhor," said the guide, with a twinkle in his eye
which was characteristic of him when amused.

Lawrence made no reply.

Just then they overtopped a slight ridge or rising ground, and beheld a
few mounted men on the horizon. These were evidently the scouts of the
Indian band, for on seeing the soldiers they drew hastily together and
stood in a group as if to consult for a few seconds. Then, turning,
they galloped over the next rising ground and disappeared.

The soldiers of course increased their speed. On gaining the top of the
ridge, they beheld a large band of Indians mounting and galloping off in
hot haste. Evidently they did not intend to give battle--at least at
that time.

With a mighty shout the soldiers bore down on them at their utmost
speed--Lawrence, Pedro, the colonel, and Quashy leading, for they were
the best mounted of the party. It was soon perceived that captives were
with the Indians, for women in civilised dress were seen on horseback,
and some of the savages had children in front of them.

At this sight every thought of self fled from the warm heart of Lawrence
Armstrong, and he was impressed with but one idea--"Rescue the
helpless!" Urging his steed to its utmost, he was soon far ahead of the
troop, closely followed by Quashy, whose eyes and teeth seemed to blaze
with excitement.

There was a savage straight ahead of them who carried something in his
arms. It seemed to be a child. Fixing his eye on this man, Lawrence
spurred on, and grasped his sword with deadly intent. Quashy, ever
observant, did the same.

The man, perceiving their intentions, diverged a little to the right of
his comrades, probably thinking that his pursuers would be unwilling to
quit the main band, and might thus be thrown off. He was mistaken, for
Lawrence possessed, with immense power of will, a strong spice of
recklessness. The more, therefore, that the savage diverged, the more
did