ull pounding that swelled into
the steady _plud, plud_ of unshod hoofs.

Once more a cheer went up. A moment, and a cavalcade swept in--a
riderless cavalcade, with ropes dangling. It was the night-herd, the
discarded, second-choice mounts of the regiment's officers, a motley
band that had served their country through more than one enlistment, and
that, hearing the familiar summons--some limping, some hobbling--had
followed the dun cayuse to answer it.

Now, nooses were twisted about the noses of the horses. The troopers
mounted. The trumpet sounded the advance.

Again came whoops from across the Missouri. They were farther away than
the first.

"They're travellin'!" shrilled a voice.

"Go up--go up for the crossing," Oliver ordered. "Fraser! Fraser!"

But the buckskin mare, with her master, far in advance of the twenty
others, was already plunging down the bank and into a black, roily
whirl.

CHAPTER XXXVII

THE FLIGHT TO MURPHY'S THROAT

For all that the way was hard, rough with stones and choked by a tangle
of rank growth, the three in the coulee made fast progress over the
first two miles. Charley led. After him came Marylyn, to whom the
loathed split in the plain was become a place of refuge. In the rear,
covering her sister against possible attack, followed Dallas.

As they went, now running, now falling into a quick walk, then running
again, nettles stung their ankles; gooseberry branches tore their
swinging hands; willows lashed their faces. But terror calloused, and
they knew no hurts. Marylyn stepped on something soft and moving--she
only increased her pace. On, on, they sped, stumbling blindly, gasping
with open mouth--yet persevering.

The strain told first on the younger girl. So far, her strength had been
unnatural--born of the terror that made her unconscious of any wound. It
did not long endure. Before three miles had been travelled, as she sank
in a shallow pool to wet her lips, it utterly failed her. She could not
rise, and pleaded faintly for rest.

"Just a minute, Dallas, please--I can't go--my side hurts."

Dallas helped her through a hindering weave of pond-weeds and lilies,
and laid her upon some marsh-grass beyond. Meanwhile, Charley stole
back a short distance. But the respite was brief, for he returned
straightway and twitched at their dresses, when the elder girl lifted
the younger to her feet, whispering encouragement.

"Try again, honey. You got your breath. Try agai