of other portions of our country
are so accustomed to give when exulting in the certainty of capturing
their enemies.

Our friends did not venture to exchange a word with each other until a
long time after the Indians had passed, and nothing could be heard to
indicate that they were anywhere in the neighborhood. Then they crawled
near together and spoke in low whispers.

"They are gone!" said Elwood.

"I think so," replied Howard, "but they may be watching somewhere. We
must be very careful. How is it, Terror, are there any strangers near
us?"

The dog snuffed the air, but made no sound, which was a negative reply.

"I guess he is right," added Howard. "We will get as far away from here
as we can, for I am sure those Indians will look around here until
morning in the hope of getting us then."

All three crawled a considerable ways on their hands and knees, when
they stealthily arose to their feet, and seeing nothing suspicious,
followed a northeasterly direction--one that would both lead them away
from their pursuers and at the same time take them toward the Salinas or
San Buenaventura River, which point they hoped to reach some time the
next day.

After going some distance they walked more rapidly, and ventured to
exchange words with each other. Terror kept the advance, fully aware of
the responsibility that rested upon him. There was little fear but that
he would give timely notice of the approach of danger, and a sense of
comparative security took possession of our friends as they proceeded.

To their great surprise, after journeying a half-mile or so, the
character of the country underwent a great change. The ground became
more level, and they found themselves traveling among stunted trees and
sparse vegetation. The moon did not rise until quite late, so that until
then they could barely see each other's bodies as they moved along. This
made them uncertain as to whether they were following the right course;
but they were greatly pleased to find that they had deviated but
slightly from the line they intended to pursue.

All at once a low whine from Terror arrested them. At the same instant
all three detected the glimmer of a light among the trees. Cautiously
approaching, Tim O'Rooney in the advance, he said in his husky whisper:

"There's an owld Injin noddin' by the fire, and if he has a gun, or
anything to eat, we'll try and get him to lend 'em to us!"

CHAPTER X.

A GOOD SAMARITAN.

The th