Why, George,
unless you are posted you have no idea--But I will tell you a short
story by and by. Just now I must attend to our friend Mr. Wentworth.
Stand by me, for I believe I shall need a helping hand before I get
through with him."

While this conversation was going on Bob had kept a watchful eye upon
the movements of Mr. Wentworth, who had by this time passed the troopers
and was guiding his horse so as to come up on the left flank of Bob's
squad. As soon as the latter became satisfied that this was the man's
intention, he rode out of the line and placed himself beside the captive
Indian, who was riding on Loring's horse and was by no means an
uninterested spectator of what passed before him. He too was keeping his
gaze directed toward Mr. Wentworth, whom he doubtless recognized.

"White man very angry--heap mad--as mad, in fact, as a wet hen," said
Bob, trying to imitate an Indian's way of talking, but making a sad mess
of it in his excitement. "He's mad at you for carrying his boys off, and
he's going to shoot you dead--heap dead--as dead as a door-nail; and
he'll serve you just right, too."

"I hope he won't miss the red and hit me," said Loring.

"You needn't be afraid of that, for these Texans are all good shots,"
answered Bob; adding in a lower tone, "I'll just tell you what's a fact,
Loring: I wouldn't interfere with him if I could help it."

The young savage understood what Bob said, but not a muscle of his face
changed. If he had been an old warrior, he would probably have begun his
death-chant; but having performed no deeds of which he could boast, he
remained silent and calmly awaited the fate that would have been
inevitable had it not been for George Ackerman's skill in horsemanship.

The animal on which Mr. Wentworth was mounted was evidently accustomed
to being ridden without a bridle, for his master guided him with the
greatest ease. When he had almost reached the squad he suddenly swerved
from his course, in obedience to a signal conveyed to him by a quick
movement of his rider's body, and galloping swiftly around the head of
the line stopped short on the other flank. By this unexpected change of
tactics the enraged father had gained a position on the unguarded side
of the prisoner, and if he had acted as soon as his horse came to a
standstill he would have accomplished his purpose in spite of
everything; but he could not resist the temptation to talk for just a
moment, and that moment's dela