em. I need scarcely add that the horse was going at a
gallop; it is a rare sight when a horse-Indian rides any other gait.

There was only one. The scouts were sure of this. Beyond the swell
stretched an open prairie, and if the Indian had had companions or
followers, they would have been seen. He was alone.

What had brought him back on the trail? Was he upon the scout?

No; he was riding without thought, and without precaution. A scout
would have acted otherwise.

He might have been a messenger; but whither bound? Surely the Indians
had left no party in our rear?

Quickly these inquiries passed among us, and quick conjectures were
offered in answer. The voyageur gave the most probable solution.

"Pe gar! he go back for ze sheel."

"Shield! what shield?"

"Ah, you no see 'im. I see 'im wiz me eye; he vas cache dans les
herbes--von larzge sheel--bouclier tres gros--fabrique from ze peau of
de buffle--ze parfleche--et garnie avec les scalps--frais et sanglants--
scalps Mexicaines. Mon Dieu!"

The explanation was understood. Le Blanc had observed a shield among
the bushes where we had halted--like enough left behind by some of the
braves. It was garnished with scalps, fresh Mexican scalps--like
enough. The Indian had forgotten both his armour and his trophies; he
was on his way to recover them--like enough.

There was no time either for further talk or conjecture; the red
horseman had reached the bottom of the hill; in ten seconds more, he
would be lazoed or shot!

Garey and I placed ourselves on opposite sides of the path, both with
our lazoes coiled and ready. The trapper was an adept in the use of
this singular weapon, and I too understood something of its management.
The trees were in our way, and would have prevented the proper winding
of it; but it was our intention to spur clear of the timber--the moment
the Indian came within range--and "rope" him on the run.

Rube crouched behind Garey, rifle in hand, and the rangers were also
ready, in case both the lazoes and Rube's rifle should miss.

It would not do to let the Indian either go on or go back; in either
case he would _report_ us. Should he pass the spot where we were, he
would observe our tracks in a minute's time--even amidst the thousands
of others--and would be certain to return by another route. Should he
escape from us, and gallop away, still worse. He must not be permitted
either to go on or go back; he must be captured or