ld comprehend why the horses had been
changed; a _ruse_ it was--an after-thought of the cunning trappers!

Had I mounted my own conspicuous steed by the camp, the Indians would,
in all probability, have suspected something, and continued the pursuit;
it was the spotted mustang that had enabled me to carry out the
counterfeit!

I had now beneath me a horse I could depend upon and with renewed vigour
I bent myself to the chase. For the third time, the black and white
stallions were to make trial of their speed--for the third time was it
to be a struggle between these noble creatures.

Would the struggle be hard and long? Would Moro again be defeated?
Such were my reflections as I swept onward in the pursuit.

I rode in silence; I scarcely drew breath, so keen were my apprehensions
about the result.

A long start had the prairie-horse. My delay had thrown me far behind
him--nearly a mile. But for the friendly light, I should have lost
sight of him altogether; but the plain was open, the moon shining
brightly, and the snow-white form, like a meteor, beaconed me onward.

I had not galloped far before I perceived that I was rapidly gaining
upon the steed. Surely he was not running at his fleetest? Surely he
was going more slowly than was his wont?

Oh! could his rider but know who was coming after!--could she but hear
me!

I would have called, but the distance was still too great. She could
not have heard even my shouts; how then distinguish my voice?

I galloped on in silence. I was gaining--constantly and rapidly
gaining. Surely I was drawing nearer? or were my eyes playing false
under the light of the moon?

I fancied that the steed was running heavily--slowly and heavily--as if
he was labouring in the race. I fancied--no, it was no fancy--I was
sure of it! Beyond a doubt, he was not going at his swiftest speed!

What could it mean? Was he broken by fatigue?

Still nearer and nearer I came, until scarcely three hundred yards
appeared between us. My shout might now be heard; my voice--

I called aloud; I called the name of my betrothed, coupling it with my
own; but no answer came back--no sign of recognition to cheer me.

The ground that lay between us favoured a race-course speed; and I was
about putting my horse to his full stretch, when, to my astonishment, I
saw the white steed stagger forward, and fall headlong to the earth!

It did not check my career; and in a few seconds more I was upon