behind.

Then with the knowledge that where there is terrible odds against which
to fight, guile and skill are necessary, he paused for a moment, with
the intention of trying to find cover from whence he could make deadly
use of his rifle. But with the knowledge that Maude must be in the
hands of the Indians, whose savage nature he too well knew, his fatherly
instinct admitted of no pause for strategy, and dashing forward, he ran
swiftly towards the waggon, with Bart close upon his heels.

The full extent of their peril was at once apparent, no less than twelve
mounted Indians being at the head of the little valley in a group, every
man in full war-paint, and with his rifle across his knees as he sat
upon his sturdy Indian pony.

Facing them were Maude, Joses, Juan, and the other two men, who had
apparently been taken by surprise, and who, rifle in hand, seemed to be
parleying with the enemy.

The sight of the reinforcement in the shape of Bart, and Dr Lascelles
made the Indians utter a loud "Ugh!" and for a moment they seemed
disposed to assume the offensive, but to Bart's surprise they only urged
their ponies forward a few yards, and then stopped.

"Get behind the waggon, quick, my child," panted the Doctor, as Bart
rushed up to his old companion's side.

"They came down upon us all at once, master," said Joses. "They didn't
come along the trail."

"Show a bold front," exclaimed the Doctor; "we may beat them off."

To his surprise, however, the Indians did not seem to mean fighting, one
of them, who appeared to be the chief, riding forward a few yards, and
saying something in his own language.

"What does he say?" said the Doctor, impatiently.

"I can't make him out," replied Joses. "His is a strange tongue to me."

"He is hurt," exclaimed Bart. "He is wounded in the arm. I think he is
asking for something."

It certainly had that appearance, for the Indian was holding rifle and
reins in his left hand, while the right arm hung helplessly by his side.

It was like weakening his own little force to do such a thing, knowing
as he did how treacherous the Indian could be, but this was no time for
hesitating, and as it seemed to be as Bart had intimated, the Doctor
risked this being a manoeuvre on the part of the Indian chief, and
holding his rifle ready, he stepped boldly forward to where the dusky
warrior sat calm and motionless upon his horse.

Upon going close up there was no longer any room for do