of his face. He
fully comprehended the nature of the peril that impended, but with the
cool readiness of a veteran, he had fixed upon his line of action, in
the same moment that he read the purpose of his formidable enemy.

The preliminary actions of the guide were similar to that of the
warrior. The bridle rein dropped from his hand, and, slightly
stooping, he let his Winchester fall to the ground beside him. Then
his knife flashed out and he was ready.

Since only the mule was between Captain Dawson and the combatants, he
observed all this and interpreted its meaning.

"Vose, what do you mean to do?" he sharply asked.

"Have a little dispute with the fellow," replied Adams, without
removing his gaze from the face of the savage.

"You mustn't do it."

"It sorter looks as if it can't be helped, captain."

"I shall prevent it."

"How?"

"Thus!"

The captain had laid down his rifle and drawn his revolver, in the use
of which he was an expert. While thus engaged, he stooped down, so
that the interposing body of the mule, prevented the Indian from
observing what he was doing. When his weapon was ready and just as he
uttered his last word, he straightened up like a flash. Adams being of
short stature and in a stooping posture, gave him just the chance he
needed. His single arm was extended with the quickness of lightning
and he fired. The bullet bored its way through the bronzed skull of
the Indian, who, with an ear-splitting screech, flung his arms aloft,
leaped several feet from the ground, toppled sideways over the edge of
the trail and went tumbling, rolling and doubling down the precipice
far beyond sight, into the almost fathomless abyss below.

"That's what I call a low down trick!" was the disgusted exclamation
of Adams, looking round with a reproachful expression.

"Do you refer to the Indian?" asked the captain.

"No; to you; I had just got ready for him and had everything fixed
when you interfered."

"Vose, you are a fool," was the comment of his friend.

"And why?"

"That fellow was twice as big as you and you hadn't an earthly chance
in a fight with him."

"Do you 'spose that is the first time I ever met a mountain Injin?"

"You never fought one of that size in this spot."

"What difference does the spot make?"

"I want you to understand," said the captain with assumed gravity,
"that I didn't interfere out of any regard for you."

"What the mischief are you driving at?" demanded the