The Pirates of the Prairies

ction. Bloodson served as guide to the little party, followed immediately by Curumilla. The Indian chief, with the genius peculiar to his race

n of surprise. This was so extraordinary a fact, and so contrary to the habits of

u, chief?" he asked, as so

look," Curumil

of a horseshoe. The hunter looked at it for some time with the utmost attention, then began walking cautiously in the direction th

Miguel at

ne answered, as if speaking to himsel

ral observed, "d

just shown me the perfectly fo

ed, "a horseshoe is a very

know not by what accident, is mounted on a horse shod on all four feet, while the men composing his band have theirs only

Indian could make it; but Red Cedar is at the head of a numerous party,

neral said; "what do y

as, for reasons unknown to us, left his men encamped

we now are, there is a nest of pirates, and Red Cedar h

"the track is quite fresh, so

uickly said, who had, till this m

lemen?" Valentine aske

they answere

ey began following the trail, under th

his band in a strong position, remounted his horse and set out, warning all his comrades that he s

pursued by Valentine, and hence had taken b

om camp without his knowledge. The track left by that animal served as a guide to the pursuers at the moment when they had completely l

on both sides. Stay," he added, suddenly stooping and stopping Don Pablo; "here are traces you were just about to efface. Let us have a look at this: they are the marks of the horseshoe we hav

f it?" Don Migu

fficult, as y

" Don Pablo and th

on the prairies you must never raise your voice. The branches have

current, which was very powerful at this spot, forced their horses into the Gila. The

"open your eyes, for

lleurs sixty feet long. Valentine had recommended his companions to concentrate their researches on a space of one hundred and fift

grass unexamined. Suddenly Curumilla imitated the cry of the jay, the signal for assembling in the event of any important discovery. Al

to catch the bear in his den. You know with what sort of men we have to deal; b

file. He carefully parted the bushes, and unhesitatingly entered th

r, Black? Did not the redskins have a sufficient l

d of a rifle being cocked. Valentine made his

d firm voice: "it is I, Koutonepi, an old acq

I know not why you have followed me to this place: we never were such g

be fully assured that we were always very b

you are alone, you can advance,

to his dog, wh

you that they are good," the Trail-hunte

of a grotto. The two men were scarce fifteen yards apart, examining each other suspiciously. This is, how

hat do we care if the birds and serpents hear our conversation? Come, speak! What have you come he

and perhaps you would have done better by spending your tim

nd with the butt of his rifle: "You know I am not fond of

wing nearer; "do not take up that tone: all may be arranged. Hang it, what i

e ear appeared to be catching vague sounds; his eye sounded the depth of the woods; his nostrils dilated; and all

his adversary: not one of the changes on his face had escap

shouted, as he raised his rifle

ne retorted, as he dodged behind

outed, as he appeared, followed by th

swear that I will kill you first," the bandit answered with a terr

o rough! There are four of us, and I su

ou retire?" the bandit sai

voice, "do not attempt any useless resi

e was suddenly covered by a livid pallor, an

going to fire!" V

red in his hands, fell to the ground. Valentine, who wished to capture the bandit alive, could

he rushed madly into the grotto, closely followe

standing by his side, with bloodshot eyes and open jaws, only awaited a signal from its master to rush on the assailants. The squatter suddenly fired four shots, but too hurrie

ot caug

culating the chances of safety left him, so that he might profit by them immediate

in walked several times round the grotto with the impotent rage of a wild beast that has fallen into a trap. He heard, in the wind

he said, "All f

small islet of sand, which the water, continually rising, threatened soon to cover. The bandit took a p

ppeared, bearing torches; but the bandit had wh

ommitted suicide,"

er shook

t it,"

tranger hurried

and the three men rushed forwa

he banks of the river, in case Red Cedar tried to escape in that way. The chiefs previsions were correct. Red Cedar, as we have seen, attempted to fly by the se

l aim at him, and at the moment the animal put its hoof in the water it fell back, dragging down its rider with it. Curumilla had put a bullet through the

lly. "That bandit is not to be fear

d Bloodson; "but th