A yell of joy answered the words of the chief, for the men were anxious to get a chance to make a capture of the wagon train, which Long Dave had reported to be an exceedingly rich one in supplies of all kinds and money. Almost with the speed of the wind the cavalcade spurred on, the leader leaving Rose and her father with a guard and the led horses bearing the booty taken in the recent foraging expeditions of the band. After an hour’s ride, the flashes of distant firing were visible. The rapid discharges proved that the battle was raging most savagely, and that the defenders of the wagon train were holding out bravely against the overwhelming numbers that were attacking them. CHAPTER XLVI. TREACHERY. As Long Dave had said, the settlers’ train had been attacked by the Indians--the same band that had besieged them all day, awaiting for night to come on so that they could attack with greater safety to themselves and less danger of defeat. Red Dick was at the bottom of this attack. Having recovered partially from the effects of his severe fall, he was determined that he would be revenged upon all who witnessed his disgraceful departure from his position as guide. Wistfully the eyes of the emigrants had scanned the prairie all that long day, in hopes of seeing the coming of the scout and reënforcements. Night came, and no succor was visible, and with determined manner the men set to work to defend to the end of their lives their families and their riches. The Indians commenced the attack as soon as it was dark, and charged boldly down upon the train; but during the day the emigrants had strongly fortified their position, and after a sharp and short fight the attacking party fell back. Yet they did not dream of defeat, and their savage minds began to plot various methods of taking the settlers at a disadvantage, for the Indian never cares to fight an open battle if he can gain his ends by cunning and strategy. Failing in one plan after the other, Red Dick at length determined to lead one desperate charge, in column, hoping to break through the line by mere weight and numbers. He was preparing his red allies for the work, when suddenly a cry of alarm was heard in their rear, and up dashed the Branded Brotherhood, with their desperate chief at their head. The Sioux warriors at first thought they were being attacked by a troop of soldiers, and began to scatter in all directions, when the loud voice of Red Dick recalled them, for he recognized the commanding form of Ricardo. Riding up to Ricardo, he cried: “Hello, chief! Have you come to aid me in a division of the spoils?” Ricardo turned his keen look upon the renegade, and, apparently recognizing him, answered: “You are, then, leading this attack upon my wagon train, renegade?” “Your train, chief? Not so fast--for I guided this train from Kansas City,” replied Red Dick.