“When you have landed and given the signal, I will charge with my men, aided by those you leave with me.” “It’s a good plan, Ricardo, and we’ll set out at once,” replied Red Dick, and accompanied by the greater number of his savage men, the desperado strode away, leaving a small guard over his horses. As cunning as Red Dick was, and as wicked, he was no match for Ricardo, for he had not anticipated that the chief would betray him. But hardly had the renegade and his red allies been gone fifteen minutes, when the remaining Indians were quietly surrounded by the Branded Brotherhood, and, wholly unsuspecting treachery, were suddenly terrified by being unexpectedly set upon by those whom they believed their friends. Without warning, the Brotherhood instantly rushed upon the Indian warriors, and before the slightest resistance could be offered, a score of them lay dead upon the prairie. And still the work of slaughter went on, until the few remaining savages crouched together in dismay, not knowing which way to turn; for, although it was the Indian method to surprise and massacre defenseless victims, they had never before had the tables turned upon them. “Kill every cursed red heathen; leave not one to escape and warn his companions,” cried Ricardo. In vain did the terrified wretches attempt to break through the human barrier that surrounded them, but everywhere they were met by steel and bullet. At length the slaughter ended. Then, with a grim and cruel smile, Ricardo turned to Red Roark and said: “Roark, yonder comes the girl and her father and the led horses. I wish you to collect these Indian ponies, and with a guard of ten men, move down the river to the next motte and wait there until you hear from me.” “That will leave you only forty men, chief, with which to tackle the camp and the Injins, too,” Roark responded. “True, but I intend Red Dick and his crew shall play Kilkenny cats with the settlers. When they have about used each other up, I will be on hand to reap the spoils. Now, be off at once; and mind you, Roark, treat that girl with every respect.” “I hear you, chief.” “And see that you heed; now I will move to the river bank, and aid the settlers in driving off Red Dick and his devils.” “You wouldn’t fire upon the redskins, chief?” “Certainly; each one I slay is one out of my way to eventual success.” So saying, Ricardo called to his band to follow him, mounted his horse, and rode slowly in the direction of the camp. Approaching within a hundred yards, under cover of a few straggling trees, he sent Long Dave and his Indian scout on abreast, to creep up the river bank, and give warning when Red Dick and his followers should attempt a landing. He had not long to wait before the two scouts returned and reported the river black with the heads of the attacking party.