Once in that grasp, Mason's struggles were those of an infant, and he was soon thrown upon his back. A heavy knee upon his chest held him down, and he was compelled to see the giant reach over and, with his left arm, pick up the long knife. Then eye glared at eye. Mason's did not flinch at the blood-shot orbs that were fastened upon him. He saw that blade ascend, but beyond a slight shudder it did not seem to affect him. Red Goliath now realized what a climax affairs had reached, and he could not forego the temptation to tantalize the boy before dispatching him. "There you lie, my little man, and there you're going to lie forever. Thought to get the best of me, did you? Aha! Red Goliath has passed through the jaws of death too often to give in to a mere stripling. The fates work in my favor. Hoskins found out what it meant to meddle with such a dangerous customer; now I'm going to give you a taste. Say your prayers, young man, for your seconds are numbered on this earth." Higher rose the blade, as the giant gathered strength for a mighty stroke. Yet the boy's eyes did not quiver, but remained fastened on those of his enemy. A minute would seem an eternity at such a time. Red Goliath was purposely delaying his blow, to make the death agony more potent; but he hesitated too long. A hand that could grip like a vise caught the upraised arm, and the giant looked up to find himself face to face with Chevalier Bolly Wherrit. CHAPTER XVI. WHAT FATE HAS ORDAINED. Adele had for ancestors, on her father's side of the house, valiant Frenchmen, and she inherited some of their courage. Red Goliath had paid no attention to her after Mason so suddenly appeared upon the scene of action, and in this disregard he proved his complete ignorance of the young girl's bravery. When she saw the one she loved so well in the power of this rough assassin, all fear fled for the time being from her heart, and she was brave. While she alone had been threatened Adele could not help being terror-stricken, but now the case was quite altered. The revolver that had been knocked from Mason's hand (General Custer's revolver) lay near the young girl. Her eyes had followed its course through the air mechanically, and as she realized what power lay in the little weapon, her eyes flashed. She sprang forward and picked it up. Just at this instant a man clad in a buckskin, and whose face bore the impress of nature's nobleman, stepped into view. He held up a hand toward Adele, as if telling her to remain a passive spectator, and she, willing to trust her cause in such hands, suffered the revolver that had been raised with so determined a purpose to fall to her side.