"I don't--don't know. I was knocked out clean an' clear. Oh, Mark, this the worst yet! Supplies an' hosses both gone!" "Can't we follow them up?" "An' get shot?" "I don't care--I am not going to stand for being robbed in this fashion," answered the youth, recklessly. "Those supplies cost too much money, and, besides, we have got to have them." In a few minutes Josiah Socket felt somewhat better. The cut on his temple was not serious, and he washed it with some snow and bound it up with his handkerchief. In the meantime Mark made a hasty search around and found that both of their weapons were at hand, the Indians having overlooked them in their haste to get away with the packs and the horses. The snow had ceased and they made a light and lit a couple of cedar boughs for torches. By examining the ground they came upon the tracks of four red men, who had moved off in the direction of the lower valley, leading the two horses between them. "Let us follow them," said Mark, without hesitation. "We ought to be able to bring them to terms with the gun and the pistol." Now that he felt a little better, Josiah Socket was willing, and keeping their torches shaded somewhat, they followed the newly-made trail through the forest and down into the valley a distance of two miles. It was now growing light in the east, telling that the dawn of a new day was at hand. "I see them!" cried Mark, presently. "Put out that torch." And he threw his own down in the snow and stamped upon it. His companion speedily followed his example, and both leaped to the shelter of some bushes. The Indians were at rest, having traveled probably the whole of the day before and being worn out. They sat in the shelter of some trees, with the horses and their packs close by. What to do next Josiah Socket and Mark scarcely knew. But they were determined to get back their belongings even if it cost them something to do it. "Mr. Socket, haven't I heard you whistle to those horses?" asked Mark, in a whisper. "Certainly--I often call 'em that way. Learnt it to 'em when they was colts." "Would they come if you whistled to them now?" "I think so." "Then let us get behind the trees and get our weapons ready for use." The man understood Mark's plan and did as requested. When all was in readiness a clear and peculiar whistle was given. At once the steeds pricked up their ears. "Whistle again!" said Mark, and Josiah Socket did so. Then the horses came running toward their owner, much to the astonishment of the Indians, who leaped up in alarm. "Here they come, and with the loads!" cried Mark. "Come on!" As soon as the horses came up they urged the steeds onward, in the direction of the trail to the cabins. Then Josiah Socket fired a shot at the Indians and Mark did the same. One red man was hit in the shoulder and another in the leg, and with howls of pain the Indians ran back and out of sight behind some trees.