To find succour under the circumstances would demand something of a miracle. Any band of Cherokees in the neighbourhood would scatter and take to cover when they heard the sound of the chase. He had counted on finding a village, unsuspected by the outlaws, and by a diplomatic “talk” enlisting the aid of the warriors. The precipitate pursuit eliminated any chance of finesse. Could he play the game until nightfall he might find it possible to double back and lead the Tonpits north. Against this manœuvre bulked the obstacle of the horses and their guard left in the trail. Once the outlaws lost him they would return to their animals, arriving coincident with his return to the ledge. “Devil of a mess!” Sevier inwardly raged as he knocked the legs from under an outlaw closing in on his right. “Held up by these scum after standing off both the Creek and the Cherokee Nations! If it wasn’t for Miss Elsie I’d love to stay round these parts till there either wasn’t any Chucky Jack or there wasn’t any outlaws.” His shot at the man on the right brought the gang forward in a wild rush, each eager to sight the fugitive before he could reload. Sevier raced for his life until he gained enough leeway to pause and recharge his rifle. He had barely finished when a rustling behind him sent him to the ground, his gun levelled. “_Wa-ya!_” softly called a voice. “_Aniwaya!_” joyfully hissed Sevier, creeping forward. “Man of the Wolf clan, where are you?” A copper-coloured form rose almost at his elbow. The borderer recognized Bloody Mouth. “Little John never knew the hunting-call of the Wolf could sound so sweet,” whispered Sevier. “Tsan-usdi is chased by dogs,” growled Bloody Mouth, his eyes flaring with blood-lust. “I will stick my ax in their heads.” Drawing the warrior back as the outlaws advanced, Sevier hurriedly asked: “Where are the Cherokees? I want warriors.” “You must travel till sundown to come up with them,” was the discouraging rejoinder. “That will not do,” muttered Sevier. “Bloody Mouth will do as his brother says?” “He will. By nightfall his wolf-call will bring many men of his clan. Then we will hunt down and break off the heads of Tsan-usdi’s enemies.” “I can not wait. There is a white woman I must take north. Take my place and keep falling back. Wear my hat and hunting-shirt but do not let them see you if you can help it. If they do see you they will think you are Little John. Do not speak.” “But I can shoot?” “Ay, and shoot to kill. Lead them far. There are many horses back on the trail. They shall all be yours.” “_Siyu!_ I feel my medicine is very red,” gloated Bloody Mouth, slipping on the shirt and taking the hat.