Before David could proceed further he became aware that his presence was discovered. The four Indians had stolen cautiously from the hut, and were silently approaching, when one of their number stepped upon a round stick, which came near throwing him to the ground. Seeing their movements were discovered the savages gave a yell, and rushed forward. Quick as thought the scout’s rifle flew to his shoulder, while its tongue of flame arrested one savage midway. * * * But he was not to escape this time. The Indian with the hatchet hurled it furiously, and although the blade passed harmlessly, the handle struck just above David’s ear, knocking him senseless to the earth. At the same moment the others fired their rifles, but the bullets passed harmlessly by. His fall had saved him. Great, indeed, was their rejoicing when they found how mighty was the foe that had been conquered. Their savage exultation seemed to know no bounds. Many were anxious that he might at once be put to torture, but the brave who held command during the absence of Ashbey ordered the prisoner to be put in confinement, to await the return of his superior. As no one dared dispute his authority, the prisoner was led away toward the place where Alfred was already confined. They were within some fifty yards of the prison, when a loud yell, quickly followed by the report of a musket, broke upon the group. The ringing crack of a rifle followed a moment after, while a more fearful yell told that some victim had fallen. Too well the scout knew the meaning of all this. Charles had, in some manner, been discovered. The warriors of the party, leaving a force to guard the prisoner, started in the direction of the reports. Just as they reached the prison-door, a more distant rifle-shot, followed by another yell of pain, told that the fugitive was still free. But David could see no more. Could it be that Charles had succeeded in freeing his brother? The thought was full of pleasure, but it seemed hardly probable. He called aloud: “Alf, my boy!” “Here!” was the answer. “And you, my brave friend, here too?” “Yis, my boy,” the hunter responded, in as cheerful tones as he could assume; “though it’s mighty against my will, that’s true as ye live. But I’ve bin in worse places nor this, an’ even in this very hole once afore. We’ll make our way out, no kind o’ danger about that. Charley would have let you loose afore this, only the red rascals got wind o’ what he’s at.” David had by this time found the whereabouts of the young man, and bending closer, he whispered in his ear: “We’re not so destitute as you may suppose. I’ve two pistols under my coat which the dogs overlooked, and they may come in good play if either of us gets a hand loose.” The knowledge that they had weapons seemed instantly to raise the drooping spirits of Alfred. CHAPTER XI. WILD BILL TRIES AN EXPERIMENT.