Fortunately he did not see Baldy until the latter cautiously hailed him, otherwise he would have fled before ascertaining his identity; but the moment he recognized his voice he hastened toward him, no less surprised than pleased at meeting him so unexpectedly. 'Where are Mickey and Ethan?' he inquired, as he leaped alongside of him. 'In the cave.' 'How is it you are here?' The trapper briefly explained that he had crept out to hunt him up; but as there seemed no imminent danger, he deemed it best to leave his companions there, as if the Indians once gained possession of the golden ravine, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to displace them. Besides, in order to carry out the scheme which he had formed, it was necessary that two at least should remain in the cave, while the others were on the outside. Under the direction of the trapper, the steam man slowly approached the ravine, keeping at a respectful distance, but so near that if any sudden emergency should arise, they would be able to render assistance to their friends. The boy gave several whistles so as to inform the Irishman and Yankee of their whereabouts. A few seconds after, and while the noise of the instrument was echoing over the prairie, a fainter whistle reached their ears. 'That's the long-legged Yankee!' instantly remarked the trapper; 'he knows how to make my kind of noise.' 'What does it mean?' 'It means that all is right.' 'Where are the Indians?' 'They ain't fur off. I wish they war further, fur ef it warn't fur them, we'd had half the yaller metal out of thar by this time.' Young Brainerd had the reputation of possessing a remarkably keen vision; but, peer as much as he might, he could detect nothing unusual. The trapper, however, affirmed that numerous forms could be seen creeping along-the edge of the prairie, and that these same forms were more nor less than so many red-skins. 'What are they trying to do?' 'Duono.' 'Hadn't we better withdraw?' inquired Johnny, showing a little nervousness. 'Not till we know they're after us,' was the quiet reply. By and by the boy himself was able to get an occasional glimpse of the shadowy figures moving to and fro. 'I think they are going to surround us,' he added, 'and I feel as though we ought to get out while we can do so.' The only reply to this, was by the trapper suddenly bringing his gun to his shoulder and firing. An agonizing screech, as the savage threw himself in the air, showed that the shot had not been in vain. Rather curiously at the same moment the report of a gun in the ravine reached their ears, followed by the same death-shriek. 'They ain't sleepin' very powerful down thar,' was the pleased remark of the trapper, as he leisurely reloaded his piece, while the boy remained in that nervous state, awaiting the permission of Baldy to go spinning away over the prairie at a rate that would very quickly carry him beyond all danger.