"If there is one horseman there is likely to be more----" Melville cut short his own words, and whistled cautiously, checking that with equal suddenness, through fear of offending his friend. But the chief showed no displeasure, and, before anything could be said, the form of a riderless horse came out of the gloom and trotted forward with a faint neigh of pleasure. "Saladin, my own Saladin!" exclaimed the delighted youth, flinging his arms around the outstretched neck, and actually touching his lips to the silken nose of the noble steed. "Saladin, old fellow, I'm proud of you," said Melville; "the Sioux did their best to steal you away from us, but you were too smart for them. One was cruel enough to shoot at you, but it don't look as if he did any damage." The youth could not resist the temptation to place his foot in the stirrup, and leap into the saddle, where he was "at home." "Now, Red Feather," he added, "things are beginning to look up; I can relieve you of carrying Dot; the truth is that after we cross the stream I shall feel safe. Under heaven, we owe everything to you; but you need go no farther with us." "Ain't safe," said the chieftain sententiously; "Injins all round--Red Feather go all way home wid pappoose." "That is very kind, but I can relieve you of your burden." "Me carry pappoose," replied the Sioux, moving toward the little one. "Dot," said her brother, "which would you rather do--ride on Saladin with me or let Red Feather carry you?" [Illustration: "A riderless horse came out of the gloom."] "It's a good deal nicer to have him carry me; take me, Red Feather," she added, reaching out her arms. Melville was glad to hear this answer, for he knew it would touch the chieftain, whose heart had become wrapped up in the sweet little one. Before he could lift her, however, he paused, and, saying "Wait," again knelt down with his ear to the ground. The result was satisfactory, and, remarking that he heard nothing more, he stood upon his feet, stooped over, and lifted the little one to her old place. Then the flight was taken up as before. Melville held Saladin back, so as to follow the leader, who reached the side of the stream a few minutes later. Objects were indistinct, but the youth was so familiar with the spot that he recognized it as the Upper Crossing. When the lad would have lost himself the Sioux had gone as unerringly to the spot as though the sun were shining overhead to guide him. "Now," said Melville, as they waited a minute or two on the brink, "there is no need for you to wade across, and wet your leggings to the knees; it can be easily fixed." "Oogh! heap big load for hoss--carry all." The lad laughed. "That isn't what I mean; the pony is strong enough to bear us, but it isn't necessary; I'll ride him over, and then send him back after you."