Part 25 (1/2)
”Over behind yonder mountain to the north He is chief of a band that numbers between a hundred and a hundred and fifty people He himself is one of the best Indian shots in the West”
”It's a pity they can't become citizens as well as other folks,”
remarked Darry
”That's the whole trouble, lad The United States didn't treat theht in the first place, and we are bound to suffer in consequence But in the end the Injun will be wiped out coht ca the trail fairly light Old Benson rode in advance, with Darry next and Joe bringing up the rear
Presently the old hunter drew rein, and motioned the others to do the same
”Somebody ahead,” he said in a low voice ”Four or five men on hossback
If I aint mistaken they're Injuns, too”
”Indians!” exclaimed Joe ”Do they come this way often?”
”No, lad Fact is, they haven't any right over here, so close to the fort It's against Colonel Fairfield's rules”
”Then what can they be doing here?”
”That's for us to find out”
Old Benson led the way to a side trail, and then into the shelter of a number of trees
He quickly passed the pelt over to Darry
”Both of you stay here until I get back,” he said ”I' to find out what those redskins are up to”
”You won't be gone long, will you?” asked Joe
”Don't expect to be gone over an hour at thehas happened Then you'll have to get back to the fort the best way you can,” concluded the old scout
A ht hid him from their view, and they were left alone in the bit of timberland
CHAPTER XXI
A TRICK OF THE ENEMY
”I must say I don't fancy this much,” observed Joe, after the sounds of Benson's departure had lost themselves in the distance
”Nor do I like it, Joe,” cauess we'll have to e my brother found in the cave, and what Benson said about this Indian chief, it looks as if the folks at the fort ht have trouble in the near future”
”That's true, too I hope Will got through in safety”
Dis, the two boys sat down under the trees to wait in the darkness The horses were glad enough of the rest, and fell to cropping the short grass which showed itself in spots in the vicinity