Part 6 (1/2)
”What is it?” he cried; ”what is wrong?” and as he spoke the lock of his double rifle gave forth two ominous clicks twice over
”They have come round while we have been away,” whispered Bart hoarsely
”They? Who? Our men?”
”No,” panted Bart; ”the camp is surrounded by Indians”
CHAPTER SIX
A SURGICAL OPERATION
Dr Lascelles' first move close behind
Then with the knowledge that where there is terrible odds against which to fight, guile and skill are necessary, he paused for ato find cover from whence he could e that Maude e nature he too well knew, his fatherly instinct ad forward, he ran swiftly towards the waggon, with Bart close upon his heels
The full extent of their peril was at once apparent, no less than twelve roup, every man in full war-paint, and with his rifle across his knees as he sat upon his sturdy Indian pony
Facing them were Maude, Joses, Juan, and the other two men, who had apparently been taken by surprise, and who, rifle in hand, seeht of the reinforcement in the shape of Bart, and Dr Lascelles h!” and for a moment they seemed disposed to assued their ponies forward a few yards, and then stopped
”Get behind the waggon, quick, my child,” panted the Doctor, as Bart rushed up to his old companion's side
”They came down upon us all at once,the trail”
”Show a bold front,” exclaimed the Doctor; ”we may beat them off”
To his surprise, however, the Indians did not see, one of the forward a few yards, and saying soe
”What does he say?” said the Doctor, impatiently
”I can't ue to me”
”He is hurt,” exclai for so”
It certainly had that appearance, for the Indian was holding rifle and reins in his left hand, while the right ar his own little force to do such a thing, knowing as he did how treacherous the Indian could be, but this was no ti, and as it see ahis rifle ready, he stepped boldly forward to where the dusky warrior sat cal close up there was no longer any rooed, and the coarse cloth see into the terribly swollen flesh
That was enough All the Doctor's old instincts came at once to the front, and he took the injured limb in his hand
He must have caused the Indian intense pain, but the fine bronzed-looking felloho had features of a keen aquiline type, did not ainst a rock, the little runt of approval
”It is peace, Bart,” said the Doctor ”Maude, es Bart, get out ical case”
As he spoke, hehihtly from his pony, not, as a European would, on the left side of the horse, but on the right, the well-trained ani down its head to crop the nearest herbage
”Throw a blanket down upon that sage-brush, Joses,” continued the Doctor; and this being done, the latter pointed to it, ns that the chief should sit down