* Maybe they won't see us.' The trained horses at the word of their riders, dropped to their knees as if crushed t$ the earth by irresistible we'ght, while oup friends nimbly threw themselves prone beside them. But the moon was full up, and, quick as had been their movements, they wcrel too late. The Indians knew the tricky too well to be deceived, and in another instant, with wild yells, they\ were sweeping down the slope towards the fugitives. 1 Back to the ranche !' cried John Taylor ; and at the word the horses were up again and our friends in the. saddle. Then back over their own, trail again they urged their horses^ * We may meet the rangers on the back? track; but we could never Jreach the: Fort with chose red niggers after us.' On they went, with the Indians inj full purauit. A few- rifle, balls passed) harmlessly over their heads, or fell

short. Now Jojr^;a. ,wjJ4 ;ride for life under the starlight," with the howling horde , behind them,, and. the^ Strong cool east ; wiai-'ki theiii= face?. Rosie galloped l*etw«Mi the father WicJ brother „$. little in advance^ so that their bodies jvonld project. ;hfir ; as much as possible from the bullets, should the red skins ,gain on. them," The dog, Dick, ran by per sideband gave vent to thp indigna tion he felt by hoarse growls between his panting breaths. Jack wanted to turn and empty his Winchester in the face of the yelling horde, : bnt that would only lose time. * They.ViL' gaining on us.!' he exclaimed looking around. - The hjprses were urged to greater effort. Suddenly Rosie and Jack found themselves far ahead of their father. Old Rollo had given out, and lay upon the ground, with his master with ready rifle, standing beside him, | and the Indian^ were within shooting distance. 'For your lives, ride on !' shouted the tsrave old man, | 1 No!' cried Rose, as she wheeled her horse, and brother and sister galloped back to their father. ' I can shoot as well as you. We'll fight together.' The three hones, close together, lay on the ground, and the trio knelt facing the enemy, with rifles ready. On came the howling band, 1 Now !' cried the father. The three rifles cracked, and three Tndian ponies were riderless. 