Dick Varley and his dog remained rooted to the rock, as they gazed at the sickening sight, as if petrified. Scarce fifty of that noble herd of buffaloes escaped the awful leap, but they escaped only to fall before the arrows of their ruthless pursuers. Dick had often heard of this tendency of the Indians, where buffaloes were very numerous, to drive them over precipices in mere wanton sport and cruelty, but he had never seen it until now, and the sight filled his soul with horror. It was not until the din and tumult of the perishing herd and the shrill yells of the Indians had almost died away that he turned to quit the spot. But the instant he did so another shout was raised. The savages had observed him, and were seen galloping along the cliffs towards the head of the gorge, with the obvious intention of gaining the other side and capturing him. Dick sprang on Charlie’s back, and the next instant was flying down the valley towards the camp.
He did not, however, fear being overtaken, for the gorge could not be crossed, and the way round the head of it was long and rugged; but he was anxious to alarm the camp, so that they might have time to call in the more distant trappers, and make preparations for defence.
“Where away now, youngster?” inquired Cameron emerging from his tent as Dick, taking the brook that flowed in front at a flying leap, came crashing through the bushes into the midst of the fur-packs at full speed.
“Injuns!” ejaculated Dick, reining up. “Hundreds of ’em. Fiends incarnate every one!”
“Are they near?”
“Yes; an hour’ll bring them down on us. Are Joe and Henri far from the camp to-day?”
“At Ten-mile Creek,” replied Cameron, with an expression of bitterness, as he caught up his gun and shouted to several men, who hurried up.
“Ten-mile Creek!” muttered Dick. “I'll bring 'em in, though,” he continued, glancing at several of the camp horses that grazed close at hand.
In another moment he was on Charlie's back, the line of one of the best horses was in his hand, and almost before Cameron knew what he was about he was flying down the valley like the wind. Charlie often stretched out at full speed to please his young master, but seldom had he been urged forward as he was upon this occasion. The led horse being light and wild, kept well up, and in a
