In the center of the great circle in which there were several dozen
cattle running around aimlessly, pursued by a yelling, exultant,
bloodthirsty band of Indians, were several wounded steers and cows,
which had gone down and were unable to rise. Several groups of Indians,
squatting on the rim of the circle, were shooting at them.
This was dangerous business, and the white spectators moved back out of
range.
The shooting was very reckless at times, and the Indian agent had to
protest to the soldiers, who, under Lieutenant Barrows, had the issue in
charge.
Ted and the two girls were sitting on their ponies, watching the show
from a position of safety, as they were out of line of any of the
shooting parties.
Without warning a ball sang through the air, clipped through the mane of
Ted's pony, and pierced the sleeve of Ted's jacket, passing out between
him and Miss Croffut, who was by his side.
As Ted looked up hastily he caught a gleam of blue across the circle as
it dodged behind the group of yelling and shooting Indians.
Ted glanced at Stella, and saw a look in her eyes which plainly said:
"Did you see it, too?" And Ted nodded.
Miss Croffut had screamed as the ball went past, and Ted's pony, burned
by it, reared.
"Let's get out of this," said Ted quietly.
Pages:
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284