"Jove, what a team one could pick out of the bunch!" said Cameron to
himself, as his eye fell upon the clean bare limbs and observed their
graceful motions. But to the Americans they were a hateful and fearsome
sight. Indians with them were never anything but a menace to be held in
check, or a nuisance to be got rid of.
Louder and louder grew the yells and wilder the gesticulations as the
savages worked themselves up into a fury. Suddenly, through the yelling,
careering, gesticulating crowd of Indians a young brave came tearing at
full gallop and, thrusting his pony close up to the Sergeant's, stuck
his face into the officer's and uttered a terrific war whoop. Not a line
of the Sergeant's face nor a muscle of his body moved except that the
near spur slightly touched his horse's flank and the fingers tightened
almost imperceptibly upon the bridle rein. Like a flash of light the
Sergeant's horse wheeled and with a fierce squeal let fly two wicked
heels hard upon the pony's ribs. In sheer terror and surprise the
little beast bolted, throwing his rider over his neck and finally to the
ground. Immediately a shout of jeering laughter rose from the crowd, who
greatly enjoyed their comrade's discomfiture. Except that the Sergeant's
face wore a look of pleased surprise, he simply maintained his attitude
of calm indifference.
Pages:
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458