"
"They've seen that crowd of women and children," said Henry.
It was obvious that the flying column was discovered. The two
Indians stepped upon the hillock and gazed under their hands. It
was too far away for the three to see their faces, but they knew
the joy that would be shown there. The two could return with a
few warriors and massacre them all.
"They must never get back to the other Indians with their news,"
whispered Henry. "I hate to shoot men from ambush, but it's got
to be done. Wait, they're coming a little closer."
The two Senecas advanced about thirty yards, and stopped again.
"S'pose you fire at the one on the right, Henry," said Tom, " an'
me an' Sol will take the one to the left." " All right," said
Henry. "Fire!"
They wasted no time, but pulled trigger. The one at whom Henry
had aimed fell, but the other, uttering a cry, made off, wounded,
but evidently with plenty of strength left.
"We mustn't let him escape! We mustn't let him carry a
warning!" cried Henry.
But Shif'less Sol and Tom Ross were already in pursuit, covering
the ground with long strides, and reloading as they ran. Under
ordinary circumstances no one of the three would have fired at a
man running for his life, but here the necessity was vital.
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