Page:Lost with Lieutenant Pike (1919).djvu/278

 They turned, and leveled musket and pistol. The two horsemen instantly pulled their mounts short, whirled, and bending low scudded away. In a short distance they halted, and sat waiting.

"We'll advance on them," quoth the lieutenant.

But the first few steps sent the pair scurrying in retreat again.

"All right," said the lieutenant. "They respect our weapons and see we do not fear theirs. Maybe they'll let us take our way."

However, when he and Stub proceeded on the trail for the stockade, on came the two horsemen in another charge. The lieutenant ordered a face-*about—and away the two scampered, as before. This game was repeated several times. The stockade was not in sight, and the lieutenant was growing angry.

"We'll make an end to this, Stub." His face had flushed. "I do not propose to be badgered. It is beneath the dignity of an American officer and soldier to be toyed with in such child's play. Pay no further attention to them until we round that shoulder yonder. Then we'll slip into a ravine there and see if we can't lure them to close quarters that will bring them to account."

It was back-tickling work, to trudge on, never turning, with those lances threatening, closer and