At the distance of half a mile, the Teton band was seen riding in a circuit, which was gradually contracting itself, and evidently closing upon the very spot where the fugitives lay.

There was but little difficulty in solving the mystery of this movement.

The snow had fallen in time to assure them that those they sought were in their rear, and they were now employed, with the unwearied perseverance and patience of Indian warriors, in circling the certain boundaries of their place of concealment.
Each minute added to the jeopardy of the fugitives.

Paul and Middleton deliberately prepared their rifles, and as the occupied Mahtoree came, at length, within fifty feet of them, keeping his eyes riveted on the grass through which he rode, they levelled them together and pulled the triggers.

The effort was answered by the mere snapping of the locks.
"Enough," said the old man, rising with dignity; "I have cast away the priming; for certain death would follow your rashness.