It was indeed an imposing spectacle as these savage warriors on their fleet steeds, with their long hair and pennons streaming in the wind, came down upon them.
The little caravan halted and prepared for defence.

There were twelve bold hearts to encounter several hundred foes on the open prairie.

They knew that the main object of the Indians would be to seize the horses and mules and effect a stampede with their treasure.

This being accomplished they would torture and murder the traders in mere wantonness.

The savages had a very salutary caution of rifles which could throw a bullet twice as far as the strongest bow and the most sinewy arm could speed an arrow.
With the swoop of the whirlwind they approached until they came within gun-shot distance, when they as suddenly stopped.