A moment of paralyzed inaction ensued.

The Indians stood bewildered, petrified.

Then on that ridge of rising ground stood, silhouetted against the blue sky, a great black horse with arching neck and flying mane.

Astride him sat a plumed warrior, who waved his rifle high in the air.

Again that shrill screeching yell came floating to the ears of the astonished Indians.
The prisoner had seen that horse and rider before; he had heard that long yell; his heart bounded with hope.