THE BATTLE Occupied for a few moments with the other at the wagon, Franklin ceased to watch Juan, as he went slowly but not unskilfully about the work of dressing the dead buffalo.

Suddenly he heard a cry, and looking up, saw the Mexican running hurriedly toward the wagon and displaying an animation entirely foreign to his ordinary apathetic habit.

He pointed out over the plain as he came on, and called out excitedly: "_Indios! Los Indios_!" The little party cast one long, careful look out toward the horizon, upon which now appeared a thin, waving line of dust.

A moment later the two wagons were rolled up side by side, the horses were fastened securely as possible, the saddles and blanket rolls were tossed into breastworks at the ends of the barricade, and all the feeble defences possible were completed.

Four rifles looked steadily out, and every face was set and anxious, except that of the Mexican who had given the alarm.