He remembered Tom and Judie and Joe, however, and their dependence upon him for guidance and protection, and for their sake more than for his own, suppressed the impulse and continued his flight.

The Indians were nearly half a mile behind him, and, as nearly as he could tell, were not gaining upon him very rapidly.

His colt seemed equal to a long continued race, and as yet showed no sign of faltering or fatigue.

The question had now resolved itself, Sam thought, into one of endurance.

How long the Indians would continue a pursuit in which he had the advantage of half a mile the start, he had no way of determining, but that his horse's endurance was as great at least as their perseverance, he had every reason to hope.
Just as he had comforted himself with this thought, a new danger assailed him.