He saw that further pursuit was not only useless, but dangerous; for although he had never seen anything like these little mounds before, he knew very well what they were, and the danger of riding at a rapid rate among them.

He had received a timely lesson--for he was just entering their borders when his horse fell-- fortunately to rise again with sound limbs.

He knew he might not get off so safely a second time, and he had no inclination to take the chances of another tumble.

He was not going to risk the loss of his favourite Black Hawk for the white steed, even had he been certain of capturing the latter.

But this was no longer likely.