The action of the treacherous Teton was too quick, and too well
matured, to admit of any of the ordinary means of defence on the part
of the Pawnee. His shield was hanging at his shoulder, and even the
arrow had been suffered to fall from its place, and lay in the hollow
of the hand which grasped his bow. But the quick eye of the brave had
time to see the movement, and his ready thoughts did not desert him.
Pulling hard and with a jerk upon the rein, his steed reared his
forward legs into the air, and, as the rider bent his body low, the
horse served for a shield against the danger. So true, however, was
the aim, and so powerful the force by which it was sent, that the
arrow entered the neck of the animal, and broke the skin on the
opposite side.
Quicker than thought Hard-Heart sent back an answering arrow. The
shield of the Teton was transfixed, but his person was untouched. For
a few moments the twang of the bow and the glancing of arrows were
incessant, notwithstanding the combatants were compelled to give so
large a portion of their care to the means of defence.
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