They were met by Hard-Heart and a
chosen knot of warriors, all of whom were just as stoutly bent on
saving the honour of their nation, from so foul a stain. The struggle
was hand to hand, and blood began to flow more freely. As the Pawnees
retired with the body, the Siouxes pressed upon their footsteps, and
at length the whole of the latter broke out of the cover with a common
yell, and threatened to bear down all opposition by sheer physical
superiority.
The fate of Hard-Heart and his companions, all of whom would have died
rather than relinquish their object, would have been quickly sealed,
but for a powerful and unlooked-for interposition in their favour. A
shout was heard from a little brake on the left, and a volley from the
fatal western rifle immediately succeeded. Some five or six Siouxes
leaped forward in the death agony, and every arm among them was as
suddenly suspended, as if the lightning had flashed from the clouds to
aid the cause of the Loups. Then came Ishmael and his stout sons in
open view, bearing down upon their late treacherous allies, with looks
and voices that proclaimed the character of the succour.
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