Five Indians lay upon the plain; another, evidently
a chief, had been carried off across the saddle of one of his
followers, who had leaped off when he saw him fall; and two others
were evidently wounded, and had difficulty in keeping their seats.
"Now, boys, change your chambers, and take a shot or two after
them," Mr. Hardy said as he again reloaded his rifle.
The boys, however, found by the time they were ready that the
flying Indians were beyond any fair chance of hitting; but their
father took a long and steady aim with his deadly rifle, and upon
its report a horse and man went down. But the rider was in an
instant upon his feet again, soon caught one of the riderless
horses which had galloped off with its companions, and followed his
comrades.
"Well done, boys," Mr. Hardy said, with a hearty pat on their
shoulders. "You have done gallantly for a first fight, and I feel
proud of you."
Both boys colored with pleasure.
"How many have we killed?"
"I think seven fell at our first attack, papa, and six here,
counting the one they carried off, besides wounded."
"Thirteen. It is enough to make them heartily wish themselves back.
Now let us give the horses ten minutes' rest, and then we will stir
them up again. We must not lose time; it will be sunset in another
three-quarters of an hour.
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