Each man, with the exception of the young Hardys, who had their
Colt's carbines, had a long rifle; in addition to which all had
pistols--most of them having revolvers, the use of which, since the
Hardys had first tried them with such deadly effect upon the
pampas, had become very general among the English settlers. Nearly
all were young, with the deep sunburned hue gained by exposure on
the plains. Every man had his poncho--a sort of native blanket,
used either as a cloak or for sleeping in at will--rolled up before
him on his saddle. It would have been difficult to find a more
serviceable-looking set of men; and the expression of their faces,
as they took their last look at the grave of the Mercers, boded
very ill for any Indian who might fall into their clutches.
CHAPTER XV.
THE PAMPAS ON FIRE.
The party started at a canter--the pace which they knew their
horses would be able to keep up for the longest time--breaking
every half-hour or so into a walk for ten minutes, to give them
breathing time. All were well mounted on strong, serviceable
animals; but these had not in all cases been bought specially for
speed, as had those of the Hardys. It was evident that the chase
would be a long one. The Indians had twelve hours' start; they were
much lighter men than the whites, and carried less additional
weight.
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