The Indian turned and
saw them. With a low cry and the spring of a tiger Pierre was at his
throat; and in another minute they were struggling on the ground.
Pierre's hand never let go. His comrades did not stir; he had warned
them to lie still. They saw the terrible game played out within arm's
length of them. They heard Pierre say at last, as the struggles of the
Indian ceased: "Beast! You had Father Halen's life. I have yours."
There was one more wrench of the Indian's limbs, and then he lay still.
They crawled nearer the gate, still hidden in the shadows and the grass.
Presently they came to a clear space. Across this they must go, and
enter the Fort before they were discovered. They got to their feet, and
ran with wonderful swiftness, Pierre leading, to the gate. They had just
reached it when there was a cry from the walls, on which two Indians were
sitting. The Indians sprang down, seized their spears, and lunged at the
seven as they entered. One spear caught Little Babiche in the arm as he
swung aside, but with the butt of his musket Noel dropped him. The other
Indian was promptly handled by Pierre himself. By this time Corvette and
Jose had shut the gates, and the Fort was theirs--an easy conquest. The
Indians were bound and gagged.
The adventurers had done it all without drawing the attention of the
howling crowd without. The matter was in its infancy, however. They
had the place, but could they hold it? What food and water were there
within? Perhaps they were hardly so safe besieged as besiegers.
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