Still keeping within the timber, I glided along its edge; with quick but
noiseless step I went, making for the same point towards which the
ruffian ravisher was tending.
I arrived first; and, stooping under the shadow of the trees, waited,
with knife in hand, firm grasped and ready.
His burden had delayed him; he had stopped midway to rest; and was now
scarcely ten paces from the edge of the grove, with the girl still in
his arms, and apparently leaning against him.
There was a momentary wavering in my mind, as to whether I should not
then rush forth, and strike the _coup_. The chance seemed as good a one
as I might get.
I was about deciding in the affirmative, when I saw that Hissoo-royo had
again taken up his warden, and was moving towards me. He was making
directly for the spot where I stood. The crisis was near!
It was even nearer than I thought. The man had scarcely made three
steps from the point of rest, when I saw him stumble and fall to the
earth, carrying the captive along with him!
The fall appealed accidental. I might have deemed it so, but for the
wild shout with which it was accompanied. Something more than a mere
stumble elicited that fearful cry!
There was a short struggle upon the ground--the bodies became separated.
One was seen to spring suddenly back; I saw it was Isolina! There was
something in her hand--both moonlight and firelight gleamed upon a
crimsoned blade!
She who grasped it bent for an instant downward--its keen edge severed
the thongs from her limbs, and the moment after, she was running in full
flight across the level sward of the camp-ground!
Without reflection, I sprang out of the covert and rushed after.
I passed the renegade, who had half-regained his feet, and appeared but
slightly wounded. Astonishment as much as aught else seemed to hold him
to the spot. He was shouting and swearing--calling for help, and
uttering threats of vengeance.
I could have slain him, and was half-inclined to the act; but there was
no time to stay. I only thought of overtaking the fugitive, and aiding
her in her flight.
The alarm was given--the camp was in commotion--fifty savages were
starting upon the chase.
As we ran, my eyes fell upon a horse--a white horse. It was the steed;
a man was leading him by a lazo. He was taking him from the fires
towards the ground occupied by the mustangs; he was going to picket him
on the grass.
Horse and man were directly in front of us, as we ran--in front of the
fugitive. She was making towards them; I divined her intention.
In a few seconds he was up to the horse, and had seized the rope.
The Indian struggled, and tried to take it away from her; the red blade
gleamed in his eyes, and he gave back.
He still clung to the rope; but in an instant it was cut from his hands,
and, quick as thought, the heroic woman leaped upon the back of the
steed, and was seen galling away!
The Indian was one of the horse-guards, and was therefore armed; he
carried bow and quiver. Before the horse had galloped beyond reach, he
had bent his bow, and sent an arrow from the string.
I heard the "wheep" of the shaft, and fancied I heard it strike; but the
steed kept on!
I had plucked up one of the long spears, as I ran across the camp.
Before the Indian could adjust another arrow to the string, I had thrust
him in the back.