his own. Rising from the ground where he had lain so long, he stepped over
the ridge, and advanced directly toward the redskin, who harbored no
suspicion that there was any of his race in his neighborhood. The plan the
lad had resolved upon required nerve, resolution and quickness. He stepped
as lightly as was consistent with speed until he had passed half the
distance, when he began to slacken his gait and to proceed with greater
caution than ever.

All depended upon his ability to keep from being heard or detected. Of
course, he had no wish to engage in a fight with one of these fierce
warriors, but he was prepared, even for that. His hand rested upon the
hilt of his revolver, so that he could whip it out at an instant's warning
and discharge it, as he meant to do if necessary.

It was while he was yet some distance from the redskin that Fred felt that
his position was one of frightful peril. His foe had his rifle within easy
reach, and, if he turned too soon, he could pick off his young assailant
before he should arrive within striking distance,--but each moment raised
the hopes of the lad.




CHAPTER VI.

A DARING EXPLOIT.


A veteran Comanche warrior could not have advanced with greater skill than
did young Munson approach the unconscious Apache. The warriors who had