spirit does not falter until strength is gone, and he seemed to
understand that these people on his back were under some mighty need.
For with unwavering pace he kept up his long, swift gallop,
notwithstanding his double burden and the distance he had travelled
before the race began.

So they kept on, mile after mile, with their pursuers gaining, little by
little, upon them, and when at last they neared Laguna the Indians were
within a hundred yards. A banner of smoke across the plain told them
that the east-bound train was approaching.

"I believe we can make it!" exclaimed Wemple, as they heard the engine's
announcing scream. Apparently their pursuers guessed what the fugitives
would try to do, for as they saw the train they shouted and yelled louder
than before and urged their ponies to a still higher speed. They gained
rapidly for a little while, for the Lieutenant's horse was beginning to
flag, and Wemple, leaning to one side, gave the bridle into Barbara's
hands and, with left arm dangling useless, reached for his revolver. He
began to fear that they might yet head him off and surround him. They
outnumbered him hopelessly, but he would try to fight his way through
them. If worst came to worst,--he would save two shots out of the
six,--Barbara should not fall into their hands.

The train drew into the station and the Indians were not more than a
hundred feet behind him. The horse's faltering gait and heaving sides
showed that he had reached almost his limit of strength. Some dogs ran
out from a house, barking furiously. But being in his rear they only
made Wemple's horse quicken his pace. They darted at the heads of the
ponies, which shied and pranced about, and so lost to their riders some
valuable seconds.