With
these went Chitta (the Snake), whose every instinct had by this time
become that of the outlaws whose fortunes he had joined, and who was
rapidly gaining the reputation of being the most cruel and vindictive
member of their band.
Although these pursuers exerted themselves to speed, they would have
made still greater efforts could they have known that those whom they
sought had passed that way but a quarter of an hour before, and were
even then delayed in their progress by the necessity of supporting, and
nearly carrying, him whom they had rescued.
As soon as the first excitement of escape had passed, Rene's swollen
ankles began to pain him so keenly that he found it almost impossible
to walk, and, when he and his three rescuers reached the place where
the rest of the party had remained, he sank to the ground with a groan.
They found the braves who had been left behind so impatient of their
long delay, and alarmed for their safety, that they had been about to
advance upon the village to learn, and if possible to avenge, the fate
that they feared had befallen them. These were overjoyed to see their
leader and his companions once more, and to learn of the successful
issue of their hazardous undertaking.
There was no time for the exchange of congratulations, and
Yah-chi-la-ne ordered the flight to be resumed with all haste, at the
same time directing two of the strongest warriors to support the almost
helpless Rene.
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