To plunge into the river, to reach the other shore, and to ride madly over the plain in chase of their audacious foes, was the work of an instant.  In vain, however, they strained their eyes to catch another glimpse of the retreating party, until again the flashing of the spear-heads was seen near at hand, and plunging over the next hillock, the friends found themselves in presence of—­three lances stuck in the ground.  If the Indians boiled with passion before, their rage now knew no bounds:  they vowed, with little consideration for the possibility or probability of the matter, to exterminate every Pawnee Pict from the face of the earth.  This resolution being unanimous, a halt was made, and a council of war held.  Some ten minutes were passed in discussion, and then away went the Osages on the trail of their foes, just as they caught sight, in the rear, of a perfect cloud of horsemen pouring over the plain in the distance.  It was a war-party of the Pawnee Picts, about twenty of whom came riding fast in pursuit of the three friends.  A thickly-wooded ravine lay about a mile distant.  Towards this the Osages hastened for refuge, their souls bounding with delight at the prospect of a contest which now opened before them.

The ravine was soon reached.  It was narrow, and on both sides thickly wooded, while several clumps of timber lay near its mouth.  The Osages saw that the only hope of coping with a superior force was by defending the entrance; and, accordingly, dismounting from their steeds, turned them loose, and strung their bows.  On came the Pawnee Picts, riding furiously over the prairie.  The intentions of the Osages were too plain to be mistaken, and none of their pursuers ventured to brave the discharge of arrows which was ready for their reception; but, imitating the example set them, cast loose their horses, and sought the shelter of a copse.  The unequal struggle now commenced, and loud war-whoops rung through the valley.  Arrows flew constantly from foe to foe.  The Pawnees, having a great superiority in numbers, succeeded oftenest in wounding their adversaries.  Still they gained not upon them; the Osages, though soon severely hurt, preserving the same undaunted front, and returning their missiles with unabated vigour.

At length, however, their arrows were spent, and clutching their tomahawks, the friends, casting a glance of stern but undying affection on each other, prepared to die like men.  On came the Pawnees, yelling the fearful war-whoop, and waving their hatchets on high.  Already were a dozen of them within a few yards of the devoted trio, when their yell was echoed from the forest, and three of their foremost warriors lay low, slain by a flight of arrows from the top of the ravine.  Back turned the Pawnees to their shelter, while the Osages, taking advantage of the confusion, snatched the usual trophy of victory from their fallen foes, and then, catching their steeds, mounted and fled.  Guided by the trampling of horses, they rushed in pursuit of those to whose timely assistance they owed their lives.  In vain, however, did they urge their steeds; their unknown assistants were not to be overtaken.  For about an hour the three friends continued their ride, and then halted to bind up their wounds, and conceal themselves for the rest of the day.