Sunset Ranch: A Story of a Boy's Adventures in the West — page 166: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

154 Taking French Leave. Now he was alongside the wooden rails that formed the barrier between the herd and the Indian ponies and freedom. | A wild thought flashed into his mind as to what a glorious thing it would prove for him to cut off pursuit by stampeding the whole herd, but common sense showed him what a foolhardy move this would be, and how greatly it might jeopardize the success- ful carrying out of his main chance, so he put away the temptation as sternly as possible. Karl had established a telegraphic communica- tion with his horse, and, of course, Cuthbert had made it a point to practice the signals, under the belief that sooner or later they would prove of value to him. That time had come. He knew that ordinarily one or more videttes kept watch and ward over the Sioux village and precious corral, while the camp was wrapped in slumber, and from this source his greatest danger proceeded. It was easy to find the gate of the stockade. All seemed quiet—the horses were moving about within, the night breeze rustled through the trees, but Cuthbert could not detect any sign of a vidette near by. Creeping through the bars he gave utterance to a low, tremulous whistle. Buckskin would know it instantly if he heard, and his natural sagacity must bring him to the spot where Cuthbert stood. There being no immediate response, he repeated the signal, this time in a louder key, though fearful lest it might reach the ear of a wakeful vidette. Was that whinny Buckskin’s recognition? His heart seemed in his throat, so great the anx- iety that nearly overwhelmed him. Now he could catch the sound of hoof strokes ap- ConnicloOokks.€©