He retreated a little, or rather he edged away toward the right, wheeling and curveting after the manner of the Apaches, in order to present an unsteady mark for their archery.

To keep them at a distance he fired one barrel of his revolver, though without effect.

Meantime he dodged incessantly, now throwing himself forward and backward in the saddle, now hanging over the side of his horse and clinging to his neck.

It was hard and perilous work, but he was gaining seconds, and every second was priceless.

Notwithstanding his extreme peril, he calculated his chances with perfect coolness and with a sagacity which was admirable.
But this intelligent savage had to do with savages as clever as himself.
The Apaches saw Coronado coming up on their rear, and they knew that they must make short work of the hunter, or must let him escape.