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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Adventures in the Far West, by W.H.G. Kingston
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Adventures in the Far West
+
+Author: W.H.G. Kingston
+
+Release Date: June 19, 2007 [EBook #21871]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADVENTURES IN THE FAR WEST ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
+
+
+
+
+Adventures in the Far West, by W.H.G. Kingston.
+
+________________________________________________________________________
+
+This is rather a short book but it is prolifically illustrated with no
+less than 29 pictures, most of very great interest, but in none of which
+can one make out the artist's signature.  The picture of the visit of
+the witch doctor to the sick man is very memorable, and the poor man was
+probably frightened to death, rather than revived.
+
+A group of tough young Brits make their way to the west of North
+America, where there are numerous hazards, in the form of grizzly bears,
+wolves, and a few tribes of Indians who definitely did not want them
+there.  For much of the book they are with a tribe that is very
+friendly, and thus we are able to learn much of the ways of these
+people.  But towards the end of the book our heroes take part in
+rescuing a wagon-train of emigrants that had been attacked by a hostile
+tribe, and a beautiful young lady seized and ridden away with.
+
+Mr Kingston's style is as excellent as ever, and we do recommend that
+you read this book, or make an audiobook from it.
+
+________________________________________________________________________
+
+ADVENTURES IN THE FAR WEST, BY W.H.G. KINGSTON.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE.
+
+"I say, didn't you hear a cry?" exclaimed Charley Fielding, starting up
+from the camp fire at which we were seated discussing our evening meal
+of venison, the result of our day's hunting.  He leaned forward in the
+attitude of listening.  "I'm sure I heard it!  There it is again, but
+whether uttered by Redskin or four-footed beast is more than I can say."
+
+We all listened, but our ears were not as sharp as Charley's, for we
+could hear nothing.
+
+"Sit down, Charley, my boy, and finish your supper.  It was probably
+fancy, or maybe the hoot of an owl to its mate," said our jovial
+companion, Dick Buntin, who never allowed any matter to disturb him, if
+he could help it, while engaged in stowing away his food.
+
+Dick had been a lieutenant in the navy, and had knocked about the world
+in all climes, and seen no small amount of service.  He had lately
+joined our party with Charley Fielding, a fatherless lad whom he had
+taken under his wing.
+
+We, that is Jack Story and myself, Tom Rushforth, had come out from
+England together to the far west, to enjoy a few months' buffalo
+hunting, deer stalking, grizzly and panther shooting, and beaver
+trapping, not to speak of the chances of an occasional brush with the
+Redskins, parties of whom were said to be on the war-path across the
+regions it was our intention to traverse, though none of us were
+inclined to be turned aside by the warnings we had received to that
+effect from our friends down east.
+
+We had been pushing on further and further west, gaining experience, and
+becoming inured to the fatigues and dangers of a hunter's life.  Having
+traversed Missouri and Kansas, though we had hitherto met with no
+adventures worthy of note, we had that evening pitched our camp in the
+neighbourhood of Smoky-hill fork, the waters of which, falling into the
+Arkansas, were destined ultimately to reach the far-off Mississippi.
+
+We had furnished ourselves with a stout horse apiece, and four mules to
+carry our stores, consisting of salt pork, beans, biscuit, coffee, and a
+few other necessaries, besides our spare guns, ammunition, and the meat
+and skins of the animals we might kill.
+
+Having, a little before sunset, fixed on a spot for our camp, with a
+stream on one side, and on the other a wood, which would afford us fuel
+and shelter from the keen night air which blew off the distant
+mountains, we had unsaddled and unpacked our horses and mules, the packs
+being placed so as to form a circular enclosure about eight paces in
+diameter.
+
+Our first care had been to water and hobble our animals, and then to
+turn them loose to graze, when we considered ourselves at liberty to
+attend to our own wants.  Having collected a quantity of dry sticks, we
+had lighted our fire in the centre of the circle, filled our
+water-kettle, and put on our meat to cook.  Our next care had been to
+arrange our sleeping places.  For this purpose we cut a quantity of
+willows which grew on the banks of the stream hard by, and we each
+formed a semi-circular hut, by sticking the extremities of the osier
+twigs into the ground, and bending them over so as to form a succession
+of arches.  These were further secured by weaving a few flexible twigs
+along the top and sides of the framework, thus giving it sufficient
+stability to support the saddle-cloths and skins with which we covered
+them.  By placing our buffalo-robes within, we had thus a comfortable
+and warm bed-place apiece, and were better protected from the fiercest
+storm raging without than we should have been inside a tent or ordinary
+hut.
+
+Though this was our usual custom when materials were to be found, when
+not, we were content to wrap ourselves in our buffalo-robes, with our
+saddles for pillows.
+
+All arrangements having been made, we sat down with keen appetites, our
+backs to our respective huts, to discuss the viands which had been
+cooking during the operations I have described.  Dick Buntin, who
+generally performed the office of cook, had concocted a pot of coffee,
+having first roasted the berries in the lid of our saucepan, and then,
+wrapping them in a piece of deer-skin, had pounded them on a log with
+the head of a hatchet.  Dick was about to serve out the smoking-hot
+coffee when Charley's exclamation made him stop to reply while he held
+the pot in his hand.
+
+"I am sure I did hear a strange sound, and it was no owl's hoot, of that
+I am convinced," said Charley, still standing up, and peering out over
+the dark prairie.  "Just keep silence for a few minutes, and you'll hear
+it too before long."
+
+I listened, and almost directly afterwards a low mournful wail, wafted
+on the breeze, struck my ear.  Dick and Story also acknowledged that
+they heard the sound.
+
+"I knew I was not mistaken," said Charley; "what can it be?"
+
+"An owl, or some other night-bird, as I at first thought," said Buntin.
+"Come, hand me your mugs, or I shall have to boil up the coffee again."
+
+Charley resumed his seat, and we continued the pleasant occupation in
+which we were engaged.  Supper over, we crept into our sleeping-places,
+leaving our fire blazing, not having considered it necessary as yet to
+keep watch at night.
+
+We were generally, directly after we had stretched ourselves on the
+ground, fast asleep, for we rose at break of day, and sometimes even
+before it; but ere I had closed my eyes, I again heard, apparently
+coming from far off, the same sound which had attracted Charley's
+notice.  It appeared to me more like the howl of a wolf than the cry of
+a night-bird, but I was too sleepy to pay any attention to it.
+
+How long I had been in a state of unconsciousness I could not tell, when
+I was aroused by a chorus of howls and yelps, and, starting up, I saw a
+number of animals with glaring eyes almost in our very midst.
+
+"Wolves, wolves!"  I cried, calling to my companions at the top of my
+voice.
+
+Before I could draw my rifle out of the hut, where I had placed it by my
+side, one of the brutes had seized on a large piece of venison,
+suspended at the end of a stick to keep it off the ground, and had
+darted off with it, while the depredators were searching round for other
+articles into which they could fix their fangs.
+
+Our appearance greatly disconcerted them, as we shouted in chorus, and
+turning tail they began to decamp as fast as their legs would carry
+them.
+
+"Bring down that fellow with the venison," I cried out.
+
+Charley, who had been most on the alert, had his rifle ready, and,
+firing, brought down the thief.  Another of the pack instantly seized
+the meat and made off with it in spite of the shouts we sent after him.
+The wolves lost three of their number, but the rest got off with the
+venison in triumph.  It was a lesson to us to keep a watch at night, and
+more carefully to secure our venison.  We had, however, a portion
+remaining to serve us for breakfast next morning.
+
+We took good care not to let the wolves get into our camp again, but we
+heard the brutes howling around and quarrelling over the carcase of one
+of their companions, who had been shot but had not immediately dropped.
+Having driven off our unwelcome visitors, Charley and I went in search
+of our horses, as we were afraid they might have been attacked.  They
+were, however, well able to take care of themselves and had made their
+way to the border of the stream, where we found them safe.
+
+In the meantime Buntin and Story dragged the carcases of the wolves we
+had killed to a distance from the camp, as their skins were not worth
+preserving.  We all then met round the camp fire, but we soon found that
+to sleep was impossible, for the wolves, having despatched their wounded
+companions, came back to feast on the others we had shot.  We might have
+killed numbers while so employed, but that would have only detained them
+longer in our neighbourhood, and we hoped when they had picked the bones
+of their friends that they would go away and leave us in peace.
+
+We all wished to be off as soon as possible, so while it was still dark
+we caught and watered our horses; and, having cast off their hobbles and
+loaded the pack animals, we were in the saddle by sunrise.  We rode on
+for several hours, and then encamped for breakfast, allowing our horses
+to graze while we went on foot in search of game.  We succeeded in
+killing a couple of deer and a turkey, so that we were again amply
+supplied with food.  Our baggage-mules being slow but sure-going animals
+we were unable to make more than twenty miles a day, though at a pinch
+we could accomplish thirty.  We had again mounted and were moving
+forward.  The country was covered with tall grass, five and sometimes
+eight feet in height, over which we could scarcely look even when on
+horseback.  We had ridden about a couple of miles from our last
+camping-place, when Story, the tallest of our party, exclaimed--
+
+"I see some objects moving to the northward.  They look to me like
+mounted men, and are apparently coming in this direction."
+
+He unslung his glass, while we all pulled up and took a look in the
+direction he pointed.
+
+"Yes, I thought so," he exclaimed; "they are Indians, though, as there
+are not many of them, they are not likely to attack us; but we must be
+on our guard, notwithstanding."
+
+We consulted what was best to be done.
+
+"Ride steadily in the direction we are going," said Dick; "and, by
+showing that we are not afraid of them, when they see our rifles they
+will probably sheer off, whatever may be their present intentions.  But
+keep together, my lads, and let nothing tempt us to separate."
+
+We followed Dick's advice; indeed, although we had no ostensible leader,
+he always took the post on an emergency.
+
+The strangers approached, moving considerably faster than we were doing.
+As they drew nearer, Story, who took another view of them through his
+glass, announced that there were two white men of the party, thus
+dispelling all fears we might have entertained of an encounter.  We
+therefore pulled up to wait their arrival.  As they got still nearer to
+us, one of the white men rode forward.  He was followed by several dogs.
+Suddenly Dick, who had been regarding him attentively, exclaimed--
+
+"What, Harry Armitage, my dear fellow!  What has brought you here?"
+
+"A question much easier asked than answered, and I'll put the same to
+you," said the stranger, shaking hands.
+
+"I came out for a change of scene, and to get further from the ocean
+than I have ever before been in my life; and now let me introduce you to
+my friends," said Dick.  The usual forms were gone through.  Mr
+Armitage then introduced his companion as Pierre Buffet, one of the best
+hunters and trappers throughout the continent.  The Indians, he said,
+had been engaged by Pierre and himself to act as guides and scouts, and
+to take care of the horses and baggage-mules.  As our objects were the
+same, before we had ridden very far we agreed to continue together, as
+we should thus, in passing through territories infested by hostile
+Indians, be the better able to defend ourselves.
+
+We had reason, before long, to be thankful that our party had thus been
+strengthened.  We encamped as usual; and, not forgetting the lesson we
+had lately received, we set a watch so that we should not be surprised,
+either by wolves or Redskins.  Though the former were heard howling in
+the distance, we were not otherwise disturbed by them, and at dawn we
+were once more in our saddles traversing the wide extending prairie, our
+new associates and we exchanging accounts of the various adventures we
+had met with.  Armitage was not very talkative, but Dick managed to draw
+him out more than could any of the rest of the party.  Buffet, in his
+broken English, talked away sufficiently to make ample amends for his
+employer's taciturnity.  Our midday halt was over, and we did not again
+intend to encamp until nightfall, at a spot described by Buffet on the
+banks of a stream which ran round a rocky height on the borders of the
+prairie.  It was, however, some distance off, and we did not expect to
+reach it until later in the day than usual.
+
+We were riding on, when I saw one of the Indians standing up in his
+stirrups and looking to the northeast.  Presently he called to Buntin
+and pointed in the same direction.  The words uttered were such as to
+cause us no little anxiety.  The prairie was on fire.  The sharp eyes of
+the Indian had distinguished the wreaths of smoke which rose above the
+tall grass, and which I should have taken for a thick mist or cloud
+gathering in the horizon.  The wind blew from the same quarter.
+
+"Messieurs, we must put our horses to their best speed," exclaimed
+Pierre.  "If the wind gets up, that fire will come on faster than we can
+go, and we shall all be burnt into cinders if once overtaken."
+
+"How far off is it?" asked Dick.  "Maybe eight or ten miles, but that is
+as nothing.  It will travel five or six miles in the hour, even with
+this wind blowing--and twice as fast before a gale.  On, on, messieurs,
+there is no time to talk about the matter, for between us and where the
+flames now rage, there is nothing to stop their progress."
+
+We needed no further urging, but driving on the mules with shouts and
+blows--as we had no wish to abandon them if it could be avoided--we
+dashed on.  Every now and then I looked back to observe the progress of
+the conflagration.  Dark wreaths were rising higher and higher in the
+sky, and below them forked flames ever and anon darted up as the fire
+caught the more combustible vegetation.  Borne by the wind, light
+powdery ashes fell around us, while we were sensible of a strong odour
+of burning, which made it appear as if the enemy was already close at
+our heels.  The grass on every side was too tall and dry to enable us--
+as is frequently done under such circumstances, by setting fire to the
+herbage--to clear a space in which we could remain while the
+conflagration passed by.
+
+Our only chance of escaping was by pushing forward.  On neither side did
+Pierre or the Indians know of any spot where we could take refuge nearer
+than the one ahead.  Every instant the smoke grew thicker, and we could
+hear the roaring, crackling, rushing sound of the flames, though still,
+happily for us, far away.  Prairie-hens, owls, and other birds would
+flit by, presently followed by numerous deer and buffalo; while whole
+packs of wolves rushed on regardless of each other and of us, prompted
+by instinct to make their escape from the apprehended danger.  Now a
+bear who had been foraging on the plain ran by, eager to seek his
+mountain home; and I caught sight of two or more panthers springing over
+the ground at a speed which would secure their safety.  Here and there
+small game scampered along, frequently meeting the death they were
+trying to avoid, from the feet of the larger animals; snakes went
+wriggling among the grass, owls hooted, wolves yelped, and other animals
+added their cries to the terror-prompted chorus.  Our chance of escaping
+with our baggage-mules seemed small indeed.  The hot air struck our
+cheeks, as we turned round every now and then to see how near the fire
+had approached.  The dogs kept up bravely at the feet of their masters'
+horse.
+
+"If we are to save our own skins, we must abandon our mules," cried out
+Dick Buntin in a voice such as that with which he was wont to hail the
+main-top.
+
+"No help for it, I fear," answered Armitage; "what do you say, Pierre?"
+
+"Let the beasts go.  _Sauve qui peut_!" answered the Canadian.
+
+There was no time to stop and unload the poor brutes.  To have done so
+would have afforded them a better chance of preserving their lives,
+though we must still lose our luggage.
+
+The word was given, the halters by which we had been dragging the
+animals on were cast off; and, putting spurs into the flanks of our
+steeds, we galloped forward.  Our horses seemed to know their danger as
+well as we did.  I was just thinking of the serious consequences of a
+fall, when down came Dick, who was leading just ahead of me with Charley
+by his side.  His horse had put its foot into a prairie-dog's hole.
+
+"Are you hurt?"  I cried out.
+
+"No, no; go on; don't wait for me," he answered.  But neither Charley
+nor I was inclined to do that.
+
+Dick was soon on his feet again, while we assisted him, in spite of what
+he had said, to get up his horse.  The animal's leg did not appear to be
+strained, and Dick quickly again climbed into the saddle.
+
+"Thank you, my dear boys," he exclaimed, "it must not happen again; I am
+a heavy weight for my brute, and, if he comes down, you must go on and
+let me shift for myself."
+
+We made no reply, for neither Charley nor I was inclined to desert our
+brave friend.  The rest of the party had dashed by, scarcely observing
+what had taken place, the Indians taking the lead.  It was impossible to
+calculate how many miles we had gone.  Night was coming on, making the
+glare to the eastward appear brighter and more terrific.  The mules were
+still instinctively following us, but we were distancing them fast,
+though we could distinguish their shrieks of terror amid the general
+uproar.
+
+The hill for which we were making rose up before us, covered, as it
+appeared, by shrubs and grasses.  It seemed doubtful whether it would
+afford us the safety we sought.  We could scarcely hope that our horses
+would carry us beyond it, for already they were giving signs of becoming
+exhausted.  We might be preserved by taking up a position in the centre
+of the stream, should it be sufficiently shallow to enable us to stand
+in it; but that was on the other side of the hill, and the fire might
+surround us before we could gain its banks.  We could barely see the
+dark outline of the hill ahead, the darkness being increased by the
+contrast of the lurid flames raging behind us.  We dashed across the
+more open space, where the grass was for some reason of less height than
+in her parts.  Here many of the animals which had passed us, paralysed
+by fear, had halted as if expecting that they would be safe from the
+flames.  Deer and wolves, bison, and even a huge bear--not a grizzly,
+however--and many smaller creatures were lying down or running round and
+round.
+
+I thought Pierre would advise our stopping here, but he shouted, "On,
+on!  This is no place for us; de beasts soon get up and run away too!"
+
+We accordingly dashed forward, but every moment the heat and smell of
+the fire was increasing.  The smoke, which blew around us in thick
+wreaths driven by the wind, was almost overpowering.  This made the
+conflagration appear even nearer than it really was.  At length, Pierre
+shouted out:
+
+"Dis way, messieurs, dis way!" and I found that we had reached the foot
+of a rocky hill which rose abruptly out of the plain.  He led us round
+its base until we arrived at a part up which we could manage to drag our
+horses.  Still it seemed very doubtful if we should be safe, for grass
+covered the lower parts, and, as far as I could judge, shrubs and trees
+the upper: still there was nothing else to be done.  Throwing ourselves
+from our horses, we continued to drag them up the height, Pierre's
+shouts guiding us.  I was the last but one, Dick insisting on taking the
+post of danger in the rear and sending Charley and me before him.  The
+horses were as eager to get up as we were, their instinct showing them
+that safety was to be found near human beings.  Our only fear was that
+the other animals would follow, and that we should have more companions
+than we desired.  The top was soon gained, when we lost no time in
+setting to work to clear a space in which we could remain, by cutting
+down the grass immediately surrounding us, and then firing the rest on
+the side of the hill towards which the conflagration was approaching.
+We next beat down the flames we had kindled, with our blankets--a hot
+occupation during which we were nearly smothered by the smoke rushing in
+our faces.  The fire burnt but slowly against the wind, which was so far
+an advantage.
+
+"We are safe now, messieurs!" exclaimed Pierre at last; and we all, in
+one sense, began to breathe more freely, although the feeling of
+suffocation from the smoke was trying in the extreme.
+
+We could now watch, more calmly than before, the progress of the fire as
+it rushed across the country, stretching far on either side of us, and
+lighting up the hills to the north and south, and the groves which grew
+near them.  We often speak of the scarlet line of the British troops
+advancing on the foe, and such in appearance was the fire; for we could
+see it from the heights where we stood, forming a line of a width which
+it seemed possible to leap over, or at all events to dash through
+without injury.  Now it divided, as it passed some rocky spot or marshy
+ground.  Now it again united, and the flames were seen licking up the
+grass which they had previously spared.
+
+Our poor baggage-animals caused us much anxiety.  Had they escaped or
+fallen victims to the flames with our property, and the most valuable
+portion of it--the ammunition?  Charley declared that he heard some
+ominous reports, and the Indians nodded as they listened to what he
+said, and made signs to signify that the baggage had been blown up.  For
+some minutes we were surrounded by a sea of flame, and had to employ
+ourselves actively in rushing here and there and extinguishing the
+portions which advanced close upon us, our horses in the meantime
+standing perfectly still and trembling in every limb, fully alive to
+their dangerous position.  At length, after a few anxious hours, the
+fire began to die out; but here we were on the top of a rock, without
+food or water, and with only so much powder and shot as each man carried
+in his pouch.  Still, we had saved our lives and our horses, and had
+reason to be thankful.  The spot was a bleak one to camp in, but we had
+no choice.  To protect ourselves from the wind, we built up a hedge of
+brushwood, and lighted a fire.  Food we could not hope to obtain until
+the morning, but Pierre and one of the Indians volunteered to go down to
+the river, and to bring some water in a leathern bottle which the
+Canadian carried at his saddle-bow.  He had also saved a tin cup, but
+the whole of our camp equipage had shared the fate of the mules,
+whatever that might be.  The sky was overcast, and, as we looked out
+from our height over the prairie, one vast mass of blackness alone could
+be seen.
+
+After quenching the thirst produced by the smoke and heat with the water
+brought by Pierre and his companion, we lay down to sleep.
+
+At daylight we were on foot.  The first thing to be done was to
+ascertain the fate of the mules, and the next to obtain some game to
+satisfy the cravings of hunger.  Pierre and the Indians descended into
+the plain for both purposes.  Charley and I started off in one
+direction, and Armitage and Story in another, with our guns, along the
+rocky heights which extended away to the northward, while Dick
+volunteered to look after the horses and keep our fire burning.
+
+We went on for some distance without falling in with any large game, and
+we were unwilling to expend our powder on small birds.  Charley at last
+proposed that we should descend into the plain in the hopes of finding
+some animals killed by the fire.
+
+"Very little chance of that," I remarked, "for by this time the wolves
+have eaten them up.  We are more likely, if we keep on, to fall in with
+deer on the opposite side, where the fire has not reached."
+
+We accordingly crossed the ridge, and were making our way to the
+westward, when we heard Armitage's dog giving tongue in the distance.
+
+"They have found deer, at all events, and perhaps we may be in time to
+pick off one or two of the herd," I exclaimed.
+
+We scrambled along over the rocks, until we reached the brink of a low
+precipice, looking over which we caught sight of a magnificent buck with
+a single dog at his heels.  Just then the stag stopped, and, wheeling
+suddenly round, faced its pursuer.  Near was a small pool which served
+to protect the stag from the attack of the hound in the rear.  It
+appeared to us that it would have gone hard with the dog, for at any
+moment the antlers of the stag might have pinned it to the ground.  We
+concluded, from not hearing the other dogs, that they had gone off in a
+different direction, leaving this bold fellow--Lion, by name--to follow
+his chase alone.
+
+We crept along the rocks, keeping ourselves concealed until we had got
+near enough to take a steady aim at the stag.  I agreed to fire first,
+and, should I miss, Charley was to try his skill.  In the meantime the
+dog kept advancing and retreating, seeking for an opportunity to fly at
+the stag's throat; but even then, should he succeed in fixing his fangs
+in the animal, he would run great risk of being knelt upon.  The deer
+was as watchful as the dog, and the moment the latter approached, down
+again went its formidable antlers.  Fearing that the deer might by some
+chance escape, taking a steady aim I fired.  To my delight, over it
+rolled, when we both sprang down the rocks and ran towards it.
+
+While I reloaded, Charley, having beaten off the dog, examined the deer
+to ascertain that it was really dead.  We then set to work to cut up our
+prize, intending to carry back the best portions to the camp.
+
+While thus employed, we heard a shout and saw our companions approaching
+with their dogs.  They had missed the remainder of the herd, and were
+too happy in any way to obtain the deer to be jealous of our success.
+
+Laden with the meat, the whole of which we carried with us, we returned
+to the camp, where we found Dick ready with spits for roasting it.  In a
+short time Pierre and the Indians returned with the report that they had
+found the mules dead, and already almost devoured by the coyotes, while
+their cargoes had been blown up, as we feared would be the case, with
+the powder they contained.  They brought the spare, guns--the stocks of
+which, however, were sadly damaged by the fire.  Our camp equipage,
+which was very welcome, was uninjured, together with a few knives and
+other articles of iron.
+
+So serious was our loss, that it became absolutely necessary to return
+to the nearest settlement to obtain fresh pack-animals and a supply of
+powder.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO.
+
+By the loss of our baggage, we were reduced to hard fare.  We had no
+coffee, no corn meal, no salt or pepper; but our greatest want was
+powder.  Should the ammunition in our pouches hold out, we hoped to
+obtain food enough to keep us from starving till we could reach the
+nearest settlement of Tillydrone.  Before commencing our return journey,
+however, it would be necessary, we agreed, to obtain a supply of meat,
+as we should find but little game in the region we had to cross.  We
+must push on through it, therefore, as fast as our horses could carry
+us; but after their hard gallop on the previous day, it would be
+necessary to give them several hours rest, and it was settled that we
+should remain encamped where we were until the following morning.  The
+locality had many advantages: it was high and dry, while, commanding as
+it did an extensive view over the prairie, we could see any hostile
+Indians approaching, and could defend ourselves should they venture to
+attack us.
+
+As soon as breakfast was over, and we had rested from the fatigues of
+the morning, we again set out on foot with our guns.  Charley and I, as
+before, kept together.  The rest divided into two parties, each hoping
+to add a good supply of meat to the common stock.  We had entered into
+an agreement not to fire a shot, unless sure of our aim, as every
+charge, to us, was worth its weight in gold.  A spot had been fixed on,
+where we were to meet, about a couple of miles from the camp, in the
+centre of the ridge.  Charley and I had gone on for an hour or more, but
+had met with no game, when what was our delight to see a herd of a dozen
+large deer feeding in a glade below us; and, although too far off to
+risk a shot, we hoped that by making a wide circuit we should be able to
+creep up to them on the lee side.
+
+Taking the proposed direction, we observed a large clump of rose-bushes,
+which grew in great profusion in that region.  Near them also were two
+or three trees, behind which we expected to be able to conceal ourselves
+while we took aim at the deer.  Keeping as much under cover as possible,
+we reached the rose-bushes, when we began to creep along on hands and
+knees, trailing our guns after us.  To our delight we found that the
+deer were still feeding quietly, unsuspicious of danger.  I managed to
+reach one of the trees, Charley another.  The two nearest animals were a
+stag and a doe.  I agreed to shoot the former, Charley the latter.
+
+He waited until I gave the signal, when our guns went off at the same
+instant.  As the smoke cleared away, we saw that both our shot had taken
+effect.  It had been settled that, in case the animals should attempt to
+get up, we were to rush out and despatch them with our hunting-knives.
+I ran towards the stag, which made an effort to escape, but rolled over
+and died just as I reached it.  Turning round to ascertain how it fared
+with Charley, I saw the doe rise to her feet, though bleeding from a
+wound in the neck.  I instantly reloaded to be ready to fire, knowing
+that under such circumstances even a doe might prove a dangerous
+antagonist.  It was fortunate that I did so, for the animal, throwing
+herself upon her haunches, began to strike out fiercely with her
+fore-feet, a blow from which would have fractured my friend's skull.
+Seeing his hat fall to the ground, I was afraid that he had been struck.
+Holding his rifle, which he had unfortunately forgotten to reload,
+before him in the fashion of a single-stick, he attempted to defend
+himself; but one of the animal's hoofs, striking his shoulder, brought
+him to the ground, so that he was unable to spring back out of harm's
+way.  For a moment the deer retreated, but then again came on with her
+fore-feet in the air, intent on mischief.  Now was the moment to fire,
+as the next Charley might be struck lifeless to the ground.  I pulled
+the trigger, aiming at the head of the doe; for, had I attempted to
+shoot her in the breast, I might have hit my companion.  As the smoke
+cleared away I saw the deer spring into the air and fall lifeless to the
+ground.  The bullet had struck her in the very spot I intended.  Charley
+rose to his feet, and I ran forward, anxious to ascertain if he was
+injured.  Providentially, his ramrod alone was broken, and, except a
+bruise on the shoulder which caused him some pain, he had escaped
+without damage.
+
+We lost no time in skinning and cutting up the deer, which having done,
+we formed two packages of as much of the meat as we could carry, while
+we suspended the remainder to the bough of a neighbouring tree, to
+return for it before night-fall.  Our companions were nearly as
+successful, each party having killed a deer, the whole of which they
+brought into camp.  We left them all employed in cutting the chief
+portion into strips to dry in the sun, so that it could be transported
+more easily than in a fresh state.  As we approached the spot where we
+had left the venison, a loud yelping which reached our ears told us that
+the coyotes had found it out.  The brutes were not worth powder and
+shot, so getting some thick sticks, we rushed in among them and drove
+them off to a distance.  They returned, however, as soon as we had got
+down the venison and were employed in packing it up, and we had to make
+several onslaughts, during which we killed three or four of the wolves,
+who were instantly devoured by their companions.  While they were thus
+employed, we had time to pack up our game, but the rapacious creatures
+followed howling at our heels until we reached the camp.  All night long
+also they continued their unpleasant chorus.
+
+In the morning, having breakfasted on fresh venison, we started, each
+man carrying a load of the dried meat.  Our object was to push on as
+fast as possible, only halting when necessary to rest our horses, or to
+kill some buffalo or deer, should any be seen.  Pierre especially
+advised that we should otherwise make no delay, saying that he had
+observed the trails of Indians, who were probably out on the warpath,
+and that, at all events, it would be necessary to be on our guard
+against them.
+
+We crossed the burnt prairie, our horses' hoofs stirring up the ashes as
+we scampered along.  Frequently we came upon the bodies of small animals
+which had failed to escape from the fire.  We saw also numbers of
+snakes, some burnt to death, others only scorched and still managing to
+make their way over the ground.  We were thankful when, having crossed a
+stream, we got into a more cheerful tract of country.  Here Pierre
+advised that we should be doubly on our guard, as in all probability the
+Indians themselves had fired the grass, either to burn us, or to deprive
+us of our beasts of burden, as they succeeded in doing, that we might
+the more easily fall into their hands, but that such was the case it was
+difficult to say.  Perhaps, when they found us strongly posted, they had
+considered it prudent not to attack us.
+
+We had started before day-break, and proposed halting for a couple of
+hours to breakfast and rest our beasts, when, just as the rich glow
+which ushers in the rising sun had suffused the sky, one of the Indians,
+addressing Pierre, pointed to the south-west.
+
+"What is it he says?"  I asked.
+
+"Indians!" answered Pierre, "on foot and on horseback, and no small
+number of them.  We must be prepared for them, messieurs; for, if I
+mistake not, they are Coomanches, and they are difficult customers to
+deal with in the open.  If we were within a stockade, we should quickly
+send them to the right about, though, as they stand in awe of our
+rifles, it is a question whether they will attack us as long as we show
+a bold front."
+
+"It is of little use to show a bold front in the centre of a wild
+prairie, with a hundred howling savages galloping about one," I thought
+to myself.
+
+However, none of our party were men to flinch.  By Pierre's advice we
+rode steadily forward.  There was a slight elevation at some distance,
+with a small lake beyond it.  Buntin, who took the lead, proposed that
+we should try to gain it, as it would give us an advantage over our
+nimble foes, as, while they were ascending its steep sides, we could
+shoot them down without difficulty.  On we rode therefore as fast as we
+could venture to go, for it was important not to blow our horses, lest
+we should have to come to an encounter with the Redskins.
+
+We had got to within a quarter of a mile or so from the height, when we
+saw that the Indians had divined our intention, a party of them, who
+must have made a wide circuit, having already taken possession of it.
+
+"Never mind, boys," said Dick in a cheery voice--"we can fight them if
+they are in a fighting mood just as well on the plains as on the top of
+yonder hill.  They probably think that all our powder is lost, and
+expect to gain an easy victory."
+
+"It will be wise to dismount, messieurs," said Pierre.  "Each man must
+take post behind his horse, and when the savages come on we must wait
+until they get near enough to afford us a sure mark."
+
+"We will follow Pierre's advice," said Dick, "but we will wait to
+ascertain whether they have hostile intentions or not.  Our best plan is
+to proceed steadily on as if we were not conscious of their presence."
+
+We continued, therefore, riding forward, so as to pass the hill about
+the eighth of a mile on our right, keeping a careful watch on the
+Redskins.  Suddenly there was a movement among them, and out dashed
+several horsemen.  Sweeping around the hill, they approached us.  We
+lost not a moment, and, placing ourselves as arranged, we stood with our
+rifles ready to receive them.  On they came, shrieking at the top of
+their voices and uttering their war-cries, until they got almost within
+shot.  Seeing this we presented our rifles, but, just at the moment that
+we were about to fire, the warriors threw themselves over on the
+opposite side of their horses, and, sweeping by like a whirlwind,
+discharged their guns.
+
+Although it was a fine exhibition of horsemanship, the fellows,
+evidently afraid of us, had kept too far off for their object, and the
+bullets fell short.  At the same moment Armitage, Story, and Pierre
+fired.  Armitage's bullet struck the horse of the leading brave, which
+however still galloped on.  Story wounded the next warrior, who turning
+tail rejoined his companions, while the third--who had lifted up his
+head to take better aim--got a bullet through it from Pierre's unerring
+rifle.  He fell to the ground, along which he was dragged by his horse,
+which followed the one immediately before it.
+
+Seeing what had befallen their leaders, the other Indians, who were
+riding furiously towards us, reined in their steeds, considering
+discretion the better part of valour.
+
+"We must not trust to the fellows," cried Dick; "we must hold our ground
+until they move off."
+
+It was fortunate we did so, for in a short time the whole troop, gaining
+courage and hoping to frighten us with war-whoops, came sweeping down
+upon us.  Fortunately but few had fire-arms, and their powder was none
+of the best.  Their arrows fell short, while their bullets, which struck
+our saddles, failed to pierce them.  I got a slight graze on my cheek,
+and a piece of lead went through Charley's cap.
+
+Our rifles in the meantime returned the salute in good earnest.  Three
+of us only fired at a time, and three Indians were hit--one of whom was
+killed outright, though his companions managed to drag off his body.
+Still the odds were greatly against us.  Had we been well supplied with
+ammunition we should have had no fear as to the result of the encounter,
+but we dared not fire a shot more than was absolutely necessary.
+
+Notwithstanding the way we had handled them, the Indians did not appear
+inclined to give up the contest, but, after wheeling out of reach of our
+rifles, again halted.
+
+"They have had enough of it, I should think," observed Story.
+
+"I'm not so sure of that," answered Dick, "our scalps, our horses, and
+our fire-arms, are too tempting prizes to allow the rascals to let us
+escape if they fancy that they can get possession of them.  See, here
+they come again!"
+
+As he spoke the whole troop, giving utterance to a terrific war-whoop,
+passed ahead of us, and then, wheeling round, dashed forward at full
+speed to attack us on the opposite side.  As they got within range, half
+our number, as before, fired.  Three more of them appeared to be hit,
+and one, evidently a chief, fell from his saddle.
+
+The Redskins had had enough of it, and the rest, crawling round the
+chief, bore him off.  Away they went fleet as the wind.  I felt very
+much inclined to follow.  Dick advised us to remain where we were to see
+what they would do.  At length we were satisfied that they had received
+a lesson by which they were likely to profit, and that they would not
+again venture to attack us, unless they could take us by surprise.  We
+now found the advantage of not having over-exhausted our horses.
+
+"Mount, and push forward!" cried Dick.  "But I say, lads, while those
+fellows are watching us we'll move at a steady pace."
+
+After we had ridden for a couple of miles or so, Dick advised that we
+should put our horses to their full speed, so as to place as wide a
+distance between us and our enemies as possible, before we halted for
+breakfast.
+
+No sooner was the word given than away we went.  Pierre proved an
+excellent guide, and took us across the most easy country, so that by
+noon it was considered that we might halt without fear of interruption
+from the same band, though it would be necessary to keep a sharp look
+out lest another troop of savages might be scouring the country in
+search of us.
+
+We were by this time desperately sharp set, and while our steeds cropped
+the grass around, we quickly lighted our fire and put on our venison to
+cook.  Pierre and the Indians did not wait for that operation, but ate
+the dried venison raw, and I was tempted to chew the end of a strip to
+stop the gnawings of hunger.
+
+After a couple of hours' rest, which our horses absolutely required, we
+again pushed on, anxious to find a safe camping-place for the night.
+Pierre led us to a spot which appeared as secure as we could desire, by
+the side of a broad stream of sufficient depth to afford us protection
+on that side, while a high knoll, with a bluff, would conceal our fire
+on the one side, and a thick wood on the other, leaving thus only one
+side towards the prairie.  Thus, at all events, we had all the
+requirements for camping--wood, water, and grass.
+
+The night passed quietly, and the following day we did not fall in with
+any Indians, so that we ventured to camp at an earlier hour, on a spot
+very similar to that we had chosen on the previous night.  We were
+getting somewhat tired of our dry venison, and Armitage proposing to go
+out in search of a deer, I volunteered to accompany him, hoping to find
+one coming down to drink at the stream.  We accordingly kept along its
+banks, taking with us one of the spare horses, that we might bring home
+any game we might shoot; but as I wished to give mine a rest I went on
+foot.
+
+Armitage was some little way in advance, I following close along the
+borders of the stream, when I heard him fire.  Pushing forward I saw him
+bending over the body of a fine deer.  I was making my way through the
+bushes to assist him, when what was my dismay to catch sight of a huge
+bear, which Armitage had not perceived, coming along the edge of the
+stream from the opposite direction.
+
+I shouted to him, to warn him of his danger.  He rose to his feet,
+holding the rein of his horse; for the animal, conscious of the presence
+of the bear, showed a strong inclination to bolt.  The bear, which had,
+apparently, not before perceived Armitage, came cantering slowly on,
+until within twenty paces of him.  I shouted at the top of my voice for
+the purpose of distracting the bear's attention; but Bruin, intent on
+mischief, took no notice.  I was too far off to have any hope of
+mortally wounding the bear should I fire, and the undergrowth was so
+thick that I could only slowly make my way through it.  Already the bear
+was scarcely more than a dozen paces off from Armitage, who with his gun
+levelled stood ready to receive his formidable antagonist.  The bear
+raised itself on its hind legs, giving a roaring grunt, and balancing
+itself, as bears are wont to do, before making its fatal spring.  Should
+Armitage miss, it seemed impossible that he could escape with his life.
+I struggled desperately to make my way through the brushwood to go to
+his assistance.
+
+Again the bear roared, and stretched out its paws, evidently showing
+that it was about to spring, when my friend fired.
+
+Great was my relief when I saw the bear roll over, floundering about for
+a few seconds in a vain endeavour to rise and renew the combat; but the
+bullet had been surely aimed, and before I reached the scene of the
+encounter the animal's struggles were over.
+
+We walked round and round the monster, surveying its vast proportions,
+and then set to work to remove its hide and cut off the most delicate
+portions of the meat.  This occupied us some time.  I suggested that the
+skin might be left behind, but, as the bear was of unusual size,
+Armitage declared his intention of preserving it if he could.  At length
+we succeeded in strapping it on the back of the horse, and set off to
+return to the camp.
+
+We walked leisurely along, leading the horse, well satisfied with the
+result of our short expedition; for bear's flesh, though not equal to
+venison, is superior to that of the lean deer we often shot.  We found
+our friends anxious about us; for two of the Indians who had gone out
+scouting reported that they had fallen in with a suspicious trail, and
+they warned us that we should very likely be again attacked before we
+could reach the settlement.
+
+"Let them come on then!" cried Dick, "we'll treat them as we did the
+others."
+
+I have said but little about the Indians accompanying Armitage.  They
+were fine fellows, armed with spears and bows and arrows, as well as
+with carbines, while they carried in their belts the usual
+scalping-knives and tomahawks, so that they were likely to prove
+formidable opponents to our foes.
+
+Having set a double watch, one man to look after the horses, and another
+the camp, we lay down to obtain the rest we so much needed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THREE.
+
+Daybreak found us moving forward and already a couple of miles from our
+last resting-place.  We hoped thus to keep ahead of our enemies, who,
+our Indian allies calculated, had camped some distance to the northward.
+We thought it probable also, should they have discovered our
+whereabouts, that they might have intended to attack us before we
+started in the morning.  They would know that we should keep careful
+watch during the night, but they were very likely to fancy that while
+breakfasting we should be off our guard, and that they might then take
+us by surprise.  If so, they were disappointed.  We rode steadily on, we
+Whites keeping together, while the Indians on their active mustangs,
+scouted on either side, their keen eyes searching every thicket and bush
+for a concealed enemy.
+
+"Can they be trusted?" asked Dick of Armitage.
+
+"They will lose the reward I engaged to give them, should they prove
+treacherous," was the answer, "and Pierre considers them honest."
+
+"I cannot help suspecting that they are very sure no enemy is near, by
+the way they are showing off," observed Story.
+
+"They behaved as well as men could do, when we were last attacked,"
+remarked Charley, who way always ready to stick up for the Indians, of
+whom he had a great admiration.  I agreed with Jack, but at the same
+time I did not wish to disparage our gallant-looking allies.
+
+While we were speaking two of them came up and addressed Pierre in their
+own language which he understood thoroughly.
+
+"They say that they have caught sight of a mounted war-party, who are,
+they think, trying to steal upon us round yonder wood, and take us by
+surprise," said Pierre.
+
+"We'll be prepared for them then, my friends!" exclaimed Dick; "but
+we'll ride on as we have been going, and not dismount until they show
+themselves; we shall then be able to turn the tables on them.  You all
+know what you have to do; but remember again, our powder is running
+short; don't throw a shot away."
+
+"Ay, ay, captain," was the reply from all of us, for we had given Dick a
+title he well deserved although the Lords of the Admiralty had not thus
+favoured him.
+
+Our scouts on the left flank now drew in closer to us, they having made
+up their minds that we should be attacked on that side.  Almost ahead--
+or, as Dick called it, on our starboard bow--was a clump of trees,
+backed by rocky ground.  It would assist at all events to protect us, on
+one side.  We accordingly directed our course towards it.  Anyone seeing
+us riding along would not have supposed that we were well aware of a
+powerful body of enemies being close to us, as we might have been seen
+laughing and joking, one of the party occasionally breaking out into a
+jovial song.
+
+Our behaviour encouraged our allies, and should the enemy have perceived
+us, it would have made them suppose that we were quite unconscious of
+their presence.
+
+We had almost gained the clump of trees I have mentioned, when from the
+end of the wood about half a mile away, appeared the head of a column of
+mounted warriors.  The moment they showed themselves, with fierce yells
+and shrieks they dashed on towards us.  "Forward, my friends, and let us
+take up the post I proposed," cried Dick; and, urging our horses into a
+gallop, we reached the clump just in time to dismount and arrange our
+horses before the Indians got within range of our rifles.  We were thus
+better able to defend ourselves than we had been on the previous
+occasion.  The Coomanches came on bravely enough at first, shrieking and
+hooting at the top of their voices, but we were prepared to receive them
+in a way they did not expect.  Before they began to wheel and throw
+themselves over on the sides of their horses, Armitage, Story and I, who
+were considered the best shots of the party, each singled out a man.  We
+fired, and three warriors dropped to the ground.  At the same moment,
+our brave allies dashed forward, with lances in rest, and charged boldly
+at the advancing foe, who were discharging a shower of arrows at us.
+One of the Coomanches threw himself on the side of his horse and shot an
+arrow which pierced our friend's shoulder, but he was himself the next
+instant thrust through by his opponent's lance, his horse galloping off,
+however, with his dead body.  This bold manoeuvre gave us time to
+reload.  We were able to fire a volley as the rest of the party came
+sweeping by.  Two more saddles were emptied, and another warrior was
+wounded.  The latter, however, managed to regain his seat so as to wheel
+round and rejoin his companions.
+
+Had we been a more numerous party, and armed with swords and lances, we
+might have mounted and pursued the enemy; but as we possessed only our
+rifles, it was far more prudent to remain on foot, whence we could take
+a steady aim.
+
+It was surprising to see the way our persevering assailants came on, and
+threw themselves over the sides of their horses.  It was not until we
+had an opportunity of examining their trappings, that we discovered how
+they managed to do so.  We found attached to the mane of each horse a
+strong halter composed of horse-hair, which being passed under the
+animal's neck, was firmly plaited into the mane, thus leaving a loop
+hanging under its neck.  When about to fire, the warrior drops into this
+loop, and he manages to sustain the weight of his body by the upper part
+of the bent arm.  In this way, both his arms are at liberty, either to
+use his bow or his spear.  In his left hand he grasps a dozen arrows,
+together with his bow, and is not compelled to apply his hand to his
+quiver, which hangs with his shield at his back, while his long spear
+being supported by the bend of the elbow he can use it at any moment.
+
+Our allies, on this occasion, rendered us essential service by
+distracting the attention of our active foes, thus preventing them from
+shooting with as much accuracy as usual.  Their arrows came flying about
+us, many sticking in the trees behind our backs; but happily only two of
+our people and one of our horses were slightly wounded, although one of
+our Indian allies fell to the ground, and before any of his companions
+could rescue him, a Coomanche, who had ridden up, leaning over his
+horse, took his scalp and rejoined the main body.
+
+The steady fire we kept up, prevented the Indians from coming close to
+us; still they were evidently unwilling to abandon, the attempt, in
+spite of the numbers they had already lost.  As far as we could judge,
+the party which had before attacked us had been increased by many fresh
+warriors, eager to distinguish themselves.  Could they obtain the white
+men's scalps, they would be able to boast of their achievement to the
+end of their days.
+
+We had no intention, could we help it, of giving them this satisfaction.
+One thing was remarkable--the regular way in which they came on and
+retreated, like any civilised people engaging in warfare.  Our allies,
+after our first attack, had rejoined us, and waited close at hand to
+dash forward again, should they see a favourable opportunity.  At length
+the Coomanches, having swept round out of rifle-shot, disappeared
+behind, the wood from which they had emerged.  No sooner had they gone,
+than our allies threw themselves from their horses and dashed forward
+towards the bodies of the slain.  In vain Dick shouted to Pierre to tell
+them to let the carcases alone.  Never did I witness a more horrid
+sight; with their scalp-knives in their hands, they sprang forward, and
+in an instant had passed the sharp blades round the heads of two of
+them.  A third, though badly wounded, both by one of our bullets and an
+arrow in his side, raised himself up, and fiercely regarding his
+advancing foe, mocked and derided him as an ally of the whites.
+
+The Indian advanced, and springing on the prostrate man, without waiting
+to give him the merciful blow, whipped off his scalp, and left him still
+bleeding on the ground.  On seeing this, Pierre, who seemed rather
+ashamed of his friends, sent a bullet into the poor wretch's head, and
+put him out of his misery.
+
+The knife of one of the others must have been blunt, for finding that
+the scalp did not come off as quickly as he wished, seating himself on
+the ground with his feet against the dead man's shoulders, he pulled it
+away by main force.  So far we had been more successful than we had
+expected; but our enemies might rally, and, hovering in the
+neighbourhood, keep us constantly in a state of anxiety.  We were
+unwilling to leave our secure position until we could ascertain whether
+the Indians had retreated.  To learn this, it was necessary to get to
+the other side of the wood, which hid them from view.  For this purpose,
+one of our allies volunteered to ride forward and ascertain where they
+were.  The risk, however, was great, for should he be pursued, and
+overtaken, his death was certain.  Still, the advantage to us would be
+so great, that Armitage consented to his going.  Instead of making
+directly towards the wood, however, he rode first to the east and then
+suddenly turning his course northward, galloped along at full speed,
+until he got a good view of the north side of the wood which was a mere
+belt of trees, scarcely thick enough to conceal a large body of
+horsemen.
+
+We watched him anxiously.  At any moment his enemies might sally out and
+attack him.  At length we saw him turn his horse's head, when he came
+riding leisurely back.  Perceiving this we forthwith mounted and
+continued our journey, leaving the bodies of the Indians to be devoured
+by the prairie wolves, for we had no time, even had we wished it, to
+bury them.
+
+We of course kept a bright look out behind us as well as on either side,
+for as Pierre observed, "It never does to trust those varmints of
+Redskins; they come like the wind, and are off again with as many scalps
+as they can lift before a man who has shut his eyes for a moment has
+time to open them."
+
+I confess that I heartily hoped we should in future be left alone; for,
+although I had no objection to an occasional brush with the red men, I
+had no fancy to be constantly harassed by them, and to be compelled to
+remain in camp without the chance of a shot at a deer or buffalo for
+fear of losing one's scalp.  I thought, however, that we had now done
+with them and should the next night be able to sleep in peace.  Again we
+continued on until it was nearly dark, when we formed camp in as
+sheltered a position as we could find.
+
+Of course our trail would show the way we had taken, and, should the
+Indians be so disposed, they might follow us.  The only question was
+whether they could or could not take us by surprise.  We had,
+fortunately, enough meat for supper, but we agreed that it would be
+necessary to hunt the next day at all risks.  When, however, we came to
+examine our powder horns, we found that we had scarcely more than a
+couple of charges each.  It would be impossible therefore to defend
+ourselves, should we be again attacked, and a difficult task to obtain
+game sufficient to last us to the end of the journey.  We had
+fortunately a good supply of bear's meat, which, as Dick observed, "went
+a long way;" but our Indian friends were voracious feeders and it was
+necessary to give them as much as they wanted.  Our chief hope now of
+obtaining food was that we might come across some buffalo which our
+Indians would be able to shoot with their bows and arrows: at all
+events, having already escaped so many dangers, we determined to keep up
+our spirits and not to be cast down by the difficulties in the way.
+
+As our Indians had been on the watch the previous night, we undertook to
+keep guard this night, two at a time.  Charley and I were to be
+together.
+
+What the captain called "the middle watch" was over, when we mounted
+guard, Charley on the horses, I on the camp.  Just then the moon, in its
+last quarter, rose above the horizon, shedding a pale light over the
+prairie.  We had been on foot a couple of hours and I was hoping that it
+would soon be time to rouse up my companions and commence the day's
+march, when Charley came to me.
+
+"Look there!" he said, "I fancy that I can make out some objects in the
+distance, but whether they are prairie wolves or men I am not quite
+certain.  If they are Indians, the sooner we secure the horses the
+better.  If they are wolves they can do us no great harm.  We will
+awaken our friends, at all events!"
+
+I quickly, in a low voice, called up all hands; and each man, without
+standing on his feet, crept towards his horse.  In a few seconds we had
+secured the whole of them.
+
+"Now!" cried Dick, "mount and away."  No sooner were the words uttered,
+than we sprang into our saddles.  As we did so a loud shout saluted our
+ears, followed by the whistling of arrows; and, turning round, we saw
+fifty dark forms scampering after us.  Had we possessed ammunition, we
+should not have dreamed of taking to flight; but, without the means of
+defending ourselves, it was the only safe thing to be done.  The arrows
+came fast and thick.
+
+"Keep together lads," cried Dick, "never mind those bodkins, we shall
+soon distance our pursuers."
+
+I heard a sharp cry from Charley and turning round I saw an arrow
+sticking in his side.  The captain had already been wounded, but he did
+not betray the fact of his being hurt.
+
+Our horses, seeming to understand our dangerous position, stretched out
+at their greatest speed.  I turned round and could still see the Indians
+coming on and discharging their arrows; but we were now beyond their
+range, and, provided our horses kept their feet, we had no fear of being
+overtaken.  It was very trying to have to run away from foes whom we had
+twice defeated, for we had no doubt that they were the same band of
+Redskins we had before encountered and who now hoped, by approaching on
+foot, to take us by surprise.  Had not Charley's quick sight detected
+them indeed, we should probably have lost our horses and have been
+murdered into the bargain.  On we galloped, yet for a long time we could
+hear the shrieks and shouts of our distant foes.  Their horses were not
+likely to be far off, and we knew that they would probably return for
+them and again pursue us.  We must, therefore, put a considerable
+distance between ourselves and them.  Fortunately, not having tired our
+steeds, we should be able to go on without pulling rein for the whole
+day; we must, however, camp to feed them, but not for a moment longer
+than would be absolutely necessary for the purpose.  I asked Charley how
+he felt.
+
+"Never mind me," he answered, "the arrow hurts somewhat, but I would not
+have our party stop to attend to me.  If I feel worse I'll tell you,
+lest I should drop from my horse."
+
+The captain said not a word of his wound, nor did anyone else complain
+of being hurt; though, as daylight increased, I observed blood streaming
+from the leg of one of the Indians, and another with a pierced coat
+through which an arrow had gone.  At length our steeds gave signs of
+being tired, and we ourselves had become very hungry.  We agreed,
+therefore, to pull up near a stream, with a knoll close to it, from
+which we could obtain, through our spy-glasses, a wide view across the
+prairie, so that we could see our enemies before they could discover us.
+To light a fire and cook our bear's flesh while our horses were turned
+loose to feed, occupied but little time.  We had saved a couple of tin
+mugs with which we brought water from the stream; but our kettle, and
+several other articles, in the hurry of our flight, had been left
+behind.  Our first care was to see to Charley's wound.  He heroically
+bore the operation of cutting off the head of the arrow, which had to be
+done before the shaft of the arrow could be drawn out.  We then, with a
+handkerchief, bound up the wound.  Dick was less seriously hurt, an
+arrow having, however, torn its way through his shoulder.  The Indian
+made light of his wound which was very similar to that Charley had
+received.  His companions doctored him, we supplying them with a
+handkerchief which they bound round his wounded limb.  I was still
+resting when Story, who had taken his post on the knoll, spy-glass in
+hand, shouted out--
+
+"I have just caught sight of the heads of the Redskins, over the grass,
+so the sooner we are away the better."
+
+Saying this he hurried down the hill.  We, having caught the horses and
+packed up the remainder of our meat, mounted and rode on.  Both Charley
+and Dick declared they did not feel much the worse for their wounds, the
+blood they had lost probably preventing inflammation.  Though the
+Indians could not see us, they must have discovered our trail; and they
+would soon ascertain, by the remains of our fire, that we were not far
+ahead.  This might encourage them to pursue us; but our horses being
+better than theirs, we might still, should no accident happen, keep well
+ahead of them.
+
+We galloped on until dark and then we were once more compelled to camp.
+Only half our party lay down at a time, the remainder keeping by the
+horses while they fed, to be ready to bring them in at a moment's
+notice.  Our pursuers would also have to stop to feed their horses, and
+as they had not come up to us during the first watch, we hoped that they
+would leave us in quiet for the remainder of the night.
+
+We were not disturbed; and before daybreak, jumping into our saddles, we
+pushed on.  I must pass over the two following days.  As yet we had met
+with no signs of civilisation, when we saw a wreath of smoke rising
+above the trees in the far distance.  It might come from a
+backwoodsman's hut, or it might be simply that of a camp fire.  It was
+not likely to rise from the camp of Indians, so Pierre thought, as they
+do not generally venture so far east.  However, to run no risk of
+falling among foes, we sent forward one of our scouts, while we
+proceeded at the pace we had before been going.  We felt most anxious to
+get some shelter, where we could sleep in security and obtain food, for
+our bear's flesh was well-nigh exhausted, and we had not hitherto fallen
+in with buffalo; while both our wounded men required more care than we
+could give them in the camp, with the chance of having to mount and ride
+for our lives at any moment.
+
+After riding some distance we heard a shot.
+
+"All's not right," cried Dick; "we may have either to fight, or run for
+it."
+
+In a short time we saw an Indian riding at full speed towards us.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Pierre as he came near.
+
+He pointed to the wood, when presently two white men appeared with
+rifles in their hands.  As soon as they caught sight of us, they shouted
+out and made signs of friendship to us, while they grounded their arms.
+We were soon up to them.
+
+"Sorry to have shot at your Redskin friend, but we took him for an
+enemy, that's a fact," said one of them; "however, as the bit of lead
+missed his head, he's none the worse for it."
+
+Dick assured him we had no wish to complain, and asked whether we could
+find any shelter in the neighbourhood.
+
+"You are welcome to our hut, friends," answered the other man, "it's big
+enough for all hands except the Indians, and they can put up wigwams for
+themselves.  Come along, for there's a storm brewing, I guess; and
+you'll be better under cover than in the open air."
+
+We gladly accepted the invitation, and guided by our new acquaintances,
+we soon found ourselves in a clearing, with a good-sized log-hut and a
+couple of shanties at the rear of it.  The rain had already begun to
+fall; so speedily taking off the bridles and saddles of our steeds, we
+hobbled them and turned them loose; we then hurried under cover, our
+Indian guides taking possession of one of the shanties.
+
+Our hosts, Mark and Simon Praeger, told us that they and their brothers
+had built the log-hut the previous winter.  They had already a
+good-sized field fenced in and under cultivation and had besides a herd
+of cattle, the intention of the family being to move west in a few
+months.
+
+On hearing of the loss of our provisions and stores, they at once set to
+work to get supper ready; and, as they had killed a deer that morning
+and had a good supply of flour, coffee and other articles, they soon
+placed an abundant meal smoking on the table.  We at once discovered
+that they were superior to the general run of backwoodsmen, having a
+fair education, at the same time that they were hardy persevering
+fellows, and bold buffalo and deer hunters, who held the Redskins in
+supreme contempt.  Their family, they told us, resided somewhere about a
+hundred miles away to the eastward.  They had pushed thus far into the
+wilderness to form a home for themselves, both young men intending to
+marry shortly and set up house.  Their father's farm was close to the
+very settlement for which we were bound, and the nearest where we were
+likely to get our wants amply supplied.  They were sure, they said, that
+their father would be happy to receive us and assist us in obtaining all
+we required.  We thanked them and gladly accepted their kind offer.
+
+Supper being over, we lay down in our buffalo robes; and I need scarcely
+say that, having no longer the fear of being aroused by finding an
+Indian's scalping-knife running round my head, I was quickly fast
+asleep, fully expecting to have a good night's rest.
+
+My sleep, however, at length became troubled.  I dreamed that I heard
+the Indian war-whoops, and saw a whole band of savages spring out of the
+darkness and rush with uplifted tomahawks towards me while I lay
+helpless on the ground.  Presently the cries increased, and I awoke with
+a start to hear a terrific growling sound.  It was that of a bear, I was
+convinced.  I saw that Mark Praeger, having got up and struck a light,
+had taken down his rifle from the wall and was going towards the door.
+I jumped up, as did Armitage and Story, and followed him.  As he threw
+open the door, we saw, not a dozen paces from the hut, a huge bear
+squatting on his hindquarters and apparently taking a leisurely survey
+of the hut.
+
+Mark, as soon as he caught sight of his visitor, lifted his rifle and
+fired, but the cap failed to go off.  It would have been a fine
+opportunity for Bruin to have made a rush upon us; when he might, by
+dashing into the hut, have taken possession and killed us all one after
+the other, or driven us out.  Instead of doing so, alarmed by the shouts
+we raised, uttering a low growl, he turned round and broke away through
+the brushwood on one side of the hut.
+
+"On lads!" cried Mark, "we must get that fellow for the sake of the meat
+and skin."
+
+As he spoke he replaced the copper cap and dashed forward in pursuit of
+the intruder.  As we had no wish to go bear-hunting unarmed, we hurried
+back to obtain our rifles and some powder and bullets from Simon.  By
+the time we were supplied, the rest of the party who had been aroused by
+our shouts, were on foot and preparing to accompany us.  On returning to
+the door, we could nowhere see Mark; but Simon taking the lead we
+followed him.  The moon had got up, so that we managed to see our way
+with tolerable clearness, by a path leading down to a stream, with
+precipitous banks, rising in some places into cliffs of considerable
+height.  We had gone some distance when we heard a shot fired.
+
+"Mark has brought Master Bruin to bay," cried Simon; "I wish he had
+waited until we had come up."
+
+I heard the sound of footsteps behind us, and looking round saw that our
+Indian allies had followed, as eager as we were to get the bear's meat.
+Just then we saw Mark bending over the bear which he had shot; but what
+was our horror the next moment to observe another huge monster rush out
+from behind a rock and lifting itself on its haunches make a spring at
+him, before he could even turn round to defend himself.  His death
+seemed certain.  In attempting to shoot the bear, we should too probably
+kill him.  No one therefore dared to fire.  In vain he endeavoured to
+escape from the claws of the creature who held him in a fast embrace.
+His brother and Armitage, who were leading, dashed forward, the one
+drawing a long knife, the other armed with an axe which he had caught up
+as we left the hut.  I held my gun ready, waiting to fire should I be
+able to do so without running the risk of shooting one of my friends.
+
+It was a fearful moment.  It seemed scarcely possible, even should we
+kill the bear, that poor Mark would escape destruction.  Simon,
+springing close to the monster, dealt it a tremendous blow with his axe,
+hoping to draw its attention on himself; while Armitage, with his
+uplifted knife, dashed forward, and as he did so plunged his weapon
+behind the bear's shoulder.  The monster turned round on feeling the
+wound, and I thought would have bitten Mark's head.  Simon again plied
+the brute with his axe.  The huge jaws relaxed, the head sank down,
+Armitage had driven his knife home to the beast's heart.
+
+With shouts, indicative of their satisfaction, the Indians now hurried
+up and assisted us in dragging off the body from our fallen friend who
+was by this time nearly senseless.  The bear's claws had torn him
+fearfully about the breast and shoulders, besides having given him a
+tremendous hug, but had, we hoped, injured no vital part.  He was
+unable, however, to speak or stand.  We at once, therefore, formed a
+litter with poles speedily cut from the banks of the stream, on which we
+bore him back to the hut, leaving the Indians under the command of
+Pierre to cut up the bears and bring in their flesh and skins, an
+occupation to which they applied themselves with evident delight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOUR.
+
+On arriving at the hut with our almost inanimate burden, we found the
+captain and Charlie in a state of great anxiety to know what had
+happened; for they had, I should have said, been undressed, and placed
+in our hosts' beds, their wounds preventing them from putting on their
+clothes.  The captain insisted on turning out when he saw the sad
+condition of Mark; and he moreover undertook to doctor him as well as he
+was able.  It appeared evident, however, that as soon as possible Mark
+and Charley should be removed to the settlement, where they could obtain
+surgical aid.  Mark in a short time revived.  From the captain's report,
+we had hopes that, on account of his fine constitution, he would escape
+inflammation, which was chiefly, under his circumstances, to be feared.
+
+The Praegers had a light wagon, into which, soon after breakfast was
+over the next morning, we put our three wounded companions, and leaving
+Pierre and the Indians with Simon Praeger, we set off for Tillydrone.
+We would gladly have had another day's rest, but the impossibility of
+obtaining medical assistance for poor Mark and Charley made us willing
+to undergo the fatigue.
+
+The country was tolerably level, there being a fine open prairie, across
+which we rattled at a good speed, though the unavoidable jolting must
+have greatly tried our poor friends within.  I was very thankful when
+Mark, looking out of the wagon, told us that we were approaching his
+father's house.  Our cavalcade must have been seen, for in a short time
+two horsemen came galloping up to us: the elder, a fine-looking,
+middle-aged man, Mark saluted as his father; the other as brother Peter.
+A few words explained what had happened.  Mr Praeger immediately
+invited us all to his house, while Peter started off as fast as he could
+go to summon the doctor.
+
+The house to which we were conducted was a picturesque,
+comfortable-looking building, constructed of wood, with a low pitched
+roof, and wide long verandah, up to which a flight of broad steps led
+us.  We found a matronly-looking dame, with a bevy of young ones,
+standing in the verandah, evidently wondering at the number of guests
+Mr Praeger was bringing to the house.  They were all activity on
+hearing the state of the occupants of the wagon, and hurried down the
+steps to assist in lifting in our wounded companions, for neither
+Charley nor Mark were able to walk.  The captain, however, got up the
+steps by merely leaning on Mr Praeger's arm.
+
+In a few minutes all three were placed in bed, Mrs Praeger declaring
+that it was the only place fit for either of them, though her son was
+certainly the most hurt.
+
+The young ladies were so busy during the evening, flitting about here
+and there, that I could scarcely tell how many there were of them.  I
+remarked, however, that one was taller than the others, very fair, and
+with a graceful figure.  When Armitage--who had remained out of sight,
+looking after the horses--came in, she was not in the room, and it was
+some time before she returned.  When she did so, he rose to his feet,
+and regarded her earnestly, while the colour mounted to his cheek and
+brow; then he bowed, and stood apparently irresolute whether to advance
+or retreat.  She started on seeing him and then put out her hand.  He
+sprang across the room and took it.
+
+"I little expected to have the happiness of seeing you, Miss Hargrave,"
+he said.
+
+"Is it a happiness?" she asked, in a calm tone.
+
+"Indeed it is," he replied.  "I heard that you had left England, but
+could not ascertain to what part of the world you had gone."
+
+What further passed between our friend and the young lady I cannot tell,
+as they lowered their voices, while they retired to a window at the
+other end of the room, Armitage forgetting all about his supper.
+
+The ladies of the family, I should say, did not sit down to table, as
+they had already taken their evening meal, and insisted on waiting upon
+us.
+
+Peter Praeger returned sooner than was expected with the doctor, whom he
+found on a visit to a family five or six miles off.
+
+He gave a more favourable report of Dick and Charley than I expected,
+but young Mark, he said, would require the greatest possible care; a
+good constitution, however, he hoped, would enable him to pull through,
+though his hurts were of a most serious description.
+
+I had no opportunity of speaking to Armitage before turning in, so I was
+unable to ascertain more about the young lady he had so unexpectedly
+met.  The rest of the family were very nice and pretty girls, their
+manners much superior to what I had reasonably supposed would be found
+in the "Far West."
+
+Soon after breakfast the next morning, I saw Armitage and Miss Hargrave
+walking out together, he having asked her to show him a beautiful view
+she had spoken of at the other end of the estate.  The rest of the young
+ladies being occupied, Story and I lit our pipes, and were sitting
+smoking them in the verandah, when we were joined by Mr Praeger.
+
+"Your companion appears to be an old friend of my young relative," he
+observed, as if apparently wishing to learn something about Armitage.
+
+I replied that he was well known to Lieutenant Buntin, who spoke highly
+of him; and that he was evidently a man of some means, as we judged from
+his outfit and the number of his attendants, while we had found him a
+most excellent fellow in every respect.
+
+"I'm glad to hear it, for the sake of my wife's young cousin Ellen," he
+answered.  "She came out to us a few months ago, having lost her
+parents, and having no relatives for whom she cared in England.  She
+had, however, very little idea of the rough style of life we are
+compelled to lead; but she at once got into our ways, though I observed
+what I could not account for, that she was often more melancholy than
+was consistent with her disposition.  Now, however, I suspect the
+cause."
+
+I fully agreed with our out-spoken host.  I soon found that we were not
+likely to learn anything of the interesting subject from Armitage
+himself, for he was remarkably reticent, and I saw that it would not do
+to banter him, or allude in any way to it.
+
+I must pass over several days, during which the doctor as well as the
+ladies of the family were unremitting in their attentions to the wounded
+men.  The captain was soon himself again, though still too weak to
+travel; but Charley's wound took much longer to heal, and Mark was not
+likely to be on foot again for three or four weeks at soonest.  In the
+meantime, Story and I, with our constant companion, Peter, rode over to
+the settlement to obtain the stores we required for our journey, as well
+as to replace our baggage mules.
+
+While thus engaged, we found an old trapper also making purchases at the
+stores.  He was tall and gaunt, his countenance weather beaten and
+sunburnt, of a ruddy brown hue, his hair--which hung over his
+shoulders--being only slightly grizzled, while his chin and face were
+smooth shaved.  He was dressed in a hunting-frock of buckskin, and
+pantaloons of the same material ornamented down the seams with long
+fringes.  On his feet he wore mocassins of Indian make; his head was
+covered by a neatly-made cap of beaver; an unusually large powder-horn
+was slung over his shoulders, together with a rifle, carefully covered
+up; while in his belt, in addition to a knife and tomahawk, he carried a
+brace of pistols with long barrels, showing that he was accustomed to
+travel amongst enemies, and was prepared to make a stout fight if he was
+attacked.  On seeing us, he enquired who we were, where we had come
+from, and in what direction we were going.
+
+We told him without hesitation.
+
+"I guess the old hoss will go with you some of the way," he said.  "Tell
+Master Praeger that Ben Folkard will pay him a visit before long, I
+can't say when.  He knows me, and he knows when I say I'll do a thing I
+intend to do it."
+
+We promised to give old Folkard's message, and soon afterwards we parted
+from him.  Peter told us that he had heard his father speak of Ben
+Folkard as one of the most noted and skilful trappers of the Rocky
+Mountains, and that he never turned up without a large supply of skins
+and peltries.
+
+We were fortunate in obtaining some fine Mexican mules and all the
+articles we required, though we had to pay somewhat highly for them.
+Well satisfied, we set off to return to Mr Praeger's.  The houses and
+the stores were few and far between, the intermediate country being
+still in a state of nature.  As our laden mules could not travel fast,
+we had to camp on the way.  We chose a grassy spot near a wood, offering
+sufficient attractions to our animals to prevent them from straying,
+though of course we hobbled them as an additional security.
+
+While Peter remained in camp, Story and I took our guns to get a turkey,
+or any other game which might come in our way.  We had not gone far when
+
+
+Story called my attention to an animal standing on the fallen trunk of a
+tree, and told me to keep back the dogs, which would be sure to suffer
+if they were to attack it.  I was about to fire, when I caught sight of
+another animal of similar size with a long, thin body and sharp nose,
+which I at once recognised as a marten.  It had apparently been watching
+the porcupine, who, unconscious of its approach, remained perfectly
+still, its spines scarcely visible.  The marten was intent on taking its
+enemy by surprise; and, stealing up, threw itself on the unsuspicious
+porcupine before it had time even to raise its spines.  The moment it
+felt itself seized, it began to lash its tail about and throw out its
+quills in all directions; but the marten, by its wonderful agility,
+escaped the blows aimed at it.  In a short time it gained the victory,
+and was already sucking the blood of its victim when Story fired and hit
+it in the head.  As the skin was of considerable value, we quickly
+flayed it, and with a couple of turkeys which we were fortunate enough
+to shoot, returned to camp, where, to our surprise, we found old Folkard
+seated smoking his pipe.
+
+"I'm going along with you, boys," he said.  "Good company isn't always
+to be got, and it's not always safe, while the Redskins are on the
+war-path, to travel through the country alone.  You can help me and I
+can help you, so that we shall be quits."
+
+We, of course, told the trapper that we should be very happy to have the
+benefit of his experience.
+
+We passed the night quietly enough; but the next morning, to our
+excessive disgust, half the mules were missing.  In spite of their
+hobbles, they had managed to get away.  Peter and I with two men at once
+set off in search of them; but it was not until late in the day that we
+found the runaways.  As soon as we had brought them back we started, but
+of course could make but a short distance.  On camping, with the
+assistance of the old trapper we hobbled them more securely than on the
+previous night, and by his advice a watch was set, we all taking the
+duty in turns.  Old Ben, however, excused himself from watching,
+declaring that his mules never ran away and that as he should have to
+keep wide awake during most nights by and by, he should prefer a sound
+sleep while he could get it.
+
+To this we made no objection.  We placed the packs on one side of our
+camp-fire, near which, having taken our suppers, the old trapper, Peter,
+and Story lay down to sleep; while I, with my rifle in my hand, walked
+off to look after the horses and mules.  I kept walking up and down,
+keeping my eyes open, and when any of the animals appeared inclined to
+head off from the rest turned them back.  The night was fine and the
+stars shone out brightly, but it was otherwise somewhat dark.  At last I
+began to yawn and to wish heartily that Story would come and relieve me.
+Once or twice I heard cries in the distance very similar to those which
+had disturbed us when further to the west, but here, so near the settled
+districts, I thought nothing of the matter.  I suspected that the
+cunning mules were watching me, for when I turned towards the camp to
+call Story, off one or two of them bolted.  They had played me this
+trick two or three times, and at last one of them led me so long a chase
+that when I caught him I determined to punish the brute by securing him
+to a tree.  Having done so I turned towards the camp, but the fire had
+burnt so low that I could scarcely see the spot.  There was light
+enough, however, to enable me to distinguish several objects moving over
+the ground.  Can they be Indians?  I thought, as I ran forward hoping to
+arouse my companions in time to defend themselves.  Before I got up to
+the camp, however, I saw what I at once knew to be a pack of wolves.  On
+they came without bark or yelp, making straight for our baggage.  Among
+the provisions we had purchased was a quantity of pemmican placed on the
+top.  I really believe that the wolves, cunning as foxes, had surveyed
+our camp and knew exactly what to go in for.  I shouted loudly, hoping
+to frighten them off and awaken my friends; but even old Ben was
+sleeping so soundly that for some time no one heard my voice, while I
+was afraid to fire at the wolves for fear--in the uncertain light--of
+hitting one of my sleeping companions.  At length up sprang Story and
+Peter, and their cries aroused the old trapper.  It was too late,
+however, to prevent the wolves making an onslaught on our baggage.  Each
+seized something in his mouth, but our cries prevented them from
+remaining and devouring the whole of our provisions, which they
+undoubtedly otherwise would have done.  Off they went, several of the
+rascals carrying bags of pemmican or of flour, or packages of hams in
+their mouths.  I fired and stopped the career of one of them, while my
+companions, imitating my example, shot three others.  We then, having
+reloaded, made chase and brought down two or three more.
+
+We should have regained the whole of our provisions, but, in several
+instances, the moment a wolf was shot another brute seized his prize and
+made off with it.  Under other circumstances we should not have expended
+powder on the brutes.  We fired away, however, as long as any remained
+within shot, and on searching for the booty we recovered nearly the
+whole of it.  Our chief loss was in our flour, as the animals, while
+grabbing the bags from each other, had well nigh torn them to pieces and
+let the contents run out.
+
+Old Ben took matters very coolly, but Story and Peter were so vexed that
+they undertook to ride back and replace our loss, if we would consent to
+move on slowly with the rest of the animals.  This we gladly did, the
+old trapper managing them with perfect ease.  He said that he had seldom
+known a pack of wolves to come so far east, and advised that in future
+we should keep a sharp look-out lest we might encounter others.
+
+Our friends overtook us the next day, and in the evening we reached Mr
+Praeger's.  We found Dick quite recovered and ready to set off again;
+but it seemed doubtful whether Armitage would continue his expedition.
+It struck me that although Mr Praeger was very civil, he would be glad
+to have us go.  To say the least, we occupied a great deal of the
+attention of the ladies of the family, and Charley hinted that honest
+Dick was somewhat spoony on one of them.  Story had also been warm in
+his praises of another, and it struck me that the young lady's colour
+heightened and her eyes brightened when he spoke to her.
+
+Mr Praeger seemed less contented with his location than I should have
+thought.  He had evidently been captivated by the accounts of the wealth
+of California, and he made his "woman kind" somewhat uneasy by talking
+of travelling across the country, bag and baggage, to settle in the new
+Eldorado.  They evidently had no wish to move; which was but natural, as
+they appeared to me to have everything they could desire, besides being
+free from the risk of Indian raids to which the settlers farther west
+were constantly exposed.  Dick, Story and I now made active preparations
+for our departure; and, to my surprise, and much to our satisfaction,
+Armitage expressed his intention of accompanying us.
+
+I thought that Ellen's countenance and those of some of the other young
+ladies had a shade of sadness on them as they saw us engaged in doing up
+our packs and trying our newly-bought mules.  Dick and I each purchased
+a strong, active horse from Mr Praeger, for which we gave him long
+prices as some return for his hospitality; and we then presented him
+with our own steeds, which were likely to pick up muscle and flesh on
+his rich pastures.
+
+Though he was as courteous as ever, he did not press us to stay, and at
+length, all our traps being prepared, we set off, accompanied by old
+Folkard, who did not even ask whether we wished for his society or not.
+Armitage remained behind, so I did not witness his parting with Miss
+Hargrave, but he soon galloped after us.  Peter accompanied us as far as
+his brother's, to take the place of poor Mark, who was still unfit for
+work, though in a fair way of recovery.  We spent a day with the young
+backwoodsmen, whose hearts were delighted with a present of a first-rate
+Joe Manton.  Our intention was to push on for the base of the Rocky
+Mountains to a region where deer and buffalo and big-horns abounded.  We
+shot several deer, but as we had come across no buffalo, the larger
+herds had, we supposed, moved northward.  We had encamped one afternoon
+earlier than usual, being tempted to halt by a wide stream and a wood
+near at hand.  Our fire being lighted and our meat put on to roast and
+stew, Armitage, Story, and I took our guns to go out in search of
+turkeys or other small game, should we be unable to find deer.  Armitage
+took two of his dogs, though they often gave us more trouble than
+assistance in hunting.  We had, however, been tolerably successful, and
+shot three fine gobblers and some smaller birds, when, as we were
+returning towards camp, the dogs gave tongue and started off to the
+right, refusing to return at their master's call.
+
+We hurried on as fast as the rough nature of the ground would allow us.
+We were on the top of some low cliffs which had formed at some time or
+other of the world's history the side of a torrent now dried up and
+overgrown with trees.  Presently we heard a cry of--
+
+"Here, boys, help, help!"
+
+At the same time one of the dogs leaped over the cliff, and we saw a
+short distance from us Charley struggling with a brown bear,
+providentially not a grizzly, which with great courage he had grasped by
+the throat so as to prevent the brute from biting him; but he was
+brought on his knees, his cap had fallen off, and his gun lay on the
+ground beside him.  In another instant the bear would have seized his
+head, when the dog leaped down on the creature's back and caused a
+diversion in his favour.  To fire would have been dangerous, for had we
+tried to kill the bear we should have run a fearful risk of shooting
+Charley.  We therefore trusted to the assistance of the dogs, the other,
+following its companion, having fixed its teeth well into the bear.
+Charley manfully continued the contest, but was afraid of releasing his
+hold of the bear's throat lest it should bite him.
+
+We shouted and shrieked, hoping to frighten Bruin, as we scrambled over
+the rocks.  At length Charley, still holding the bear's throat with one
+hand, managed to get hold of his knife with the other, and in spite of
+the creature's claws round his waist, using all his strength he struck
+the weapon into its breast.  The bear opened its paws as it felt the
+knife entering, and Charley, having driven the weapon home, sprang back,
+when the creature rolled over, almost crushing one of the dogs in its
+convulsive struggles.  Before we could get up to the scene of the
+contest it was dead, and most thankful were we to find Charley
+wonderfully little injured, though his clothes were somewhat torn.  Our
+young friend showed indeed remarkable nerve, for he scarcely even
+trembled, though his cheek was somewhat paler than usual from the
+desperate exertions he had made.
+
+On examining the bear we found that it was an old one, and somewhat thin
+from want of food; its claws also were blunted from old age, which
+circumstance accounted for Charley's almost miraculous escape, for had
+it possessed its full strength a single hug would have pressed the life
+out of his body.
+
+We congratulated him heartily on his preservation, and complimented him
+on the courage he had exhibited.
+
+"Let us have the skin, at all events," he said.  "I would sooner carry
+it on my own shoulders into camp than leave it behind."
+
+"We'll not disappoint you, my boy," said Story; and he immediately began
+to flay the animal; but as its flesh was likely to prove tough, we left
+the carcase for the benefit of the prairie wolves.
+
+While Story and I carried the skin between us, Armitage assisted
+Charley, who was less able to walk than he had at first supposed.  A man
+cannot get even a moderate hug from a bear without suffering.
+
+At the camp we found two strange Indians, who seemed disposed to be very
+friendly, and invited us to pay them a visit at their lodges only an
+hour's march off.  One of them was a fine young fellow, dressed in a
+leathern jacket and leggings richly ornamented, while on his head he
+wore a circlet of feathers.  He appeared to be greatly struck with
+Charley on hearing of his exploit with the bear, and putting out his
+hand, declared that they must henceforth be brothers.
+
+Dick, though greatly delighted at hearing of Charley's behaviour, was
+much concerned on seeing the injuries he had received, which were more
+serious than we had at first supposed.  He insisted on his turning into
+a hut which old Folkard and Pierre immediately set to work to construct.
+
+Our guests begged that he might be conveyed to their wigwams, saying
+that their squaws would doctor him and soon restore his strength.
+
+"They may be honest--those Shianees--but they may be rogues like many
+other Redskins," observed old Ben.  "Better not trust them."
+
+We therefore thanked our guests, but declined their offer for the
+present, saying that our young companion was unfit to be moved, though
+we hoped to pay them a visit on the following day.
+
+They, nothing abashed, continued to squat round the fire, smoking
+tobacco and quaffing with evident pleasure the small glasses of
+usquebaugh which Dick bestowed upon them.  Armitage objected, however,
+to the captain's giving them liquor.
+
+"Let them take as much as they've a fancy to," said Ben.  "It won't do
+them any harm once in a way, and it will let us know what they are
+thinking about."
+
+Our guests having drunk the whisky, showed the same friendly disposition
+as at first, nor did they complain when Dick refused to give them any
+more.
+
+"A little do good, too much do harm," observed Dick, at which they
+nodded as if perfectly agreeing with him.
+
+As the shades of evening approached, they got up, and shaking hands all
+round, took their departure.
+
+"They're all right, we may trust them," said Ben.
+
+We nevertheless kept a strict watch over our cattle, for the temptation
+to steal a fine stud might have been too great for our Indian neighbours
+to resist.  No attempt was made on the camp however, and the next
+morning the animals were found feeding as quietly as usual.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIVE.
+
+A tremendous storm, such as we had not yet experienced, kept us in camp
+the next morning.  The lightning flashed, the thunder roared, and the
+rain came down in torrents, compelling us to make trenches round our
+huts.  Even when doing this, we were nearly wet to the skin.  Our fires
+also were almost extinguished, though we contrived to keep them in by
+heaping up fresh fuel every few minutes.  It was truly a battle between
+the flames and the rain, but the former would have been beaten without
+our assistance.  The same cause probably kept the Indians inside their
+wigwams, for we saw nothing of them.  We managed to cover up poor
+Charley so that he did not suffer.  In the afternoon, the rain cleared
+off, and trusting to the professions of the Indians, Dick and I set off
+to pay them a visit.  For prudence, according to the custom we had
+adopted, we wore our swords by our sides, at which, as they appeared
+rather more for ornament than use, the Indians were not likely to take
+offence.  One of the Indians, who had come to our camp the previous
+evening, was, we discovered, their chief, by name Ocuno, or the Yellow
+Wolf.  He received us with outstretched hands, appearing highly pleased
+at our coming, and without hesitation introduced us to his principal
+squaw, a very attractive young woman with a pleasing expression of
+countenance, and much fairer than Indians in general, indeed we had no
+doubt that she must have had a white father.  She told us that she was
+much attached to the whites, and had not it been her lot to become the
+wife of Yellow Wolf, she would gladly have married a pale face.  Dick
+was so well satisfied, that he agreed to bring his young friend over to
+their village the next morning, that he might be placed under her
+charge.
+
+The Yellow Wolf told us that he intended to start in search of buffalo
+in a day or two, and that if we chose, we might accompany him, promising
+that we should have half the animals slain; "for," as he observed, "he
+and his people were more expert hunters, yet our firearms would make
+amends for our want of skill."
+
+After spending some time with our new friends, we returned to our own
+camp.  The offer of Yellow Wolf was accepted by all hands, and in the
+morning we conveyed Charley on a litter to his lodge, the baggage mules
+and spare horses being also moved forward to the neighbourhood of the
+village.  We found the Indians preparing to engage in a dance, which we
+supposed was for our entertainment, but which we afterwards discovered,
+was for the sake of inducing the Good Spirit to send herds of buffalo to
+their neighbourhood.
+
+As soon as Charley was comfortably placed inside his wigwam, and the
+fair Manoa, the "Flower of the Prairies"--as her lord was wont to call
+her--was examining his hurts, the Yellow Wolf desired us to be seated in
+front of it.  Scarcely had we taken our places, than from every hut
+rushed forward some monstrous figures with buffalo heads, but the legs
+of men and huge tails trailing behind, the whole of the party collecting
+in an open space in front of us.  They were about to begin, we were
+told, their famous buffalo dance.  First round and round they tramped
+with measured steps, then they rushed against each other, then
+separated, then again met.  Some were overthrown, but quickly getting on
+their feet, rejoined their companions.  Now they bent down on all fours;
+now one buffalo, seizing a bow, shot a blunt arrow at another.  Some had
+shields and spears; some, mounted on the backs of their companions,
+charged at everyone they met; all the time the whole band were stamping,
+bellowing, yelping, and making other terrific noises, while another
+party were seated on the ground beating their drums, and shaking their
+rattles, the dancers keeping time to the discordant music.  It is
+difficult to describe the feats of the different performers, for each
+man appeared to dance until he could dance no more, except that when a
+pretended buffalo was shot by a blunt arrow, he was dragged out, and
+another immediately took his place.  This amusement went on until we
+were utterly weary of witnessing it, though at first it was amusing
+enough.  I then suggested to Yellow Wolf that he should order the
+dancers to "knock off;" but he replied that the efficacy of the ceremony
+depended upon its continuing until the buffalo should appear.
+
+"But suppose they should not come for a whole moon, your braves will be
+pretty well worn out by that time," I remarked.
+
+"But they will come before then," he answered.
+
+"So I should hope," I said, laughing.
+
+At last a bevy of squaws placed on the ground, in front of the tent, an
+abundant feast of various messes, of which our host invited us to
+partake, suggesting that we should add a few articles from our own
+stores, including a bottle of fire-water, "for which," he observed, "his
+lips felt a peculiar longing."
+
+We took the hint, but Dick ordered only a small bottle to be brought,
+observing that we kept the firewater for sick men, or for such occasions
+as the present, and that we could not venture to draw largely on our
+store.
+
+Unattractive as were the dishes the Redskin damsels offered us, they
+were far more palatable than might have been expected.
+
+As the Indians liked their own dishes best, and we preferred ours, we
+did not trespass very largely on theirs.  We found from the small amount
+of meat in the village, that the inhabitants were more hard up for food
+than we had supposed.
+
+The buffalo dancers all the time continued their performance, being
+evidently impressed with the belief that the more furiously they danced,
+the sooner the buffaloes would make their appearance.  Night brought no
+cessation, one relay of performers relieving the other without
+intermission; so that I was afraid poor Charley would have but little
+chance of a sleep.  He, however, when I paid him a visit before
+retiring, assured me that he had got accustomed to the noise; and that
+the Flower of the Prairies had taken such good care of him that he was
+perfectly ready to remain where he was.  Although we had every
+confidence in the honesty of our new friends, we deemed it prudent to
+keep a watch at night, both in camp and over the animals, for fear some
+young brave might take it into his head to distinguish himself by
+running off with a horse or two, as he would be sure to find a welcome
+among any friendly tribe after the performance of such an act.  I have
+no doubt there are some noble Redskins fit to become heroes of romances;
+but the greater part are unmitigated savages, with notions of right and
+wrong very different from those of civilised people.
+
+The next day we paid a visit to Yellow Wolf, when we found his people
+still dancing with unabated vigour.
+
+"The buffalo have not come yet!"  I observed to him.
+
+"Wait a bit, they come by-and-by," he replied.  Dick suggested that we
+should strike away westward in search of them, but Yellow Wolf replied
+that it would be of no use, and that probably the buffalo would turn
+back and take a different course, should the pale-faces pursue them.
+
+Old Ben advised us not to act contrary to the chief's wishes, observing
+that he undoubtedly had a very correct notion of when the buffalo would
+appear, as he never allowed the dance to commence until he calculated
+that the herd were not far off.
+
+Wishing to cement our friendship with the chief we invited him and some
+of his principal braves to our camp, where we provided a feast as
+suitable to their tastes as we were capable of producing.  They approved
+of the boiled ham and pork as well as the corn cakes, sweetened with
+sugar, which old Ben manufactured; but they hinted pretty strongly that
+the stuff our flasks contained was more to their taste than anything
+else we possessed.  We took good care, however, not to give them enough
+to make them drunk; but Armitage observed that we were doing them harm
+by creating in them a taste for spirits, and that it would have been
+wiser not to allow them from the first to know that we had any.
+
+The feast was over, and our guests were smoking the tobacco with which
+we provided them, puffing away with evident enjoyment, when a young
+brave was seen galloping towards our camp at headlong speed.  As he
+approached, he cried out,--"The buffalo! the buffalo are coming!"
+
+"I said so!" exclaimed Yellow Wolf, springing up and rushing towards his
+horse.  We all followed his example, leaving Pierre and the Indians in
+charge of the camp.
+
+Yellow Wolf and his followers directed their course towards their lodges
+to obtain their bows and arrows; for, to show the confidence they placed
+in us, they had come without them.  As we came near, we saw, far to the
+north and north-west, the whole ground covered with a dark mass of
+shaggy monsters, tossing their heads and flourishing their tails, the
+ground literally trembling beneath their feet as they dashed on towards
+us.  The course they were following would bring them directly down upon
+the camp.  We might as well have endeavoured to stop a cataract as to
+have tried to turn them aside.  Their sudden appearance caused the
+greatest excitement and confusion in the camp.  The buffalo dancers, who
+had danced they were convinced to some purpose, having thrown off their
+masquerading dresses, were rushing here and there to obtain their arms
+and catch their horses.  Before, however, the greater number were ready
+for the encounter, the buffalo were in their midst; and, to the dismay
+of the inmates, charged right through the camp, capsizing wigwams,
+trampling over women and children, dashing through the fires, and
+crushing pots and pans.  Many of the brutes, however, paid dearly for
+their exploit; as the hunters, with shouts and shrieks, followed them
+up, shooting down some, spearing others, and ham-stringing the brutes
+right and left, who were too much astonished and confused at the
+unexpected reception they met with to escape.  I made my way to the
+chief's wigwam, which I was thankful to see still standing, and was just
+in time to shoot a buffalo charging at it with a force which would have
+upset a structure of ten times its stability.  As it was, the animal
+rolled over, close to the tent poles.  It was the first buffalo I had
+killed, and I was the prouder of the exploit as I had saved Charlie and
+the Flower of the Prairies from injury.  I saw the chief galloping after
+another buffalo charging an old warrior fallen to the ground, and who
+would, in another moment, have been transfixed by its horns, had not
+Yellow Wolf stuck his spear behind its shoulder so powerful a blow that
+the creature rolled over, not, however, without almost crushing the old
+man's legs.  The fierce onslaught made by the Indians on the herd at
+length divided it, some of the animals going off to the south-east,
+others to the south-west.  Greatly to our satisfaction they then passed
+by on either side of our camp, several of their number being brought
+down by Ben Folkard's and Pierre's unerring rifles, three also being
+killed by our Indian followers.  We, as well as the Indians, however,
+excited by the chase, still followed the buffaloes, although it seemed
+to me that we had already as much meat as the people could possibly
+consume.
+
+Away we went, the Indians pursuing the cows, which they had singled out,
+their flesh being of the most value, though they were much smaller than
+the bulls.  I confess, as they were all galloping along together, that I
+could scarcely distinguish one from the other.  I found myself at length
+alone, pursuing part of the herd which had turned away eastward.  I had
+managed to knock over two animals, and having again loaded made chase
+after a cow which had separated from her companions, I being determined
+to shoot her and then return.  For some time she gave me no chance, as,
+unless I could obtain a broadside shot, there was no use in firing.  My
+horse was beginning to get blown, but I urged him on with whip and spur,
+until at length I managed to get up to within a few paces, when rising
+in my stirrups I fired down upon the animal.  It seemed like the work of
+a moment, scarcely had I pulled the trigger than down dropped the
+buffalo, the bullet having broken her spine.  So rapid was the pace of
+my horse, that he was unable to stop himself.  He made an attempt,
+however, to spring over the buffalo, but his feet striking its body over
+he rolled sending me with my gun still grasped in my hand, flying to the
+opposite side, when down he came almost upon me.  At first I was seized
+with the dreadful idea that both my legs were broken, and I expected
+that my horse in his struggles would crush me still further, but the
+well-trained creature, recovering himself, rose to his feet without
+trampling upon me.  Fortunately my sword was not broken, nor thrown out
+of the scabbard.
+
+For some time I lay holding his bridle but unable to move.  I was far
+away from either of my companions and was much afraid that I should not
+be discovered.  The first thing I had to do was to try and get into my
+saddle; but, should I fail, dreadful might be my fate.  My horse might
+perhaps make his way into camp, and by his appearance show that some
+accident had happened to me.  I had a pocketbook and tore out a leaf and
+wrote--"Lying on the ground with both legs broken, to the eastward of
+the camp," and signed it, "Tom Rushforth."
+
+I endeavoured to reach one of my stirrups to which I intended to fasten
+the paper and then to set my horse at liberty.  Before doing so,
+however, I thought I would examine my legs and ascertain if they were
+really broken.  On feeling the bones, to my infinite satisfaction I
+could discover no fracture, though they pained me greatly.  I
+accordingly tried and succeeded in getting up; and, although I do not
+think I could have walked a yard, I managed to scramble into my saddle
+with my gun.  I then, having thrown down a handkerchief to mark the cow
+I had shot as my own put my horse's head, as I supposed, in the
+direction of the camp.
+
+I was anxious to get back as soon as possible, but the pain of riding
+fast was greater than I could bear, and I was compelled to make my horse
+walk at a pace not suited to his fancy.
+
+I could still see the buffalo scampering over the prairie, moving off to
+the southward, and I concluded that they would be miles away before the
+end of the day.  I looked round for any friends, but not a horseman
+could I discover.
+
+The weather had been bright during the early part of the day, but clouds
+were now drifting rapidly over the sky, and I continued riding on
+towards the north-west until the sun became totally obscured.  I still
+believed that I could direct my course right.  To trot was unbearable,
+but I thought that I might venture on a gallop; the movement, however,
+caused me so much pain that I was compelled again to pull up.  In rain
+my eyes ranged over the wide extent of the prairie, in search of the
+wigwams of our Indian friends.  For some time I guided myself by the
+wind, but that also shifted and fell light, so that I was unable to
+steer by it.  I could distinguish the trail of the buffalo, by the tall
+grass which they had trampled down; but that did not serve to guide me,
+for it seemed to bend in all directions, though I have no doubt it would
+have served an Indian perfectly.  I arrived at length at the unpleasant
+conclusion, that I had lost myself; still, could I but get a gleam of
+sunshine, or see the distant hills, I might, I hoped, ascertain what
+direction to take.
+
+Had I not been so severely injured, I should not have cared so much; for
+having just before taken a good meal, I could have gone without food
+until the following day.  I felt sure that my friends would come to
+search for me, but it might be long before I should be discovered, and
+the pain I suffered warned me of the importance of getting into camp as
+soon as possible.
+
+My rifle was loaded, and I fired it off two or three times, hoping that
+the sound might be heard.  I listened eagerly expecting a reply.  A
+perfect silence, however, reigned over the vast plain.  At length I
+became seriously anxious about my safety.  I was still convinced that I
+was riding towards the west, and I pushed on.  From the feeling in my
+legs, I fancied they must have swelled to twice their natural size, but
+on looking down they appeared as usual.  The pain caused my spirits to
+sink, and all sorts of gloomy thoughts passed through my mind.  Again
+and again I looked round.  At length I saw in the far distance, an
+object moving over the plain, which I at once conjectured was a
+horseman, though I could only distinguish the upper part of his body.  I
+turned my horse's head towards him, and raised my rifle in the air,
+hoping that he might perceive it.  As I got nearer, I saw, by the plume
+on his head, that he was an Indian, and I naturally concluded that he
+was either Yellow Wolf or one of his braves, or perhaps one of our own
+people.  I was somewhat surprised, however, when instead of coming on
+directly towards me, he turned to the right, and began to move on at a
+gallop over the ground.  I then perceived that his headdress was
+different to that of my friends, and that he carried a long shield and
+spear, as well as a bow and arrows.  I had just reached a slight knoll,
+on which I pulled up that I might the more carefully survey the
+stranger.  An attentive look at him convinced me that he was a
+Coomanche, one of the same people who had before attacked us, so that I
+knew I must treat him as an enemy rather than a friend.  Should I let
+him get near me, I felt pretty sure that, if he was a Coomanche, he
+would play me some treacherous trick.  I therefore unslung my rifle, and
+in a loud voice shouted to him to keep his distance.
+
+He heard me clearly enough, but instead of stopping galloping towards
+me, he threw himself on the side of his horse, and, before I could cover
+him with my rifle, I saw the head of an arrow projecting over his
+saddle.  To avoid it by retreating was impossible, so, bringing my rifle
+up to my shoulder, I gave a sudden jerk to my rein, which made my horse
+step back a few paces, and the arrow, aimed at my body, flew by in front
+of his nose.  I had refrained from firing.  The Coomanche, for such I
+concluded that he was, seeing that he was in my power--having shot
+another arrow which in his flurry, he was prevented aiming truly--
+galloped off to a distance.
+
+I now shouted to him, threatening to kill his horse, and advising him to
+take himself off.  He seemed doubtful, apparently, what to do.  He might
+have hoped, that, should I execute my threat, he might still bring me
+down with an arrow, and by mounting my steed make his escape; but he
+must have been well aware there are many chances in warfare, and that I
+might shoot him instead of his steed.  He might have guessed, by my not
+having fired, that I had my wits about me.  I of course narrowly watched
+his movements, and seeing him glance over his shoulder, the idea
+occurred to me, that he was expecting others of his tribe to appear, in
+which case I should have but little chance of escaping.
+
+At length he decided how to act.  Once more he made at me, shooting a
+couple of arrows in rapid succession.  One went through the sleeve of my
+coat; another struck the saddle, narrowly missing my legs, but did not
+pierce through the leather.
+
+He might have half-a-dozen more arrows in his hand, and it was necessary
+to be cautious.  As he circled round, I kept turning so as always to
+face him, when he was afraid of riding directly at me, for should he do
+so, he would he knew inevitably expose himself, and I should scarcely
+fail to miss him.  His object was, I concluded, to keep me employed
+until the arrival of his friends.  It would be folly to do as he wished.
+As long as I remained on the same spot, I could at any moment take a
+steady aim at him.  Though he was aware of this, he trusted to my not
+firing, for fear of being unarmed should he charge me.  At length he
+came so near, that I resolved not to lose the opportunity of knocking
+over his horse.  I aimed just behind the animal's shoulder, and must
+have shot it through the heart; for, giving one bound, it fell over
+dead.  The active Indian, however, in a moment extricating himself,
+leapt to his feet, and came bounding towards me.
+
+In a moment my trusty sword was out of its sheath, when, with a howl of
+disappointed rage, the Coomanche, seeing it uplifted to cut him down,
+turned tail and ran off as fast as his legs would carry him.  I
+immediately reloaded and should, I believe, have shot the Redskin also;
+but I had no wish to take the poor wretch's life, though, for my own
+safety, I determined to do so, should he again approach me.  At that
+moment, the sun coming out from behind a cloud, just above the horizon,
+shone on a distant peak, which I had remarked from our camp.  I had now
+no doubt as to the direction I should take.  In spite of the agony the
+movement caused me, I put my horse into a gallop, leaving my late
+antagonist to pursue his way unhindered, and steered my course towards
+the north-west, where I hoped before long to discover my friends.  The
+sun, however, sunk before I had seen either them or the Indian wigwams.
+Still the glow in the western sky guided me long after darkness had
+crept over the open prairie.  When that disappeared, I was again at a
+loss how to keep a straight course.  Throwing therefore the reins on my
+horse's neck, I trusted to his instinct to lead me aright.
+
+I had gone on for two hours in the darkness when, to my joy, I saw a
+bright light ahead.  It was that, I had little doubt, of our own camp
+fire.  I was not mistaken.  In a short time Dick's cheery voice welcomed
+me.  He and my other companions had become anxious at my non-appearance.
+I was almost falling from my horse, and could not have dismounted
+without assistance.  On telling them of my fight with the Coomanche,
+Pierre immediately sent off to tell our Indian friends of my suspicions
+that a party of their enemies were in the neighbourhood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIX.
+
+Being fully satisfied that the Shianees would prove friendly and
+staunch, we agreed to move our camp close to theirs, that we might the
+better be able to withstand any attack which the Coomanches might
+venture to make upon us.  I managed, with the assistance of my friends,
+to mount my horse so as to perform the short journey, though I suffered
+a considerable amount of pain.  We found Yellow Wolf and his braves
+seated in council, to decide on a plan of operations against the enemy.
+He expressed his gratitude for the warning I had given him, and
+complimented me on the victory I had obtained over the Coomanche brave.
+"Scouts have been sent out," he said, "to ascertain the position of the
+enemy, but as yet no information has been received of their
+whereabouts."  He suspected that they were very numerous, or they would
+not have ventured into that part of the country; but with our assistance
+he had no doubt about his being able to repel an attack.  Had his tribe
+been alone he would have moved westward to escape from them, as his
+object at present was to kill buffalo, and lay in a winter store of
+pemmican.
+
+There was little sleep for any of the party that night.  The Indians
+were preparing to set out on the war-path, while my companions sat up
+not knowing at what moment the Coomanches might burst upon us, and I was
+kept awake by the pain my legs continued to cause me.  Yellow Wolf, on
+seeing how much I suffered, sent his wife over with a supply of salves
+to doctor me.
+
+The night, however, passed away in quietness: and when the scouts
+returned in the morning they reported that they had been unable to
+discover any traces of an enemy.  We therefore remained in camp, both
+for my sake, and Charley's; while all hands were employed in
+manufacturing pemmican.  The rest, and the care bestowed upon me by the
+Flower of the Prairies, had so beneficial an effect that in the course
+of a couple of days I was myself again.
+
+I should have said that the Indians had brought in the meat from the cow
+and two bulls I had killed, having discovered them in the direction I
+had described.  The flesh of the buffaloes having by this time been cut
+up and turned into pemmican, no small portion having been eaten by the
+Indians, both they and we were ready to recommence our march.
+
+Just as we were about to start, a scout brought word that he had
+discovered a Coomanche trail, but being alone he was afraid to follow it
+up.  The chief rated him soundly for his cowardice, and declared his
+intention of setting out himself with one of his braves, to learn what
+he could from an inspection of the enemy's position, so as to be able as
+far as possible to judge of their intended movements.  I volunteered to
+accompany him.
+
+"There are few pale-faces from whom I would accept such an offer," he
+answered; "but you have shown so much courage and discretion, that I
+shall be glad of your company."
+
+I do not mean to say that he used these words, but it was something
+equivalent.  I thanked him for the compliment, which I modestly remarked
+was scarcely deserved.  Dick and Armitage strongly advised me not to go;
+but, having made the offer, I felt I should lose credit with the
+Redskins should I draw back.  We were to proceed with three mounted
+attendants, who were to take charge of our steeds as we drew near the
+enemy's camp, and we were then to go forward on foot.
+
+"We may have to run for our lives should we be discovered," said Yellow
+Wolf, as we rode along; "and unless you can depend upon your legs, it
+will be wise to remain with the horses."
+
+I replied that my object was to see the way of approaching an enemy's
+camp, and to get a sight of it, and that I felt sure I could run as fast
+as he could.  We accordingly continued on until we came upon the trail
+which the scout had discovered.  Yellow Wolf now proceeded more
+cautiously, it being of the greatest importance that the enemy should
+not discover us.  At length he announced his belief that we had got near
+the Coomanche camp.  We therefore left our horses in charge of the three
+Indians, and then continued in the direction we were before going on
+foot.  I observed that Yellow Wolf's eye ranged over the ground on
+either side, as well as ahead.  As I thought of the distance we had come
+since we left our horses, I began to repent somewhat of the task I had
+undertaken; however, I trusted to the sagacity of my companion, that we
+should not be detected, and that we should be able to retreat as we had
+advanced.  Yellow Wolf led, and his brave followed, I bringing up the
+rear.  My companions frequently stopped, and, bending their ears to the
+ground, listened for any sounds which might warn them they were reaching
+the Coomanche camp.  At first they walked upright, but now they bent
+down, taking advantage of any cover which offered.
+
+At length they stopped and whispered together, and Yellow Wolf told me
+to be more careful than ever.  Then again he and his companion moved on,
+until he made a sign to me to keep under cover, while they crept forward
+along the top of a bank, covered by bushes of wild roses.  I saw them
+eagerly stretching out their necks, so as to obtain a view beyond.  I
+crept after them, looking through the bushes, and could distinguish in
+the plain below a considerable band of warriors, some engaged in
+lighting fires, others in collecting wood, or preparing provisions,
+while their horses ranged round near at hand.
+
+It would have been a fine opportunity to take them by surprise, for a
+mounted party could have swept down upon them before they had time to
+catch their horses.  I have no doubt the Yellow Wolf thought the same
+thing, but neither he nor his companion uttered a word.
+
+After satisfying my curiosity, I crept back as cautiously as I had
+advanced; and the two Indians, who had surveyed the camp to their
+satisfaction, came after me.  We at once commenced a retreat in the same
+fashion as we had advanced, being quite as careful to conceal ourselves.
+Their great object was to escape detection, so that their enemies might
+not be aware that the position of their camp was known, and might
+continue as unprepared for the reception of a foe as they appeared to be
+at present.
+
+Not until we regained our horses, did the Yellow Wolf speak.  As we
+galloped along on our return, he told me that the Coomanches would
+remain at their present camp for a couple of days, and would then
+proceed to the north-west in the hopes of coming up with the herds of
+buffalo which were feeding in that direction.  How he knew this is more
+than I can say.  I asked him whether he intended to attack the
+Coomanches.
+
+He replied that he must hold a council with his braves, and that if they
+agreed to follow him, he proposed doing so the next morning in the hopes
+of catching his foes off their guard.  He inquired whether I and my
+friends would assist.  I replied that I could not give an answer without
+consulting them; that we had come to the country, not to make war on the
+Redskins, and that it was our practice to fight only when we were
+attacked.  This answer did not appear particularly to please him.  I
+said, however, that should he and his people be attacked, we would no
+doubt fulfil our promise in assisting them.
+
+"The pale-faces are wise," he remarked, "they fight only when they are
+obliged; that is the reason why red man go down and they live."
+
+Great excitement was produced in the camp by the news we brought, and
+without loss of time a council was held.  I told my friends what Yellow
+Wolf had said, but they decided at once not to assist him in attacking
+the Coomanche camp.  "We shall have quite enough to do in making our way
+through the country, without joining in quarrels not our own," observed
+Armitage.
+
+We waited with come anxiety, therefore, the result of our friends'
+deliberations.  At last Yellow Wolf came to our camp and announced that
+his braves were unanimous in their resolution of attacking the
+Coomanches; that they intended to set out that night so as to surprise
+them just before daybreak.  He invited us to accompany them; when Dick,
+getting up, made him a speech in true Indian fashion, expressing our
+gratitude for the treatment Charley and I had received from the "Flower
+of the Prairies," and our affection for him and his; but at the same
+time observing that we must decline to cut the throats of a number of
+people with whom we had no quarrel.
+
+The chief, who took our refusal very good-humouredly, asked if we would
+assist in guarding the camp and the women and children during his
+absence.  This request we could not well refuse, and we had therefore to
+agree to await his return, Dick telling him that we hoped he would come
+back victorious.
+
+This matter settled, he and his braves immediately set out; while we
+kept a strict watch on the camp, which we thought it more than probable
+might be attacked during the absence of the warriors whose departure
+their cunning enemies might have discovered.
+
+Although there were two or three alarms caused by a pack of coyotes
+which approached the camp, the morning broke without an enemy having
+been seen.  We had still many hours to wait the result of the battle.
+It was not until near the evening that a band of horsemen were seen
+approaching from the northeast.  They might be friends or they might be
+enemies.  We all hastened to our posts, old men and boys seizing their
+arms ready to fight if necessary.  As the horsemen drew nearer, the
+Indians uttered loud cries of satisfaction, for they were discovered to
+be their friends.  Still they came on slowly.  It appeared to me that
+their numbers were diminished.  Presently Yellow Wolf dashed forward
+bearing a couple of scalps at the end of his spear.  Other braves
+followed, several of them having the same gory trophies.  On getting up
+close to the camp, they halted to receive the congratulations of their
+friends.
+
+The old men and women then began to inquire for the relatives who were
+no longer among them.  The same answer was given to all, "He fell
+fighting bravely."  On hearing this, loud wails arose from those who had
+lost husbands, brothers, and sons.
+
+It was some time before we could learn from Yellow Wolf what had
+happened.  He had been entirely successful in surprising the Coomanche
+camp, but they had fought desperately and many of his braves fell before
+he had succeeded in putting his enemies to flight.  The scalps he had
+brought showed the number of slain on the other side.  Another day was
+lost, while our savage friends blackened their faces and mourned for the
+dead, after which they danced their hideous scalp-dance.  I was thankful
+that they had returned without prisoners; for I am certain they would
+have put them to death with all sorts of horrible tortures, even though
+we might have protested against so barbarous a custom.  They, however,
+managed to bring back one of their people desperately wounded, with two
+arrows and a bullet through his body.  It seemed surprising that he
+could have lived so long.  It was, however, evident to us that he was
+dying; but his friends thought that he might be recovered by the efforts
+of one of their medicine-men, whose vocation we had not before
+discovered.  The patient was laid on the ground half-stripped, while the
+tribe sat round in a circle.  Presently, from out of one of the tents,
+the most grotesque figure I ever beheld made his appearance.  A huge
+wolf-skin cloak covered his back; on his head he wore a mask,
+representing the head of a wolf double the ordinary size.  Dried frogs
+and fish and snakes hung down from his neck, his whole body being
+concealed by skins.  In one hand he carried a spear, ornamented with a
+variety of coloured feathers and snakes twisting up it, and in the other
+a sort of tambourine, from which also were hung snakes and frog-skins.
+He advanced, making a series of jumps and uttering wild yells
+accompanied by the rattling of his magic drum until, entering the
+circle, he approached his patient.  He then began to dance round him,
+striking and rattling his drum, shrieking and shouting; sometimes
+leaping over the wounded man, then shaking him from side to side.
+
+I watched the poor sufferer, who endured the fearful pain to which he
+was put without a groan, gazing at the hideous figure, the last sight he
+was destined to behold on earth; for in a short time his jaw fell, his
+eyes became fixed, and he was dead.  Still the conjurer, utterly
+unconscious of this, went on with his performance; until at length his
+eye falling on the body and perceiving what had occurred, he turned
+round and darted into his tent.  The Indians did not appear to be very
+much surprised, but I suppose fancied that they had done their best for
+their friend, and that their medicine-man had done all that he could do
+to save the life of the brave.
+
+As Charley was now sufficiently recovered to move, Armitage proposed
+that we should recommence our march, and we prepared accordingly.  Our
+new friends, however, were not so easily to be shaken off, and when they
+discovered our intentions, they made preparations to accompany us.
+
+I have not described their lodges.  They were of a conical form, the
+frame-work of straight long poles about twenty-five feet long.  This was
+first erected, when round it were stretched a number of well-dressed
+buffalo robes, sewn tightly together and perfectly water-proof.  The
+point where the ends of the poles protruded was left open to allow the
+smoke to escape.  On one side was the entrance closed by a door, also of
+buffalo hide.  The fire was made in the centre, immediately under the
+aperture.  In cold weather the Indians slept on buffalo rugs, with their
+feet towards the fire, and these rugs were rolled up during the day and
+placed at the back of the lodge.
+
+The women had all the work of putting up the lodges.  We watched the
+poor creatures taking them down again, rolling up the skins, and placing
+them on bars near the lower ends of the poles, which trailed on the
+ground, the upper ends being secured half on each side of the horses.
+The young squaws and children were mounted on the horses, while the
+older had to toil along on foot often with loads on their backs.
+Besides horses, our friends had a number of dogs which were employed in
+drawing loads on small sledges, and very hard work they must have found
+it in summer.  They had also other dogs of a smaller species which were
+reserved for food when buffalo meat was not to be obtained.
+
+For three days we travelled on in their company, when the scouts brought
+word that a large herd of buffaloes were feeding a few leagues off to
+the southwest.  Our friends immediately encamped and prepared to set off
+in chase, trusting that the Coomanches, after the signal defeat they had
+received, would not attack them.  We should have been glad of an excuse
+for separating from our friends; but as we wished to see more of their
+mode of hunting the buffalo, we agreed to accompany them.  Charley, I
+was glad to see, was as well able to sit his horse as before, and he
+declared that he was ready to undergo any amount of fatigue.  According
+to our custom, we kept as much together as possible; but we endeavoured
+not to show that we doubted the honest intentions of the Indians.
+
+Occasionally the Yellow Wolf, getting off his horse, put his ear to the
+ground to listen, as he said "for the feet of the buffalo."
+
+At length, quickly mounting, he exclaimed that he heard them and that we
+should soon come in sight of the herd.  We therefore pushed rapidly
+forward; and, reaching the top of a slight rising, we saw a large number
+of black dots scattered over the plain.  To the right, on one side of
+where the buffalo were feeding, was a smaller elevation to that on which
+we were posted.  Guided by the chief we made towards it.  On reaching
+the further or western side, the chief advised that we should dismount,
+saying that he wished to attack the buffalo in a way often adopted by
+his people before charging in among them on horseback.  We of course
+agreed, anxious to see the method he spoke of.
+
+The Indians had brought with them several wolfskins with the heads and
+tails.  Creeping up the hill, over the brow of which we looked to watch
+what was going forward, we saw them put the skins on their backs, and
+take their bows and a quantity of arrows in their hands, so that at a
+distance they much resembled wolves.  On they went, whenever shelter
+could be obtained, running rapidly forward, but as they got on the open
+plain again bending down and creeping on all fours.  Whenever they saw
+the shaggy beasts looking at them, they stopped and seemed to be engaged
+with something on the ground, as if they had no intention of approaching
+the herd.  When the buffaloes went on feeding they again advanced.
+
+Were the buffaloes sharp-sighted animals they might have discovered
+their foes; but their hair covering their eyes prevents them from seeing
+clearly.  The hunters got closer and closer.
+
+Having selected the fattest animal in sight, presently one, rising for a
+moment, let fly his arrow, which entered the breast of a buffalo near
+him.  The animal, after running for a few paces, dropped without
+disturbing the rest, who seemed to fancy that their companion had merely
+lain down on the ground.  Each of the other Indians did the same, and,
+without taking any notice of the beasts they had killed, continued their
+course, shooting arrow after arrow, until upwards of a dozen buffaloes
+had bit the ground.
+
+It is only, however, when the bison are quietly feeding that they can be
+approached in this way.  When they are on the move, they keep their eyes
+about them, and a man on foot can with difficulty get near.  The
+disguised hunters would probably have killed many more, but that for
+some reason or other the herd began to move on.  The moment the chief
+observed this he called to us and the others to come forward; and away
+we dashed after the herd, which, alarmed at the sound of the horses'
+hoofs, rushed on, every instant increasing their speed.  As before all
+was silence and quiet, now the air was rent with a confusion of sounds--
+the tramp of the bisons and the pursuing horses, the shouts and cries of
+the hunters as they dashed forward in chase.
+
+We let them take the lead for some time, to see their mode of
+proceeding.  We remarked especially the force and precision with which,
+while going at full gallop, they let fly their arrows, always aiming
+behind the shoulders of the shaggy beasts.  They took good care never to
+head them, while they kept at a sufficient distance to have room to
+avoid the fierce charges the terror-stricken bisons occasionally made.
+
+After they had shot a considerable number, we who had hitherto kept in
+the rear gave our horses the rein and were soon up with the herd.
+
+Armitage and Story were in their glory, and upheld the honour of the
+white man by each shooting three buffaloes, while Dick and I killed two.
+I saw Charley shoot down one in very good style, and then pursue
+another which he had made up his mind to overtake.  I was on the point
+of following him, when my horse stumbled in a hole and threw me over its
+head.  I quickly recovered my feet and was about to remount, my steed
+appearing none the worse for its fall, when I saw a huge buffalo dashing
+up with the intention of tossing me into the air.  I had barely time to
+spring into my saddle and to get a few paces off, when the buffalo's
+horns pierced the ground at the very spot where I had been standing.
+Disappointed at not finding me, he looked about and again lowered his
+head to charge.  Flight was my only resource; so off I galloped, hoping
+to get to such a distance from the brute as would allow me time to
+reload and again to face him.  I succeeded better than I expected; and
+at length, wheeling round my horse who stood stock-still, I fired and
+brought the buffalo to the ground.  In the meantime the rest of the herd
+galloped off followed by the hunters, who were now a long distance away,
+so far indeed as to make it impossible for me to overtake them.  Well
+satisfied with my performance, I cut out the tongue of the last animal I
+had killed and directed my course back to the camp, stopping on my way
+to extract the tongues of the two other bisons I had killed.  I was soon
+overtaken by Dick, who had also turned back.  He said that the rest of
+our party had gone on with the Indians, in pursuit of the herd.
+
+He regretted that Charley had not returned with us, as he would be
+overcome with fatigue by so long a ride.  We employed ourselves in
+lighting a fire and getting supper ready for our friends.  At last
+Armitage and Story came in, but Charley did not make his appearance.
+
+"He'll return soon," said Dick.  "Let me consider, when did I see him
+last?  I cannot quite recollect, but I remember that he was following a
+buffalo; and I had no doubt that he shot the brute, and fully expected
+to see him here."
+
+We waited, but we waited in vain.  At last we applied to our Indian
+friends, but they were revelling in buffalo meat, and were not disposed
+to set out in search of Charley; promising, however, to go in the
+morning should the young pale-face not have returned by that time.
+
+I am afraid to say how much buffalo meat the savages consumed before
+daybreak, for they sat up nearly all night eating, and had their enemies
+pounced down upon them they would have made but a poor defence, I
+suspect.
+
+When morning came they excused themselves from going in search of
+Charley, saying that they must bring in the buffalo meat they had
+killed.
+
+We therefore had to set off alone, not a little disgusted at their
+behaviour.  We bade them, however, a friendly farewell, saying that the
+life of one of our party was more precious to us than all the buffalo
+meat in the world.  We however took with us the tongues and other
+portions of the animals we had killed, so that we had abundance of
+provisions which would last us until we could obtain venison or fall in
+with another herd of buffalo.
+
+Though we made diligent search, with the assistance of old Folkard and
+the Indians engaged by Armitage, we failed to discover Charley's trail;
+and we felt more out of spirits when we encamped that evening than we
+had done during the whole of our expedition.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN.
+
+Several days were spent in a vain search for Charley.  Armitage and
+
+
+Story said they feared that he must either have been killed by a
+buffalo, and his body devoured by wolves; or that he had been carried
+away by some small party of Indians who had been watching us, and had
+captured him, though afraid to attack our camp.
+
+Both Dick and I, however, could not bring ourselves to believe that he
+was dead.  We were glad to find that old Folkard was of our opinion.  He
+had known men, he said, who had wandered away from camp and been absent
+several weeks before they were found or managed to make their way back
+themselves.  Charley had a good supply of ammunition, and being a fair
+shot, would be able to procure food.  We begged Armitage and Dick to
+remain in the locality some time longer.  This they consented to do.  We
+were now in the neighbourhood of the Rocky Mountains, where they might
+obtain a variety of sport, so that they had no cause to complain of
+their detention.  My thoughts, as well as Dick's, were entirely occupied
+by Charley, and we could take no interest in hunting.  We, however, did
+our duty in trying to supply the camp with game.
+
+The chief part of our time was taken up in scouring the country in the
+hopes of discovering our young friend, or ascertaining the cause of his
+death.
+
+At length the old trapper bade us farewell, saying that he should strike
+away north, to a district where beavers abounded, for he could no longer
+spend his time in comparative idleness.  We were sorry to lose him, for
+he was a capital companion, especially round the camp fire, when he
+indulged us in his quaint way with his numberless adventures and
+hair-breadth escapes, sufficient to make the hair of my old uncle, the
+Alderman, stand out from his head.
+
+Day after day went by.  When we met Pierre and the Indians who had
+assisted us in the search, the same reply alone was forthcoming.
+
+"You see, it is hopeless," said Jack to Dick Buntin.  "Your young friend
+must have lost his life.  I am very sorry, but we must be moving
+westward.  It won't do to detain Armitage longer.  He is very
+good-natured, but from what he said to me yesterday, he will be starting
+away without us.  He requires action.  He is not happy, I suspect, from
+something which took place between him and Ellen Hargrave, so that we
+must decide what to do."
+
+Dick pleaded hard for another day, still persisting in his belief that
+we should find Charley.  Our Indian friends had promised should they
+discover any traces of him to send us word, but nothing had been heard
+from them.
+
+Dick and I had made a longer expedition than usual, and returned so
+tired, that the next morning we were utterly unable to set out.  A day's
+rest would, however, we thought, restore our strength.  Towards the
+evening, while the remainder of the party were still away, Dick walked
+to a shady spot some distance from the camp, taking a large buffalo robe
+to lie upon, with a book, his pipe and gun.
+
+One of the Indians who had remained with us, had meantime made up a
+fire.  I saw at length by my watch, that it was time to prepare for
+supper, and as Dick still acted as cook, I sent the Indian to summon
+him.  The man had not gone long, when I heard him shout.  Fearing that
+something was the matter, I hurried forward, when what was my dismay to
+see a huge grizzly standing on its hind legs, as if about to make its
+last fatal spring, close to Dick, who had no weapon in his hand with
+which to defend himself.  I had brought my gun, but dared not fire for
+fear of killing my friend instead of the bear.  Dick, however, seemed in
+no way dismayed, and as I got a little nearer, I saw that he held a
+large buffalo robe in both his hands.  The Indian and I shouted in the
+hopes of distracting Bruin's attention.  Our cries were responded to by
+Armitage and Story, who at that moment providentially made their
+appearance.  Still none of us dared to fire, though we approached nearer
+and nearer, hoping that the bear would postpone his spring until we
+could get near enough to shoot him through the head without injuring our
+friend.  Presently the bear growling savagely, indicative of his
+intention to seize his victim, began to advance; when Dick, who had
+never for a moment withdrawn his eyes from the monster, in an instant
+threw the cloak over its head.  He then springing back, ran off as hard
+as his legs could carry him, his example being imitated by the Indians.
+The bear in its struggles drew the cloak close over its eyes, when I
+fired and over it rolled with its legs in the air.  Still it was not
+dead, and might at any moment be up again; and, more savage than ever
+from its wound, would be certain to attack us fiercely.
+
+Armitage and Story, making their way through the brushwood, had now got
+near enough to fire.  They pulled their triggers at the same moment,
+while I quickly reloaded.  It was fortunate that I did so, for
+notwithstanding its wounds, the bear, suddenly regaining its feet, made
+a dash at me who was nearest to it, and in another instant I should have
+been torn by its tremendous claws, when I fired and to my infinite
+satisfaction it again rolled over and, giving another convulsive
+struggle, lay dead.
+
+Dick thanked us for our timely assistance, and promised that he would
+never as long as he lived go to sleep away from the camp in a region
+infested by grizzlies.
+
+This was the first we had seen for some time, and the adventure was a
+caution to us to look out for them in future.  With great reluctance on
+the part of Dick and me, we once more packed up and moved westward;
+still we did not abandon all hope that we should find our young friend.
+I, however, had lost the interest I had before felt in hunting, and
+would rather have gone back and contented myself with less exciting
+sport in one of the eastern states.  As things turned out, it would have
+been better for all of us had we done so.
+
+We made a good show as we rode over the prairie, with our baggage mules,
+our led horses, mounted Indians, our Canadian guide and our four selves;
+so that no ordinary band of Redskins was likely to attack our party,
+unless they could take us by surprise, and against that it was our
+constant care effectually to guard by keeping a bright look-out during
+the day, and a careful watch over the camp at night.  Our Indians knew
+very well that they would be the first victims should we be attacked.
+
+We were sure, in the neighbourhood of the Rocky Mountains which we had
+now reached, to fall in with big-horns, elks and antelopes, as well as
+buffalo in the lower ground.  We accordingly encamped in a beautiful
+spot with the lofty mountains rising above us, while below extended the
+prairie far away to the horizon.  I must not stop to describe our
+various adventures.  Dick continued indifferent to sport, but
+occasionally went out with me; while Armitage and Story shot together,
+and never returned without a big-horn or two, or an elk.  One day they
+appeared leading or rather dragging along what looked like a mass of
+shaggy fur of a tawny colour.  As they approached, I saw that their
+captive was a young bear, with its head thoroughly covered up with the
+skin of another animal of the same description.  They were laughing
+heartily, and every now and then springing forward to avoid the rushes
+made at them by the little creature.  On finding all its efforts vain,
+it at length stopped, and refused to move.  They told me that they had
+shot the mother and then one of her cubs; that the other refusing to
+leave the body of its parent, they had time to take off the skin from
+the cub they had killed and had adroitly thrown it over the head of its
+brother, and that having a coil of rope they had managed to secure it.
+We hoped to tame our captive, but the moment the skin was taken off its
+head, darting at Jack, it gave him a severe bite in the leg, and nearly
+treated Armitage in the same manner, but fortunately he had a thick
+stick with which he gave the little brute so severe a blow on the nose,
+that it lay down, as we thought, in the sulks.  We managed to tether it
+in a way effectually to prevent its escape, but the next morning we
+found, to our disappointment, that it was dead.  The skins of the two
+animals were beautiful, their fur being very thick and long, and of a
+brown colour, with a stripe of darker hue along the back.
+
+Next day our friends having again set out, I was endeavouring to
+persuade Dick to accompany me in another direction, when one of the
+Indians brought word that a herd of buffalo were feeding in the plain
+below.  I should have said that the country was beautiful in the
+extreme, with thick woods of cedar and rhododendron covering it in all
+directions.  The forests were, however, easily traversed, as paths were
+made through them by the buffalo and elk, who following each other's
+footsteps, had opened up bridle roads to all points of the compass.
+Feeling ashamed of not adding something to our store of provisions, when
+Dick declined accompanying me on the plea of not being up to work, I
+mounted my horse, and set off alone, hoping to shoot a buffalo before
+going far.  I soon came in sight of a couple of herds, one of cows and
+another of bulls.  Most of the former were followed by calves and were
+out of condition, but seeing some fat animals among them, I made chase.
+When the cows began to run they were joined by the bulls, and the whole
+set off together, scampering along at a tremendous rate.  I kept the fat
+cows in sight, however, as away they went.  Lightly built and more
+active than the bulls, they took the lead.  At length I was getting up
+with one of the former which I had singled out, when a big bull, blown
+by his unusual exercise, halted just between me and the cow, and
+lowering his head prepared to charge, when his horns would in an instant
+have ripped open the breast of my noble steed.  As I saw it about to
+charge, a thought occurred to me.  Holding my gun in my left hand, and
+giving my horse the rein, I bestowed a tremendous cut with my heavy
+riding-whip on his flanks, which made him spring to a height sufficient
+to have cleared a five-barred gate; and when the bull rushed forward,
+over its back he went, clearing it in the most beautiful style, his
+hinder feet just grazing its shaggy hair.  The next moment, instead of
+being rolled over on the ground, I found myself (though without my hat)
+safe on the other side; while the bull, not knowing what had become of
+me, dashed forward bellowing loudly in an opposite direction.  A few
+more strides brought me close to the cow, when standing up in my
+stirrups I fired, and the animal instantly rolled over dead.  I at once
+reloaded, and made chase after another, which I was also fortunate
+enough to kill.  The rest of the herd made their escape.  Satisfied with
+the result of my hunt, I dismounted and took possession of the tongues
+and marrow-bones, as well as some portions of the meat, intending to
+send the Indians back for the remainder, should the carcases have
+escaped the scent of the wolves.  The buffalo meat was highly
+appreciated; indeed we lived like fighting cocks, and had every reason
+to expect to do so while we remained in that region.  Pierre, however,
+advised that we should proceed, as some bands of hostile Indians were
+sure, before long, to find out that we were in the neighbourhood, and
+would take an opportunity of cutting us off when separated from each
+other should they not venture to attack our camp.  Armitage and Jack
+were, however, inclined to laugh at Pierre's warnings.  Jack too, who
+found his leg suffering from the bite that the little bear had given
+him, was disinclined to take a long journey.  Dick, who had warned him
+from the first not to neglect the wound, took him under his care and
+insisted on his remaining quietly in camp for two or three days until he
+was well again.  We employed the time in cleaning our arms, repairing
+our harness and clothes, and performing several other tasks such as the
+wear and tear of a hunter's life from time to time renders necessary.
+We had long discussions in camp as to what course we should pursue,
+Pierre advising that we should strike northward, and then take one of
+the passes through the Rocky Mountains generally followed by the
+emigrants to California.
+
+Several days had passed away.  Story was quite recovered, and we were
+once more encamped, not much to Pierre's satisfaction, he declaring that
+we were still in a dangerous region, frequently visited by Apaches and
+other roving tribes, the deadly enemies of the pale-faces.  Armitage and
+
+
+Story only laughed at his warnings, and even Dick felt much inclined to
+agree with them.
+
+We had, as before, proceeded in three parties, one of the Indians having
+accompanied Armitage, and Jack and three others going with Pierre, while
+the rest remained with Dick and me in camp.  Evening was approaching,
+and none of our friends had returned.  Dick had sent out one of the
+Indians to see if they were coming, while he and I prepared the supper.
+In a short time the scout returned with a long face.  He had caught
+sight, he said, of a large party of strange Redskins; who, not knowing
+that they were discovered, were making their way in the direction of our
+camp, evidently endeavouring to keep themselves concealed.  He advised
+that we should gallop off on our horses, and leave our baggage and the
+other animals to their fate, as it would be impossible to defend the
+camp against so overwhelming a force.  To this neither Dick nor I was
+inclined to agree, though of course it made us anxious for the arrival
+of our friends, when we hoped, by showing a bold front, to drive back
+the enemy.
+
+We at once brought in our horses and mules, and tethered them in the
+rear of the camp; then calling on our Indians to assist us, we felled a
+couple of trees, which we placed so as to form a barricade in front.  It
+would afford us but a slight protection, but it was better than nothing.
+
+We now looked out with more anxiety than ever for our friends, for they
+certainly ought to have returned to the camp some time before this.  It
+was important not to be surprised, and knowing the stealthy way in which
+the savages were likely to approach, we were aware that any moment we
+might hear their fearful war-whoops, and find ourselves engaged in a
+desperate struggle for life.  To prevent this, Dick proposed sending out
+the Indians to scout and ascertain the exact position of the enemy.
+They went more willingly than I should have supposed; but I remembered
+not being very well satisfied with the expression of their countenances.
+Dick and I were thus left alone in camp.  To save ourselves from being
+shot down without warning, we took up our position behind the logs, with
+the spare rifles by our sides.  Here we sat, expecting every moment the
+return of our Indians.  We waited in vain.  Darkness was coming on.  Our
+position was indeed critical.  If the savages, as reported by the scout,
+were in the neighbourhood, at any moment they might be down upon us.  We
+now began to fear that our Indians had fallen into their hands.
+Perhaps, also, such might have been the fate of our friends.  We had
+been sitting thus for an hour or more, and had become very hungry, when
+Dick proposed going to the fire to obtain some venison which had lone
+been roasting there.  He brought it, and I need not say that it was
+devoured with considerable satisfaction.  "Another piece won't do us any
+harm," I observed, as I made my way towards the fire.  I was returning,
+when what was my dismay to see half-a-dozen dark forms leap over the
+barricade and place themselves between Dick and me.  I sprang towards
+our rifles, one of which Dick was in the act of grasping, to have a
+fight for life, when a savage knocking it out of his hand three others
+sprang upon him.  The remainder throwing themselves upon me, we were in
+an instant prisoners.  I fully expected the next moment to have my scalp
+taken off my head, and it was some satisfaction to find that it was
+allowed to remain on.
+
+"I hope the other fellows have escaped," said Dick; "we might, by giving
+a shout, warn them of their danger; and if Pierre joins them, they might
+manage to get hold of some of the horses."
+
+As he spoke, he shouted at the top of his voice, and I joined him,
+crying out--
+
+"Keep away from the camp!"
+
+No reply came.  The Indians, instead of trying to stop us, only laughed;
+and, from the voices we heard around, we knew there must be many more of
+them.
+
+Having bound our arms behind us, our captors sat themselves down to
+examine and consume the food we had provided for the rest of the party,
+and then proceeded to inspect the contents of our packs.  While they
+were thus employed, a shout was raised, and shortly after another, when
+several Indians appeared, dragging Armitage and Jack along with them.
+
+Still Pierre was at liberty; and we hoped that he might escape and give
+notice of our fate, or form some plan for our liberation.  Great,
+therefore, was our disappointment when he too, shortly afterwards, was
+brought into camp.  What had become of our Indians we could not tell.
+They had, we concluded, however, either been captured or deserted us.
+
+Our captors, after a long consultation, carried us all a short distance
+from the camp to a clump of trees, to the trunks of which they bound us
+in a way which made it impossible to move either our arms or legs, when,
+having thus tied us up, they returned to our camp to examine and divide
+the spoil.
+
+"We are in a bad case, I am afraid," said Armitage; "the savages have
+proved themselves more cunning than I had supposed, for they were upon
+Jack and me before we had time to lift our rifles to our shoulders."
+
+"We might try to bribe them to let us off," I observed.
+
+"Very little chance of their doing that; they'll help themselves to
+everything we possess, and won't trust to our promises," said Jack.
+
+"They have the ugly custom of torturing prisoners before they kill
+them," said Dick.  "I'm very glad Charley escaped our fate, poor fellow
+provided he hasn't met with a worse one."
+
+I made no remark, though I was thinking all the time of various plans.
+I was anxious to hear what Pierre would say.
+
+"Better tell them we English pale-faces," he observed at last; "dey kill
+us if dey like; but if dey do, our great Queen hunt up every man jack of
+dem, and hang dem."
+
+I was very much inclined to agree with Pierre that our best chance of
+escaping was to make the savages understand that we belonged to the
+palefaces over the frontier, of whom they might possibly have heard, and
+that our Sovereign always punished those who injured her subjects.
+
+The savages, however, at present, gave us no opportunity of addressing
+them; but we could see them unpacking our valises, pulling to pieces out
+well-made-up packs, overhauling our cooking utensils, apparently
+appropriating various articles, not, however, without a considerable
+amount of talking and gesticulation.  They then put on our buffalo meat
+and venison to cook, and began laughing and jeering at us as they ate
+it.  At length they discovered several packages which had before escaped
+their notice, having been hidden in the grass.  Among them was a case
+containing brandy; but as we kept it locked, it was some time before
+they managed to break it open with their axes.  On finding that it
+contained bottles, they raised a shout of joy; and one being forthwith
+opened by knocking off the neck, the savage who had performed the
+operation poured some of the contents down his throat.  Uttering a howl
+of satisfaction, he was about to take a second draught, when another
+seized it, and it was rapidly passed on, until it was empty.  Another
+and another bottle was treated in the same way, although the chief of
+the party appeared to be urging his followers to take no more for the
+present; but to this they evidently did not agree; and while his back
+was turned, two more bottles were abstracted.  On seeing this, he seized
+one of them, and poured no small part of the contents down his own
+throat, apparently fearing that his companions would drink it up and
+leave him none.  The result which was to be expected followed; but they
+had swallowed the liquor too rapidly to render them immediately
+helpless, though it excited their fiercest passions; and to our horror,
+getting on their legs, they drew their tomahawks and approached us with
+the evident intention of taking our lives.  Before, however, they had
+made many steps towards us, they sank to the ground; while others--with
+the bump of appropriativeness--took possession of all the goods within
+their reach.  This was seen by the more sanguinarily disposed of the
+party, who turned their rage towards their companions, and, rushing on
+them, attempted to retake the articles they considered theirs.  A
+fearful scuffle ensued: some, it appeared to us, were struck dead, or
+desperately wounded; but in the uncertain light afforded by the fire we
+could not exactly see what had happened.  We could only make out that
+the whole party were quickly stretched on the ground, the victors and
+the vanquished lying side by side, including the chief, who appeared to
+be as helpless as the rest.
+
+At length their shouts and groans were silenced.  Not a sound reached
+our ears.  Now was our opportunity; but in vain we endeavoured to break
+loose from our bonds.  The savages had fastened them too securely to
+enable us to liberate ourselves.  Dick made desperate efforts to reach
+with his mouth the rope which secured his arms.
+
+"If I could but once get my teeth to it, I would soon bite it through,"
+he exclaimed.
+
+But again and again he tried to no purpose.  We all followed his
+example, with the same result.  In the morning, the savages would too
+probably recover, and revenge themselves on our heads for the death of
+their companions whom they themselves had killed.  Hour after hour went
+by, and each brought us nearer to the moment that we must expect a
+fearful death.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT.
+
+We and the savage Redskins were both utterly helpless; they from being
+overcome by liquor, we from having our arms firmly bound to the trees.
+All the efforts we had made to liberate ourselves had only tended to
+draw more tightly the thongs; while we were left to contemplate the
+dreadful fate to which we were doomed as soon as the savages had
+recovered from the fumes of the spirits they had swallowed.  All sorts
+of horrible ideas passed through my mind.  Should a pack of wolves come
+to the camp, they might, helpless as we were, tear us to pieces, as well
+as the unconscious Indians.  It would be a worse fate than any the
+savages might inflict upon us.  Scarcely had the idea entered my brain,
+than the well-known howls and yelps of the animals I dreaded reached my
+ears.  Louder and louder they grew.  They were approaching the camp.  In
+a few minutes they would be upon us.  It was no fancy of my brain, for
+my companions heard them also.  Darkness prevented us from seeing each
+other's countenances; but I could distinguish Dick, who was nearest me,
+again making efforts to free himself, and he could not help crying out
+in desperation when he found himself foiled as before.  The wolves were
+close upon us, when presently we heard the tramp of a horse's feet, and
+one of our own animals, which either Armitage or Jack had been riding,
+and from whose back the Indians had neglected to remove the saddle
+dashed by, closely pursued by a pack of large wolves, who intent on the
+chase did not regard us.  I saw the head of an Indian lifted up for a
+moment, awakened to partial consciousness by the yelping of the wolves
+and the tramp of the horse; but perhaps the savage fancied he was
+dreaming, for the next moment his head again sank to the ground.  We
+were preserved for the moment, but what would happen should the wolves
+succeed in pulling down and devouring the horse?  They would, to a
+certainty, return and attack us, as we had feared; or, even if they did
+not, the Indians would be recovering from their debauch.  I could only
+hope that they had not consumed all the liquor, and that the first to
+awaken would take another pull at the bottles.  In spite of our fearful
+position, a drowsiness began to steal over me, produced perhaps by
+exhaustion.  I even now do not like to think of those dreadful hours,
+when my mind dwelt on the various tortures the savages were wont to
+inflict on their helpless prisoners.  I fully expected that arrows would
+be shot at my limbs while all vital parts were avoided; to have my flesh
+burnt with hot irons; to be scalped; to suffer the most lingering and
+painful of deaths.  In vain I tried to banish such thoughts, and to
+encourage the stupor stealing over me.  At length I had almost
+succeeded, though I was not really asleep, when I heard a voice whisper
+in my ear, "Do not move or speak when you find the thongs cut."
+
+The next instant I was free.  The darkness prevented me seeing clearly
+what was happening to my companions, but I could distinguish a figure
+stealing along the ground, and appearing behind each of them.
+
+"Now friends! you have your choice, either to cut the throats of the
+Redskins as they lie, or to catch the horses and put a wide space
+between them and yourselves before daybreak," said a voice which I
+recognised as that of old Folkard--"don't trust those villains, they may
+not be as fast asleep as you fancy.  If they hear you moving they may be
+on their feet again before you have had time to pass your knives across
+their throats."
+
+"Savages as they are, I would not for one moment dream of killing them,
+whatever they intended to do to us," said Jack.
+
+Armitage and Story agreed with him, as did I.  We therefore at once
+resolved to steal off as soon as we had recovered our rifles, the only
+weapons of which we had been deprived; and though they were close to
+where our captors were sleeping, they might easily be reached.  Our plan
+was then to try and get hold of our horses, and when they were secured
+we might recover the remainder of our property and deprive the Indians
+of their arms.  We should thus teach them a lesson of mercy; for when
+they recovered their senses they could not fail to see how completely
+they had been in our power, and that we might have put the whole of them
+to death had we been so disposed.
+
+The old trapper volunteered to manage the most dangerous part of the
+undertaking, that of recovering our rifles.  Telling us to remain where
+we were, apparently still bound to the trees, he crept forward on hands
+and knees, disappearing in the surrounding gloom.  Not a sound did we
+hear until he came back, carrying in either hand a rifle, which he
+placed at our feet.  He then made a second trip, which was as successful
+as the first; but the Indians' spears and several of our spare rifles
+had still to be obtained.  He went very cautiously to work, for he was
+evidently not at all confident that one of the Indians might not awake.
+I would gladly have assisted him, had he not urged us to remain quiet.
+I felt greatly relieved when he at length returned with the last rifles.
+
+"But we want our saddles!" whispered Dick.
+
+I told Folkard where to find them.
+
+"You shall have them," he answered, and again set off.  I much feared
+that he might be discovered, as he would have to go into the camp
+itself, and the slightest sound might awaken our enemies.
+
+We waited and waited: again I felt a strong inclination to steal forward
+and assist him.  Just as I was about to do so, he reappeared bringing
+two saddles and bridles.
+
+Still it was of consequence, if we could manage it, to possess ourselves
+of the Indians' bows and spears.  I again offered to accompany the
+trapper.  He thought a moment.
+
+"It may be done," he said, "if you step cautiously, for they are more
+soundly asleep than I had supposed; but, if any of them should awake,
+you must be prepared to knock them on the head--our own safety will
+demand it."
+
+I agreed to this, hoping that the contingency might not arrive.  We set
+out and soon reached the camp.  So sound asleep did they appear, that I
+believe even had we trodden on them, they could not have been aroused.
+They lay where they had fallen in their drunken fits, in every variety
+of attitude.  We each possessed ourselves of two tomahawks for our
+defence, and all the bows we could find; and, carrying them under our
+arms, returned to our companions.  Folkard immediately cut the strings
+and broke off the ends of the bows.  We had thus far been more
+successful than we had anticipated.
+
+We now, having recovered our weapons and two saddles,--for the Indians
+had left the others on the backs of the horses,--glided behind the trees
+to which we had been bound, and stole off, cautiously following the
+footsteps of old Folkard, who led the way.
+
+"I left my horse down in the hollow yonder," said the trapper; "we will
+get him first, and then I'll try and help catch yours; they are not far
+off I suspect.  It will be daylight soon, and we have no time to lose."
+
+Several more minutes were spent before we reached the spot where old
+Folkard's horse was securely tethered.  He having mounted, we set out in
+search of our own steeds.
+
+"It is just possible that the Indians may have left one of their number
+to watch their horses as well as ours, and if so, it will be necessary
+to either capture or kill the man," said Dick.
+
+Unwilling as we were to put to death any of our savage enemies, even in
+our own defence, we saw the necessity of doing as Dick proposed.
+
+Greatly to our satisfaction, as we approached a glade, the whinny of a
+horse was heard, and Armitage's favourite steed came trotting up to him.
+We immediately put on its saddle and bridle.  Pierre's and mine were
+still wanting.  His had probably been torn to pieces by the wolves, but
+we still had a chance of getting mine.  I was almost in despair, when to
+my joy it came up, and I was quickly on its back.  Pierre was very
+unhappy at delaying us.
+
+At length old Folkard observed--
+
+"Jump up behind me, we'll soon catch a horse for you; the Indians had a
+lot of animals with them, and we'll take one of theirs if we can't find
+yours."
+
+By this time morning had dawned, and we had no longer any fear of
+encountering our enemies.  We rode on to where old Folkard told us he
+expected to find the horses.
+
+Surmounting a slight elevation, we soon caught sight of a score of
+animals, evidently those of the Indians.  To catch them was no easy
+matter, for just at the moment we appeared they seemed to be seized by a
+sudden panic, and began prancing and rearing in the strangest fashion.
+We dashed forward, and, as they saw us coming, off they started across
+the prairie at a rate which would have rendered pursuit utterly
+hopeless.
+
+We had now to settle what course to pursue.  Should we return to the
+camp and take possession of our property, or put as many miles as we
+could between ourselves and the Indians?
+
+On calculating, however, the quantity of liquor among our stores, we
+arrived at the conclusion that there was enough to keep the Indians
+drunk for another day or two, and that we should probably find them as
+helpless as before.  We accordingly kept our rifles ready for instant
+service, and rode towards our camp.  On our way we found our mules,
+which according to their usual custom had not mixed with the horses.
+Pierre mounted one of them, and led the rest.  The loud snores and
+perfect silence around where the Indians lay showed us that they had not
+recovered from their debauch.  While two of our party stood guard, ready
+to deal with any who might come to their senses, the rest of us loaded
+the mules with our goods, including two remaining bottles of spirits.
+
+Folkard proposed leaving these to prevent the enemy from pursuing us.
+"There is no fear of their doing that, for they have neither horses nor
+arms," observed Dick.  "They may consider themselves fortunate in
+escaping with their lives."  We could scarcely help laughing at the
+thought of their astonishment when, on coming to themselves, they should
+find how completely the tables had been turned: we hoped they would duly
+appreciate the mercy shown to them.  We now rode off, thankful for the
+happy termination of our adventure.
+
+We found that the old trapper had been very successful and wished to
+turn his steps eastward.
+
+"I should be glad of your company, friends," he said, "in the first
+place; and in the second I don't think it would be safe for you to
+remain in this region, as the rest of the tribe may consider themselves
+insulted, and, ungrateful for the mercy shown their people, may
+endeavour to cut you off.  When the Redskins have made up their minds to
+do a thing, they'll do it if they can, however long they may have to
+wait."
+
+We all agreed that, although not frightened by the Indians, we had had
+enough of fighting and hunting for the present.  We accordingly made up
+our minds to accompany old Folkard.  We felt that, in gratitude to him
+for having preserved our lives, we were bound to do as he wished.
+
+Having reached the spot where he had left his mules with his traps and
+peltries, we turned our horses' heads eastward.  As we rode along he
+told us that he had come upon our trail, and that soon afterwards he had
+fallen in with one which he knew must be made by an Indian war-party,
+and feeling sure that they intended us mischief he had followed them up.
+He had scarcely expected, however, to find us still alive; but having
+stolen up to the camp, he saw the state to which our liquor had
+fortunately reduced our captors, and had at once formed the plan for
+liberating us so happily carried out.  One of Dick's first questions was
+about Charley.  The old trapper replied that he had failed to hear of
+him; but he still held out hopes that our friend might have escaped, and
+that some well-disposed Indians might have spared his life, and taken
+care of him, hoping to induce him to join their tribe, according to a by
+no means unusual custom among them.
+
+This idea somewhat cheered up the worthy lieutenant's spirits, and made
+him unwilling to return eastward; still, as he could not remain by
+himself, he agreed to accompany us.  The journey appeared very long.
+For the first few days we pushed forward to get beyond the reach of the
+Indians, in case they should fall in with any of their tribe and venture
+to pursue us.  After this we were compelled, for the sake of our horses,
+to make more easy stages.  We had also to halt for the purpose of
+providing ourselves with meat; but as we shot only for the pot, that
+caused us no great delay.
+
+At last we reached Saint Louis, where we spent several months enjoying
+the hospitality of numerous friends to whom we had letters of
+introduction.  For a time we were looked upon as heroes on a small scale
+by society; but probably the hunters and trappers who frequent that city
+would have considered our adventures as every-day occurrences and
+scarcely worth talking about.
+
+Old Folkard, having disposed of his peltries, and obtained new traps and
+a fresh outfit, started westward in the course of a fortnight, declaring
+that he could not breathe among the bricks and mortar.  He promised that
+he would not fail to look out for Charley, for whose recovery, however,
+even Dick, by this time, had begun to despair.  We were beginning to get
+a little tired of civilised ways and to sigh for the wild life of the
+prairie, when Armitage received a letter calling him to New York to meet
+an agent.
+
+"I should like to continue the expedition I began with you," he said,
+"and I shall esteem it a favour if you will wait for my return; I shall
+not be longer than I can help."
+
+His request, made in so courteous a way, was not to be refused.  We all
+consented to stop.  Week after week went by, and Armitage was still
+delayed; but as we had remained so long, we agreed to wait until he
+returned, though our stay was double the length we intended.  We were
+employed in adding to our outfit such articles as, from our experience,
+we considered useful.  At length Armitage rejoined us, and we were once
+more _en route_.  From the way his Indians had behaved when it came to a
+pinch, he had resolved to take no more.  Besides Pierre, who was
+accompanied by another Canadian, we had a Yankee trapper yclept "Long
+Sam," who, according to his own showing, was likely to prove of far more
+value than half-a-dozen Indians.  He was ready for anything--to hunt on
+horseback, to shoot on foot, or to trap beavers.  We had been travelling
+on some time when Armitage began to talk of Tillydrone, and suggested
+that, as it was not far out of our way, it would be but courteous to pay
+a visit there and inquire after the family who had treated us so
+hospitably.  He said not a word, however, about Miss Hargrave, nor from
+the tone of his voice would anyone have suspected that he was thinking
+of her.
+
+When Long Sam heard us mention the place, he exclaimed--
+
+"Why, that's wha'r Praeger used to live, and it was burnt with mighty
+near the whole of the property when the forest caught fire last fall,
+though he and his family escaped.  I heard say that they were going to
+move westward, and they must be on their journey by this time, I guess."
+
+Armitage questioned and cross-questioned his informant, and seemed
+perfectly satisfied with his statement.  After this he expressed no
+further wish to visit Tillydrone.
+
+We had been travelling on for more than a month, when we once more found
+ourselves among the wild and grand scenery in the neighbourhood of the
+Rocky Mountains.  We encamped not far from a spot we had before
+occupied, where we knew an abundance of game was to be found.  This time
+we had determined that nothing should turn us back until the western
+coast was reached.  We were now enabled to detect the trails of animals
+as well as of men, an art indeed in which Pierre and Sam were equal to
+the Indians themselves.  As we had camped pretty early, we started in
+different directions, hoping to bring in a good supply of meat, of which
+our consumption was considerable, Long Sam declaring when really hungry,
+that he could eat half a buffalo at a sitting--I wonder he didn't say a
+whole one.  We had espied some big-horns on the rocky heights in the
+distance, and were making our way towards them, when Sam exclaimed--
+
+"A white man has passed this way, though those are the marks of
+moccasins, but no Indian treads in that fashion."
+
+I agreed with him, and soon afterwards we came upon a pool out of which
+a stream ran to the eastward.  Sam was not long before he ferreted out
+several beaver-traps, and, examining one of them, pronounced it of the
+best make, and belonging to a white trapper.  Of course we allowed it to
+remain unchanged.  We thought of old Folkard, but scarcely expected to
+fall in with him again.  We were making our way through a wood, along a
+ridge with a valley below us, when, looking through a gap in the trees,
+I caught sight of two persons, the one seated, supporting the head of
+another, who was stretched on the ground on his knees.  Though I was too
+far off to distinguish their features, I saw by the dress of one that he
+was a trapper, but could not make out the other.  On coming nearer,
+however, I recognised old Folkard; but who was the other?  His cheeks
+were hollow, his countenance haggard, and, though sunburnt, showed none
+of the hue of health.  A second glance, however, convinced me that he
+was Charley Fielding.  The old hunter was engaged in giving him some
+food, treating him as he would a helpless child.  They both recognised
+me, and Charley's eye brightened as he stretched out his hand to welcome
+me while I knelt by his side.
+
+"Where have you been?  How did you come here?"  I asked eagerly.
+
+"Don't trouble him with questions," said the old trapper; "he'll answer
+you better when he's had some broth.  I found him not long since pretty
+well at his last gasp.  I guess he has got away from some Redskins.  I
+always said he was carried off by them.  If I am right they are not
+likely to be far away.  We must be on the look-out not to be caught by
+them."
+
+Charley, though unable to speak, showed by the expression of his
+countenance that the old trapper had truly conjectured what had
+happened.
+
+We naturally, forgetting all about the big-horns, thought only of how we
+could best convey Charley to the camp.  As we had come over some
+excessively rough ground, it would be no easy matter to get him there.
+
+"Then go back to your friends, and get them to move camp up here," said
+the trapper; "by keeping along the lower ground, they can be here
+quickly, and it's a more secure spot, I guess, than where they are."
+
+I asked Long Sam, who now came up, to go back with a message to our
+friends, as I was unwilling to leave Charley.  This he agreed to do, and
+Folkard was glad to have me remain.  The food quickly revived Charley,
+when Folkard went off to fetch some water from a neighbouring spring.
+We then together carried him to the trapper's camp, which was not many
+paces off, though so securely hidden that even an Indian's eye could
+scarcely have detected it.
+
+This done, I looked out anxiously for the arrival of our friends.  The
+shades of evening were already extending far away over the lower ground.
+
+"They'll surely come!"  I said to myself.  Presently I caught sight of
+our party, and shouted to them to come on.
+
+Poor Dick burst into tears when he saw Charley, partly from joy at
+having found him, and partly from pity at his condition.
+
+It was some time before Charley could speak.  The first use he made of
+his returning strength, was to tell us that he had been captured by
+Indians, and kept a prisoner ever since,--exactly as old Folkard had
+supposed; that he was not as badly treated as he expected, but so
+strictly watched, that in spite of all the attempts he had made, he
+could not effect his escape until two days before, when he found that a
+war-party was about to set off to attack an emigrant train coming
+westward, of which they had just gained tidings.  While the braves were
+performing their war-dance to the admiration of the squaws, he had
+managed to slip out of camp unperceived, his intention being to warn the
+white men of their danger.  The train had been encamped some days, and
+it was not known how soon they would move forward.  He had hoped
+therefore to be in time, as the Indians would not venture to attack them
+while they remained stationary.
+
+On hearing this we were all eager to set out to the rescue of the white
+people.  Armitage especially was unusually excited, but to move at that
+time of night, with our horses already tired, the country also being of
+a somewhat rough description, was scarcely possible.  Old Folkard, as
+well as Pierre and Long Sam, was of opinion that we should gain time by
+waiting, as we might otherwise lose our way, or lame our animals over
+the rocky tract we should have to pass.  We arranged therefore to wait
+for daylight, and it was settled that the Canadian should remain with
+the old trapper to assist him in taking care of Charley, and looking
+after our baggage mules and spare horses.  The greater part of the night
+was spent in cleaning our rifles and pistols, as we expected to have use
+for them should we find that the emigrant train had moved on, and that
+the Indians had kept up their intention of attacking it.  We breakfasted
+before dawn so that we might ride if necessary several hours without
+food, and might be some distance on our way before the first streaks of
+the coming day should appear in the sky.
+
+Pierre and Long Sam, after a consultation, undertook to guide us, so
+that we might fall in with the usual track followed by emigrants, a
+short distance only to the northward of the place where we were
+encamped.  We felt somewhat anxious about leaving Charley in his present
+state, with so slender a guard.
+
+"Do not trouble yourselves about that," observed the old trapper.  "I'll
+keep a good look-out, and no Redskins are likely to come this way."
+
+As we rode on and daylight increased, we looked out eagerly for any
+smoke which might indicate a camp fire, but not the slightest wreath
+dimmed the clear sky.  Pierre and Long Sam both agreed that we were not
+far from the high road, and that we must soon come upon the track of the
+train if it had passed.  Not a quarter-of-an-hour after this, we saw--
+not a fire burning--but the remains of several, and all the signs of a
+train having halted on the spot.  We hastily rode over the ground, when
+Armitage, suddenly leaping from his horse, picked up a small object
+which he intently examined.  It was a lady's glove, such as the usual
+travellers by emigrant trains are not wont to wear.  He placed it in his
+pocket.
+
+"On, friends, on!" he cried; "if Charley's information is correct we
+have not a moment to lose.  Already the work of plunder and murder may
+have begun."
+
+We needed no further incitement to make us urge on our steeds.  Armitage
+and Long Sam, who were the best mounted of our party, leading, the
+latter being our guide.  The country was wooded so that we could not see
+far ahead.  Suddenly our guide turned to the left.
+
+"We will take a short cut for the waggons.  The road makes a bend here,"
+he observed.  "Maybe we shall find ourselves in front of the train.  No
+Redskins will venture to attack it when they see us."
+
+No sounds had hitherto reached our ears, but presently a shot was heard
+from a short distance off, then another and another.
+
+"On, on!" cried Armitage, and in a few minutes, through an opening in
+the forest, we caught sight of a large band of Indians rapidly
+descending the hill, while nearer to us there came the leading waggon of
+an emigrant train, the drivers of which were endeavouring to turn back
+their cattle as probably those following were attempting to do.
+
+From the shrieks and cries which arose, it seemed too likely that the
+Redskins had already attacked the travellers, and we knew well what
+quick work they would make of it should they have gained any advantage;
+so, digging spurs into our horses' flanks, we passed round the head of
+the train, and uttering a loud cheer as we did so to encourage the
+emigrants, we rode full tilt at the savages.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINE.
+
+As we rode round the head of the train, we saw to our sorrow that the
+Redskins had already fought their way to two of the centre waggons, the
+white men belonging to which were engaged in a fierce fight with them.
+Armitage took an anxious glance at the occupants of the leading waggon.
+
+"Who commands this train?" he asked eagerly of one of the drivers.
+
+The man, owing to the war-whoops of the savages, the shrieks of the
+women, and the shouts of his companion, did not perhaps hear the
+question, and there was no time to repeat it as we swooped by.  Already
+it appeared to us that the work of murder had commenced.  Two or three
+of the people lay on the ground, and while part of the Indians were
+fighting, some were engaged in attempting to drag off the female
+occupants of the waggon.  To prevent them succeeding in their desperate
+attempt was our first object.  Leaving the Indians we had intended to
+charge, we turned our horses and dashed forward towards the point where
+our services were most required.  The savages saw us coming, and most of
+them leaving the waggon, some leapt on their horses, while others
+attempted to defend themselves on foot.  Firing a volley from our rifles
+which brought several to the ground, we rushed at our foes.  Just then I
+saw, to my horror, an Indian, who by his dress appeared to be a chief,
+dragging off a female, a fair girl she seemed, whom he lifted on his
+horse.  In vain she struggled to free herself.  He was mounted on a
+powerful animal which he evidently had under perfect command.  Shouting
+to his followers he galloped off, while they stood their ground boldly.
+We dashed at them pistoling some and cutting down others; but not until
+half their number lay dead on the ground or desperately wounded did they
+attempt to escape; by which time the main body were almost up to us.
+Leaving the first to be dealt with by the emigrants who had rallied, we
+reloaded our rifles and charged the larger party of the enemy.  They
+received us with a shower of arrows, by which, wonderful as it seemed,
+none of us were wounded.  The odds, however, were fearfully against us;
+for the Indians fought bravely, and rapidly wheeling their horses
+attacked us now in front, now on our flanks, and we had to turn every
+instant to defend ourselves.  Several of their number had been shot.
+Dick and Armitage were wounded, and Pierre's horse was killed.  It was
+with the greatest difficulty that we defended him until he managed to
+make his escape towards the waggons.  I shouted to him to send some of
+the men to our assistance.  We in the meantime having fired our rifles
+and pistols had our swords alone to depend upon.  They served us well,
+and the Indians, as we approached, evidently showed their dread of them
+by endeavouring to get out of their reach as we flashed them round our
+heads.  Still, numbers might prevail, unless we could speedily compel
+the Indians to take to flight.
+
+In the meantime, what had become of the female I had seen carried off!
+I could not tell whether Armitage or the rest had witnessed the
+occurrence; but, whether or not, it would be impossible to attempt her
+rescue until we had defeated our present opponents.  If we could have
+retreated even to a short distance to reload our firearms, we would have
+done so, but our agile foes gave us no time.  I scarcely even dared to
+look round to ascertain if any help was coming; probably the emigrants
+had enough to do in keeping in check other parties of Indians who were
+threatening them.  The fight had not continued many minutes, though it
+seemed to me as many hours, when an Indian charged at Armitage with a
+long spear, the weapon pierced his side, and over rolled horse and man.
+Another savage was coming on to repeat the blow, when Long Sam, dashing
+up, cut down the first savage, and then engaged the second.  Our friend,
+notwithstanding, would speedily have been killed, had we not rallied
+round him and kept the enemy at bay; while, although evidently much
+hurt, he managed to regain his feet.
+
+Now deprived of two of our number, and having to defend Armitage as well
+as ourselves, we were nearly overpowered.  At any moment another of us
+might be wounded.  The Indians, seeing their advantage, retreated to a
+short distance, in order to make another fierce charge, the result of
+which would very probably have been our overthrow, when we heard a loud
+shout raised in our rear, and presently, with a wild war-cry of "Erin go
+bragh," a strange figure dashed by us, mounted on a powerful horse, with
+a target on one arm, and a broadsword flashing in his right hand.
+Several arrows were shot at him, but he caught them on his target, and
+dashed on unharmed.  The first Indian he attacked bit the dust; another
+made at him, the head of whose spear he lopped off with a single blow,
+and he then clove his opponent from the crown of the head to the neck.
+On seeing this, the Indians, crying out to each other, turned their
+horses' heads and attempted to escape.
+
+Their flight was expedited by several of the emigrants who, brought up
+by Pierre, fired a volley at them as they retreated.  On looking at the
+old warrior who had come so opportunely to our aid, what was my surprise
+to recognise Ben Folkard.
+
+The diversion thus made in our favour, had enabled the emigrants to form
+their waggons into a square, so as to be able to repel any further
+attacks of the Indians, who showed no disposition however to come on.
+Our first care was to commit Armitage--the most severely wounded of our
+party--to the charge of Pierre and the emigrants who had accompanied
+him.  Lifting him up between them, they carried him to the waggons.
+
+"I'm main sure that Mr Praeger will be grateful to the gentlemen," I
+heard one of the men say.
+
+As the man uttered the name, the thought flashed across me, "Could it
+have been one of his daughters, or Miss Hargrave, I had seen carried
+off?  Poor Armitage, how fearful would be his feelings should he find
+that his Ellen had disappeared.  As soon as I could, I turned to the old
+trapper and anxiously inquired what had become of Charley."
+
+"I left him in safe keeping," he answered, "but, finding from a
+companion of mine who rejoined me after you had gone that the Indians
+were about to attack the train in greater force than I had at first
+supposed, I resolved to come to your assistance."
+
+"You did well," observed Dick, who came up while he was speaking.  "Had
+it not been for your arrival, I suspect that one and all of us would
+have gone down, for those rascals pressed us hard."
+
+We had been proceeding towards a height which commanded a view in the
+direction our late opponents were supposed to have taken, and we were
+thankful to see them moving off, forming a more numerous body than we
+had at first supposed.  We accounted for this by concluding that, while
+one portion of the savages attacked the train, the others had remained
+concealed to act as a reserve should the first not succeed.  What had
+become of the female I had seen carried off, we could not ascertain.  We
+could nowhere distinguish her, but she might easily have been concealed
+from our sight if she were among the leading Indians.
+
+Our party, however, was too small to pursue the fugitives, with any
+chance of recovering her.  On reaching the camp formed by the train, we
+at once repaired to Mr Praeger's waggon.  We found him and his family
+almost overcome with grief and anxiety.  Two of his sons were severely
+wounded, and Miss Hargrave had disappeared.  My worst fears were
+realised.  She must have been the person I had seen carried off by the
+Indian chief.
+
+No one was certain as to the direction her captor had taken, for his
+followers immediately surrounded him, and they had retreated together.
+Three men of the emigrant party had been killed, and half a dozen more
+or less wounded.  They were full of gratitude to us for coming to their
+assistance; for they acknowledged, surprised as they had been, that
+every one of them might have been massacred had we not attacked the
+savages.  We on our part had to thank the trapper for his assistance.
+When, however, we looked round for him, he had disappeared, and some of
+the people said they had seen him galloping back in the direction from
+which he had come.  We guessed therefore that he had returned to take
+care of our friend Charley.  Poor Armitage had been placed in one of the
+waggons, and a surgeon who had accompanied the train was attending to
+his wounds.  He had not been told of what had happened to Miss Hargrave.
+
+We had now to consider what was next to be done.  Of course we all
+agreed that the first thing was to endeavour to recover the young lady.
+The leaders of the train, in consequence of having so many wounded among
+them, resolved to remain encamped where they were, as the neighbourhood
+afforded wood and water, with abundance of game, and they felt pretty
+confident that the Indians would not again venture to attack them.
+Pierre and Long Sam at once volunteered to visit old Folkard's camp, and
+to assist in bringing on Charley, should he, as we hoped would be the
+case, be in a fit state to be moved.  They also promised to consult the
+trapper, as his experience would be of value in forming a plan for the
+recovery of the young lady: that she had been killed, we none of us
+could bring ourselves to believe.
+
+All hands were now employed in strengthening the camp,--Dick, Story, and
+I, assisted our friends, working as hard as any one.  We were of use
+also in attending to poor Armitage.  I was afraid every moment that he
+would inquire for Miss Hargrave, for he would naturally wonder that she
+had not appeared.
+
+As may be supposed, we kept a very strict watch at night, while all the
+men lay down with their arms by their sides under the waggons, with the
+cattle placed in the centre of the square; but no Indians, we believed,
+came near us.
+
+As the morning advanced, I looked out eagerly for the arrival of
+Charley.  We were anxious to place him under the protection of our
+friends, and until Pierre and Long Sam came, we could take no steps for
+the recovery of Miss Hargrave.  We talked the subject over with Mr
+Praeger, who was naturally too much agitated to be able with sufficient
+calmness to design any feasible plan of operation.
+
+At length, greatly to our relief, soon after mid-day Pierre and Long Sam
+appeared with two other men, carrying Charley on a litter; while old
+Folkard and another trapper followed, leading the horses and laden
+mules.  Charley was much revived, and declared that he could have walked
+had his companions allowed him; but when he came to be placed on his
+feet, it was very evident that he could not have proceeded many yards by
+himself.
+
+No time was lost in holding a council round the camp fire, while the new
+arrivals ate the dinner provided for them.  Old Folkard advised that we
+should in the first place examine the neighbourhood of the camp, in
+order to try and discover the trail of Miss Hargrave's captor, for Long
+Sam was of opinion that, though he might have been accompanied by a few
+of his braves, he had not gone off with the larger body of Redskins.
+Charley, who listened attentively to all that was said, agreed with Long
+Sam; and, as he had been so long amongst the tribe, his opinion was of
+value.  He was certain that it was only a chief who was likely to have
+committed such an act, probably the younger brother of the head chief;
+who, Charley said, had frequently talked to him of the beauty of the
+pale faced women, and of his intention of obtaining one of them for his
+wife.  This had always greatly angered his elder brother, who had
+declared, should he bring a pale-face to their lodges, that he should be
+turned out of the tribe, and that she should be put to death.  Charley
+was certain, therefore, that Black Eagle--so the chief was called--would
+not return to his people; and that, should we be able to discover his
+trail, we should find him protected with only a small band, with whom it
+would not be difficult to deal.
+
+The first thing was to discover the trail, and Folkard, Long Sam, and
+Pierre set out for the purpose.  We, in the meantime, were engaged in
+organising the pursuing party, if so I may call it.  Dick, though
+wounded, made light of the matter, and insisted on going.  Folkard had
+offered to take all his people.  Besides Story and I, we had Pierre, and
+Long Sam, the Canadian, and two other men; making altogether a
+well-armed party of twelve, mostly experienced hunters and backwoodsmen,
+accustomed all their lives to encounters with the red men.
+
+Long Sam, who in his wanderings in South America had learned the use of
+the lasso, never went on an expedition without carrying a long coil of
+rope at his saddle bow; which he used, not only for catching horses, but
+for stopping the career of a wounded buffalo or deer; and he had, he
+asserted, made captives at different times of several Indians by whom he
+had been attacked, when they, approaching within the radius of his long
+line, were surprised to find themselves jerked to the ground and dragged
+along at a rate which rendered all resistance useless.
+
+It was late in the evening when the three trappers returned.  They had
+discovered a trail made by a small party, though they had been unable to
+decide whether it was that which had carried off the lady, until Long
+Sam, observing an object glittering on the ground, had, on picking it
+up, found it to be a golden locket, such as was not likely to have
+belonged to an Indian.  On showing it to Mr Praeger and his family,
+they at once recognised it as having been worn by Miss Hargrave, thus
+leaving us in no doubt on the subject.
+
+It was too late that night to follow up the trail, though every moment
+was precious.  We had to wait therefore, until about three hours before
+dawn; when, mounting our steeds, we rode forward under the guidance of
+old Folkard, expecting at daybreak to reach the spot where the locket
+had been found.  We agreed to breakfast there, and then to follow up the
+trail as soon as there was sufficient light to see it.
+
+We carried out our plan, and the rising sun saw us pushing eagerly
+forward, the trail being sufficiently marked to enable the practical
+eyes of our guides to detect it.
+
+To our surprise, instead of keeping to the right, as both old Folkard
+and Long Sam expected, it turned suddenly to the left, in the direction
+the main body had taken.
+
+"There's a reason for this," observed Folkard, after we had ridden some
+way.  "See, there was a message sent by the head chief to Black Eagle.
+Look, there is the trail of his horse, but whether the young chief
+joined the main body we shall know by and by."
+
+This information was a great disappointment, as it would render our
+enterprise far more difficult, for we should now have the whole tribe to
+deal with instead of a small party as we expected.
+
+We were not to be deterred, however, and rode forward as rapidly as the
+necessary examination of the trail would allow.  At last we had to halt
+and rest our horses, but we refrained from lighting a fire and ate our
+provisions cold.
+
+As soon as possible we again pushed forward, but darkness coming on we
+had again to camp.  Of course we did not light a fire, lest, should our
+enemies be in the neighbourhood, they might discover us.
+
+Our faithful attendants kept watch, insisting that Story and I should
+lie down and take the rest we so greatly needed.
+
+Next morning, instead of riding on together, Long Sam undertook to scout
+in advance, that we might not come suddenly upon the enemy, who it was
+believed could not be far ahead.  We were passing round a wood when
+presently we heard a shout, and directly afterwards caught sight of Long
+Sam galloping towards us followed by an Indian--evidently a chief, from
+his war plumes and gaily bedecked shield,--but as we got nearer we saw
+that a rope was round the Indian's body, and that he was attempting to
+free himself from it.  He was on the point of drawing his knife when, by
+a sudden jerk, Long Sam brought him to the ground.
+
+Folkard and Pierre, throwing themselves from their horses, rushed
+forward to seize him before he had regained his feet.  Pierre, with his
+knife in his hand, was about to plunge it into the heart of the Indian;
+but I shouted out to him to desist, and Long Sam drawing tight the
+lasso, the next instant dragged the Indian clear of his frightened
+steed, which galloped off leaving him utterly helpless.  Springing upon
+him, we then secured his arms by some leathern thongs, and removed the
+lasso from round his body.
+
+"He is Black Eagle, no doubt about that," cried old Folkard.  "What have
+you done with the lady you carried off?" he added in the Indian tongue.
+
+The prisoner refused to reply.
+
+"If the chief will tell us what we want to know, he shall live; but, if
+not, he must be prepared to die," said Long Sam.
+
+An expression of irresolution passed over the Indian's countenance.
+
+"I would that I could tell the pale-faces where she is to be found, but
+she has been taken from me; though, if they will restore me to liberty,
+I will endeavour to find her," he said at length.
+
+"If the chief speaks the truth, he will find the palefaces willing to
+grant him any favour he may ask," said Long Sam; then, turning to us, he
+added, "We must not trust the rascal.  Though decked with fine feathers
+he has a cowardly heart, I suspect.  We'll keep him bound and take him
+with us.  If he plays us false, knock him on the head without scruple;
+that's my advice.  We must not let his horse escape, however; wait here
+while I catch the animal."
+
+Saying this, Long Sam threw himself into the saddle, and taking his
+lasso which he had again coiled up, started off in the direction the
+Indian's horse had taken.  In a shorter time than I had expected, he
+returned leading the animal by the lasso which he had thrown over its
+neck, and whenever it became restive, a sudden jerk quickly brought it
+again under subjection.
+
+"Of course, it won't do to put the Redskin on his own horse, or he may
+be giving us the slip.  He shall have mine," said Long Sam, "and old
+`Knotty' will stick by us, even if Mr Black Eagle should try and gallop
+off."
+
+We now, by means of the three hunters, endeavoured to obtain all the
+information we could from our captive.
+
+He acknowledged that he had carried off the palefaced girl, and that he
+intended to make her his bride; but that he had been inveigled into the
+camp of his people, when she had been taken from him; and that, when he
+complained, he had been turned away to seek his own fortunes.
+
+As we had no reason to doubt his word we asked him to guide us to
+wherever his people were now encamped, making him promise to warn us as
+we drew near the spot so that we might not be taken by surprise.  We
+kept a bright look out on Black Eagle, Long Sam hinting gently that,
+should he show any treachery, he would be immediately shot through the
+head.  The warning was not lost upon our friend.  We rode on and on,
+until the sun sinking in the west showed us that we must again camp.
+
+Black Eagle informed us that we should probably not reach his people
+until late on the following day.  We had therefore to restrain our
+anxiety, and trust to his assurances that there were no Indians in the
+neighbourhood.  We lighted a fire to cook a deer which Long Sam had shot
+just before we reached the camp.
+
+We were seated round the fire enjoying our suppers, the first
+satisfactory meal we had taken since we started, when the well-known cry
+of a pack of wolves reached our ears.  From the yelps and barks which
+they continued to utter in full chorus, we knew that they were in chase
+of some unfortunate animal which they hoped to drag to the ground.
+
+The sounds grew nearer and nearer, but as the spot where we were
+encamped was surrounded with rocks and trees we could not see to any
+distance.  At last Dick jumped up, saying he must have a look at the
+wolves and the animal they were chasing.  Story and I quickly followed.
+
+"They are not worth powder and shot," observed Long Sam, but
+notwithstanding he came after us, as did indeed the whole party.
+
+Just then the moon rose behind the cliffs, shedding a bright light over
+the rocky ground which surrounded the spot.  From where we stood, we
+could see an animal, apparently a horse, dashing on at full speed with a
+savage pack of llovo wolves close at its heels.  The next instant, as it
+came bounding on over the rocks, what was our horror to observe a female
+form lashed to its back.
+
+To stop it in its mad career seemed impossible.  The only hope was to
+shoot some of the wolves, and thus give a better chance for the escape
+of the horse.  As I fired, I heard several other shots, and saw that
+most of the brutes, already at the horse's heels, were rolled over.
+Still the condition of the female was perilous in the extreme.  Unless
+we could catch our own horses, and overtake the affrighted steed, her
+destruction appeared inevitable.  Scarcely had this thought flashed
+across my mind, when I saw Long Sam, who had thrown himself on
+horseback, galloping along with his lasso to intercept the runaway.
+
+I ran as I had never run before, regardless of the wolves, in the same
+direction.  As I passed by I saw that the pack had stopped and were
+already engaged in tearing to pieces the brutes we had shot.  In an
+instant afterwards, it seemed, I observed Long Sam's lasso cast with
+unerring aim over the neck of the frantic steed, which plunged and
+reared, but happily did not fall over.  In another moment Sam had drawn
+the lasso so tightly round its neck that it was unable to move.
+
+We sprang forward, cut the thongs which bound the female to the animal's
+back, and lifting her to the ground, carried her out of danger.  She
+still breathed, though apparently perfectly unconscious.  The light of
+the moon showed us the features of Ellen Hargrave.
+
+We did not stop to see what Long Sam did with the captured horse, but at
+once carried the young lady to the camp, when, by sprinkling her face
+with water and bathing her hands, she in a short time was restored to
+consciousness.
+
+Her first impulse was to return thanks to heaven for her preservation.
+Looking up he recognised Dick and me.
+
+"Where is Harry?  Where is Mr Armitage?" she asked, evidently
+concluding that he must be of our party.
+
+Dick replied that he was safe in the camp with her friends; that we had
+beaten the savages who had attacked them, and, finding that she had been
+carried off, had come in search of her.  Though we did not inquire how
+she had been treated in the Indian camp, she without hesitation told us
+that Black Eagle had been compelled to release her by his superior
+chief; when, having been kept in a wigwam by herself for some hours, she
+had been bound to a horse, which being led away from the camp had been
+driven out into the wilds.  She was fully prepared, she said, for a
+lingering death, but still she prayed that she might be preserved.  All
+hope however had gone when she heard in the distance the howls of the
+wolves, and the horse sprang forward on its mad career over the rocky
+ground.  "The rest you know," she added.  "I would thankfully forget
+those fearful moments."
+
+I must make a long story short.  Miss Hargrave appeared much recovered
+after a night's rest in the hut we built for her, and the next morning
+we formed a litter on which we carried her a day's journey; but on the
+following morning she insisted on mounting one of the horses, and, a
+side-saddle being prepared, she performed the rest of the distance to
+camp with out apparent suffering.
+
+I need not say that she was received by her relatives as one returned
+from the dead, while they expressed their gratitude to us by every means
+in their power.  Armitage, they stated, had been in a very precarious
+state, but he revived on seeing Miss Hargrave, and quickly regained his
+strength.  We allowed the Black Eagle to go free with his horse and
+arms, he promising, in return for the merciful treatment he had
+received, that he would in future be the friend of the pale-faces.  The
+wounded men having now recovered sufficiently to travel, camp was
+struck, and the train continued its course westward.
+
+We, of course, felt ourselves in honour bound to escort our friends on
+their way; and, although we at first talked of leaving them as soon as
+all fear of an attack from the Indians had passed, we continued on from
+day to day.
+
+Before the journey was over, it was generally known that Armitage was to
+marry Miss Hargrave, while Dick and Story, though supposed to be
+confirmed bachelors, lost their hearts to the two youngest Miss
+Praegers; and a very pleasant wedding it was which took place soon after
+our arrival at Mr Praeger's new location.  We frequently afterwards met
+in old England, where my friends took their wives, and many a long yarn
+was spun about our adventures in the wild regions of the "Far West."
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Adventures in the Far West, by W.H.G. Kingston
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