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diff --git a/42057-0.txt b/42057-0.txt index 1b2af12..627a72e 100644 --- a/42057-0.txt +++ b/42057-0.txt @@ -1,37 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bill Biddon, Trapper, by Edward S. Ellis - -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: Bill Biddon, Trapper - or Life in the Northwest - -Author: Edward S. 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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: Bill Biddon, Trapper - or Life in the Northwest - -Author: Edward S. Ellis - -Release Date: February 9, 2013 [EBook #42057] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BILL BIDDON, TRAPPER *** - - - - -Produced by Greg Bergquist, Matthew Wheaton and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - [Illustration: THE TRAPPER'S HOME.] - - - - - Bill Biddon, Trapper - - OR - - LIFE IN THE NORTHWEST - - BY - - EDWARD S. ELLIS - - - AUTHOR OF "NATHAN TODD," "LIFE OF PONTIAC, THE - CONSPIRATOR," "LAND OF MYSTERY," ETC. - - NEW YORK - HURST & COMPANY - - PUBLISHERS - - - COPYRIGHT, 1916, - - BY - - HURST & COMPANY - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. Out Late at Night 9 - - II. A New Friend 32 - - III. The Trapper's Story 48 - - IV. The Trapping Grounds 72 - - V. Conversations and Plans 98 - - VI. Still in the Dark--The Canoe Again 116 - - VII. Alone in the Wilderness 134 - - VIII. Trapping Among the Indians 153 - - IX. The Buffalo Hunt and its Consequences 174 - - X. An Awful Awakening 191 - - XI. The Brigade and an Old Friend 210 - - XII. Found at Last 237 - - - - - LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - The Trapper's Home FRONTISPIECE - - PAGE - - "What's your handle, stranger?" 41 - - "Gave a snort of alarm and plunged headlong away into the - droves." 61 - - "Looking back saw a host of savage forms." 79 - - "In the stern, with a guiding oar, sat a young female." 93 - - "I could see his two coal-black eyes glittering plainly." 145 - - "Setting up a wild yell, the Indians scattered and plunged - after them." 177 - - "Without losing a moment, we mounted and struck to the - northward." 203 - - "A fight! a fight! make a ring for them." 213 - - "No less personage than Nat stepped ashore." 239 - - "Hilloa, you!" 251 - - - - -BILL BIDDON, TRAPPER; - -OR, - -LIFE IN THE NORTHWEST. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -OUT LATE AT NIGHT. - - -"How is it, Nat? Any light yet?" - -"Not the least sign of one, and it's my opinion it will be a long time -before we see another." - -"What! you haven't given up all hopes of reaching the camp? I hope -not, as I don't relish the idea of camping out to-night." - -"Nor I either; but I'm thinking it will come to that sooner or later." - -"Well, there are several hours yet, in which we must plod onward," I -added, trudging wearily behind my companion. - -Before going further, I may as well introduce my friend and myself. My -companion answered to the name of Nathan Todd, and was a native of -Maine. He was a tall, lank individual, with long, attentuated limbs -and an awkward appearance generally. He was very meager and muscular, -and when roused to a heat of passion, as quick and powerful as the -panther. His gait was an ungainly, straddling one, and he was -seemingly capable of anything but speed; but on one or two occasions -since leaving the States, he had shown a fleetness of foot which was -truly wonderful. He was a good, open-hearted fellow, and one who, when -driven to the wall, would be a dangerous enemy. Once or twice, -however, he had shown the white feather, and his natural timidity -would often evince itself. As a consequence, Nat was not, perhaps, the -safest companion in the hour of danger; but, for all that, there was -no one in our party whose presence I would have preferred upon the -night in which I introduce him to notice. There was no imminent peril -threatening us, and Nat was a capital companion, who could while-away -the hours, if he chose, with his inexhaustible store of anecdote and -humor. I knew he entertained a warm affection for me, and would brave -almost any danger rather than be suspected of his only deficiency. A -single intimation would decide his course in a moment. - -Nat wore a singular dress--half savage and half civilized. The pants -and shoes were such as are fashionable in the enlightened world; but a -capacious hunting-shirt encased his body, secured around the waist by -a heavy band, and much the same as are worn by the hunters and natives -of the Far West at the present day. The most striking part of his -dress, however, was the hat. This he had brought with him from Maine, -and it really seemed indestructible. It was a gray color, and having -lost its band a long time before, had acquired the shape of a cone. -When it rested on his head, the edge reached the shoulders behind, and -the eyebrows in front, and the pointed peak was far off above the -crown. - -Nathan Todd's face was full of shrewdness and good humor. He had a -large, curved nose, broad mouth, and a fine blue eye. The chin was -retreating; but this drawback was modified partly by a long tuft of -yellow hair, the only signs of beard upon his face, except a shadowy -mustache. The hair was long and sandy, and harmonized well with the -rest of his countenance. There was ever a contraction of the -eyebrows--a sort of unspoken question--so often seen in persons from -"down east," which indicated a prying, curious disposition. - -As for myself, my name is William Relmond, and I hail from one of the -middle States. Shortly after the announcement of the discovery of gold -in California, I was seized with the lunacy that was carrying its -thousands to the Pacific coast. I was well situated in life at home, -but that was not considered. I must go and fish up a fabulous fortune -also. I had one brother and several sisters, but our parents had been -dead for some years, and we were residing with an uncle, the guardian -of each, until maturity. A favorable opportunity offering I had made -some preparation for the legal profession; but I was never inclined to -Coke, and had no intention of pursuing the practice of the law in -after life. At the age of twenty, then, without a settled purpose in -life, I determined to make a journey to the El Dorado of the New -World. I was not influenced solely by the love of gain, in taking this -step, but the love of adventure urged me irresistibly on. I had heard -wonderful stories of the boundless prairies, of the wandering hordes -of Indians, their millions of buffaloes and horses, and the vast, -billowy ocean of verdure and sunshine, and the Far West seemed the -paradise of the world to me. - -I was provided with an ample outfit at home, and departed amid the -tears of my good uncle and affectionate sisters. I proceeded by the -usual route to Independence, Missouri, where I made inquiries of the -trains which were constantly leaving the point for Oregon and -California. In my wanderings, I stumbled upon Nat Todd, my present -companion. He had just arrived from his distant home, where he had -left a widowed mother and a disconsolate sweetheart. But he said he -was going to return, in just two years from the day he left, with a -"rousing heap" of money, and intended to buy "Squire Hunt's farm," -take Alminy down there, and live the rest of his life. His frankness -and humor impressed me favorably; and, after a short conversation, we -grasped hands, and swore to remain by each other till our adventures -were terminated by death or a happy _dénouement_. - -We engaged places in a train which left the next day. This company -numbered nigh two hundred persons, and was composed of all kinds of -characters, except females. There were French _voyageurs_, Irishmen, -and an agent of one of the western fur companies, and the majority of -the rest were those just from the plow or the workshop. They had -secured the services of an experienced guide, and were well equipped -for the perilous journey before them. - -The overland route, at this time, was so alive with passing emigrants, -that few depredations were committed by the Indians. The savages -sometimes hung around companies, but as there were almost always other -whites in sight, they rarely ventured upon any greater crime than -pilfering. Nothing worthy of note occurred upon the journey for a -length of time. We experienced the usual mishaps and trials of -emigrants, but nothing more startling. We sometimes lost a part of our -baggage and provisions in crossing the rivers, and were greatly -discomforted by the terrific storms which often rage in these regions. -Then, again, we traveled mile after mile, and hour after hour upon the -dry, monotonous, glistening rolling prairie, so wearied and tired of -the scene that we hardly exchanged a syllable for hours at a stretch. - -At last, the plains of Kansas were reached. On the day in which I -introduce my friend and myself to notice, we had descried a solitary -antelope at a great distance upon the prairie, and set out to bring it -down. We left our horses behind, hoping to reach the animal by -stratagem. I approached it near enough to wound it, when it made off -with the speed of the wind. Expecting to see it give out each moment, -we followed it mile after mile, until gathering darkness warned us -that night was at hand, when we halted in alarm, and were compelled to -allow the antelope to escape, while we endeavored to retrace our -steps. The caravan was nowhere in sight, and we doubted not that it -had disappeared hours before. We left the train about noon, and had -been warned that they would not halt or wait for us, and should we -lose them, they would take no pains to hunt us up. But we heeded not -this, as we expected to keep them constantly in view, and have the -antelope cooked for our supper. - -But I have shown how widely we were mistaken. We were compelled to see -the night shut down around us, without bringing us any hope of -spending it with our friends; and at a late hour we were still -plodding aimlessly over the prairie. - -"No light yet, Nat?" I asked, for the twentieth time. - -"Well, I should think you had asked that question about often enough, -to be suited with my answer." - -"I expect to ask it a dozen times more." - -"Then I'll just answer at once for all, so I won't be troubled agin -with talkin'. _No!_ there's the answer." - -"I don't know but what you are right, Nat. We must have come a long -distance, utterly unconscious of it, in our eagerness to get that -plaguey antelope, and it is useless to hope to reach camp again before -morning." - -"That's my opinion, exactly. That camp, I opine, is a good dozen miles -off yet." - -"Then we may have a chance of reaching it still before morning, as -this bright moon favors us." - -The moon, full and clear, had arisen an hour before, and its light -illumined the prairie for a great distance around. Far away, on every -hand, we could discern the blue outline of the horizon, while the -prairie seemed to roll up against it like the dark boundaries of a -mighty ocean. Everything was as silent and motionless as though we -were treading a region of death. - -Mile after mile, we trudged on, beguiling the time by conversation. -The ground was dry and hard, and the vegetation scarce and stunted. -The day had been quite warm, and there was a delicious coolness about -the evening air that made it pleasant to walk an hour or so; but as -more than double that time had expired since we commenced, it had long -been exceedingly wearisome to us. - -"I wonder whether those fellows will go a foot out of the way to pick -us up," muttered Nat, half to himself. - -"I don't believe they will. They told us they wouldn't and they value -their time too highly to waste it for a couple who are of no account -to them, especially since we can fall in with other trains." - -"I reckon they're of some account to us, being they have got both our -horses and considerable of our traveling apparatus." - -"That is too true, Nat. In fact, since we have been walking here, I -have persuaded myself that those fellows would, just as likely as not, -turn something out of the way to get rid of us." - -"Somehow or other, I've felt just the same for a week." - -"Then, if we value our property, we mustn't let them slip." - -"No; I'll be shot, if we must!" exclaimed Nat, half angrily, striking -at once into a more rapid walk. "If they run off with my mare, -I'll--I'll--" and again he strode faster over the prairie. - -Long--long, we journeyed in silence. Nat's apprehensions had been -aroused, and he was willing to walk the whole night to come up with -those in whose honesty he had so little faith. Now and then he would -mutter incoherently to himself and shoot ahead, keeping me almost on a -run to maintain my place beside him. Suddenly he halted, and turned -upon me with an expression I shall never forget. I could see his eyes -expanded to twice their usual size, and his whole face aglow beneath -his monstrous hat, as he asked in a cold whisper: - -"Wonder if there's Injins about to-night." - -I laughed outright. - -"Why, Nat, you ain't afraid, are you?" - -"Who said I was afraid? I just asked a question." - -"What possessed you to ask such a question?" - -"Don't know; just come into my mind. Do you s'pose there are any -Injins roving round the country to-night?" - -"I am sure I cannot tell, but I think it extremely probable. Are you -fearful that there are some upon our trail?" - -"There might be! No; I was thinking if we should come across any of -them, they might be able to tell us whether any of them chaps think -we're lost, and have run off with my mare." - -"Should we meet a lot of those savages, no doubt they would tell us -something else besides that." - -"I expect so," and he wheeled around and strode ahead again. It was -now getting near midnight, and I was completely worn out. It was out -of the question to reach the camp that night, and we might as well -submit to our fate at once, so I spoke rather decidedly. - -"I'm tired of this." - -Nat turned and looked at me a second, and then answered: - -"So am I. We've to camp out to-night, and there's no use in waiting -till morning afore we do it. Ain't it lucky you brought your blanket -with you? It would go hard to do without that to-night." - -"I brought it with me by merest chance, not thinking I should need it. -It was indeed fortunate; and now let us prepare to use it." - -There was not much choice on the hard but warm earth. My blanket was -ample and sufficient for us both. After some search, a small -depression was selected, and in this I spread my heavy blanket. We -then stretched ourselves upon it, pulled the ends over us, being sure -to inclose our rifles in its folds, and resigned ourselves to sleep. -In that lone hour, I forgot not that there was one arm upon which I -could rely, and One only who could watch over me until morning, and to -that protection I appealed. - -Ere the sun was fairly above the horizon, we were up and upon our way. -Knowing the company would not be in motion for several hours, we hoped -to reach them before they breakfasted, and have a laugh over our -night's adventure. Nat led the way, and took long, rapid strides over -the ground, seemingly oblivious of the existence of any one else. I -kept beside him, now and then venturing a remark, but receiving no -answer or intimation that I was heard. - -Suddenly, my friend came to a dead halt, dropped the butt of his rifle -to the earth with a ringing clamp, and wheeled upon me with one of -those indescribable looks. I had seen these before, so that I knew -something unusual was agitating him. - -"What's the trouble now?" - -"It's no use; we'll never see that company agin." - -"What makes you think thus?" - -"I know so. I had a dream last night that my mare was gone for ever -and ever, and I know she is. Don't you remember that fur agent told us -they'd change the direction they's traveling some time yesterday? They -hadn't done it when we left them, and they done it as soon as we got -out of sight, I warrant." - -I now remembered hearing our guide remark, as also did the fur agent -with us, that the trail we were following made an abrupt bend some -miles ahead. We were traveling northeast at that time, and the -contemplated change was nearly due southwest. This fact had entirely -escaped our minds, until it now occurred to Nat, and we had, -consequently, been proceeding in a wrong direction. By referring to -the sun, we found we had gone far too much to the east in order to -intercept the train, which was now in all probability many leagues to -the southwest. - -This was a discovery which was overwhelming. We had then been -journeying in a direction which had brought us not a foot nearer the -company than if we had remained motionless; and it was certain that -the party was irrecoverably lost. - -"This is a pleasant discovery, Nat." - -"Very." - -"I see no hope for your mare. She is probably a good day's journey -distant, and we do not know what direction to take to reach her." - -"That's it," replied Nat, ill-humoredly; "if I knowed sure what way to -tramp to find her, I wouldn't stop till I'd laid my hands on her for a -certainty; but this trudging along, and just as like as not going away -from her all the time, isn't the thing." - -"I see no course left then, but to proceed south, in the hope of -falling in with some emigrant train, or in striking the Oregon trail, -north, and getting into California ahead of them." - -"The Oregon trail will have to be our destination, then. If these -fellows find they've got the start of us, they won't give us a chance -to come up again, and we might as well try to catch the whirlwind as -to follow them. No; we must try the ready for them when they come. -How far is the trail off?" - -"It can't be more than a day's journey; the trail follows the Platte -through Nebraska, and I'm pretty sure we can reach it by nightfall, if -we proceed pretty steadily and rapidly." - -The day was clear and pleasant, and the sky devoid of the least signs -of threatening storm. There were two or three white clouds straggling -off in the western horizon, but the sky was of a deep clear blue. We -were now proceeding in a northward direction, intending to strike the -Platte at the nearest point. South, east, and west the small waving -hills of the prairie stretched, unrelieved by the slightest object, -except in the west the far-off outline of some mountain-peak was just -visible, resembling a slight pointed cloud against the blue sky. This -disappeared at noon, and we were again like wanderers upon the -illimitable sea. A short time after, Nat's keen vision detected a -number of black, moving specks far to the westward. - -"An emigrant train, perhaps," I suggested. - -"They're Pawnee Injins as sure as the world, and we'd better give them -a wide berth." - -"Pawnee Indians! How do you know that? You never have been in this -section before?" - -"That's true, but you don't s'pose I started out here without first -larning something 'bout the country and folks, do you? If you do, -you're mighty mistaken. Just let me know in what part of the country -we are, and I'll let you know what sights you will see, that is, if we -are going to see any at all. But let's keep to the east; I don't want -to keep them Pawnees in sight." - -"The Pawnee Indians are reported friendly to the whites." - -"Exactly; but have they been reported honest? If they should come upon -us and take a fancy to our rifles, what is there to prevent them from -taking them? And," added Nat, with a shrewd shake of his head. "I've -not faith enough in their good intentions to want 'em in sight at this -particular time." - -There was a great deal of reason in his remarks, and it was not -unwillingly that I turned my face more to the northeast, and soon saw -them disappear from view. - -Some time toward the middle of the afternoon we descried a solitary -buffalo ahead. He had apparently left his friends and wandered about -as though entirely lost. After considerable difficulty we approached -nigh enough to bring him down. He was quite poor, and his flesh was -strong and Oregon trail, and get into California first, and be tough; -but we were glad enough to get it, such as it was. He was thrown on -his face, with his knees bent under him, a keen knife run along the -spine with just sufficient force to penetrate the skin, which was then -pulled down each side. This done, we cut the choice portions out. Nat -reserved the buffalo-skin for his blanket, and the rest was thrown -away. We made a hearty meal, and about the middle of the afternoon -again set forward, hoping to accomplish quite a distance ere -nightfall. - -Just at dark we reached a stream of considerable size, which I -afterward learned was the Republican Fork of Nebraska. The point at -which we struck it, was about where it leaves the territory of Kansas -and enters Nebraska. Although no considerable stream, we concluded not -to cross it before morning, and we made arrangements for passing the -night upon its banks. There was considerable timber at different -points, and a goodly quantity of driftwood lay scattered along its -banks. As the river was quite low, we gathered several armfuls, and -had a fire soon started. We had brought some meat of the slain buffalo -with us, but concluded not to cook supper, as our appetites were -satiated. - -Seated round our fire, half-hidden in a depression in the river -bottom, with the dark, glistening stream flowing silently by, and -smoking our pipes, we naturally fell into an easy conversation. - -"We can't be far from the 'trail,' can we?" asked Nat. - -"Farther than I suspected," I answered. "The Republican Fork, which I -am convinced is the stream out there, is over fifty miles from the -Platte, which, with several other streams must be crossed before the -trail is reached." - -"Fudge! I don't believe I can head off them fellows after all, and my -old mare and overcoat will go to thunder." - -"They will go _somewhere_ where you will never see them again." - -"I _know_ I'm bound to lose 'em, and I shan't think any more about -them." - -"That's the best plan, Nat. They are no great loss." - -"I sh'd like to know whether that greaser or fur agent took them -though," interrupted my friend, earnestly. - -After this he fell into a fit of musing, and we remained silent for -some time. When the fire had burnt low, I arose and replenished it. -Nat looked anxiously at the roaring blaze, carrying ashes and cinders -high in the air, and reflecting far out upon the dark river, and he -remarked: - -"Wonder if some Injins won't see that." - -"I guess not. We are so low down the bank that I think it can be -visible for no considerable distance upon the prairie, and the bend in -the river fortunately saves us from view up or down the stream. The -only point from which it would attract attention is directly across -from us." - -"And it looks suspicious enough there," repeated Nat, in a whisper, -removing his pipe and gazing across the river. - -It did indeed look gloomy, forbidding, and threatening. Our fire was -nearly on the level with the water, which rolled darkly and noisily at -our very feet; and when its crackling blaze arose higher than usual, -the low face of the opposite shore was struck by the light. At such -times I could not help reflecting what favorable chances were afforded -any foe who might be lurking opposite. I involuntarily shrunk from the -fire, and felt relieved when the shore blended with the darkness. - -It began to grow quite late, the fire had smoldered low, when Nat, -removing his cap, turned upon me with: - -"What do you think of our journey to California?" - -I was at a loss to comprehend his meaning, and looked at him for an -explanation. - -"I mean to ask whether you feel in such a hurry to get to mines as you -did when we were in Independence?" - -Now, to confess the truth, the experience of the last week or two, and -especially of the last two days, had done much toward dampening the -ardor which I once thought could never leave me; and I believe, had I -possessed moral courage enough, I should have seized the first -opportunity to return to the comforts of a home, where I possessed -enough to satisfy any sensible person's ambition. Still I hesitated to -commit myself. - -"I cannot say that I am; but what induced you to----" - -"I'm sick of this business," interrupted Nat, lengthening his legs -with a spiteful jerk, and looking disgustedly into the fire. - -"What has come over you?" I asked, half-amused at his manner. - -"Well there's that mare----" - -"But you promised not to think of her." - -"How can I help it, I should like to know? She's gone sure, and -there's that overcoat, that cost me four dollars and a half in Lubec; -and Alminy made a big pocket in it on purpose for me to fill full of -gold chunks; and I should like to know how I am going to do it, when a -Greaser has got it." - -"I am afraid that that would not be the only difficulty you would be -likely to experience, Nat, in getting it filled." - -"And my jack-knife was in the coat-pocket, I declare!" exclaimed he, -suddenly starting up and pinching alternately one pocket and then -another. "Yes, sir, that's gone, too; that's worse than all the rest," -he added, despairingly, falling upon his elbow, and gazing -abstractedly into the fire. - -"That's a trifling loss, surely, as you have your hunting-knife." - -"I've a good notion to get up and go back now," he added, not heeding -my remark. "I'm sick of this business. It's bad enough to lose the -mare, but when the knife is gone I can't stand it." - -I knew this was but a momentary despondency with my friend, and for -the sake of whiling away the time before sleep, I was inclined to -humor it. - -"But what will you do for that gold that you was going to buy Deacon -Hunt's farm with for your Alminy?" - -"Let her go without it," he answered, gruffly, without removing his -gaze from the fire. "She can get along without it. I believe she only -coaxed me to go off to Californy to get me out of the way, so that -mean Bill Hawkins might take my place. If he does come any such game, -he'll catch it when I get back." - -I laughed deeply, but silently, as I witnessed his appearance at these -remarks. It was so earnest and feeling, that it was impossible to -resist its ludicrousness. - -"Nat," said I, after a moment's thought, in which my mind had taken an -altogether different channel, "I am free to own that I have little -faith in our success in California. I left home in a flush of -excitement, without considering the consequences of such a rash step, -and they are now beginning to present themselves. I propose that we -seek our fortune elsewhere. The fact that gold exists in California is -now known all over the world, and we know there is not the remotest -corner of her territory which is not swarming with hundreds who leave -no means untried to amass their fortunes. I have no desire to wrangle -and grope with them, and would much rather seek wealth elsewhere." - -"But where else?" - -"If gold exists in one spot on the Pacific coast, it is right to -suppose it exists in many others, and what is to prevent our finding -it?" - -"Have you thought of any place?" - -"It seems to me that in Oregon, among the spurs of the Rocky -Mountains, there must be fabulous quantities of the precious metal." - -"But why hasn't it been found?" - -"Oregon is thinly settled, and no suspicion has led them to search for -it." - -"Well, let us dream upon it." - -A few more fagots were forthwith heaped upon the fire, and then we lay -down for the night's rest. - -My companion had lain but a minute, when he suddenly sprang to his -feet, and exclaimed: - -"Hurrah for Oregon!" - -"Be careful," I admonished; "your indiscretion may be fatal. That wall -of darkness across the river looks gloomy and threatening enough to -me." - -"It does--hello! I'm shot--no, I ain't, neither." - -That instant the report of a rifle burst from the other bank, and the -bullet whizzed within an inch of my companion's face. - -"Heavens! are we attacked!" I ejaculated, starting back from the fire. - -"I believe so," replied Nat, cowering behind me. - -We listened silently and fearfully, but heard no more. The fire -smoldered to embers, the river grew darker, and the night, moonless -and cold, settled upon us. But no sleep visited my eyelids that night. -Till the gray dawn of morning I listened, but heard no more. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -A NEW FRIEND. - - -As the light of morning overspread the stream and prairie, I felt an -unspeakable sense of relief. Not a moment of sleep had visited me that -night, although Nat's extreme fear toward midnight gave way to his -drowsiness, and he slept long and heavily. - -"Come, wake up, Nat!" said I, shaking him as soon as I saw that day -was at hand. - -"How? what's the matter?" said he, rubbing his eyes, and gaping -confusedly about him. - -"Day is at hand, and we must be on our way to Oregon." - -He hastily rose, and we commenced our simple preparations. I ran up -the river bank, and swept the prairie to the south of us to satisfy -myself that no wandering Indians were in sight. The whole plain was -visible, and with a feeling akin to joy, I reported the fact to Nat. -He, however, was not satisfied with my survey, as he had more than -once before detected objects that had escaped my vision, and he -ascended a high roll in the bank, some distance up, and took a long, -careful, scrutinizing sweep of the whole horizon. Feeling satisfied -that he would be no more rewarded for his pains than I was, I started -the fire, and commenced cooking some of our buffalo, I had been -engaged in this for a minute or so, when I heard Nat call, in a -hoarse, anxious, half-whisper: - -"Come here, quick!" - -I hurried to his side and eagerly asked him the cause of agitation. - -"Why, just look yonder, if that ain't enough to agitate one, then I -don't know what is." - -He pointed across the river, out upon the prairie; and following the -direction of his finger, I saw not more than a mile or two away a -single horseman proceeding leisurely from us. - -"Who can that be?" I asked half to myself, still watching the receding -figure. - -"Why he's the one that sent that bullet across the water after us, and -I'm thinking it's lucky for him, he's going another way. If I should -get my hands on him, he would remember the time." - -And Nat extended his arms energetically, and shook his head spitefully -by way of emphasizing his remark. - -I continued gazing after the unknown person. At first I supposed it -was an Indian, but at that distance, and with his back toward us, it -was almost impossible to judge accurately. A moment's thought -convinced me that it was a white man. I could make out the hunting-cap -of the trapper, and was soon satisfied he belonged to that class. His -horse was walking leisurely along, and he seemed totally unaware of -the proximity of strangers. - -But who could it be? Was it he who had fired the well-nigh fatal shot? -And what meant his actions in thus willfully leaving us? These and -similar questions I asked myself, without taking my eyes from him, or -heeding the numerous questions and remarks my companion was uttering. -But, of course, I could give no satisfactory solution, and when his -figure had grown to be but a dim speck in the distance, I turned to -Nat. - -"We may see him again; but, if I don't know him, I know one thing, I'm -wonderfully hungry just now." - -We partook of a hearty breakfast, my appetite for which was -considerably weakened by the occurrence just narrated. Without much -difficulty we forded the Republican Fork, being compelled only to swim -a few strokes in the channel, and reached the opposite side, with dry -powder and food. - -Here we made a careful search of the shore, and ascertained enough to -settle beyond a doubt the identity of the horseman with the would-be -assassin of the night before. His footprints could be seen, and the -place where he had slept upon the ground, together with the scraps of -meat. By examining the tracks of his horse, we discovered that both -hind feet were shod; this decided our question of his being a white -man; and although it cleared up one doubt, left us in a greater one. -He could not have avoided the knowledge that we were of the same -blood, and what demoniacal wish could lead him to seek the life of two -harmless wanderers? Be he who he might, it was with no very Christian -feelings toward him that we took the trail of his horse, and pursued -it. - -Our course after the first five miles, swerved considerably to the -northwest. From the actions of the stranger, it was evident he -understood the character of the country, and we judged the shortest -way of reaching the Oregon trail would be by following him. The -footprints of his animal were distinctly marked, and we had no -difficulty in keeping them. - -At noon we forded a stream, and shortly after another, both -considerably less than the Republican Fork. On the northern bank of -the latter, were the still glowing coals of the stranger's camp-fire, -and we judged he could be at no great distance. The country here was -of a slightly different character from the rolling prairie over which -we had journeyed thus far. There were hills quite elevated, and, now -and then, groves of timber. In the river bottoms were numerous -cottonwoods and elder; these natural causes so obstructed our view, -that we might approach our unknown enemy very nigh without knowing it. -Nat was quite nervous, and invariably sheered off from the forbidding -groves of timber, striking the trail upon the opposite side at a safe -distance. - -In this way we traveled onward through the entire day. No signs of -Indians were seen, and we anticipated little trouble from them, as -they were friendly at this time, and the most they would do would be -to rob us of some of our trinkets or rifles. - -At sundown we left our guiding trail and struck off toward a small -stream to camp for the night. When we reached it, and decided upon the -spot, Nat remarked seriously: - -"I say, Relmond, that feller might be near enough to give us another -shot afore morning, and I'm going to see whether his trail crosses the -brook out there or not." - -So saying, he wheeled and ran back to the spot where we had left it. -It was still bright enough to follow it, and bending his head down to -keep it in view, he continued upon a rapid run. I was upon the point -of warning him against thus running into danger, but not feeling much -apprehension for his safety, I turned my back toward him. A minute -after, I heard his footsteps again, and, looking up, saw him coming -with full speed toward me, his eyes dilated to their utmost extent, -and with every appearance of terror. - -"He's there!" he exclaimed. - -"Where?" I asked, catching his excitement. - -"Just across the stream up there; I liked to have run right into him -afore I knowed it. See there!" - -As Nat spoke, I saw the glimmering of a fire through the trees, and -heard the whinny of a horse. - -"Didn't he see you?" - -"Yes, I know he did. When I splashed into the water like a fool, he -looked up at me and grunted; I seen him pick up his rifle, and then I -put, expecting each moment to feel a ball in me." - -"I thought you intended laying hands on him if an opportunity -offered," I remarked, with a laugh. - -"I declare, I forgot that," he replied, somewhat crestfallen. - -After some further conversation, I decided to make the acquaintance of -the person who had occupied so much of our thoughts. Nat opposed this, -and urged me to get farther from him; but a meaning hint changed his -views at once, and he readily acquiesced. He would not be prevailed -upon, however, to accompany me, but promised to come to my aid if I -should need help during the interview. So leaving him, I started -boldly up the stream. - -When I reached the point opposite the stranger's camp-fire, I stumbled -and coughed so as to attract his attention. I saw him raise his eyes -and hurriedly scan me, but he gave no further evidence of anxiety, -and I unhesitatingly sprang across the stream, and made my way toward -him. Before I halted, I saw that he was a trapper. He was reclining -upon the ground, before a small fire, and smoking a short black pipe, -in a sort of dreamy reverie. - -"Good evening, my friend," I said, cheerfully, approaching within a -few feet of him. He raised his eyes a moment, and then suffered them -lazily to fall again, and continue their vacant stare into the fire. -"Quite a pleasant evening," I continued, seating myself near him. - -"Umph!" he grunted, removing his pipe, and rising to the upright -position. He looked at me a second with a pair of eyes of sharp, -glittering blackness, and then asked: "Chaw, stranger?" - -"I sometimes use the weed, but not in that form," I replied, handing a -piece to him. He wrenched off a huge mouthful with a vigorous twist of -his head, and returned it without a word. This done, he sank back to -his former position and reverie. - -"Excuse me, friend," said I, moving rather impatiently, and determined -to force a conversation upon him, "but I hope you will permit a few -questions?" - -"Go ahead, stranger," he answered, gruffly. - -"Are you traveling alone in this section?" - -"I reckon I ar', 'cept the hoss which 'ar a team." - -"Follow trapping and hunting, I presume?" - -"What's yer handle, stranger?" he suddenly asked, as he came to the -upright position, and looking at me with more interest. - -"William Relmond, from New Jersey." - -"Whar's that place?" - -"It is one of the Middle States, quite a distance from here." - -"What mought you be doin' in these parts?" - -"I and my friend out yonder are on our way to Oregon." - -"Umph! you're pretty green 'uns." - -"Now I suppose you will have no objection to giving me your name." - -"My handle's Bill Biddon, and I'm on my way to trappin'-grounds up -country." - -"How far distant?" - -"A heap; somewhar up 'bove the Yallerstone." - -"Do you generally go upon these journeys alone?" - -[Illustration: "What's your handle, stranger?"] - -"Sometimes I does, and sometimes I doesn't." - -I ceased my questions for a few moments, for fear of provoking him. As -his route, as far as it extended, would be in our direction, I -determined to keep his company if I could gain his consent. He was a -splendid specimen of the physical man. He was rather short, but heavy -and thick-set, with a compactness of frame that showed a terrible -strength slumbering in his muscles. His face was broad, covered by a -thin, straggling beard of grizzled gray, and several ridged scars were -visible in different parts of it. His brows were beetling and -lowering, and beneath them a couple of black eyes fairly snapt at -times with electric fire. His mouth was broad, and though one could -plainly see a whirlwind of terrific passion might be called into life -within his breast, yet there was, also in his face, the index of a -heart alive to good humor and frankness. I saw that, if approached -skillfully, his heart could be reached. He was evidently the creature -of odd whims and fancies and caprice, feeling as well satisfied -without the society of his fellow-man as with it--one of those strange -beings, a hero of a hundred perils, who was satisfied to lose his life -in the mighty wilderness of the Far West, without a single one -suspecting or caring for his fate. - -"Would you have any objections to my friend and myself accompanying -you, that is, as far as you should proceed in our direction?" - -He looked steadily at me a moment, and answered, "You kin go with me -ef you wants; but I knows as how you're green, and yer needn't s'pose -I'm goin' to hold in fur yer. Yers as never does that thing." - -"Oh, I shouldn't expect you to. Of course, we will make it a point not -to interfere in the least with your plans and movements." - -"Whar is yer other chap? S'pose it war him what come peakin' through -yer a while ago; had a notion of spilin' his picter fur his -imperdence." - -"I will go bring him," I answered, rising and moving off. But as I -stepped across the stream, I discerned the top of Nat's white hat, -just above a small box-elder; and moving on, saw his eye fixed with an -eager stare upon the trapper. - -"Don't he look savage?" he whispered, as I came to him. - -"Not very. Are you afraid of him?" - -"No; but I wonder whether he--whether he knows anything about the old -mare and my knife." - -"Perhaps so; come and see. He just now asked for you." - -"Asked for me?" repeated Nat, stepping back. "What does he want of -me?" - -"Nothing in particular. I just mentioned your name, and he asked where -you were. Come along; I hope you ain't afraid?" - -"Afraid! I should like to see the man I'm afraid of!" exclaimed my -companion in an almost inaudible whisper, as he tremblingly followed -me across the brook, and to the spot where Biddon, the trapper, was -lying. - -"My friend, Nathan Todd, Biddon." - -"How are you? Very happy to make your acquaintance," and Nat nervously -extended his hand. - -"How're yer?" grunted Biddon, with a slight jerk of his head, and not -noticing the proffered hand. - -"Been a most exceedingly beautiful day," ventured Nat, quickly and -nervously. - -I saw the trapper was not particularly impressed with him, and I took -up the conversation. I made several unimportant inquiries, and learned -in the course of them, that our friend, Bill Biddon, was about forty -years of age, and had followed trapping and hunting for over twenty -years. He was a native of Missouri, and Westport was the depot for his -peltries. For the last two or three years he had made all his -excursions alone. He was quite a famous trapper, and the fur company -which he patronized gave him a fine outfit and paid him well for his -skins. He possessed a magnificently-mounted rifle, and his horse, he -informed me, had few superiors among the fleetest mustangs of the -south. Both of these were presented him by the company mentioned. - -"Why ain't you got horses?" he asked, looking toward me. - -"They were both stolen from us." - -"I don't s'pose you've seen anything of a company with a mare, -short-tailed, that limped a little, and an overcoat that had a knife -in the pocket?" asked Nat, eagerly. - -"Not that I knows on," answered Biddon, with a twinkle of humor. - -I gave the particulars of our loss, and then asked, without due -thought: - -"Did you not camp upon the banks of the Republican Fork last night?" - -"Yas; what'd yer want to know fur?" - -"Oh, nothing, nothing," quickly answered Nat. - -I believe the trapper understood my allusion, and I hoped he would -give an explanation of his act; but he made no reference to it, and, -after further conversation, we all lay down in slumber. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE TRAPPER'S STORY. - - -I was aroused from my slumber, before it was yet light, by Biddon -shaking me and calling in my ear: - -"Come, you chaps, you've got only two minutes to swaller yer feed in." - -Nat was already moving about, and I sprang to my feet, determined to -continue in my friend's good graces, if such a thing were possible, by -a cheerful acquiescence in all his reasonable wishes. Our fire was -kindled, a hasty breakfast swallowed, and just as the sun made its -appearance above the prairie, we moved off toward the north. - -Long before noon we reached the Platte, and forded it at the point -where Fort Grattan now stands. The Platte, during the winter months, -is a boisterous stream of great width, but in summer it is very -shallow (from which circumstance it derives its name), and at the dry -season it almost ceases running, and dwindles down to an innumerable -number of stagnant pools. As it was now the summer season, we walked -over without more than merely wetting our shoes. The Oregon trail -follows the northern shore of this stream to Washington Territory, or -to what was Oregon at the time of which I write. Leaving the Platte, -we shaped our course toward the northwest, so as to strike the -southern spur of the Black Hills. From Biddon's conversation, I found -that his destination was the neighborhood of the head-waters of the -Tongue or Powder River, which have their cañons in the Black Hills. - -As he allowed his horse to proceed upon a moderate walk, we had no -trouble in keeping him company. We generally started at the first -indication of morning, halting now and then to slake our thirst in the -numerous streams which crossed our path, and resting an hour at noon. -At sunset we struck camp upon some small stream, cooked our evening -meal, spent an hour or two in smoking and conversation, and turned in -for the night. - -The country over which we now journeyed was much better timbered than -any through which we had yet passed. For an entire day after crossing -the Platte, we met with thousands of the ash, elm, walnut, and -cottonwood trees. The bark of the latter, I was surprised to observe, -was greatly relished by the trapper's horse, he often preferring it -to the rich, succulent grass which so abounds in this region. Besides -this there were signs of the buffalo, antelope, and hundreds of other -animals. - -One night we halted upon the bank of a large stream some miles north -of the Platte, which emptied into the Missouri. It was quite broad and -rapid, and near the center of the channel a small, sandy island was -visible. We passed over this while fording the stream, and I noticed -that Biddon walked around it, and surveyed several spots with more -than common interest. I did not question him then, but at night, when -we were stretched before the fire, with our soothing pipes, I ventured -the inquiry. - -"I seed sights on that chunk of mud one time," said he, with a dark -frown. - -"What was it?--what was it?" asked Nat, eagerly. - -"Here's as what don't like to think of that time, augh!" he answered, -seeming still unwilling to refer to it. - -"Why not?" I asked, beginning to partake of Nat's curiosity. - -"It makes a feller's blood bile; but, howsomever," he added, -brightening up, "if you wants to hear it, yer kin." - -"We do by all means; please give it." - -"Yas, that ar' war' a time of general wipin' out, and this yer water -that now looks as black as a wolf's mouth, _run red_ that night! It -war' nigh onto ten year ago that it happened. I was down in Westport -one day in the summer when a feller slapped me on the shoulder and -axed me ef I wanted a job. I tole him I didn't care much, but if he's -a mind to fork over, and it wan't desprit hard, and too much like -work, I's his man. He said as how thar' war' a lot of fellers camped -out on the prairie, as war gwine to start for Oregon, and as wanted a -guide; and heerin' me spoken on as suthin' extronnery, why he like to -know ef I wouldn't go; he'd make the pay all right. I cut around the -stump awhile and at last 'cluded to go. I went out onto the perarie, -and seed the company. They were men, women, and children, 'specially -the last ones. I seed they wanted good watchin', and I kinder hinted -they'd find trouble afore they'd reach Oregon. - -"There weren't many folks trampin' these parts then, and them as did -go, had to make up thar minds to see fight and ha'r-raisin'. B'ars and -beavers, they did! The reds war the same then all over, arter you get -clear of the States, and no feller's ha'r war his own till he'd lost -it. - -"We started the next day, and struck the Platte afore night. There war -but twenty good men, an' I made half of 'em stand watch that night -just to get their hands in. In course they didn't see nothin', 'cept -one straddlin' chap, like this feller yer that is called Nat. He said -as how he seed wonders, he did, and thar war a hundred reds crawlin' -round the camp all night. - -"We went purty slow, as it weren't best to hurry the teams; but we -hadn't been two days on the way afore the fools got into the -all-firedest scrabble I ever seed. I don't know what it come 'bout, -but it war so big, they split company, and part of 'em crossed over -and camped on t'other side the Platte. I tole 'em they'd see stars -purty soon, if they didn't splice agin, but they's too rearin' to do -it, and I said if they's a mind to be sich fools, they mought be fur -all me, and I'd let 'em go on alone. Howsomever, the smallest party -hung on fur me not to leave 'em, and I 'cluded to stay with 'em as I -knowed purty well they'd need me all the time. - -"The biggest company as had crossed the Platte, kept on by it, and so -the others said they'd leave it and cut across fur Oregon. I tole 'em -this war the best way, and so we left 'em. Them I war with war a heap -the smallest, and had but three or four men and five or six women and -children. What made things look wuss, I seed 'signs' when we parted, -and I knowed purty well the reds smelt what war goin' on. And 'bout a -dozen times in the afternoon I could see 'em off on the perarie -stealin' long and dodgin' through cover. I knowed that the imps were -follerin' us, seein' the other war a heap more powerful nor us. - -"Things got so dubersome afore night, I said to the men ef they'd take -the advice of a feller as knowed what he war 'bout, they'd turn round -and never stop till they cotched the others; for ef they didn't, -they'd cotch it at night; reds war 'bout them as thick as flies. They -said how ef I's _'fraid_ I mought go back, but as for them _they'd_ go -through fire and blazes 'fore they would. I felt riled 'nough at this -to leave 'em, and I would ef it hadn't been fur them poor women; they -looked so sorrerful I made up my mind to stick to 'em fur thar sake. - -"We reached the stream just as it war growing dark, and the reds had -got so sassy, that five or six of 'em stood a little ways off and -watched us. This scart the women and men, and they axed me what war to -be done? The women cried and wanted to coax the Injins up to give 'em -sunkthin' to get thar good will, but they war cross and sulky, and -didn't say much. - -"After some talk and a heap of cryin', we 'cluded to camp on that -piece of sand in the river. The teams war drew over and we follered. -The water war some deeper nor now, and it took us a long time to land; -but we got over at last. As soon as we war clean over, I commenced -fixing up things fur the reds. We didn't build no fire, but put the -teams together near the middle, and the women inside 'em. There war -four men without me, and I set 'em round the place to watch fur sign. -I made 'em all squat flat down on the mud close to the water, and told -'em to blaze away at anything they seed, ef it war a beaver or otter, -and gave 'em pertickler orders not to wink both eyes at a time. I seed -they's skerish, and there weren't no danger of thar snoozin' on watch. - -"I's pretty sartin the reds would come some of thar tricks, and come -down the river; so I went up to the upper part of the thing, and laid -in the mud myself to watch fur 'em. I knowed, too, they wouldn't be -'bout 'fore purty late, so I took a short nap as I laid in the mud. -When I woke up the moon war up in the sky, and the river had riz so my -pegs war in the water. I flapped out, but didn't see nothin' yet. I -sneaked down round by t'other fellers, and found 'em all wide awake; -and they said, too, as how they hadn't seen nothin' 'cept the river -war gettin' higher, which they kinder thought the Injins mought 've -done. Jist as I war going back I heard some of the purtiest singin' in -the world. Fust, I thought it war an Injin, ef it hadn't been so nice; -then I 'cluded it must be an angel. I listened, and found it came from -the wagons. I crept up and seed two little girls all 'lone clus by the -wagons, a singin' sunkthin'. Shoot me! ef it didn't make me feel -watery to see them. The moon war shinin' down through the flyin' -clouds, right out on 'em. They sot with their arms round each other -and war bare-headed, and ef I hadn't knowed 'em I'd swore they were -angels sure. I axed what they were singin' for, and they said the -Injins war goin' to come after 'em that night, and they war singin' to -their mother in heaven to keep 'em away. Shoot me! when one of 'em -throwed her little white arms round my neck and kissed my ugly -meat-trap, I couldn't stand it. I went up to my place again and lad -down in the mud. - -"It was gettin' colder, and the wind comin' up, drew the white clouds -'fore the moon, makin' it all black. But when it come out agin I seed -sunkthin' comin' down the river that looked like a log. I dug down -deeper into the mud, and set my peepers on it, fur I knowed thar war -sunkthin' else thar, too. It come right on and struck the mud a -little ways from me. I didn't stir 'cept to kinder loose my knife. The -log stuck a minute, and then swung round and went down the river. I -knowed the boys would see it, and I didn't leave my place. Thinkin' as -how this war only sent down to see what we'd do, I war lookin' fur -other things, when I heard a noise in the water, and, shoot me, ef a -sneakin' red didn't come up out of the water, and commence crawlin' -toward whar the gals war singin'. (Jist put a little fodder on the -fire.)" - -I sprang up and threw on some fagots, and then seated myself and -anxiously awaited the rest of his story. He put away his pipe, filled -his mouth with tobacco, and, after several annoying delays, resumed: - -"Thar weren't no time to lose. I crept 'long behind him mighty sly, -and afore he knowed it, come down _spank_ onto him. I didn't make no -noise nor he either. I jist grabbed his gullet and finished him with -my knife. I then crawled back agin, and, shoot me, ef I didn't see -forty logs comin' down on us; the river war full of 'em. - -"I jumped up and hollered to the other fellers to look out. They came -up aside me and stood ready, but it weren't no use. 'Fore we knowed -it, I seed over forty of 'em 'long 'side us. We blazed into 'em and -went to usin' our knives, but I knowed it wouldn't do. They set up a -yell and pitched fur the wagons, while 'bout a dozen went at us. The -fust thing I knowed the whole four boys were down and thar ha'r -raised, and the women screechin' murder. It made me desprit, and I -reckon I done some tall work that night. Most these beauty spots on my -mug come from that scrimmage. I seed a red dart by me with that little -gal as was singin', and cotched a dead red's gun and let drive at him; -but the gun weren't loaded, and so the devil run off with her. - -"The oxes war bellerin', the horses snortin', and the tomahawks -stoppin' the women's screams; the redskins war howlin' and yellin' -like all mad, and as I had got some big cuts and knocks, I 'cluded it -best to move quarters. So I made a jump for the stream, took a long -dive, and swam for the shore. I come up 'bout whar you're setting, and -I made a heap of tracks 'fore daylight come." - -"And did you never hear anything of the children captured upon that -night?" - -"I never seed 'em agin; but I come 'cross a chap at Fort Laramie when -I went down agin, what said he'd seen a gal 'mong some the redskins up -in these parts, and I've thought p'r'aps it mought be one of 'em, and -agin it moughtn't." - -"Did you say that all happened out there?" asked Nat, jerking his -thumb toward the island mentioned, without turning his face. - -"I reckon I did." - -"Bet there's a lot of Injins there now!" exclaimed he, turning his -head in that direction. - -"Jist as like as not," returned Biddon, with a sly look at me. - -"I'm goin' to sleep then," and rolling himself up in his -buffalo-blanket, all but his feet, disappeared from view. - -"It's 'bout time to snooze, I think," remarked the trapper, in a lower -tone, turning toward me. - -"I think so, but I suppose there need be no apprehension of -molestation from Injins, need there?" - -Biddon looked at me a moment; then one side of his mouth expanded into -a broad grin, and he quietly remarked: - -"Times are different from what they used to war." - -"Biddon," said I, after a moment's silence, "before we saw you we -camped upon one side of a stream while you were upon the other. Now, I -do not suppose you would willfully harm a stranger; but since I have -met you, I have a great desire to know why you fired that shot at Nat. -You supposed we were Indians, I presume?" - -A quiet smile illumined the trapper's swarthy visage; and, after -waiting a moment, he answered: - -"The way on it war this: I seed you and Nat camping there, and I -s'pected you war gwine to tramp these parts. I watched you awhile, and -was gwine to sing out for you to come over. Then said I, 'Biddon, you -dog, ain't there a chance to give them a powerful scare.' First I -drawed bead on you, but when that Nat jumped up, I let fly at him, and -he kerflummuxed splendid. Howsumever, it's time to snooze, and I'm in -for it." - -With this, we wrapped our blankets around us, and in a few moments -were asleep. - -On a clear summer morning, we sallied out upon the broad, open prairie -again. The trapper now struck a direction nearly due northwest toward -the Black Hills, and we proceeded with greater speed than before. The -face of the country began to change materially. Vast groves of timber -met the eye, and the soil became rich and productive. At noon we -encountered the most immense drove of buffaloes that I ever witnessed. -They were to the west of us, and proceeding in a southern direction, -cropping the grass clean as they went. Far away, as far as the vision -could reach, nothing but a sea of black moving bodies could be -distinguished. I mounted a small knoll to ascertain the size of the -drove; but only gained a clearer idea of their enormous number. The -whole western horizon, from the extreme northwest to the southwest, -was occupied solely by them, and nothing else met the eye. They were -not under way, and yet the whole mass was moving slowly onward. The -head buffaloes would seize a mouthful of grass, and then move on a few -feet and grasp another. Those behind did the same, and the whole -number were proceeding in this manner. This constant change of their -position gave an appearance to them, as viewed from my standing-point, -similar to the long heaving of the sea after a violent storm. It was -truly a magnificent spectacle. - -We approached within a short distance. They were more scattered upon -the outside, and with a little trouble the trapper managed to -insinuate himself among them. His object was to drive off a cow which -had a couple of half-grown calves by her side, but they took the alarm -too soon, and rushed off into the drove. We then prepared to bring -down one apiece. I selected an enormous bull, and sighted for his -head. I approached nigh enough to make my aim sure, and fired. The -animal raised his head, his mouth full of grass, and glaring at me a -moment, gave a snort of alarm and plunged headlong away into the -droves. At the same instant I heard Nat's rifle beside me, and a -moment after that of the trapper. This gave the alarm to the herd. -Those near us uttered a series of snorts, and dropping their bushy -heads, bowled off at a terrific rate. The motion was rapidly -communicated to the others, and in a few seconds the whole eastern -side was rolling simultaneously onward, like the violent -countercurrent of the sea. The air was filled with such a vast cloud -of dust that the sun's light was darkened, and for a time it seemed we -should suffocate. We remained in our places for over an hour, when the -last of these prairie monsters thundered by. A strong wind carried the -dust off to the west, and we were at last in clear air again. Yet our -appearance was materially changed, for a thin veil of yellow dust had -settled over and completely enveloped us, and we were like walking -figures of clay. - -[Illustration: "Gave a snort of alarm and plunged headlong away into -the droves."] - -I looked away in the direction of the herd, expecting to see my -buffalo's lifeless form, but was considerably chagrined at my -disappointment, as was also Nat at his. The trapper's was a dozen -yards from where it had been struck. - -"'Pears to me," said he with a sly smile, "I heer'n your dogs bark, -but I don't see nothin' of no buffaloes, ogh!" - -"I _hit_ mine," I answered quickly; "I am sure of it." - -"Whereabouts?" - -"In the head, plump and square." - -"Whar'd you sight yourn, Greeny?" - -"Just back the horns, and I hit him too. If he hasn't dropped before -this, I'll bet he'll have the headache for a week." - -"B'ars and beavers, you! Them bufflers didn't mind your shots more nor -a couple of hailstones. Do you see whar I picked mine?" asked the -trapper, pulling the buffalo's fore-leg forward, and disclosing the -track of the bullet behind it. - -"Isn't a shot in the head fatal?" I asked in astonishment. - -"You might hit 'em thar with a cannon-ball, and they'd git up and run -agin, and ef you'd pepper 'em all day whar you did yourn, you'd pick -the bullets out thar ha'r and they wouldn't mind it." - -This I afterward found to be true. No shot, however well aimed, can -reach the seat of life in the buffalo through the head, unless it -enter the eye, fair front.[1] - - [1] I may further remark, that the buffalo slain by us when lost - upon the prairie, was shot in the side as he wheeled, to run - from us, without our suspecting it was the only place in which - we could have given him a mortal wound. - -The trapper's buffalo was thrown forward upon his face, his legs bent -beneath him, and dressed after the usual fashion. He was in good -condition, and we had a rich feast upon his carcass. The trapper -selected a few choice portions from the inside, relished only by -himself, and cutting several huge pieces for future use, the rest was -left for the beasts of prey. - -We proceeded but a few miles further, and encamped upon the banks of -the Dry Fork. This is a small stream, a few miles south of the Black -Hills. There was but a foot or two of sluggish water, and in the hot -season it was often perfectly dry. Here for the first time I was made -aware of the changeable character of the climate in this latitude. The -weather, thus far, had been remarkably clear and fine, and at noon we -found the weather sometimes oppressively warm. Toward night the wind -veered around to the northwest, and grew colder. At nightfall, when we -kindled our fire, the air was so chilly and cutting that Nat and I -were in a shiver. Had it not been for our blankets we should have -suffered considerably, though Biddon did not call his into -requisition. There were a number of cottonwood trees near at hand, -which served partly to screen us from the blast. - -After our evening meal had been cooked, Biddon remarked: - -"The fire must go out, boys." - -"Why? Do you apprehend danger?" I asked. - -"Don't know as I do; I hain't seed signs, but we're gittin' into parts -whar we've got to be summat skeerish." - -"I suppose it's about time for the Indians to come?" remarked Nat -interrogatively, with a look of fear toward the trapper. - -"They're 'bout these parts. Me'n Jack Javin once got into a scrimmage -yer with 'em, when we didn't 'spect it, and jist 'cause we let our -fire burn while we snoozed. I'd seen sign though then, and wanted to -put it out, but he wan't afeared." - -"Let's have ours out then," exclaimed Nat excitedly, springing up and -scattering the brands around. - -"Needn't mind 'bout that; it'll go out soon enough." - -As Nat reseated himself, Biddon continued: - -"You see, Jarsey, them reds kin smell a white man's fire a good way -off, and on sich a night as this, ef they're 'bout they'll be bound to -give him a call. You needn't be afeared, howsumever, to snooze, 'cause -they won't be 'bout." - -It was too cold to enjoy our pipes, and we all bundled up for the -night's rest. In a few moments I heard the trapper's deep breathing, -and shortly after Nat joined him in sleep. But I found it impossible -to get to sleep myself. The ground was so cold that my blanket could -not protect me, and the cutting wind was terrible. I used every means -that I could devise, but it was of no use, and I feared I should be -compelled to either build the fire again, or to continue walking all -night to prevent freezing to death. - -I chose the latter expedient. It was quite dark, yet I had noticed our -situation well enough, I judged, not to lose it. So grasping my -blanket in my hand, I started on a rapid run directly over the -prairie. I continued a long distance, until pretty well exhausted. I -turned to retrace my steps. My blood was warming with the exercise, -and I hurried forward, counting upon sound sleep for the remainder of -the night. - -I continued my run for a full half hour, and then stopped in -amazement, as I saw no signs of my companions. Thinking I must have -passed the spot where they were lying, I carefully walked back again, -but still without discovering the men. I had lost them in the -darkness, and it was useless to hunt them at night. So I concluded to -wait till morning, feeling sure that they could be at no great -distance. I now commenced searching for a suitable place for myself, -and at last hit upon a small depression in the prairie. There was a -large stone imbedded in the earth on one side, which served to protect -me from the chilling wind. As I nestled down, beside this, such a -feeling of warmth and comfort came over me that I congratulated myself -upon what at first seemed a misfortune. - -Lying thus, just on the verge of sleep, my nerves painfully alive to -the slightest sound, I suddenly felt a trembling of the ground. At -first it seemed a dream; but, as I became fully awake, I started in -terror and listened. I raised my head, but heard no sound, and still -in the most perplexing wonder sank down again, hoping it would shortly -cease. But there was a steady, regular increase, and presently I -distinguished millions of faint tremblings, like the distant -mutterings of thunder. Gradually these grew plainer and more distinct, -and finally I could distinguish sounds like the tread of innumerable -feet upon the prairie. Still at a loss to account for this strange -occurrence, I listened, every nerve in my body strung to its highest -tension. Still louder and louder grew the approaching thunder, and -every second the jar of the earth became more perceptible. Suddenly -the truth flashed upon me--_a herd of buffaloes were approaching_. - -Terror for an instant held me dumb when I realized this awful danger. -My first resolve was to rush forth and warn Nat and Biddon; but I -reflected that they must have been awakened, ere this, and that I -could do nothing to ward off the peril which threatened all alike. -Springing to my feet, I paused a second to collect my tumultuous -thoughts. Could I reach the timber, I could ascend a tree and be -beyond danger; but I knew not what direction to take, and there was no -time to spare. To remain still was to be trampled to death; to rush -away could save me but a few moments longer. God of heaven! what a -death! - -Louder and louder grew the thundering tread of the animals, and I -stood like a madman, the cold sweat pouring off me, tormented by a -thousand agonizing thoughts, and expecting death each moment! Nearer -and nearer came the rattle of the clamping hoofs, and I stood rooted -to the spot! - -Sinking on my knees, I implored mercy of the One who could give it in -this moment of dire necessity; and while on my knees the means of -preservation presented itself. - -"Strange!" I exclaimed, breathing deeply, "that I did not think of it -before." - -I have said that I was in a sort of depression or hollow in the earth, -and that a large stone was imbedded on one side. Now a safer and more -secure shelter could not have been found in this emergency. I wrapped -my blanket around me, and crept as far beneath it as I could, and I -was saved! - -A few minutes later, and a dark body plunged headlong over me with the -rapidity of lightning, followed instantly by another and another, and -I knew the herd were thundering past. For a long time I lay there, -beneath these thousands of feet, one of which would have been -sufficient to kill me. The incessant crackling of their hoofs, and -rattling of their horns, sounded like the discharge of musketry. Once -a ponderous body tumbled over the rock which sheltered me, and I -caught sight of a dark, writhing, bellowing mass, and the next instant -it regained its feet and disappeared. - -It must have been an hour that I lay here, ere the last animal leaped -over me. Then I looked up and saw the stars shining overhead. My joy -at the sight of those glittering orbs cannot be expressed. I arose to -my feet, and looked about me. It was too dark to discern objects, yet -I could hear the rapidly retreating footfalls of the herd in the -distance, and I knew I had been saved from a frightful death. Sinking -to the earth I offered a sincere prayer of gratitude to the Almighty -for his miraculous preservation of my life! - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE TRAPPING GROUNDS. - - -I was agreeably surprised upon waking to see Nat standing within a few -feet, holding two horses by the bridle. - -"Which one will you choose?" he asked with a broad smile. - -"How did you come by them?" asked I. - -"I s'pose it must have been about the time you left us last night, -that Biddon woke me up, and told me to follow him, as there was a -_powerful_ chance to get a couple of hosses for you and me. I asked -him where you could be, and he said he s'posed you'd gone further -up-stream to sleep by yourself, though he hadn't seen you go. -Howsumever, we wasn't worried, as we thought you were old enough to -take care of yourself, so we started down the bed of the stream. We -went about half a mile, when Biddon showed me a small camp-fire, -burned down to a few coals and ashes; but there was enough light to -show us two hosses picketed a few yards away, and we seen the feet of -a couple of redskins turned toward the fire. Biddon said as how they -was a couple of hunters, sound asleep, and we might _borrow_ their -horses, if I didn't make too much noise. He told me to stand still, -and keep my gun pointed at them, and the minute one stirred to shoot -him, and then rush in, and dispatch the other. I promised to do so, -and he stole around to the hosses on his hands and knees. He had cut -both the lariats and was leading them away, when one of the Indians -raised his head and looked around, and as soon as he seen the hosses -moving off, give a grunt and jumped up and ran toward them. I -remembered it was my duty to shoot, and as the Indian was running -purty fast, I aimed about ten feet ahead of him, supposing, of course, -the villain would git there as soon as the bullet did; but, I'll be -hanged if he wasn't mean enough to stop, and let the bullet be wasted. -My gun kicked like blazes, and the Ingins I s'pose thought a whole -tribe was upon them; for setting up a great howl, they _skooted_ off -in the darkness, leaving us alone with the animals. Running back, I -overtook Biddon, who was riding along as though nothing had happened. -He asked me to ride and of course I jumped on, and here I am. But -which hoss do you want?" - -"I do not see as there is much room for choice," I replied; "both are -splendid animals, and a most opportune blessing." - -"If it's all the same to you, this gentleman is mine;" and handing the -bridle to me, he vaulted upon the other. The latter was a magnificent -Indian pony, of a deep bay color, probably captured when very young, -and high spirited and fiery. Both manifested considerable uneasiness, -knowing they were in the hands of strangers, and Nat's made one or two -efforts to dislodge him; but he was a good horseman, and maintained -his place with apparent ease despite the struggles, which were frantic -and desperate at first. Mine was somewhat larger, of a coal-black -color, and with as much spirit and fire as the other, but in a few -moments we had them both under perfect control. - -Besides these two animals, we gained two fine Indian saddles, and were -now as well mounted as we could wish. Nat remarked, that when the -buffaloes thundered by he felt some apprehension for me, but the -trapper expressed none, saying that I would be found all right in the -morning. As soon as there was light, Nat commenced searching the bed -of the stream for me, and failing in this, he climbed a tree and took -a survey of the prairie on both sides. From his elevation he -discovered what he believed to be my dead body; and, accompanied by -Biddon and the horses, hastened toward me. Upon reaching me, they -understood instantly the whole matter, and it was their loud laughter -that had aroused me. - -We were now pretty far to the northwest of Nebraska Territory. The -face of the country was materially different, and I began to notice a -change of temperature. The summer had just closed, and the early -autumn was like the approach of winter. The nights were cool and -chilling, and the days generally mild at noon, but often keen and -exhilarating. The prairie was mostly of the rolling kind, but the -belts of timber were more common, and the vegetation richer and more -exuberant. It was plain, too, that we were journeying into a section -where the foot of civilization had not been. The vast, undulating -swell of the prairie, the mighty fields of verdure, and the broad -rivers and streams, bore only the marks of the red man and wild beast. - -Toward noon, Nat descried a solitary antelope far ahead. It was near a -grove of timber, from which it had just wandered, and stood gazing -wonderingly at our approach. We rode on in silence for some time, when -Biddon raised his hand for us to halt. - -"What do you intend doing?" I asked. - -"Jes' hold on and see," he replied, as he dismounted. - -He made a circuit, skirting the prairie, so as to reach the grove -mentioned upon the opposite side from the antelope. I still was at a -loss to understand his intention, as the animal was too distant from -the timber to be brought down with a rifle-shot from that point. - -"What under the sun does he intend doing?" I asked, turning to Nat. - -"Guess he's getting off there to shoot us." - -On the outer edge of the grove, next to the antelope, I saw him -emerge, holding a stick over his head, to which was affixed a -handkerchief or rag. He walked a short distance, and then lay down -flat upon the prairie, perfectly concealed in the grass. The rag was -visible, fluttering above him. I now watched the motions of the -antelope. He stood gazing at us, until the trapper came into view, -when, with a startled glance at him, he wheeled and ran. In a moment, -however, he paused and turned quickly around. His looks were now fixed -upon the fluttering signal. He stood motionless a moment, and then -cautiously lifting his foot, made a step toward it. Thus he continued -to approach, step by step, with apparent fear, and yet evidently -impelled by an ungovernable curiosity, until he was scarce a hundred -yards distant from the prostrate form of the trapper. Still he was -moving stealthily onward, when suddenly a red tongue of fire spouted -from the grass, and, as the sharp crack of Biddon's rifle reached us, -we saw the antelope give a wild leap into the air, and, bounding a -short distance, fall to the ground. The trapper immediately sprang to -his feet and hastened to the fallen animal. - -"Let us ride to him," said I, walking my horse onward. - -We had ridden a short distance when Nat halted and asked: - -"What's got into Biddon? Just look at him!" - -I did look up, and for a moment believed the man had turned crazy. He -had seen us approaching, and was now making furious gesticulations -toward us. I watched him a moment, and then remarked: - -"He is either signaling for us to come on or to stop." - -"He means us to wait, I guess, and we had better pause until he -returns." - -We reined in our horses and watched him. He was apparently satisfied -with our stopping, and stooped and commenced working at the animal. In -a few moments he arose, and slinging a huge piece on his shoulder, -made his way into the grove. From this he emerged in due time, and -made his way toward us, motioning, meanwhile, for us to remain in our -places. - -"Why didn't you wish us to approach?" I asked, as soon as he came -within speaking distance. - -He made no answer, but throwing his meat upon the ground, hastily -mounted his horse. Then he spoke in a deep whisper: - -"Boys, did you 'spose there's over twenty redskins among them trees?" - -"Heavens! it isn't possible?" I exclaimed, catching my breath. - -"It's so; I seed 'em, and thar eyes are on us this minute. They're -waitin' for us to go on, an' they'll give us thunder and lightnin'." - -"What's to be done?" queried Nat. - -"Jes' keep still, an' don't kick up, or they'll see it. We've got to -make a run for it. Keep close to me, and when I start, let your horses -went." - -"But the meat?" I hurriedly asked. - -"Can't take it. We have a long run, an' our horses won't want to carry -no extra load. I didn't see thar animals, but I guess they ain't -mounted. Ready!" - -With this, Biddon wheeled his horse quickly around, and vanished from -his place with the speed of lightning, while ours almost -simultaneously shot ahead like an arrow. An instant after, I heard -the faint discharge of guns, and, looking back, saw a host of -savage forms pouring hastily from the timber. - -[Illustration: "Looking back saw a host of savage forms."] - -"No need of hurrying. They are not mounted," I called out to Nat, who -has hurrying his horse to the utmost. - -"I don't believe it," he exclaimed, still speeding furiously onward. - -"Go it, Todd! you'll fetch up at Fort Laramie," yelled Biddon. - -The latter drew his horse into a steady canter, and indulged in -several loud laughs at the flying fugitive. Nat continued his mad -career until he had gone a good distance, when, seeing how far behind -he had left us, he reined up and awaited our approach. - -The savages, in the meantime, were hurrying on in pursuit. I know not -what led them to expect any success in this chase, for, as remarked, -not one was mounted. They may have had little faith in the speed or -bottom of our horses, and trusted they would be able to run us down. -Biddon half turned in his seat, and, looking back a moment, asked: - -"Do you see that red, diggin' like all mad off on one side? The one as -is tryin' to surround us?" - -I glanced back and answered in the affirmative. - -"Do you want to see a red drop in purty style?" - -I answered again in the affirmative. - -"Wal, jis keep yer peeper on him." - -So saying, he raised his rifle, without checking the speed of his -horse, took a quick aim along its long barrel and fired. To my -astonishment, the Indian mentioned uttered a wild shriek, and -springing high in the air, fell to the earth. - -"He's done for," remarked the trapper, quietly. "While I fodder my -iron, 'sposen you try your hand." - -I raised mine to my shoulder, and pointing it toward a conspicuous -savage, pulled the trigger. As might be expected, I came about as near -to him as I did to Nat, in front. - -"It will take a long time for me to accomplish that feat," said I. - -"Wal, yer goes agin." - -And again was the fatal rifle discharged, and again did a savage bite -the dust. - -Still the pursuers maintained their ground, seemingly determined to -overtake us at all hazards. They were separating and scattering over -the prairie, with the evident intention of hemming us in. At this -moment we came up to Nat. - -"Why don't you run?" he asked, impatiently. "They'll shoot us all -afore we know it." - -He had scarcely finished his words, when the pursuers did fire, and -with an uncomfortable effect, too. The bullets were plainly heard -whistling through the air beside us, and one actually cut its way -through the upper part of Nat's hat, some eight or ten inches from the -crown of his head. He dodged nervously, and jerking the hat off his -head, held it up to view. - -"Just look there!" he exclaimed, indignantly, putting his finger -through the orifice. - -"What of it?" gruffly asked Biddon. - -"That's a pretty question to ask, I should think! I swow I won't stand -any such work as this." - -And giving his horse the rein, he shot rapidly ahead. - -"I guess we mought as well," remarked Biddon, letting his horse have -free rein. - -The race was now decided. At such speed as we went, of course the -pursuers were soon left behind, and in an hour not one was visible, -all of them being either distanced or having voluntarily withdrawn. - -Our course was southwest; so that we had lost considerable ground, and -were obliged to make a long _detour_ to regain the trail. We camped at -night about as far south as the previous camp, but farther west. In -the morning we struck due north, and continued in this direction for -several days. - -It is not necessary to give the particulars of our journey to the -northwest. We continued traveling onward for three days, when we -reached the region where it was intended we should remain until -spring. This was much further northward than I suspected; in fact, it -was but a few miles distant from the Hudson Bay Territory, and upon -one of the remote tributaries of the Missouri. We had entered a -climate that even now, was like the winter of the one we had left. We -had entered a mighty wilderness, where, ere we left it, we were doomed -to pass through some strange experiences, and of which I now shall -speak. - -We had detected signs of beavers at several streams which we crossed -during the last day or two of our journey, but Biddon paid no -attention to them until about the middle of the afternoon, when we -reached a small river, flowing nearly due south, and passing through -the Hudson Bay Territory in its course. This stream we forded, and, as -we reached the opposite side, he remarked: - -"Yer' the spot whar we're goin' to squat." - -It is perhaps worth remarking that the section was a wooded country. -We had passed over no clear prairie during the day, and were in the -midst of a deep wood. The trees were of nearly every conceivable -kind--the cottonwood predominating, with oak, elm, ash, walnut, and -such as are common in our own forests. - -After crossing, the trapper headed directly up-stream for a short -distance, when he turned to the left and descended into a valley. Here -he dismounted. - -"Take yer fixins'," said he, "and turn the hosses loose." - -"Won't they wander away?" I asked. - -"_Yourn_ may, but mine _won't_; you've got to take your chances, -though. 'Tain't likely they'll be 'sturbed, 'cept by grizzlys and -reds." - -The spot selected was a broad bottom of rich grass, inclosed by thick -walls of undergrowth upon every side. Here we left our horses, and, -taking our saddles and trappings, moved away. - -"Have you ever been here before?" I asked of the trapper. - -"I stayed yer last season, but didn't 'spect to come back. Howsumever, -I changed my mind, and yer we is. Move keerful and don't make a big -trail." - -We followed nearly a quarter of a mile directly up-stream, when he -halted, and looked carefully about him. - -"I don't s'pose thar's reds 'bout, but thar's no tellin' whar they is. -I didn't see none last year, but they mought be 'bout now. Jes' hold -on a minute." - -The banks of the stream were fringed by a deep under-growth upon both -sides. Stepping forward to the water's edge, the trapper parted the -branches, and glancing a moment within, motioned for us to approach. - -"It's all right," said he, "there hain't been no reds poki' 'bout yer -while I's gone." - -With this he stooped and pushed a small canoe into the water and -slipped within it. - -We joined him, although our combined weight brought the frail vessel -down to its very gunwales. It was made of bark after the Indian -fashion, very light, but strong. Biddon dipped a long Indian paddle in -the water and we moved slowly up-stream. After going a short distance, -he again touched the bank, and from beneath another lot of shrubbery -drew forth a number of beaver traps. These were similar to the common -trap used in all parts of the world, and set much after the same -fashion, but with a very different bait. At every point where signs of -the animals were visible, he dug down the bank, so as to make a -certain spot perpendicular. Just beneath the surface of the water he -then placed the trap. The next and last proceeding was to smear the -banks around with a very odoriferous oil, obtained from the beaver -itself. This smell attracts the beavers in the vicinity, who -immediately swim to the shore to learn more of it. The trap is so -arranged that one is sure to place his foot directly upon it for -support in ascending the bank, and the natural consequence follows. He -is caught and falls into his mortal enemy's hands. - -"Ef one don't have a dinner on beaver tails tomorrow, then I'm a -beaver," remarked Biddon, after he had set all his traps, and headed -his canoe down stream. - -"A dinner on beaver tails!" exclaimed Nat, in astonishment. "That must -be a fine dinner, I swow." - -"If you had read much of these animals, you would know that the part -mentioned by Biddon, is the most delicious and nourishing portion," -said I. - -"And when you gits a bite of it, you'll find it so, I reckons!" - -"Perhaps so," replied Nat, doubtingly; "but whar ar' you going to take -us?" - -"You'll find out when we get thar." - -The trapper rowed the canoe quite a distance down stream, when he -sheered it into shore close to where a huge chestnut, larger than any -I had ever before witnessed, overhung the water. Its base was -enveloped by a mass of undergrowth, denser than common, and we were -obliged to stoop to the edge of the boat before we could make our way -beneath it. As we sprang up the bank, it pulled up behind us, and I -then noticed that the chestnut was hollow, and had a deep orifice at -its base. - -"Foller," commanded Biddon, stooping and crawling beneath it. - -We did so, although there was some hesitation upon my part, and my -astonishment was unbounded at what I witnessed when within. At first -there was nothing visible but the intense darkness, and I stood, -fearful of advancing or retreating. - -"Where are you, Biddon?" asked Nat, in a slightly wavering tone. The -next instant the trapper struck a light; and as its rays filled the -chamber, I repeat, my astonishment was unbounded. We were standing in -an open space, at least eight feet in diameter. The chestnut was but a -mere shell, with its trunk but a few inches in thickness at the most. -The interior of this was fitted up like a house. The rotten chunks -upon the sides had been torn down and formed a pleasant, velvety -carpet beneath the feet. All around the _walls_ were hung numerous -furs, and a pile at one side afforded a bed such as we had not enjoyed -for weeks. Added to all this, there was an arrangement so as to make -it perfectly easy and convenient to kindle a fire. Nat was the first -to express his unbounded astonishment. - -"This beats all. I never seen anything like it. But don't the Injins -know anything of it?" - -"No, _sir_; and I cac'late as how they won't neyther, ef you don't -tell 'em." - -"Oh! I won't tell them. I swow this is queer," and he looked slowly -about and above him. "What's that hole for?" he asked, pointing to a -small orifice just visible far above us. - -"That's fur the smoke to go out." - -"But it must be likely to attract attention," I remarked. - -"I never start a fire 'cept at night." - -"I see--wonderful!" and I, too, gazed admiringly about me. The light -made the whole interior visible. The dark, snuff-colored fragments of -decayed wood hung in ponderous masses above us, and the immense -diameter gradually tapered as it ascended, until only the small -opening, far above, was seen, resembling a faint star. The thickness -of the wood, together with the great number of furs, protected us so -well from the cold, that there could be little need of fire in the -coldest weather, except for cooking purposes. - -"This is rather odd, I allow, to you, Jarsey; but ef you had been with -me down on the Yallerstone, you'd seen suthin' as would've made you -look, you would. You may shoot me, ef you wouldn't." - -"I suppose I should, but not more than this has." - -"Mebbe not, but don't stand gapin' there all day. It's gittin' dark, -and we'll have our fodder." - -The fire was now started, and the smoke ascended finely, escaping at -the outlet. A good slice of meat was cooked, and we made a hearty -supper upon it. After this the fire was allowed to slumber, but the -light remained burning until a late hour. We lit our pipes, and -chatted dreamily for a long time in our new home. The trapper, feeling -in the mood, related many reminiscences of his life, including -adventures both tragical and comical, and Nat gave a few of his own -experiences. At a late hour we ceased, and fell into a peaceful, -dreamless slumber. - -When I awoke the trapper had disappeared. Nat was stretched beside me -still asleep. In a short time the former entered as noiselessly as he -had departed. - -"What fortune?" I asked. - -"Good; had two fat fellers. Wake up, and we'll have a meal as is a -meal." - -Nat soon made a movement, and, after several yawns, became fully -awake. The trapper kindled a small fire, and cooked his beaver tails. -The two made as choice and delicious a meal as I had ever eaten. Nat -was convinced by one taste. - -The day was clear and pleasant, and Biddon expressed his determination -of going up the stream in order to see the signs of game. I -accompanied him, but Nat chose to remain at home and sleep a few hours -longer. - -We sauntered carelessly forth up the stream through the tangled -underwood. It was a clear day in autumn; the air was keen and bracing, -and the woods gloriously fine. Some of the leaves were just beginning -to fall, and they made a dappled and fiery carpet for our feet, -rustling with a soft, pleasant sound at every step. Now and then we -could hear the shrill notes of some songster of the forest, and once -or twice the faint bay of some distant animal. - -We had wandered some distance, when Biddon proposed turning back, as -he had just discovered he had forgotten his pipe. I was too well -pleased, however, with the prospect to retrace my footsteps. -Accordingly, we parted company for a time, he remarking that probably -he would return when he had regained his indispensable article. - -Left alone, I now wandered dreamily onward, in a pleasant reverie, -hardly conscious of what I was doing, until I was recalled to my -senses by the grandeur of a new scene that suddenly burst upon my -view. I had ascended a small rise on the bank of the stream, from -which I had an extended view of the river. I stood for a moment wrapt -in the glories of the scene. Far behind could be discerned the broad -bosom of the river, stretching away like a vast body of molten silver, -bordered on either side by the mighty forest, until it disappeared in -a sweeping curve, within the interminable wilderness. Above me for -several miles the same winding course could be seen, brightly -glistening for miles. Not a ripple disturbed the surface, save when a -bird skimmed over it, just tipping its wings, and making a flashing -circle or two. The blue sky above, unflecked by a single cloud, -harmonized so well with the magnificent view, that I stood a long -time, drinking in the splendor of the scene. - -My eye was still resting upon the glistening bend of the river above, -when the quietness of the scene was interrupted by a dark speck which -suddenly came in view, around a curve about a mile above. At first I -supposed it to be some animal or log floating upon the surface; but as -I looked at it, I saw to my astonishment that it was a canoe coming -down-stream. Several forms were visible, yet their number, at that -distance, was uncertain. The bright flash of their paddles was visible -in the morning sunshine, and they maintained their place near the -center of the stream. - -[Illustration: "In the stern, with a guiding oar, sat a young -female."] - -I scrutinized them, vainly to make out their number, until it occurred -to me that it would be best to make myself invisible. The approaching -canoe might contain nothing but Indians, and it was not desirable that -our presence in this section should be known to any but ourselves. I -slipped behind the trunk of a tree, nearer the water, yet still upon -the elevated knoll, which entirely concealed my body from sight. - -From this point I watched the approach of the canoe with interest. -Soon it came nigh enough to enable me to distinguish the forms within -it. There were two Indian warriors seated each with a paddle in his -hand, but not using them, except to keep the canoe in the channel, and -in the stern, with a guiding oar, sat a young female. I supposed her a -squaw, belonging to the same tribe with her companions, and -scrutinized her as closely as my position would permit. She wore a -beautiful head-dress, gayly ornamented with stained porcupine quills -and beads, and a brilliant crimson shawl enveloped her slight form. -The savages maintained their places as motionless as statues, their -gaze apparently resting upon the stream behind them; while that of the -female was fixed upon the stream in front, and her whole attention -absorbed in directing her canoe. - -I know not whether the inmates discovered me before I concealed -myself, but I fancied I detected a glance of the Indians at my -hiding-place, as they floated slowly by, and some cause led the -female, when directly opposite, and but a few hundred feet distant, to -turn her face toward me. Judge of my astonishment, at perceiving that -she was not an Indian--but a white woman! Her appearance, as she -turned her gaze directly upon the spot where I was standing, I can -never forget. She was so close at hand, and my view so perfect in the -clear sunlight, that I saw every feature. The pale white face, -surrounded by dark, luxuriant hair falling upon the shoulders, the -dark eyes shaded by long inky lashes, and the mute, untranslatable -look, haunted me for many a night after. She merely glanced toward me, -and slowly floated past. - -Dropping upon my hands and knees, I crept hastily from the knoll into -the undergrowth below, and made my way hurriedly but noiselessly to -the stream. I could not have been over a minute in so doing, but when -I reached the water, and peered through the bushes, not a trace of the -canoe was visible. I looked closely into each shore, up and down the -stream, everywhere that I could look, but could not detect the -slightest ripple or movement to account for this mysterious -disappearance. For over an hour I waited in the hope that the canoe -would reappear, but I saw nothing more of it. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -CONVERSATIONS AND PLANS. - - -The disappearance of the canoe, although singular in itself, had -nothing supernatural about it. The shrubbery, which overhung the water -on either shore, offered a secure and impenetrable hiding-place, and a -few dexterous, vigorous strokes of the paddles were all that was -needed to send it beneath their shadows. That this had been done, was -plainly evident. Yet why had it been done? What motive was there for -concealment? And why, if apprehensive of danger, had the Indians -waited till they were in its vicinity? - -These and numerous questions, I asked myself, as I carefully retraced -my steps down-stream again. The whole proceeding was mysterious to me. -I had, doubtless, exposed myself while watching the canoe and its -occupants, and thus betrayed to an enemy our presence in their -country. What would result from this, I could not conjecture, and -determined to make everything known to the trapper. But then I felt -somewhat fearful of this. He would, doubtless, be incensed at my -imprudent thoughtlessness, which might compel him to leave a country -offering such inducements to the trapper and fur-trade; and I argued -it was not certain that I had really been seen by the Indians in -question. If they meditated hostility, Biddon would be warned soon -enough for all purposes--and so I decided to keep my own secret for -the present. - -But the question which occupied my thoughts, almost to the exclusion -of everything else, was the identity of the female in the canoe. What -could bring a white maiden to these wild regions of the northwest? -What meant her appearance in the canoe with two savage Indian -warriors? What if she was the child which Biddon had referred to, as -being captured upon the night of the massacre? This thought -intensified the interest I already felt in her. I believed _she_ had -seen me; and her silent look toward the shore had something more than -curiosity in it. I imagined there was a mute, eloquent appeal in those -dark eyes. - -Still ruminating upon this all-absorbing theme, I reached the tree, -and, stooping upon my hands and knees, crawled within it. The movement -had well-nigh cost me my life. As my head entered, I encountered the -alarmed visages of Nat and Biddon--the latter with his knife drawn, -and just preparing to spring upon me. - -"You liked to got rubbed out that time!" he exclaimed, replacing his -weapon. "What made you forgit the sign?" - -"It must have been because it did not occur to me," I laughed; "I have -had no occasion to use it before, and forgot it altogether; but I will -remember it, you may be assured, in future." - -"You'd better, for I was just going to shoot, too," added Nat, rising -to his feet, and then seating himself again. - -"You shoot!" repeated Biddon, contemptuously, "You're shooter ain't -loaded!" - -"I forgot that. I wonder if I couldn't load it, say?" he indignantly -demanded. - -"Yes, in course, if the reds waited fur yer." - -Nat made no reply to this, except that of instantly proceeding to load -his piece. As it was near noon, the meal was prepared--this time from -the beaver's body. The hair was singed off from a piece, which was -then cooked in the usual manner. This, although very palatable, was -not equal to the tail of the animal, the meat being more tough and -oily. - -Shortly after, the trapper departed for the purpose of visiting his -traps, and setting new ones. When alone with Nat, I determined to -impart to him my morning's experience. - -"Nat, I have seen Indians," I remarked, in a quiet tone. - -"You hain't!" he exclaimed, starting up from his bed of skins with -such suddenness as to break the remains of his pipe. - -"I have; and, what is considerably more, they have seen me." - -"I should think it was considerably more, umph! What did you do to -them? I didn't hear you shoot. Why didn't you tell me before? Why -didn't you--why, it seems to me you're very cool about it." - -"There is no occasion for excitement at all. Just remain quiet, and I -will tell you how it all happened." - -And thereupon I related the particulars of the incident already known -to the reader. Nat's wonder, excitement, and apprehension were roused -to the highest pitch at the narration. Springing to his feet, he -pulled his flattened hat violently over his forehead, and striding -about a moment, demanded: - -"Why didn't you tell Bill? Like as not he'll be shot and scalped -before he gets back." - -"I did not think it best," I returned. "Biddon is not the man to walk -into danger with his eyes shut, and if there is any cause for fear, -he will discover it soon enough." - -"Suppose he will; but ain't it terrible?" - -"Isn't what terrible?" - -"Why, that we're surrounded by Injins, thirsting for our blood!" - -"We are not surrounded by Indians, Nat," I returned, reprovingly. - -"I know; but then they are all around us. It won't do to stick our -heads out, except at night, and then, like as not, we'll be shot for -our trouble." - -"You are not afraid, I hope." - -"Oh, no! not a bit; but then you know it's rather _unpleasant_ to feel -that those infarnal Blackfeet (because this is the country of the -Blackfeet Injins) are all about you, and waiting for a chance to shoot -you from behind every bush." - -"Nat," I commenced, earnestly, "you say you are not afraid of Indians, -and yet you show it in every word, look, and action. There is no -excuse for this. I saw only two savages, and a girl, evidently a -captive; no words or actions were exchanged between us. They -disappeared very suddenly and were, more probably, frightened at my -presence. I see nothing in this to excuse the excitement and terror -you have exhibited." - -"I wonder what that girl is?" - -"I am afraid you will have to wonder a long time, as I can see no -occasion for satisfying your curiosity." - -"Is she good looking?" asked my companion, seriously. - -"Very! What makes you ask that question?" - -"I declare, if I don't marry her, just to spite Alminy, and make Bill -Hawkins mad," he exclaimed, joyously. - -At this point I could restrain my mirth no longer; but, as I indulged -it, I was considerably surprised to feel a slight twinge of jealousy -at his words. This discovery was painful. - -"I am afraid you will meet with several formidable obstacles, before -you can accomplish that; the most difficult of which will be to obtain -an audience with the fair one herself." - -"Don't suppose she'd be very anxious to see me; and I wouldn't care if -I only had my pipe and jack-knife to pass away time with." - -"I think it would be as well not to mention this affair to Biddon." - -"Why not?" - -"It can do no good, and he would be displeased at the thoughtlessness -I have evidenced. I do not think there are savages enough in the -vicinity to render us fearful of our safety. The canoe, I am disposed -to believe, belongs to some tribe quite distant from here." - -"But what are they here for?" - -"I can only conjecture. Biddon has never seen savages in this -particular section, and these may be returning from some journey to -their tribe." - -"Perhaps so, and may be not. These plagued Injins sometimes live in -one place and sometimes in another, you know, and it may be that a -notion has just entered their heads to come and live in these parts." - -"There is reason in what you say, but, as I stated, if danger -threatens, Biddon will undoubtedly detect its signs himself in time." - -"I think he will, though I shall feel a little flustered every time he -goes out. You remember when he was after the antelope, he walked right -among the Injins, without knowing it till it was too late to stop." - -"He did, it is true, but how nicely he walked out again. I tell you, -Nat, that fellow has nerve equal to any emergency. What man, when -conscious of an overwhelming foe being concealed within a few feet of -him, could have repressed every sign of trepidation or fear, as he -did, and bring the antelope through the same fearful ordeal, with the -same coolness and deliberation?" - -"That was a clever thing, I allow." - -"Biddon told me he felt a little nervous when he saw us start to come -up to him, for, if we had reached him, it would have been all up with -us. He called out to us, though we did not hear him, that there were -more animals in the grove, and our approach would frighten them. The -impatient Indians were thus held at bay, in the hope of being offered -a better opportunity to accomplish our ruin, until it was too late to -accomplish anything save the loss of two or three of their number. -Such a man, I repeat, will scent danger soon enough without the help -of others." - -"He will, and I hope he'll find out who that white girl is." - -"Nat, do you remember the account Biddon gave some time ago of a -horrible massacre, upon the sandy island near where we encamped one -night?" - -"I don't think there is much likelihood of my ever forgetting it." - -"You will also recall his account of the capture of a small child by -the savages? Now, it has occurred to me that this is that child grown -to womanhood." - -"I _know_ it is!" exclaimed Nat, joyously. - -"It is true there is much against it. It was a great distance from -here, but as these savages wander hundreds of miles at times, it is -not improbable, upon that ground. Instances are only too common of -persons spending their lives in captivity among these Indian tribes. -She is a captive, beyond a doubt, and must long for restoration to her -home and friends. If possible, I am bound to know more of her." - -"So am I!" exclaimed my excitable companion. - -"As I said, we will say nothing of this to Biddon, until he discovers -signs of Indians himself. To-morrow, we will go forth together, and -spend the day in endeavoring to gain traces of the canoe and its -inmates; and if anything is discovered which is alarming, we will -impart it to him." - -This Nat agreed to, and shortly after we heard three raps upon the -outside of the tree--the trapper's signal of his presence. A moment -after, he made his appearance. He was considerably elated at his -prospect for a goodly quantity of furs; had set a number of traps; was -sure of half a dozen next day; had seen no signs of Indians, and was -convinced there were none in the vicinity. None of us passed out again -that day, but remained indulging in our pipes and conversation as -usual, until a late hour. - -The next morning the trapper proposed that I should accompany him upon -his daily round. I complied, while Nat remained behind. - -The day was as warm and pleasant as the preceding one, and the forest -and stream as delightful. Biddon paddled slowly up the unrippled -surface, and in a short time reached the first trap; it had not been -disturbed. Still hopeful, he passed on to the second and third and all -the others. But there were no signs of beaver in any. - -"Shoot me, that's quar'!" he exclaimed, thoughtfully, as he saw the -last one. "I don't understand it; I must git out and take a look -round." - -He sprang ashore, and minutely examined the ground around. A few -seconds sufficed. He looked up with a gleam of deep meaning, and said: - -"Here's the track of a thunderin' moccasin. The reds have found us -out." - -He stepped into the canoe, and taking the paddle moved it carefully -back again. He touched at each trap on the way. The footprints of a -stranger were visible at each. - -"Thar's been a beaver taken out of that one!" he remarked, as the last -one was reached. "It's lucky for the sneakin' coward that I didn't see -him. He wouldn't 'sturbed any more gentlemen's traps." - -"Are you sure it is an Indian who has been annoying you?" - -"Wogh! Don't you s'pose I could tell a red's track from a grizzly's?" - -"But it might have been a white man--some hunter or trapper?" I -suggested. - -"A white man wouldn't be mean 'nough to do sich a thing, 'less it war -some of those Hudson Bay fellers. They try them tricks sometimes, but -they git come up to. I catched a feller once from Fort Hall at mine, -and the way I walked into him war a caution; but this ar' an Injin's -track, sure." - -"Do you suspect there could be a number in the vicinity?" - -"Ef there war, I'd've heard of 'em afore. This is some varmint, -sneakin' round yer, and he's got to be rubbed out afore he makes more -trouble." - -"I fear that will be a difficult and dangerous job." - -"Let me be for that." - -Shortly after we reached our home, and running the canoe beneath the -bushes, entered it. We were somewhat surprised to find Nat absent. He -returned, however, in a short time, and I saw at once by his nervous, -flustered manner that something unusual had occurred. Biddon -questioned him rather closely, as he suspected something, but Nat -evaded his inquiries, and would not admit that he had seen anything -to excite alarm or apprehension. - -"I'm goin' out, and when I come back I'll tell you what's the matter -with them traps," said Biddon, seizing his rifle and departing. - -I waited until he was beyond hearing, and then turning to my -companion, asked, - -"What is the matter with you, Nat?" - -"Why?" he asked, in turn, with a start. - -"Because you show plainly that something has occurred to alarm you." - -He remained silent a moment, and then seizing his hat, jerked it off -his head, and threw it spitefully down, where he gazed at it a second, -and exclaimed, - -"I'm sick of this." - -"Sick of what?" - -"Why, of being in this fix." - -"I don't understand you. Please explain what you mean." - -"I should think you ought to know." - -"But I do not." - -"Why, this wood is full of Injins; they're behind every tree and -stump, and in every bush, and you can hardly step without pitching -over some painted heathen." - -"I am afraid you are exaggerating," I answered, suppressing a smile -which was struggling at the corners of my mouth. - -"No, I ain't. I swow there are ten thousand Injins just waiting -outside to pounce upon us." - -"You are talking nonsense, and you know it." - -"Well, there's _one_ Injin, for I seen him. Come now," he affirmed, as -if the matter was now settled beyond a question. - -"Ah! that alters the case considerably. I shouldn't wonder at all if -there is one or a half-dozen savages in the forest." - -"If you see _one_ savage haven't you a right to suppose there's a -hundred more about, I should like to know?" - -"Not always, Nat; I have seen three myself, yet I do not believe there -is another one in the neighborhood. But I have not heard the -particulars of this affair of which you have been speaking. Please let -me hear them." - -"There isn't much to tell, but there is enough to make you do a heap -of thinking. You see, after you had left, I took a notion that I must -have a morning ramble; and I thought, too, there might be such a thing -as you two running into danger and needing my help (I should like to -know what you are laughing at). So, on the whole, there was no -hesitation upon my part. Taking my rifle out, I was soon making my -way as noiselessly as possible, in a direction from the river. - -"I hadn't gone more than a dozen yards before I commenced thinking -about Injins, and came nigh going back again. I wasn't afraid at all, -you know, but then it appeared to me I might bring you and Biddon into -trouble. However, I kept on. I had gone some distance further, when -all of a sudden I heard a terrible whirr and rattle, and jumped clean -off my feet. But it was only a big owl which I had stirred up. I was -so provoked at the start he gave me, that I should have wrung his neck -had I got my hands upon him. But I went on. Pretty soon I reached a -little stream of water, and as I jumped across, what do you suppose I -saw in the sand?" - -"I am sure I cannot tell." - -"Nothing less than a big moccasin track. And what was more, it hadn't -been made there a week before! I stood and looked at it a good while, -cogitating some wonderful things. At last I stooped and went to -measuring it. I was just going to rise, when I heard a grunt right by -me. I jumped up so quick--to be ready, you know--that I floundered -backward into the water. And I may be shot if there wasn't a big -painted Injin standing not ten feet off. He didn't say a word, but -just stood and looked at me with them awful eyes of his. As soon as I -could think, I raised my gun, took a quick aim, and pulled the -trigger; but the infernal gun snapped. I pulled it again, but it -wouldn't go, and I just happened to think the thing wasn't loaded. All -this time the painted imp stood grinning at me, without saying a word, -except to kinder grunt. He had a big shining gun in one hand, and I -was dreadful afraid he would shoot it. I told him not to stir, but to -stand still till I got mine loaded, and he waited. But somehow or -other, I s'pose I was in such a hurry that things wouldn't go right. -Instead of putting the powder in the gun-barrel, I crammed it in my -pocket, and jammed the ramrod into my shoe. I told the Injin to have -patience and I'd get it loaded in a minute. I got it fixed somehow at -last and hauled it up to my shoulder, when, no Injin was there! I -looked behind, all about me, and up into the trees but he'd been -spirited away somewhere. However, I made up my mind to shoot at the -spot where he had stood, and I up and blazed away. That is, I blazed -away without the gun going off. I believe he spirited that too." - -"Let me examine it. Perhaps you made some blunder." - -"No, I'm sure I didn't." - -I took the rifle, with a smile of certainty that I should find -something the matter with it. Sure enough the muzzle was crammed with -paper, and upon removing it, _a pipestem_, broken in pieces, rolled -out, while there was not a grain of powder in the barrel. - -"I declare, I forgot about the powder!" exclaimed Nat, opening his -eyes in wonder. - -"But not about the bullet," I laughed, pointing to the fragments of -his pipe. - -"How'd that get there?" he angrily asked. - -"That's the question." - -"I didn't put it there." - -"Who did, then?" - -"I don't know, I declare." - -Nat picked up the fragments and examined them carefully. - -"That's my pipe sure; and I had it in my mouth, I remember when I -started out, and missed it coming back. I didn't put it in the gun -though." - -"Let it pass then. Did you see no more of your Indian friend?" - -"No; he knew enough to keep out of my way. I waited a long time for -him, and at last started home again. I kept an eye on every suspicious -object, but as I just said, seen nothing." - -At this point I gave free vent to my pent-up mirth. Nat, much -astonished, looked wonderingly at me, seemingly at a loss to -understand the cause. - -"I do not see what there is to laugh at," he remarked, reprovingly. -"If it's a laughing matter to know that there are Injins all about -you, why you must laugh." - -"Your adventure with the Indian, Nat, and the singular load in your -rifle appears to me to be a funny matter, and I trust you will pardon -me if----" - -"Didn't I tell you I didn't put it in there? It was the Injin's work." - -And to this day Nat cannot be made to believe that he was instrumental -in introducing the pipe into his gun. - -After a few more unimportant remarks, the conversation ceased. Nat's -adventure began to appear to me in a different light from that in -which I had viewed it at first. I doubted not but that he was -perfectly honest and truthful in what he said. But why, when exposed -to the will of the savage, did he escape unscathed? Why did the latter -stand fearless and harmless before him? And what meant these strange -signs, these "footprints," which were becoming visible around us? -Matters were assuming a puzzling form. We were being environed by -Indians without any evidence of hostility upon their part. What meant -it? Surely there was a meaning too deep and hidden for us to divine as -yet. - -Suddenly Nat spoke. - -"Don't you remember the canoe? We were going to hunt for that to-day!" - -"Ah! how did I forget that? But had we not better wait till Biddon -returns?" - -"No; let us go at once. Hark! what's that?" - -I held my breath, as the distant report of a rifle reached our ears. -The next instant came a sound, faint and far away yet clear and -distinct--a horrid, unearthly sound, as the cry of a being in mortal -agony! - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -STILL IN THE DARK--THE CANOE AGAIN. - - -For a moment we stood breathless, paralyzed and speechless. Then our -eyes sought each other with a look of fearful inquiry. - -"Was that Biddon's voice?" I asked, in a faint whisper. - -"I don't know. There it is again!" - -And again came that wild, howling shriek of such agony as made our -blood curdle within us. - -"_It is his voice!_ Let us hasten to his aid," I exclaimed, catching -my rifle, and springing out. Nat followed closely, his gun having been -reloaded. The cry came from up the river and toward it we dashed, -scrambling and tearing through the brush and undergrowth, like two -maddened animals, heedless of what the consequence might be. Several -times we halted and listened, but heard nothing save our own panting -breasts and leaping hearts. On again we dashed, looking hurriedly -about us, until I knew we had ascended as high as could be the author -of that startling cry. Here we paused and listened. No one was to be -seen. I turned toward Nat, standing behind me, and directly behind him -I saw Biddon slowly approaching. - -"What are you doin' here?" he asked, as he came up. - -"Was not that your voice which I just heard?" - -"I rather reckon it wan't. When you hear Bill Biddon bawl out in that -way, jist let me know, will yer?" - -"What under the sun was it?" I asked then, greatly relieved. - -"That's more nor me can tell; but shoot and skin me, if I can't tell -you one thing;" he approached closely and whispered, "there's sunkthin -else nor reds about yer." - -"What do you mean?" I asked, although I understood well enough what he -meant. - -"I's here once afore, as I told yer, and I never heerd sich goin's on -then. I've seed the tracks of moccasins all about the traps, but can't -draw bead on the shadder of a redskin." - -"You heard that horrid howl, didn't you?" - -"Heerd it! I should think I did." - -"Was it you who shot?" - -"Yes; the way on it was this: I got on a purty plain trail and -follered it up hereabouts, when I cotched the glimpse of a Blackfoot's -feather goin' down through the bushes there, and blazed away at him. I -never missed a red in my life, and I didn't miss him. Howsumever, he -didn't mind it, but kept on and got away, and jist as he went out of -sight that orful yell come. It didn't seem that he made it, but -sounded like as though 'twas all about me, above and under the ground, -and around and behind me." - -"Anywhere near us?" asked Nat. - -"It sounded jist under your feet about." - -"Jerusha!" exclaimed the affrighted Nat, as he sprang nervously toward -me. - -"It must have been the Indian, surely, who made that yell," said I. - -"In course; though things are beginnin' to look qua'rish to me." - -The same look of uneasiness again passed over the trapper's face; and -I saw that although he strove to hide it, he was by no means at rest. -Matters were beginning to put on an unusual aspect, and that was the -reason. Give the trapper of the northwest flesh and blood to contend -against, let him know that nothing supernatural is arrayed against -him, and he is the last man in the world to yield an inch. But the -moment he sees something unexplainable to his simple mind, (and the -trapper is a credulous being), his courage deserts him. He believes -that other spirits than those of men visit this earth, and they are -his greatest horror. - -"Les' go home; there's Injins all around us," pleaded Nat. - -"How'd you know?" - -"Because I _seen_ one myself." - -Biddon looked inquiringly at me, and, deeming it best, I related the -incident given in the preceding chapter. I saw at once his uneasiness -was increased. - -"Why didn't you shoot the redskin?" he angrily asked of Nat. - -"Why didn't _you_ shoot the redskin?" queried Nat, in turn. - -"I did--hit him fair and square as I ever hit anything." - -"But didn't do any more good than I did." - -"I made the infarnal imp howl." - -"And I made mine _grunt_," added Nat, triumphantly. - -"There is no need of words," I interposed. "Each of you did your best, -Nat included. You, Bill, I believe, hit your man and mortally wounded -him. That yell was of agony, though I can't conceive how we came to -mistake it for yours. The dead or dying body of that Indian, I -believe, is near at hand. See! what does that mean?" I asked, as I -detected some red fluid dripping from the limb of a bush to the earth. -The trapper stepped forward and looked at it. - -"That's the blood of a Blackfoot, or I'm a skinned beaver!" he -remarked, with a glow of relief at having those strange apprehensions -of his removed. - -"Yes, I'm convinced that's Injin blood," added Nat, rubbing it between -the tip of his finger and thumb. "The blood of a Blackfoot Injin, -too--a man's about thirty-two years old. Probably a brother to the one -I frightened." - -"What do you know about that?" I asked. - -"Oh! it's only a supposition of mine." - -"Biddon, I believe, as I just said, that we will find the body of that -savage near at hand. Let us follow it." - -"Jes' what I's agoin' to do," he replied, starting off at once upon -the trail. - -It was easy to follow, as every step was marked by blood, which, in -many places, was dripping from the bushes to the ground. It was -followed but a short distance, however, as it led in a direct line to -the river. - -"It's as I s'pected," said Biddon, turning round in disgust. - -"He must have drowned then." - -"Dunno 'bout that. He's taken to the water to hide his trail, an' jes' -as like as not some of the other painted heathen have helped him off." - -"No doubt about that. I've been thinking that some of them helped off -that fellow when I was loading my gun." - -"We mought as well go back agin," said Biddon. "I'm tired of huntin' -spirits, and I dunno but what we'd better move traps and leave this -plagued place to 'em." - -"That's what I am in favor of--" - -Nat suddenly paused, for Biddon, with a slight "sh" motioned us down. -We both sank quickly and silently to the earth, while he, in a -crouching position, gazed stealthily up-stream. - -"What is it, Bill?" whispered Nat. - -"_There's a canoe comin' down stream!_" - -We said nothing; and Nat looking meaningly in the water. - -"Skin me, if there ain't two reds and a squaw in it," added Biddon, -without changing his position, or removing his gaze. - -I could not restrain the singular agitation that came over me at this -announcement. Fearing to betray myself, I cautiously arose beside -Biddon. - -"Let me take a look," I whispered. - -"Be keerful you ain't seen," he whispered, in turn, as he stepped -back. - -As I looked, I saw, not more than two hundred yards distant the canoe -approaching, heading directly towards us. For this reason, I could -only see the foremost Indian, though I was positive another, together -with the white captive, were in it. I gazed but a moment and then -looked inquiringly at the trapper. He made no reply, but again peered -forth. - -"That ain't a squaw; it's a white gal," said he, looking round upon us -with an astounded look. - -"Shall we rescue her?" I asked. - -"Ef she wants us to, in course." - -"You going to shoot them?" asked Nat, anxiously. - -"Can't tell yit. Jest see that yer irons is ready, and we'll wait till -they get out yer. Don't make no noise till I give the motion." - -The trapper stole a yard or two in front of us, where he sank softly -down upon his face until only his head was visible. Nat fingered his -gun nervously beside me, while I, not a whit less agitated, waited -for the canoe to appear through the interstices of the bushes in -front. - -In a moment, I heard the faint ripple of an oar, and saw the trapper -slowly raising his head and bringing his rifle in front of him. He -raised his hand warningly for us to remain quiet until the moment -should arrive. I heard the click of my companion's gun, as he raised -the hammer, and admonished him to be careful. - -Suddenly, I saw the red head-dress of one of the savages glittering -through the bushes, and, before I could speak, came an explosion -beside me like the crash of a thunderbolt. Almost simultaneously, the -herculean frame of the trapper bounded over me, and he exclaimed: - -"Who fired that? I'm shot." - -Nat and I sprang to our feet and dashed after him; but as I turned, -though bewildered with excitement, I looked at the spot where the -canoe was seen. It was gone! - -We dashed up the bank, and in a moment reached Biddon. The excitement -had completely gone, and he stood coolly feeling his ear. - -"Was that your gun, Jarsey?" he asked. - -"No, sir; mine is still loaded." - -"How is yours, Greeny?" - -Nat lifted his, examined the lock and looked into the barrel. He had -indeed discharged it, grazing the trapper's head so closely as to -wound his ear. - -"Wonder if that was my gun? Sure, I believe it was," he remarked, -still looking into the barrel. - -"Was it your gun?" repeated the trapper, his brow darkening like a -thunder-cloud, and laying his hand upon his knife-handle, as he -approached. Nat looked up and started as he saw his visage fairly -gleaming with passion. - -"I didn't shoot it, Bill, by thunder!" he expostulated. - -The face of the trapper changed. It grew paler, and the dark cloud -fled from it. He replaced his drawn knife. He believed the words of -Nat. - -Matters were approaching a crisis. The recent startling events had -their effect upon us all. The trapper avowed he could not stand "sich -goin's on," and should leave for some other quarters. Little sleep -came to Nat at night. His adventure with the savage, and the more -recent occurrence alarmed him. He had discovered that there were -consequences to be feared from both sides. - -I was still unwilling to believe that there was anything in the events -given which would not soon be explained. It was evident our foes were -around, and from some inexplicable cause, had pursued an unusual -course toward us. We had all been exposed to their power, and had yet -escaped harmless. What was the meaning of this? And, above all, what -was the object of the appearance and disappearance of the canoe at the -different times mentioned? Who could be that fair being of whose -existence I only was as yet aware? - -These questions, prompted only my anxious curiosity and desire to -learn more of that mysterious being whom I had now twice seen. I -ridiculed the ideas of Biddon, and Nat strove hard to convince him -that he was not afraid. Biddon, consented to remain until more was -learned, intimating at the same time, that it must be very soon. He -visited the horses each day, and found them undisturbed. This, -however, only added to his anxiety. Had they been gone he would have -taken it as convincing evidence that _bona fide_ Indians were in the -neighborhood. - -The next day, after the closing scene of the last chapter, Nat agreed -to accompany me for the last time to the spot where we had seen the -canoe. The trapper could not be prevailed upon to go, affirming that -he should probably have his hands full at home. It required my utmost -skill to succeed with Nat, as the horror had plainly settled upon him. - -"It's awful!" said he, as we started, "this walking right into -danger, but I want to see that canoe agin, but especially that gal, -and so I'll go." - -"And, I trust, behave yourself. You well know, Nat, you fired that -shot which came so near ending Biddon's life." - -"Wonder if I did pull the trigger!" he exclaimed, suddenly stopping -and looking round at me. - -"You _know_ you did, and had he known it, too, it would have been a -sorry piece of business for you. That temper of his is terrible, when -it is once excited." - -"I remember cocking my gun, and kind of pulling the trigger, but I -didn't mean to pull hard enough to make it go off." - -"I suppose not. I cannot conceive how Biddon persuaded himself to -believe that you did not discharge it when the case was self-evident. -But he is willing to believe almost anything since he has started." - -"He shouldn't have gotten before my gun, for he knows my hand -sometimes trembles." - -"I trust you will be able to control it this time." - -"No doubt of that; but, then, I'd advise you, as a friend, not to get -before me, especially if you see the canoe coming." - -I assured him that I should not, and we kept upon our way. Upon each -of the occasions before, as near as I could judge, it was about noon -that the canoe made its appearance; and, as it was that time now, we -hurried forward, lest the opportunity should pass. The opportunity, I -say--for, although it had appeared but twice as yet, I somehow or -other was well satisfied we should see it again. - -"What are you going to do?" asked Nat. - -"It will depend upon what we see. If simply those two savages with the -captive, as we judge her to be, are in the canoe, and no demonstration -is made, I think it best not to attempt a rescue. It is only a -supposition of ours that she is a captive, and we know not that she -would thank us for interfering in her case." - -In a short time we reached the elevation already mentioned. Here we -seated ourselves so as to remain concealed from any stragglers in the -vicinity, while we ourselves with a little care could detect the -slightest object passing. As I stooped, my hand came in contact with -something cold, and upon looking at it, I saw it covered with dark -clotted blood. I started, and wiped it on the grass, but it sent a -shudder through me to reflect that it had once been the life-fluid of -a human being. - -"Ugh!" exclaimed Nat; "ain't that awful?" - -"It is disagreeable, to say the least." - -"Just look at the blood on the grass, too, and all around. I believe -Bill must have hit a half-dozen Injins sure, the way things appear -here." - -"He must have wounded one terribly to make him bleed like this." - -"And if he had been a flesh and blood Injin he would have never -tramped in that manner. I tell you, William Relmond, there _is_ -something more more than human about us. I can feel it in my bones, -and I'm of Biddon's opinion that the sooner we get away from here the -better." - -"Fudge! I see you are beginning to get alarmed." - -"Oh no; you are mistaken. I am not frightened at all. For Biddon's -sake, but more especially for yours, I am anxious. If you are desirous -of remaining hereabouts, and will take all the consequences, I will -make no objections." - -"Of course, if I run into danger of my own accord, I expect that I -alone will suffer the penalty." - -"Then we needn't say anything more about it; you know we pledged -ourselves to remain true to each other, and I won't desert you." - -"That's well spoken, Nat. The minute I am satisfied that our lives are -imperiled, I shall not be the means of prolonging that peril a -moment. It is only this great desire to solve and understand the -singular occurrences that are transpiring around us, that leads me to -still remain. I have determined that to-day we shall all be -satisfied." - -"My curiosity is extraordinarily high; but I guess that gal has as -much to do with it as anything else. I'm determined to get a glimpse -of her face, and, if possible, whisper in her ear that Nat Todd, from -Maine, is about. I flatter myself that the minute she knows that, she -will jump overboard and make for shore without saying a word to the -chaps with her." - -"The greatest difficulty, I fear, will be to convey your words to the -captive, without conveying it also to her captors." - -"I swow, it would be harder than I thought at first." - -During this conversation, which was carried on in a half-whisper, Nat -was constantly parting the bushes and peering through them, while now -and then I glanced expectantly up the stream; but nothing as yet had -rewarded our watchfulness. Suddenly I reflected that as I had been -twice defeated in observing the disappearance of the canoe, from the -exact spot upon which we were now seated, that we might make a better -arrangement of ourselves, so as to insure this coveted knowledge to -one of us at least. - -I mentioned this to Nat. - -"If one of us was on t'other side, the thing would be certain, but -that can't be done very conveniently, and we shall have to try -something else." - -"Suppose you go down stream about a hundred yards near the bend -yonder," I proposed to Nat. - -"Guess I will!" he exclaimed, as he rose to go. - -"Wait a moment," said I, detaining him. "Let me admonish you to -exercise no ordinary caution, Nat, for you have seen enough to -convince you that your own safety depends upon it. Remember that a -word or false movement, however slight, may defeat our plans. Look out -for danger to yourself, and not let your curiosity be the means of -your destruction. _Be very careful._" - -I know not what led me to thus warn him; but at the moment he arose to -go, an unaccountable sense of impending danger came over me. It was -not so much for me as for him I spoke thus. He promised to heed my -words and departed. - -As soon as he had disappeared, I cast another look up stream, but -still there were no signs of the expected canoe, and a sudden -apprehension that I should not see it again came over me. There was, -in fact; as much reason not to expect it as to anticipate its coming, -and as I looked up at the sun and saw that it was already beyond the -hour, I was half-tempted to turn back. While I was debating, I -naturally looked up the river, and there, just rounding the bend where -the canoe had first come into view before,--and there it was coming! -Quivering with agitation, I sank upon the ground, and gave a low -whistle as a signal to Nat. He returned it, as an evidence of his -watchfulness. - -I saw from that point where I was seated, the view would be most -obstructed when the canoe was nearest. Accordingly, I crept cautiously -and quickly nearer the water's edge. This time, however, I slightly -varied my course, and concealed myself behind the trunk of a fallen -tree. This was within a yard of the water, and afforded complete -concealment. I noticed the log was rotten and apparently hollow. - -Here I lay, and intently listened and watched. A few moments and an -almost inaudible ripple was heard, and the canoe was opposite. I -exercised the most extreme caution, and was fortunate enough to obtain -a perfect view of each of the occupants. They were the same--the dark, -malignant faces of the savages, and the fair features of the captive. -She sat in the stern, her hand resting gently upon a guiding oar, and -her gaze fixed upon the stream in front. The canoe floated with the -current, and not a paddle was stirred, nor the least motion made by -the beings before me. The headdress of the captive was, as mentioned -before, eagle feathers and porcupine quills, while the dark, waving -masses of hair hung low upon the shoulders, contrasting with the -whiteness of the face. A heavy crimson shawl enveloped the form, as -when first seen. The features were regular, and, perhaps, in my state -of feeling, their beauty was considerably enhanced; but the thought -came upon me that if there were anything supernatural in my -experience, it was in seeing such wonderful beauty as was now before -me. - -Unconsciously I forgot myself as the canoe was gliding past, and -before I was aware, it was hid from view by intervening obstacles. I -withdrew hastily, intending to hurry farther down, where the view -would be more complete. I had taken but a step or two when Nat's rifle -was discharged, and I heard distinctly a muffled sound of his voice. -Wild with agitation, I dashed to the spot where I supposed him to be. -The view of the river at this point was clear, and I turned to look at -the canoe. It had vanished! - -I looked around for Nat, but he too, was gone. I called him, and once -thought I heard a faint answer. But it was not repeated, and I could -not tell its direction. I reached the ground, and beheld _the tracks -of others beside his own_. I awaited until near night, but Nathan Todd -was never to return. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS. - - -"Where's your friend?" - -There was apprehension in the question of the trapper, or he would not -have called Nat, as he had never called him before. The question was -asked, too, the instant I appeared. - -"I cannot tell," I answered, seating myself gloomily. - -"Whar'd you leave him?" - -"I cannot answer that either. He went with me to watch the river, as -you remember. Espying that canoe which you saw yesterday, he concealed -himself a few yards distant, in order to obtain a better view of it. -Since then I have seen nothing of him." - -"Was it he who shot?" - -"It sounded like his gun, although I am not positive that it really -was." - -"I heerd it, an' took it for him; and, shoot me, if I didn't know he'd -get into some scrape." - -"I fear he has, and the last one, too." - -"My thoughts 'zactly. Luckily you did not, too." - -"I came nearer than I wish to again, Biddon. I can tell you, that I am -willing to leave this place as soon as you wish; I've seen enough to -satisfy me." - -"Shouldn't wonder; I did long ago." - -"Let us leave to-morrow. Are you willing?" - -"I'll go to-night if you want to." - -"No; there is no need of that. It will be best to wait until -daylight." - -"I don't know; that's the only time we've been interfered with." - -"Besides," I added. "I have faint hopes that Nat may return." - -"Waugh! you'll never see him again, and ef we're 'bout yer another -day, we'll never see each other again. No use lookin' fur him, shoot -me ef thar is." - -"I do not think he has been slain, only captured by some lurking -enemy, from whom he may escape." - -"No, _sir_; I tell you he's gone, and I reckon as how we'd better be -gone too." - -"Perhaps you are right, Biddon, although I shall be loth to leave the -vicinity when I am not satisfied of his fate." - -"I'm satisfied, an' you oughter be. Leastways, _I'm_ goin' to-morrow, -an' you kin stay and play with these Blackfeet as long as you like. -I've been up to see the horses, and fixed things so as to start as -soon as daylight. Any 'jections?" - -"None at all." - -"Then 'tis settled, and let's snooze." - -But it was by no means settled. As I lay that night ruminating upon -the strange scenes through which I had so recently passed, the pledge -that I had made with Nat came back to me. I had promised to remain by -him as long as there was hope; and to desert him now, would be a -violation of that vow, and a base and unworthy act upon my part. For -us both to leave him would probably seal his fate, if alive. It was by -no means certain that if lost, he was irrecoverably gone, and I -resolved that if the trapper should depart on the morrow I would -remain. - -In making this resolution, perhaps it was not the desire alone to -benefit my companion that prompted it, although I aver that that alone -would have been sufficient. Unconsciously, almost, I found my thoughts -wandering from Nat to the fair being who had been the cause of all -this trouble. At most, I could only speculate and conjecture with -regard to her, and the same speculations and conjectures I had made -before. Undoubtedly she was a captive among a tribe of Indians, over -whom she wielded a great influence; and that she was the same maid -referred to by Biddon, seemed certain to me. I had mentioned this -thought to him, in the hope of persuading him to remain. He started -somewhat at the unsuspected suggestion, and, after a few moments' -thought, admitted the probability of such being the case. To my -surprise I found I had completely defeated my own plans. - -"I kinder thought then, that little thing war suthin' more nor human, -an' ef it's her, you see, I'm purty sure now. No use talkin', I shan't -stay here longer than time 'nough to start. It might be that gal, and -then agin it moughn't. Shoot me ef it moughn't." - -I said no more, for I saw it would be useless. When he had once -determined upon a matter there was no changing him. He was satisfied -that "spirits invisible" had encompassed him, and there was but one -way of escaping them. - -He was now reposing quietly beside me, utterly oblivious to external -things; and as the night was far advanced, I sank upon my knees, and -besought the great Disposer of events to guide me aright in the -undertaking which I was about to commence, and to watch over my -unfortunate companion, now doubtless in captivity; to protect the -kind-hearted trapper, and to soon clear away the mystery which had -enveloped us like a cloud. Then I lay down and slept. - -I awoke, hearing a slight rustling noise beside me, and, upon looking -around, caught a glimpse of Biddon as he departed. It was very early, -and he doubtless was after the horses, in order to leave at once the -place which had such terrors for him. In the course of a half hour he -returned. - -"The horses are waitin'," said he. - -I arose and passed out. The three animals stood outside, a short -distance away, each saddled and prepared for travel. - -"Come, work lively, and fetch them skins out," said Biddon, commencing -himself. I made no reply, but assisted him until everything was in -readiness, for starting. - -"Jump on, and shoot me ef we won't soon be clar of this outlandish -place." - -"Biddon, I am not going with you," I said, mildly. - -"_What?_" he asked, looking wonderingly at one, as if doubting my -senses. - -"I intend to remain here." - -"Ogh! jump on, an' shut up yer meat-trap; it's time we started." - -"I said I was going to remain here." - -"Do you mean it, Jarsey?" he queried, bending such a fierce look upon -me. - -"Most certainly I do." - -"Then, all Bill Biddon's got to say is, you're a fool." - -I colored slightly at this, but made no reply. - -"What yer going to stay fur? Get shot and lose yer ha'r, I s'pose, -jist to please the reds." - -"I am sorry, friend Biddon, that you feel thus. When Nathan Todd and I -left the States for this country, we pledged eternal friendship to -each other, and I am sure I should never feel at ease if I should -leave him in this dire extremity. I am by no means satisfied that I -can afford him no assistance, although he is a captive. He has no -claims upon you, and I should not expect you to remain, but, as I -said, I am determined not to leave this place until I have obtained -satisfactory intelligence of him." - -The trapper remained silent a few moments after this. He then spoke: - -"I s'pose you mean right, Jarsey, but you're awful simple. Yer's as -what hopes you'll find the other chap right side up and squar with his -ha'r on, but I don't 'spect _your_ ha'r 'll be yer's to-night. -Howsumever you're bound to stay, I see, so yer's good luck. I'd like -to stay with you, but I ain't backward to own Bill Biddon knocks under -_this_ time." - -He reached his hard, horny hand, and I took it. - -"Good-by, Bill, I hope we shall meet again. We have not been long -acquainted, but I trust long enough to be friends." - -"And you'll remember as how ole Bill Biddon didn't mean what he said -just now." - -"Certainly, certainly, I know you did not." - -"Wal, good-by it is, then." - -A half-hour after and I was alone in the great wilderness of the -Northwest. - -After parting with Biddon, I remained stationary a long time, -meditating upon the strange resolve that I had acted upon. If looked -at with the common-sense view that the honest trapper gave it, I was -sensible it was nothing less than a piece of recklessness upon my -part, which only could be excused by the motives that actuated me. I -felt some regret certainly at parting with Biddon, for that honest, -manly heart which throbbed within his massive breast had drawn me -toward him, and I knew he had come to regard me in a far different -light than he did at first. However, I was hopeful, and could not -persuade myself that I was never to see him again. - -Toward night the sky gave evidence of an approaching storm. A strong -wind arose, and a melancholy, desolate moaning, like the precursor of -winter, could be heard at intervals in the forest. Darkness came on -earlier than usual, and, as I passed into the trapper's home, the -storm burst upon me. No one who has not witnessed a storm in the -wilderness, can appreciate its awful grandeur. As I cowered within the -heart of the old forest king, its power was subdued to my ears; but -enough reached them to give me an idea of the terrific spectacle -without. The huge sides of the tree surrounding me rumbled and groaned -as though it were yielding to the hurricane; the wind blew with such -fury that at times it sounded as though wailing screams were rending -the air above me; and the sharp splintering of the trees riven by the -lightning, rivaled the crash of the thunderbolt itself. - -As the morning approached, the storm gradually died away, and as I -stepped forth the sun was shining in unclouded splendor. - -Slinging my rifle over my shoulder, I wandered aimlessly forward, -following the course of the stream for several hours. Finally, -becoming considerably wearied, I seated myself upon a fallen tree, to -gain a little rest; but my mind was in such a state of excitement that -the desire to press forward was irresistible, and I arose again. - -As I stood upon the spot, I happened to look across the stream upon -the prairie. The river at this point was flowing east and west, so -that I looked to the southward; and as I did so I saw Biddon in the -distance, riding leisurely away. He was miles distant, so that I could -not hope to make my voice reach him; and as the prairie in many parts -was submerged, it was out of the question to pursue with the hope of -overtaking him. So I contented myself with watching him until he -disappeared. He appeared precisely the same as when Nat and I first -caught sight of him; and it struck me as a rather curious coincidence -that my first and last glimpse of him were similar. Shortly after, he -was a mere quivering speck on the horizon, and soon disappeared -altogether. - -The storm which had just ended was the usher of the cold season. A -strong wind had arisen, and was blowing coldly through the forest. The -changes in these regions are remarkably sudden; and by the middle of -the afternoon, needles of ice put out along the shores of the stream. -I suffered much from this sudden and severe cold; and to make it -worse, everything upon which I could lay hands was so water-soaked as -to make it impossible to kindle a fire. - -I continued wandering aimlessly onward, until I descended a large -valley, filled with trees of enormous growth. As I entered, I heard a -crackling in the bushes above me. I looked carefully about, but could -detect nothing, although the crackling was still heard. Creeping -cautiously and stealthily up the bank, I came upon the cause of this -apprehension. There was a species of fruit, called the "buffalo -berry," quite numerous here, and in among them, seated on his -haunches, and contentedly devouring, was a grizzly bear. I started as -I took in his colossal form, and turned to make a hasty retreat; but -curiosity held me to the spot. He was a huge, unwieldy body; his -massive form being enveloped in a coat of long, black, glossy hair, -and his eyes small and glittering. His long nails rattled among the -leaves, as he pulled the bushes toward him, and plucked the delicate -fruit. - -All at once a mad desire to take this formidable creature's life came -upon me. I knew it was only the most skillful hunter who could prevail -against him, and yet I determined to take the risk. As he sat, his -side was turned toward me, and I made a low whistle to attract his -attention. He stopped chewing instantly, and turned his head toward -me as if listening. I could see his two coal-black eyes glistening -plainly. I was lying upon my face, with my rifle resting upon a stone -in front. Raising the hammer of my rifle, I took a long, a deliberate, -a sure aim at one of his eyes, and before he changed his head, pulled -the trigger. - -"How does that suit?" I asked exultingly, expecting to see him give up -the ghost immediately. To my surprise and terror, I saw him sitting -unmoved and apparently unhurt, but looking about him, as if to -ascertain from what direction the shot had come. The next instant he -caught sight of the bluish wreath from my rifle, and with a low growl -of rage plunged directly toward me. - -That cumbrous body could roll over the ground much faster than I -suspected, and I found that, when alarmed, I could also travel -rapidly. But in the tangled undergrowth I was no match for him, as he -crashed through it without the least inconvenience, and gained -rapidly. I saw he would assuredly overtake me before I could go a -hundred yards further; so throwing my rifle to the ground, I drew my -knife, and waited his attack. As he came rolling forward, the blood -from his wound trickled down, and daubed his mouth; while his red -tongue lolled out, his mouth was wide open, and his long and white -teeth shone with terrible ferocity. He was, indeed, a terrific animal, -and I drew a deep breath as I felt that a struggle for life or death -was at hand. - -[Illustration: "I could see his two coal-black eyes glittering -plainly."] - -Suddenly, when a hundred feet distant, there came the _report of -another rifle_, and the brute halted, and gazed about him. I also cast -a wondering look around to see who my new friend was. No one was in -sight, yet I saw a faint curl of smoke rising from the bushes above -me. The bear also discovered it, and with another growl made toward -it. He had evidently been struck, and his rage was turned in another -direction. Hastily loading my rifle, I ran up the hill, intending to -follow and assist my unknown friend, but both he and the brute had -disappeared. I stood anxiously listening for some guiding sound, and -soon heard the report of a gun in the distance, followed by a faint -shout. - -Tearing through the undergrowth, I dashed hastily forward, calling out -in loud tones, so that my friend might guide me to him. There was no -response homeward. I feared that he had suffered the fate which had -well-nigh been mine. The trail of the bear was now very plain to be -seen by the broken twigs, the rising branches, and the blood marks -upon the ground. Soon I reached the spot where the last struggle had -evidently taken place. The ground was torn up and cast about, and the -blood was spattered for many feet around. Following further, I came -upon the dead body of the brute. There was another bullet mark in the -head, and a ghastly wound in the throat from which an enormous -quantity of blood had poured. - -But where was the author of this deed? Why had he fled? Who was he? I -looked about expecting to see him near at hand, but I was -disappointed. On the ground were the marks of a moccasin, and it was -evident my preserver was an Indian. This fact suggested other -questions. Had he been following me? Else how came he to be present -just at the instant needed? And what was his object? It could not be -that my life was sought, for, if such were the case, it had been -really spared, as I had been continually exposed through the day; and -in the occurrence just narrated, he had preserved my life at the -imminent risk of his own. - -At any rate, the affair was singular and unaccountable. The Indian was -probably gazing upon me this moment, and I looked furtively about, -half-expecting to see his glowing eye-balls in the thick shrubbery -around. - -It was now growing late, and I cast about for some place in which to -spend the night. The wind still blew, and a fire was indispensable. I -gathered several armfuls of twigs and branches, and pitched my camp -upon the banks of a small rippling stream, a tributary of the river -referred to. Here, after the expense of an almost incredible amount of -patience, I succeeded in starting a fire, and with the feeling of a -conqueror inhaled its glowing, cheerful warmth. The pangs of hunger -now began to make themselves felt, as I had tasted no food the entire -day. The grizzly bear lay but a short distance away, and, after a few -minutes' debate, I concluded that he should answer the demands of -nature. - -As I drew my knife, and started toward him, a shadow glided from -before me, and I saw a human form stealthily make off. I stopped -suddenly and hesitated, but finally went on, cut a piece from the -animal, and returned. Just before I reached the crackling fire, I -again saw a shadow flit before me and disappear. It was too distinct -and plain to be a freak of imagination, and it was evident that -something or somebody was following or watching. Whoever he might be, -I determined that, upon the first opportunity, he should have the -contents of my gun for his temerity. - -The consciousness that some one was near at hand, watching, perhaps, -every motion, lessened my appetite somewhat. However, after skewering -a good-sized piece and roasting it, I made a hearty supper; and, as I -produced my inseparable pipe, I think, had it not been for the -instinctive presence of that invisible form, my enjoyment would have -been complete. - -The pleasant warmth of the fire, the soothing effect of the pipe, -gradually threw a dreamy, half-unconsciousness over me, into which I -sunk with willing delight. As my listless eyes rested upon the glowing -embers, there came a strain of wonderful music, like the faint tones -of some distant wind-harp. I stirred not, but listened, fearing to -move lest the spell should be broken. Again came the wave of heavenly -harmony, swelling to the most inspiring grandeur, and then dying away -into faint, fluctuating tremors, fainter and fainter, till the -strained ear could just feel their waves. It sounded in the air above -me, and at that moment I knew that there was nothing real in my -experience, and I listened breathlessly for it again. - -The music continued, I think, over an hour, and to this day it seems I -can hear it still. Such music I have never heard before or since. As I -sat alone that dark, stormy night, in the wilderness of the northwest, -hundreds of miles from civilization, it seemed there was a chord -within me that responded to the air tones above. It appeared -sometimes to sink until it had enveloped me in its wild thrilling -power, and then it suddenly swept upward, until I was pained with -intense listening. At last, it died away, and with a long sigh of -relief I awoke to full consciousness. - -I have heard others narrate experience similar to mine and I leave the -explanation to the curious and investigating, convinced that I can -offer none that will be satisfactory. - -I replenished the fire, folded my blanket around me, and lay down to -sleep. The night wind was howling dismally through the forest, and the -distant rush of the river made melancholy music. In a short time I -fell into a deep, and profound sleep. - -I was aroused from this by feeling something working at my blanket. I -lay motionless a moment to ascertain the character of the threatened -danger. The next instant something struck me like the paw of an -animal; and, thinking a wolf had attacked me, I sprang to my feet with -a shout, threw off my blanket, and drew my knife. Instead of -confronting wolves, I met the gaze of a half-dozen savages! For a -moment I was completely bewildered. - -"You go 'long with us," said one, laying his hand upon my arm. - -I saw that resistance would be useless. There were half a dozen fully -armed, and my rifle was in their hands. - -"I am in your power," said I; "do what you please with me." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -TRAPPING AMONG THE INDIANS. - - -One of the savages cast some wood upon the fire, and as it blazed up, -I saw that five of them stood around me. Resistance would be useless, -as my rifle, knife, and revolver were in their hands. Their faces were -devoid of paint, and they were probably a party of hunters who had -fallen upon my trail. I remembered my spectral visitant a few hours -before, and doubted not that he was the means of the tedious captivity -which had now only commenced. - -After I had arisen to my feet, the captors continued conversing in an -unknown tongue. It perplexed me to understand how one of them was able -to address me in tolerably good English; but I supposed he must have -had intercourse with the fur traders and hunters and the forts and -stations of the northwest. - -The debate of the Indians I judged to be a decision upon the course -they were to follow. Singularly enough, I had hardly any fears at all -in regard to my life, feeling pretty well convinced that they intended -an endless captivity for me. I doubted not I should be adopted into -their tribe, and doomed to the office of the meanest slave. This was -not a very encouraging prospect it is true, but it was infinitely -superior to that of death. - -After a few minutes' conversation, the Indians apparently came to a -satisfactory conclusion; for they seated themselves around the fire, -ordering me to do the same, and here they sat as grim and silent as -statues, not a muscle moving, excepting an occasional wink of the eyes -at long intervals. I watched them, it seemed for an hour, shivering -with cold all the time, although my captors had not deprived me of my -blanket. - -At last, as I looked up, I saw that day was breaking. There was a -faint light in the east, heralding the approach of the sun. Shortly -after, it burst above the forest line, lighting up the interminable -prairie and wilderness with its golden glory. The savages sprang to -their feet, seized their weapons and started away. - -"Keep close, and don't run!" said the savage who had addressed me at -first. - -"No danger of my attempting it," I answered, following almost -cheerfully behind them. - -And in truth it would have been the height of folly to make an attempt -to escape. Each of the savages was a fleet runner, each possessed a -loaded rifle (and one of them had another, together with my revolver, -which, by the way, was a source of great wonderment and perplexity to -him), and the utmost limit that I possibly could have gained, as will -be evident to the reader, was perhaps ten feet. So I meditated no -attempt, but followed close in the footsteps of my captors. - -No halt was made for breakfast, and during the whole forenoon we -tramped through the wilderness in a northerly direction. As I knew I -was in the extreme upper part of the great Nebraska Territory when -taken captive, I felt pretty certain that I was now in the Hudson Bay -Territory, within the British line. But here my companions made a turn -to the eastward, and then, strangely enough, proceeded south again, so -that I was uncertain whether I was now in the United States or not. -The reason of this detour on the part of the savages I never knew and -could only conjecture. I afterward imagined it was for the purpose of -misleading and bewildering me in case I should ever attempt to leave -them. - -When the sun was overhead, the Indians halted upon the bank of a small -flashing stream, and prepared their meal. A half-hour before halting, -one of the Indians had dodged off into the forest. Some time after I -heard the report of a rifle, and in a few minutes he returned with a -large ptarmigan in his hand. The feathers were plucked from this, and -the body dressed much after the fashion of civilized communities. It -was then partially cooked over the blaze, and despite the change of -circumstances, I made as good and substantial a meal upon it as did -any of my companions. - -The meal finished, the savages squatted before the fire, drew forth -their pipes and commenced silently smoking, their eyes glittering -through the vapor with suppressed fierceness, as ever and anon a -sidelong glance was bestowed upon me. One of the Indians--he who spoke -English--was examining my revolver. He closed one eye and peered -wonderingly into the six little barrels; then he fingered about the -hammer, took off the cap, tasted it, and replaced it. (It may be -remarked here that at the time of my experience, percussion caps were -almost unknown in this region. As they were of comparatively recent -invention, few of the trappers consented to use them until a long time -after.) I was expecting each moment to see the weapon discharge -itself, as it was fully charged, and was handled awkwardly. The -Indian looked at it in every direction, at last gave it up. He took a -smell of it, and snuffing the gunpowder, handed it to me. - -"What is he?" - -"A young gun," I answered with a smile. - -As I took the weapon I looked about me. There were five unsuspicious -savages, and there were six messengers of death at my command. For an -instant a wild resolve thrilled me; but it was for an instant only. My -soul revolted at the wholesale slaughter I should be compelled to -inflict, and I looked at my interlocutor with a pleasant smile. - -"Does he shoot?" he queried, his dark eyes lighting up with curiosity. - -"Of course. Would you like to see me fire it?" - -"Yaw! shoot at him," he answered, pointing at the trunk of a large -tree. - -"What part of it?" - -"Hit him where you mind to." - -"Oh, let's have a mark," I laughed, stepping forward and tearing off a -small piece of the bark, so as to offer a red spot several inches in -diameter. The other savages were now surveying my motions with -interest, and with some degree of suspicion the formidable looking -little weapon in my hand. I saw there was an opportunity for making a -good impression and I resolved to do it. I stepped back a few paces, -took a careful, though apparently a careless aim, and fired the six -barrels in succession with tolerable good effect. - -"Just look at the mark," I remarked, rather stiffly. - -The Indian stepped forward and examined the holes, all within an inch -or two of the center. Then with his knife he pried out each bullet, -and showed them to his companions. They grunted their satisfaction, or -rather wonder, and turned the diminutive six-shooter over and over in -their hands, totally unable to comprehend how such a number of fatal -shots could come almost simultaneously from it. I loaded and fired it -a number of times, and my friend--he who spoke English--asked me to -make him a present of it. I assented with the greatest pleasure, as I -had no power to refuse, and volunteered to instruct him in its use, -and all things considered we were getting on quite intimate terms. - -This proceeding of mine was a stroke of policy, to which I believe I -owe my life. My apparent cheerfulness, my readiness to acquiesce in -all their wishes, convinced them that I cherished no sullen -vindictiveness toward them, and I am well satisfied that had I asked -my captors at this time to allow me to proceed unmolested upon my way, -they would have done so. Yet I was perfectly willing to tarry with -them a while, for reasons which, I trust, are obvious to the reader, -and I made no request of them. - -We remained in this spot for over an hour practicing with the -revolver. At the end of that time its new owner had made such progress -as to be able to strike a good-sized tree a yard distant, at nearly -every shot. - -"Him nice thing!" he remarked, shoving it carefully down in his belt. - -"Very good in a close hug with a bear or foe," I replied. - -"He is, by dam," he added, pulling it forth and again examining each -part. - -There was but one drawback to the savage's prospect of pleasure. I had -but a small quantity of caps, and of course there was no means of -obtaining any among his own kindred. He however satisfied himself with -the thought that he could obtain more at some of the trading posts in -that section. - -The line of march was again taken up, and continued until nightfall. -They traveled in Indian file, my dusky friend bringing up the rear, -and myself directly in front of him. This plan was adopted, not -through any fear of pursuit, as they were in their own country, but -because caution and watchfulness are habitual to the North American -Indian. Every now and then the click of the revolver was audible -behind, but I felt no apprehension as I knew the savage was only -examining it for his own pleasure. - -Just before dusk we reached a large and rapidly flowing stream. Here -the rifles were slung about their persons, and we grasped hands and -plunged unhesitatingly in. Had not this expedient been adopted, I -should never have reached the opposite side. We sank to our shoulders -several times, and the boisterous current lifted me clean from the -bottom, but the strong arms of my captors were all-efficient, and held -me firmly in my place until the opposite shore was reached, with no -greater misfortune than the uncomfortableness of our soaked and -clinging garments. - -The sun had sunk behind the western mountains, and the deep gloom of -night was settling over the wilderness, when as we reached the top of -a swell, I saw for the first time the Indian village. It lay in a sort -of valley, and numbered sixty or seventy lodges. As seen in the dim -twilight these looked singularly picturesque and fanciful. I could see -dark forms flitting like shadows about the lodges, and the low hum of -their conversation was audible. We were descried, as our forms stood -out in relief against the sky, but no signals were given by either -party. - -As we descended into the valley my heart began to fail me, at what I -feared my reception would be. Stories of the tortures undergone by -captives came over me, and I ventured my fears to my friend. - -"What your name?" he asked, halting and turning toward me. - -"Will," I replied. - -"Will stay here, and me come and fix things. My name Jim," said he, -taking the name probably given him by the whites with whom he was -acquainted. - -The other savages seeing us halting stopped also, and looked -suspiciously. Jim (as I shall hereafter name him) said something in an -unintelligible tongue and they passed on. - -"Stay here, Will, and me fix things." - -With this he disappeared, and I seated myself upon the ground to await -his return. It struck me as rather curious for him to give a captive -such a good opportunity to escape, but it pleased me withal, and it -need not be told I made no attempt to make off. - -In a few moments he returned, bearing in his arms several Indian -garments. - -"Will put him on, and me fix things," said he, throwing them down -beside me. I hastily donned them, understanding fully their use and -intentions. - -"Keep close, and don't say nothing to nobody," he added, as they -enveloped my person. - -He now turned his face towards the village, and we were soon wending -our way through it. We passed several savages who spoke to me, Jim -however taking the responsibility of replying. At last we reached his -lodge without my identity being discovered. This was at the extreme -eastern end of the village, and as we entered I saw it was devoid of -any persons except ourselves. - -"You sleep there, Will," said he, pointing to one corner, where a -buffalo robe was visible by the dim light of a few smoldering embers. -I repaired to the spot, thanking him for his kindly offer, and lay -down, while he replenished the fire, seating himself by it, and -commenced the never-ceasing pleasure of examining his revolver. - -Lying half asleep on the buffalo robe, listlessly gazing at the -savage, his features all at once struck me. I had seen them before, -but where I could not recollect. Let me see--ah! it was plain now. He -was one of the occupants of the mysterious canoe! - -It soon became known throughout the Indian village that a white man -was a captive among them, and the next morning the entrance to Jim's -lodge was thronged with hundreds anxious to get a peep at me. Knowing -that this curiosity must be gratified sooner or later, I stepped -boldly forth, and mingled among them, in order to have the matter -finished at once. No violence was offered me, although several pinched -my arms rather severely, seemingly determined to be satisfied upon all -my points. - -My Indian friend Jim was married, and, in the course of the day, his -squaw made her appearance. She was a middle-aged woman, and tolerably -good-looking for a savage. Jim informed her that I was to be her -slave, and thus it may be said I was established in winter-quarters. - -The heavy storm referred to in the previous chapter, was the close of -the warm season, and the fierce northern winter commenced setting in. -Winter in the northwest is far different from that season in the -Middle States. It is full six months in continuance, and such is the -intense coldness for the greater part of the season, that the -thermometer sinks to thirty and often forty degrees below zero. Two -weeks after my capture, it seemed impossible to prevent freezing to -death in the lodge with a roaring fire a few feet off. Yet the savages -minded it hardly at all. A few extra garments were added to their -costume, and they flitted as incessantly through the village as ever. - -In the tribe it was acknowledged that I was the property of Jim, and -thus my lot was much more endurable than otherwise. He was really a -good-hearted Indian, I believe; and the course that I ever maintained -toward him won some of his regard. However, he was a lazy dog, like -all of his male kindred, and, although I had an exalted opinion of -him, it was impossible to discover in him any of those poetical -attributes which are so generally conceded to the North American -Indian. In conversation with me, he discarded entirely those -extravagant, highly-wrought figures of speech common to his kindred, -and added in their place an awkward oath or two, and a phrase learned -from the Hudson-Bay traders. The greater part of the day he sat before -his fire, smoking and gazing moodily into it, while his better-half -busied herself about the apartment as willingly and contentedly as -though she never dreamed of a different lot. Of course, I assisted her -as much as lay within my power, and came at last to do all of the -out-door work. - -I have always regarded my capture by this tribe of Indians as a -fortunate circumstance. I cannot imagine how else I could have -maintained life through the unusually severe winter which followed. No -mortal hand could have saved me from perishing from cold, while it -would have been utterly impossible to have procured food, when the -snow lay six feet upon the ground, and the rivers were sealed by great -depths of ice. Although frequent occasions presented themselves, I -determined to make no effort to leave my captors until the spring had -arrived. - -As mentioned, I had pretty well-defined suspicions that Jim was one of -the savages who occupied the mysterious canoe, referred to in the -preceding chapters. I was not positive of this, although, when I -stood by his side and viewed his profile, the resemblance seemed -perfect. - -One great disappointment had already come. I was sure that I should -learn something either of Nat, or of the fair, mysterious captive. -When I questioned Jim, he answered with such apparent sincerity and -truth, that I was pretty well convinced he knew nothing of either. In -regard to the latter he laughed; the former he merely shook his head; -he knew nothing of either. Sometimes when I fell into a deep reverie, -and suddenly awoke, I could see Jim lift his eyes quickly from me, as -though he had been endeavoring to satisfy himself of my identity. He -questioned me artfully, and I told him all. At last, I resolved to put -the question direct. - -"Jim, didn't you and another warrior, some weeks ago, pass down the -river, some distance south, with a white woman?" - -There was a perceptible start at this question, but he answered -promptly: - -"Don't know nothing 'bout 'em." - -"Why, I was pretty sure that I saw you." - -He shook his head. - -There was nothing to be gained by further questioning, and I gave it -up. But I was satisfied he knew more of Nat and the sweet captive -than he was willing to tell--and I was not mistaken. - -Shortly after this conversation, Jim told me that he and several of -his tribe were in the employ of the Hudson Bay Fur Company, and traded -numerous furs with them every spring. I asked him whether he was not -in the territory of the Northwest Fur Company. He replied that that -made no difference; each trespassed upon the other's grounds, and he -had been engaged for both.[2] - - [2] The Hudson Bay Company, established two hundred years ago, - by Prince Rupert, divided its territory into four - compartments--the Northern, including all the country of the Far - North; the Southern, extending south to Lake Superior; the - Montreal, including the country along the northern shore of the - Gulf of St. Lawrence; and the Columbia Department, comprehending - all the country west of the Rocky Mountains, including Oregon, - in which, I believe, they still trade. - -A few weeks subsequent to this, there came a storm which laid the snow -six feet deep, and Jim informed me that, in company with several -others, he should proceed to set his traps for the winter's work, and -he willingly consented that I should accompany him. Preparations were -accordingly made. Extra garments were donned, a couple of traps taken -by each, and, placing our snow-shoes upon our feet, we sallied forth. -This was the first time I ever attempted to travel with snow-shoes, -and, as may be supposed, I made awkward work of it. These were fully -six feet in length, resembling a canoe somewhat in shape, and of -extreme lightness. The interior is filled with a gauzy network, which -allows the light, sand-like snow to fall through without impeding -one's progress. They are fastened loosely but securely to the feet, -and when the snow is not dampened by thaws, twenty miles can be easily -made in a day. Without these convenient things, it would be next to -impossible to travel during six months of the year in the fur-bearing -regions. - -We proceeded westward some eight or ten miles before all of the traps -were set, when, turning, we retraced our steps, intending to visit -them the following night. The trap used by the Indians of this section -is much the same as the common steel-trap of the States, being, -however, much larger, and without the saw-like teeth of the latter. A -long chain, with a heavy stone attached, is fastened to the trap, and -concealed beneath the snow, to prevent the animal making off with the -whole concern. The trap is placed just beneath the surface of the -snow, and bits of frozen fish are scattered around, which attract the -half-starved foxes, lynx, beavers, and wolves in the region. Having -completed all arrangements, we retraced our steps, and reached the -village just as night was setting in. - -Nothing of note took place the next day, and, as the night came on, -Jim informed me that they were going to visit their traps to ascertain -what luck they had. As he made no objection, I again donned my -snow-shoes and joined them. There was but one savage beside himself. -The snow was crisp and fine, and the traveling comparatively easy. Jim -dragged a small sled behind him for the purpose of bringing back -anything found in the traps. - -It was a bright moonlight night, and as we journeyed through the -forest, there were patches of snow almost as light as day. We shunned -the trees, as the snow-crust was brittle around them, and once or -twice crossed broad belts of snow, devoid of timber, which Jim -informed me were the beds of rivers. As we traveled on, nothing broke -the silence, except the muffled sliding of our shoes over the icy -crust, or a single word from one of the savages; and it occurred to me -that if my friends at home could have seen me at this particular -moment, they would have imagined I was searching for gold in a strange -country. - -The first trap we reached had the _fore-leg_ of a fox in it only. I -looked at Jim inquiringly, unable to understand what it meant. - -"He gnawed him off, and run away; look out next time." - -The fox had been caught by his fore-leg, and, finding himself unable -to get loose, had eaten off the imprisoned limb and escaped on the -others. In a month's time he would probably suffer no inconvenience -from it. In the next trap was found a red fox, whose fur bears but a -trifling value. He was killed, placed upon the sled, the trap reset, -and we proceeded to the rest. None of them had been visited, except -the last. In this was imprisoned a beautiful black fox, the capture of -which nearly set the two savages into ecstasies. The fur, of this -animal is more valuable than that of any other caught by the trappers, -one alone sometimes bringing as high as two hundred dollars. It is so -rarely captured, and such a prize, when taken, that a hunter would be -satisfied with one single animal during the whole season. - -Our two animals being secured upon our sled, and the traps carefully -reset, we commenced our return journey. The night was far advanced -when we reached the Indian village. As we entered our lodge, Jim's -squaw arose noiselessly and replenished the fire. While removing my -snow-shoes, I remarked to Jim that my feet had felt for the last hour -or two as though they were asleep. - -"Let me see him," he asked quickly, jerking off the thick moccasins -which I had donned a few weeks back. He looked at my feet a moment, -and then exclaimed, "By dam, him froze up!" - -I was considerably startled at this, and anxiously asked him if they -were badly frozen. - -"Yaw, but me fix em," he answered, and commenced immediately rubbing -until I begged him to desist. He paid no heed to my entreaties, but -continued this treatment until he had restored completely the -congealed circulation, and saved the useful members. - -The savages had but poor fortune in trapping this winter, and there -was considerable suffering. The Indians of the northwest rely solely -upon what they are able thus to take, for their food during the cold -season; and, as there is generally plenty of game, they fare well. But -now and then some unaccountable cause drives all the animals away, and -cases of actual starvation have occurred. Jim told me that three -winters before a case of cannibalism had occurred in their tribe, and -years before that, when a mere child, there came an appalling time. -Half the families were obliged to devour some of their members to -support life until spring, and, for over a week, an old, miserable -bison supported the whole tribe. Jim said he had more than once cooked -his moccasins and eaten them. - -The tribe was driven to no such extremity as this while I was with -them, and I saw no want myself. Jim was one of their best hunters and -he supplied his own lodge before that of others. Yet, there were -others who were not so fortunate, and who were often compelled to -endure the pangs of hunger for days at a time. When food was secured, -they gorged themselves nearly to bursting, and were the happiest of -mortals, until the wants of nature again made themselves felt. - -I could write far more of my experience with this tribe of Indians; -but I feel it would be hardly in place here, as there are other -characters in this narrative who must claim notice. My aim has been -only to dwell long enough upon particulars, for an understanding of -the events that follow. During my captivity, several things occurred -to make me suspect that the mysterious captive referred to was in this -village the whole time, and I was satisfied that the Indian Jim knew -more of Nat than he would impart to me. These imaginings filled me -with moody misgivings, and I made a resolve that as soon as spring -came I would make my escape; and if I could learn nothing of the two -beings whose fate was unknown to me, depart for the States. The life -I was leading was a wearisome, monotonous one, and in time would -become unbearable. Spring was but a month or two distant, and in its -approach I placed my fondest hopes; but it was doomed to open an -experience in my life of which I little dreamed. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE BUFFALO HUNT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. - - -During my captivity among the Indians, as stated in the last chapter, -there was considerable suffering on account of the scarcity of food. -The country to the north of Nebraska is the paradise of all species of -game in the summer months, but during the winter the large animals -proceed to the southward, and the deep snows prevent the capture of -the smaller ones, except by means of traps. Spring, therefore, was -looked forward to with eager expectation, as the harbinger of -enjoyment and the season of the chase. - -And it came at last. First, the sun grew hotter and blazed more -fiercely; the snow became damp and cloggy, and the dripping of water -could be heard through the day and night. Snow-shoe traveling was now -nearly impossible, as long as the thaw continued. Huge streams of -melted snow poured into the rivers all along the banks, and the ice -became weaker and weaker each moment, till, at last, with a terrific -crashing and thundering, the whole mass started, and, a week after, -the clear, blue running water only was seen. The thaw continued, until -at last all the snow had disappeared, and with feelings of -indescribable joy, we once more saw the face of the earth. Vegetation -now commenced with surprising growth, and, in an almost incredible -short space of time, bright, radiant, glorious spring held indisputed -reign. Indians were departing and arriving every day with loads of -fish, wild fowl, and game, and the village was a scene of unbridled -feasting for many a day. - -One forenoon, a savage, who had been absent a day or two, announced -that a herd of buffaloes were quietly browsing a few miles to the -southward. This produced violent commotion throughout the village, and -preparations were at once made for the grand hunt. Some twenty or -thirty splendid Indian ponies were mounted by as many warriors, and, -to my inexpressible delight, Jim informed me that I should accompany -them. A small, high-spirited animal was given me as my charger. He was -of a dark color, and his dappled haunches glistened in the sun like -polished ebony. - -About noon we sallied forth from the village, and struck a southward -direction, restraining our animals to a walk, in order to preserve -their wind for the severe test at hand. While riding along by the -side of Jim, the thought of escape--which had not been absent from me -for the last six months--came with double force. I was now mounted -upon a fleet, long-winded animal, who could hold his own with any -horse bestrode by the Indians, and what was to prevent my escape? In -the bewilderment and excitement of the chase, I might wander miles -away, and be gone many hours, without exciting suspicion. My captors, -I suppose, had no thoughts of my attempting a flight, as I had -permitted so many opportunities to pass, and I felt there would be no -suspicious eyes watching my motions. The prairie stretched hundreds of -miles to the southward, and it seemed my animal longed to bound away -upon it. At any rate, I felt the time had come, and resolved that I -should never return to the Indian village a captive. - -An hour or so after, we came in sight of the drove, cropping the new -grass of the prairie. So numerous were they, that, as we looked over -them, it was impossible to see their extent. Far away, until they -touched the horizon, the ocean of dark, swarming bodies could be seen. - -Our animals now partook of the excitement of their masters. Arching -their necks, they scented the prey afar, and it was nearly impossible -to restrain their impatience. They snorted, and plunged, champed -their bits, and shook their heads, and seemed determined to rush -forward despite all restraint. - -[Illustration: "Setting up a wild yell, the Indians scattered and -plunged after them."] - -We continued stealthily approaching in a body, preserving strict -silence, in order not to alarm the game. In this way, we came within a -hundred yards, when a bull raised his alarmed gaze at us, and, giving -a loud snort, heaved his huge body round, and plunged madly into the -herd. All took the alarm, and went thundering away, making the earth -tremble with their multitudinous tread. - -It was now wholly useless to undertake to check our animals longer, -and, setting up a wild yell, the Indians scattered and plunged after -them. The buffalo is not a runner, and, owing to the shortness of his -fore-legs, appears to roll in his gait. The Indians' horses soon bring -their riders alongside the bisons, and as soon as the shot is given, -they shy off to avoid the infuriated animal's horns. Before I was -prepared for it, my animal was abreast of a buffalo, and waiting for -my shot. Here I committed a blunder common to all beginners of the -hunt. I fired while holding the reins in my hands. The consequence -was, my bullet struck the animal somewhere about the head, got -entangled in his mane, where it would drop out in a day or two. My -horse immediately veered to one side, and allowed the buffalo to run -until I could reload. I now saw my beast knew more of the chase than I -did, and dropping the rein upon his neck, allowed him full freedom. - -Cautiously, but rapidly, he came alongside the plunging buffalo, and -taking more care, I sent a bullet through the fore part of his body. -It was his death-wound; and, seemingly conscious of his fate, and -determined on revenge, he wheeled instantly round, drove his fore-feet -into the ground, and dropped his head to rip up my charger. This -movement was so sudden, and we were so close upon him, that my horse -could neither check his speed nor turn to one side. But he avoided him -for all that. Dropping upon his haunches with a snort, he made a -terrific bound upward and went clean over the buffalo. The maddened -animal expected this, and plunged his horns upward at him, expecting -to still kill him. The instinct of the horse was too much, however; -he, too, feared such a fate, and leaped high enough to avoid him. As -he came to the earth again, he plunged swiftly away, the enraged -buffalo in full pursuit; but he easily kept clear from him, wheeling -and dodging, and still remaining nigh enough for me to give my shot. -My gun was unloaded, and before I could charge it, the buffalo had -fallen to the earth and was fast dying. - -I now looked about me. Buffaloes were flying in every direction, and -the forms of the savages could be seen darting to and fro among them, -dealing death and destruction at every turn. The main herd was pouring -simultaneously southward, while the scores which had been cut off, -were endeavoring to rejoin them, carrying us along with them. In -different parts of the prairie could be seen the dark, motionless -forms of the slain buffaloes, showing how successful the chase had -been thus far. - -The sky, which in the morning was fair and clear, was now becoming -overcast with heavy clouds, and two or three warning rumbles of -thunder were heard in the distance. Still, the savages were too -excited to notice the interruption, as long as a single buffalo -remained. I saw Jim plunge his horse unhesitatingly into a crowd of a -dozen or so, when, as he commenced dealing destruction, his horse -became entangled, and he was compelled to make a flying leap over the -backs of the animals around him. This he accomplished successfully, -leaping from one back to the other, until he was clear of them all. - -Suddenly, it occurred to me, while holding my fiery horse, that if I -meditated escape it was high time to be about it. Turning to the -southward, I could just descry the drove thundering away, a vast cloud -of dust circling above them. The rein was dropped upon the neck of my -horse, and, stretching out his head, he bounded away like the wind. He -was a noble animal, and was now in his element. He enjoyed the chase -as much as any of the savages; and, as mile after mile of prairie flew -beneath his feet, he was only warming into the excitement. As I looked -back, I could just discern the Indians, like specks in the distance, -still at their bloody work. - -We were now at no great distance from the herd, and my horse catching -sight of an old worried bull, somewhat in the rear, instantly made -toward him. He was too jaded to hasten his pace, and I could see his -fury was roused. I prepared to shoot him, as it would go to show my -pursuers, if I should have any, that the excitement of the chase had -alone carried me away. While yet some distance, he shied to one side, -and turned his head warningly toward us, but without halting. The -horse, however, finding that I still restrained my shot, continued to -bring me closer. At last, the bison struck into a swifter run, and -made desperate efforts to rejoin his companions. In an instant I was -beside him, and holding my gun to my shoulder, was just on the point -of firing, when he suddenly stood at bay, in precisely the same manner -as the other. My horse, instead of making a running leap this time, -stopped instantaneously, planting his feet firmly in the ground. I was -not prepared for this, and shot a dozen feet over his head, falling -upon my face within a foot of the buffalo. The shock was terrible, and -I was severely injured. I endeavored to rise, fearing that I should be -gored and trampled to death, but was unable, and heard the buffalo -scampering away. I placed my hand to my face, and found it covered -with blood, and a strange bewilderment was coming over me. I arose to -my knees, and gazed about me. The buffalo was plunging in the rear of -his drove, while my horse was galloping wildly around me, his mane and -bridle flying in the wind. I heard the bursting of thunder overhead, -and everything was growing dark and confused. I tried again to rise, -but failed. There was a thick darkness about me, a heavy hand pressing -me to the earth, and all become chaotic. - -When consciousness returned, all was blank darkness. The rain was -pouring down in torrents, and, stunned and bleeding, I lay on the -soaked, cold, spongy earth. Gradually, the remembrance of my -misfortune came over me. I must have been lying several hours upon the -prairie, exposed to the cold, dismal storm. My clothes were saturated -with the chilling rain, and my face and hands bedabbled with mud and -dirt. - -I struggled desperately to my feet, and endeavored to pierce the -Stygian gloom around; but it was useless; not the smallest point of -the faintest light could be seen in any direction. Up, down, on every -hand, the same solid walls of darkness enveloped me. I was many miles -from the Indian village, and had lost its direction. At that moment, I -would have given worlds to have been within Jim's lodge. Flight, in my -present condition, was not to be thought of, and I must soon receive -succor or I should perish. - -I listened. In the dismal sweep of the rain something like a footstep -was heard. I called out, but there was no reply. Again the splash of a -foot was heard, now from a different point. Soon I discovered some -animal was walking around me in a circle. Feeling round in the spongy -prairie, I found my rifle, but it was useless as a means of defense, -as the charge was thoroughly wetted. I clubbed it, and waited for the -attack. Still around and around the same step went. At first I fondly -hoped it might be Jim, or one of his companions, but its footfall -showed it to be a quadruped, and its approach was too cautious. -Suddenly it halted and walked directly toward me. I drew my rifle -back, ready to brain it the minute it was within my reach. A faint -neigh was heard--joy inexpressible! it was my faithful horse. As I -called to him, he approached, and lowered his head for me to take his -bridle. With a feeling of deep thankfulness and hope, I clambered into -the saddle, and he bounded away, his unerring instinct leading him -straight toward home. - -The rain continued to beat, cold and dismal, and I felt already -burning within me a hot, fiery fever, from the terrible suffering I -had undergone. I should soon be prostrated, and without some kindly -hand to nurse me, would inevitably perish. But the horse was certain; -and, after an hour or two, my heart leaped, as we entered the silent -Indian village. But one light was burning, and that was in the lodge -of Jim, showing that he expected my return. I rode instantly up to the -entrance and dismounted, while my noble horse made off to look out -for himself. Jim arose as he heard my approach, and, lifting his -torch, advanced to meet me. - -"You had long hunt--" - -He started back in horror at my appearance. Then, holding his light -over his head, and peering at me, he asked: - -"What de matter? Been in fight?" - -"No; I was thrown from my horse, and lay senseless upon the prairie -until a short time ago. I feel bad, Jim, and fear I am severely -injured," said I, starting to seat myself. - -"Wait minute; am hurt; let me fix 'em." - -He clapped his hands, and instantly the bundle of blankets at the side -of the lodge arose to an upright position, and his squaw walked forth. -My wounds were now dressed, my garments changed for dry ones, and with -a hot cup of drink, I was swathed in blankets, and placed by the fire. -Jim said it was not far from morning, and if at that time I was worse, -he would call in the Medicine Man. - -All night the fever burned and raged, and when morning came I was -partially delirious. Jim examined my pulse, shook his head doubtingly, -and departed from the lodge. In a short time he returned, and with him -came the Medicine Man, an Indian considerably advanced in years, and -much loved and honored by his tribe. He, too, looked grave, and held -a consultation in an undertone with Jim. From these signs, I knew I -was dangerously, probably fatally injured. - -And now came days of those strange, indescribable visions that come -over one in high fever. I was in all imaginable places, and saw -wonderful persons and scenes. Now and then, there were moments when -reason flitted to its throne. At such times I saw the Medicine Man or -Jim near me; and once, as I wonderingly opened my eyes, I saw the -mysterious captive bending over me. I looked straight into her dark, -liquid eyes, and reached forth and touched her garment, to satisfy -myself that it was no freak of mind. My fixed stare alarmed her, and -she looked inquiringly at the Medicine Man. He mumbled something, and -she departed. - -About a week after my accident, as I subsequently learned, I awoke -with my full reason. As I looked wonderingly about me, the first -object that encountered my eyes was the captive to whom I have -alluded. My fixed stare at her seemed to alarm her, and she arose to -pass out. - -"Wait," said I; "pray do not leave me." - -"But you should not talk," she replied, much agitated; "the Medicine -Man would not allow it; you will surely injure yourself." - -"You and the Medicine Man are both mistaken, if he thinks thus. I know -I have been sick and delirious, but my mind was never clearer than it -is this instant, and I know a few moments' conversation cannot injure -me. Let me beg you not to refuse me this, as I cannot tell whether the -opportunity will ever again be offered." - -The being before me was much embarrassed, and for a moment hesitated, -seemingly in doubt between duty and inclination. Seizing the -opportunity, I urged my wish with greater fervor than ever. Finally -she glanced furtively around, as though she expected to meet the -twinkling orbs of the Medicine Man, and then answered: - -"I cannot refuse your request, and yet it seems wrong that I should -thus disobey the injunctions that were given for your good. What is it -that you wish to ask me?" - -"Am I out of danger?" - -"Not yet. You have been crazy for a long time, and more than once the -Medicine Man has shaken his head in doubt when he looked upon you." - -"Have you not watched by me nearly all the time I have been thus?" I -gazed full in her face as I uttered this question, and she dropped her -eyes in confusion, as she replied: - -"I have assisted the Medicine Man several times as he wished me to, -and I have done no more to you than I would to any one in similar -circumstances." - -"No, sweet being, I know you haven't," I exclaimed, in admiration; -"your heart is open to any one. Who you are I know not, but I can see -your race is similar to my own, and judge you to be a willing prisoner -among these Indians. Your image has long been before me, and I can -never forget your fair, angelic face. What first was merely _interest_ -upon my part, has grown into a stronger passion for you, though I -fear--" - -I paused as she suddenly arose to her feet, and raised her hand in a -warning manner. Before I could ask the meaning of this, a shuffling -step was heard, and the next minute the Medicine Man made his -appearance. He gesticulated angrily toward her, and she passed quietly -out of the lodge. I followed her with my eyes, and as she reached the -passage way, she turned toward me with a look that told more than -words. - -The Medicine Man evidently suspected what I had been doing; for I -could see he was excited, and mumbled continually to himself. He -forced a bitter, scalding drink into my mouth, which was soothing in -its effects, and in a short time I slept. - -Now comes a long blank in my memory. After this incident, black night -shut around my mind. There is a faint recollection of again seeing -Jim and the Medicine Man bending over me, and the sweet pale face of -the fair captive, and then again came utter oblivion. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -AN AWFUL AWAKENING. - - -I have now reached a point in my life over which I would fain pass in -silence. It is an experience so strange, so like some horrid vision of -sleep, so different from what usually falls to the lot of man, that, -at this remote day, I cannot look upon it without a recoiling shudder -of horror. I have sometimes persuaded myself that it was unreal; but -no, it is true, and time can never clothe the memory of it in a -different dress than that of unearthly terror. Bleak and bare it -stands alone, in my checkered lot, and the silver that now glistens -prematurely in my hair, came upon that night. - -I remember falling into a deep sleep, in which the last form that -passed before my eyes was that of the dark Medicine Man; there was a -confused murmur of voices, and then all became blank and dark. -Gradually the darkness was swept by the glittering folds of a dream--a -dream which had little form or theme, but the minutest particulars of -which I remember to this day. There were airy, waving figures gliding -silently about me without voice, but with every variety of motion. -They passed and repassed before my face, frequently pausing and -extending their arms over my body, and sometimes standing and intently -scanning my countenance. This continued a long time, not a word spoken -either by myself or the forms, when suddenly the whole changed. The -waving figures darted with the rapidity of lightning among each other, -and the quiet radiance became instantly as black as night. In this, I -could distinguish the rushing forms growing fainter and fainter, -until, at last, all was blackness again. - -Then came a feeling as though the thick darkness in one volume were -gradually crushing me beneath it, and then a strange feeling of being -cramped and held forcibly still. Then came a long, deep, indrawn -breath, and I awoke. - -All was confused and inexplicable. Open my eyes as wide as I might, I -could not pierce the Stygian gloom. I tried to move, but could -not--could not stir a limb, and only the fingers of my hand. The air -was steamy and hot, and I was surrounded by something which chained -every part. I strove to collect my thoughts. I remembered the -consultation in the hut, the coming unconsciousness, and--my present -awakening. My first impression, after this, was that the house had -fallen over me. I clenched my hands--_they closed upon earth_! I -reached forward and licked the darkness. _I tasted earth!_--and then -came the sudden, overwhelming knowledge-- - -I WAS BURIED ALIVE!! - -No pen can draw the faintest picture, no soul conceive the unutterable -horror, unless that soul has gone through the same awful experience -that filled my soul at that discovery. Such a whirlwind of fire as -seethed through my bursting brain, such a perfect blaze of all the -passions that can rack the human mind, I cannot portray with this -feeble pen. For a moment I was frantic, and then suddenly a dreadful -and frightful calmness soothed my frame. - -Ay, I was buried alive! The savages had mistaken my trance-like stupor -for death itself, and I had been hurried prematurely into the grave. - -Oh, the appalling discovery! To die while in the grave! The thought -was too horrible! I was not yet ready to give way to utter despair. I -durst not pause a second for thought, for I knew it would surely come. -I twisted and struggled with the strength of fury. I could turn my -body around, and use my arms. There was an open space before my face, -as I had been buried in the sitting position. Had I lain back I could -not have survived five minutes; as it was, my limbs were immovably -secured, and it _was absolutely impossible for me to free myself_. - -It was a long time, for such an experience, before I admitted this, -but I was compelled to at last. Death by suffocation was rapidly -approaching, and all that was left for me was to prepare for it. The -small breath of air around me had already been breathed over and over -again, and was become hot, steamy, and sickening. I was gasping and -panting, but strove to collect my thoughts and keep them from -wandering. I commenced praying. - -Suddenly a muffled sound reached my ear, as though something had -fallen to the earth above. I listened--it was repeated directly over -me, now rapidly and regularly. What could it mean? Was it the sign of -dissolution, or was it real? I listened, and heard it plainer and -plainer above the mild throbs of my heart. _It was real!_ Something or -somebody was digging at the grave above! - -Could I now hold out till I was reached? The air had already become -_thick and palpable_, and strange fires were flitting before my eyes. -I held my breath till the distended blood-vessels seemed bursting, and -then as I respired, the earth turned to soft _mud_ around me; and -then the long-labored inspiration was like drawing in some loathsome -reptile. - -But _what_ was above? It could not be a person, as I had been buried -by them. It must be some famished animal hastening to devour me. Yet -this would be a relief, to gain one more draught of the sweet, cool -air of heaven before death. - -Now I heard the murmur of _voices_! I shouted--there was a pause and -stillness; then the efforts were renewed with greater vigor. I shouted -again. I could feel the jarring tremble of the loose earth above. Some -one was endeavoring to rescue me from my awful fate, thank God! - -A moment after, and the cool air brushed my face; a strong hand seized -my arm, and--Oh, joy inexpressible! I was on the earth again. - -For a moment I was bewildered and dizzy, and my pulse fluttered -wildly, for I had been very, very nigh death. I was recalled to full -consciousness by the familiar voice of Jim. - -"Got in a tight fix, Bill. Ole Jim jus' in time." - -I took the savage's hand without a word, and, sinking upon my knees, -sent up a deep, heartfelt prayer to the Merciful Being who had thus -snatched me from the most appalling death. There was a bright moon -shining, and, as I turned, I saw the dark Indian's eyes fixed -wonderingly upon me. - -"Jim," said I, solemnly, "may the God who has put it into your heart, -reward you for this act. I _never, never_ can." - -"Jim didn't do it," he quickly interrupted. "_She_ did!" and, -disengaging his grasp, he darted out of sight I turned and looked -behind me. There, standing motionless as a statue, her slight form -wrapped in a thick mantle, her sweet, white face appearing like a -spirit's, stood the fair, mysterious captive.[3] - - [3] In the northwestern part of Oregon is a tribe of Indians - called Chenooks, who bury their sick, as soon as the Medicine - Man pronounces them beyond recovery. This horrid practice is not - confined to them alone, for other tribes in the northwest have - been known to inflict it upon their captives. - -For a moment, I was disposed to believe it was a spirit before me, so -still and motionless she remained. Suddenly she turned to depart. - -"Hold!" exclaimed I, springing forward and seizing her arm; "hold one -moment, till I thank thee." - -"Thank the Great One above," she replied, in a low, sweet voice. "He -it is who has preserved your life." - -As she uttered these words, she turned her dark eyes upward, and the -moonlight streaming down upon her face, threw a vail like the halo of -glory around it. Then looking me calmly in the face, she added: - -"You have escaped an awful death, it is true; and you are not the only -one who has thus risen from the grave. When delirious, you spoke of -home and of friends there, and I know your presence is prayed for. The -chance of reaching them is now placed within your reach. A horse is -saddled and bridled, and awaiting you, but a short distance away. Jim -will furnish you with a rifle. You know the direction to take, and let -me urge you to flee." - -Again she turned to go, but I restrained her. - -"You are a white person, and do you wish to live and die with these -savages?" - -The tears glistened on her face as she replied, "I have not a friend -in the civilized world. My parents were murdered by the Indians, and -myself and sister carried away in captivity. We were separated; I was -taken eastward, and she westward beyond the Rocky Mountains. She -cannot be living, for she was a delicate child, younger than me, and -incapable of bearing one-half the suffering that must have been -imposed upon her. Should I ever see the land I left when a child, I -should be a stranger among strangers. There are those here who love -me, and I will remain behind and die among them." - -"Flee with me," I impetuously urged. "You will not be a stranger. -Hundreds will love you, and you can die with your own kindred. Jim, -who is faithful to you, will furnish us both with a fleet horse, and -we can elude all pursuit. I--" - -I paused, for her agitation had become painful. She was sinking to the -earth, when I caught her, and, leading her a short distance, seated -myself beside her upon a fallen tree. Then I gently pulled her head -over on my bosom, and looked down upon her features. Her gaudy -head-dress was removed, and her white face lay among the mass of jetty -hair like a jewel set in darkness. The dark, sweeping lashes, the -faint roseate glow of each cheek, the delicate nose and lips, as the -moonlight rested on them, were indescribably beautiful. There was, -too, an utter abandonment about her,--a tumultuous throbbing, that -showed what a powerful emotion was agitating her. - -What was that emotion? Was it a response to my own great passion? What -else could it be? Encouraged by the certainty that the latter was the -case, I urged my suit with redoubled ardor. I pictured the happiness -that would be hers in a civilized country, and the utter misery that -must follow her life among the savages. She informed me that she was a -captive, not of the tribe near at hand, but of one further north, -which had held her ever since the massacre of her parents; and that -she had been told, in case she attempted to leave them, instant death -would be the result. I saw she wished--she _longed_ to flee, and the -objections she offered were only suggested by her fears. - -"Hist!" she whispered, "there is some one." - -I turned on the defensive. In an instant Jim stood beside me. - -"How soon goin'?" he asked, anxiously, turning toward me. - -"Shortly; why do you ask?" - -"Day clus comin', and if you cotched, no use!" he replied, meaningly. - -"I was not aware, Jim, that I had enemies among you." - -"You hain't; but--" - -The rest of the sentence was gesticulated, first pointing to me and -the fair one beside me. - -"Do you not understand?" asked the latter. "There are several in the -tribe who look upon me with envious eyes, and were they conscious that -you knew of my existence, you would not be spared a moment. This is -what Jim means, and his words must be heeded." - -"Must I travel afoot and alone?" I asked of the Indian. - -"There's the hoss what tossed you over the buffler there," he -answered, pointing to a clump of trees, "and I've brought you them -other things," he added, handing me my knife, powder-horn, and rifle, -"and I'll show you through the woods to the peararie." - -"Thank you; but I shall not need you, as I know the way well enough." - -"How soon you goin' to start?" he asked, turning to depart. - -"In less than an hour I shall bid you farewell." - -"Jim," interposed the fair captive, "bring my horse to the same spot. -I think I shall also leave for home to-night. If inquiry is made, you -can tell them this, and add that I shall probably be with them in a -few days again. As I know the wilderness well, I will guide our friend -here through it." - -The savage looked cautiously at us both. If he was shrewd enough to -suspect the truth, he was polite enough not to show it. He replied -that her wish should be gratified, and he disappeared as noiselessly -as he came. It was now getting far in the night. The moon rode high in -the heavens, and shed a full, perfect light down upon us. - -"So you are going," said I, looking at her. - -"I am going to attempt it," she answered, firmly. - -"And through no action of mine shall you ever regret this step," I -added, warmly. - -"Oh! I hope he will soon return, for I _wish_ to go," she said, as -with a shiver of apprehension she looked hurriedly about in the dark -shadows of the forest. - -"As yet, we know not each other's names," said I, pleasantly. - -"True," she answered, with a faint smile. "Mine is Imogene Merment." - -"And mine is William Relmond; but where can Jim be?" - -"Ah! there he is now," she answered, with a deep flush; and the next -minute the savage stood beside us. - -"The animals are there; and I'm thinking you'd better be off. Soon as -you git away, I'll cover up the hole, so thee won't think him has -crawled out; but I'm much afeared there am some peeking about here." - -"We will go at once," said Imogene, gathering up her dress. - -I turned to give a last word to Jim, but he had vanished. - -"Let us hurry," said she, "for I have a dread that we are watched, and -will not get away after all. I pray God that nothing may prevent us, -now that we are started." - -She almost ran, and in a minute we reached the grove referred to. Here -we found two horses saddled and bridled, and ready for a journey. -Without losing a moment, we mounted and struck to the northward. - -"Why this direction, Imogene?" I asked. - -"To avoid pursuit," she answered. "At daylight we will change it, and -proceed to the south-east." - -The open prairie was some miles distant, and as long as we were in the -deep shadows of the wood, the greatest danger was to be apprehended. -It was more than probable that the extended absence of Jim and -Imogene, at the same time, had aroused the suspicions of more than -one savage. As all must have known that I was buried while still -living, and that she had battled their determination as long as there -was hope, when the morning came and showed her abrupt departure, they -could not help suspecting the true cause. - -[Illustration: "Without losing a moment, we mounted and struck to the -northward."] - -The air was cool and exhilarating, and, as my fiery animal pranced -beside that of Imogene, I could not restrain the wild, ardent hopes -that thrilled my being. I was homeward bound with the fairest prize of -the universe to me. What else could be needed? Ah! there was the fate -of Nat, my companion, still shrouded in obscurity. I determined to -question her at once in regard to him. - -"Imogene, although this is hardly the proper moment, I cannot help -questioning you about the fate of a friend of mine." - -"I know to whom you refer," she answered, quickly. "I have heard him -speak of you, but he does not know of your existence. He is a captive -like yourself, save that he seems perfectly contented with his fate." - -"Thank heaven! it seems indeed that a wonderful Providence is watching -over all of us." - -"I believe he can effect his escape, but it must be through your -instrumentality, for I will not dare to show myself under the -circumstances." - -"Good, clever Nat, I will do anything for him," I exclaimed, warmly. -"He is a whole-souled fellow, for all he is so odd. Only to think, he -has been so nigh me all this time! Of course, it is my place to assist -him, as far as lies in my power." - -"I have had several conversations with him, in all of which he spoke -of you. He appeared to love you, and regretted greatly that you were -so reckless. He said he had long striven to teach you how to hunt with -caution, but never succeeded. He also referred to a trapper named Bill -Biddon, the one who did his best to save our family when they fell -victims to the savages, and who I would give all the world to see. He -said he succeeded, after several years, in making quite a hunter of -him." - -"Oh! the rascal," I laughed, "just like him." - -When day dawned we continued our journey for several hours. I learned -in the course of our conversation that Imogene Merment wandered -continually among the tribes for many miles around, and, as I learned -in after years, her existence was known to points as far opposite as -Fort Churchill and Fort Hall.[4] - - [4] The Crow Indians are a numerous tribe, subdivided into the - Blackfeet-Sioux, Dacotah, Ouk-pa-pas, Two Kettle, and Minnie, - besides several others. Each has its separate village and chief, - but all are on friendly relations with each other. - -At noon I shot a ptarmigan, which was cooked and upon which we made a -hearty dinner. Imogene ascended a small eminence to ascertain whether -any signs of pursuit were visible. None were discovered, but we -hurried forward until nightfall, when we drew up for the night. We -started a fire, and at my urgent request, Imogene lay down beside it, -while I kept watch. Our horses were picketed at scarcely a rod -distant, and yet in the night they became so terrified at the approach -of some animal, that they broke loose and fled, and we never saw them -again. - -This was a great loss to us, but in the morning we continued our -journey on foot, and at noon ascended a high mountain, which was a -spur of the Black Hills, lying between the Yellowstone and Missouri. -The day was a clear, beautiful one, and the fairest peaks of the -mountains, looming up against the blue, far-off horizon, formed a fine -background to the glorious landscape spread out before us. Never shall -I forget the magnificent scene which was opened to our vision. To the -north, the mighty wilderness stretched in one unbroken tract as far as -the eye could reach, while to the southward the glistening waters of -the vast rivers could be seen, winding and losing their tortuous -channels in the forest again. Numerous patches of prairie were -visible to the west, and small, dark specks moving over their face, -showed us that animal life was not wanting in this favored country. -South of us, nestling in a deep valley, could be seen the tiny -beehive-like lodges of the tribe we had left, seemingly covering -scarcely a square rod of ground. - -"Yonder," said Imogene, pointing to the northward, "is the tribe which -holds your friend. The village is two days' journey, but the course is -direct, and you cannot fail to find it. If you wish to search for him, -I will remain here until you return. I should wish to approach no -nearer, as it would increase the danger to both of us. Your friend has -hunted with the tribe in this mountain, and should you be at a loss to -find me again, ask him to guide you to the 'Death Rock,' and you will -reach me by the most direct course." - -I hesitated long before leaving Imogene, but my duty to Nat, and the -hopeful view she took of it, finally decided me. She was confident I -should find him and be back in a few days, and urged me to delay no -longer. We repaired to the "Death Rock," where we separated. Imogene -was familiar with its peculiarities, and assured me that in its -recesses she could find security from any animal foe.[5] Before -leaving her, I saw that she was provided with food sufficient to last -a week at least, and as she was furnished with a rifle and ammunition, -her situation was certainly as good as my own. - - [5] Death Rock is composed principally of a vast cave, in which - it is said a whole tribe of Indians once perished; choosing - death by starvation rather than to fall into the hands of their - enemies. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE BRIGADE AND AN OLD FRIEND. - - -After bidding Imogene good-by, I started on a rapid pace to the -northward. At night I kindled a fire by which I slept in safety, and -at an early hour resumed my journey. The character of the country -continued much the same--broad belts of prairie relieved by groves of -trees and streams of considerable magnitude. Birds of all kinds -whirred through the air and sang within the wood, and the dark forms -of wild animals were more than once seen gamboling in the distance. - -At noon I reached the banks of a river, so large that I was pretty -certain it was the Yellowstone, and hence was able to judge pretty -correctly of my locality. The river was very broad, and it was quite a -serious undertaking to cross it; but, nevertheless, it had to be done, -and I commenced making my preparations. - -As I was stepping in, a sound of voices struck me. I paused and -listened, and soon could hear the loud, regular swelling song -gradually approaching nearer and nearer, and at stated intervals the -powerful chorus. There was something in the sound of this song, at -such a time, that was indescribably stirring and inspiriting; and, as -it came nigher and nigher, and grew louder, its power increased. -Hardly satisfied of the nature of the approaching body, I withdrew a -short distance, and waited its appearance. Soon a large canoe, nearly -full of men, came to view around a bend some hundred yards distant, -and it was instantly followed by another and another, all keeping time -to the words of the song: - - We are going with the tide, - Yoho! yoho! - Free as the mountain-winds we glide, - Yoho! yoho! - Oh! ours is a merry life, - Yoho! yoho! - And full of danger, toil, and strife, - Yoho! yoho! - Then join your voices - In the glad refrain, - And let the mountains - Echo back the strain. - -As over a score of majestic voices joined in the deep swelling chorus, -the echoes were awakened for miles around. I watched them in wonder -and admiration. Soon, to my surprise, they made toward the shore -where I stood. As it was noon, they were probably putting in for their -dinner. In a moment the boats were hauled up on the bank, and as rough -and hardy a set of fellows as ever met, sprang upon the shore. A half -dozen scattered along the bank, and in a moment returned bearing -armfuls of sticks and fuel. A huge fire was soon blazing and roaring, -an enormous quantity of meat steaming and spitting, and the men, -excepting the cook, were lolling about on the grass, each one smoking -and chatting, and making a scene of pleasant confusion and enjoyment. - -I now stepped forth from my concealment. Several turned their faces -toward me as I passed them, but no unusual amount of astonishment was -manifested. I made my way to a group of three, and seated myself -beside them. - -"Whar'd you come from?" asked a short, gruff-looking man. - -"No place in particular, at present," I replied, pleasantly. - -"One of them Nor'west chaps, I s'pose?" - -"No, sir; I am no trapper at all, but a mere adventurer in these -parts." - -"Pooty story to tell them as will believe it," he retorted, angrily. - -"I am sure it is immaterial with me whether you believe it or not. -If I were a member of the Northwest Fur Company, I should not be -ashamed or afraid to own it, as I believe that is as respectable and -honorable as the one in whose service you are." - -[Illustration: "A fight! a fight! make a ring for them."] - -"Boys! do you hear that?" called out a fellow beside me. "Yer's one of -them sneaking chaps--a Nor'wester, and he's insulted us--" - -"Beg your pardon, sir," I interrupted; "I did no such thing." - -"Do you hear that, I say?" he called out, without regarding my words. -"Here's a sneaking Nor'wester cracking up his party afore us." - -I was so provoked that I made no reply or noticed him. His words -attracted their attention, and, anxious to see the trouble, they -gathered round. - -"What's up?" demanded a stumpy fellow, pushing his head in between the -others. - -"A fight! a fight!" - -"Make a ring for 'em." - -"Blow me, if he don't look like one o' them Nor'westers as sent -Governor Semple out the world.[6] Go in, Tom!" - - [6] In an affray between two parties, belonging respectively to - the Hudson Bay and Northwest Fur Companies, the leader of the - former, Mr. Semple, was shot by a member of the latter. This - happened some years before the date of our story, but for a long - time there was ill-feeling and frequent encounters between the - members of the companies. - -"I'll maul him as soon as I get in fightin' order," said Tom--he of my -first acquaintance. - -Matters were now getting serious. A collision between the redoubtable -Tom and myself seemed unavoidable. His impudent bravado and insults -had roused me somewhat, and I made up my mind that I should withdraw -nothing I had uttered, and bear none of his insolence. - -"What's the row?" demanded another; "I don't understand it." - -"Why, here's a sneakin' Nor'wester," answered Tom, "blowin' 'bout -things, and I've made up my mind I won't stand it;" and he continued -his war-like preparations. - -"That's right, Tom, go in and win," added several voices. - -"Gentlemen," said I, "all I ask is that you shall understand this -matter and show fair play--" - -"We'll do that, you!" interrupted several. - -"In the first place," I continued, "I have said nothing against the -company in whose service you are. This man, whom you call Tom, accused -me of being a member of a rival company; I replied I was not, although -I should not be ashamed if such were the case, as I considered the -latter as respectable as yours. He avers, however, I have insulted -you, and seems determined to avenge it, and I am perfectly willing to -gratify him. As I told him, I am not in the service of any company, -but am a mere adventurer in these parts. With this explanation I am -now ready for any proceeding he may wish." - -"Smash me to nuthin', ram me down and shoot me, if thar ain't Jarsey, -or I'm a sinner!" exclaimed a familiar voice, and the same instant -Bill Biddon stepped into the ring before me. "Give us your paw, -Jarsey." - -He grasped my hand and gave a vigorous gripe, while his scarred -countenance was dissolved in one great broad smile. It is needless to -say I was delighted beyond measure at this unexpected meeting. - -"Why, Bill, I little thought to meet you here." - -"And yer's as what thinks Bill didn't think so himself." - -During this passage of words between us, the others stood wondering -and perplexed. The honest old trapper turned, and seeing Tom standing -with his fists still clinched, shouted: - -"Ef you say another word to that gentleman thar, as is worth forty -like you, there'll be only a grease-spot left of you. Do you hear, -eh?" and he shook his ponderous fist beneath his nose. - -The fellow did hear, and with a muttering, "It's cu'rous, I allow," -donned his coat with the most perfect meekness. - -"Now," said Biddon facing the rest, "if thar are any 'bout yer as -wants to take up this fout, why jist step forward and get lammed." - -"Is he a Nor'wester?" asked one, breaking the perfect silence. - -"What you want to know fur?" - -"'Cause if he is, he can't pass this crowd without swallerin' them -words." - -"What words?" demanded Biddon, fiercely. - -"What Tom said he said." - -"Have I not explained--" I commenced. - -"Now jist hold on, Jarsey," interrupted the trapper, turning toward me -with a backward wave of his hand. "Now, hold on, you, fur ef you take -back anything you've said, shoot me, ef _I_ don't lick you. Ogh!" Then -turning to the others he continued, "He ain't goin' to take back -nothin' he's said yerabouts; and ef Tom Wilson thar don't swaller what -_he_ said, yer's as will make him do it." - -"I mought've be mistaken," said the now thoroughly-frightened Tom. - -"That won't do." - -"Wal, he didn't say so," he jerked out. - -"That'll answer. S'posen I say he is a Nor'-wester, how 'bout that?" -demanded Biddon, glaring about on the rest. - -There was no response. All was still as death. - -"Wal, boys," added Bill, returning to his good nature, "he _ain't_ a -trapper; never took a skin in his born days; is a parfect gentleman, -and I'll make you 'quainted with Bill Relmond, from the States, or, as -I call him, Jarsey, as fine a chap as ever tramped these parts." - -The scene that followed was singular and amusing. All crowded around -me, smiling and talking and shaking hands; and the first hand I -grasped was Tom Wilson's. - -"Hope you won't mind what I said;" he spoke in a lower tone, "I orter -been lammed for it, sure." - -"Don't refer to it," I laughed; "I suppose you were only anxious for a -little amusement to pass away time." - -"That's it 'zactly, Jarsey, you're a trump." - -"It's my private opine," called out Biddon, "that this coon is goin' -inter these eatables, and ef you wants a bite, Jarsey, you'd better -jine." - -All now crowded around the meal-pot, and commenced devouring its -contents with the avidity of wild animals. It consisted mainly of -pemmican (dried buffalo flesh), a food much in vogue in the northwest, -with several biscuits and some scalding tea. The meal finished, the -men instantly produced their pipes, which they indulged in for ten or -fifteen minutes. The boats were then shoved into the water, the -cooking-utensils placed on board, and preparations made for starting. - -"Whar you bound to?" asked Biddon, just as they were ready. - -"The Blackfeet-Sioux," I answered, unable to repress a smile. - -"The Blackfeet-Sioux?" he repeated. - -"Yes; do you know their grounds?" - -"I's 'bout twenty miles down-stream--that is the village. We cac'late -to camp thereabouts to-night. What, in the name of beavers, do you -want with them?" - -"I'll explain matters when we have a better opportunity," I answered. - -"Jump in with me then, an' I'll git Tom Wilson to rest a while, and -we'll talk over matters and things." - -I sprang into the boat, and the brigade was soon under way. The -Yellowstone, being broad and deep and the current quite powerful, the -work was comparatively light. The song was again taken up by the -_voyageurs_, all joining in the chorus and keeping time with the -measured dip of their paddles. I seated myself in the stern, beside -the steersman, who I found to be a clerk in the Hudson Bay Company, -and a gentleman. - -"How long will you remain with us, Mr. Relmond?" he asked. - -"Only until night." - -"I was in hopes you would accompany us to the settlement." - -"I should be glad to do so, but circumstances forbid." - -"It was quite fortunate," he smiled, "that you and Biddon were -acquainted. He is a noble fellow." - -"Most assuredly he is. I accompanied him, as a seeker of adventures, -last summer from Independence, and we separated in the autumn, while -in the wilderness. I was considerably surprised to find him in your -service." - -"He had a misunderstanding with his employers, I believe. He had a -dispute with one of their agents, and gave him a severe pounding. He -was reproved rather sharply for this and left the company in disgust. -This was during the winter. Shortly after he visited Red River -settlement, and volunteered his services, and they were gladly -accepted, as his skill was known to many." - -"He has been then but a short time with you." - -"Only a few weeks--but long enough to let us know the value of his -services. This brigade is all owing to him." - -"How so?" - -"You are aware we are now in the United States territory. It is not -often that we extend our work into it, except in Oregon, which has -lately fallen into the hands of the Americans. Biddon had engaged a -large quantity of furs of the Indians in the neighborhood, intending -them for one of their fur companies, but after his dispute he offered -them to us, and this brigade was dispatched for the purpose of -collecting them. He will find there is quite a pile of money due him -at York fort when he arrives there." - -Further time was spent in conversation with the clerks when I noticed -a person had taken Biddon's place at the oars. The trapper motioned me -beside him, and seating ourselves in the opposite end of the boat he -said: - -"Now we'll have a talk, Jarsey, ogh!" - -"The first thing to be knowed," said Biddon, "is how in the name of -human natur you come in these parts. How war it, Jarsey?" - -"You must remember, Biddon, I've been a prisoner for the last six -months." - -"Did you ever hear nothin' of Greeny?" - -"Yes; a rumor reached me that he was living with a tribe of Indians to -the east of us." - -"Altogether onpossible," answered the trapper, with a shake of his -head. - -"Why is it impossible?" - -"He's had his ha'r raised sure, and never seed the next day arter we -seed the last on him." - -"I am more hopeful than you are. Recollect _I_ have been a captive and -am now here without bodily harm." - -"It's qua'r, I allow, how you come out, as you did. The reds down in -them parts are ramparageous, and if it hadn't been for that Jim, you -spoke about, and that gal, you'd a gone under sure. I's tuck once by -them same chaps one time. Me an' Snapper Jack was sat on one dark -night in an awful snowstorm by a hundred on 'em. They blazed right -into us, and Jack rolled over with a pound of lead in him and never -said a word. I's purty well riddled in my lower story, but I tuk -through and got off with my ha'r, while Jack never knowed who tuk his. -They cac'lated on toastin' you up brown, and would ef it want fur that -gal, as I's sayin' while he's had it all." - -"I cannot yet see, Biddon, why there is not a probability of Nat's -being alive. The Indians in these parts are on friendly intercourse -with the traders, and it is in this region, if anywhere, that he will -be found." - -"I don't b'lieve he's about. They got him down thar, and he got it -down thar, _sure_." - -These words of the trapper dampened my expectations greatly. Much of -the joy of my hope was that I expected to again grasp the hand of my -old friend, and the thought that he had long been dead made me sad and -gloomy. However, I was not ready to give up all hope, and determined -that I should be satisfied of his fate before I returned to the -States. - -The brigade proceeded regularly and rapidly down the Yellowstone, -until the sun sinking in the west, warned them that night was at hand. -The steersman informed me they should not be able to reach the Indian -village that night, but would early the next day. Just as the shadows -were blending with the darkness on the river banks, the brigade ran -into shore for the night's encampment. There was a dense forest on -either side of us, which rendered our situation dark and gloomy; but -this was soon dispelled by the jolly _voyageurs_. Fuel was collected, -and a great roaring fire crackled and blazed cheerily around us; and -the men passing to and fro, chatting and joking, the confusion of -preparations for supper, made a scene well calculated to dispel all -gloomy reveries. The three boats were hauled up on the banks, turned -over, and their contents scattered among the owners, and all gathered -around the hearty evening meal. These hardy fellows after the -laborious day's work, their appetites sharpened, and healthy truly, - - "Ate like horses, when you hear them eat." - -The meal finished, the indispensable pipes were in requisition. Three -or four huge fires were kindled, around which the men lazily stretched -themselves, to while away the hour that must elapse ere they "turned -in" for the night. The brigade included men in it, who had trapped and -hunted the shores of the Frozen Sea to the plains of the Kansas, and -from Labrador to the mouth of the Columbia, beyond the Rocky -Mountains. They had encountered every imaginable foe: the intense cold -and the polar bear of the far North, and the innumerable hordes of -savages of the more temperate regions; and now they recounted their -thrilling reminiscences to each other, and speculated upon the fate -still in store for them. The hour passed rapidly, and ere I was aware, -the _voyageurs_ were gathering their blankets around them for the -night's rest. - -"Come, bundle up, Jarsey," said Biddon, "for thar'll be no time to -snooze in the daylight." - -The men were stretched at every point around the fire, their feet -being toward it, their heads radiating outward, so that the three -groups resembled the same number of immense wheels. As most of the -places were occupied, I lay a little beyond the circle, within a foot -or two of Biddon. The fires now smoldered, and the heavy darkness -again settled over wood and river. Nothing disturbed the deep silence -save the faint flow of the Yellowstone, or the dull noise of an ember -as it broke apart, and now and then the distant wail of some wild -animal. But a short time elapsed ere I joined the rest in the land of -dreams. - -The night passed away without any event worthy of note; and the first -apprisal I had of the approach of day, was by hearing loud cries of -"Léve! léve! léve!"[7] uttered by numerous voices. - - [7] Arouse, or get up. - -Starting up, I saw the _voyageurs_ were all astir, and making ready to -embark. The boats were launched, and being too early for breakfast, -the men sprang in and seized the oars. - -"When we halt for breakfast," said the steersman, "it will be at the -Indian village, which I understand is your destination." - -With the same inspiring song of yesterday, the men bent to their oars, -and the boats shot rapidly through the foaming water. In the course of -an hour or more, the brigade put in for breakfast, and the same -bustling scene that had taken place the night before was re-enacted. - -The place chosen was a broad, open plot of grass, reaching down to the -water's edge, and extending some hundred feet back, when the edge of -the forest was reached. No signs of Indians were seen, and I was -somewhat puzzled to know how it was known they were in the vicinity. -The clerk mentioned before, explained to me that Biddon had described -the halting spot, and the distance so accurately, that there could be -no mistake, and the savages would soon make their appearance. - -We had scarcely spoken, when a movement was heard in the forest, and -several Indians made their appearance. They seemed to understand the -meaning of the brigade; for, directly behind them came numbers of -others bearing loads of peltries--the furs of beavers, foxes, badgers, -lynxes, martens, otters, and wolverines. A barter at once commenced, -and in less than half an hour the whole array was deposited in the -boats, and the Indians were proudly parading in the gaudy trinkets and -dresses which had just fallen to their lot. - -"Where is their village?" I asked of Biddon. - -"A mile or so back in the woods; you can't miss it." - -"I can remain here without danger, can I not?" - -"Yas, I guess so--hold on, I'll fix it for you." - -With this he strode rapidly toward a man who appeared to be the chief, -and commenced a conversation. He understood the Sioux tongue well -enough to hold quite an intelligible conversation. The talk lasted but -a moment, when he returned. - -"You needn't be skeerish," said he; "I've made it all right. I told -that old chap you wanted to take a look at the country hereabouts, to -skeer up some furs fur us agin. He was a little s'pishus at fust, -shoot me ef he warn't! and he axed ef you wanted to run off with that -gal o' theirs, 'cause ef you war, you'd better leave yer ha'r behind -you. There's been two or three round these parts after her, and he -won't stand it no longer. You've got to be mighty shy, Jarsey, I kin -tell yer; but I hope you'll git her fur all that, ogh!" - -"I am grateful to you for this kindness, Biddon----" - -"Never mind 'bout that; come to the pint ef you've got anything to -say." - -"I had nothing except to express my thanks, which you seem averse to -receiving." - -"It does go again my stummick, I allow, Jarsey; when you come the -squaw over me, I can't stand it. Yer's as likes to talk fair and -squar, and leave the rest. Shoot me ef I doesn't! Wal I does, ogh!" - -"I suppose the time has come for us to separate, then, Biddon?" - -"Leastways it's close at hand. Think you'd better go up to Selkirk -settlement with us; don't s'pose you will; think you're a fool, shoot -me ef I don't, ogh!" - -"It seems our separation is to be something like it was before," I -laughed. "I believe you had a small opinion of my abilities at that -time." - -"Wal, yer's as hopes you'll come out right side up this time. In -course I'll have a glimpse of that ugly face of your'n agin. In -course." - -"I don't know about that. As you have gone into the service of the -Hudson Bay Company, your sphere of action will be far removed from -mine, and it will be an occurrence which I cannot imagine at this time -that will bring us together." - -"That ain't so sartin," said the trapper, in a low, confidential tone. -"I rather opine I'll be down in Westport or Independence this fall, -and ef these fellows cac'lates on keepin' me around, they've got to -step round 'emselves. Shoot me if they hain't, ogh!" - -"I hope you will not spend your life in the dreary region north of -this, for it will indeed be a dreary, lonely life for you." - -"Wal, you see, Jarsey," he continued, with a shade of feeling, "it -don't make much difference whar I traps. Yer's as s'pects to go under -somewhar in the mountains, and leave my topknot fur the buzzards and -reds, and it mought as well be in one part as t'other of this -country." - -"Fudge, Biddon, don't talk that way. Why I am sure I shall see you -settled down in the States with a wife and a dozen children--" - -I paused as I noticed the trapper's face. Some strange emotion was -gaining the mastery over him; but he conquered in a minute. - -"Never talk that way agin, Jarsey; I can't stand it." - -"Pardon me; you will soon be under way," I spoke, wishing to pass from -the allusion which had been so painful to him. He turned, and looking -at the brigade, which was making preparations to start, answered: - -"Yas; the boys are near ready, and they won't wait. What yer goin' to -do, Jarsey, when we leave you 'mong the reds?" - -"I have told you, Biddon, that my sole purpose is to seek out Nat -Todd. I have given you an account of my meeting and partial flight -with Imogene, the captive, who has told me of his whereabouts. She is -now waiting at Death Rock for me, and is as confident as I am that I -shall bring Nat with me. These Indians, believing Imogene to be with -the other tribe, will not suspect her flight unless a runner arrives -here and acquaints them with it; but I have little fear of that, as I -have no expectation of remaining any length of time." - -"Wal, as that little gal has _seed_ Nat, of course he's kickin'. Bless -her soul! I'd like to see her sweet face, but I s'pose the brigade -can't spare me just now. Jarsey, I've my s'picions that that other -sperit is somewhere out toward Oregon, 'mong a tribe of redskins. I've -had my s'picions I say, but I'll say nothin' more now 'cept to kind of -hint I may take a tramp out in them parts some day to see ef thar be -signs of her." - -"I sincerely hope that such may be the case, although I cannot be as -sanguine as you are. Should you rescue her, the debt of gratitude--" - -"There! that'll do, ogh!" interrupted Biddon, imperatively. "Such -things go agin my stummick, and I don't want to hear 'em. As you're -on the track of Nat, _go_, fur he may be somewhar yit, in spite of the -fears I have that he isn't, arter all." - -"Rest assured I shall leave no stone unturned. I shall seek him at -once." - -"And when you finds him, jest tell him old Bill Biddon is about, and -ready to hunt savages with him any time, ef he don't git behind me -when shootin' time comes. Ogh! ogh!" and the trapper enjoyed his joke -merrily. He stopped suddenly and looked at the brigade. A few moments -more and they would be under way. - -"Wal, Jarsey, talkin' time's gittin' mighty short. I'd like to talk -longer, but can't do it this time. Hope we'll have a time down in the -States 'fore long." - -"I sincerely trust we shall," I answered, unwilling to turn away from -the hopeful picture which he was drawing for himself. - -"And we'll have Nat 'long with us," he added. - -"Of course, for I am sure he would not willingly miss an opportunity -of seeing his old friend again. Of course, Biddon, we shall meet, if -not in this world, I hope in the next." - -"P'r'aps so, though I can't tell till we gits there. Don't know much -'bout them matters, ogh!" - -At this moment the voice of the steersman was heard, ordering the men -to their places. Biddon turned, took a step, then halted and faced me. - -"Good-by, Jarsey." - -He extended his hand, but ere I could take it it was hastily -withdrawn. He mumbled something, dashed his hand across his face, and -strode rapidly toward the boat. - -"Good-by, Biddon. God bless you!" I called after him. - -The _voyageurs_ seized their oars, and in a few moments they were in -the stream, their same cheery song echoing as loudly and as joyously -as before. I stood upon the bank, watching them as the current bore -them onward. In a few moments they reached a bend in the river--Biddon -made a signal to me, and the next minute they had all vanished. - -As the brigade vanished down the river, and the song of the -_voyageurs_ grew fainter and fainter, until it died away in the -distant windings of the Yellowstone, I awoke from the mournful reverie -into which I had fallen, and turned to the work before me. There was a -dozen Indians around, all busy with their new possessions. Some were -parading pompously in their new blankets, some examining their -glitterng knives, and others wrenching off great mouthfuls from huge -twists of tobacco, and all evidently in the highest spirits. The chief -had been presented with a fine, polished rifle, and he was standing -apart, trying its lock, and "drawing bead" on different objects in the -distance. - -I waited till he appeared satisfied, and then approached and made a -complimentary remark; I saw at once it was not comprehended, and there -was not probably a savage who could speak a word of English in the -tribe. However, as they spoke the same tongue as the tribe in which I -spent my captivity, my situation in this respect was not as bad as it -might have been. - -In the course of half an hour, the chief started toward his village, -the others sauntering along behind him, and myself at his side. His -rifle was now thrown over his shoulder, and he seemed to have lost all -interest in it as he walked thoughtfully forward, his dark eyes bent -upon the ground. A few minutes' walk through the forest brought us to -the Indian village. It was so similar to the one before described, -that it needs no mention here. - -The Blackfeet-Sioux are one of the many divisions of the Dacotah or -Sioux tribe, whose hunting-grounds include the greater part of the -vast territory of Nebraska. These subdivisions of this numerous people -are tribes within themselves. Although speaking the same tongue, they -are separate and literally independent of each other. Each has its -village and chief, whose authority is absolute. Like all North -American Indians, their life is a migratory one; and the traveler who -to-day finds them located on the Yellowstone or Little Missouri, may, -a year after, find them as far westward as the Great Falls of the -Missouri. - -My advent among these savages excited no unusual attention, as they -are often visited by traders and hunters. The chief took me to his own -lodge, where all the attention I could wish was given. I was gladly -surprised to find upon the next day, that there was a half-breed among -them who could speak the English tongue. His acquaintance I soon made. -He was a middle-aged man, who had spent most of his life in trapping, -sometimes as far northward as the Saskatchewan, and who often acted as -interpreter for his tribe. He possessed the daring hardihood of the -French trapper, and the low, ferocious cunning of the savage. He had -ever considered this tribe as his people, having a squaw and several -children. - -From this half-breed I learned that the flight of Imogene was not yet -discovered, and that the tribe which held Nat was about a dozen miles -to the eastward I informed the chief, through the interpreter, that I -should make several days' ramble through the woods, in order to get a -better idea of the face of the country and of its resources. He -seemed to believe I really was an agent of one of the fur companies, -and offered me an escort. I declined, however, and the next morning -started on foot in the direction of the tribe alluded to. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -FOUND AT LAST. - - -I took a direction nearly due east toward the Black Hills. Near the -middle of the day I reached the shore of a lake. It was a small, -beautiful sheet of water, its glistening surface unruffled by a single -ripple, and I stood a long time gazing upon its placid bosom. The blue -outline of the opposite shore was faintly visible in the distance, and -here and there the green face of a tiny island protruded from its -surface adding greatly to the picturesqueness of the scene. - -As I stood looking dreamily out upon this lake, my eyes rested upon a -small speck, just discernible far toward the other side. It was too -small and dark to be an island, and, furthermore, I fancied it was -moving. A moment more satisfied me that it was a canoe crossing the -lake nearly to the point upon which I was standing. So small and black -was it, that for a long time I was tempted to believe it was nothing -but a bird floating upon the surface; but the flashing of the oars in -the sunshine showed its true nature, and I waited anxiously its -approach. - -On it came, slowly and steadily, its form gradually increasing as it -approached, until I could discover the outlines of a single man -propelling it over the water. A sudden hope that it might be Nat -himself came over me, but as it came nigher, the dazzling plumes of a -savage convinced me of my mistake. It struck me as a little singular -that the Indian, solitary and alone, should approach so unhesitatingly -a stranger, and I was upon the point of concealing myself; but, -knowing that I must have been seen, and that such a proceeding would -only awaken suspicion upon his part, I remained boldly in view. - -A few minutes later and the canoe grated upon the sand a few yards -from me; and, daubed in all the glittering paraphernalia of savage -war-paint and plumes, no less a personage than Nat stepped ashore and -approached me! - -I was upon the point of calling out to him, when I saw he did not -recognize me. Since we had last been together my beard had grown -considerably, and my dress was also changed to that of a -semi-barbarous one. I drew my hat down to my eyes, and spoke in a -changed voice. - -"A pleasant day this, my friend." - -[Illustration: "No less personage than Nat stepped ashore."] - -"Yes, it is," replied the same natural, cracked voice. - -"A fine country this, too," - -"Yes, that's so; didn't expect to see you." - -"And why not, my friend?" - -"'Cause 'tain't often you see a white man in these parts; you're the -first one I've seen." - -"And how is it you are here yourself?" - -"Wal, stranger, there's a long story fastened to that question--a -longer one than I care about spinning at present." - -"You are not a prisoner, I hope." - -"It was some time last fall I got tuk, and I've been with them, of -course, ever since." - -"And why have you remained with them so long? It strikes me that if I -had the fine opportunity you have, I should not be long waiting to bid -them farewell." - -"You see, when I landed down here, it was winter, and if you're any -hunter, as I calculate you are, from your dress, you must know that a -fellow from the States would make poor work tramping a thousand miles -at such a time. So I concluded to wait till spring, and have been -thinking about going for the last month or two, but, somehow or other -I haven't got started; I suppose 'cause I haven't had a good start." - -"What were you doing on the lake?" - -"I came down this morning to fish, and seeing you on t'other side, -took you to be an Injin fishin' and so I paddled across." - -"You are allowed considerable liberty, it seems, after all." - -"Well, I have considerable, though it hain't done me much good so -fur." - -"You wish to return to the States, I presume." - -"I guess I do; I am about as homesick a dog as you ever laid eyes on, -and there's a gal home that I want to see amazingly." - -At this remark I was compelled to cough several times, to prevent -bursting into a loud, boisterous laugh. I felt like dropping upon the -grass and rolling over and over, and yelling like an Indian. But I -restrained myself, and determined to carry the deception further. - -"She most likely has given you up as dead by this time." - -"I'm a little afraid she has, and that's the reason I want to go down -and tell her her mistake. But I don't know as it would be any use, by -gracious!" he added, in a desponding tone. - -"And why not, pray?" - -"Oh, there's a chap named Bill Hawkins, who thinks he's mighty smart, -all the time flourishing round there. I'd just like to lay hands on -him once," and Nat clinched his hands and shook his head menacingly. -Then resuming his natural manner, he added, quickly, and with a sort -of desperation, "I don't care though. If Sal wants him, she can have -him." - -"That's it. Take things philosophically is my motto, when you are -compelled to." - -In making this last remark, I unwittingly dropped my voice to its -natural key. Nat started and raised those large, blue innocent eyes of -his, and stared wonderingly at me. - -"Did my remark surprise you?" I asked, working harder than I ever did -to restrain my gravity. - -"It weren't what you said, but your voice sounded amazingly like a -person I used to know, and I thought maybe you might be him." - -"Perhaps I am." - -"No; you don't look like him. He was about your size, but didn't dress -like you, nor didn't have such whiskers." - -"What was his name?" - -"William Relmond, from New Jersey." - -"William Relmond, from New Jersey," I repeated, as though trying to -recall some half-forgotten remembrance. - -"He used to be called 'Jarsey' by Bill Biddon," added Nat, quickly, as -if to aid my recollection. - -"And do you know Bill Biddon, a trapper?" I demanded, eagerly. - -"I am of the opinion that I do, being as I have hunted with him a long -time." - -"Ah! indeed. He is an old friend of mine. I saw him some time since, -and he was then in the service of the Hudson Bay Company." - -"Didn't he say anything about 'Jarsey?'" - -"I've hit it now! There's where I heard the name. Yes; he said a great -deal about him, and he also mentioned a person called Nathan Todd, I -think." - -"I am the man, sir," responded Nat, with considerable dignity. - -"You are! I recall now that he mentioned the fact of your captivity, -although he was more inclined to say you were dead and gone long -since." - -"Bill is a pretty 'cute chap, but he's mistaken there." - -"Yes; he seemed to cherish a warm friendship for you." - -"You see the way of it was this: Me and Bill Relmond started from -Independence last summer for California. The company we was with ran -away from us, taking my knife and mare with them. So we started fur -Californy on our own hook. We came across this Bill Biddon and changed -our minds, or, rather, Relmond did, and concluded to go on a hunt up -in these parts. Well, we did, and this is the end of that hunt. We -fixed on a place down on the Yellowstone, and would have spent a good -time if it hadn't been for that Relmond. He was a good fellow, but -betwixt you and me (you needn't say nothing about it, you know), he -was rather soft, and I had to keep a clus watch over him to prevent -his getting into danger. There used to come some Injins down the -stream in a canoe, and they set his head crazy. It wasn't the Injins, -though, but a white gal they had. She was pretty, I allow, but he -ought to have knowed better than to chase her as he did; he might have -knowed what would have come of it. We used to go down and watch this -canoe. One day I went a little lower down the stream than he did, and -hid in some bushes beside the water to take a good look at the gal and -the Injins. Pretty soon they came, and as they got along by me, by -gracious if they didn't start right into the bushes after me! I was so -fast in the roots and limbs that I hadn't time to git out before they -got right on to me. I then up and blazed away to keep them off, but I -forgot to take aim, and didn't hit them, and the first thing I knowed -I didn't know anything. One of them smashed his tomahawk square at me, -grabbed me by the neck, whopped me into the canoe, paddled to the -other side, and made me walk all the way here. I haven't seen Relmond -or Biddon since, and I should like to know what has become of them." - -"Biddon is safe, of course; and Relmond was a captive, I believe, -awhile, but he managed to make his escape some time since." - -"How do you know that much, I should like to know?" - -"Simply for the reason that I am William Relmond." - -Nathan Todd started as if struck by a thunderbolt. His eyes and mouth -opened, his rifle fell unheeded to his feet, and he stared all agape -at me. His face was such an embodiment of wonder, doubt, then -certainty and pleasure, that I gave way completely to my feelings, -and, seating myself upon the ground rolled over and laughed one of -those laughs which rack our whole being, and make us as weak as an -infant. When I again resumed my feet, my old friend approached and -extended his hand. - -"What you laughing at? I knowed it was you all the time." - -It is hardly worth time to dwell upon the words which passed between -Nat and myself after my identity became known to him. Of course he -was half frantic with joy in turn, and overwhelmed me with questions -and explanations, and in the course of half an hour we both came to a -full understanding. - -I had acquainted Nat with my separation from Imogene, and that she was -waiting for me at "Death Rock." He knew the place well and without -losing time we hastened forward. He had become acquainted with -Imogene, and had often conversed with her about her lost sister, and -of me, little dreaming that she had ever seen me. - -Nat proved his knowledge of the country, for his course toward the -Death Rock was direct, and, ere we had traveled many miles it loomed -up to view. It seemed a long while to reach it, but before dark we -were both conversing with Imogene. - -The night was spent within the cave, Nat and I conversing around the -fire, while Imogene, wrapped in our blankets, slumbered unconsciously -beside it. Nat succeeded in catching several fine trout from a small -mountain-stream, and when we resumed our journey, I hardly think three -more hopeful people could have been found in the universe. - -Our progress was less rapid than usual, as we feared for Imogene, -although her life had been such as to make her the very embodiment of -health and activity. At night we reached a bend of the Yellowstone, -and camped upon its banks. A fire was again kindled, and while Nat -kept watch, I concluded to take a little rest. He allowed me to sleep -heavily until morning, when I was aroused by one of the most terrific, -unearthly shrieks that ever greeted mortal ear. - -"God of heaven! what does that mean?" I exclaimed, springing to my -feet. - -"Sounds like the 'Snorter,' the engine that I heard on the Boston -road," answered Nat, rubbing his eyes, and listening. - -"Hush!" I admonished, as again that hideous scream burst upon us. - -"Wonder if the Pacific Railroad's built yet?" remarked Nat, with the -utmost _nonchalance_; "or, maybe, some of their engines have run away -from them." - -As I stood wondering and waiting, the gray light of morning commenced -appearing through the forest, and shortly the day dawned. A moment -after, as I was about to awaken Imogene, the awful scream was -repeated, seemingly directly across the river. It was different from a -human voice, but sounded like the cry of a wild animal in extremity of -the direst agony. - -As if our terror was still too faint, we now heard the loud ring of a -_bell_, apparently from the very forest. - -"What is that?" asked Imogene, pale with horror. - -"Heaven knows!" I answered. - -"Sounds like the old bell up in Lubec," remarked Nat; who, singularly -enough, was the least agitated. - -"Listen!" whispered Imogene, raising her hand. - -Now was heard a dead sound like the distant heave of the stormy sea, -growing stronger and nearer each second, and at intervals that wild, -unearthly shriek reverberated through the forest arches with a horrid -power. - -Matters were now assuming such an inexplicable form I began to fear I -was losing my senses. I looked around upon the faces of others; but -no--it was all a terrible reality. - -"Look!" spoke Imogene, in a husky whisper, pointing down the river. - -I did look and what was seen? There, just rounding the curve of the -Yellowstone below us, burst the broad flaming hull of a steamboat. - -For a moment I could scarce believe my senses. Nat was the first to -recover himself. - -"I knowed what it was all the time, by gracious! Hilloa, you!" - -The latter exclamation was addressed in vociferous tones to the -steamboat; and, fearing lest he might still escape notice, he sprang -into the water and waved his plumes excitedly over his head, yelling -at the top of his voice all the time. We had been seen, however, and -heeded by those on the boat. A small bell tinkled, and instantly the -huge wheel of the steamer reversed, plowing the water into foamy -waves, and quickly bringing it to a stand still. The captain then -stepped from his wheelhouse and hailed us: - -"What's wanted?" - -"Supper and lodging," answered Nat. - -"Who are you?" - -"White men of course." - -"White men; I see only one, and you're an Injin, sure as I'm Captain -Garbold." - -I now stepped forward from the shelter of the forest, to which I had -instinctively retreated with the trembling Imogene, upon the -appearance of the boat. - -"Ah! who are those?" called the captain, instantly. - -"We are whites, as you can readily see, and only ask to be taken to -our friends." - -The captain immediately turned and spoke to several beside him. A few -minutes afterward a small boat put out from the steamer, and Imogene, -followed by myself, stepped into the boat, but Nat lingered. - -[Illustration: "Hilloa, you!"] - -"Come, hurry, Nat, don't keep them waiting," said I. - -"_I'm going to remain!_" he remarked, quietly. - -"What do you mean?" I asked, in astonishment. - -He approached, and whispered in my ear: - -"_I'm going to hunt up Irene Merment!_" - -"Why----" - -"Don't say anything," he interrupted, with a smile. "I will do it. -There is no use of trying to persuade me to go with you. My mind is -made up, and has been made up a long time." - -Imogene joined her entreaties with mine, but he could not be made to -change his resolution. Not wishing to detain our friends, I extended -my hand. - -"If you are determined to remain, I must now bid you good-by, Nat. -Your determination is so new to me that I can hardly realize it. It is -a hopeless search upon which you are going, I fear. May the One who -has so mercifully watched over all of us, still protect you. If you -ever see Biddon, don't forget me to him. Good-by." - -"Nor me either," said Imogene, taking his hand. "I long to see him, to -pour out my heart's gratitude to him. I hope we shall see you again." - -"Oh! you will, sure. I shall be down in the States one of these days, -and like enough bring a wife with me, and several little Nat Todds, as -good-looking as your heirs will be. You mustn't think this is a last -farewell, for I know it isn't." - -We exchanged farewells once more, and then were rowed out to the -steamboat. As we were received on board, Nat swung his plume over his -head, and shouted: - -"Long life to you! the fust news you will receive from Nat Todd will -be a telegraphic dispatch from the Rocky Mountains, 'that he is making -a sensation in that neighborhood.'" - -Another and a last farewell, and the eccentric being had vanished in -the forest. - -Imogene had no suspicion of the true cause of Nat Todd's erratic -course, and I judged it best to let her remain in ignorance until Nat -should inform her himself. Whether that time was ever to come or not, -no one could tell; but I had strong hope that it would. - -As may be supposed, our advent created an infinite amount of -questioning and wonderment for our new-found friends. The boat was the -steamer "Shooting Star," which had been sent to trace the Yellowstone, -as far as it was navigable, by a company in St. Louis. They proposed -opening trade in this section, and knowing well the prodigious -resources of the country watered by its tributaries, had sent a -skillful captain and crew to ascertain its character and availability. -This river had, however, been ascended before. - -The "Shooting Star" ascended the Yellowstone several hundred miles -further, until brought to a stand still by the rapids in its upper -part. Several days were spent in running up Clark's Fork, the Big -Horn, Tongue, Powder, and numerous other streams, many of which, as -yet, have received no names though of considerable size. All along the -banks of these gathered crowds of wondering Indians, who surveyed us -with mingled terror and amazement. On two occasions, when halting to -wood, the crew were attacked by them, and one of their number was -slain. At other points they manifested a friendly disposition and -bartered extensively with us. - -Finally the bow of the boat was turned home, and on a glorious -morning, in the latter part of June, 1850, we glided into the turbid -waters of the mad Missouri, and a few days later "Shooting Star" sunk -to rest at the wharves in St. Louis. Accompanied by Imogene, I made my -way home as rapidly as possible. As may be supposed, my return was a -never-to-be forgotten day to my friends. The caravan which I had -joined at Independence, had been attacked, a few days subsequent to my -separation from it, by an overwhelming body of Apache Indians. Rumors -reached the States that all had fallen in the massacre, and my -reappearance was like the dead returning to life. The reader, I trust, -can imagine the few remaining incidents. After inducing Imogene to -return to the States, I do not think I should have ever forgiven -myself had I not offered her all the protection within my power. She -was like an exotic at first, taken from a distant clime; but love -works wonders. To-day there are few accomplishments of her sex which -she does not possess. True there was no great romances or mystery yet -to be developed in her history. She had been orphaned when a young -child, in the terrible manner described by the trapper at the -commencement of this tale. I had gained no princess or wealthy -heroine, but simply a _wife_, in the truest sense of the word. - -The history of Nat Todd's adventures and journey to the Rocky -Mountains, together with a further account of Bill Biddon, the -Trapper, and of Irene Merment, the lost sister, will be given the -reader in another volume. - - -THE END. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bill Biddon, Trapper, by Edward S. 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Ellis - -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: Bill Biddon, Trapper - or Life in the Northwest - -Author: Edward S. Ellis - -Release Date: February 9, 2013 [EBook #42057] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BILL BIDDON, TRAPPER *** - - - - -Produced by Greg Bergquist, Matthew Wheaton and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42057 ***</div> <div class="figcenter pic-narrow"> <img src="images/cover.jpg" width="400" height="634" alt="" /> @@ -6101,382 +6062,6 @@ companies.</p></div> <p><a id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> Arouse, or get up.</p></div></div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bill Biddon, Trapper, by Edward S. 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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: Bill Biddon, Trapper - or Life in the Northwest - -Author: Edward S. Ellis - -Release Date: February 9, 2013 [EBook #42057] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BILL BIDDON, TRAPPER *** - - - - -Produced by Greg Bergquist, Matthew Wheaton and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - - [Illustration: THE TRAPPER'S HOME.] - - - - - Bill Biddon, Trapper - - OR - - LIFE IN THE NORTHWEST - - BY - - EDWARD S. ELLIS - - - AUTHOR OF "NATHAN TODD," "LIFE OF PONTIAC, THE - CONSPIRATOR," "LAND OF MYSTERY," ETC. - - NEW YORK - HURST & COMPANY - - PUBLISHERS - - - COPYRIGHT, 1916, - - BY - - HURST & COMPANY - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. Out Late at Night 9 - - II. A New Friend 32 - - III. The Trapper's Story 48 - - IV. The Trapping Grounds 72 - - V. Conversations and Plans 98 - - VI. Still in the Dark--The Canoe Again 116 - - VII. Alone in the Wilderness 134 - - VIII. Trapping Among the Indians 153 - - IX. The Buffalo Hunt and its Consequences 174 - - X. An Awful Awakening 191 - - XI. The Brigade and an Old Friend 210 - - XII. Found at Last 237 - - - - - LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - The Trapper's Home FRONTISPIECE - - PAGE - - "What's your handle, stranger?" 41 - - "Gave a snort of alarm and plunged headlong away into the - droves." 61 - - "Looking back saw a host of savage forms." 79 - - "In the stern, with a guiding oar, sat a young female." 93 - - "I could see his two coal-black eyes glittering plainly." 145 - - "Setting up a wild yell, the Indians scattered and plunged - after them." 177 - - "Without losing a moment, we mounted and struck to the - northward." 203 - - "A fight! a fight! make a ring for them." 213 - - "No less personage than Nat stepped ashore." 239 - - "Hilloa, you!" 251 - - - - -BILL BIDDON, TRAPPER; - -OR, - -LIFE IN THE NORTHWEST. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -OUT LATE AT NIGHT. - - -"How is it, Nat? Any light yet?" - -"Not the least sign of one, and it's my opinion it will be a long time -before we see another." - -"What! you haven't given up all hopes of reaching the camp? I hope -not, as I don't relish the idea of camping out to-night." - -"Nor I either; but I'm thinking it will come to that sooner or later." - -"Well, there are several hours yet, in which we must plod onward," I -added, trudging wearily behind my companion. - -Before going further, I may as well introduce my friend and myself. My -companion answered to the name of Nathan Todd, and was a native of -Maine. He was a tall, lank individual, with long, attentuated limbs -and an awkward appearance generally. He was very meager and muscular, -and when roused to a heat of passion, as quick and powerful as the -panther. His gait was an ungainly, straddling one, and he was -seemingly capable of anything but speed; but on one or two occasions -since leaving the States, he had shown a fleetness of foot which was -truly wonderful. He was a good, open-hearted fellow, and one who, when -driven to the wall, would be a dangerous enemy. Once or twice, -however, he had shown the white feather, and his natural timidity -would often evince itself. As a consequence, Nat was not, perhaps, the -safest companion in the hour of danger; but, for all that, there was -no one in our party whose presence I would have preferred upon the -night in which I introduce him to notice. There was no imminent peril -threatening us, and Nat was a capital companion, who could while-away -the hours, if he chose, with his inexhaustible store of anecdote and -humor. I knew he entertained a warm affection for me, and would brave -almost any danger rather than be suspected of his only deficiency. A -single intimation would decide his course in a moment. - -Nat wore a singular dress--half savage and half civilized. The pants -and shoes were such as are fashionable in the enlightened world; but a -capacious hunting-shirt encased his body, secured around the waist by -a heavy band, and much the same as are worn by the hunters and natives -of the Far West at the present day. The most striking part of his -dress, however, was the hat. This he had brought with him from Maine, -and it really seemed indestructible. It was a gray color, and having -lost its band a long time before, had acquired the shape of a cone. -When it rested on his head, the edge reached the shoulders behind, and -the eyebrows in front, and the pointed peak was far off above the -crown. - -Nathan Todd's face was full of shrewdness and good humor. He had a -large, curved nose, broad mouth, and a fine blue eye. The chin was -retreating; but this drawback was modified partly by a long tuft of -yellow hair, the only signs of beard upon his face, except a shadowy -mustache. The hair was long and sandy, and harmonized well with the -rest of his countenance. There was ever a contraction of the -eyebrows--a sort of unspoken question--so often seen in persons from -"down east," which indicated a prying, curious disposition. - -As for myself, my name is William Relmond, and I hail from one of the -middle States. Shortly after the announcement of the discovery of gold -in California, I was seized with the lunacy that was carrying its -thousands to the Pacific coast. I was well situated in life at home, -but that was not considered. I must go and fish up a fabulous fortune -also. I had one brother and several sisters, but our parents had been -dead for some years, and we were residing with an uncle, the guardian -of each, until maturity. A favorable opportunity offering I had made -some preparation for the legal profession; but I was never inclined to -Coke, and had no intention of pursuing the practice of the law in -after life. At the age of twenty, then, without a settled purpose in -life, I determined to make a journey to the El Dorado of the New -World. I was not influenced solely by the love of gain, in taking this -step, but the love of adventure urged me irresistibly on. I had heard -wonderful stories of the boundless prairies, of the wandering hordes -of Indians, their millions of buffaloes and horses, and the vast, -billowy ocean of verdure and sunshine, and the Far West seemed the -paradise of the world to me. - -I was provided with an ample outfit at home, and departed amid the -tears of my good uncle and affectionate sisters. I proceeded by the -usual route to Independence, Missouri, where I made inquiries of the -trains which were constantly leaving the point for Oregon and -California. In my wanderings, I stumbled upon Nat Todd, my present -companion. He had just arrived from his distant home, where he had -left a widowed mother and a disconsolate sweetheart. But he said he -was going to return, in just two years from the day he left, with a -"rousing heap" of money, and intended to buy "Squire Hunt's farm," -take Alminy down there, and live the rest of his life. His frankness -and humor impressed me favorably; and, after a short conversation, we -grasped hands, and swore to remain by each other till our adventures -were terminated by death or a happy _denouement_. - -We engaged places in a train which left the next day. This company -numbered nigh two hundred persons, and was composed of all kinds of -characters, except females. There were French _voyageurs_, Irishmen, -and an agent of one of the western fur companies, and the majority of -the rest were those just from the plow or the workshop. They had -secured the services of an experienced guide, and were well equipped -for the perilous journey before them. - -The overland route, at this time, was so alive with passing emigrants, -that few depredations were committed by the Indians. The savages -sometimes hung around companies, but as there were almost always other -whites in sight, they rarely ventured upon any greater crime than -pilfering. Nothing worthy of note occurred upon the journey for a -length of time. We experienced the usual mishaps and trials of -emigrants, but nothing more startling. We sometimes lost a part of our -baggage and provisions in crossing the rivers, and were greatly -discomforted by the terrific storms which often rage in these regions. -Then, again, we traveled mile after mile, and hour after hour upon the -dry, monotonous, glistening rolling prairie, so wearied and tired of -the scene that we hardly exchanged a syllable for hours at a stretch. - -At last, the plains of Kansas were reached. On the day in which I -introduce my friend and myself to notice, we had descried a solitary -antelope at a great distance upon the prairie, and set out to bring it -down. We left our horses behind, hoping to reach the animal by -stratagem. I approached it near enough to wound it, when it made off -with the speed of the wind. Expecting to see it give out each moment, -we followed it mile after mile, until gathering darkness warned us -that night was at hand, when we halted in alarm, and were compelled to -allow the antelope to escape, while we endeavored to retrace our -steps. The caravan was nowhere in sight, and we doubted not that it -had disappeared hours before. We left the train about noon, and had -been warned that they would not halt or wait for us, and should we -lose them, they would take no pains to hunt us up. But we heeded not -this, as we expected to keep them constantly in view, and have the -antelope cooked for our supper. - -But I have shown how widely we were mistaken. We were compelled to see -the night shut down around us, without bringing us any hope of -spending it with our friends; and at a late hour we were still -plodding aimlessly over the prairie. - -"No light yet, Nat?" I asked, for the twentieth time. - -"Well, I should think you had asked that question about often enough, -to be suited with my answer." - -"I expect to ask it a dozen times more." - -"Then I'll just answer at once for all, so I won't be troubled agin -with talkin'. _No!_ there's the answer." - -"I don't know but what you are right, Nat. We must have come a long -distance, utterly unconscious of it, in our eagerness to get that -plaguey antelope, and it is useless to hope to reach camp again before -morning." - -"That's my opinion, exactly. That camp, I opine, is a good dozen miles -off yet." - -"Then we may have a chance of reaching it still before morning, as -this bright moon favors us." - -The moon, full and clear, had arisen an hour before, and its light -illumined the prairie for a great distance around. Far away, on every -hand, we could discern the blue outline of the horizon, while the -prairie seemed to roll up against it like the dark boundaries of a -mighty ocean. Everything was as silent and motionless as though we -were treading a region of death. - -Mile after mile, we trudged on, beguiling the time by conversation. -The ground was dry and hard, and the vegetation scarce and stunted. -The day had been quite warm, and there was a delicious coolness about -the evening air that made it pleasant to walk an hour or so; but as -more than double that time had expired since we commenced, it had long -been exceedingly wearisome to us. - -"I wonder whether those fellows will go a foot out of the way to pick -us up," muttered Nat, half to himself. - -"I don't believe they will. They told us they wouldn't and they value -their time too highly to waste it for a couple who are of no account -to them, especially since we can fall in with other trains." - -"I reckon they're of some account to us, being they have got both our -horses and considerable of our traveling apparatus." - -"That is too true, Nat. In fact, since we have been walking here, I -have persuaded myself that those fellows would, just as likely as not, -turn something out of the way to get rid of us." - -"Somehow or other, I've felt just the same for a week." - -"Then, if we value our property, we mustn't let them slip." - -"No; I'll be shot, if we must!" exclaimed Nat, half angrily, striking -at once into a more rapid walk. "If they run off with my mare, -I'll--I'll--" and again he strode faster over the prairie. - -Long--long, we journeyed in silence. Nat's apprehensions had been -aroused, and he was willing to walk the whole night to come up with -those in whose honesty he had so little faith. Now and then he would -mutter incoherently to himself and shoot ahead, keeping me almost on a -run to maintain my place beside him. Suddenly he halted, and turned -upon me with an expression I shall never forget. I could see his eyes -expanded to twice their usual size, and his whole face aglow beneath -his monstrous hat, as he asked in a cold whisper: - -"Wonder if there's Injins about to-night." - -I laughed outright. - -"Why, Nat, you ain't afraid, are you?" - -"Who said I was afraid? I just asked a question." - -"What possessed you to ask such a question?" - -"Don't know; just come into my mind. Do you s'pose there are any -Injins roving round the country to-night?" - -"I am sure I cannot tell, but I think it extremely probable. Are you -fearful that there are some upon our trail?" - -"There might be! No; I was thinking if we should come across any of -them, they might be able to tell us whether any of them chaps think -we're lost, and have run off with my mare." - -"Should we meet a lot of those savages, no doubt they would tell us -something else besides that." - -"I expect so," and he wheeled around and strode ahead again. It was -now getting near midnight, and I was completely worn out. It was out -of the question to reach the camp that night, and we might as well -submit to our fate at once, so I spoke rather decidedly. - -"I'm tired of this." - -Nat turned and looked at me a second, and then answered: - -"So am I. We've to camp out to-night, and there's no use in waiting -till morning afore we do it. Ain't it lucky you brought your blanket -with you? It would go hard to do without that to-night." - -"I brought it with me by merest chance, not thinking I should need it. -It was indeed fortunate; and now let us prepare to use it." - -There was not much choice on the hard but warm earth. My blanket was -ample and sufficient for us both. After some search, a small -depression was selected, and in this I spread my heavy blanket. We -then stretched ourselves upon it, pulled the ends over us, being sure -to inclose our rifles in its folds, and resigned ourselves to sleep. -In that lone hour, I forgot not that there was one arm upon which I -could rely, and One only who could watch over me until morning, and to -that protection I appealed. - -Ere the sun was fairly above the horizon, we were up and upon our way. -Knowing the company would not be in motion for several hours, we hoped -to reach them before they breakfasted, and have a laugh over our -night's adventure. Nat led the way, and took long, rapid strides over -the ground, seemingly oblivious of the existence of any one else. I -kept beside him, now and then venturing a remark, but receiving no -answer or intimation that I was heard. - -Suddenly, my friend came to a dead halt, dropped the butt of his rifle -to the earth with a ringing clamp, and wheeled upon me with one of -those indescribable looks. I had seen these before, so that I knew -something unusual was agitating him. - -"What's the trouble now?" - -"It's no use; we'll never see that company agin." - -"What makes you think thus?" - -"I know so. I had a dream last night that my mare was gone for ever -and ever, and I know she is. Don't you remember that fur agent told us -they'd change the direction they's traveling some time yesterday? They -hadn't done it when we left them, and they done it as soon as we got -out of sight, I warrant." - -I now remembered hearing our guide remark, as also did the fur agent -with us, that the trail we were following made an abrupt bend some -miles ahead. We were traveling northeast at that time, and the -contemplated change was nearly due southwest. This fact had entirely -escaped our minds, until it now occurred to Nat, and we had, -consequently, been proceeding in a wrong direction. By referring to -the sun, we found we had gone far too much to the east in order to -intercept the train, which was now in all probability many leagues to -the southwest. - -This was a discovery which was overwhelming. We had then been -journeying in a direction which had brought us not a foot nearer the -company than if we had remained motionless; and it was certain that -the party was irrecoverably lost. - -"This is a pleasant discovery, Nat." - -"Very." - -"I see no hope for your mare. She is probably a good day's journey -distant, and we do not know what direction to take to reach her." - -"That's it," replied Nat, ill-humoredly; "if I knowed sure what way to -tramp to find her, I wouldn't stop till I'd laid my hands on her for a -certainty; but this trudging along, and just as like as not going away -from her all the time, isn't the thing." - -"I see no course left then, but to proceed south, in the hope of -falling in with some emigrant train, or in striking the Oregon trail, -north, and getting into California ahead of them." - -"The Oregon trail will have to be our destination, then. If these -fellows find they've got the start of us, they won't give us a chance -to come up again, and we might as well try to catch the whirlwind as -to follow them. No; we must try the ready for them when they come. -How far is the trail off?" - -"It can't be more than a day's journey; the trail follows the Platte -through Nebraska, and I'm pretty sure we can reach it by nightfall, if -we proceed pretty steadily and rapidly." - -The day was clear and pleasant, and the sky devoid of the least signs -of threatening storm. There were two or three white clouds straggling -off in the western horizon, but the sky was of a deep clear blue. We -were now proceeding in a northward direction, intending to strike the -Platte at the nearest point. South, east, and west the small waving -hills of the prairie stretched, unrelieved by the slightest object, -except in the west the far-off outline of some mountain-peak was just -visible, resembling a slight pointed cloud against the blue sky. This -disappeared at noon, and we were again like wanderers upon the -illimitable sea. A short time after, Nat's keen vision detected a -number of black, moving specks far to the westward. - -"An emigrant train, perhaps," I suggested. - -"They're Pawnee Injins as sure as the world, and we'd better give them -a wide berth." - -"Pawnee Indians! How do you know that? You never have been in this -section before?" - -"That's true, but you don't s'pose I started out here without first -larning something 'bout the country and folks, do you? If you do, -you're mighty mistaken. Just let me know in what part of the country -we are, and I'll let you know what sights you will see, that is, if we -are going to see any at all. But let's keep to the east; I don't want -to keep them Pawnees in sight." - -"The Pawnee Indians are reported friendly to the whites." - -"Exactly; but have they been reported honest? If they should come upon -us and take a fancy to our rifles, what is there to prevent them from -taking them? And," added Nat, with a shrewd shake of his head. "I've -not faith enough in their good intentions to want 'em in sight at this -particular time." - -There was a great deal of reason in his remarks, and it was not -unwillingly that I turned my face more to the northeast, and soon saw -them disappear from view. - -Some time toward the middle of the afternoon we descried a solitary -buffalo ahead. He had apparently left his friends and wandered about -as though entirely lost. After considerable difficulty we approached -nigh enough to bring him down. He was quite poor, and his flesh was -strong and Oregon trail, and get into California first, and be tough; -but we were glad enough to get it, such as it was. He was thrown on -his face, with his knees bent under him, a keen knife run along the -spine with just sufficient force to penetrate the skin, which was then -pulled down each side. This done, we cut the choice portions out. Nat -reserved the buffalo-skin for his blanket, and the rest was thrown -away. We made a hearty meal, and about the middle of the afternoon -again set forward, hoping to accomplish quite a distance ere -nightfall. - -Just at dark we reached a stream of considerable size, which I -afterward learned was the Republican Fork of Nebraska. The point at -which we struck it, was about where it leaves the territory of Kansas -and enters Nebraska. Although no considerable stream, we concluded not -to cross it before morning, and we made arrangements for passing the -night upon its banks. There was considerable timber at different -points, and a goodly quantity of driftwood lay scattered along its -banks. As the river was quite low, we gathered several armfuls, and -had a fire soon started. We had brought some meat of the slain buffalo -with us, but concluded not to cook supper, as our appetites were -satiated. - -Seated round our fire, half-hidden in a depression in the river -bottom, with the dark, glistening stream flowing silently by, and -smoking our pipes, we naturally fell into an easy conversation. - -"We can't be far from the 'trail,' can we?" asked Nat. - -"Farther than I suspected," I answered. "The Republican Fork, which I -am convinced is the stream out there, is over fifty miles from the -Platte, which, with several other streams must be crossed before the -trail is reached." - -"Fudge! I don't believe I can head off them fellows after all, and my -old mare and overcoat will go to thunder." - -"They will go _somewhere_ where you will never see them again." - -"I _know_ I'm bound to lose 'em, and I shan't think any more about -them." - -"That's the best plan, Nat. They are no great loss." - -"I sh'd like to know whether that greaser or fur agent took them -though," interrupted my friend, earnestly. - -After this he fell into a fit of musing, and we remained silent for -some time. When the fire had burnt low, I arose and replenished it. -Nat looked anxiously at the roaring blaze, carrying ashes and cinders -high in the air, and reflecting far out upon the dark river, and he -remarked: - -"Wonder if some Injins won't see that." - -"I guess not. We are so low down the bank that I think it can be -visible for no considerable distance upon the prairie, and the bend in -the river fortunately saves us from view up or down the stream. The -only point from which it would attract attention is directly across -from us." - -"And it looks suspicious enough there," repeated Nat, in a whisper, -removing his pipe and gazing across the river. - -It did indeed look gloomy, forbidding, and threatening. Our fire was -nearly on the level with the water, which rolled darkly and noisily at -our very feet; and when its crackling blaze arose higher than usual, -the low face of the opposite shore was struck by the light. At such -times I could not help reflecting what favorable chances were afforded -any foe who might be lurking opposite. I involuntarily shrunk from the -fire, and felt relieved when the shore blended with the darkness. - -It began to grow quite late, the fire had smoldered low, when Nat, -removing his cap, turned upon me with: - -"What do you think of our journey to California?" - -I was at a loss to comprehend his meaning, and looked at him for an -explanation. - -"I mean to ask whether you feel in such a hurry to get to mines as you -did when we were in Independence?" - -Now, to confess the truth, the experience of the last week or two, and -especially of the last two days, had done much toward dampening the -ardor which I once thought could never leave me; and I believe, had I -possessed moral courage enough, I should have seized the first -opportunity to return to the comforts of a home, where I possessed -enough to satisfy any sensible person's ambition. Still I hesitated to -commit myself. - -"I cannot say that I am; but what induced you to----" - -"I'm sick of this business," interrupted Nat, lengthening his legs -with a spiteful jerk, and looking disgustedly into the fire. - -"What has come over you?" I asked, half-amused at his manner. - -"Well there's that mare----" - -"But you promised not to think of her." - -"How can I help it, I should like to know? She's gone sure, and -there's that overcoat, that cost me four dollars and a half in Lubec; -and Alminy made a big pocket in it on purpose for me to fill full of -gold chunks; and I should like to know how I am going to do it, when a -Greaser has got it." - -"I am afraid that that would not be the only difficulty you would be -likely to experience, Nat, in getting it filled." - -"And my jack-knife was in the coat-pocket, I declare!" exclaimed he, -suddenly starting up and pinching alternately one pocket and then -another. "Yes, sir, that's gone, too; that's worse than all the rest," -he added, despairingly, falling upon his elbow, and gazing -abstractedly into the fire. - -"That's a trifling loss, surely, as you have your hunting-knife." - -"I've a good notion to get up and go back now," he added, not heeding -my remark. "I'm sick of this business. It's bad enough to lose the -mare, but when the knife is gone I can't stand it." - -I knew this was but a momentary despondency with my friend, and for -the sake of whiling away the time before sleep, I was inclined to -humor it. - -"But what will you do for that gold that you was going to buy Deacon -Hunt's farm with for your Alminy?" - -"Let her go without it," he answered, gruffly, without removing his -gaze from the fire. "She can get along without it. I believe she only -coaxed me to go off to Californy to get me out of the way, so that -mean Bill Hawkins might take my place. If he does come any such game, -he'll catch it when I get back." - -I laughed deeply, but silently, as I witnessed his appearance at these -remarks. It was so earnest and feeling, that it was impossible to -resist its ludicrousness. - -"Nat," said I, after a moment's thought, in which my mind had taken an -altogether different channel, "I am free to own that I have little -faith in our success in California. I left home in a flush of -excitement, without considering the consequences of such a rash step, -and they are now beginning to present themselves. I propose that we -seek our fortune elsewhere. The fact that gold exists in California is -now known all over the world, and we know there is not the remotest -corner of her territory which is not swarming with hundreds who leave -no means untried to amass their fortunes. I have no desire to wrangle -and grope with them, and would much rather seek wealth elsewhere." - -"But where else?" - -"If gold exists in one spot on the Pacific coast, it is right to -suppose it exists in many others, and what is to prevent our finding -it?" - -"Have you thought of any place?" - -"It seems to me that in Oregon, among the spurs of the Rocky -Mountains, there must be fabulous quantities of the precious metal." - -"But why hasn't it been found?" - -"Oregon is thinly settled, and no suspicion has led them to search for -it." - -"Well, let us dream upon it." - -A few more fagots were forthwith heaped upon the fire, and then we lay -down for the night's rest. - -My companion had lain but a minute, when he suddenly sprang to his -feet, and exclaimed: - -"Hurrah for Oregon!" - -"Be careful," I admonished; "your indiscretion may be fatal. That wall -of darkness across the river looks gloomy and threatening enough to -me." - -"It does--hello! I'm shot--no, I ain't, neither." - -That instant the report of a rifle burst from the other bank, and the -bullet whizzed within an inch of my companion's face. - -"Heavens! are we attacked!" I ejaculated, starting back from the fire. - -"I believe so," replied Nat, cowering behind me. - -We listened silently and fearfully, but heard no more. The fire -smoldered to embers, the river grew darker, and the night, moonless -and cold, settled upon us. But no sleep visited my eyelids that night. -Till the gray dawn of morning I listened, but heard no more. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -A NEW FRIEND. - - -As the light of morning overspread the stream and prairie, I felt an -unspeakable sense of relief. Not a moment of sleep had visited me that -night, although Nat's extreme fear toward midnight gave way to his -drowsiness, and he slept long and heavily. - -"Come, wake up, Nat!" said I, shaking him as soon as I saw that day -was at hand. - -"How? what's the matter?" said he, rubbing his eyes, and gaping -confusedly about him. - -"Day is at hand, and we must be on our way to Oregon." - -He hastily rose, and we commenced our simple preparations. I ran up -the river bank, and swept the prairie to the south of us to satisfy -myself that no wandering Indians were in sight. The whole plain was -visible, and with a feeling akin to joy, I reported the fact to Nat. -He, however, was not satisfied with my survey, as he had more than -once before detected objects that had escaped my vision, and he -ascended a high roll in the bank, some distance up, and took a long, -careful, scrutinizing sweep of the whole horizon. Feeling satisfied -that he would be no more rewarded for his pains than I was, I started -the fire, and commenced cooking some of our buffalo, I had been -engaged in this for a minute or so, when I heard Nat call, in a -hoarse, anxious, half-whisper: - -"Come here, quick!" - -I hurried to his side and eagerly asked him the cause of agitation. - -"Why, just look yonder, if that ain't enough to agitate one, then I -don't know what is." - -He pointed across the river, out upon the prairie; and following the -direction of his finger, I saw not more than a mile or two away a -single horseman proceeding leisurely from us. - -"Who can that be?" I asked half to myself, still watching the receding -figure. - -"Why he's the one that sent that bullet across the water after us, and -I'm thinking it's lucky for him, he's going another way. If I should -get my hands on him, he would remember the time." - -And Nat extended his arms energetically, and shook his head spitefully -by way of emphasizing his remark. - -I continued gazing after the unknown person. At first I supposed it -was an Indian, but at that distance, and with his back toward us, it -was almost impossible to judge accurately. A moment's thought -convinced me that it was a white man. I could make out the hunting-cap -of the trapper, and was soon satisfied he belonged to that class. His -horse was walking leisurely along, and he seemed totally unaware of -the proximity of strangers. - -But who could it be? Was it he who had fired the well-nigh fatal shot? -And what meant his actions in thus willfully leaving us? These and -similar questions I asked myself, without taking my eyes from him, or -heeding the numerous questions and remarks my companion was uttering. -But, of course, I could give no satisfactory solution, and when his -figure had grown to be but a dim speck in the distance, I turned to -Nat. - -"We may see him again; but, if I don't know him, I know one thing, I'm -wonderfully hungry just now." - -We partook of a hearty breakfast, my appetite for which was -considerably weakened by the occurrence just narrated. Without much -difficulty we forded the Republican Fork, being compelled only to swim -a few strokes in the channel, and reached the opposite side, with dry -powder and food. - -Here we made a careful search of the shore, and ascertained enough to -settle beyond a doubt the identity of the horseman with the would-be -assassin of the night before. His footprints could be seen, and the -place where he had slept upon the ground, together with the scraps of -meat. By examining the tracks of his horse, we discovered that both -hind feet were shod; this decided our question of his being a white -man; and although it cleared up one doubt, left us in a greater one. -He could not have avoided the knowledge that we were of the same -blood, and what demoniacal wish could lead him to seek the life of two -harmless wanderers? Be he who he might, it was with no very Christian -feelings toward him that we took the trail of his horse, and pursued -it. - -Our course after the first five miles, swerved considerably to the -northwest. From the actions of the stranger, it was evident he -understood the character of the country, and we judged the shortest -way of reaching the Oregon trail would be by following him. The -footprints of his animal were distinctly marked, and we had no -difficulty in keeping them. - -At noon we forded a stream, and shortly after another, both -considerably less than the Republican Fork. On the northern bank of -the latter, were the still glowing coals of the stranger's camp-fire, -and we judged he could be at no great distance. The country here was -of a slightly different character from the rolling prairie over which -we had journeyed thus far. There were hills quite elevated, and, now -and then, groves of timber. In the river bottoms were numerous -cottonwoods and elder; these natural causes so obstructed our view, -that we might approach our unknown enemy very nigh without knowing it. -Nat was quite nervous, and invariably sheered off from the forbidding -groves of timber, striking the trail upon the opposite side at a safe -distance. - -In this way we traveled onward through the entire day. No signs of -Indians were seen, and we anticipated little trouble from them, as -they were friendly at this time, and the most they would do would be -to rob us of some of our trinkets or rifles. - -At sundown we left our guiding trail and struck off toward a small -stream to camp for the night. When we reached it, and decided upon the -spot, Nat remarked seriously: - -"I say, Relmond, that feller might be near enough to give us another -shot afore morning, and I'm going to see whether his trail crosses the -brook out there or not." - -So saying, he wheeled and ran back to the spot where we had left it. -It was still bright enough to follow it, and bending his head down to -keep it in view, he continued upon a rapid run. I was upon the point -of warning him against thus running into danger, but not feeling much -apprehension for his safety, I turned my back toward him. A minute -after, I heard his footsteps again, and, looking up, saw him coming -with full speed toward me, his eyes dilated to their utmost extent, -and with every appearance of terror. - -"He's there!" he exclaimed. - -"Where?" I asked, catching his excitement. - -"Just across the stream up there; I liked to have run right into him -afore I knowed it. See there!" - -As Nat spoke, I saw the glimmering of a fire through the trees, and -heard the whinny of a horse. - -"Didn't he see you?" - -"Yes, I know he did. When I splashed into the water like a fool, he -looked up at me and grunted; I seen him pick up his rifle, and then I -put, expecting each moment to feel a ball in me." - -"I thought you intended laying hands on him if an opportunity -offered," I remarked, with a laugh. - -"I declare, I forgot that," he replied, somewhat crestfallen. - -After some further conversation, I decided to make the acquaintance of -the person who had occupied so much of our thoughts. Nat opposed this, -and urged me to get farther from him; but a meaning hint changed his -views at once, and he readily acquiesced. He would not be prevailed -upon, however, to accompany me, but promised to come to my aid if I -should need help during the interview. So leaving him, I started -boldly up the stream. - -When I reached the point opposite the stranger's camp-fire, I stumbled -and coughed so as to attract his attention. I saw him raise his eyes -and hurriedly scan me, but he gave no further evidence of anxiety, -and I unhesitatingly sprang across the stream, and made my way toward -him. Before I halted, I saw that he was a trapper. He was reclining -upon the ground, before a small fire, and smoking a short black pipe, -in a sort of dreamy reverie. - -"Good evening, my friend," I said, cheerfully, approaching within a -few feet of him. He raised his eyes a moment, and then suffered them -lazily to fall again, and continue their vacant stare into the fire. -"Quite a pleasant evening," I continued, seating myself near him. - -"Umph!" he grunted, removing his pipe, and rising to the upright -position. He looked at me a second with a pair of eyes of sharp, -glittering blackness, and then asked: "Chaw, stranger?" - -"I sometimes use the weed, but not in that form," I replied, handing a -piece to him. He wrenched off a huge mouthful with a vigorous twist of -his head, and returned it without a word. This done, he sank back to -his former position and reverie. - -"Excuse me, friend," said I, moving rather impatiently, and determined -to force a conversation upon him, "but I hope you will permit a few -questions?" - -"Go ahead, stranger," he answered, gruffly. - -"Are you traveling alone in this section?" - -"I reckon I ar', 'cept the hoss which 'ar a team." - -"Follow trapping and hunting, I presume?" - -"What's yer handle, stranger?" he suddenly asked, as he came to the -upright position, and looking at me with more interest. - -"William Relmond, from New Jersey." - -"Whar's that place?" - -"It is one of the Middle States, quite a distance from here." - -"What mought you be doin' in these parts?" - -"I and my friend out yonder are on our way to Oregon." - -"Umph! you're pretty green 'uns." - -"Now I suppose you will have no objection to giving me your name." - -"My handle's Bill Biddon, and I'm on my way to trappin'-grounds up -country." - -"How far distant?" - -"A heap; somewhar up 'bove the Yallerstone." - -"Do you generally go upon these journeys alone?" - -[Illustration: "What's your handle, stranger?"] - -"Sometimes I does, and sometimes I doesn't." - -I ceased my questions for a few moments, for fear of provoking him. As -his route, as far as it extended, would be in our direction, I -determined to keep his company if I could gain his consent. He was a -splendid specimen of the physical man. He was rather short, but heavy -and thick-set, with a compactness of frame that showed a terrible -strength slumbering in his muscles. His face was broad, covered by a -thin, straggling beard of grizzled gray, and several ridged scars were -visible in different parts of it. His brows were beetling and -lowering, and beneath them a couple of black eyes fairly snapt at -times with electric fire. His mouth was broad, and though one could -plainly see a whirlwind of terrific passion might be called into life -within his breast, yet there was, also in his face, the index of a -heart alive to good humor and frankness. I saw that, if approached -skillfully, his heart could be reached. He was evidently the creature -of odd whims and fancies and caprice, feeling as well satisfied -without the society of his fellow-man as with it--one of those strange -beings, a hero of a hundred perils, who was satisfied to lose his life -in the mighty wilderness of the Far West, without a single one -suspecting or caring for his fate. - -"Would you have any objections to my friend and myself accompanying -you, that is, as far as you should proceed in our direction?" - -He looked steadily at me a moment, and answered, "You kin go with me -ef you wants; but I knows as how you're green, and yer needn't s'pose -I'm goin' to hold in fur yer. Yers as never does that thing." - -"Oh, I shouldn't expect you to. Of course, we will make it a point not -to interfere in the least with your plans and movements." - -"Whar is yer other chap? S'pose it war him what come peakin' through -yer a while ago; had a notion of spilin' his picter fur his -imperdence." - -"I will go bring him," I answered, rising and moving off. But as I -stepped across the stream, I discerned the top of Nat's white hat, -just above a small box-elder; and moving on, saw his eye fixed with an -eager stare upon the trapper. - -"Don't he look savage?" he whispered, as I came to him. - -"Not very. Are you afraid of him?" - -"No; but I wonder whether he--whether he knows anything about the old -mare and my knife." - -"Perhaps so; come and see. He just now asked for you." - -"Asked for me?" repeated Nat, stepping back. "What does he want of -me?" - -"Nothing in particular. I just mentioned your name, and he asked where -you were. Come along; I hope you ain't afraid?" - -"Afraid! I should like to see the man I'm afraid of!" exclaimed my -companion in an almost inaudible whisper, as he tremblingly followed -me across the brook, and to the spot where Biddon, the trapper, was -lying. - -"My friend, Nathan Todd, Biddon." - -"How are you? Very happy to make your acquaintance," and Nat nervously -extended his hand. - -"How're yer?" grunted Biddon, with a slight jerk of his head, and not -noticing the proffered hand. - -"Been a most exceedingly beautiful day," ventured Nat, quickly and -nervously. - -I saw the trapper was not particularly impressed with him, and I took -up the conversation. I made several unimportant inquiries, and learned -in the course of them, that our friend, Bill Biddon, was about forty -years of age, and had followed trapping and hunting for over twenty -years. He was a native of Missouri, and Westport was the depot for his -peltries. For the last two or three years he had made all his -excursions alone. He was quite a famous trapper, and the fur company -which he patronized gave him a fine outfit and paid him well for his -skins. He possessed a magnificently-mounted rifle, and his horse, he -informed me, had few superiors among the fleetest mustangs of the -south. Both of these were presented him by the company mentioned. - -"Why ain't you got horses?" he asked, looking toward me. - -"They were both stolen from us." - -"I don't s'pose you've seen anything of a company with a mare, -short-tailed, that limped a little, and an overcoat that had a knife -in the pocket?" asked Nat, eagerly. - -"Not that I knows on," answered Biddon, with a twinkle of humor. - -I gave the particulars of our loss, and then asked, without due -thought: - -"Did you not camp upon the banks of the Republican Fork last night?" - -"Yas; what'd yer want to know fur?" - -"Oh, nothing, nothing," quickly answered Nat. - -I believe the trapper understood my allusion, and I hoped he would -give an explanation of his act; but he made no reference to it, and, -after further conversation, we all lay down in slumber. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE TRAPPER'S STORY. - - -I was aroused from my slumber, before it was yet light, by Biddon -shaking me and calling in my ear: - -"Come, you chaps, you've got only two minutes to swaller yer feed in." - -Nat was already moving about, and I sprang to my feet, determined to -continue in my friend's good graces, if such a thing were possible, by -a cheerful acquiescence in all his reasonable wishes. Our fire was -kindled, a hasty breakfast swallowed, and just as the sun made its -appearance above the prairie, we moved off toward the north. - -Long before noon we reached the Platte, and forded it at the point -where Fort Grattan now stands. The Platte, during the winter months, -is a boisterous stream of great width, but in summer it is very -shallow (from which circumstance it derives its name), and at the dry -season it almost ceases running, and dwindles down to an innumerable -number of stagnant pools. As it was now the summer season, we walked -over without more than merely wetting our shoes. The Oregon trail -follows the northern shore of this stream to Washington Territory, or -to what was Oregon at the time of which I write. Leaving the Platte, -we shaped our course toward the northwest, so as to strike the -southern spur of the Black Hills. From Biddon's conversation, I found -that his destination was the neighborhood of the head-waters of the -Tongue or Powder River, which have their canyons in the Black Hills. - -As he allowed his horse to proceed upon a moderate walk, we had no -trouble in keeping him company. We generally started at the first -indication of morning, halting now and then to slake our thirst in the -numerous streams which crossed our path, and resting an hour at noon. -At sunset we struck camp upon some small stream, cooked our evening -meal, spent an hour or two in smoking and conversation, and turned in -for the night. - -The country over which we now journeyed was much better timbered than -any through which we had yet passed. For an entire day after crossing -the Platte, we met with thousands of the ash, elm, walnut, and -cottonwood trees. The bark of the latter, I was surprised to observe, -was greatly relished by the trapper's horse, he often preferring it -to the rich, succulent grass which so abounds in this region. Besides -this there were signs of the buffalo, antelope, and hundreds of other -animals. - -One night we halted upon the bank of a large stream some miles north -of the Platte, which emptied into the Missouri. It was quite broad and -rapid, and near the center of the channel a small, sandy island was -visible. We passed over this while fording the stream, and I noticed -that Biddon walked around it, and surveyed several spots with more -than common interest. I did not question him then, but at night, when -we were stretched before the fire, with our soothing pipes, I ventured -the inquiry. - -"I seed sights on that chunk of mud one time," said he, with a dark -frown. - -"What was it?--what was it?" asked Nat, eagerly. - -"Here's as what don't like to think of that time, augh!" he answered, -seeming still unwilling to refer to it. - -"Why not?" I asked, beginning to partake of Nat's curiosity. - -"It makes a feller's blood bile; but, howsomever," he added, -brightening up, "if you wants to hear it, yer kin." - -"We do by all means; please give it." - -"Yas, that ar' war' a time of general wipin' out, and this yer water -that now looks as black as a wolf's mouth, _run red_ that night! It -war' nigh onto ten year ago that it happened. I was down in Westport -one day in the summer when a feller slapped me on the shoulder and -axed me ef I wanted a job. I tole him I didn't care much, but if he's -a mind to fork over, and it wan't desprit hard, and too much like -work, I's his man. He said as how thar' war' a lot of fellers camped -out on the prairie, as war gwine to start for Oregon, and as wanted a -guide; and heerin' me spoken on as suthin' extronnery, why he like to -know ef I wouldn't go; he'd make the pay all right. I cut around the -stump awhile and at last 'cluded to go. I went out onto the perarie, -and seed the company. They were men, women, and children, 'specially -the last ones. I seed they wanted good watchin', and I kinder hinted -they'd find trouble afore they'd reach Oregon. - -"There weren't many folks trampin' these parts then, and them as did -go, had to make up thar minds to see fight and ha'r-raisin'. B'ars and -beavers, they did! The reds war the same then all over, arter you get -clear of the States, and no feller's ha'r war his own till he'd lost -it. - -"We started the next day, and struck the Platte afore night. There war -but twenty good men, an' I made half of 'em stand watch that night -just to get their hands in. In course they didn't see nothin', 'cept -one straddlin' chap, like this feller yer that is called Nat. He said -as how he seed wonders, he did, and thar war a hundred reds crawlin' -round the camp all night. - -"We went purty slow, as it weren't best to hurry the teams; but we -hadn't been two days on the way afore the fools got into the -all-firedest scrabble I ever seed. I don't know what it come 'bout, -but it war so big, they split company, and part of 'em crossed over -and camped on t'other side the Platte. I tole 'em they'd see stars -purty soon, if they didn't splice agin, but they's too rearin' to do -it, and I said if they's a mind to be sich fools, they mought be fur -all me, and I'd let 'em go on alone. Howsomever, the smallest party -hung on fur me not to leave 'em, and I 'cluded to stay with 'em as I -knowed purty well they'd need me all the time. - -"The biggest company as had crossed the Platte, kept on by it, and so -the others said they'd leave it and cut across fur Oregon. I tole 'em -this war the best way, and so we left 'em. Them I war with war a heap -the smallest, and had but three or four men and five or six women and -children. What made things look wuss, I seed 'signs' when we parted, -and I knowed purty well the reds smelt what war goin' on. And 'bout a -dozen times in the afternoon I could see 'em off on the perarie -stealin' long and dodgin' through cover. I knowed that the imps were -follerin' us, seein' the other war a heap more powerful nor us. - -"Things got so dubersome afore night, I said to the men ef they'd take -the advice of a feller as knowed what he war 'bout, they'd turn round -and never stop till they cotched the others; for ef they didn't, -they'd cotch it at night; reds war 'bout them as thick as flies. They -said how ef I's _'fraid_ I mought go back, but as for them _they'd_ go -through fire and blazes 'fore they would. I felt riled 'nough at this -to leave 'em, and I would ef it hadn't been fur them poor women; they -looked so sorrerful I made up my mind to stick to 'em fur thar sake. - -"We reached the stream just as it war growing dark, and the reds had -got so sassy, that five or six of 'em stood a little ways off and -watched us. This scart the women and men, and they axed me what war to -be done? The women cried and wanted to coax the Injins up to give 'em -sunkthin' to get thar good will, but they war cross and sulky, and -didn't say much. - -"After some talk and a heap of cryin', we 'cluded to camp on that -piece of sand in the river. The teams war drew over and we follered. -The water war some deeper nor now, and it took us a long time to land; -but we got over at last. As soon as we war clean over, I commenced -fixing up things fur the reds. We didn't build no fire, but put the -teams together near the middle, and the women inside 'em. There war -four men without me, and I set 'em round the place to watch fur sign. -I made 'em all squat flat down on the mud close to the water, and told -'em to blaze away at anything they seed, ef it war a beaver or otter, -and gave 'em pertickler orders not to wink both eyes at a time. I seed -they's skerish, and there weren't no danger of thar snoozin' on watch. - -"I's pretty sartin the reds would come some of thar tricks, and come -down the river; so I went up to the upper part of the thing, and laid -in the mud myself to watch fur 'em. I knowed, too, they wouldn't be -'bout 'fore purty late, so I took a short nap as I laid in the mud. -When I woke up the moon war up in the sky, and the river had riz so my -pegs war in the water. I flapped out, but didn't see nothin' yet. I -sneaked down round by t'other fellers, and found 'em all wide awake; -and they said, too, as how they hadn't seen nothin' 'cept the river -war gettin' higher, which they kinder thought the Injins mought 've -done. Jist as I war going back I heard some of the purtiest singin' in -the world. Fust, I thought it war an Injin, ef it hadn't been so nice; -then I 'cluded it must be an angel. I listened, and found it came from -the wagons. I crept up and seed two little girls all 'lone clus by the -wagons, a singin' sunkthin'. Shoot me! ef it didn't make me feel -watery to see them. The moon war shinin' down through the flyin' -clouds, right out on 'em. They sot with their arms round each other -and war bare-headed, and ef I hadn't knowed 'em I'd swore they were -angels sure. I axed what they were singin' for, and they said the -Injins war goin' to come after 'em that night, and they war singin' to -their mother in heaven to keep 'em away. Shoot me! when one of 'em -throwed her little white arms round my neck and kissed my ugly -meat-trap, I couldn't stand it. I went up to my place again and lad -down in the mud. - -"It was gettin' colder, and the wind comin' up, drew the white clouds -'fore the moon, makin' it all black. But when it come out agin I seed -sunkthin' comin' down the river that looked like a log. I dug down -deeper into the mud, and set my peepers on it, fur I knowed thar war -sunkthin' else thar, too. It come right on and struck the mud a -little ways from me. I didn't stir 'cept to kinder loose my knife. The -log stuck a minute, and then swung round and went down the river. I -knowed the boys would see it, and I didn't leave my place. Thinkin' as -how this war only sent down to see what we'd do, I war lookin' fur -other things, when I heard a noise in the water, and, shoot me, ef a -sneakin' red didn't come up out of the water, and commence crawlin' -toward whar the gals war singin'. (Jist put a little fodder on the -fire.)" - -I sprang up and threw on some fagots, and then seated myself and -anxiously awaited the rest of his story. He put away his pipe, filled -his mouth with tobacco, and, after several annoying delays, resumed: - -"Thar weren't no time to lose. I crept 'long behind him mighty sly, -and afore he knowed it, come down _spank_ onto him. I didn't make no -noise nor he either. I jist grabbed his gullet and finished him with -my knife. I then crawled back agin, and, shoot me, ef I didn't see -forty logs comin' down on us; the river war full of 'em. - -"I jumped up and hollered to the other fellers to look out. They came -up aside me and stood ready, but it weren't no use. 'Fore we knowed -it, I seed over forty of 'em 'long 'side us. We blazed into 'em and -went to usin' our knives, but I knowed it wouldn't do. They set up a -yell and pitched fur the wagons, while 'bout a dozen went at us. The -fust thing I knowed the whole four boys were down and thar ha'r -raised, and the women screechin' murder. It made me desprit, and I -reckon I done some tall work that night. Most these beauty spots on my -mug come from that scrimmage. I seed a red dart by me with that little -gal as was singin', and cotched a dead red's gun and let drive at him; -but the gun weren't loaded, and so the devil run off with her. - -"The oxes war bellerin', the horses snortin', and the tomahawks -stoppin' the women's screams; the redskins war howlin' and yellin' -like all mad, and as I had got some big cuts and knocks, I 'cluded it -best to move quarters. So I made a jump for the stream, took a long -dive, and swam for the shore. I come up 'bout whar you're setting, and -I made a heap of tracks 'fore daylight come." - -"And did you never hear anything of the children captured upon that -night?" - -"I never seed 'em agin; but I come 'cross a chap at Fort Laramie when -I went down agin, what said he'd seen a gal 'mong some the redskins up -in these parts, and I've thought p'r'aps it mought be one of 'em, and -agin it moughtn't." - -"Did you say that all happened out there?" asked Nat, jerking his -thumb toward the island mentioned, without turning his face. - -"I reckon I did." - -"Bet there's a lot of Injins there now!" exclaimed he, turning his -head in that direction. - -"Jist as like as not," returned Biddon, with a sly look at me. - -"I'm goin' to sleep then," and rolling himself up in his -buffalo-blanket, all but his feet, disappeared from view. - -"It's 'bout time to snooze, I think," remarked the trapper, in a lower -tone, turning toward me. - -"I think so, but I suppose there need be no apprehension of -molestation from Injins, need there?" - -Biddon looked at me a moment; then one side of his mouth expanded into -a broad grin, and he quietly remarked: - -"Times are different from what they used to war." - -"Biddon," said I, after a moment's silence, "before we saw you we -camped upon one side of a stream while you were upon the other. Now, I -do not suppose you would willfully harm a stranger; but since I have -met you, I have a great desire to know why you fired that shot at Nat. -You supposed we were Indians, I presume?" - -A quiet smile illumined the trapper's swarthy visage; and, after -waiting a moment, he answered: - -"The way on it war this: I seed you and Nat camping there, and I -s'pected you war gwine to tramp these parts. I watched you awhile, and -was gwine to sing out for you to come over. Then said I, 'Biddon, you -dog, ain't there a chance to give them a powerful scare.' First I -drawed bead on you, but when that Nat jumped up, I let fly at him, and -he kerflummuxed splendid. Howsumever, it's time to snooze, and I'm in -for it." - -With this, we wrapped our blankets around us, and in a few moments -were asleep. - -On a clear summer morning, we sallied out upon the broad, open prairie -again. The trapper now struck a direction nearly due northwest toward -the Black Hills, and we proceeded with greater speed than before. The -face of the country began to change materially. Vast groves of timber -met the eye, and the soil became rich and productive. At noon we -encountered the most immense drove of buffaloes that I ever witnessed. -They were to the west of us, and proceeding in a southern direction, -cropping the grass clean as they went. Far away, as far as the vision -could reach, nothing but a sea of black moving bodies could be -distinguished. I mounted a small knoll to ascertain the size of the -drove; but only gained a clearer idea of their enormous number. The -whole western horizon, from the extreme northwest to the southwest, -was occupied solely by them, and nothing else met the eye. They were -not under way, and yet the whole mass was moving slowly onward. The -head buffaloes would seize a mouthful of grass, and then move on a few -feet and grasp another. Those behind did the same, and the whole -number were proceeding in this manner. This constant change of their -position gave an appearance to them, as viewed from my standing-point, -similar to the long heaving of the sea after a violent storm. It was -truly a magnificent spectacle. - -We approached within a short distance. They were more scattered upon -the outside, and with a little trouble the trapper managed to -insinuate himself among them. His object was to drive off a cow which -had a couple of half-grown calves by her side, but they took the alarm -too soon, and rushed off into the drove. We then prepared to bring -down one apiece. I selected an enormous bull, and sighted for his -head. I approached nigh enough to make my aim sure, and fired. The -animal raised his head, his mouth full of grass, and glaring at me a -moment, gave a snort of alarm and plunged headlong away into the -droves. At the same instant I heard Nat's rifle beside me, and a -moment after that of the trapper. This gave the alarm to the herd. -Those near us uttered a series of snorts, and dropping their bushy -heads, bowled off at a terrific rate. The motion was rapidly -communicated to the others, and in a few seconds the whole eastern -side was rolling simultaneously onward, like the violent -countercurrent of the sea. The air was filled with such a vast cloud -of dust that the sun's light was darkened, and for a time it seemed we -should suffocate. We remained in our places for over an hour, when the -last of these prairie monsters thundered by. A strong wind carried the -dust off to the west, and we were at last in clear air again. Yet our -appearance was materially changed, for a thin veil of yellow dust had -settled over and completely enveloped us, and we were like walking -figures of clay. - -[Illustration: "Gave a snort of alarm and plunged headlong away into -the droves."] - -I looked away in the direction of the herd, expecting to see my -buffalo's lifeless form, but was considerably chagrined at my -disappointment, as was also Nat at his. The trapper's was a dozen -yards from where it had been struck. - -"'Pears to me," said he with a sly smile, "I heer'n your dogs bark, -but I don't see nothin' of no buffaloes, ogh!" - -"I _hit_ mine," I answered quickly; "I am sure of it." - -"Whereabouts?" - -"In the head, plump and square." - -"Whar'd you sight yourn, Greeny?" - -"Just back the horns, and I hit him too. If he hasn't dropped before -this, I'll bet he'll have the headache for a week." - -"B'ars and beavers, you! Them bufflers didn't mind your shots more nor -a couple of hailstones. Do you see whar I picked mine?" asked the -trapper, pulling the buffalo's fore-leg forward, and disclosing the -track of the bullet behind it. - -"Isn't a shot in the head fatal?" I asked in astonishment. - -"You might hit 'em thar with a cannon-ball, and they'd git up and run -agin, and ef you'd pepper 'em all day whar you did yourn, you'd pick -the bullets out thar ha'r and they wouldn't mind it." - -This I afterward found to be true. No shot, however well aimed, can -reach the seat of life in the buffalo through the head, unless it -enter the eye, fair front.[1] - - [1] I may further remark, that the buffalo slain by us when lost - upon the prairie, was shot in the side as he wheeled, to run - from us, without our suspecting it was the only place in which - we could have given him a mortal wound. - -The trapper's buffalo was thrown forward upon his face, his legs bent -beneath him, and dressed after the usual fashion. He was in good -condition, and we had a rich feast upon his carcass. The trapper -selected a few choice portions from the inside, relished only by -himself, and cutting several huge pieces for future use, the rest was -left for the beasts of prey. - -We proceeded but a few miles further, and encamped upon the banks of -the Dry Fork. This is a small stream, a few miles south of the Black -Hills. There was but a foot or two of sluggish water, and in the hot -season it was often perfectly dry. Here for the first time I was made -aware of the changeable character of the climate in this latitude. The -weather, thus far, had been remarkably clear and fine, and at noon we -found the weather sometimes oppressively warm. Toward night the wind -veered around to the northwest, and grew colder. At nightfall, when we -kindled our fire, the air was so chilly and cutting that Nat and I -were in a shiver. Had it not been for our blankets we should have -suffered considerably, though Biddon did not call his into -requisition. There were a number of cottonwood trees near at hand, -which served partly to screen us from the blast. - -After our evening meal had been cooked, Biddon remarked: - -"The fire must go out, boys." - -"Why? Do you apprehend danger?" I asked. - -"Don't know as I do; I hain't seed signs, but we're gittin' into parts -whar we've got to be summat skeerish." - -"I suppose it's about time for the Indians to come?" remarked Nat -interrogatively, with a look of fear toward the trapper. - -"They're 'bout these parts. Me'n Jack Javin once got into a scrimmage -yer with 'em, when we didn't 'spect it, and jist 'cause we let our -fire burn while we snoozed. I'd seen sign though then, and wanted to -put it out, but he wan't afeared." - -"Let's have ours out then," exclaimed Nat excitedly, springing up and -scattering the brands around. - -"Needn't mind 'bout that; it'll go out soon enough." - -As Nat reseated himself, Biddon continued: - -"You see, Jarsey, them reds kin smell a white man's fire a good way -off, and on sich a night as this, ef they're 'bout they'll be bound to -give him a call. You needn't be afeared, howsumever, to snooze, 'cause -they won't be 'bout." - -It was too cold to enjoy our pipes, and we all bundled up for the -night's rest. In a few moments I heard the trapper's deep breathing, -and shortly after Nat joined him in sleep. But I found it impossible -to get to sleep myself. The ground was so cold that my blanket could -not protect me, and the cutting wind was terrible. I used every means -that I could devise, but it was of no use, and I feared I should be -compelled to either build the fire again, or to continue walking all -night to prevent freezing to death. - -I chose the latter expedient. It was quite dark, yet I had noticed our -situation well enough, I judged, not to lose it. So grasping my -blanket in my hand, I started on a rapid run directly over the -prairie. I continued a long distance, until pretty well exhausted. I -turned to retrace my steps. My blood was warming with the exercise, -and I hurried forward, counting upon sound sleep for the remainder of -the night. - -I continued my run for a full half hour, and then stopped in -amazement, as I saw no signs of my companions. Thinking I must have -passed the spot where they were lying, I carefully walked back again, -but still without discovering the men. I had lost them in the -darkness, and it was useless to hunt them at night. So I concluded to -wait till morning, feeling sure that they could be at no great -distance. I now commenced searching for a suitable place for myself, -and at last hit upon a small depression in the prairie. There was a -large stone imbedded in the earth on one side, which served to protect -me from the chilling wind. As I nestled down, beside this, such a -feeling of warmth and comfort came over me that I congratulated myself -upon what at first seemed a misfortune. - -Lying thus, just on the verge of sleep, my nerves painfully alive to -the slightest sound, I suddenly felt a trembling of the ground. At -first it seemed a dream; but, as I became fully awake, I started in -terror and listened. I raised my head, but heard no sound, and still -in the most perplexing wonder sank down again, hoping it would shortly -cease. But there was a steady, regular increase, and presently I -distinguished millions of faint tremblings, like the distant -mutterings of thunder. Gradually these grew plainer and more distinct, -and finally I could distinguish sounds like the tread of innumerable -feet upon the prairie. Still at a loss to account for this strange -occurrence, I listened, every nerve in my body strung to its highest -tension. Still louder and louder grew the approaching thunder, and -every second the jar of the earth became more perceptible. Suddenly -the truth flashed upon me--_a herd of buffaloes were approaching_. - -Terror for an instant held me dumb when I realized this awful danger. -My first resolve was to rush forth and warn Nat and Biddon; but I -reflected that they must have been awakened, ere this, and that I -could do nothing to ward off the peril which threatened all alike. -Springing to my feet, I paused a second to collect my tumultuous -thoughts. Could I reach the timber, I could ascend a tree and be -beyond danger; but I knew not what direction to take, and there was no -time to spare. To remain still was to be trampled to death; to rush -away could save me but a few moments longer. God of heaven! what a -death! - -Louder and louder grew the thundering tread of the animals, and I -stood like a madman, the cold sweat pouring off me, tormented by a -thousand agonizing thoughts, and expecting death each moment! Nearer -and nearer came the rattle of the clamping hoofs, and I stood rooted -to the spot! - -Sinking on my knees, I implored mercy of the One who could give it in -this moment of dire necessity; and while on my knees the means of -preservation presented itself. - -"Strange!" I exclaimed, breathing deeply, "that I did not think of it -before." - -I have said that I was in a sort of depression or hollow in the earth, -and that a large stone was imbedded on one side. Now a safer and more -secure shelter could not have been found in this emergency. I wrapped -my blanket around me, and crept as far beneath it as I could, and I -was saved! - -A few minutes later, and a dark body plunged headlong over me with the -rapidity of lightning, followed instantly by another and another, and -I knew the herd were thundering past. For a long time I lay there, -beneath these thousands of feet, one of which would have been -sufficient to kill me. The incessant crackling of their hoofs, and -rattling of their horns, sounded like the discharge of musketry. Once -a ponderous body tumbled over the rock which sheltered me, and I -caught sight of a dark, writhing, bellowing mass, and the next instant -it regained its feet and disappeared. - -It must have been an hour that I lay here, ere the last animal leaped -over me. Then I looked up and saw the stars shining overhead. My joy -at the sight of those glittering orbs cannot be expressed. I arose to -my feet, and looked about me. It was too dark to discern objects, yet -I could hear the rapidly retreating footfalls of the herd in the -distance, and I knew I had been saved from a frightful death. Sinking -to the earth I offered a sincere prayer of gratitude to the Almighty -for his miraculous preservation of my life! - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE TRAPPING GROUNDS. - - -I was agreeably surprised upon waking to see Nat standing within a few -feet, holding two horses by the bridle. - -"Which one will you choose?" he asked with a broad smile. - -"How did you come by them?" asked I. - -"I s'pose it must have been about the time you left us last night, -that Biddon woke me up, and told me to follow him, as there was a -_powerful_ chance to get a couple of hosses for you and me. I asked -him where you could be, and he said he s'posed you'd gone further -up-stream to sleep by yourself, though he hadn't seen you go. -Howsumever, we wasn't worried, as we thought you were old enough to -take care of yourself, so we started down the bed of the stream. We -went about half a mile, when Biddon showed me a small camp-fire, -burned down to a few coals and ashes; but there was enough light to -show us two hosses picketed a few yards away, and we seen the feet of -a couple of redskins turned toward the fire. Biddon said as how they -was a couple of hunters, sound asleep, and we might _borrow_ their -horses, if I didn't make too much noise. He told me to stand still, -and keep my gun pointed at them, and the minute one stirred to shoot -him, and then rush in, and dispatch the other. I promised to do so, -and he stole around to the hosses on his hands and knees. He had cut -both the lariats and was leading them away, when one of the Indians -raised his head and looked around, and as soon as he seen the hosses -moving off, give a grunt and jumped up and ran toward them. I -remembered it was my duty to shoot, and as the Indian was running -purty fast, I aimed about ten feet ahead of him, supposing, of course, -the villain would git there as soon as the bullet did; but, I'll be -hanged if he wasn't mean enough to stop, and let the bullet be wasted. -My gun kicked like blazes, and the Ingins I s'pose thought a whole -tribe was upon them; for setting up a great howl, they _skooted_ off -in the darkness, leaving us alone with the animals. Running back, I -overtook Biddon, who was riding along as though nothing had happened. -He asked me to ride and of course I jumped on, and here I am. But -which hoss do you want?" - -"I do not see as there is much room for choice," I replied; "both are -splendid animals, and a most opportune blessing." - -"If it's all the same to you, this gentleman is mine;" and handing the -bridle to me, he vaulted upon the other. The latter was a magnificent -Indian pony, of a deep bay color, probably captured when very young, -and high spirited and fiery. Both manifested considerable uneasiness, -knowing they were in the hands of strangers, and Nat's made one or two -efforts to dislodge him; but he was a good horseman, and maintained -his place with apparent ease despite the struggles, which were frantic -and desperate at first. Mine was somewhat larger, of a coal-black -color, and with as much spirit and fire as the other, but in a few -moments we had them both under perfect control. - -Besides these two animals, we gained two fine Indian saddles, and were -now as well mounted as we could wish. Nat remarked, that when the -buffaloes thundered by he felt some apprehension for me, but the -trapper expressed none, saying that I would be found all right in the -morning. As soon as there was light, Nat commenced searching the bed -of the stream for me, and failing in this, he climbed a tree and took -a survey of the prairie on both sides. From his elevation he -discovered what he believed to be my dead body; and, accompanied by -Biddon and the horses, hastened toward me. Upon reaching me, they -understood instantly the whole matter, and it was their loud laughter -that had aroused me. - -We were now pretty far to the northwest of Nebraska Territory. The -face of the country was materially different, and I began to notice a -change of temperature. The summer had just closed, and the early -autumn was like the approach of winter. The nights were cool and -chilling, and the days generally mild at noon, but often keen and -exhilarating. The prairie was mostly of the rolling kind, but the -belts of timber were more common, and the vegetation richer and more -exuberant. It was plain, too, that we were journeying into a section -where the foot of civilization had not been. The vast, undulating -swell of the prairie, the mighty fields of verdure, and the broad -rivers and streams, bore only the marks of the red man and wild beast. - -Toward noon, Nat descried a solitary antelope far ahead. It was near a -grove of timber, from which it had just wandered, and stood gazing -wonderingly at our approach. We rode on in silence for some time, when -Biddon raised his hand for us to halt. - -"What do you intend doing?" I asked. - -"Jes' hold on and see," he replied, as he dismounted. - -He made a circuit, skirting the prairie, so as to reach the grove -mentioned upon the opposite side from the antelope. I still was at a -loss to understand his intention, as the animal was too distant from -the timber to be brought down with a rifle-shot from that point. - -"What under the sun does he intend doing?" I asked, turning to Nat. - -"Guess he's getting off there to shoot us." - -On the outer edge of the grove, next to the antelope, I saw him -emerge, holding a stick over his head, to which was affixed a -handkerchief or rag. He walked a short distance, and then lay down -flat upon the prairie, perfectly concealed in the grass. The rag was -visible, fluttering above him. I now watched the motions of the -antelope. He stood gazing at us, until the trapper came into view, -when, with a startled glance at him, he wheeled and ran. In a moment, -however, he paused and turned quickly around. His looks were now fixed -upon the fluttering signal. He stood motionless a moment, and then -cautiously lifting his foot, made a step toward it. Thus he continued -to approach, step by step, with apparent fear, and yet evidently -impelled by an ungovernable curiosity, until he was scarce a hundred -yards distant from the prostrate form of the trapper. Still he was -moving stealthily onward, when suddenly a red tongue of fire spouted -from the grass, and, as the sharp crack of Biddon's rifle reached us, -we saw the antelope give a wild leap into the air, and, bounding a -short distance, fall to the ground. The trapper immediately sprang to -his feet and hastened to the fallen animal. - -"Let us ride to him," said I, walking my horse onward. - -We had ridden a short distance when Nat halted and asked: - -"What's got into Biddon? Just look at him!" - -I did look up, and for a moment believed the man had turned crazy. He -had seen us approaching, and was now making furious gesticulations -toward us. I watched him a moment, and then remarked: - -"He is either signaling for us to come on or to stop." - -"He means us to wait, I guess, and we had better pause until he -returns." - -We reined in our horses and watched him. He was apparently satisfied -with our stopping, and stooped and commenced working at the animal. In -a few moments he arose, and slinging a huge piece on his shoulder, -made his way into the grove. From this he emerged in due time, and -made his way toward us, motioning, meanwhile, for us to remain in our -places. - -"Why didn't you wish us to approach?" I asked, as soon as he came -within speaking distance. - -He made no answer, but throwing his meat upon the ground, hastily -mounted his horse. Then he spoke in a deep whisper: - -"Boys, did you 'spose there's over twenty redskins among them trees?" - -"Heavens! it isn't possible?" I exclaimed, catching my breath. - -"It's so; I seed 'em, and thar eyes are on us this minute. They're -waitin' for us to go on, an' they'll give us thunder and lightnin'." - -"What's to be done?" queried Nat. - -"Jes' keep still, an' don't kick up, or they'll see it. We've got to -make a run for it. Keep close to me, and when I start, let your horses -went." - -"But the meat?" I hurriedly asked. - -"Can't take it. We have a long run, an' our horses won't want to carry -no extra load. I didn't see thar animals, but I guess they ain't -mounted. Ready!" - -With this, Biddon wheeled his horse quickly around, and vanished from -his place with the speed of lightning, while ours almost -simultaneously shot ahead like an arrow. An instant after, I heard -the faint discharge of guns, and, looking back, saw a host of -savage forms pouring hastily from the timber. - -[Illustration: "Looking back saw a host of savage forms."] - -"No need of hurrying. They are not mounted," I called out to Nat, who -has hurrying his horse to the utmost. - -"I don't believe it," he exclaimed, still speeding furiously onward. - -"Go it, Todd! you'll fetch up at Fort Laramie," yelled Biddon. - -The latter drew his horse into a steady canter, and indulged in -several loud laughs at the flying fugitive. Nat continued his mad -career until he had gone a good distance, when, seeing how far behind -he had left us, he reined up and awaited our approach. - -The savages, in the meantime, were hurrying on in pursuit. I know not -what led them to expect any success in this chase, for, as remarked, -not one was mounted. They may have had little faith in the speed or -bottom of our horses, and trusted they would be able to run us down. -Biddon half turned in his seat, and, looking back a moment, asked: - -"Do you see that red, diggin' like all mad off on one side? The one as -is tryin' to surround us?" - -I glanced back and answered in the affirmative. - -"Do you want to see a red drop in purty style?" - -I answered again in the affirmative. - -"Wal, jis keep yer peeper on him." - -So saying, he raised his rifle, without checking the speed of his -horse, took a quick aim along its long barrel and fired. To my -astonishment, the Indian mentioned uttered a wild shriek, and -springing high in the air, fell to the earth. - -"He's done for," remarked the trapper, quietly. "While I fodder my -iron, 'sposen you try your hand." - -I raised mine to my shoulder, and pointing it toward a conspicuous -savage, pulled the trigger. As might be expected, I came about as near -to him as I did to Nat, in front. - -"It will take a long time for me to accomplish that feat," said I. - -"Wal, yer goes agin." - -And again was the fatal rifle discharged, and again did a savage bite -the dust. - -Still the pursuers maintained their ground, seemingly determined to -overtake us at all hazards. They were separating and scattering over -the prairie, with the evident intention of hemming us in. At this -moment we came up to Nat. - -"Why don't you run?" he asked, impatiently. "They'll shoot us all -afore we know it." - -He had scarcely finished his words, when the pursuers did fire, and -with an uncomfortable effect, too. The bullets were plainly heard -whistling through the air beside us, and one actually cut its way -through the upper part of Nat's hat, some eight or ten inches from the -crown of his head. He dodged nervously, and jerking the hat off his -head, held it up to view. - -"Just look there!" he exclaimed, indignantly, putting his finger -through the orifice. - -"What of it?" gruffly asked Biddon. - -"That's a pretty question to ask, I should think! I swow I won't stand -any such work as this." - -And giving his horse the rein, he shot rapidly ahead. - -"I guess we mought as well," remarked Biddon, letting his horse have -free rein. - -The race was now decided. At such speed as we went, of course the -pursuers were soon left behind, and in an hour not one was visible, -all of them being either distanced or having voluntarily withdrawn. - -Our course was southwest; so that we had lost considerable ground, and -were obliged to make a long _detour_ to regain the trail. We camped at -night about as far south as the previous camp, but farther west. In -the morning we struck due north, and continued in this direction for -several days. - -It is not necessary to give the particulars of our journey to the -northwest. We continued traveling onward for three days, when we -reached the region where it was intended we should remain until -spring. This was much further northward than I suspected; in fact, it -was but a few miles distant from the Hudson Bay Territory, and upon -one of the remote tributaries of the Missouri. We had entered a -climate that even now, was like the winter of the one we had left. We -had entered a mighty wilderness, where, ere we left it, we were doomed -to pass through some strange experiences, and of which I now shall -speak. - -We had detected signs of beavers at several streams which we crossed -during the last day or two of our journey, but Biddon paid no -attention to them until about the middle of the afternoon, when we -reached a small river, flowing nearly due south, and passing through -the Hudson Bay Territory in its course. This stream we forded, and, as -we reached the opposite side, he remarked: - -"Yer' the spot whar we're goin' to squat." - -It is perhaps worth remarking that the section was a wooded country. -We had passed over no clear prairie during the day, and were in the -midst of a deep wood. The trees were of nearly every conceivable -kind--the cottonwood predominating, with oak, elm, ash, walnut, and -such as are common in our own forests. - -After crossing, the trapper headed directly up-stream for a short -distance, when he turned to the left and descended into a valley. Here -he dismounted. - -"Take yer fixins'," said he, "and turn the hosses loose." - -"Won't they wander away?" I asked. - -"_Yourn_ may, but mine _won't_; you've got to take your chances, -though. 'Tain't likely they'll be 'sturbed, 'cept by grizzlys and -reds." - -The spot selected was a broad bottom of rich grass, inclosed by thick -walls of undergrowth upon every side. Here we left our horses, and, -taking our saddles and trappings, moved away. - -"Have you ever been here before?" I asked of the trapper. - -"I stayed yer last season, but didn't 'spect to come back. Howsumever, -I changed my mind, and yer we is. Move keerful and don't make a big -trail." - -We followed nearly a quarter of a mile directly up-stream, when he -halted, and looked carefully about him. - -"I don't s'pose thar's reds 'bout, but thar's no tellin' whar they is. -I didn't see none last year, but they mought be 'bout now. Jes' hold -on a minute." - -The banks of the stream were fringed by a deep under-growth upon both -sides. Stepping forward to the water's edge, the trapper parted the -branches, and glancing a moment within, motioned for us to approach. - -"It's all right," said he, "there hain't been no reds poki' 'bout yer -while I's gone." - -With this he stooped and pushed a small canoe into the water and -slipped within it. - -We joined him, although our combined weight brought the frail vessel -down to its very gunwales. It was made of bark after the Indian -fashion, very light, but strong. Biddon dipped a long Indian paddle in -the water and we moved slowly up-stream. After going a short distance, -he again touched the bank, and from beneath another lot of shrubbery -drew forth a number of beaver traps. These were similar to the common -trap used in all parts of the world, and set much after the same -fashion, but with a very different bait. At every point where signs of -the animals were visible, he dug down the bank, so as to make a -certain spot perpendicular. Just beneath the surface of the water he -then placed the trap. The next and last proceeding was to smear the -banks around with a very odoriferous oil, obtained from the beaver -itself. This smell attracts the beavers in the vicinity, who -immediately swim to the shore to learn more of it. The trap is so -arranged that one is sure to place his foot directly upon it for -support in ascending the bank, and the natural consequence follows. He -is caught and falls into his mortal enemy's hands. - -"Ef one don't have a dinner on beaver tails tomorrow, then I'm a -beaver," remarked Biddon, after he had set all his traps, and headed -his canoe down stream. - -"A dinner on beaver tails!" exclaimed Nat, in astonishment. "That must -be a fine dinner, I swow." - -"If you had read much of these animals, you would know that the part -mentioned by Biddon, is the most delicious and nourishing portion," -said I. - -"And when you gits a bite of it, you'll find it so, I reckons!" - -"Perhaps so," replied Nat, doubtingly; "but whar ar' you going to take -us?" - -"You'll find out when we get thar." - -The trapper rowed the canoe quite a distance down stream, when he -sheered it into shore close to where a huge chestnut, larger than any -I had ever before witnessed, overhung the water. Its base was -enveloped by a mass of undergrowth, denser than common, and we were -obliged to stoop to the edge of the boat before we could make our way -beneath it. As we sprang up the bank, it pulled up behind us, and I -then noticed that the chestnut was hollow, and had a deep orifice at -its base. - -"Foller," commanded Biddon, stooping and crawling beneath it. - -We did so, although there was some hesitation upon my part, and my -astonishment was unbounded at what I witnessed when within. At first -there was nothing visible but the intense darkness, and I stood, -fearful of advancing or retreating. - -"Where are you, Biddon?" asked Nat, in a slightly wavering tone. The -next instant the trapper struck a light; and as its rays filled the -chamber, I repeat, my astonishment was unbounded. We were standing in -an open space, at least eight feet in diameter. The chestnut was but a -mere shell, with its trunk but a few inches in thickness at the most. -The interior of this was fitted up like a house. The rotten chunks -upon the sides had been torn down and formed a pleasant, velvety -carpet beneath the feet. All around the _walls_ were hung numerous -furs, and a pile at one side afforded a bed such as we had not enjoyed -for weeks. Added to all this, there was an arrangement so as to make -it perfectly easy and convenient to kindle a fire. Nat was the first -to express his unbounded astonishment. - -"This beats all. I never seen anything like it. But don't the Injins -know anything of it?" - -"No, _sir_; and I cac'late as how they won't neyther, ef you don't -tell 'em." - -"Oh! I won't tell them. I swow this is queer," and he looked slowly -about and above him. "What's that hole for?" he asked, pointing to a -small orifice just visible far above us. - -"That's fur the smoke to go out." - -"But it must be likely to attract attention," I remarked. - -"I never start a fire 'cept at night." - -"I see--wonderful!" and I, too, gazed admiringly about me. The light -made the whole interior visible. The dark, snuff-colored fragments of -decayed wood hung in ponderous masses above us, and the immense -diameter gradually tapered as it ascended, until only the small -opening, far above, was seen, resembling a faint star. The thickness -of the wood, together with the great number of furs, protected us so -well from the cold, that there could be little need of fire in the -coldest weather, except for cooking purposes. - -"This is rather odd, I allow, to you, Jarsey; but ef you had been with -me down on the Yallerstone, you'd seen suthin' as would've made you -look, you would. You may shoot me, ef you wouldn't." - -"I suppose I should, but not more than this has." - -"Mebbe not, but don't stand gapin' there all day. It's gittin' dark, -and we'll have our fodder." - -The fire was now started, and the smoke ascended finely, escaping at -the outlet. A good slice of meat was cooked, and we made a hearty -supper upon it. After this the fire was allowed to slumber, but the -light remained burning until a late hour. We lit our pipes, and -chatted dreamily for a long time in our new home. The trapper, feeling -in the mood, related many reminiscences of his life, including -adventures both tragical and comical, and Nat gave a few of his own -experiences. At a late hour we ceased, and fell into a peaceful, -dreamless slumber. - -When I awoke the trapper had disappeared. Nat was stretched beside me -still asleep. In a short time the former entered as noiselessly as he -had departed. - -"What fortune?" I asked. - -"Good; had two fat fellers. Wake up, and we'll have a meal as is a -meal." - -Nat soon made a movement, and, after several yawns, became fully -awake. The trapper kindled a small fire, and cooked his beaver tails. -The two made as choice and delicious a meal as I had ever eaten. Nat -was convinced by one taste. - -The day was clear and pleasant, and Biddon expressed his determination -of going up the stream in order to see the signs of game. I -accompanied him, but Nat chose to remain at home and sleep a few hours -longer. - -We sauntered carelessly forth up the stream through the tangled -underwood. It was a clear day in autumn; the air was keen and bracing, -and the woods gloriously fine. Some of the leaves were just beginning -to fall, and they made a dappled and fiery carpet for our feet, -rustling with a soft, pleasant sound at every step. Now and then we -could hear the shrill notes of some songster of the forest, and once -or twice the faint bay of some distant animal. - -We had wandered some distance, when Biddon proposed turning back, as -he had just discovered he had forgotten his pipe. I was too well -pleased, however, with the prospect to retrace my footsteps. -Accordingly, we parted company for a time, he remarking that probably -he would return when he had regained his indispensable article. - -Left alone, I now wandered dreamily onward, in a pleasant reverie, -hardly conscious of what I was doing, until I was recalled to my -senses by the grandeur of a new scene that suddenly burst upon my -view. I had ascended a small rise on the bank of the stream, from -which I had an extended view of the river. I stood for a moment wrapt -in the glories of the scene. Far behind could be discerned the broad -bosom of the river, stretching away like a vast body of molten silver, -bordered on either side by the mighty forest, until it disappeared in -a sweeping curve, within the interminable wilderness. Above me for -several miles the same winding course could be seen, brightly -glistening for miles. Not a ripple disturbed the surface, save when a -bird skimmed over it, just tipping its wings, and making a flashing -circle or two. The blue sky above, unflecked by a single cloud, -harmonized so well with the magnificent view, that I stood a long -time, drinking in the splendor of the scene. - -My eye was still resting upon the glistening bend of the river above, -when the quietness of the scene was interrupted by a dark speck which -suddenly came in view, around a curve about a mile above. At first I -supposed it to be some animal or log floating upon the surface; but as -I looked at it, I saw to my astonishment that it was a canoe coming -down-stream. Several forms were visible, yet their number, at that -distance, was uncertain. The bright flash of their paddles was visible -in the morning sunshine, and they maintained their place near the -center of the stream. - -[Illustration: "In the stern, with a guiding oar, sat a young -female."] - -I scrutinized them, vainly to make out their number, until it occurred -to me that it would be best to make myself invisible. The approaching -canoe might contain nothing but Indians, and it was not desirable that -our presence in this section should be known to any but ourselves. I -slipped behind the trunk of a tree, nearer the water, yet still upon -the elevated knoll, which entirely concealed my body from sight. - -From this point I watched the approach of the canoe with interest. -Soon it came nigh enough to enable me to distinguish the forms within -it. There were two Indian warriors seated each with a paddle in his -hand, but not using them, except to keep the canoe in the channel, and -in the stern, with a guiding oar, sat a young female. I supposed her a -squaw, belonging to the same tribe with her companions, and -scrutinized her as closely as my position would permit. She wore a -beautiful head-dress, gayly ornamented with stained porcupine quills -and beads, and a brilliant crimson shawl enveloped her slight form. -The savages maintained their places as motionless as statues, their -gaze apparently resting upon the stream behind them; while that of the -female was fixed upon the stream in front, and her whole attention -absorbed in directing her canoe. - -I know not whether the inmates discovered me before I concealed -myself, but I fancied I detected a glance of the Indians at my -hiding-place, as they floated slowly by, and some cause led the -female, when directly opposite, and but a few hundred feet distant, to -turn her face toward me. Judge of my astonishment, at perceiving that -she was not an Indian--but a white woman! Her appearance, as she -turned her gaze directly upon the spot where I was standing, I can -never forget. She was so close at hand, and my view so perfect in the -clear sunlight, that I saw every feature. The pale white face, -surrounded by dark, luxuriant hair falling upon the shoulders, the -dark eyes shaded by long inky lashes, and the mute, untranslatable -look, haunted me for many a night after. She merely glanced toward me, -and slowly floated past. - -Dropping upon my hands and knees, I crept hastily from the knoll into -the undergrowth below, and made my way hurriedly but noiselessly to -the stream. I could not have been over a minute in so doing, but when -I reached the water, and peered through the bushes, not a trace of the -canoe was visible. I looked closely into each shore, up and down the -stream, everywhere that I could look, but could not detect the -slightest ripple or movement to account for this mysterious -disappearance. For over an hour I waited in the hope that the canoe -would reappear, but I saw nothing more of it. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -CONVERSATIONS AND PLANS. - - -The disappearance of the canoe, although singular in itself, had -nothing supernatural about it. The shrubbery, which overhung the water -on either shore, offered a secure and impenetrable hiding-place, and a -few dexterous, vigorous strokes of the paddles were all that was -needed to send it beneath their shadows. That this had been done, was -plainly evident. Yet why had it been done? What motive was there for -concealment? And why, if apprehensive of danger, had the Indians -waited till they were in its vicinity? - -These and numerous questions, I asked myself, as I carefully retraced -my steps down-stream again. The whole proceeding was mysterious to me. -I had, doubtless, exposed myself while watching the canoe and its -occupants, and thus betrayed to an enemy our presence in their -country. What would result from this, I could not conjecture, and -determined to make everything known to the trapper. But then I felt -somewhat fearful of this. He would, doubtless, be incensed at my -imprudent thoughtlessness, which might compel him to leave a country -offering such inducements to the trapper and fur-trade; and I argued -it was not certain that I had really been seen by the Indians in -question. If they meditated hostility, Biddon would be warned soon -enough for all purposes--and so I decided to keep my own secret for -the present. - -But the question which occupied my thoughts, almost to the exclusion -of everything else, was the identity of the female in the canoe. What -could bring a white maiden to these wild regions of the northwest? -What meant her appearance in the canoe with two savage Indian -warriors? What if she was the child which Biddon had referred to, as -being captured upon the night of the massacre? This thought -intensified the interest I already felt in her. I believed _she_ had -seen me; and her silent look toward the shore had something more than -curiosity in it. I imagined there was a mute, eloquent appeal in those -dark eyes. - -Still ruminating upon this all-absorbing theme, I reached the tree, -and, stooping upon my hands and knees, crawled within it. The movement -had well-nigh cost me my life. As my head entered, I encountered the -alarmed visages of Nat and Biddon--the latter with his knife drawn, -and just preparing to spring upon me. - -"You liked to got rubbed out that time!" he exclaimed, replacing his -weapon. "What made you forgit the sign?" - -"It must have been because it did not occur to me," I laughed; "I have -had no occasion to use it before, and forgot it altogether; but I will -remember it, you may be assured, in future." - -"You'd better, for I was just going to shoot, too," added Nat, rising -to his feet, and then seating himself again. - -"You shoot!" repeated Biddon, contemptuously, "You're shooter ain't -loaded!" - -"I forgot that. I wonder if I couldn't load it, say?" he indignantly -demanded. - -"Yes, in course, if the reds waited fur yer." - -Nat made no reply to this, except that of instantly proceeding to load -his piece. As it was near noon, the meal was prepared--this time from -the beaver's body. The hair was singed off from a piece, which was -then cooked in the usual manner. This, although very palatable, was -not equal to the tail of the animal, the meat being more tough and -oily. - -Shortly after, the trapper departed for the purpose of visiting his -traps, and setting new ones. When alone with Nat, I determined to -impart to him my morning's experience. - -"Nat, I have seen Indians," I remarked, in a quiet tone. - -"You hain't!" he exclaimed, starting up from his bed of skins with -such suddenness as to break the remains of his pipe. - -"I have; and, what is considerably more, they have seen me." - -"I should think it was considerably more, umph! What did you do to -them? I didn't hear you shoot. Why didn't you tell me before? Why -didn't you--why, it seems to me you're very cool about it." - -"There is no occasion for excitement at all. Just remain quiet, and I -will tell you how it all happened." - -And thereupon I related the particulars of the incident already known -to the reader. Nat's wonder, excitement, and apprehension were roused -to the highest pitch at the narration. Springing to his feet, he -pulled his flattened hat violently over his forehead, and striding -about a moment, demanded: - -"Why didn't you tell Bill? Like as not he'll be shot and scalped -before he gets back." - -"I did not think it best," I returned. "Biddon is not the man to walk -into danger with his eyes shut, and if there is any cause for fear, -he will discover it soon enough." - -"Suppose he will; but ain't it terrible?" - -"Isn't what terrible?" - -"Why, that we're surrounded by Injins, thirsting for our blood!" - -"We are not surrounded by Indians, Nat," I returned, reprovingly. - -"I know; but then they are all around us. It won't do to stick our -heads out, except at night, and then, like as not, we'll be shot for -our trouble." - -"You are not afraid, I hope." - -"Oh, no! not a bit; but then you know it's rather _unpleasant_ to feel -that those infarnal Blackfeet (because this is the country of the -Blackfeet Injins) are all about you, and waiting for a chance to shoot -you from behind every bush." - -"Nat," I commenced, earnestly, "you say you are not afraid of Indians, -and yet you show it in every word, look, and action. There is no -excuse for this. I saw only two savages, and a girl, evidently a -captive; no words or actions were exchanged between us. They -disappeared very suddenly and were, more probably, frightened at my -presence. I see nothing in this to excuse the excitement and terror -you have exhibited." - -"I wonder what that girl is?" - -"I am afraid you will have to wonder a long time, as I can see no -occasion for satisfying your curiosity." - -"Is she good looking?" asked my companion, seriously. - -"Very! What makes you ask that question?" - -"I declare, if I don't marry her, just to spite Alminy, and make Bill -Hawkins mad," he exclaimed, joyously. - -At this point I could restrain my mirth no longer; but, as I indulged -it, I was considerably surprised to feel a slight twinge of jealousy -at his words. This discovery was painful. - -"I am afraid you will meet with several formidable obstacles, before -you can accomplish that; the most difficult of which will be to obtain -an audience with the fair one herself." - -"Don't suppose she'd be very anxious to see me; and I wouldn't care if -I only had my pipe and jack-knife to pass away time with." - -"I think it would be as well not to mention this affair to Biddon." - -"Why not?" - -"It can do no good, and he would be displeased at the thoughtlessness -I have evidenced. I do not think there are savages enough in the -vicinity to render us fearful of our safety. The canoe, I am disposed -to believe, belongs to some tribe quite distant from here." - -"But what are they here for?" - -"I can only conjecture. Biddon has never seen savages in this -particular section, and these may be returning from some journey to -their tribe." - -"Perhaps so, and may be not. These plagued Injins sometimes live in -one place and sometimes in another, you know, and it may be that a -notion has just entered their heads to come and live in these parts." - -"There is reason in what you say, but, as I stated, if danger -threatens, Biddon will undoubtedly detect its signs himself in time." - -"I think he will, though I shall feel a little flustered every time he -goes out. You remember when he was after the antelope, he walked right -among the Injins, without knowing it till it was too late to stop." - -"He did, it is true, but how nicely he walked out again. I tell you, -Nat, that fellow has nerve equal to any emergency. What man, when -conscious of an overwhelming foe being concealed within a few feet of -him, could have repressed every sign of trepidation or fear, as he -did, and bring the antelope through the same fearful ordeal, with the -same coolness and deliberation?" - -"That was a clever thing, I allow." - -"Biddon told me he felt a little nervous when he saw us start to come -up to him, for, if we had reached him, it would have been all up with -us. He called out to us, though we did not hear him, that there were -more animals in the grove, and our approach would frighten them. The -impatient Indians were thus held at bay, in the hope of being offered -a better opportunity to accomplish our ruin, until it was too late to -accomplish anything save the loss of two or three of their number. -Such a man, I repeat, will scent danger soon enough without the help -of others." - -"He will, and I hope he'll find out who that white girl is." - -"Nat, do you remember the account Biddon gave some time ago of a -horrible massacre, upon the sandy island near where we encamped one -night?" - -"I don't think there is much likelihood of my ever forgetting it." - -"You will also recall his account of the capture of a small child by -the savages? Now, it has occurred to me that this is that child grown -to womanhood." - -"I _know_ it is!" exclaimed Nat, joyously. - -"It is true there is much against it. It was a great distance from -here, but as these savages wander hundreds of miles at times, it is -not improbable, upon that ground. Instances are only too common of -persons spending their lives in captivity among these Indian tribes. -She is a captive, beyond a doubt, and must long for restoration to her -home and friends. If possible, I am bound to know more of her." - -"So am I!" exclaimed my excitable companion. - -"As I said, we will say nothing of this to Biddon, until he discovers -signs of Indians himself. To-morrow, we will go forth together, and -spend the day in endeavoring to gain traces of the canoe and its -inmates; and if anything is discovered which is alarming, we will -impart it to him." - -This Nat agreed to, and shortly after we heard three raps upon the -outside of the tree--the trapper's signal of his presence. A moment -after, he made his appearance. He was considerably elated at his -prospect for a goodly quantity of furs; had set a number of traps; was -sure of half a dozen next day; had seen no signs of Indians, and was -convinced there were none in the vicinity. None of us passed out again -that day, but remained indulging in our pipes and conversation as -usual, until a late hour. - -The next morning the trapper proposed that I should accompany him upon -his daily round. I complied, while Nat remained behind. - -The day was as warm and pleasant as the preceding one, and the forest -and stream as delightful. Biddon paddled slowly up the unrippled -surface, and in a short time reached the first trap; it had not been -disturbed. Still hopeful, he passed on to the second and third and all -the others. But there were no signs of beaver in any. - -"Shoot me, that's quar'!" he exclaimed, thoughtfully, as he saw the -last one. "I don't understand it; I must git out and take a look -round." - -He sprang ashore, and minutely examined the ground around. A few -seconds sufficed. He looked up with a gleam of deep meaning, and said: - -"Here's the track of a thunderin' moccasin. The reds have found us -out." - -He stepped into the canoe, and taking the paddle moved it carefully -back again. He touched at each trap on the way. The footprints of a -stranger were visible at each. - -"Thar's been a beaver taken out of that one!" he remarked, as the last -one was reached. "It's lucky for the sneakin' coward that I didn't see -him. He wouldn't 'sturbed any more gentlemen's traps." - -"Are you sure it is an Indian who has been annoying you?" - -"Wogh! Don't you s'pose I could tell a red's track from a grizzly's?" - -"But it might have been a white man--some hunter or trapper?" I -suggested. - -"A white man wouldn't be mean 'nough to do sich a thing, 'less it war -some of those Hudson Bay fellers. They try them tricks sometimes, but -they git come up to. I catched a feller once from Fort Hall at mine, -and the way I walked into him war a caution; but this ar' an Injin's -track, sure." - -"Do you suspect there could be a number in the vicinity?" - -"Ef there war, I'd've heard of 'em afore. This is some varmint, -sneakin' round yer, and he's got to be rubbed out afore he makes more -trouble." - -"I fear that will be a difficult and dangerous job." - -"Let me be for that." - -Shortly after we reached our home, and running the canoe beneath the -bushes, entered it. We were somewhat surprised to find Nat absent. He -returned, however, in a short time, and I saw at once by his nervous, -flustered manner that something unusual had occurred. Biddon -questioned him rather closely, as he suspected something, but Nat -evaded his inquiries, and would not admit that he had seen anything -to excite alarm or apprehension. - -"I'm goin' out, and when I come back I'll tell you what's the matter -with them traps," said Biddon, seizing his rifle and departing. - -I waited until he was beyond hearing, and then turning to my -companion, asked, - -"What is the matter with you, Nat?" - -"Why?" he asked, in turn, with a start. - -"Because you show plainly that something has occurred to alarm you." - -He remained silent a moment, and then seizing his hat, jerked it off -his head, and threw it spitefully down, where he gazed at it a second, -and exclaimed, - -"I'm sick of this." - -"Sick of what?" - -"Why, of being in this fix." - -"I don't understand you. Please explain what you mean." - -"I should think you ought to know." - -"But I do not." - -"Why, this wood is full of Injins; they're behind every tree and -stump, and in every bush, and you can hardly step without pitching -over some painted heathen." - -"I am afraid you are exaggerating," I answered, suppressing a smile -which was struggling at the corners of my mouth. - -"No, I ain't. I swow there are ten thousand Injins just waiting -outside to pounce upon us." - -"You are talking nonsense, and you know it." - -"Well, there's _one_ Injin, for I seen him. Come now," he affirmed, as -if the matter was now settled beyond a question. - -"Ah! that alters the case considerably. I shouldn't wonder at all if -there is one or a half-dozen savages in the forest." - -"If you see _one_ savage haven't you a right to suppose there's a -hundred more about, I should like to know?" - -"Not always, Nat; I have seen three myself, yet I do not believe there -is another one in the neighborhood. But I have not heard the -particulars of this affair of which you have been speaking. Please let -me hear them." - -"There isn't much to tell, but there is enough to make you do a heap -of thinking. You see, after you had left, I took a notion that I must -have a morning ramble; and I thought, too, there might be such a thing -as you two running into danger and needing my help (I should like to -know what you are laughing at). So, on the whole, there was no -hesitation upon my part. Taking my rifle out, I was soon making my -way as noiselessly as possible, in a direction from the river. - -"I hadn't gone more than a dozen yards before I commenced thinking -about Injins, and came nigh going back again. I wasn't afraid at all, -you know, but then it appeared to me I might bring you and Biddon into -trouble. However, I kept on. I had gone some distance further, when -all of a sudden I heard a terrible whirr and rattle, and jumped clean -off my feet. But it was only a big owl which I had stirred up. I was -so provoked at the start he gave me, that I should have wrung his neck -had I got my hands upon him. But I went on. Pretty soon I reached a -little stream of water, and as I jumped across, what do you suppose I -saw in the sand?" - -"I am sure I cannot tell." - -"Nothing less than a big moccasin track. And what was more, it hadn't -been made there a week before! I stood and looked at it a good while, -cogitating some wonderful things. At last I stooped and went to -measuring it. I was just going to rise, when I heard a grunt right by -me. I jumped up so quick--to be ready, you know--that I floundered -backward into the water. And I may be shot if there wasn't a big -painted Injin standing not ten feet off. He didn't say a word, but -just stood and looked at me with them awful eyes of his. As soon as I -could think, I raised my gun, took a quick aim, and pulled the -trigger; but the infernal gun snapped. I pulled it again, but it -wouldn't go, and I just happened to think the thing wasn't loaded. All -this time the painted imp stood grinning at me, without saying a word, -except to kinder grunt. He had a big shining gun in one hand, and I -was dreadful afraid he would shoot it. I told him not to stir, but to -stand still till I got mine loaded, and he waited. But somehow or -other, I s'pose I was in such a hurry that things wouldn't go right. -Instead of putting the powder in the gun-barrel, I crammed it in my -pocket, and jammed the ramrod into my shoe. I told the Injin to have -patience and I'd get it loaded in a minute. I got it fixed somehow at -last and hauled it up to my shoulder, when, no Injin was there! I -looked behind, all about me, and up into the trees but he'd been -spirited away somewhere. However, I made up my mind to shoot at the -spot where he had stood, and I up and blazed away. That is, I blazed -away without the gun going off. I believe he spirited that too." - -"Let me examine it. Perhaps you made some blunder." - -"No, I'm sure I didn't." - -I took the rifle, with a smile of certainty that I should find -something the matter with it. Sure enough the muzzle was crammed with -paper, and upon removing it, _a pipestem_, broken in pieces, rolled -out, while there was not a grain of powder in the barrel. - -"I declare, I forgot about the powder!" exclaimed Nat, opening his -eyes in wonder. - -"But not about the bullet," I laughed, pointing to the fragments of -his pipe. - -"How'd that get there?" he angrily asked. - -"That's the question." - -"I didn't put it there." - -"Who did, then?" - -"I don't know, I declare." - -Nat picked up the fragments and examined them carefully. - -"That's my pipe sure; and I had it in my mouth, I remember when I -started out, and missed it coming back. I didn't put it in the gun -though." - -"Let it pass then. Did you see no more of your Indian friend?" - -"No; he knew enough to keep out of my way. I waited a long time for -him, and at last started home again. I kept an eye on every suspicious -object, but as I just said, seen nothing." - -At this point I gave free vent to my pent-up mirth. Nat, much -astonished, looked wonderingly at me, seemingly at a loss to -understand the cause. - -"I do not see what there is to laugh at," he remarked, reprovingly. -"If it's a laughing matter to know that there are Injins all about -you, why you must laugh." - -"Your adventure with the Indian, Nat, and the singular load in your -rifle appears to me to be a funny matter, and I trust you will pardon -me if----" - -"Didn't I tell you I didn't put it in there? It was the Injin's work." - -And to this day Nat cannot be made to believe that he was instrumental -in introducing the pipe into his gun. - -After a few more unimportant remarks, the conversation ceased. Nat's -adventure began to appear to me in a different light from that in -which I had viewed it at first. I doubted not but that he was -perfectly honest and truthful in what he said. But why, when exposed -to the will of the savage, did he escape unscathed? Why did the latter -stand fearless and harmless before him? And what meant these strange -signs, these "footprints," which were becoming visible around us? -Matters were assuming a puzzling form. We were being environed by -Indians without any evidence of hostility upon their part. What meant -it? Surely there was a meaning too deep and hidden for us to divine as -yet. - -Suddenly Nat spoke. - -"Don't you remember the canoe? We were going to hunt for that to-day!" - -"Ah! how did I forget that? But had we not better wait till Biddon -returns?" - -"No; let us go at once. Hark! what's that?" - -I held my breath, as the distant report of a rifle reached our ears. -The next instant came a sound, faint and far away yet clear and -distinct--a horrid, unearthly sound, as the cry of a being in mortal -agony! - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -STILL IN THE DARK--THE CANOE AGAIN. - - -For a moment we stood breathless, paralyzed and speechless. Then our -eyes sought each other with a look of fearful inquiry. - -"Was that Biddon's voice?" I asked, in a faint whisper. - -"I don't know. There it is again!" - -And again came that wild, howling shriek of such agony as made our -blood curdle within us. - -"_It is his voice!_ Let us hasten to his aid," I exclaimed, catching -my rifle, and springing out. Nat followed closely, his gun having been -reloaded. The cry came from up the river and toward it we dashed, -scrambling and tearing through the brush and undergrowth, like two -maddened animals, heedless of what the consequence might be. Several -times we halted and listened, but heard nothing save our own panting -breasts and leaping hearts. On again we dashed, looking hurriedly -about us, until I knew we had ascended as high as could be the author -of that startling cry. Here we paused and listened. No one was to be -seen. I turned toward Nat, standing behind me, and directly behind him -I saw Biddon slowly approaching. - -"What are you doin' here?" he asked, as he came up. - -"Was not that your voice which I just heard?" - -"I rather reckon it wan't. When you hear Bill Biddon bawl out in that -way, jist let me know, will yer?" - -"What under the sun was it?" I asked then, greatly relieved. - -"That's more nor me can tell; but shoot and skin me, if I can't tell -you one thing;" he approached closely and whispered, "there's sunkthin -else nor reds about yer." - -"What do you mean?" I asked, although I understood well enough what he -meant. - -"I's here once afore, as I told yer, and I never heerd sich goin's on -then. I've seed the tracks of moccasins all about the traps, but can't -draw bead on the shadder of a redskin." - -"You heard that horrid howl, didn't you?" - -"Heerd it! I should think I did." - -"Was it you who shot?" - -"Yes; the way on it was this: I got on a purty plain trail and -follered it up hereabouts, when I cotched the glimpse of a Blackfoot's -feather goin' down through the bushes there, and blazed away at him. I -never missed a red in my life, and I didn't miss him. Howsumever, he -didn't mind it, but kept on and got away, and jist as he went out of -sight that orful yell come. It didn't seem that he made it, but -sounded like as though 'twas all about me, above and under the ground, -and around and behind me." - -"Anywhere near us?" asked Nat. - -"It sounded jist under your feet about." - -"Jerusha!" exclaimed the affrighted Nat, as he sprang nervously toward -me. - -"It must have been the Indian, surely, who made that yell," said I. - -"In course; though things are beginnin' to look qua'rish to me." - -The same look of uneasiness again passed over the trapper's face; and -I saw that although he strove to hide it, he was by no means at rest. -Matters were beginning to put on an unusual aspect, and that was the -reason. Give the trapper of the northwest flesh and blood to contend -against, let him know that nothing supernatural is arrayed against -him, and he is the last man in the world to yield an inch. But the -moment he sees something unexplainable to his simple mind, (and the -trapper is a credulous being), his courage deserts him. He believes -that other spirits than those of men visit this earth, and they are -his greatest horror. - -"Les' go home; there's Injins all around us," pleaded Nat. - -"How'd you know?" - -"Because I _seen_ one myself." - -Biddon looked inquiringly at me, and, deeming it best, I related the -incident given in the preceding chapter. I saw at once his uneasiness -was increased. - -"Why didn't you shoot the redskin?" he angrily asked of Nat. - -"Why didn't _you_ shoot the redskin?" queried Nat, in turn. - -"I did--hit him fair and square as I ever hit anything." - -"But didn't do any more good than I did." - -"I made the infarnal imp howl." - -"And I made mine _grunt_," added Nat, triumphantly. - -"There is no need of words," I interposed. "Each of you did your best, -Nat included. You, Bill, I believe, hit your man and mortally wounded -him. That yell was of agony, though I can't conceive how we came to -mistake it for yours. The dead or dying body of that Indian, I -believe, is near at hand. See! what does that mean?" I asked, as I -detected some red fluid dripping from the limb of a bush to the earth. -The trapper stepped forward and looked at it. - -"That's the blood of a Blackfoot, or I'm a skinned beaver!" he -remarked, with a glow of relief at having those strange apprehensions -of his removed. - -"Yes, I'm convinced that's Injin blood," added Nat, rubbing it between -the tip of his finger and thumb. "The blood of a Blackfoot Injin, -too--a man's about thirty-two years old. Probably a brother to the one -I frightened." - -"What do you know about that?" I asked. - -"Oh! it's only a supposition of mine." - -"Biddon, I believe, as I just said, that we will find the body of that -savage near at hand. Let us follow it." - -"Jes' what I's agoin' to do," he replied, starting off at once upon -the trail. - -It was easy to follow, as every step was marked by blood, which, in -many places, was dripping from the bushes to the ground. It was -followed but a short distance, however, as it led in a direct line to -the river. - -"It's as I s'pected," said Biddon, turning round in disgust. - -"He must have drowned then." - -"Dunno 'bout that. He's taken to the water to hide his trail, an' jes' -as like as not some of the other painted heathen have helped him off." - -"No doubt about that. I've been thinking that some of them helped off -that fellow when I was loading my gun." - -"We mought as well go back agin," said Biddon. "I'm tired of huntin' -spirits, and I dunno but what we'd better move traps and leave this -plagued place to 'em." - -"That's what I am in favor of--" - -Nat suddenly paused, for Biddon, with a slight "sh" motioned us down. -We both sank quickly and silently to the earth, while he, in a -crouching position, gazed stealthily up-stream. - -"What is it, Bill?" whispered Nat. - -"_There's a canoe comin' down stream!_" - -We said nothing; and Nat looking meaningly in the water. - -"Skin me, if there ain't two reds and a squaw in it," added Biddon, -without changing his position, or removing his gaze. - -I could not restrain the singular agitation that came over me at this -announcement. Fearing to betray myself, I cautiously arose beside -Biddon. - -"Let me take a look," I whispered. - -"Be keerful you ain't seen," he whispered, in turn, as he stepped -back. - -As I looked, I saw, not more than two hundred yards distant the canoe -approaching, heading directly towards us. For this reason, I could -only see the foremost Indian, though I was positive another, together -with the white captive, were in it. I gazed but a moment and then -looked inquiringly at the trapper. He made no reply, but again peered -forth. - -"That ain't a squaw; it's a white gal," said he, looking round upon us -with an astounded look. - -"Shall we rescue her?" I asked. - -"Ef she wants us to, in course." - -"You going to shoot them?" asked Nat, anxiously. - -"Can't tell yit. Jest see that yer irons is ready, and we'll wait till -they get out yer. Don't make no noise till I give the motion." - -The trapper stole a yard or two in front of us, where he sank softly -down upon his face until only his head was visible. Nat fingered his -gun nervously beside me, while I, not a whit less agitated, waited -for the canoe to appear through the interstices of the bushes in -front. - -In a moment, I heard the faint ripple of an oar, and saw the trapper -slowly raising his head and bringing his rifle in front of him. He -raised his hand warningly for us to remain quiet until the moment -should arrive. I heard the click of my companion's gun, as he raised -the hammer, and admonished him to be careful. - -Suddenly, I saw the red head-dress of one of the savages glittering -through the bushes, and, before I could speak, came an explosion -beside me like the crash of a thunderbolt. Almost simultaneously, the -herculean frame of the trapper bounded over me, and he exclaimed: - -"Who fired that? I'm shot." - -Nat and I sprang to our feet and dashed after him; but as I turned, -though bewildered with excitement, I looked at the spot where the -canoe was seen. It was gone! - -We dashed up the bank, and in a moment reached Biddon. The excitement -had completely gone, and he stood coolly feeling his ear. - -"Was that your gun, Jarsey?" he asked. - -"No, sir; mine is still loaded." - -"How is yours, Greeny?" - -Nat lifted his, examined the lock and looked into the barrel. He had -indeed discharged it, grazing the trapper's head so closely as to -wound his ear. - -"Wonder if that was my gun? Sure, I believe it was," he remarked, -still looking into the barrel. - -"Was it your gun?" repeated the trapper, his brow darkening like a -thunder-cloud, and laying his hand upon his knife-handle, as he -approached. Nat looked up and started as he saw his visage fairly -gleaming with passion. - -"I didn't shoot it, Bill, by thunder!" he expostulated. - -The face of the trapper changed. It grew paler, and the dark cloud -fled from it. He replaced his drawn knife. He believed the words of -Nat. - -Matters were approaching a crisis. The recent startling events had -their effect upon us all. The trapper avowed he could not stand "sich -goin's on," and should leave for some other quarters. Little sleep -came to Nat at night. His adventure with the savage, and the more -recent occurrence alarmed him. He had discovered that there were -consequences to be feared from both sides. - -I was still unwilling to believe that there was anything in the events -given which would not soon be explained. It was evident our foes were -around, and from some inexplicable cause, had pursued an unusual -course toward us. We had all been exposed to their power, and had yet -escaped harmless. What was the meaning of this? And, above all, what -was the object of the appearance and disappearance of the canoe at the -different times mentioned? Who could be that fair being of whose -existence I only was as yet aware? - -These questions, prompted only my anxious curiosity and desire to -learn more of that mysterious being whom I had now twice seen. I -ridiculed the ideas of Biddon, and Nat strove hard to convince him -that he was not afraid. Biddon, consented to remain until more was -learned, intimating at the same time, that it must be very soon. He -visited the horses each day, and found them undisturbed. This, -however, only added to his anxiety. Had they been gone he would have -taken it as convincing evidence that _bona fide_ Indians were in the -neighborhood. - -The next day, after the closing scene of the last chapter, Nat agreed -to accompany me for the last time to the spot where we had seen the -canoe. The trapper could not be prevailed upon to go, affirming that -he should probably have his hands full at home. It required my utmost -skill to succeed with Nat, as the horror had plainly settled upon him. - -"It's awful!" said he, as we started, "this walking right into -danger, but I want to see that canoe agin, but especially that gal, -and so I'll go." - -"And, I trust, behave yourself. You well know, Nat, you fired that -shot which came so near ending Biddon's life." - -"Wonder if I did pull the trigger!" he exclaimed, suddenly stopping -and looking round at me. - -"You _know_ you did, and had he known it, too, it would have been a -sorry piece of business for you. That temper of his is terrible, when -it is once excited." - -"I remember cocking my gun, and kind of pulling the trigger, but I -didn't mean to pull hard enough to make it go off." - -"I suppose not. I cannot conceive how Biddon persuaded himself to -believe that you did not discharge it when the case was self-evident. -But he is willing to believe almost anything since he has started." - -"He shouldn't have gotten before my gun, for he knows my hand -sometimes trembles." - -"I trust you will be able to control it this time." - -"No doubt of that; but, then, I'd advise you, as a friend, not to get -before me, especially if you see the canoe coming." - -I assured him that I should not, and we kept upon our way. Upon each -of the occasions before, as near as I could judge, it was about noon -that the canoe made its appearance; and, as it was that time now, we -hurried forward, lest the opportunity should pass. The opportunity, I -say--for, although it had appeared but twice as yet, I somehow or -other was well satisfied we should see it again. - -"What are you going to do?" asked Nat. - -"It will depend upon what we see. If simply those two savages with the -captive, as we judge her to be, are in the canoe, and no demonstration -is made, I think it best not to attempt a rescue. It is only a -supposition of ours that she is a captive, and we know not that she -would thank us for interfering in her case." - -In a short time we reached the elevation already mentioned. Here we -seated ourselves so as to remain concealed from any stragglers in the -vicinity, while we ourselves with a little care could detect the -slightest object passing. As I stooped, my hand came in contact with -something cold, and upon looking at it, I saw it covered with dark -clotted blood. I started, and wiped it on the grass, but it sent a -shudder through me to reflect that it had once been the life-fluid of -a human being. - -"Ugh!" exclaimed Nat; "ain't that awful?" - -"It is disagreeable, to say the least." - -"Just look at the blood on the grass, too, and all around. I believe -Bill must have hit a half-dozen Injins sure, the way things appear -here." - -"He must have wounded one terribly to make him bleed like this." - -"And if he had been a flesh and blood Injin he would have never -tramped in that manner. I tell you, William Relmond, there _is_ -something more more than human about us. I can feel it in my bones, -and I'm of Biddon's opinion that the sooner we get away from here the -better." - -"Fudge! I see you are beginning to get alarmed." - -"Oh no; you are mistaken. I am not frightened at all. For Biddon's -sake, but more especially for yours, I am anxious. If you are desirous -of remaining hereabouts, and will take all the consequences, I will -make no objections." - -"Of course, if I run into danger of my own accord, I expect that I -alone will suffer the penalty." - -"Then we needn't say anything more about it; you know we pledged -ourselves to remain true to each other, and I won't desert you." - -"That's well spoken, Nat. The minute I am satisfied that our lives are -imperiled, I shall not be the means of prolonging that peril a -moment. It is only this great desire to solve and understand the -singular occurrences that are transpiring around us, that leads me to -still remain. I have determined that to-day we shall all be -satisfied." - -"My curiosity is extraordinarily high; but I guess that gal has as -much to do with it as anything else. I'm determined to get a glimpse -of her face, and, if possible, whisper in her ear that Nat Todd, from -Maine, is about. I flatter myself that the minute she knows that, she -will jump overboard and make for shore without saying a word to the -chaps with her." - -"The greatest difficulty, I fear, will be to convey your words to the -captive, without conveying it also to her captors." - -"I swow, it would be harder than I thought at first." - -During this conversation, which was carried on in a half-whisper, Nat -was constantly parting the bushes and peering through them, while now -and then I glanced expectantly up the stream; but nothing as yet had -rewarded our watchfulness. Suddenly I reflected that as I had been -twice defeated in observing the disappearance of the canoe, from the -exact spot upon which we were now seated, that we might make a better -arrangement of ourselves, so as to insure this coveted knowledge to -one of us at least. - -I mentioned this to Nat. - -"If one of us was on t'other side, the thing would be certain, but -that can't be done very conveniently, and we shall have to try -something else." - -"Suppose you go down stream about a hundred yards near the bend -yonder," I proposed to Nat. - -"Guess I will!" he exclaimed, as he rose to go. - -"Wait a moment," said I, detaining him. "Let me admonish you to -exercise no ordinary caution, Nat, for you have seen enough to -convince you that your own safety depends upon it. Remember that a -word or false movement, however slight, may defeat our plans. Look out -for danger to yourself, and not let your curiosity be the means of -your destruction. _Be very careful._" - -I know not what led me to thus warn him; but at the moment he arose to -go, an unaccountable sense of impending danger came over me. It was -not so much for me as for him I spoke thus. He promised to heed my -words and departed. - -As soon as he had disappeared, I cast another look up stream, but -still there were no signs of the expected canoe, and a sudden -apprehension that I should not see it again came over me. There was, -in fact; as much reason not to expect it as to anticipate its coming, -and as I looked up at the sun and saw that it was already beyond the -hour, I was half-tempted to turn back. While I was debating, I -naturally looked up the river, and there, just rounding the bend where -the canoe had first come into view before,--and there it was coming! -Quivering with agitation, I sank upon the ground, and gave a low -whistle as a signal to Nat. He returned it, as an evidence of his -watchfulness. - -I saw from that point where I was seated, the view would be most -obstructed when the canoe was nearest. Accordingly, I crept cautiously -and quickly nearer the water's edge. This time, however, I slightly -varied my course, and concealed myself behind the trunk of a fallen -tree. This was within a yard of the water, and afforded complete -concealment. I noticed the log was rotten and apparently hollow. - -Here I lay, and intently listened and watched. A few moments and an -almost inaudible ripple was heard, and the canoe was opposite. I -exercised the most extreme caution, and was fortunate enough to obtain -a perfect view of each of the occupants. They were the same--the dark, -malignant faces of the savages, and the fair features of the captive. -She sat in the stern, her hand resting gently upon a guiding oar, and -her gaze fixed upon the stream in front. The canoe floated with the -current, and not a paddle was stirred, nor the least motion made by -the beings before me. The headdress of the captive was, as mentioned -before, eagle feathers and porcupine quills, while the dark, waving -masses of hair hung low upon the shoulders, contrasting with the -whiteness of the face. A heavy crimson shawl enveloped the form, as -when first seen. The features were regular, and, perhaps, in my state -of feeling, their beauty was considerably enhanced; but the thought -came upon me that if there were anything supernatural in my -experience, it was in seeing such wonderful beauty as was now before -me. - -Unconsciously I forgot myself as the canoe was gliding past, and -before I was aware, it was hid from view by intervening obstacles. I -withdrew hastily, intending to hurry farther down, where the view -would be more complete. I had taken but a step or two when Nat's rifle -was discharged, and I heard distinctly a muffled sound of his voice. -Wild with agitation, I dashed to the spot where I supposed him to be. -The view of the river at this point was clear, and I turned to look at -the canoe. It had vanished! - -I looked around for Nat, but he too, was gone. I called him, and once -thought I heard a faint answer. But it was not repeated, and I could -not tell its direction. I reached the ground, and beheld _the tracks -of others beside his own_. I awaited until near night, but Nathan Todd -was never to return. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS. - - -"Where's your friend?" - -There was apprehension in the question of the trapper, or he would not -have called Nat, as he had never called him before. The question was -asked, too, the instant I appeared. - -"I cannot tell," I answered, seating myself gloomily. - -"Whar'd you leave him?" - -"I cannot answer that either. He went with me to watch the river, as -you remember. Espying that canoe which you saw yesterday, he concealed -himself a few yards distant, in order to obtain a better view of it. -Since then I have seen nothing of him." - -"Was it he who shot?" - -"It sounded like his gun, although I am not positive that it really -was." - -"I heerd it, an' took it for him; and, shoot me, if I didn't know he'd -get into some scrape." - -"I fear he has, and the last one, too." - -"My thoughts 'zactly. Luckily you did not, too." - -"I came nearer than I wish to again, Biddon. I can tell you, that I am -willing to leave this place as soon as you wish; I've seen enough to -satisfy me." - -"Shouldn't wonder; I did long ago." - -"Let us leave to-morrow. Are you willing?" - -"I'll go to-night if you want to." - -"No; there is no need of that. It will be best to wait until -daylight." - -"I don't know; that's the only time we've been interfered with." - -"Besides," I added. "I have faint hopes that Nat may return." - -"Waugh! you'll never see him again, and ef we're 'bout yer another -day, we'll never see each other again. No use lookin' fur him, shoot -me ef thar is." - -"I do not think he has been slain, only captured by some lurking -enemy, from whom he may escape." - -"No, _sir_; I tell you he's gone, and I reckon as how we'd better be -gone too." - -"Perhaps you are right, Biddon, although I shall be loth to leave the -vicinity when I am not satisfied of his fate." - -"I'm satisfied, an' you oughter be. Leastways, _I'm_ goin' to-morrow, -an' you kin stay and play with these Blackfeet as long as you like. -I've been up to see the horses, and fixed things so as to start as -soon as daylight. Any 'jections?" - -"None at all." - -"Then 'tis settled, and let's snooze." - -But it was by no means settled. As I lay that night ruminating upon -the strange scenes through which I had so recently passed, the pledge -that I had made with Nat came back to me. I had promised to remain by -him as long as there was hope; and to desert him now, would be a -violation of that vow, and a base and unworthy act upon my part. For -us both to leave him would probably seal his fate, if alive. It was by -no means certain that if lost, he was irrecoverably gone, and I -resolved that if the trapper should depart on the morrow I would -remain. - -In making this resolution, perhaps it was not the desire alone to -benefit my companion that prompted it, although I aver that that alone -would have been sufficient. Unconsciously, almost, I found my thoughts -wandering from Nat to the fair being who had been the cause of all -this trouble. At most, I could only speculate and conjecture with -regard to her, and the same speculations and conjectures I had made -before. Undoubtedly she was a captive among a tribe of Indians, over -whom she wielded a great influence; and that she was the same maid -referred to by Biddon, seemed certain to me. I had mentioned this -thought to him, in the hope of persuading him to remain. He started -somewhat at the unsuspected suggestion, and, after a few moments' -thought, admitted the probability of such being the case. To my -surprise I found I had completely defeated my own plans. - -"I kinder thought then, that little thing war suthin' more nor human, -an' ef it's her, you see, I'm purty sure now. No use talkin', I shan't -stay here longer than time 'nough to start. It might be that gal, and -then agin it moughn't. Shoot me ef it moughn't." - -I said no more, for I saw it would be useless. When he had once -determined upon a matter there was no changing him. He was satisfied -that "spirits invisible" had encompassed him, and there was but one -way of escaping them. - -He was now reposing quietly beside me, utterly oblivious to external -things; and as the night was far advanced, I sank upon my knees, and -besought the great Disposer of events to guide me aright in the -undertaking which I was about to commence, and to watch over my -unfortunate companion, now doubtless in captivity; to protect the -kind-hearted trapper, and to soon clear away the mystery which had -enveloped us like a cloud. Then I lay down and slept. - -I awoke, hearing a slight rustling noise beside me, and, upon looking -around, caught a glimpse of Biddon as he departed. It was very early, -and he doubtless was after the horses, in order to leave at once the -place which had such terrors for him. In the course of a half hour he -returned. - -"The horses are waitin'," said he. - -I arose and passed out. The three animals stood outside, a short -distance away, each saddled and prepared for travel. - -"Come, work lively, and fetch them skins out," said Biddon, commencing -himself. I made no reply, but assisted him until everything was in -readiness, for starting. - -"Jump on, and shoot me ef we won't soon be clar of this outlandish -place." - -"Biddon, I am not going with you," I said, mildly. - -"_What?_" he asked, looking wonderingly at one, as if doubting my -senses. - -"I intend to remain here." - -"Ogh! jump on, an' shut up yer meat-trap; it's time we started." - -"I said I was going to remain here." - -"Do you mean it, Jarsey?" he queried, bending such a fierce look upon -me. - -"Most certainly I do." - -"Then, all Bill Biddon's got to say is, you're a fool." - -I colored slightly at this, but made no reply. - -"What yer going to stay fur? Get shot and lose yer ha'r, I s'pose, -jist to please the reds." - -"I am sorry, friend Biddon, that you feel thus. When Nathan Todd and I -left the States for this country, we pledged eternal friendship to -each other, and I am sure I should never feel at ease if I should -leave him in this dire extremity. I am by no means satisfied that I -can afford him no assistance, although he is a captive. He has no -claims upon you, and I should not expect you to remain, but, as I -said, I am determined not to leave this place until I have obtained -satisfactory intelligence of him." - -The trapper remained silent a few moments after this. He then spoke: - -"I s'pose you mean right, Jarsey, but you're awful simple. Yer's as -what hopes you'll find the other chap right side up and squar with his -ha'r on, but I don't 'spect _your_ ha'r 'll be yer's to-night. -Howsumever you're bound to stay, I see, so yer's good luck. I'd like -to stay with you, but I ain't backward to own Bill Biddon knocks under -_this_ time." - -He reached his hard, horny hand, and I took it. - -"Good-by, Bill, I hope we shall meet again. We have not been long -acquainted, but I trust long enough to be friends." - -"And you'll remember as how ole Bill Biddon didn't mean what he said -just now." - -"Certainly, certainly, I know you did not." - -"Wal, good-by it is, then." - -A half-hour after and I was alone in the great wilderness of the -Northwest. - -After parting with Biddon, I remained stationary a long time, -meditating upon the strange resolve that I had acted upon. If looked -at with the common-sense view that the honest trapper gave it, I was -sensible it was nothing less than a piece of recklessness upon my -part, which only could be excused by the motives that actuated me. I -felt some regret certainly at parting with Biddon, for that honest, -manly heart which throbbed within his massive breast had drawn me -toward him, and I knew he had come to regard me in a far different -light than he did at first. However, I was hopeful, and could not -persuade myself that I was never to see him again. - -Toward night the sky gave evidence of an approaching storm. A strong -wind arose, and a melancholy, desolate moaning, like the precursor of -winter, could be heard at intervals in the forest. Darkness came on -earlier than usual, and, as I passed into the trapper's home, the -storm burst upon me. No one who has not witnessed a storm in the -wilderness, can appreciate its awful grandeur. As I cowered within the -heart of the old forest king, its power was subdued to my ears; but -enough reached them to give me an idea of the terrific spectacle -without. The huge sides of the tree surrounding me rumbled and groaned -as though it were yielding to the hurricane; the wind blew with such -fury that at times it sounded as though wailing screams were rending -the air above me; and the sharp splintering of the trees riven by the -lightning, rivaled the crash of the thunderbolt itself. - -As the morning approached, the storm gradually died away, and as I -stepped forth the sun was shining in unclouded splendor. - -Slinging my rifle over my shoulder, I wandered aimlessly forward, -following the course of the stream for several hours. Finally, -becoming considerably wearied, I seated myself upon a fallen tree, to -gain a little rest; but my mind was in such a state of excitement that -the desire to press forward was irresistible, and I arose again. - -As I stood upon the spot, I happened to look across the stream upon -the prairie. The river at this point was flowing east and west, so -that I looked to the southward; and as I did so I saw Biddon in the -distance, riding leisurely away. He was miles distant, so that I could -not hope to make my voice reach him; and as the prairie in many parts -was submerged, it was out of the question to pursue with the hope of -overtaking him. So I contented myself with watching him until he -disappeared. He appeared precisely the same as when Nat and I first -caught sight of him; and it struck me as a rather curious coincidence -that my first and last glimpse of him were similar. Shortly after, he -was a mere quivering speck on the horizon, and soon disappeared -altogether. - -The storm which had just ended was the usher of the cold season. A -strong wind had arisen, and was blowing coldly through the forest. The -changes in these regions are remarkably sudden; and by the middle of -the afternoon, needles of ice put out along the shores of the stream. -I suffered much from this sudden and severe cold; and to make it -worse, everything upon which I could lay hands was so water-soaked as -to make it impossible to kindle a fire. - -I continued wandering aimlessly onward, until I descended a large -valley, filled with trees of enormous growth. As I entered, I heard a -crackling in the bushes above me. I looked carefully about, but could -detect nothing, although the crackling was still heard. Creeping -cautiously and stealthily up the bank, I came upon the cause of this -apprehension. There was a species of fruit, called the "buffalo -berry," quite numerous here, and in among them, seated on his -haunches, and contentedly devouring, was a grizzly bear. I started as -I took in his colossal form, and turned to make a hasty retreat; but -curiosity held me to the spot. He was a huge, unwieldy body; his -massive form being enveloped in a coat of long, black, glossy hair, -and his eyes small and glittering. His long nails rattled among the -leaves, as he pulled the bushes toward him, and plucked the delicate -fruit. - -All at once a mad desire to take this formidable creature's life came -upon me. I knew it was only the most skillful hunter who could prevail -against him, and yet I determined to take the risk. As he sat, his -side was turned toward me, and I made a low whistle to attract his -attention. He stopped chewing instantly, and turned his head toward -me as if listening. I could see his two coal-black eyes glistening -plainly. I was lying upon my face, with my rifle resting upon a stone -in front. Raising the hammer of my rifle, I took a long, a deliberate, -a sure aim at one of his eyes, and before he changed his head, pulled -the trigger. - -"How does that suit?" I asked exultingly, expecting to see him give up -the ghost immediately. To my surprise and terror, I saw him sitting -unmoved and apparently unhurt, but looking about him, as if to -ascertain from what direction the shot had come. The next instant he -caught sight of the bluish wreath from my rifle, and with a low growl -of rage plunged directly toward me. - -That cumbrous body could roll over the ground much faster than I -suspected, and I found that, when alarmed, I could also travel -rapidly. But in the tangled undergrowth I was no match for him, as he -crashed through it without the least inconvenience, and gained -rapidly. I saw he would assuredly overtake me before I could go a -hundred yards further; so throwing my rifle to the ground, I drew my -knife, and waited his attack. As he came rolling forward, the blood -from his wound trickled down, and daubed his mouth; while his red -tongue lolled out, his mouth was wide open, and his long and white -teeth shone with terrible ferocity. He was, indeed, a terrific animal, -and I drew a deep breath as I felt that a struggle for life or death -was at hand. - -[Illustration: "I could see his two coal-black eyes glittering -plainly."] - -Suddenly, when a hundred feet distant, there came the _report of -another rifle_, and the brute halted, and gazed about him. I also cast -a wondering look around to see who my new friend was. No one was in -sight, yet I saw a faint curl of smoke rising from the bushes above -me. The bear also discovered it, and with another growl made toward -it. He had evidently been struck, and his rage was turned in another -direction. Hastily loading my rifle, I ran up the hill, intending to -follow and assist my unknown friend, but both he and the brute had -disappeared. I stood anxiously listening for some guiding sound, and -soon heard the report of a gun in the distance, followed by a faint -shout. - -Tearing through the undergrowth, I dashed hastily forward, calling out -in loud tones, so that my friend might guide me to him. There was no -response homeward. I feared that he had suffered the fate which had -well-nigh been mine. The trail of the bear was now very plain to be -seen by the broken twigs, the rising branches, and the blood marks -upon the ground. Soon I reached the spot where the last struggle had -evidently taken place. The ground was torn up and cast about, and the -blood was spattered for many feet around. Following further, I came -upon the dead body of the brute. There was another bullet mark in the -head, and a ghastly wound in the throat from which an enormous -quantity of blood had poured. - -But where was the author of this deed? Why had he fled? Who was he? I -looked about expecting to see him near at hand, but I was -disappointed. On the ground were the marks of a moccasin, and it was -evident my preserver was an Indian. This fact suggested other -questions. Had he been following me? Else how came he to be present -just at the instant needed? And what was his object? It could not be -that my life was sought, for, if such were the case, it had been -really spared, as I had been continually exposed through the day; and -in the occurrence just narrated, he had preserved my life at the -imminent risk of his own. - -At any rate, the affair was singular and unaccountable. The Indian was -probably gazing upon me this moment, and I looked furtively about, -half-expecting to see his glowing eye-balls in the thick shrubbery -around. - -It was now growing late, and I cast about for some place in which to -spend the night. The wind still blew, and a fire was indispensable. I -gathered several armfuls of twigs and branches, and pitched my camp -upon the banks of a small rippling stream, a tributary of the river -referred to. Here, after the expense of an almost incredible amount of -patience, I succeeded in starting a fire, and with the feeling of a -conqueror inhaled its glowing, cheerful warmth. The pangs of hunger -now began to make themselves felt, as I had tasted no food the entire -day. The grizzly bear lay but a short distance away, and, after a few -minutes' debate, I concluded that he should answer the demands of -nature. - -As I drew my knife, and started toward him, a shadow glided from -before me, and I saw a human form stealthily make off. I stopped -suddenly and hesitated, but finally went on, cut a piece from the -animal, and returned. Just before I reached the crackling fire, I -again saw a shadow flit before me and disappear. It was too distinct -and plain to be a freak of imagination, and it was evident that -something or somebody was following or watching. Whoever he might be, -I determined that, upon the first opportunity, he should have the -contents of my gun for his temerity. - -The consciousness that some one was near at hand, watching, perhaps, -every motion, lessened my appetite somewhat. However, after skewering -a good-sized piece and roasting it, I made a hearty supper; and, as I -produced my inseparable pipe, I think, had it not been for the -instinctive presence of that invisible form, my enjoyment would have -been complete. - -The pleasant warmth of the fire, the soothing effect of the pipe, -gradually threw a dreamy, half-unconsciousness over me, into which I -sunk with willing delight. As my listless eyes rested upon the glowing -embers, there came a strain of wonderful music, like the faint tones -of some distant wind-harp. I stirred not, but listened, fearing to -move lest the spell should be broken. Again came the wave of heavenly -harmony, swelling to the most inspiring grandeur, and then dying away -into faint, fluctuating tremors, fainter and fainter, till the -strained ear could just feel their waves. It sounded in the air above -me, and at that moment I knew that there was nothing real in my -experience, and I listened breathlessly for it again. - -The music continued, I think, over an hour, and to this day it seems I -can hear it still. Such music I have never heard before or since. As I -sat alone that dark, stormy night, in the wilderness of the northwest, -hundreds of miles from civilization, it seemed there was a chord -within me that responded to the air tones above. It appeared -sometimes to sink until it had enveloped me in its wild thrilling -power, and then it suddenly swept upward, until I was pained with -intense listening. At last, it died away, and with a long sigh of -relief I awoke to full consciousness. - -I have heard others narrate experience similar to mine and I leave the -explanation to the curious and investigating, convinced that I can -offer none that will be satisfactory. - -I replenished the fire, folded my blanket around me, and lay down to -sleep. The night wind was howling dismally through the forest, and the -distant rush of the river made melancholy music. In a short time I -fell into a deep, and profound sleep. - -I was aroused from this by feeling something working at my blanket. I -lay motionless a moment to ascertain the character of the threatened -danger. The next instant something struck me like the paw of an -animal; and, thinking a wolf had attacked me, I sprang to my feet with -a shout, threw off my blanket, and drew my knife. Instead of -confronting wolves, I met the gaze of a half-dozen savages! For a -moment I was completely bewildered. - -"You go 'long with us," said one, laying his hand upon my arm. - -I saw that resistance would be useless. There were half a dozen fully -armed, and my rifle was in their hands. - -"I am in your power," said I; "do what you please with me." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -TRAPPING AMONG THE INDIANS. - - -One of the savages cast some wood upon the fire, and as it blazed up, -I saw that five of them stood around me. Resistance would be useless, -as my rifle, knife, and revolver were in their hands. Their faces were -devoid of paint, and they were probably a party of hunters who had -fallen upon my trail. I remembered my spectral visitant a few hours -before, and doubted not that he was the means of the tedious captivity -which had now only commenced. - -After I had arisen to my feet, the captors continued conversing in an -unknown tongue. It perplexed me to understand how one of them was able -to address me in tolerably good English; but I supposed he must have -had intercourse with the fur traders and hunters and the forts and -stations of the northwest. - -The debate of the Indians I judged to be a decision upon the course -they were to follow. Singularly enough, I had hardly any fears at all -in regard to my life, feeling pretty well convinced that they intended -an endless captivity for me. I doubted not I should be adopted into -their tribe, and doomed to the office of the meanest slave. This was -not a very encouraging prospect it is true, but it was infinitely -superior to that of death. - -After a few minutes' conversation, the Indians apparently came to a -satisfactory conclusion; for they seated themselves around the fire, -ordering me to do the same, and here they sat as grim and silent as -statues, not a muscle moving, excepting an occasional wink of the eyes -at long intervals. I watched them, it seemed for an hour, shivering -with cold all the time, although my captors had not deprived me of my -blanket. - -At last, as I looked up, I saw that day was breaking. There was a -faint light in the east, heralding the approach of the sun. Shortly -after, it burst above the forest line, lighting up the interminable -prairie and wilderness with its golden glory. The savages sprang to -their feet, seized their weapons and started away. - -"Keep close, and don't run!" said the savage who had addressed me at -first. - -"No danger of my attempting it," I answered, following almost -cheerfully behind them. - -And in truth it would have been the height of folly to make an attempt -to escape. Each of the savages was a fleet runner, each possessed a -loaded rifle (and one of them had another, together with my revolver, -which, by the way, was a source of great wonderment and perplexity to -him), and the utmost limit that I possibly could have gained, as will -be evident to the reader, was perhaps ten feet. So I meditated no -attempt, but followed close in the footsteps of my captors. - -No halt was made for breakfast, and during the whole forenoon we -tramped through the wilderness in a northerly direction. As I knew I -was in the extreme upper part of the great Nebraska Territory when -taken captive, I felt pretty certain that I was now in the Hudson Bay -Territory, within the British line. But here my companions made a turn -to the eastward, and then, strangely enough, proceeded south again, so -that I was uncertain whether I was now in the United States or not. -The reason of this detour on the part of the savages I never knew and -could only conjecture. I afterward imagined it was for the purpose of -misleading and bewildering me in case I should ever attempt to leave -them. - -When the sun was overhead, the Indians halted upon the bank of a small -flashing stream, and prepared their meal. A half-hour before halting, -one of the Indians had dodged off into the forest. Some time after I -heard the report of a rifle, and in a few minutes he returned with a -large ptarmigan in his hand. The feathers were plucked from this, and -the body dressed much after the fashion of civilized communities. It -was then partially cooked over the blaze, and despite the change of -circumstances, I made as good and substantial a meal upon it as did -any of my companions. - -The meal finished, the savages squatted before the fire, drew forth -their pipes and commenced silently smoking, their eyes glittering -through the vapor with suppressed fierceness, as ever and anon a -sidelong glance was bestowed upon me. One of the Indians--he who spoke -English--was examining my revolver. He closed one eye and peered -wonderingly into the six little barrels; then he fingered about the -hammer, took off the cap, tasted it, and replaced it. (It may be -remarked here that at the time of my experience, percussion caps were -almost unknown in this region. As they were of comparatively recent -invention, few of the trappers consented to use them until a long time -after.) I was expecting each moment to see the weapon discharge -itself, as it was fully charged, and was handled awkwardly. The -Indian looked at it in every direction, at last gave it up. He took a -smell of it, and snuffing the gunpowder, handed it to me. - -"What is he?" - -"A young gun," I answered with a smile. - -As I took the weapon I looked about me. There were five unsuspicious -savages, and there were six messengers of death at my command. For an -instant a wild resolve thrilled me; but it was for an instant only. My -soul revolted at the wholesale slaughter I should be compelled to -inflict, and I looked at my interlocutor with a pleasant smile. - -"Does he shoot?" he queried, his dark eyes lighting up with curiosity. - -"Of course. Would you like to see me fire it?" - -"Yaw! shoot at him," he answered, pointing at the trunk of a large -tree. - -"What part of it?" - -"Hit him where you mind to." - -"Oh, let's have a mark," I laughed, stepping forward and tearing off a -small piece of the bark, so as to offer a red spot several inches in -diameter. The other savages were now surveying my motions with -interest, and with some degree of suspicion the formidable looking -little weapon in my hand. I saw there was an opportunity for making a -good impression and I resolved to do it. I stepped back a few paces, -took a careful, though apparently a careless aim, and fired the six -barrels in succession with tolerable good effect. - -"Just look at the mark," I remarked, rather stiffly. - -The Indian stepped forward and examined the holes, all within an inch -or two of the center. Then with his knife he pried out each bullet, -and showed them to his companions. They grunted their satisfaction, or -rather wonder, and turned the diminutive six-shooter over and over in -their hands, totally unable to comprehend how such a number of fatal -shots could come almost simultaneously from it. I loaded and fired it -a number of times, and my friend--he who spoke English--asked me to -make him a present of it. I assented with the greatest pleasure, as I -had no power to refuse, and volunteered to instruct him in its use, -and all things considered we were getting on quite intimate terms. - -This proceeding of mine was a stroke of policy, to which I believe I -owe my life. My apparent cheerfulness, my readiness to acquiesce in -all their wishes, convinced them that I cherished no sullen -vindictiveness toward them, and I am well satisfied that had I asked -my captors at this time to allow me to proceed unmolested upon my way, -they would have done so. Yet I was perfectly willing to tarry with -them a while, for reasons which, I trust, are obvious to the reader, -and I made no request of them. - -We remained in this spot for over an hour practicing with the -revolver. At the end of that time its new owner had made such progress -as to be able to strike a good-sized tree a yard distant, at nearly -every shot. - -"Him nice thing!" he remarked, shoving it carefully down in his belt. - -"Very good in a close hug with a bear or foe," I replied. - -"He is, by dam," he added, pulling it forth and again examining each -part. - -There was but one drawback to the savage's prospect of pleasure. I had -but a small quantity of caps, and of course there was no means of -obtaining any among his own kindred. He however satisfied himself with -the thought that he could obtain more at some of the trading posts in -that section. - -The line of march was again taken up, and continued until nightfall. -They traveled in Indian file, my dusky friend bringing up the rear, -and myself directly in front of him. This plan was adopted, not -through any fear of pursuit, as they were in their own country, but -because caution and watchfulness are habitual to the North American -Indian. Every now and then the click of the revolver was audible -behind, but I felt no apprehension as I knew the savage was only -examining it for his own pleasure. - -Just before dusk we reached a large and rapidly flowing stream. Here -the rifles were slung about their persons, and we grasped hands and -plunged unhesitatingly in. Had not this expedient been adopted, I -should never have reached the opposite side. We sank to our shoulders -several times, and the boisterous current lifted me clean from the -bottom, but the strong arms of my captors were all-efficient, and held -me firmly in my place until the opposite shore was reached, with no -greater misfortune than the uncomfortableness of our soaked and -clinging garments. - -The sun had sunk behind the western mountains, and the deep gloom of -night was settling over the wilderness, when as we reached the top of -a swell, I saw for the first time the Indian village. It lay in a sort -of valley, and numbered sixty or seventy lodges. As seen in the dim -twilight these looked singularly picturesque and fanciful. I could see -dark forms flitting like shadows about the lodges, and the low hum of -their conversation was audible. We were descried, as our forms stood -out in relief against the sky, but no signals were given by either -party. - -As we descended into the valley my heart began to fail me, at what I -feared my reception would be. Stories of the tortures undergone by -captives came over me, and I ventured my fears to my friend. - -"What your name?" he asked, halting and turning toward me. - -"Will," I replied. - -"Will stay here, and me come and fix things. My name Jim," said he, -taking the name probably given him by the whites with whom he was -acquainted. - -The other savages seeing us halting stopped also, and looked -suspiciously. Jim (as I shall hereafter name him) said something in an -unintelligible tongue and they passed on. - -"Stay here, Will, and me fix things." - -With this he disappeared, and I seated myself upon the ground to await -his return. It struck me as rather curious for him to give a captive -such a good opportunity to escape, but it pleased me withal, and it -need not be told I made no attempt to make off. - -In a few moments he returned, bearing in his arms several Indian -garments. - -"Will put him on, and me fix things," said he, throwing them down -beside me. I hastily donned them, understanding fully their use and -intentions. - -"Keep close, and don't say nothing to nobody," he added, as they -enveloped my person. - -He now turned his face towards the village, and we were soon wending -our way through it. We passed several savages who spoke to me, Jim -however taking the responsibility of replying. At last we reached his -lodge without my identity being discovered. This was at the extreme -eastern end of the village, and as we entered I saw it was devoid of -any persons except ourselves. - -"You sleep there, Will," said he, pointing to one corner, where a -buffalo robe was visible by the dim light of a few smoldering embers. -I repaired to the spot, thanking him for his kindly offer, and lay -down, while he replenished the fire, seating himself by it, and -commenced the never-ceasing pleasure of examining his revolver. - -Lying half asleep on the buffalo robe, listlessly gazing at the -savage, his features all at once struck me. I had seen them before, -but where I could not recollect. Let me see--ah! it was plain now. He -was one of the occupants of the mysterious canoe! - -It soon became known throughout the Indian village that a white man -was a captive among them, and the next morning the entrance to Jim's -lodge was thronged with hundreds anxious to get a peep at me. Knowing -that this curiosity must be gratified sooner or later, I stepped -boldly forth, and mingled among them, in order to have the matter -finished at once. No violence was offered me, although several pinched -my arms rather severely, seemingly determined to be satisfied upon all -my points. - -My Indian friend Jim was married, and, in the course of the day, his -squaw made her appearance. She was a middle-aged woman, and tolerably -good-looking for a savage. Jim informed her that I was to be her -slave, and thus it may be said I was established in winter-quarters. - -The heavy storm referred to in the previous chapter, was the close of -the warm season, and the fierce northern winter commenced setting in. -Winter in the northwest is far different from that season in the -Middle States. It is full six months in continuance, and such is the -intense coldness for the greater part of the season, that the -thermometer sinks to thirty and often forty degrees below zero. Two -weeks after my capture, it seemed impossible to prevent freezing to -death in the lodge with a roaring fire a few feet off. Yet the savages -minded it hardly at all. A few extra garments were added to their -costume, and they flitted as incessantly through the village as ever. - -In the tribe it was acknowledged that I was the property of Jim, and -thus my lot was much more endurable than otherwise. He was really a -good-hearted Indian, I believe; and the course that I ever maintained -toward him won some of his regard. However, he was a lazy dog, like -all of his male kindred, and, although I had an exalted opinion of -him, it was impossible to discover in him any of those poetical -attributes which are so generally conceded to the North American -Indian. In conversation with me, he discarded entirely those -extravagant, highly-wrought figures of speech common to his kindred, -and added in their place an awkward oath or two, and a phrase learned -from the Hudson-Bay traders. The greater part of the day he sat before -his fire, smoking and gazing moodily into it, while his better-half -busied herself about the apartment as willingly and contentedly as -though she never dreamed of a different lot. Of course, I assisted her -as much as lay within my power, and came at last to do all of the -out-door work. - -I have always regarded my capture by this tribe of Indians as a -fortunate circumstance. I cannot imagine how else I could have -maintained life through the unusually severe winter which followed. No -mortal hand could have saved me from perishing from cold, while it -would have been utterly impossible to have procured food, when the -snow lay six feet upon the ground, and the rivers were sealed by great -depths of ice. Although frequent occasions presented themselves, I -determined to make no effort to leave my captors until the spring had -arrived. - -As mentioned, I had pretty well-defined suspicions that Jim was one of -the savages who occupied the mysterious canoe, referred to in the -preceding chapters. I was not positive of this, although, when I -stood by his side and viewed his profile, the resemblance seemed -perfect. - -One great disappointment had already come. I was sure that I should -learn something either of Nat, or of the fair, mysterious captive. -When I questioned Jim, he answered with such apparent sincerity and -truth, that I was pretty well convinced he knew nothing of either. In -regard to the latter he laughed; the former he merely shook his head; -he knew nothing of either. Sometimes when I fell into a deep reverie, -and suddenly awoke, I could see Jim lift his eyes quickly from me, as -though he had been endeavoring to satisfy himself of my identity. He -questioned me artfully, and I told him all. At last, I resolved to put -the question direct. - -"Jim, didn't you and another warrior, some weeks ago, pass down the -river, some distance south, with a white woman?" - -There was a perceptible start at this question, but he answered -promptly: - -"Don't know nothing 'bout 'em." - -"Why, I was pretty sure that I saw you." - -He shook his head. - -There was nothing to be gained by further questioning, and I gave it -up. But I was satisfied he knew more of Nat and the sweet captive -than he was willing to tell--and I was not mistaken. - -Shortly after this conversation, Jim told me that he and several of -his tribe were in the employ of the Hudson Bay Fur Company, and traded -numerous furs with them every spring. I asked him whether he was not -in the territory of the Northwest Fur Company. He replied that that -made no difference; each trespassed upon the other's grounds, and he -had been engaged for both.[2] - - [2] The Hudson Bay Company, established two hundred years ago, - by Prince Rupert, divided its territory into four - compartments--the Northern, including all the country of the Far - North; the Southern, extending south to Lake Superior; the - Montreal, including the country along the northern shore of the - Gulf of St. Lawrence; and the Columbia Department, comprehending - all the country west of the Rocky Mountains, including Oregon, - in which, I believe, they still trade. - -A few weeks subsequent to this, there came a storm which laid the snow -six feet deep, and Jim informed me that, in company with several -others, he should proceed to set his traps for the winter's work, and -he willingly consented that I should accompany him. Preparations were -accordingly made. Extra garments were donned, a couple of traps taken -by each, and, placing our snow-shoes upon our feet, we sallied forth. -This was the first time I ever attempted to travel with snow-shoes, -and, as may be supposed, I made awkward work of it. These were fully -six feet in length, resembling a canoe somewhat in shape, and of -extreme lightness. The interior is filled with a gauzy network, which -allows the light, sand-like snow to fall through without impeding -one's progress. They are fastened loosely but securely to the feet, -and when the snow is not dampened by thaws, twenty miles can be easily -made in a day. Without these convenient things, it would be next to -impossible to travel during six months of the year in the fur-bearing -regions. - -We proceeded westward some eight or ten miles before all of the traps -were set, when, turning, we retraced our steps, intending to visit -them the following night. The trap used by the Indians of this section -is much the same as the common steel-trap of the States, being, -however, much larger, and without the saw-like teeth of the latter. A -long chain, with a heavy stone attached, is fastened to the trap, and -concealed beneath the snow, to prevent the animal making off with the -whole concern. The trap is placed just beneath the surface of the -snow, and bits of frozen fish are scattered around, which attract the -half-starved foxes, lynx, beavers, and wolves in the region. Having -completed all arrangements, we retraced our steps, and reached the -village just as night was setting in. - -Nothing of note took place the next day, and, as the night came on, -Jim informed me that they were going to visit their traps to ascertain -what luck they had. As he made no objection, I again donned my -snow-shoes and joined them. There was but one savage beside himself. -The snow was crisp and fine, and the traveling comparatively easy. Jim -dragged a small sled behind him for the purpose of bringing back -anything found in the traps. - -It was a bright moonlight night, and as we journeyed through the -forest, there were patches of snow almost as light as day. We shunned -the trees, as the snow-crust was brittle around them, and once or -twice crossed broad belts of snow, devoid of timber, which Jim -informed me were the beds of rivers. As we traveled on, nothing broke -the silence, except the muffled sliding of our shoes over the icy -crust, or a single word from one of the savages; and it occurred to me -that if my friends at home could have seen me at this particular -moment, they would have imagined I was searching for gold in a strange -country. - -The first trap we reached had the _fore-leg_ of a fox in it only. I -looked at Jim inquiringly, unable to understand what it meant. - -"He gnawed him off, and run away; look out next time." - -The fox had been caught by his fore-leg, and, finding himself unable -to get loose, had eaten off the imprisoned limb and escaped on the -others. In a month's time he would probably suffer no inconvenience -from it. In the next trap was found a red fox, whose fur bears but a -trifling value. He was killed, placed upon the sled, the trap reset, -and we proceeded to the rest. None of them had been visited, except -the last. In this was imprisoned a beautiful black fox, the capture of -which nearly set the two savages into ecstasies. The fur, of this -animal is more valuable than that of any other caught by the trappers, -one alone sometimes bringing as high as two hundred dollars. It is so -rarely captured, and such a prize, when taken, that a hunter would be -satisfied with one single animal during the whole season. - -Our two animals being secured upon our sled, and the traps carefully -reset, we commenced our return journey. The night was far advanced -when we reached the Indian village. As we entered our lodge, Jim's -squaw arose noiselessly and replenished the fire. While removing my -snow-shoes, I remarked to Jim that my feet had felt for the last hour -or two as though they were asleep. - -"Let me see him," he asked quickly, jerking off the thick moccasins -which I had donned a few weeks back. He looked at my feet a moment, -and then exclaimed, "By dam, him froze up!" - -I was considerably startled at this, and anxiously asked him if they -were badly frozen. - -"Yaw, but me fix em," he answered, and commenced immediately rubbing -until I begged him to desist. He paid no heed to my entreaties, but -continued this treatment until he had restored completely the -congealed circulation, and saved the useful members. - -The savages had but poor fortune in trapping this winter, and there -was considerable suffering. The Indians of the northwest rely solely -upon what they are able thus to take, for their food during the cold -season; and, as there is generally plenty of game, they fare well. But -now and then some unaccountable cause drives all the animals away, and -cases of actual starvation have occurred. Jim told me that three -winters before a case of cannibalism had occurred in their tribe, and -years before that, when a mere child, there came an appalling time. -Half the families were obliged to devour some of their members to -support life until spring, and, for over a week, an old, miserable -bison supported the whole tribe. Jim said he had more than once cooked -his moccasins and eaten them. - -The tribe was driven to no such extremity as this while I was with -them, and I saw no want myself. Jim was one of their best hunters and -he supplied his own lodge before that of others. Yet, there were -others who were not so fortunate, and who were often compelled to -endure the pangs of hunger for days at a time. When food was secured, -they gorged themselves nearly to bursting, and were the happiest of -mortals, until the wants of nature again made themselves felt. - -I could write far more of my experience with this tribe of Indians; -but I feel it would be hardly in place here, as there are other -characters in this narrative who must claim notice. My aim has been -only to dwell long enough upon particulars, for an understanding of -the events that follow. During my captivity, several things occurred -to make me suspect that the mysterious captive referred to was in this -village the whole time, and I was satisfied that the Indian Jim knew -more of Nat than he would impart to me. These imaginings filled me -with moody misgivings, and I made a resolve that as soon as spring -came I would make my escape; and if I could learn nothing of the two -beings whose fate was unknown to me, depart for the States. The life -I was leading was a wearisome, monotonous one, and in time would -become unbearable. Spring was but a month or two distant, and in its -approach I placed my fondest hopes; but it was doomed to open an -experience in my life of which I little dreamed. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE BUFFALO HUNT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. - - -During my captivity among the Indians, as stated in the last chapter, -there was considerable suffering on account of the scarcity of food. -The country to the north of Nebraska is the paradise of all species of -game in the summer months, but during the winter the large animals -proceed to the southward, and the deep snows prevent the capture of -the smaller ones, except by means of traps. Spring, therefore, was -looked forward to with eager expectation, as the harbinger of -enjoyment and the season of the chase. - -And it came at last. First, the sun grew hotter and blazed more -fiercely; the snow became damp and cloggy, and the dripping of water -could be heard through the day and night. Snow-shoe traveling was now -nearly impossible, as long as the thaw continued. Huge streams of -melted snow poured into the rivers all along the banks, and the ice -became weaker and weaker each moment, till, at last, with a terrific -crashing and thundering, the whole mass started, and, a week after, -the clear, blue running water only was seen. The thaw continued, until -at last all the snow had disappeared, and with feelings of -indescribable joy, we once more saw the face of the earth. Vegetation -now commenced with surprising growth, and, in an almost incredible -short space of time, bright, radiant, glorious spring held indisputed -reign. Indians were departing and arriving every day with loads of -fish, wild fowl, and game, and the village was a scene of unbridled -feasting for many a day. - -One forenoon, a savage, who had been absent a day or two, announced -that a herd of buffaloes were quietly browsing a few miles to the -southward. This produced violent commotion throughout the village, and -preparations were at once made for the grand hunt. Some twenty or -thirty splendid Indian ponies were mounted by as many warriors, and, -to my inexpressible delight, Jim informed me that I should accompany -them. A small, high-spirited animal was given me as my charger. He was -of a dark color, and his dappled haunches glistened in the sun like -polished ebony. - -About noon we sallied forth from the village, and struck a southward -direction, restraining our animals to a walk, in order to preserve -their wind for the severe test at hand. While riding along by the -side of Jim, the thought of escape--which had not been absent from me -for the last six months--came with double force. I was now mounted -upon a fleet, long-winded animal, who could hold his own with any -horse bestrode by the Indians, and what was to prevent my escape? In -the bewilderment and excitement of the chase, I might wander miles -away, and be gone many hours, without exciting suspicion. My captors, -I suppose, had no thoughts of my attempting a flight, as I had -permitted so many opportunities to pass, and I felt there would be no -suspicious eyes watching my motions. The prairie stretched hundreds of -miles to the southward, and it seemed my animal longed to bound away -upon it. At any rate, I felt the time had come, and resolved that I -should never return to the Indian village a captive. - -An hour or so after, we came in sight of the drove, cropping the new -grass of the prairie. So numerous were they, that, as we looked over -them, it was impossible to see their extent. Far away, until they -touched the horizon, the ocean of dark, swarming bodies could be seen. - -Our animals now partook of the excitement of their masters. Arching -their necks, they scented the prey afar, and it was nearly impossible -to restrain their impatience. They snorted, and plunged, champed -their bits, and shook their heads, and seemed determined to rush -forward despite all restraint. - -[Illustration: "Setting up a wild yell, the Indians scattered and -plunged after them."] - -We continued stealthily approaching in a body, preserving strict -silence, in order not to alarm the game. In this way, we came within a -hundred yards, when a bull raised his alarmed gaze at us, and, giving -a loud snort, heaved his huge body round, and plunged madly into the -herd. All took the alarm, and went thundering away, making the earth -tremble with their multitudinous tread. - -It was now wholly useless to undertake to check our animals longer, -and, setting up a wild yell, the Indians scattered and plunged after -them. The buffalo is not a runner, and, owing to the shortness of his -fore-legs, appears to roll in his gait. The Indians' horses soon bring -their riders alongside the bisons, and as soon as the shot is given, -they shy off to avoid the infuriated animal's horns. Before I was -prepared for it, my animal was abreast of a buffalo, and waiting for -my shot. Here I committed a blunder common to all beginners of the -hunt. I fired while holding the reins in my hands. The consequence -was, my bullet struck the animal somewhere about the head, got -entangled in his mane, where it would drop out in a day or two. My -horse immediately veered to one side, and allowed the buffalo to run -until I could reload. I now saw my beast knew more of the chase than I -did, and dropping the rein upon his neck, allowed him full freedom. - -Cautiously, but rapidly, he came alongside the plunging buffalo, and -taking more care, I sent a bullet through the fore part of his body. -It was his death-wound; and, seemingly conscious of his fate, and -determined on revenge, he wheeled instantly round, drove his fore-feet -into the ground, and dropped his head to rip up my charger. This -movement was so sudden, and we were so close upon him, that my horse -could neither check his speed nor turn to one side. But he avoided him -for all that. Dropping upon his haunches with a snort, he made a -terrific bound upward and went clean over the buffalo. The maddened -animal expected this, and plunged his horns upward at him, expecting -to still kill him. The instinct of the horse was too much, however; -he, too, feared such a fate, and leaped high enough to avoid him. As -he came to the earth again, he plunged swiftly away, the enraged -buffalo in full pursuit; but he easily kept clear from him, wheeling -and dodging, and still remaining nigh enough for me to give my shot. -My gun was unloaded, and before I could charge it, the buffalo had -fallen to the earth and was fast dying. - -I now looked about me. Buffaloes were flying in every direction, and -the forms of the savages could be seen darting to and fro among them, -dealing death and destruction at every turn. The main herd was pouring -simultaneously southward, while the scores which had been cut off, -were endeavoring to rejoin them, carrying us along with them. In -different parts of the prairie could be seen the dark, motionless -forms of the slain buffaloes, showing how successful the chase had -been thus far. - -The sky, which in the morning was fair and clear, was now becoming -overcast with heavy clouds, and two or three warning rumbles of -thunder were heard in the distance. Still, the savages were too -excited to notice the interruption, as long as a single buffalo -remained. I saw Jim plunge his horse unhesitatingly into a crowd of a -dozen or so, when, as he commenced dealing destruction, his horse -became entangled, and he was compelled to make a flying leap over the -backs of the animals around him. This he accomplished successfully, -leaping from one back to the other, until he was clear of them all. - -Suddenly, it occurred to me, while holding my fiery horse, that if I -meditated escape it was high time to be about it. Turning to the -southward, I could just descry the drove thundering away, a vast cloud -of dust circling above them. The rein was dropped upon the neck of my -horse, and, stretching out his head, he bounded away like the wind. He -was a noble animal, and was now in his element. He enjoyed the chase -as much as any of the savages; and, as mile after mile of prairie flew -beneath his feet, he was only warming into the excitement. As I looked -back, I could just discern the Indians, like specks in the distance, -still at their bloody work. - -We were now at no great distance from the herd, and my horse catching -sight of an old worried bull, somewhat in the rear, instantly made -toward him. He was too jaded to hasten his pace, and I could see his -fury was roused. I prepared to shoot him, as it would go to show my -pursuers, if I should have any, that the excitement of the chase had -alone carried me away. While yet some distance, he shied to one side, -and turned his head warningly toward us, but without halting. The -horse, however, finding that I still restrained my shot, continued to -bring me closer. At last, the bison struck into a swifter run, and -made desperate efforts to rejoin his companions. In an instant I was -beside him, and holding my gun to my shoulder, was just on the point -of firing, when he suddenly stood at bay, in precisely the same manner -as the other. My horse, instead of making a running leap this time, -stopped instantaneously, planting his feet firmly in the ground. I was -not prepared for this, and shot a dozen feet over his head, falling -upon my face within a foot of the buffalo. The shock was terrible, and -I was severely injured. I endeavored to rise, fearing that I should be -gored and trampled to death, but was unable, and heard the buffalo -scampering away. I placed my hand to my face, and found it covered -with blood, and a strange bewilderment was coming over me. I arose to -my knees, and gazed about me. The buffalo was plunging in the rear of -his drove, while my horse was galloping wildly around me, his mane and -bridle flying in the wind. I heard the bursting of thunder overhead, -and everything was growing dark and confused. I tried again to rise, -but failed. There was a thick darkness about me, a heavy hand pressing -me to the earth, and all become chaotic. - -When consciousness returned, all was blank darkness. The rain was -pouring down in torrents, and, stunned and bleeding, I lay on the -soaked, cold, spongy earth. Gradually, the remembrance of my -misfortune came over me. I must have been lying several hours upon the -prairie, exposed to the cold, dismal storm. My clothes were saturated -with the chilling rain, and my face and hands bedabbled with mud and -dirt. - -I struggled desperately to my feet, and endeavored to pierce the -Stygian gloom around; but it was useless; not the smallest point of -the faintest light could be seen in any direction. Up, down, on every -hand, the same solid walls of darkness enveloped me. I was many miles -from the Indian village, and had lost its direction. At that moment, I -would have given worlds to have been within Jim's lodge. Flight, in my -present condition, was not to be thought of, and I must soon receive -succor or I should perish. - -I listened. In the dismal sweep of the rain something like a footstep -was heard. I called out, but there was no reply. Again the splash of a -foot was heard, now from a different point. Soon I discovered some -animal was walking around me in a circle. Feeling round in the spongy -prairie, I found my rifle, but it was useless as a means of defense, -as the charge was thoroughly wetted. I clubbed it, and waited for the -attack. Still around and around the same step went. At first I fondly -hoped it might be Jim, or one of his companions, but its footfall -showed it to be a quadruped, and its approach was too cautious. -Suddenly it halted and walked directly toward me. I drew my rifle -back, ready to brain it the minute it was within my reach. A faint -neigh was heard--joy inexpressible! it was my faithful horse. As I -called to him, he approached, and lowered his head for me to take his -bridle. With a feeling of deep thankfulness and hope, I clambered into -the saddle, and he bounded away, his unerring instinct leading him -straight toward home. - -The rain continued to beat, cold and dismal, and I felt already -burning within me a hot, fiery fever, from the terrible suffering I -had undergone. I should soon be prostrated, and without some kindly -hand to nurse me, would inevitably perish. But the horse was certain; -and, after an hour or two, my heart leaped, as we entered the silent -Indian village. But one light was burning, and that was in the lodge -of Jim, showing that he expected my return. I rode instantly up to the -entrance and dismounted, while my noble horse made off to look out -for himself. Jim arose as he heard my approach, and, lifting his -torch, advanced to meet me. - -"You had long hunt--" - -He started back in horror at my appearance. Then, holding his light -over his head, and peering at me, he asked: - -"What de matter? Been in fight?" - -"No; I was thrown from my horse, and lay senseless upon the prairie -until a short time ago. I feel bad, Jim, and fear I am severely -injured," said I, starting to seat myself. - -"Wait minute; am hurt; let me fix 'em." - -He clapped his hands, and instantly the bundle of blankets at the side -of the lodge arose to an upright position, and his squaw walked forth. -My wounds were now dressed, my garments changed for dry ones, and with -a hot cup of drink, I was swathed in blankets, and placed by the fire. -Jim said it was not far from morning, and if at that time I was worse, -he would call in the Medicine Man. - -All night the fever burned and raged, and when morning came I was -partially delirious. Jim examined my pulse, shook his head doubtingly, -and departed from the lodge. In a short time he returned, and with him -came the Medicine Man, an Indian considerably advanced in years, and -much loved and honored by his tribe. He, too, looked grave, and held -a consultation in an undertone with Jim. From these signs, I knew I -was dangerously, probably fatally injured. - -And now came days of those strange, indescribable visions that come -over one in high fever. I was in all imaginable places, and saw -wonderful persons and scenes. Now and then, there were moments when -reason flitted to its throne. At such times I saw the Medicine Man or -Jim near me; and once, as I wonderingly opened my eyes, I saw the -mysterious captive bending over me. I looked straight into her dark, -liquid eyes, and reached forth and touched her garment, to satisfy -myself that it was no freak of mind. My fixed stare alarmed her, and -she looked inquiringly at the Medicine Man. He mumbled something, and -she departed. - -About a week after my accident, as I subsequently learned, I awoke -with my full reason. As I looked wonderingly about me, the first -object that encountered my eyes was the captive to whom I have -alluded. My fixed stare at her seemed to alarm her, and she arose to -pass out. - -"Wait," said I; "pray do not leave me." - -"But you should not talk," she replied, much agitated; "the Medicine -Man would not allow it; you will surely injure yourself." - -"You and the Medicine Man are both mistaken, if he thinks thus. I know -I have been sick and delirious, but my mind was never clearer than it -is this instant, and I know a few moments' conversation cannot injure -me. Let me beg you not to refuse me this, as I cannot tell whether the -opportunity will ever again be offered." - -The being before me was much embarrassed, and for a moment hesitated, -seemingly in doubt between duty and inclination. Seizing the -opportunity, I urged my wish with greater fervor than ever. Finally -she glanced furtively around, as though she expected to meet the -twinkling orbs of the Medicine Man, and then answered: - -"I cannot refuse your request, and yet it seems wrong that I should -thus disobey the injunctions that were given for your good. What is it -that you wish to ask me?" - -"Am I out of danger?" - -"Not yet. You have been crazy for a long time, and more than once the -Medicine Man has shaken his head in doubt when he looked upon you." - -"Have you not watched by me nearly all the time I have been thus?" I -gazed full in her face as I uttered this question, and she dropped her -eyes in confusion, as she replied: - -"I have assisted the Medicine Man several times as he wished me to, -and I have done no more to you than I would to any one in similar -circumstances." - -"No, sweet being, I know you haven't," I exclaimed, in admiration; -"your heart is open to any one. Who you are I know not, but I can see -your race is similar to my own, and judge you to be a willing prisoner -among these Indians. Your image has long been before me, and I can -never forget your fair, angelic face. What first was merely _interest_ -upon my part, has grown into a stronger passion for you, though I -fear--" - -I paused as she suddenly arose to her feet, and raised her hand in a -warning manner. Before I could ask the meaning of this, a shuffling -step was heard, and the next minute the Medicine Man made his -appearance. He gesticulated angrily toward her, and she passed quietly -out of the lodge. I followed her with my eyes, and as she reached the -passage way, she turned toward me with a look that told more than -words. - -The Medicine Man evidently suspected what I had been doing; for I -could see he was excited, and mumbled continually to himself. He -forced a bitter, scalding drink into my mouth, which was soothing in -its effects, and in a short time I slept. - -Now comes a long blank in my memory. After this incident, black night -shut around my mind. There is a faint recollection of again seeing -Jim and the Medicine Man bending over me, and the sweet pale face of -the fair captive, and then again came utter oblivion. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -AN AWFUL AWAKENING. - - -I have now reached a point in my life over which I would fain pass in -silence. It is an experience so strange, so like some horrid vision of -sleep, so different from what usually falls to the lot of man, that, -at this remote day, I cannot look upon it without a recoiling shudder -of horror. I have sometimes persuaded myself that it was unreal; but -no, it is true, and time can never clothe the memory of it in a -different dress than that of unearthly terror. Bleak and bare it -stands alone, in my checkered lot, and the silver that now glistens -prematurely in my hair, came upon that night. - -I remember falling into a deep sleep, in which the last form that -passed before my eyes was that of the dark Medicine Man; there was a -confused murmur of voices, and then all became blank and dark. -Gradually the darkness was swept by the glittering folds of a dream--a -dream which had little form or theme, but the minutest particulars of -which I remember to this day. There were airy, waving figures gliding -silently about me without voice, but with every variety of motion. -They passed and repassed before my face, frequently pausing and -extending their arms over my body, and sometimes standing and intently -scanning my countenance. This continued a long time, not a word spoken -either by myself or the forms, when suddenly the whole changed. The -waving figures darted with the rapidity of lightning among each other, -and the quiet radiance became instantly as black as night. In this, I -could distinguish the rushing forms growing fainter and fainter, -until, at last, all was blackness again. - -Then came a feeling as though the thick darkness in one volume were -gradually crushing me beneath it, and then a strange feeling of being -cramped and held forcibly still. Then came a long, deep, indrawn -breath, and I awoke. - -All was confused and inexplicable. Open my eyes as wide as I might, I -could not pierce the Stygian gloom. I tried to move, but could -not--could not stir a limb, and only the fingers of my hand. The air -was steamy and hot, and I was surrounded by something which chained -every part. I strove to collect my thoughts. I remembered the -consultation in the hut, the coming unconsciousness, and--my present -awakening. My first impression, after this, was that the house had -fallen over me. I clenched my hands--_they closed upon earth_! I -reached forward and licked the darkness. _I tasted earth!_--and then -came the sudden, overwhelming knowledge-- - -I WAS BURIED ALIVE!! - -No pen can draw the faintest picture, no soul conceive the unutterable -horror, unless that soul has gone through the same awful experience -that filled my soul at that discovery. Such a whirlwind of fire as -seethed through my bursting brain, such a perfect blaze of all the -passions that can rack the human mind, I cannot portray with this -feeble pen. For a moment I was frantic, and then suddenly a dreadful -and frightful calmness soothed my frame. - -Ay, I was buried alive! The savages had mistaken my trance-like stupor -for death itself, and I had been hurried prematurely into the grave. - -Oh, the appalling discovery! To die while in the grave! The thought -was too horrible! I was not yet ready to give way to utter despair. I -durst not pause a second for thought, for I knew it would surely come. -I twisted and struggled with the strength of fury. I could turn my -body around, and use my arms. There was an open space before my face, -as I had been buried in the sitting position. Had I lain back I could -not have survived five minutes; as it was, my limbs were immovably -secured, and it _was absolutely impossible for me to free myself_. - -It was a long time, for such an experience, before I admitted this, -but I was compelled to at last. Death by suffocation was rapidly -approaching, and all that was left for me was to prepare for it. The -small breath of air around me had already been breathed over and over -again, and was become hot, steamy, and sickening. I was gasping and -panting, but strove to collect my thoughts and keep them from -wandering. I commenced praying. - -Suddenly a muffled sound reached my ear, as though something had -fallen to the earth above. I listened--it was repeated directly over -me, now rapidly and regularly. What could it mean? Was it the sign of -dissolution, or was it real? I listened, and heard it plainer and -plainer above the mild throbs of my heart. _It was real!_ Something or -somebody was digging at the grave above! - -Could I now hold out till I was reached? The air had already become -_thick and palpable_, and strange fires were flitting before my eyes. -I held my breath till the distended blood-vessels seemed bursting, and -then as I respired, the earth turned to soft _mud_ around me; and -then the long-labored inspiration was like drawing in some loathsome -reptile. - -But _what_ was above? It could not be a person, as I had been buried -by them. It must be some famished animal hastening to devour me. Yet -this would be a relief, to gain one more draught of the sweet, cool -air of heaven before death. - -Now I heard the murmur of _voices_! I shouted--there was a pause and -stillness; then the efforts were renewed with greater vigor. I shouted -again. I could feel the jarring tremble of the loose earth above. Some -one was endeavoring to rescue me from my awful fate, thank God! - -A moment after, and the cool air brushed my face; a strong hand seized -my arm, and--Oh, joy inexpressible! I was on the earth again. - -For a moment I was bewildered and dizzy, and my pulse fluttered -wildly, for I had been very, very nigh death. I was recalled to full -consciousness by the familiar voice of Jim. - -"Got in a tight fix, Bill. Ole Jim jus' in time." - -I took the savage's hand without a word, and, sinking upon my knees, -sent up a deep, heartfelt prayer to the Merciful Being who had thus -snatched me from the most appalling death. There was a bright moon -shining, and, as I turned, I saw the dark Indian's eyes fixed -wonderingly upon me. - -"Jim," said I, solemnly, "may the God who has put it into your heart, -reward you for this act. I _never, never_ can." - -"Jim didn't do it," he quickly interrupted. "_She_ did!" and, -disengaging his grasp, he darted out of sight I turned and looked -behind me. There, standing motionless as a statue, her slight form -wrapped in a thick mantle, her sweet, white face appearing like a -spirit's, stood the fair, mysterious captive.[3] - - [3] In the northwestern part of Oregon is a tribe of Indians - called Chenooks, who bury their sick, as soon as the Medicine - Man pronounces them beyond recovery. This horrid practice is not - confined to them alone, for other tribes in the northwest have - been known to inflict it upon their captives. - -For a moment, I was disposed to believe it was a spirit before me, so -still and motionless she remained. Suddenly she turned to depart. - -"Hold!" exclaimed I, springing forward and seizing her arm; "hold one -moment, till I thank thee." - -"Thank the Great One above," she replied, in a low, sweet voice. "He -it is who has preserved your life." - -As she uttered these words, she turned her dark eyes upward, and the -moonlight streaming down upon her face, threw a vail like the halo of -glory around it. Then looking me calmly in the face, she added: - -"You have escaped an awful death, it is true; and you are not the only -one who has thus risen from the grave. When delirious, you spoke of -home and of friends there, and I know your presence is prayed for. The -chance of reaching them is now placed within your reach. A horse is -saddled and bridled, and awaiting you, but a short distance away. Jim -will furnish you with a rifle. You know the direction to take, and let -me urge you to flee." - -Again she turned to go, but I restrained her. - -"You are a white person, and do you wish to live and die with these -savages?" - -The tears glistened on her face as she replied, "I have not a friend -in the civilized world. My parents were murdered by the Indians, and -myself and sister carried away in captivity. We were separated; I was -taken eastward, and she westward beyond the Rocky Mountains. She -cannot be living, for she was a delicate child, younger than me, and -incapable of bearing one-half the suffering that must have been -imposed upon her. Should I ever see the land I left when a child, I -should be a stranger among strangers. There are those here who love -me, and I will remain behind and die among them." - -"Flee with me," I impetuously urged. "You will not be a stranger. -Hundreds will love you, and you can die with your own kindred. Jim, -who is faithful to you, will furnish us both with a fleet horse, and -we can elude all pursuit. I--" - -I paused, for her agitation had become painful. She was sinking to the -earth, when I caught her, and, leading her a short distance, seated -myself beside her upon a fallen tree. Then I gently pulled her head -over on my bosom, and looked down upon her features. Her gaudy -head-dress was removed, and her white face lay among the mass of jetty -hair like a jewel set in darkness. The dark, sweeping lashes, the -faint roseate glow of each cheek, the delicate nose and lips, as the -moonlight rested on them, were indescribably beautiful. There was, -too, an utter abandonment about her,--a tumultuous throbbing, that -showed what a powerful emotion was agitating her. - -What was that emotion? Was it a response to my own great passion? What -else could it be? Encouraged by the certainty that the latter was the -case, I urged my suit with redoubled ardor. I pictured the happiness -that would be hers in a civilized country, and the utter misery that -must follow her life among the savages. She informed me that she was a -captive, not of the tribe near at hand, but of one further north, -which had held her ever since the massacre of her parents; and that -she had been told, in case she attempted to leave them, instant death -would be the result. I saw she wished--she _longed_ to flee, and the -objections she offered were only suggested by her fears. - -"Hist!" she whispered, "there is some one." - -I turned on the defensive. In an instant Jim stood beside me. - -"How soon goin'?" he asked, anxiously, turning toward me. - -"Shortly; why do you ask?" - -"Day clus comin', and if you cotched, no use!" he replied, meaningly. - -"I was not aware, Jim, that I had enemies among you." - -"You hain't; but--" - -The rest of the sentence was gesticulated, first pointing to me and -the fair one beside me. - -"Do you not understand?" asked the latter. "There are several in the -tribe who look upon me with envious eyes, and were they conscious that -you knew of my existence, you would not be spared a moment. This is -what Jim means, and his words must be heeded." - -"Must I travel afoot and alone?" I asked of the Indian. - -"There's the hoss what tossed you over the buffler there," he -answered, pointing to a clump of trees, "and I've brought you them -other things," he added, handing me my knife, powder-horn, and rifle, -"and I'll show you through the woods to the peararie." - -"Thank you; but I shall not need you, as I know the way well enough." - -"How soon you goin' to start?" he asked, turning to depart. - -"In less than an hour I shall bid you farewell." - -"Jim," interposed the fair captive, "bring my horse to the same spot. -I think I shall also leave for home to-night. If inquiry is made, you -can tell them this, and add that I shall probably be with them in a -few days again. As I know the wilderness well, I will guide our friend -here through it." - -The savage looked cautiously at us both. If he was shrewd enough to -suspect the truth, he was polite enough not to show it. He replied -that her wish should be gratified, and he disappeared as noiselessly -as he came. It was now getting far in the night. The moon rode high in -the heavens, and shed a full, perfect light down upon us. - -"So you are going," said I, looking at her. - -"I am going to attempt it," she answered, firmly. - -"And through no action of mine shall you ever regret this step," I -added, warmly. - -"Oh! I hope he will soon return, for I _wish_ to go," she said, as -with a shiver of apprehension she looked hurriedly about in the dark -shadows of the forest. - -"As yet, we know not each other's names," said I, pleasantly. - -"True," she answered, with a faint smile. "Mine is Imogene Merment." - -"And mine is William Relmond; but where can Jim be?" - -"Ah! there he is now," she answered, with a deep flush; and the next -minute the savage stood beside us. - -"The animals are there; and I'm thinking you'd better be off. Soon as -you git away, I'll cover up the hole, so thee won't think him has -crawled out; but I'm much afeared there am some peeking about here." - -"We will go at once," said Imogene, gathering up her dress. - -I turned to give a last word to Jim, but he had vanished. - -"Let us hurry," said she, "for I have a dread that we are watched, and -will not get away after all. I pray God that nothing may prevent us, -now that we are started." - -She almost ran, and in a minute we reached the grove referred to. Here -we found two horses saddled and bridled, and ready for a journey. -Without losing a moment, we mounted and struck to the northward. - -"Why this direction, Imogene?" I asked. - -"To avoid pursuit," she answered. "At daylight we will change it, and -proceed to the south-east." - -The open prairie was some miles distant, and as long as we were in the -deep shadows of the wood, the greatest danger was to be apprehended. -It was more than probable that the extended absence of Jim and -Imogene, at the same time, had aroused the suspicions of more than -one savage. As all must have known that I was buried while still -living, and that she had battled their determination as long as there -was hope, when the morning came and showed her abrupt departure, they -could not help suspecting the true cause. - -[Illustration: "Without losing a moment, we mounted and struck to the -northward."] - -The air was cool and exhilarating, and, as my fiery animal pranced -beside that of Imogene, I could not restrain the wild, ardent hopes -that thrilled my being. I was homeward bound with the fairest prize of -the universe to me. What else could be needed? Ah! there was the fate -of Nat, my companion, still shrouded in obscurity. I determined to -question her at once in regard to him. - -"Imogene, although this is hardly the proper moment, I cannot help -questioning you about the fate of a friend of mine." - -"I know to whom you refer," she answered, quickly. "I have heard him -speak of you, but he does not know of your existence. He is a captive -like yourself, save that he seems perfectly contented with his fate." - -"Thank heaven! it seems indeed that a wonderful Providence is watching -over all of us." - -"I believe he can effect his escape, but it must be through your -instrumentality, for I will not dare to show myself under the -circumstances." - -"Good, clever Nat, I will do anything for him," I exclaimed, warmly. -"He is a whole-souled fellow, for all he is so odd. Only to think, he -has been so nigh me all this time! Of course, it is my place to assist -him, as far as lies in my power." - -"I have had several conversations with him, in all of which he spoke -of you. He appeared to love you, and regretted greatly that you were -so reckless. He said he had long striven to teach you how to hunt with -caution, but never succeeded. He also referred to a trapper named Bill -Biddon, the one who did his best to save our family when they fell -victims to the savages, and who I would give all the world to see. He -said he succeeded, after several years, in making quite a hunter of -him." - -"Oh! the rascal," I laughed, "just like him." - -When day dawned we continued our journey for several hours. I learned -in the course of our conversation that Imogene Merment wandered -continually among the tribes for many miles around, and, as I learned -in after years, her existence was known to points as far opposite as -Fort Churchill and Fort Hall.[4] - - [4] The Crow Indians are a numerous tribe, subdivided into the - Blackfeet-Sioux, Dacotah, Ouk-pa-pas, Two Kettle, and Minnie, - besides several others. Each has its separate village and chief, - but all are on friendly relations with each other. - -At noon I shot a ptarmigan, which was cooked and upon which we made a -hearty dinner. Imogene ascended a small eminence to ascertain whether -any signs of pursuit were visible. None were discovered, but we -hurried forward until nightfall, when we drew up for the night. We -started a fire, and at my urgent request, Imogene lay down beside it, -while I kept watch. Our horses were picketed at scarcely a rod -distant, and yet in the night they became so terrified at the approach -of some animal, that they broke loose and fled, and we never saw them -again. - -This was a great loss to us, but in the morning we continued our -journey on foot, and at noon ascended a high mountain, which was a -spur of the Black Hills, lying between the Yellowstone and Missouri. -The day was a clear, beautiful one, and the fairest peaks of the -mountains, looming up against the blue, far-off horizon, formed a fine -background to the glorious landscape spread out before us. Never shall -I forget the magnificent scene which was opened to our vision. To the -north, the mighty wilderness stretched in one unbroken tract as far as -the eye could reach, while to the southward the glistening waters of -the vast rivers could be seen, winding and losing their tortuous -channels in the forest again. Numerous patches of prairie were -visible to the west, and small, dark specks moving over their face, -showed us that animal life was not wanting in this favored country. -South of us, nestling in a deep valley, could be seen the tiny -beehive-like lodges of the tribe we had left, seemingly covering -scarcely a square rod of ground. - -"Yonder," said Imogene, pointing to the northward, "is the tribe which -holds your friend. The village is two days' journey, but the course is -direct, and you cannot fail to find it. If you wish to search for him, -I will remain here until you return. I should wish to approach no -nearer, as it would increase the danger to both of us. Your friend has -hunted with the tribe in this mountain, and should you be at a loss to -find me again, ask him to guide you to the 'Death Rock,' and you will -reach me by the most direct course." - -I hesitated long before leaving Imogene, but my duty to Nat, and the -hopeful view she took of it, finally decided me. She was confident I -should find him and be back in a few days, and urged me to delay no -longer. We repaired to the "Death Rock," where we separated. Imogene -was familiar with its peculiarities, and assured me that in its -recesses she could find security from any animal foe.[5] Before -leaving her, I saw that she was provided with food sufficient to last -a week at least, and as she was furnished with a rifle and ammunition, -her situation was certainly as good as my own. - - [5] Death Rock is composed principally of a vast cave, in which - it is said a whole tribe of Indians once perished; choosing - death by starvation rather than to fall into the hands of their - enemies. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE BRIGADE AND AN OLD FRIEND. - - -After bidding Imogene good-by, I started on a rapid pace to the -northward. At night I kindled a fire by which I slept in safety, and -at an early hour resumed my journey. The character of the country -continued much the same--broad belts of prairie relieved by groves of -trees and streams of considerable magnitude. Birds of all kinds -whirred through the air and sang within the wood, and the dark forms -of wild animals were more than once seen gamboling in the distance. - -At noon I reached the banks of a river, so large that I was pretty -certain it was the Yellowstone, and hence was able to judge pretty -correctly of my locality. The river was very broad, and it was quite a -serious undertaking to cross it; but, nevertheless, it had to be done, -and I commenced making my preparations. - -As I was stepping in, a sound of voices struck me. I paused and -listened, and soon could hear the loud, regular swelling song -gradually approaching nearer and nearer, and at stated intervals the -powerful chorus. There was something in the sound of this song, at -such a time, that was indescribably stirring and inspiriting; and, as -it came nigher and nigher, and grew louder, its power increased. -Hardly satisfied of the nature of the approaching body, I withdrew a -short distance, and waited its appearance. Soon a large canoe, nearly -full of men, came to view around a bend some hundred yards distant, -and it was instantly followed by another and another, all keeping time -to the words of the song: - - We are going with the tide, - Yoho! yoho! - Free as the mountain-winds we glide, - Yoho! yoho! - Oh! ours is a merry life, - Yoho! yoho! - And full of danger, toil, and strife, - Yoho! yoho! - Then join your voices - In the glad refrain, - And let the mountains - Echo back the strain. - -As over a score of majestic voices joined in the deep swelling chorus, -the echoes were awakened for miles around. I watched them in wonder -and admiration. Soon, to my surprise, they made toward the shore -where I stood. As it was noon, they were probably putting in for their -dinner. In a moment the boats were hauled up on the bank, and as rough -and hardy a set of fellows as ever met, sprang upon the shore. A half -dozen scattered along the bank, and in a moment returned bearing -armfuls of sticks and fuel. A huge fire was soon blazing and roaring, -an enormous quantity of meat steaming and spitting, and the men, -excepting the cook, were lolling about on the grass, each one smoking -and chatting, and making a scene of pleasant confusion and enjoyment. - -I now stepped forth from my concealment. Several turned their faces -toward me as I passed them, but no unusual amount of astonishment was -manifested. I made my way to a group of three, and seated myself -beside them. - -"Whar'd you come from?" asked a short, gruff-looking man. - -"No place in particular, at present," I replied, pleasantly. - -"One of them Nor'west chaps, I s'pose?" - -"No, sir; I am no trapper at all, but a mere adventurer in these -parts." - -"Pooty story to tell them as will believe it," he retorted, angrily. - -"I am sure it is immaterial with me whether you believe it or not. -If I were a member of the Northwest Fur Company, I should not be -ashamed or afraid to own it, as I believe that is as respectable and -honorable as the one in whose service you are." - -[Illustration: "A fight! a fight! make a ring for them."] - -"Boys! do you hear that?" called out a fellow beside me. "Yer's one of -them sneaking chaps--a Nor'wester, and he's insulted us--" - -"Beg your pardon, sir," I interrupted; "I did no such thing." - -"Do you hear that, I say?" he called out, without regarding my words. -"Here's a sneaking Nor'wester cracking up his party afore us." - -I was so provoked that I made no reply or noticed him. His words -attracted their attention, and, anxious to see the trouble, they -gathered round. - -"What's up?" demanded a stumpy fellow, pushing his head in between the -others. - -"A fight! a fight!" - -"Make a ring for 'em." - -"Blow me, if he don't look like one o' them Nor'westers as sent -Governor Semple out the world.[6] Go in, Tom!" - - [6] In an affray between two parties, belonging respectively to - the Hudson Bay and Northwest Fur Companies, the leader of the - former, Mr. Semple, was shot by a member of the latter. This - happened some years before the date of our story, but for a long - time there was ill-feeling and frequent encounters between the - members of the companies. - -"I'll maul him as soon as I get in fightin' order," said Tom--he of my -first acquaintance. - -Matters were now getting serious. A collision between the redoubtable -Tom and myself seemed unavoidable. His impudent bravado and insults -had roused me somewhat, and I made up my mind that I should withdraw -nothing I had uttered, and bear none of his insolence. - -"What's the row?" demanded another; "I don't understand it." - -"Why, here's a sneakin' Nor'wester," answered Tom, "blowin' 'bout -things, and I've made up my mind I won't stand it;" and he continued -his war-like preparations. - -"That's right, Tom, go in and win," added several voices. - -"Gentlemen," said I, "all I ask is that you shall understand this -matter and show fair play--" - -"We'll do that, you!" interrupted several. - -"In the first place," I continued, "I have said nothing against the -company in whose service you are. This man, whom you call Tom, accused -me of being a member of a rival company; I replied I was not, although -I should not be ashamed if such were the case, as I considered the -latter as respectable as yours. He avers, however, I have insulted -you, and seems determined to avenge it, and I am perfectly willing to -gratify him. As I told him, I am not in the service of any company, -but am a mere adventurer in these parts. With this explanation I am -now ready for any proceeding he may wish." - -"Smash me to nuthin', ram me down and shoot me, if thar ain't Jarsey, -or I'm a sinner!" exclaimed a familiar voice, and the same instant -Bill Biddon stepped into the ring before me. "Give us your paw, -Jarsey." - -He grasped my hand and gave a vigorous gripe, while his scarred -countenance was dissolved in one great broad smile. It is needless to -say I was delighted beyond measure at this unexpected meeting. - -"Why, Bill, I little thought to meet you here." - -"And yer's as what thinks Bill didn't think so himself." - -During this passage of words between us, the others stood wondering -and perplexed. The honest old trapper turned, and seeing Tom standing -with his fists still clinched, shouted: - -"Ef you say another word to that gentleman thar, as is worth forty -like you, there'll be only a grease-spot left of you. Do you hear, -eh?" and he shook his ponderous fist beneath his nose. - -The fellow did hear, and with a muttering, "It's cu'rous, I allow," -donned his coat with the most perfect meekness. - -"Now," said Biddon facing the rest, "if thar are any 'bout yer as -wants to take up this fout, why jist step forward and get lammed." - -"Is he a Nor'wester?" asked one, breaking the perfect silence. - -"What you want to know fur?" - -"'Cause if he is, he can't pass this crowd without swallerin' them -words." - -"What words?" demanded Biddon, fiercely. - -"What Tom said he said." - -"Have I not explained--" I commenced. - -"Now jist hold on, Jarsey," interrupted the trapper, turning toward me -with a backward wave of his hand. "Now, hold on, you, fur ef you take -back anything you've said, shoot me, ef _I_ don't lick you. Ogh!" Then -turning to the others he continued, "He ain't goin' to take back -nothin' he's said yerabouts; and ef Tom Wilson thar don't swaller what -_he_ said, yer's as will make him do it." - -"I mought've be mistaken," said the now thoroughly-frightened Tom. - -"That won't do." - -"Wal, he didn't say so," he jerked out. - -"That'll answer. S'posen I say he is a Nor'-wester, how 'bout that?" -demanded Biddon, glaring about on the rest. - -There was no response. All was still as death. - -"Wal, boys," added Bill, returning to his good nature, "he _ain't_ a -trapper; never took a skin in his born days; is a parfect gentleman, -and I'll make you 'quainted with Bill Relmond, from the States, or, as -I call him, Jarsey, as fine a chap as ever tramped these parts." - -The scene that followed was singular and amusing. All crowded around -me, smiling and talking and shaking hands; and the first hand I -grasped was Tom Wilson's. - -"Hope you won't mind what I said;" he spoke in a lower tone, "I orter -been lammed for it, sure." - -"Don't refer to it," I laughed; "I suppose you were only anxious for a -little amusement to pass away time." - -"That's it 'zactly, Jarsey, you're a trump." - -"It's my private opine," called out Biddon, "that this coon is goin' -inter these eatables, and ef you wants a bite, Jarsey, you'd better -jine." - -All now crowded around the meal-pot, and commenced devouring its -contents with the avidity of wild animals. It consisted mainly of -pemmican (dried buffalo flesh), a food much in vogue in the northwest, -with several biscuits and some scalding tea. The meal finished, the -men instantly produced their pipes, which they indulged in for ten or -fifteen minutes. The boats were then shoved into the water, the -cooking-utensils placed on board, and preparations made for starting. - -"Whar you bound to?" asked Biddon, just as they were ready. - -"The Blackfeet-Sioux," I answered, unable to repress a smile. - -"The Blackfeet-Sioux?" he repeated. - -"Yes; do you know their grounds?" - -"I's 'bout twenty miles down-stream--that is the village. We cac'late -to camp thereabouts to-night. What, in the name of beavers, do you -want with them?" - -"I'll explain matters when we have a better opportunity," I answered. - -"Jump in with me then, an' I'll git Tom Wilson to rest a while, and -we'll talk over matters and things." - -I sprang into the boat, and the brigade was soon under way. The -Yellowstone, being broad and deep and the current quite powerful, the -work was comparatively light. The song was again taken up by the -_voyageurs_, all joining in the chorus and keeping time with the -measured dip of their paddles. I seated myself in the stern, beside -the steersman, who I found to be a clerk in the Hudson Bay Company, -and a gentleman. - -"How long will you remain with us, Mr. Relmond?" he asked. - -"Only until night." - -"I was in hopes you would accompany us to the settlement." - -"I should be glad to do so, but circumstances forbid." - -"It was quite fortunate," he smiled, "that you and Biddon were -acquainted. He is a noble fellow." - -"Most assuredly he is. I accompanied him, as a seeker of adventures, -last summer from Independence, and we separated in the autumn, while -in the wilderness. I was considerably surprised to find him in your -service." - -"He had a misunderstanding with his employers, I believe. He had a -dispute with one of their agents, and gave him a severe pounding. He -was reproved rather sharply for this and left the company in disgust. -This was during the winter. Shortly after he visited Red River -settlement, and volunteered his services, and they were gladly -accepted, as his skill was known to many." - -"He has been then but a short time with you." - -"Only a few weeks--but long enough to let us know the value of his -services. This brigade is all owing to him." - -"How so?" - -"You are aware we are now in the United States territory. It is not -often that we extend our work into it, except in Oregon, which has -lately fallen into the hands of the Americans. Biddon had engaged a -large quantity of furs of the Indians in the neighborhood, intending -them for one of their fur companies, but after his dispute he offered -them to us, and this brigade was dispatched for the purpose of -collecting them. He will find there is quite a pile of money due him -at York fort when he arrives there." - -Further time was spent in conversation with the clerks when I noticed -a person had taken Biddon's place at the oars. The trapper motioned me -beside him, and seating ourselves in the opposite end of the boat he -said: - -"Now we'll have a talk, Jarsey, ogh!" - -"The first thing to be knowed," said Biddon, "is how in the name of -human natur you come in these parts. How war it, Jarsey?" - -"You must remember, Biddon, I've been a prisoner for the last six -months." - -"Did you ever hear nothin' of Greeny?" - -"Yes; a rumor reached me that he was living with a tribe of Indians to -the east of us." - -"Altogether onpossible," answered the trapper, with a shake of his -head. - -"Why is it impossible?" - -"He's had his ha'r raised sure, and never seed the next day arter we -seed the last on him." - -"I am more hopeful than you are. Recollect _I_ have been a captive and -am now here without bodily harm." - -"It's qua'r, I allow, how you come out, as you did. The reds down in -them parts are ramparageous, and if it hadn't been for that Jim, you -spoke about, and that gal, you'd a gone under sure. I's tuck once by -them same chaps one time. Me an' Snapper Jack was sat on one dark -night in an awful snowstorm by a hundred on 'em. They blazed right -into us, and Jack rolled over with a pound of lead in him and never -said a word. I's purty well riddled in my lower story, but I tuk -through and got off with my ha'r, while Jack never knowed who tuk his. -They cac'lated on toastin' you up brown, and would ef it want fur that -gal, as I's sayin' while he's had it all." - -"I cannot yet see, Biddon, why there is not a probability of Nat's -being alive. The Indians in these parts are on friendly intercourse -with the traders, and it is in this region, if anywhere, that he will -be found." - -"I don't b'lieve he's about. They got him down thar, and he got it -down thar, _sure_." - -These words of the trapper dampened my expectations greatly. Much of -the joy of my hope was that I expected to again grasp the hand of my -old friend, and the thought that he had long been dead made me sad and -gloomy. However, I was not ready to give up all hope, and determined -that I should be satisfied of his fate before I returned to the -States. - -The brigade proceeded regularly and rapidly down the Yellowstone, -until the sun sinking in the west, warned them that night was at hand. -The steersman informed me they should not be able to reach the Indian -village that night, but would early the next day. Just as the shadows -were blending with the darkness on the river banks, the brigade ran -into shore for the night's encampment. There was a dense forest on -either side of us, which rendered our situation dark and gloomy; but -this was soon dispelled by the jolly _voyageurs_. Fuel was collected, -and a great roaring fire crackled and blazed cheerily around us; and -the men passing to and fro, chatting and joking, the confusion of -preparations for supper, made a scene well calculated to dispel all -gloomy reveries. The three boats were hauled up on the banks, turned -over, and their contents scattered among the owners, and all gathered -around the hearty evening meal. These hardy fellows after the -laborious day's work, their appetites sharpened, and healthy truly, - - "Ate like horses, when you hear them eat." - -The meal finished, the indispensable pipes were in requisition. Three -or four huge fires were kindled, around which the men lazily stretched -themselves, to while away the hour that must elapse ere they "turned -in" for the night. The brigade included men in it, who had trapped and -hunted the shores of the Frozen Sea to the plains of the Kansas, and -from Labrador to the mouth of the Columbia, beyond the Rocky -Mountains. They had encountered every imaginable foe: the intense cold -and the polar bear of the far North, and the innumerable hordes of -savages of the more temperate regions; and now they recounted their -thrilling reminiscences to each other, and speculated upon the fate -still in store for them. The hour passed rapidly, and ere I was aware, -the _voyageurs_ were gathering their blankets around them for the -night's rest. - -"Come, bundle up, Jarsey," said Biddon, "for thar'll be no time to -snooze in the daylight." - -The men were stretched at every point around the fire, their feet -being toward it, their heads radiating outward, so that the three -groups resembled the same number of immense wheels. As most of the -places were occupied, I lay a little beyond the circle, within a foot -or two of Biddon. The fires now smoldered, and the heavy darkness -again settled over wood and river. Nothing disturbed the deep silence -save the faint flow of the Yellowstone, or the dull noise of an ember -as it broke apart, and now and then the distant wail of some wild -animal. But a short time elapsed ere I joined the rest in the land of -dreams. - -The night passed away without any event worthy of note; and the first -apprisal I had of the approach of day, was by hearing loud cries of -"Leve! leve! leve!"[7] uttered by numerous voices. - - [7] Arouse, or get up. - -Starting up, I saw the _voyageurs_ were all astir, and making ready to -embark. The boats were launched, and being too early for breakfast, -the men sprang in and seized the oars. - -"When we halt for breakfast," said the steersman, "it will be at the -Indian village, which I understand is your destination." - -With the same inspiring song of yesterday, the men bent to their oars, -and the boats shot rapidly through the foaming water. In the course of -an hour or more, the brigade put in for breakfast, and the same -bustling scene that had taken place the night before was re-enacted. - -The place chosen was a broad, open plot of grass, reaching down to the -water's edge, and extending some hundred feet back, when the edge of -the forest was reached. No signs of Indians were seen, and I was -somewhat puzzled to know how it was known they were in the vicinity. -The clerk mentioned before, explained to me that Biddon had described -the halting spot, and the distance so accurately, that there could be -no mistake, and the savages would soon make their appearance. - -We had scarcely spoken, when a movement was heard in the forest, and -several Indians made their appearance. They seemed to understand the -meaning of the brigade; for, directly behind them came numbers of -others bearing loads of peltries--the furs of beavers, foxes, badgers, -lynxes, martens, otters, and wolverines. A barter at once commenced, -and in less than half an hour the whole array was deposited in the -boats, and the Indians were proudly parading in the gaudy trinkets and -dresses which had just fallen to their lot. - -"Where is their village?" I asked of Biddon. - -"A mile or so back in the woods; you can't miss it." - -"I can remain here without danger, can I not?" - -"Yas, I guess so--hold on, I'll fix it for you." - -With this he strode rapidly toward a man who appeared to be the chief, -and commenced a conversation. He understood the Sioux tongue well -enough to hold quite an intelligible conversation. The talk lasted but -a moment, when he returned. - -"You needn't be skeerish," said he; "I've made it all right. I told -that old chap you wanted to take a look at the country hereabouts, to -skeer up some furs fur us agin. He was a little s'pishus at fust, -shoot me ef he warn't! and he axed ef you wanted to run off with that -gal o' theirs, 'cause ef you war, you'd better leave yer ha'r behind -you. There's been two or three round these parts after her, and he -won't stand it no longer. You've got to be mighty shy, Jarsey, I kin -tell yer; but I hope you'll git her fur all that, ogh!" - -"I am grateful to you for this kindness, Biddon----" - -"Never mind 'bout that; come to the pint ef you've got anything to -say." - -"I had nothing except to express my thanks, which you seem averse to -receiving." - -"It does go again my stummick, I allow, Jarsey; when you come the -squaw over me, I can't stand it. Yer's as likes to talk fair and -squar, and leave the rest. Shoot me ef I doesn't! Wal I does, ogh!" - -"I suppose the time has come for us to separate, then, Biddon?" - -"Leastways it's close at hand. Think you'd better go up to Selkirk -settlement with us; don't s'pose you will; think you're a fool, shoot -me ef I don't, ogh!" - -"It seems our separation is to be something like it was before," I -laughed. "I believe you had a small opinion of my abilities at that -time." - -"Wal, yer's as hopes you'll come out right side up this time. In -course I'll have a glimpse of that ugly face of your'n agin. In -course." - -"I don't know about that. As you have gone into the service of the -Hudson Bay Company, your sphere of action will be far removed from -mine, and it will be an occurrence which I cannot imagine at this time -that will bring us together." - -"That ain't so sartin," said the trapper, in a low, confidential tone. -"I rather opine I'll be down in Westport or Independence this fall, -and ef these fellows cac'lates on keepin' me around, they've got to -step round 'emselves. Shoot me if they hain't, ogh!" - -"I hope you will not spend your life in the dreary region north of -this, for it will indeed be a dreary, lonely life for you." - -"Wal, you see, Jarsey," he continued, with a shade of feeling, "it -don't make much difference whar I traps. Yer's as s'pects to go under -somewhar in the mountains, and leave my topknot fur the buzzards and -reds, and it mought as well be in one part as t'other of this -country." - -"Fudge, Biddon, don't talk that way. Why I am sure I shall see you -settled down in the States with a wife and a dozen children--" - -I paused as I noticed the trapper's face. Some strange emotion was -gaining the mastery over him; but he conquered in a minute. - -"Never talk that way agin, Jarsey; I can't stand it." - -"Pardon me; you will soon be under way," I spoke, wishing to pass from -the allusion which had been so painful to him. He turned, and looking -at the brigade, which was making preparations to start, answered: - -"Yas; the boys are near ready, and they won't wait. What yer goin' to -do, Jarsey, when we leave you 'mong the reds?" - -"I have told you, Biddon, that my sole purpose is to seek out Nat -Todd. I have given you an account of my meeting and partial flight -with Imogene, the captive, who has told me of his whereabouts. She is -now waiting at Death Rock for me, and is as confident as I am that I -shall bring Nat with me. These Indians, believing Imogene to be with -the other tribe, will not suspect her flight unless a runner arrives -here and acquaints them with it; but I have little fear of that, as I -have no expectation of remaining any length of time." - -"Wal, as that little gal has _seed_ Nat, of course he's kickin'. Bless -her soul! I'd like to see her sweet face, but I s'pose the brigade -can't spare me just now. Jarsey, I've my s'picions that that other -sperit is somewhere out toward Oregon, 'mong a tribe of redskins. I've -had my s'picions I say, but I'll say nothin' more now 'cept to kind of -hint I may take a tramp out in them parts some day to see ef thar be -signs of her." - -"I sincerely hope that such may be the case, although I cannot be as -sanguine as you are. Should you rescue her, the debt of gratitude--" - -"There! that'll do, ogh!" interrupted Biddon, imperatively. "Such -things go agin my stummick, and I don't want to hear 'em. As you're -on the track of Nat, _go_, fur he may be somewhar yit, in spite of the -fears I have that he isn't, arter all." - -"Rest assured I shall leave no stone unturned. I shall seek him at -once." - -"And when you finds him, jest tell him old Bill Biddon is about, and -ready to hunt savages with him any time, ef he don't git behind me -when shootin' time comes. Ogh! ogh!" and the trapper enjoyed his joke -merrily. He stopped suddenly and looked at the brigade. A few moments -more and they would be under way. - -"Wal, Jarsey, talkin' time's gittin' mighty short. I'd like to talk -longer, but can't do it this time. Hope we'll have a time down in the -States 'fore long." - -"I sincerely trust we shall," I answered, unwilling to turn away from -the hopeful picture which he was drawing for himself. - -"And we'll have Nat 'long with us," he added. - -"Of course, for I am sure he would not willingly miss an opportunity -of seeing his old friend again. Of course, Biddon, we shall meet, if -not in this world, I hope in the next." - -"P'r'aps so, though I can't tell till we gits there. Don't know much -'bout them matters, ogh!" - -At this moment the voice of the steersman was heard, ordering the men -to their places. Biddon turned, took a step, then halted and faced me. - -"Good-by, Jarsey." - -He extended his hand, but ere I could take it it was hastily -withdrawn. He mumbled something, dashed his hand across his face, and -strode rapidly toward the boat. - -"Good-by, Biddon. God bless you!" I called after him. - -The _voyageurs_ seized their oars, and in a few moments they were in -the stream, their same cheery song echoing as loudly and as joyously -as before. I stood upon the bank, watching them as the current bore -them onward. In a few moments they reached a bend in the river--Biddon -made a signal to me, and the next minute they had all vanished. - -As the brigade vanished down the river, and the song of the -_voyageurs_ grew fainter and fainter, until it died away in the -distant windings of the Yellowstone, I awoke from the mournful reverie -into which I had fallen, and turned to the work before me. There was a -dozen Indians around, all busy with their new possessions. Some were -parading pompously in their new blankets, some examining their -glitterng knives, and others wrenching off great mouthfuls from huge -twists of tobacco, and all evidently in the highest spirits. The chief -had been presented with a fine, polished rifle, and he was standing -apart, trying its lock, and "drawing bead" on different objects in the -distance. - -I waited till he appeared satisfied, and then approached and made a -complimentary remark; I saw at once it was not comprehended, and there -was not probably a savage who could speak a word of English in the -tribe. However, as they spoke the same tongue as the tribe in which I -spent my captivity, my situation in this respect was not as bad as it -might have been. - -In the course of half an hour, the chief started toward his village, -the others sauntering along behind him, and myself at his side. His -rifle was now thrown over his shoulder, and he seemed to have lost all -interest in it as he walked thoughtfully forward, his dark eyes bent -upon the ground. A few minutes' walk through the forest brought us to -the Indian village. It was so similar to the one before described, -that it needs no mention here. - -The Blackfeet-Sioux are one of the many divisions of the Dacotah or -Sioux tribe, whose hunting-grounds include the greater part of the -vast territory of Nebraska. These subdivisions of this numerous people -are tribes within themselves. Although speaking the same tongue, they -are separate and literally independent of each other. Each has its -village and chief, whose authority is absolute. Like all North -American Indians, their life is a migratory one; and the traveler who -to-day finds them located on the Yellowstone or Little Missouri, may, -a year after, find them as far westward as the Great Falls of the -Missouri. - -My advent among these savages excited no unusual attention, as they -are often visited by traders and hunters. The chief took me to his own -lodge, where all the attention I could wish was given. I was gladly -surprised to find upon the next day, that there was a half-breed among -them who could speak the English tongue. His acquaintance I soon made. -He was a middle-aged man, who had spent most of his life in trapping, -sometimes as far northward as the Saskatchewan, and who often acted as -interpreter for his tribe. He possessed the daring hardihood of the -French trapper, and the low, ferocious cunning of the savage. He had -ever considered this tribe as his people, having a squaw and several -children. - -From this half-breed I learned that the flight of Imogene was not yet -discovered, and that the tribe which held Nat was about a dozen miles -to the eastward I informed the chief, through the interpreter, that I -should make several days' ramble through the woods, in order to get a -better idea of the face of the country and of its resources. He -seemed to believe I really was an agent of one of the fur companies, -and offered me an escort. I declined, however, and the next morning -started on foot in the direction of the tribe alluded to. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -FOUND AT LAST. - - -I took a direction nearly due east toward the Black Hills. Near the -middle of the day I reached the shore of a lake. It was a small, -beautiful sheet of water, its glistening surface unruffled by a single -ripple, and I stood a long time gazing upon its placid bosom. The blue -outline of the opposite shore was faintly visible in the distance, and -here and there the green face of a tiny island protruded from its -surface adding greatly to the picturesqueness of the scene. - -As I stood looking dreamily out upon this lake, my eyes rested upon a -small speck, just discernible far toward the other side. It was too -small and dark to be an island, and, furthermore, I fancied it was -moving. A moment more satisfied me that it was a canoe crossing the -lake nearly to the point upon which I was standing. So small and black -was it, that for a long time I was tempted to believe it was nothing -but a bird floating upon the surface; but the flashing of the oars in -the sunshine showed its true nature, and I waited anxiously its -approach. - -On it came, slowly and steadily, its form gradually increasing as it -approached, until I could discover the outlines of a single man -propelling it over the water. A sudden hope that it might be Nat -himself came over me, but as it came nigher, the dazzling plumes of a -savage convinced me of my mistake. It struck me as a little singular -that the Indian, solitary and alone, should approach so unhesitatingly -a stranger, and I was upon the point of concealing myself; but, -knowing that I must have been seen, and that such a proceeding would -only awaken suspicion upon his part, I remained boldly in view. - -A few minutes later and the canoe grated upon the sand a few yards -from me; and, daubed in all the glittering paraphernalia of savage -war-paint and plumes, no less a personage than Nat stepped ashore and -approached me! - -I was upon the point of calling out to him, when I saw he did not -recognize me. Since we had last been together my beard had grown -considerably, and my dress was also changed to that of a -semi-barbarous one. I drew my hat down to my eyes, and spoke in a -changed voice. - -"A pleasant day this, my friend." - -[Illustration: "No less personage than Nat stepped ashore."] - -"Yes, it is," replied the same natural, cracked voice. - -"A fine country this, too," - -"Yes, that's so; didn't expect to see you." - -"And why not, my friend?" - -"'Cause 'tain't often you see a white man in these parts; you're the -first one I've seen." - -"And how is it you are here yourself?" - -"Wal, stranger, there's a long story fastened to that question--a -longer one than I care about spinning at present." - -"You are not a prisoner, I hope." - -"It was some time last fall I got tuk, and I've been with them, of -course, ever since." - -"And why have you remained with them so long? It strikes me that if I -had the fine opportunity you have, I should not be long waiting to bid -them farewell." - -"You see, when I landed down here, it was winter, and if you're any -hunter, as I calculate you are, from your dress, you must know that a -fellow from the States would make poor work tramping a thousand miles -at such a time. So I concluded to wait till spring, and have been -thinking about going for the last month or two, but, somehow or other -I haven't got started; I suppose 'cause I haven't had a good start." - -"What were you doing on the lake?" - -"I came down this morning to fish, and seeing you on t'other side, -took you to be an Injin fishin' and so I paddled across." - -"You are allowed considerable liberty, it seems, after all." - -"Well, I have considerable, though it hain't done me much good so -fur." - -"You wish to return to the States, I presume." - -"I guess I do; I am about as homesick a dog as you ever laid eyes on, -and there's a gal home that I want to see amazingly." - -At this remark I was compelled to cough several times, to prevent -bursting into a loud, boisterous laugh. I felt like dropping upon the -grass and rolling over and over, and yelling like an Indian. But I -restrained myself, and determined to carry the deception further. - -"She most likely has given you up as dead by this time." - -"I'm a little afraid she has, and that's the reason I want to go down -and tell her her mistake. But I don't know as it would be any use, by -gracious!" he added, in a desponding tone. - -"And why not, pray?" - -"Oh, there's a chap named Bill Hawkins, who thinks he's mighty smart, -all the time flourishing round there. I'd just like to lay hands on -him once," and Nat clinched his hands and shook his head menacingly. -Then resuming his natural manner, he added, quickly, and with a sort -of desperation, "I don't care though. If Sal wants him, she can have -him." - -"That's it. Take things philosophically is my motto, when you are -compelled to." - -In making this last remark, I unwittingly dropped my voice to its -natural key. Nat started and raised those large, blue innocent eyes of -his, and stared wonderingly at me. - -"Did my remark surprise you?" I asked, working harder than I ever did -to restrain my gravity. - -"It weren't what you said, but your voice sounded amazingly like a -person I used to know, and I thought maybe you might be him." - -"Perhaps I am." - -"No; you don't look like him. He was about your size, but didn't dress -like you, nor didn't have such whiskers." - -"What was his name?" - -"William Relmond, from New Jersey." - -"William Relmond, from New Jersey," I repeated, as though trying to -recall some half-forgotten remembrance. - -"He used to be called 'Jarsey' by Bill Biddon," added Nat, quickly, as -if to aid my recollection. - -"And do you know Bill Biddon, a trapper?" I demanded, eagerly. - -"I am of the opinion that I do, being as I have hunted with him a long -time." - -"Ah! indeed. He is an old friend of mine. I saw him some time since, -and he was then in the service of the Hudson Bay Company." - -"Didn't he say anything about 'Jarsey?'" - -"I've hit it now! There's where I heard the name. Yes; he said a great -deal about him, and he also mentioned a person called Nathan Todd, I -think." - -"I am the man, sir," responded Nat, with considerable dignity. - -"You are! I recall now that he mentioned the fact of your captivity, -although he was more inclined to say you were dead and gone long -since." - -"Bill is a pretty 'cute chap, but he's mistaken there." - -"Yes; he seemed to cherish a warm friendship for you." - -"You see the way of it was this: Me and Bill Relmond started from -Independence last summer for California. The company we was with ran -away from us, taking my knife and mare with them. So we started fur -Californy on our own hook. We came across this Bill Biddon and changed -our minds, or, rather, Relmond did, and concluded to go on a hunt up -in these parts. Well, we did, and this is the end of that hunt. We -fixed on a place down on the Yellowstone, and would have spent a good -time if it hadn't been for that Relmond. He was a good fellow, but -betwixt you and me (you needn't say nothing about it, you know), he -was rather soft, and I had to keep a clus watch over him to prevent -his getting into danger. There used to come some Injins down the -stream in a canoe, and they set his head crazy. It wasn't the Injins, -though, but a white gal they had. She was pretty, I allow, but he -ought to have knowed better than to chase her as he did; he might have -knowed what would have come of it. We used to go down and watch this -canoe. One day I went a little lower down the stream than he did, and -hid in some bushes beside the water to take a good look at the gal and -the Injins. Pretty soon they came, and as they got along by me, by -gracious if they didn't start right into the bushes after me! I was so -fast in the roots and limbs that I hadn't time to git out before they -got right on to me. I then up and blazed away to keep them off, but I -forgot to take aim, and didn't hit them, and the first thing I knowed -I didn't know anything. One of them smashed his tomahawk square at me, -grabbed me by the neck, whopped me into the canoe, paddled to the -other side, and made me walk all the way here. I haven't seen Relmond -or Biddon since, and I should like to know what has become of them." - -"Biddon is safe, of course; and Relmond was a captive, I believe, -awhile, but he managed to make his escape some time since." - -"How do you know that much, I should like to know?" - -"Simply for the reason that I am William Relmond." - -Nathan Todd started as if struck by a thunderbolt. His eyes and mouth -opened, his rifle fell unheeded to his feet, and he stared all agape -at me. His face was such an embodiment of wonder, doubt, then -certainty and pleasure, that I gave way completely to my feelings, -and, seating myself upon the ground rolled over and laughed one of -those laughs which rack our whole being, and make us as weak as an -infant. When I again resumed my feet, my old friend approached and -extended his hand. - -"What you laughing at? I knowed it was you all the time." - -It is hardly worth time to dwell upon the words which passed between -Nat and myself after my identity became known to him. Of course he -was half frantic with joy in turn, and overwhelmed me with questions -and explanations, and in the course of half an hour we both came to a -full understanding. - -I had acquainted Nat with my separation from Imogene, and that she was -waiting for me at "Death Rock." He knew the place well and without -losing time we hastened forward. He had become acquainted with -Imogene, and had often conversed with her about her lost sister, and -of me, little dreaming that she had ever seen me. - -Nat proved his knowledge of the country, for his course toward the -Death Rock was direct, and, ere we had traveled many miles it loomed -up to view. It seemed a long while to reach it, but before dark we -were both conversing with Imogene. - -The night was spent within the cave, Nat and I conversing around the -fire, while Imogene, wrapped in our blankets, slumbered unconsciously -beside it. Nat succeeded in catching several fine trout from a small -mountain-stream, and when we resumed our journey, I hardly think three -more hopeful people could have been found in the universe. - -Our progress was less rapid than usual, as we feared for Imogene, -although her life had been such as to make her the very embodiment of -health and activity. At night we reached a bend of the Yellowstone, -and camped upon its banks. A fire was again kindled, and while Nat -kept watch, I concluded to take a little rest. He allowed me to sleep -heavily until morning, when I was aroused by one of the most terrific, -unearthly shrieks that ever greeted mortal ear. - -"God of heaven! what does that mean?" I exclaimed, springing to my -feet. - -"Sounds like the 'Snorter,' the engine that I heard on the Boston -road," answered Nat, rubbing his eyes, and listening. - -"Hush!" I admonished, as again that hideous scream burst upon us. - -"Wonder if the Pacific Railroad's built yet?" remarked Nat, with the -utmost _nonchalance_; "or, maybe, some of their engines have run away -from them." - -As I stood wondering and waiting, the gray light of morning commenced -appearing through the forest, and shortly the day dawned. A moment -after, as I was about to awaken Imogene, the awful scream was -repeated, seemingly directly across the river. It was different from a -human voice, but sounded like the cry of a wild animal in extremity of -the direst agony. - -As if our terror was still too faint, we now heard the loud ring of a -_bell_, apparently from the very forest. - -"What is that?" asked Imogene, pale with horror. - -"Heaven knows!" I answered. - -"Sounds like the old bell up in Lubec," remarked Nat; who, singularly -enough, was the least agitated. - -"Listen!" whispered Imogene, raising her hand. - -Now was heard a dead sound like the distant heave of the stormy sea, -growing stronger and nearer each second, and at intervals that wild, -unearthly shriek reverberated through the forest arches with a horrid -power. - -Matters were now assuming such an inexplicable form I began to fear I -was losing my senses. I looked around upon the faces of others; but -no--it was all a terrible reality. - -"Look!" spoke Imogene, in a husky whisper, pointing down the river. - -I did look and what was seen? There, just rounding the curve of the -Yellowstone below us, burst the broad flaming hull of a steamboat. - -For a moment I could scarce believe my senses. Nat was the first to -recover himself. - -"I knowed what it was all the time, by gracious! Hilloa, you!" - -The latter exclamation was addressed in vociferous tones to the -steamboat; and, fearing lest he might still escape notice, he sprang -into the water and waved his plumes excitedly over his head, yelling -at the top of his voice all the time. We had been seen, however, and -heeded by those on the boat. A small bell tinkled, and instantly the -huge wheel of the steamer reversed, plowing the water into foamy -waves, and quickly bringing it to a stand still. The captain then -stepped from his wheelhouse and hailed us: - -"What's wanted?" - -"Supper and lodging," answered Nat. - -"Who are you?" - -"White men of course." - -"White men; I see only one, and you're an Injin, sure as I'm Captain -Garbold." - -I now stepped forward from the shelter of the forest, to which I had -instinctively retreated with the trembling Imogene, upon the -appearance of the boat. - -"Ah! who are those?" called the captain, instantly. - -"We are whites, as you can readily see, and only ask to be taken to -our friends." - -The captain immediately turned and spoke to several beside him. A few -minutes afterward a small boat put out from the steamer, and Imogene, -followed by myself, stepped into the boat, but Nat lingered. - -[Illustration: "Hilloa, you!"] - -"Come, hurry, Nat, don't keep them waiting," said I. - -"_I'm going to remain!_" he remarked, quietly. - -"What do you mean?" I asked, in astonishment. - -He approached, and whispered in my ear: - -"_I'm going to hunt up Irene Merment!_" - -"Why----" - -"Don't say anything," he interrupted, with a smile. "I will do it. -There is no use of trying to persuade me to go with you. My mind is -made up, and has been made up a long time." - -Imogene joined her entreaties with mine, but he could not be made to -change his resolution. Not wishing to detain our friends, I extended -my hand. - -"If you are determined to remain, I must now bid you good-by, Nat. -Your determination is so new to me that I can hardly realize it. It is -a hopeless search upon which you are going, I fear. May the One who -has so mercifully watched over all of us, still protect you. If you -ever see Biddon, don't forget me to him. Good-by." - -"Nor me either," said Imogene, taking his hand. "I long to see him, to -pour out my heart's gratitude to him. I hope we shall see you again." - -"Oh! you will, sure. I shall be down in the States one of these days, -and like enough bring a wife with me, and several little Nat Todds, as -good-looking as your heirs will be. You mustn't think this is a last -farewell, for I know it isn't." - -We exchanged farewells once more, and then were rowed out to the -steamboat. As we were received on board, Nat swung his plume over his -head, and shouted: - -"Long life to you! the fust news you will receive from Nat Todd will -be a telegraphic dispatch from the Rocky Mountains, 'that he is making -a sensation in that neighborhood.'" - -Another and a last farewell, and the eccentric being had vanished in -the forest. - -Imogene had no suspicion of the true cause of Nat Todd's erratic -course, and I judged it best to let her remain in ignorance until Nat -should inform her himself. Whether that time was ever to come or not, -no one could tell; but I had strong hope that it would. - -As may be supposed, our advent created an infinite amount of -questioning and wonderment for our new-found friends. The boat was the -steamer "Shooting Star," which had been sent to trace the Yellowstone, -as far as it was navigable, by a company in St. Louis. They proposed -opening trade in this section, and knowing well the prodigious -resources of the country watered by its tributaries, had sent a -skillful captain and crew to ascertain its character and availability. -This river had, however, been ascended before. - -The "Shooting Star" ascended the Yellowstone several hundred miles -further, until brought to a stand still by the rapids in its upper -part. Several days were spent in running up Clark's Fork, the Big -Horn, Tongue, Powder, and numerous other streams, many of which, as -yet, have received no names though of considerable size. All along the -banks of these gathered crowds of wondering Indians, who surveyed us -with mingled terror and amazement. On two occasions, when halting to -wood, the crew were attacked by them, and one of their number was -slain. At other points they manifested a friendly disposition and -bartered extensively with us. - -Finally the bow of the boat was turned home, and on a glorious -morning, in the latter part of June, 1850, we glided into the turbid -waters of the mad Missouri, and a few days later "Shooting Star" sunk -to rest at the wharves in St. Louis. Accompanied by Imogene, I made my -way home as rapidly as possible. As may be supposed, my return was a -never-to-be forgotten day to my friends. The caravan which I had -joined at Independence, had been attacked, a few days subsequent to my -separation from it, by an overwhelming body of Apache Indians. Rumors -reached the States that all had fallen in the massacre, and my -reappearance was like the dead returning to life. The reader, I trust, -can imagine the few remaining incidents. After inducing Imogene to -return to the States, I do not think I should have ever forgiven -myself had I not offered her all the protection within my power. She -was like an exotic at first, taken from a distant clime; but love -works wonders. To-day there are few accomplishments of her sex which -she does not possess. True there was no great romances or mystery yet -to be developed in her history. She had been orphaned when a young -child, in the terrible manner described by the trapper at the -commencement of this tale. I had gained no princess or wealthy -heroine, but simply a _wife_, in the truest sense of the word. - -The history of Nat Todd's adventures and journey to the Rocky -Mountains, together with a further account of Bill Biddon, the -Trapper, and of Irene Merment, the lost sister, will be given the -reader in another volume. - - -THE END. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bill Biddon, Trapper, by Edward S. 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