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diff --git a/42101-0.txt b/42101-0.txt index 3a07f9f..b4a87be 100644 --- a/42101-0.txt +++ b/42101-0.txt @@ -1,36 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Frank on the Prairie, by Harry Castlemon - -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: Frank on the Prairie - -Author: Harry Castlemon - -Release Date: February 15, 2013 [EBook #42101] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE *** - - - - -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.) - - - - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 42101 *** [Illustration: @@ -5204,362 +5172,4 @@ incidents of his life to their messmates. 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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: Frank on the Prairie - -Author: Harry Castlemon - -Release Date: February 15, 2013 [EBook #42101] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE *** - - - - -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 GUNBOAT SERIES - - BOOKS for BOYS, by a GUNBOAT BOY - - FRANK, ON THE PRAIRIE. - - R.W. CARROLL & CO. - - CINCINNATI, O.] - - - _THE GUN-BOAT SERIES._ - - - FRANK, THE YOUNG NATURALIST, - FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT, - FRANK IN THE WOODS, - FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE, - FRANK BEFORE VICKSBURG, - FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI. - - Price, $1.25 per volume, or $7.50 per set, in a neat box, - forming a most excellent and interesting LIBRARY FOR YOUNG - FOLKS. - - - _THE GUN-BOAT SERIES._ - - - - - Frank ON THE PRAIRIE. - - BY HARRY CASTLEMON, "THE GUN-BOAT BOY." - - - WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - CINCINNATI: - R. W. CARROLL & CO., PUBLISHERS, - 117 WEST FOURTH STREET. - 1869. - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the years 1868, by R. - W. CARROLL & CO., in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of - the United States, for the Southern District of Ohio. - - STEREOTYPED AT THE FRANKLIN TYPE FOUNDRY, CINCINNATI. - - - - - Contents. - - - CHAPTER I. HO FOR THE WEST 9 - CHAPTER II. THE WAGON TRAIN 18 - CHAPTER III. ANTELOPE HUNTING 29 - CHAPTER IV. THE BEST TRAPPER ON THE PRAIRIE 37 - CHAPTER V. A FIGHT WITH THE INDIANS 56 - CHAPTER VI. LOST ON THE PRAIRIE 73 - CHAPTER VII. THE TRAPPER'S REMINISCENCE 85 - CHAPTER VIII. THE "OLE BAR'S HOLE" 103 - CHAPTER IX. ARCHIE'S ADVENTURE WITH A GRIZZLY 114 - CHAPTER X. HANGING A BEAR 124 - CHAPTER XI. A BUFFALO HUNT 134 - CHAPTER XII. A NIGHT AMONG THE WOLVES 147 - CHAPTER XIII. FRANK'S NEW ACQUAINTANCES 157 - CHAPTER XIV. THE TRADER'S EXPEDITION 171 - CHAPTER XV. THE OUTLAW'S ESCAPE 183 - CHAPTER XVI. THE KING OF THE DROVE 198 - CHAPTER XVII. HOW THE TRAPPER GOT HIS HORSE 209 - CHAPTER XVIII. OLD BOB'S ADVENTURE 222 - CHAPTER XIX. HOMEWARD BOUND 237 - - - - -FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -Ho for the West! - - -For two months after their return from their hunting expedition in -"the woods," Frank and Archie talked of nothing but the incidents that -had transpired during their visit at the trapper's cabin. The -particulars of Frank's desperate fight with the moose had become known -throughout the village, and the "Young Naturalist" enjoyed an enviable -reputation as a hunter. He was obliged to relate his adventures over -and over again, until one day his thoughts and conversation were -turned into a new channel by the arrival of an uncle, who had just -returned from California. - -Uncle James had been absent from home nearly ten years, and during -most of that time had lived in the mines. Although the boys had not -seen him since they were six years old, and of course could not -remember him, they were soon on the best of terms with each other. -Uncle James had an inexhaustible fund of stories; he had crossed the -plains, fought the Indians, was accustomed to scenes of danger and -excitement, and had such an easy way of telling his adventures, that -the boys never grew tired of listening to them. The day after his -arrival he visited the museum, gazed in genuine wonder at the numerous -specimens of his nephews' handiwork, and listened to the descriptions -of their hunting expeditions with as much interest as though he had -been a boy himself. Then he engaged in hunting with them, and entered -into the sport with all the reckless eagerness of youth. - -The winter was passed in this way, and when spring returned, Uncle -James began to talk of returning to California to settle up his -business. He had become attached to life in the mines, but could not -bear the thought of leaving his relatives again. The quiet comforts he -had enjoyed at the cottage he thought were better than the rough life -and hard fare to which he had been accustomed for the last ten years. -He had left his business, however, in an unsettled state, and, as soon -as he could "close it up," would return and take up his abode in -Lawrence. The cousins regretted that the parting time was so near, for -they looked upon their relative as the very pattern of an uncle, but -consoled themselves by looking forward to the coming winter, when he -would be settled as a permanent inmate of the cottage. - -"I say, Frank," exclaimed Archie one day, as he burst into the study, -where his cousin was engaged in cleaning his gun preparatory to a -muskrat hunt, "there's something in the wind. Just now, as I came -through the sitting-room, I surprised our folks and Uncle James -talking very earnestly about something. But they stopped as soon as I -came in, and, as that was a gentle hint that they didn't want me to -know any thing about it, I came out. There's something up, I tell -you." - -"It's about uncle's business, I suppose," replied Frank. But if that -_was_ the subject of the conversation, Archie came to the conclusion -that his affairs must be in a very unsettled state, for when they -returned from their hunt that night the same mysterious conversation -was going on again. It ceased, however, as the boys entered the room, -which made Archie more firm in his belief than ever that there was -"something up." - -The next morning, at the breakfast-table, Archie's father announced -his intention of returning to Portland at once, as his business needed -his attention; and, turning to the boys, inquired: - -"Well, have you had hunting enough this winter to satisfy you?" - -"Yes, sir," was the answer. - -"Then I suppose you don't want to go across the plains with your Uncle -James?" - -"Hurrah!" shouted Archie, springing to his feet, and upsetting his -coffee-cup. "Did you say we might go?" - -"Be a little more careful, Archie," said his father. "No, I did not -say so." - -"Well, it amounts to the same thing," thought Archie, "for father -never would have said a word about it if he wasn't intending to let us -go. I knew there was something up." - -We need not stop to repeat the conversation that followed. Suffice it -to say, that Uncle James, having fully made up his mind to return to -the village as soon as he could settle up his business, had asked -permission for his nephews to accompany him across the plains. Their -parents, thinking of the fight with the moose, and knowing the -reckless spirit of the boys, had at first objected. But Uncle James, -promising to keep a watchful eye on them, had, after considerable -argument, carried the day, and it was finally decided that the boys -could go. - -"But remember," said Mr. Winters, "you are to be governed entirely by -Uncle James; for, if you have no one to take care of you, you will be -in more fights with bears and panthers." - -The boys readily promised obedience, and, hardly waiting to finish -their breakfast, went into the study to talk over their plans. - -"Didn't I tell you there was something up?" said Archie, as soon as -they had closed the door. "We'll have a hunt now that will throw all -our former hunting expeditions in the shade." - -As soon as their excitement had somewhat abated, they remembered that -Dick Lewis, the trapper, had told them that it was his intention to -start for the prairie in the spring. If he had not already gone, would -it not be a good plan to secure his company? He knew all about the -prairie, and might be of service to them. They laid the matter before -Uncle James, who, without hesitation, pronounced it an excellent idea. -"For," said he, "we are in no hurry. Instead of going by stage, we -will buy a wagon and a span of mules and take our time. If we don't -happen to fall in with a train, we shall, no doubt, want a guide." As -soon, therefore, as the ice had left the creek so that it could be -traveled with a boat, Uncle James accompanied the boys to the -trapper's cabin. - -Dick met them at the door, and greeted them with a grasp so hearty, -that they all felt its effects for a quarter of an hour afterward. - -"I ain't gone yet," said he; "but it won't be long afore I see the -prairy onct more." - -"Well, Dick," said Frank, "we're going, too, and want you to go with -us." - -The trapper and his brother opened their eyes wide with astonishment, -but Uncle James explained, and ended by offering to pay the trapper's -expenses if he would accompany them. After a few moments' -consideration, he accepted the proposition, saying: - -"I have tuk to the youngsters mightily. They're gritty fellers, an' I -should like to show 'em a bit of prairy life." - -Uncle James and the boys remained at the cabin nearly a week, during -which their plans were all determined upon, and, when they arrived at -home, they at once commenced preparations for their journey. Their -double-barreled shotguns were oiled, and put carefully away. They were -very efficient weapons among small game, but Uncle James said they -were not in the habit of using "pop-guns" on the prairie; they would -purchase their fire-arms and other necessary weapons at St. Louis. - -The first of June--the time set for the start--at length arrived, and -with it came the trapper, accompanied by his dog. Dick carried his -long rifle on his shoulder, his powder-horn and bullet-pouch at his -side, and a knapsack, containing a change of clothes and other -necessary articles, at his back. He had evidently bestowed more than -usual care upon his toilet; his suit of buckskin was entirely new, -and even his rifle seemed to have received a thorough rubbing and -cleaning preparatory to its introduction into civilized life. Frank -and Archie meeting him at the door, relieved him of his rifle and -pack, and conducted him into the house. But here the trapper was sadly -out of place. He sat on the edge of his chair, and was constantly -changing the position of his feet, and looking down at the rich -carpet, as if he could hardly believe that it was made to walk upon. -The inmates of the cottage used every exertion in their power to make -him feel at his ease, and, to some extent, succeeded; but he breathed -much more freely when the farewells had been said, and the party was -on its way to the wharf. In due time they arrived at Portland, where -they remained nearly a week. Here the trapper again found himself in -hot water. He was installed in a large, airy room in Mr. Winter's -elegant residence; but he would much rather have been assigned -quarters among the trees in the yard. The sights and sounds of the -city were new to him, and at every corner he found something to wonder -at. When on the street, he was continually getting in somebody's way, -or being separated from his companions, who found it necessary to -keep a vigilant watch over him. But it was on the train that his -astonishment reached its height. He had never before traveled in the -cars, and, as they thundered away, going faster and faster as they -left the city behind, the trapper began to clutch his seat, and to -look wistfully out the window at the woods, which appeared to be -dancing by, as if he never expected to be permitted to enter his -natural element again. He would have preferred to "foot it," as he -remarked, and, when at last they reached St. Joseph, he drew a long -breath of relief, mentally resolving that he would never again tempt -destruction by traveling either on a steamboat or railroad car. - -It was midnight when they reached the hotel. Being very much fatigued -with their long journey, they at once secured rooms and retired, and -were soon fast asleep. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -The Wagon Train. - - -On awaking the next morning, the boys found themselves surrounded by -new scenes. While they were dressing, they looked out at the window, -and obtained their first view of a wagon train, which was just -starting out for the prairie. The wagons were protected by canvas -covers, some drawn by oxen, others by mules, and the entire train -being accompanied by men both on foot and on horseback. Fat, sleek -cows followed meekly after the wagons, from behind whose covering -peeped the faces of women and children--the families of the hardy -pioneers now on their way to find new homes amid the solitude of that -western region. - -The boys watched the train until it disappeared, and then went down -stairs to get their breakfast. Uncle James was not to be found. In -fact, ever since leaving Portland, he seemed to have forgotten his -promise to his brother, for he never bothered his head about his -nephews. It is true, he had watched them rather closely at the -beginning of the journey, but soon discovered that they were fully -capable of taking care of themselves and the trapper besides. He did -not make his appearance until nearly two hours after the boys had -finished their breakfast, and then he rode up to the hotel mounted on -a large, raw-boned, ugly-looking horse. He was followed by the -trapper, who was seated in a covered wagon, drawn by a span of mules, -while behind the wagon were two more horses, saddled and bridled. - -"Now, then, boys," said Uncle James, as he dismounted and tied his -horse to a post, "where's your baggage? We're going with that train -that went out this morning." - -"An' here, youngsters," exclaimed Dick, as he climbed down out of his -wagon, "come an' take your pick of these two hosses. This one," he -continued, pointing to a small, gray horse, which stood impatiently -pawing the ground and tossing his head--"this feller is young and -foolish yet. He don't know nothin' 'bout the prairy or buffaler -huntin'; an' if whoever gets him should undertake to shoot a rifle -while on his back, he would land him on the ground quicker nor -lightnin'. I 'spect I shall have to larn him a few lessons. But this -one"--laying his hand on the other horse, which stood with his head -down and his eyes closed, as if almost asleep--"he's an ole buffaler -hunter. The feller that your uncle bought him of has jest come in from -the mountains. He can travel wusser nor a steamboat if you want him -to, an' you can leave him on the prairy any whar an' find him when you -come back. Now, youngster," he added, turning to Frank, "which'll you -have?" - -"I have no choice," replied Frank. "Which one do you want, Archie?" - -"Well," replied the latter, "I'd rather have the buffalo hunter. He -looks as though he hadn't spirit enough to throw a fellow off, but -that gray looks rather vicious." - -"Wal, then, that's settled," said the trapper; "so fetch on your -plunder, an' let's be movin' to onct." - -Their baggage, which consisted of three trunks--small, handy affairs, -capable of holding a considerable quantity of clothing, but not -requiring much space--was stowed away in the wagon. When Uncle James -had paid their bill at the hotel, they mounted their horses, and the -trapper, who now began to feel more at home, took his seat in the -wagon, and drove after the train. Archie soon began to think that he -had shown considerable judgment in the selection of his horse, for -they had not gone far before the gray began to show his temper. After -making several attempts to turn his head toward home--a proceeding -which Frank successfully resisted--he began to dance from one side of -the street to the other, and ended by endeavoring to throw his rider -over his head; but the huge Spanish saddle, with its high front and -back, afforded him a secure seat; and after receiving a few sharp -thrusts from Frank's spurs, the gray quietly took his place by the -side of Archie's horse, and walked along as orderly and gentle as -could be wished. - -The trapper, who was now the chief man of the party, had superintended -the buying of their outfit, and, although it was a simple one, they -were still well provided with every necessary article. The boys were -dressed in complete suits of blue jeans, an article that will resist -wear and dirt to the last extremity, broad-brimmed hats, and heavy -horseman's boots, the heels of which were armed with spurs. - -Their weapons, which were stowed away in the wagon, consisted of a -brace of revolvers and a hunting-knife each, and Archie owned a short -breech-loading rifle, while Frank had purchased a common "patch" -rifle. The wagon also contained provisions in abundance--coffee, corn -meal, bacon, and the like--and ammunition for their weapons. Their -appearance would have created quite a commotion in the quiet little -village of Lawrence, but in St. Joseph such sights were by no means -uncommon. Buckskin was much more plenty than broadcloth, and the -people who passed them on the streets scarcely noticed them. - -At length, just before dark, they overtook the train, which had -stopped for the night. The wagons were drawn up on each side of the -road, and altogether the camp presented a scene that was a pleasant -one to men wearied with their day's journey. Cattle were feeding -quietly near the wagons, chickens cackled joyously from their coops, -men and women were busily engaged with their preparations for supper, -while groups of noisy children rolled about on the grass, filling the -camp with the sounds of their merry laughter. - -The trapper drove on until he found a spot suitable for their camp, -and then turned off the road and stopped. He at once began to -unharness the mules, while the boys, after removing their saddles, -fastened their horses to the wagon with a long rope, and allowed them -to graze. When the trapper had taken care of his mules, he started a -fire, and soon a coffee-pot was simmering and sputtering over the -flames, and several slices of bacon were broiling on the coals. After -supper, the boys spread their blankets out under the wagon, and, being -weary with their day's ride (for it was something new to them), soon -fell asleep. - -The next morning, when they awoke it was just daylight. After drawing -on their boots, they crawled out from under the wagon, and found the -trapper, standing with his hat off, and his long arms extended as if -about to embrace some invisible object. - -"I tell you what, youngsters," said he, as the boys approached; "if -this aint nat'ral; jest take a sniff of that ar fresh air! Here," he -continued, looking about him with a smile of satisfaction--"here, I -know all 'bout things. I'm to hum now. Thar's nothin' on the prairy -that Dick Lewis can't 'count fur. But, youngsters, I wouldn't travel -on them ar steamboats an' railroads ag'in fur all the beaver in the -Missouri River. Every thing in them big cities seemed to say to me, -'Dick, you haint got no business here.' Them black walls an' stone -roads; them rumblin' carts an' big stores, war sights I never seed -afore, an' I never want to see 'em ag'in. I know I was treated mighty -kind, an' all that; but it couldn't make me feel right. I didn't like -them streets, windin' an' twistin' about, an' allers loosin' a feller; -an' I wasn't to hum. But _now_, youngsters, I know what I'm doin'. -Nobody can't lose Dick Lewis on the prairy. I know the names of all -the streets here; an', 'sides, I know whar they all lead to. An' as -fur varmints, thar's none of 'em that I haint trapped an' fit. An' -Injuns! I know a leetle 'bout them, I reckon. It's funny that them ar -city chaps don't know nothin' 'bout what's goin' on out here; an' it -shows that all the larnin' in the world aint got out o' books. Send -one of 'em here, an' I could show him a thing or two he never heern -tell on. But I must be gettin' breakfast, 'cause we'll be off ag'in -soon; an' on the prairy every feller has to look out fur himself. You -can't pull a ring in the wall here, an' have a chap with white huntin' -shirt an' morocker moccasins on come up an' say: 'Did you ring, sir?' -An' how them ar fellers knowed which room to come to in them big -hotels, is something I can't get through my head. Thar's no big bell -to call a feller to grub here. Take one of them city chaps an' give -him a rifle, an' pint out over the prairy an' tell him to go an' hunt -up his breakfast, an' how would he come out? Could he travel by the -sun, or tell the pints of the compass by the stars? Could he lasso an' -ride a wild mustang, or shoot a Injun plumb atween the eyes at two -hundred an' fifty yards? No! I reckon not! Wal, thar's a heap o' -things I couldn't do; an' it shows that every man had oughter stick to -his own business. It's all owin' to a man's bringin' up." - -While the trapper spoke he had been raking together the fire that had -nearly gone out; and having got it fairly started, he began the work -of getting breakfast. The boys, after rolling up their blankets and -packing them away in the wagon, amused themselves in watching the -movements of the emigrants, who now began their preparations for their -day's journey. By the time Uncle James awoke, the trapper pronounced -their breakfast ready. After they had done ample justice to the homely -meal (and it was astonishing what an appetite the fresh invigorating -air of the prairie gave them), the boys packed the cooking utensils -away in the wagon while the trapper began to harness the mules. This -was an undertaking that a less experienced man would have found to be -extremely hazardous, for the animals persisted in keeping their heels -toward him, and it was only by skillful maneuvering that Dick -succeeded in getting them hitched to the wagon. By the time this was -accomplished, Uncle James and the boys had saddled their horses and -followed the trapper, who drove off as though he perfectly understood -what he was about, leaving the train to follow at its leisure. - -Dick acted as if he had again found himself among friends from whom he -had long been separated; but it was evident that sorrow was mingled -with his joy, for on every side his eye rested on the improvements of -civilization. The road was lined with fine, well-stocked farms, and -the prairie over which his father had hunted the buffalo and fought -the Indian, had been turned up by the plow, and would soon be covered -with waving crops. No doubt the trapper's thoughts wandered into the -future, for, as the boys rode up beside the wagon, he said, with -something like a sigh: - -"Things aint as they used to be, youngsters. I can 'member the time -when thar was'nt a fence within miles of here, an' a feller could go -out an' knock over a buffaler fur breakfast jest as easy as that -farmer over thar could find one of his sheep. But the ax an' plow have -made bad work with a fine country, the buffaler an' Injun have been -pushed back t'wards the mountains, an' it won't be long afore thar'll -be no room fur sich as me; an' we won't be missed neither, 'cause when -the buffaler an' beaver are gone thar'll be nothin' fur us to do. -These farms will keep pushin' out all the while; an' when folks, -sittin' in their snug houses beside their warm fires, hear tell of the -Injuns that onst owned this country, nobody will ever think that sich -fellers as me an' Bill Lawson an' ole Bob Kelly ever lived. If ole -Bill was here now, he would say: 'Let's go back to the mountains, -Dick, an' stay thar.' He wouldn't like to see his ole huntin' grounds -wasted in this way, an' I don't want to see it neither. But I know -that the Rocky Mountains an' grizzly bars will last as long as I -shall, an' thar'll be no need of trappers an' hunters an' guides arter -that." - -Dick became silent after this, and it was not until the train halted -for the noon's rest, that he recovered his usual spirits. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -Antelope Hunting. - - -Gradually the train left the improvements of civilization behind, and, -at the end of three weeks, it was miles outside of a fence. Here the -trapper was in his natural element. He felt, as he expressed, "like a -young one jest out o' school," adding, that all he needed was "one -glimpse of a Comanche or Cheyenne to make him feel perfectly nat'ral." - -In accordance with the promise he had made Frank before leaving St. -Joseph, he now took Pete (that was the name the latter had given his -horse) under his especial charge; and every morning, at the first peep -of day, the boys saw him galloping over the prairie, firing his rifle -as fast as he could reload, as if in pursuit of an imaginary herd of -buffaloes. At first the spirited animal objected to this mode of -treatment, and made the most desperate efforts to unseat his rider; -but the trapper, who had broken more than one wild mustang, was -perfectly at home on horseback, and, after a few exercises of this -kind, Pete was turned over to his young master, with the assurance -that he was ready to begin buffalo hunting. According to Frank's idea, -the animal had improved considerably under the trapper's system of -training, for he would hardly wait for his rider to be fairly in the -saddle before he would start off at the top of his speed. The boys, -who considered themselves fully able to do any thing that had ever -been accomplished by any one else, having seen Dick load and fire his -rifle while riding at full speed, began to imitate his example, and in -a short time learned the art to perfection. In addition to this, each -boy looked upon his horse as the better animal, and the emigrants were -witnesses to many a race between them, in which Sleepy Sam, as Archie -called his horse, always came off winner. But Frank kept up the -contest, and at every possible opportunity the horses were "matched," -until they had learned their parts so well, that every time they -found themselves together, they would start off on a race without -waiting for the word from their riders. - -One morning, just after the train had left the camp, as the boys were -riding beside the wagon, listening to a story the trapper was -relating, the latter suddenly stopped, and, pointing toward a distant -swell, said: "Do you see that ar', youngsters?" - -The boys, after straining their eyes in vain, brought their -field-glass into requisition, and finally discovered an object moving -slowly along through the high grass; but the distance was so great, -they could not determine what it was. - -"That's a prong-horn," said the trapper at length. "An' now, Frank," -he continued, "if you'll lend me that ar hoss, I'll show you that all -the huntin' in the world aint larnt in that leetle patch of timber -around Lawrence." - -Frank at once dismounted, and Dick, after securing his rifle, sprung -into the saddle, saying: - -"Come along easy-like, youngsters, an' when I tell you, you get off -an' hide behind your hoss." - -Frank mounted Sleepy Sam behind Archie, and they followed the trapper, -who led the way at an easy gallop. Useless, at his master's command, -remained with the wagon. They rode for a mile at a steady pace, and -then, seeing that the game had discovered them, the boys, at a signal -from the trapper, stopped and dismounted, while Dick kept on alone, -his every movement closely watched by Frank and Archie, who, having -often read of the skill required in hunting antelopes, were anxious to -see how it was done. The trapper rode on for about half a mile -further, and then the boys saw him dismount, unbuckle the bridle, and -hobble his horse so that he would not stray away. He then threw -himself on his hands and knees, and disappeared. A quarter of an hour -afterward the boys saw his 'coon-skin cap waving above the grass. If -this was intended to attract the attention of the game, it did not -meet with immediate success, for the antelopes continued to feed -leisurely up the swell, and finally some of their number disappeared -behind it. The boys regarded this as conclusive evidence that the -trapper's plan had failed; but at length one of the antelopes, which -stood a little apart from the others, and appeared to be acting as -sentinel, uttered a loud snort, which instantly brought every member -of the herd to his side. They remained huddled together for several -moments, as if in consultation, and then began to move slowly down -the swell toward the place where the trapper was concealed. There were -about twenty animals in the herd, and they came on in single file, -stopping now and then to snuff the air and examine the object that had -excited their curiosity. But nothing suspicious was to be seen, for -the trapper was concealed in the grass, the only thing visible being -his cap, which he gently waved to and fro as he watched the movements -of the game. The antelopes advanced slowly--much _too_ slowly for the -impatient boys, who, concealed behind their horse, closely watched all -their movements, fearful that they might detect the presence of the -trapper, and seek safety in flight. But the latter well understood the -matter in hand, and presently the boys saw a puff of smoke rise from -the grass, and the nearest of the antelopes, springing into the air, -fell dead in his tracks. The others turned and fled with the speed of -the wind. - -In an instant Frank and Archie had mounted, and when they reached the -place where the trapper was standing, he had secured his prize, which -was one of the most graceful animals the boys had ever seen. It was -about three and a half feet high at the shoulders, and, although Dick -pronounced it very fat, its body was slender and its limbs small and -muscular. After having examined the animal to their satisfaction, they -all mounted their horses, Dick carrying the game before him on his -saddle; and as they rode toward the wagon, Archie exclaimed: - -"Now, Frank, we know how to hunt antelopes. It isn't so very hard, -after all." - -"Isn't it?" inquired the trapper, with a laugh. "You don't understand -the natur of the critters, when you say that. I know I killed this one -easy, but a feller can't allers do it. Howsomever, you can try your -hand the next time we meet any, an' if you do shoot one, I'll allers -call you my 'antelope killers.' Them red handkerchiefs of your'n would -be jest the things to use, 'cause the critters can see it a long way. -If you can bring one of 'em into camp, it will be something wuth -braggin' on." - -It was evident that the trapper did not entertain a very exalted -opinion of the boys' "hunting qualities;" but that did not convince -them that they could not shoot an antelope. On the contrary, it made -them all the more anxious for an opportunity to try their skill on -the game, if for no other reason than to show the trapper that he was -mistaken. - -Half an hour's riding brought them to the wagon, which was standing -where they had left it, and, after the buck had been skinned and -cleaned, the trapper mounted to his seat and drove after the train, -followed by the boys, who strained their eyes in every direction in -the hope of discovering another herd of antelopes. But nothing in the -shape of a prong-horn was to be seen; and when the train resumed its -journey after its noon halt, they gradually fell back until the wagons -were out of sight behind the hills. Then, leaving the road, they -galloped over the prairie until they reached the top of a high swell, -when they stopped to look about them. About two miles to the left was -the train slowly winding among the hills; but the most faithful use of -their glass failed to reveal the wished-for game. All that afternoon -they scoured the prairie on both sides of the wagons, and when it -began to grow dark, they reluctantly turned their faces toward the -camp. - -"What did I tell you?" asked the trapper, as the boys rode up to the -wagon, where the latter was unharnessing the mules. "I said you -couldn't shoot a prong-horn." - -"Of course we couldn't," answered Archie, "for we didn't see any to -shoot." - -"I know that," replied the trapper with a grin; "but _I_ seed plenty. -The next time you go a huntin' prong-horns, be sartin that the wind -blows from them t'wards you, an' not from you t'wards them. They've -got sharp noses, them critters have." - -The boys were astonished. They had not thought of that; and Archie was -compelled to acknowledge that "there was something in knowing how, -after all." - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -The Best Trapper on the Prairie. - - -That night the train encamped a short distance from one of the -stations of the Overland Stage Company. The trapper, as usual, after -taking care of his mules, superintended the preparations for supper, -while the boys, wearied with their day's ride, threw themselves on the -grass near the wagon, and watched his movements with a hungry eye. -Uncle James, as he had done almost every night since leaving St. -Joseph, walked about the camp playing with the children, who began to -regard him as an old acquaintance. Presently the attention of the boys -was attracted by the approach of a stranger, whose long beard and thin -hair--both as white as snow--bore evidence to the fact that he carried -the burden of many years on his shoulders. - -He was dressed in a complete suit of buckskin, which, although well -worn, was nevertheless very neat, and, in spite of his years, his step -was firm, and he walked as erect as an Indian. He carried a long heavy -rifle on his shoulder, and from his belt peeped the head of a small -hatchet of peculiar shape, and the buck-horn handle of a -hunting-knife. He walked slowly through the camp, and when he came -opposite the boys, Dick suddenly sprang from the ground where he had -been seated, watching some steaks that were broiling on the coals, -and, striding up to the stranger, laid his hand on his shoulder. The -latter turned, and, after regarding him sharply for a moment, thrust -out his hand, which the trapper seized and wrung in silence. For an -instant they stood looking at each other without speaking, and then -Dick took the old man by the arm and led him up to the fire, -exclaiming: - -"Bob Kelly, the oldest an' best trapper on the prairy!" - -The boys arose as he approached, and regarded him with curiosity. They -had heard their guide speak in the highest terms of "ole Bob -Kelly," and had often wished to see the trapper whom Dick was -willing to acknowledge as his superior. There he was--a mild, -good-natured-looking old man, the exact opposite of what they had -imagined him to be. - -"Them are city chaps, Bob"--continued the trapper, as the old man, -after gazing at the boys for a moment, seated himself on the ground -beside the fire--"an' I'm takin' 'em out to Californy. In course they -are green consarnin' prairy life, but they are made of good stuff, an' -are 'bout the keerlessest youngsters you ever see. What a doin' here, -Bob?" - -"Jest lookin' round," was the answer. "I'm mighty glad to meet you -ag'in, 'cause it looks nat'ral to see you 'bout. Things aint as they -used to be. Me an' you are 'bout the oldest trappers agoin' now. The -boys have gone one arter the other, an' thar's only me an' you left -that I knows on." - -"What's come on Jack Thomas?" asked Dick. - -"We're both without our chums now," answered the old man, sorrowfully. -"Jack an' ole Bill Lawson are both gone, an' their scalps are in a -Comanche wigwam." - -The trapper made no reply, but went on with his preparations for -supper in silence, and the boys could see that he was considerably -affected by the news he had just heard. His every movement was closely -watched by his companion, who seemed delighted to meet his old -acquaintance once more, and acted as though he did not wish to allow -him out of his sight. There was evidently a good deal of honest -affection between these two men. It did not take the form of words, -but would have showed itself had one or the other of them been in -danger. They did not speak again until Mr. Winters came up, when Dick -again introduced his friend as the "oldest an' best trapper agoin'." -Uncle James, who understood the customs of the trappers, simply -bowed--a greeting which the old man returned with one short, searching -glance, as if he meant to read his very thoughts. - -"Now, then!" exclaimed Dick, "Grub's ready. Pitch in, Bob." - -The old trapper was not in the habit of standing upon ceremony, and, -drawing his huge knife from his belt, he helped himself to a generous -piece of the meat, and, declining the corn-bread and the cup of coffee -which the boys passed over to him, made his meal entirely of venison. -After supper--there were but few dishes to wash now, for the boys had -learned to go on the principle that "fingers were made before -forks"--the trapper hung what remained of the venison in the wagon, -lighted his pipe, and stretched himself on the ground beside his -companion. - -The boys, knowing that the trappers would be certain to talk over the -events that had transpired since their last meeting, spread their -blankets where they could hear all that passed, and waited impatiently -for them to begin; while Mr. Winters, who had by this time become -acquainted with every man, woman, and child, in the train, started to -pay a visit to the occupants of a neighboring wagon. - -For some moments the two men smoked in silence, old Bob evidently -occupied with his own thoughts, and Dick patiently waiting for him to -speak. At length the old man asked: - -"Goin' to Californy, Dick?" - -The trapper replied in the affirmative. - -"What a goin' to do arterward?" - -"I'm a goin' to take to the mountains, an' stay thar," replied Dick. -"I've seed the inside of a city, Bob; have rid on steam railroads an' -boats as big as one of the Black Hills; an' now I'm satisfied to stay -here. I'd a heap sooner face a grizzly or a Injun than go back thar -ag'in, 'cause I didn't feel to hum." - -"Wal, I'm all alone now, Dick," said the old man, "an' so are you. Our -chums are gone, an' we both want to settle with them Comanche -varmints; so, let's stick together." - -Dick seemed delighted with this proposition, for he quickly arose from -his blanket and extended his hand to his companion, who shook it -heartily; and the boys read in their faces a determination to stand by -each other to the last. - -"I've got a chum now, youngsters," said Dick, turning to the boys; -"an' one that I aint afraid to trust anywhar. Thar's nothin' like -havin' a friend, even on the prairy. I come with the boys," he added, -addressing his companion, who, seeing the interest Dick took in his -"youngsters," slowly surveyed them from head to foot--"I come with 'em -jest to show 'em how we do things on the prairy. They can shoot -consid'ble sharp, an' aint afraid. All it wants is the hard -knocks--fightin' Injuns an' grizzlies, an' starvin' on the prairy, an' -freezin' in the mountains, to make trappers of 'em." And here Dick -settled back on his elbow, and proceeded to give the old man a short -account of what had transpired at Uncle Joe's cabin; described -Frank's fight with the moose and panther in glowing language; told how -the capture of the cubs had been effected, until old Bob began to be -interested; and when Dick finished his story, he said: - -"The youngsters would make good trappers." - -This, as the trapper afterward told the boys, was a compliment old Bob -seldom paid to any one, "for," said he, "I've knowed him a long time, -an' have been in many a fight with him, an' he never told me I was -good or bad." - -"Wal," said Dick, again turning to his companion, "You said as how -Jack Thomas was rubbed out. How did it happen?" - -Old Bob refilled his pipe, smoked a few moments as if to bring the -story fresh to his memory, and then answered: - -"When I heered that Bill Lawson war gone, an' that you war left alone, -I done my best to find you, an' get you to jine a small party we war -makin' up to visit our ole huntin' grounds on the Saskatchewan; but -you had tuk to the mountains, and nobody didn't know whar to go to -find you. Thar war eight of us in the party, an' here, you see, are -all that are left. As nigh as I can 'member, it war 'bout four year -ago come spring that we sot out from the fort, whar we had sold our -furs. We had three pack mules, plenty of powder, ball, an' sich like, -an' we started in high sperits, tellin' the trader that bought our -spelter that we'd have a fine lot fur him ag'in next meetin' time. We -knowed thar war plenty of Injuns an' sich varmints to be fit an' -killed afore we come back, but that didn't trouble us none, 'cause we -all knowed our own bisness, and didn't think but that we would come -through all right, jest as we had done a hundred times afore. We -didn't intend to stop afore we got to the Saskatchewan; so we traveled -purty fast, an' in 'bout three weeks found ourselves in the Blackfoot -country, nigh the Missouri River. One night we camped on a leetle -stream at the foot of the mountains, an' the next mornin', jest as we -war gettin' ready to start out ag'in, Jack Thomas--who, like a -youngster turned loose from school, war allers runnin' round, pokin' -his nose into whatever war goin' on--came gallopin' into camp, -shouting: - -"'Buffaler! buffaler!' - -"In course, we all knowed what that meant, an' as we hadn't tasted -buffaler hump since leavin' the fort, we saddled up in a hurry an' -put arter the game. We went along kinder easy-like--Jack leadin' the -way--until we come to the top of a swell, an' thar they war--nothin' -but buffaler as fur as a feller could see. It war a purty sight, an' -more'n one of us made up our minds that we would have a good supper -that night. We couldn't get no nigher to 'em without bein' diskivered, -so we scattered and galloped arter 'em. In course, the minit we showed -ourselves they put off like the wind; but we war in easy shootin' -distance, an' afore we got through with 'em, I had knocked over four -big fellers an' wounded another. He war hurt so bad he couldn't run; -but I didn't like to go up too clost to him, so I rid off a leetle -way, an' war loadin' up my rifle to give him a settler, when I heered -a noise that made me prick up my ears an' look sharp. I heered a -trampin, an' I knowed it war made by something 'sides a buffaler. Now, -youngsters, a greenhorn wouldn't a seed any thing strange in that; but -when I heered it, I didn't stop to kill the wounded buffaler, but -turned my hoss an' made tracks. I hadn't gone more'n twenty rod afore -I seed four Blackfoot Injuns comin' over a swell 'bout half a mile -back. I had kept my eyes open--as I allers do--but I hadn't seen a -bit of Injun sign on the prairy, an' I made up my mind to onct that -them Blackfoot varmints had been shyin' round arter the same buffaler -we had jest been chasin', an' that they didn't know we war 'bout till -they heered us shoot. Then, in course, they put arter us, 'cause they -think a heap more of scalps than they do of buffaler meat. - -"Wal, as I war sayin', I made tracks sudden; but they warn't long in -diskiverin' me, an' they sot up a yell. I've heered that same yell -often, an' I have kinder got used to it; but I would have give my -hoss, an' this rifle, too, that I have carried for goin' nigh onto -twenty year, if I had been safe in Fort Laramie, 'cause I didn't think -them four Injuns war alone. I war sartin they had friends not a great -way off, an' somehow I a'most knowed how the hul thing was comin' out. -I didn't hardly know which way to go to find our fellers, 'cause while -we were arter the buffaler we had got scattered a good deal; but jest -as I come to the top of a swell I seed 'em a comin'. Jack Thomas war -ahead, an' he war swingin' his rifle an yellin' wusser nor any Injun. -I'll allow, Dick, that it made me feel a heap easier when I seed them -trappers. Jack, who allers knowed what war goin' on in the country -fur five miles round, had first diskivered the Injuns, an' had got all -the party together 'cept me, an' in course they couldn't think of -savin' their own venison by runnin' off and leavin' me. - -"Wal, jest as soon as we got together we sot up a yell and faced -'bout. The Injuns, up to this time, had rid clost together; but when -they seed that we warn't goin' to run no further jest then, they -scattered as if they war goin' to surround us; an' then we all knowed -that them four Injuns warn't alone. So, without stoppin' to fight 'em, -we turned an' run ag'in, makin' tracks for the woods at the foot of -the mountains. An' we warn't a minit too soon, fur all of a sudden we -heered a yell, an' lookin' back we seed 'bout fifty more red-skins -comin' arter us like mad. They had a'most got us surrounded; but the -way to the mountains war open, an' we run fur our lives. The varlets -that had followed me war in good pluggin' distance, an' when we turned -in our saddles an' drawed a bead on 'em, we had four less to deal -with. It warn't more 'n ten mile to the foot of them mountains, but it -seemed a hundred to us, an' we all drawed a long breath when we found -ourselves under kiver of the woods. The minit we reached the timber -we jumped off our hosses, hitched them to the trees, an' made up our -minds to fight it out thar an' then. We knowed, as well as we wanted -to know, what the Injuns would do next--they would leave a party on -the prairy to watch us, an' the rest would go sneakin' round through -the woods an' pick us off one at a time. The only thing we could -do--leastwise till it come dark--war to watch the varlets, an' drop -every one of 'em that showed his painted face in pluggin' distance. We -war in a tight place. Our pack mules, an' a'most all our kit, had been -left in the camp, an' we knowed it wouldn't be long afore the Injuns -would have 'em, an' even if we got off with our bar, we wouldn't be -much better off--no traps, no grub, an' skeercely half a dozen bullets -in our pouches. - -"Wal, the Injuns, when they seed that we had tuk to the timber, -stopped, takin' mighty good keer, as they thought, to keep out of -range of our rifles, an' began to hold a palaver, now an' then lookin' -t'wards us an' settin' up a yell, which told us plain enough that they -thought they had us ketched. But we, knowin' to an inch how fur our -shootin' irons would carry, drawed up an' blazed away; an' we knowed, -by the way them red-skins got back over that swell, that we hadn't -throwed our lead away. They left one feller thar to watch us, -howsomever, but he tuk mighty good keer to keep purty well out of -sight, showin' only 'bout two inches of his head 'bove the top of the -hill. While the Injuns war holdin' their council, we had a talk 'bout -what we had better do. The truth war, thar war only one thing we could -do, an' that war to stay thar until dark an' then take our chances. We -had all fit savage Injuns enough to know that they wouldn't bother us -much so long as daylight lasted; but arter that, if we didn't get away -from thar, our lives war not worth a charge of powder. We soon made up -our minds what we would do. We divided ourselves into two -parties--four of us watchin' the prairy, an' the others keepin' an eye -on the woods, to see that the varlets didn't slip up behind us. - -"Wal, we didn't see nothin' out of the way all that day. Thar war that -feller peepin' over the hill, an' that war the only thing in the shape -of a red-skin we could see; an' we didn't hear nothin' neither, fur -whatever they done, they didn't make noise enough to skeer a painter. -At last it come night, an' it war 'bout the darkest night I ever -see--no moon, no stars--an' then we began to prick up our ears. We all -knowed that the time had come. You can easy tell what we war passin' -through our minds. Thar warn't no sich thing as a coward among us -eight fellers, but men in sich a scrape as that can't help thinkin', -an' I knowed that every one thar drawed a long breath when he thought -of what he had got to do. I tell you, Dick, it war something none of -us liked to do--leave one another in that way--men that you have -hunted, an' trapped, an' fought Injuns with, an' mebbe slept under the -same blanket with, an' who have stuck to you through thick an' -thin--sich fellers, I say, you don't like to desart when they're in -danger. But what else could we do? We war a'most out of powder an' -lead, an' the Injuns war more'n six to our one. You have been in sich -scrapes, an' in course know that thar warn't but one way open to us. - -"Wal, as I was sayin', as soon as it come fairly dark, the boys -gathered 'round me, an' waited to hear what I war goin' to do. In -course, I couldn't advise 'em, 'cause it war every feller look out fur -himself, an' the best men war them as was lucky enough to get away. So -I said: - -"'I'm goin' to start now, boys. It's high time we war movin', cause if -we stay here half an hour longer, we'll have them red-skins down on us -in a lump. Thar's somethin' goin' on, sartin. They don't keep so still -fur nothin'.' - -"Wal, we whispered the matter over, an' finally settled it. The oldest -man war to go fust; the next oldest, second; an' so on; an' that them -as got away should draw a bee-line fur Fort Laramie, an' get thar to -onct, so that we might know who got off an' who didn't. We didn't -think we should all get away. Some war sartin to go under; an', Dick, -we didn't forget to promise each other that those of us that lived -would never let a red Injun cross our trail. When every thing was -settled, I, bein' the oldest man in the comp'ny, began to get ready -fur the start. I put fresh primin' in my rifle; seed that my knife and -tomahawk war all right; then, arter shakin' hands with all the boys, -an' wishin' 'em good luck, I crawled away on my hands an' knees. I -didn't go back into the woods, but tuk to the edge of the prairy, an' -found the way cl'ar. Not an Injun did I hear. As fur seein', you -couldn't a told your mother, if she warn't two foot from you; an' in -'bout half an hour I found myself on the banks of a leetle creek. How -long I lay thar, an' how much of that water I drunk, I don't know; but -I thought water never tasted so good afore. Then I walked into the -creek, an' had waded in it fur 'bout half a mile, when all to onct I -heered a yellin' an' whoopin', followed by the crack of rifles, an' -then I knowed that I hadn't been fooled consarnin' what the red-skins -meant to do. They had got what war left of our fellers surrounded, an' -made the rush. Fur a minit I stood thar in the water an' listened. I -heered a few shots made by our poor fellers, 'cause I can tell the -crack of a Missouri rifle as fur as I can hear it; an' then one long, -loud yell, told me that it war all over. - -"Wal, I laid round in them mountains fur more'n six weeks, starvin' -fur grub an' water, an' listenin' to the yellin' varlets that war -huntin arter me; but I got back safe at last, arter walkin' all the -way from the Rocky Mountains to the fort, an' thar I found Jack -Thomas. Me an' him war the only ones that got out. When the Injuns got -them six fellers, they rubbed out nearly the last one of our comp'ny. -Me an' Jack war mighty down-hearted 'bout it, an' it war a long time -afore we could b'lieve that we war left alone. We didn't feel then -like ever goin' back to the mountains ag'in, 'cause we knowed it would -be lonesome thar. In course, we could easy have made up another -expedition, fur thar war plenty of hunters an' trappers--good ones, -too--hangin' round the fort; but somehow we didn't feel like goin' off -with any one outside of our own comp'ny. - -"Wal, me an' Jack laid round as long as we could stand it, an' then we -got a couple of hosses, another new kit, an' sot off ag'in. We didn't -think it safe fur only two of us to try the Blackfoot country ag'in, -so we struck for the huntin' grounds on the Colorado. At that time -thar war plenty of beaver in that river; so it didn't take us long to -find a place that suited us; an' we settled down, comfortable-like, to -spend the winter. Fur three months we had plenty of sport, an' the -sight of our pile of furs, growin' bigger an' bigger every day, made -us happy an' contented. One mornin' we sot out bright an' 'arly, as -usual, to 'tend to our bisness, takin' different directions--fur my -traps war sot on the side of the mountain, an' Jack had sot his'ne on -the banks of the creek that run through the valley. I had been gone -frum him but a short time, when I heered the crack of his rifle. -Somehow, I knowed it war somethin' 'sides a varmint he had shot at; -an' I warn't fooled neither, for a minit arterward I heered another -gun, an' then afore I could think twice a Comanche yell come echoin' -from the valley, tellin' me plainer nor words that my chum war gone. -An Injun had watched one of his traps, an' shot him as he come to it. -I knowed it as sartin as if I had seed the hul thing done. - -"Wal, I warn't in a fix kalkerlated to make a feller feel very -pleasant. I war three hundred miles from the nighest fort, in the very -heart of the Comanche country, an' in the dead of winter, with the -snow two foot deep on a level. But I didn't stop to think of them -things then. My bisness war to get away from thar to onct. In course, -I couldn't go back arter my hoss or spelter, fur I didn't know how -many Injuns thar war in the valley, nor whar they had hid themselves; -so I shouldered my rifle an' sot off on foot t'wards the prairy. A -storm that come up that night--an' it snowed an' blowed in a way that -warn't a funny thing to look at--kivered up my trail; an' if I war -ever follered, I don't know it. - -"I finally reached the fort, an' I've been thar ever since. I'm an -ole chap now, Dick; but when I hunted an' trapped with your ole man, -when me an' him warn't bigger nor them two youngsters, an' hadn't -hardly strength enough to shoulder a rifle, I never thought that I -should live to be the last of our comp'ny. In them days the prairy war -different from what it is now. It war afore the hoss-thieves an' -rascals began to come in here to get away from the laws of the States; -an' them that called themselves trappers then war honest men, that -never did harm to a lone person on the prairy. But they've gone, one -arter the other, an' only me an' you are left." - -As the old trapper ceased speaking, he arose suddenly to his feet and -disappeared in the darkness, leaving Dick gazing thoughtfully into the -fire. It was an hour before he returned, mounted on his horse, which -he picketed with the others. He then silently rolled himself up in his -blanket and went to sleep. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -A Fight with the Indians. - - -When setting out the next morning, Frank noticed that the wagons, -instead of starting off singly, and straggling, as they had formerly -done, kept close together, and traveled more rapidly. The trapper, -too, instead of taking the lead, and getting in advance of the train, -seemed satisfied to remain with the others. Upon inquiring the reason -for this, Dick replied: - -"You may find out afore night, youngster, that we are in a bad bit of -Injun country. The train that went out afore us had a scrimmage here -with nigh five hundred of the red-skins, who stampeded some of their -stock. So keep your eyes open, an' if you see a Injun, let me know to -onct." The trapper said this with a broad grin, that was meant to -imply that if they were attacked, the Indians would make their -appearance before a person so inexperienced as Frank could be aware of -it. - -"The red-skins don't gener'lly keer 'bout an out-an'-out fight," -continued the trapper, "'cause they don't like these long rifles, an' -they know that these yere pioneers shoot mighty sharp. All the Injuns -want--or all they can get--is the stock; an' they sometimes jump on to -a train afore a feller knows it, an' yell an' kick up a big fuss, -which frightens the cattle. That's what we call stampedin' 'em. An', -youngster, do you see that 'ar?" - -As the trapper spoke, he pointed out over the prairie towards a little -hill about two miles distant. After gazing for a few moments in the -direction indicated, Archie replied: - -"I see something that looks like a weed or a tuft of grass." - -"Wal, that's no weed," said the trapper, with a laugh, "nor grass, -neither. If it is, it's on hossback, an' carries a shootin'-iron or a -bow an' arrer. That's a Injun, or I never seed one afore. What do you -say, Bob?" he asked, turning to the old trapper, who at this moment -came up. - -"I seed that five minutes ago," was the reply, "an' in course it can't -be nothin' but a red-skin." - -The boys gazed long and earnestly at the object, but their eyes were -not as sharp as those of the trappers, for they could not discover -that it bore any resemblance to an Indian, until Mr. Winters handed -them his field-glass through which he had been regarding the object -ever since its discovery. Then they found that the trappers had not -been deceived. It was a solitary Indian, who sat on his horse as -motionless as a statue, no doubt watching the train, and endeavoring -to satisfy himself of the number of men there might be to defend it. -In his hand he carried something that looked like a spear adorned with -a tuft of feathers. - -"I wish the varlet was in good pluggin' distance," said Dick, patting -his rifle which lay across his knees. "If I could only get a bead on -him, he would never carry back to his fellers the news of what he has -seed." - -"Do you suppose there are more of them?" asked Archie, in a voice that -would tremble in spite of himself. - -"Sartin," replied old Bob Kelly, who still rode beside the wagon; -"thar's more of 'em not fur off. This feller is a kind o' spy like, -an' when he has seen exactly how things stand, he'll go back an' tell -the rest of 'em, an' the fust thing we know, they'll be down on us -like a hawk on a June-bug. But they'll ketch a weasel, _they_ will, -when they pitch into us. Dick, when they do come, don't forget Bill -Lawson." - -The trapper turned his head, for a moment, as if to hide the emotion -he felt, at the mention of the name of his departed companion, but -presently replied: - -"This aint the fust time that you an' me have been in jest sich -scrapes, Bob, an' it aint likely that we'll soon forget that we owe -the varlets a long settlement. Thar aint as many of us now as thar -used to be; more'n one good trapper has had his har raised by them -same red-skins--fur I know a Cheyenne as fur as I kin see him, -youngsters--an' mebbe one o' these days, when some one asks, 'What's -come on ole Bob Kelly an' Dick Lewis?' the answer will be, 'Killed by -the Injuns!'" - -It may be readily supposed that such conversation as this was not -calculated to quiet the feelings of Frank and Archie--who had been -considerably agitated by the information that there was a body of -hostile Indians at no great distance--and to their excited -imaginations the danger appeared tenfold worse than it really was. At -that day, as the trapper had remarked, it was a very uncommon -occurrence for a large train to be engaged in a regular fight with the -Indians, for the latter had learned to their cost that the pioneers -were always well armed, and that there were some among them who -understood Indian fighting. They generally contented themselves with -sudden and rapid raids upon the stock of the emigrants, and they -seldom departed empty-handed. But it is not to be wondered that the -trappers, who had participated in numberless engagements with the -savages, and witnessed deeds of cruelty that had awakened in them a -desire for vengeance, should delight to talk over their experience. -The boys, although considerably frightened, were still greatly -encouraged by their example. Dick twisted uneasily on his seat, as -though impatient for the fight to begin, now and then looking toward -the spy, as if he had half a mind to venture a shot at him; while old -Bob Kelly rode along, smoking his pipe, apparently as unconcerned as -though there was not a hostile Indian within a hundred miles of them. -Mr. Winters evidently partook of the old man's indifference, for, -after satisfying himself that his weapons were in readiness, he drew -back beside his nephews, and said, with a smile: - -"Well, boys, you may have an opportunity to try your skill on big game -now. This will be a little different from the fight you had in the -woods with those Indians who stole your traps. Then you had the force -on your side; now the savages are the stronger party. But there's no -danger," he added, quickly seeing that the boys looked rather anxious; -"every man in the train is a good shot, and the most of them have been -in Indian fights before. I don't believe all the red-skins on the -prairie could whip us while we have Dick and Bob with us." - -The boys themselves had great confidence in the trappers--especially -Dick, who, they knew, would never desert them. But even _he_ had -several times been worsted by the Indians. Frank thought of the story -of the lost wagon train. But then he remembered that the reason that -train was captured, was because the emigrants had not "stood up to the -mark like men." - -All this while the train had been moving ahead at a rapid pace, and -many an anxious eye was directed toward the solitary Indian, who -remained standing where he was first discovered until the wagons had -passed, when he suddenly and mysteriously disappeared. All that day -the emigrants rode with their weapons in their hands, in readiness to -repel an attack; and when they halted at noon, guards were posted -about the camp, and the cattle were kept close to the wagons. But, -although now and then a single Indian would be seen upon one of the -distant swells, the main body kept out of sight; and the boys began to -hope that the train was considered too large to be successfully -attacked. At night old Bob Kelly selected the place for the -encampment, which was made according to his directions. The wagons -were drawn up in a circle to form a breastwork, and the cattle were -picketed close by under the protection of a strong guard. Fires were -built, and preparations for supper carried on as usual, for, of -course, all attempts at concealment would have been time and labor -thrown away. As soon as it began to grow dark, the cattle were secured -to the wagons by long stout ropes, which, while they allowed the -animals to graze, effectually prevented escape. Then guards were -selected, and the emigrants made every preparation to give the savages -a warm reception, in case they should make a dash upon the camp. No -one thought of his blanket. The idea of going to sleep while a band of -Indians was hovering about, watching their opportunity to pounce down -upon them, was out of the question. The two trappers, after satisfying -themselves that every thing was in readiness for an attack, began to -station the guards. Frank again thought of the story Dick had related -of the lost wagon train, and, desiring to witness an exhibition of the -skill that had enabled him to detect the presence of the Indians on -that occasion, proposed to Archie that they should stand guard with -him. The latter, who always felt safe when in the company of their -guide, agreed; and when the trapper started off with the guards, he -was surprised to find the boys at his side. - -"Whar are you goin'?" he asked. - -"We want to stand guard with you!" replied Frank. - -"Wal, I never _did_ see sich keerless fellers as you be," said the -trapper. "You get wusser an' wusser. Much you don't know about this -bisness. I guess you had better stay here whar you're safe." - -"Wal, wal!" said old Bob Kelly, who was not a little astonished at the -request the boys had made, "they've got the real grit in 'em, that's a -fact, if they are green as punkins in Injun fightin'. A few year on -the prairy would make 'em as good as me or you, Dick Lewis. But you'll -get enough of Injuns afore you see daylight ag'in, youngsters. So you -had better stay here." - -So saying he shouldered his rifle, and, followed by the guards, -disappeared in the darkness. The boys reluctantly returned to their -wagon, where they found Uncle James, seated on the ground, whistling -softly to himself, and apparently indifferent as to the course the -Indians might see fit to adopt. But still he had not neglected to make -preparations to receive them, for his rifle stood leaning against one -of the wheels of the wagon, and he carried his revolvers in his belt. -The boys silently seated themselves on the ground beside him, and -awaited the issue of events with their feelings worked up to the -highest pitch of excitement. The fires had burned low, but still -there was light sufficient to enable them to discover the emigrants -stretched on the ground about the wagons, talking to one another in -whispers, as if almost afraid to break the stillness that brooded over -the camp, and which was interrupted only by the barking of the prairie -wolves, and the neighing and tramping of the horses. Two hours were -passed in this way, when suddenly the sharp report of a rifle, -accompanied by a terrific yell, rang out on the air, causing the -emigrants to grasp their weapons and spring to their feet in alarm. -For an instant all was silent again. The stillness was so deep that -Frank thought the camp was suddenly deserted. Then a long drawn out -whoop arose from the prairie, followed by a chorus of yells that -struck terror to more than one heart in that wagon train. Then came a -clatter of horses' hoofs; the yells grew louder and louder; and the -boys knew that the Indians were coming toward them. The emigrants -rushed to the wagons, and the next moment the savages swept by. The -boys saw a confused mass of rapidly-moving horsemen; heard the most -terrific yells, the report of fire-arms, and the struggles of the -frightened cattle as they attempted to escape, and then all was over. -The Indians departed as rapidly as they had come, and the boys, -bewildered by the noise, had not fired a shot. On the contrary, they -stood holding their rifles in their hands, as if they had suddenly -forgotten how to use them. Uncle James, however, was not confused. He -had heard the war-whoop before, and as he came out from behind the -wagon, he began to reload one of his revolvers, remarking as he did -so: - -[Illustration] - -"There are some less in that band, I know." - -"Did you shoot?" asked Archie, drawing a long breath of relief to know -that the danger was past. "Why, I didn't have time to fire a shot." - -"That's because you were frightened," replied Mr. Winters. "You see I -have been in skirmishes like this before, and their yells don't make -me nervous. I had five good shots at them, and I don't often miss." - -"I say, youngsters, are you all right?" exclaimed Dick, who at this -moment came up. "See here! I've got two fellers' top-knots. Bless you, -they aint scalps," he continued, as the boys drew back. "They're only -the feathers the Injuns wear in their har. I don't scalp Cheyennes, -'cause I don't keer 'bout 'em. I make war on 'em 'cause it's natur. -But when I knock over a Comanche, I take his har jest to 'member ole -Bill by. But, youngsters, warn't that jolly! I haven't heered a Injun -yell fur more'n a year, an it makes me feel to hum. You can take these -feathers, an' when you get back to Lawrence, tell the folks thar that -the Injuns that wore 'em onct attacked the train you belonged to." - -The emigrants' first care, after having satisfied themselves that the -Indians had gone, was to count their stock; and more than one had to -mourn the loss of a favorite horse or mule, which had escaped and gone -off with the Indians. Mr. Winters, however, had lost nothing--the -trapper having tied the animals so securely that escape was -impossible. Not a person in the train was injured--the only damage -sustained being in the canvas covers of the wagons, which were riddled -with bullets and arrows. - -The boys were still far from feeling safe, and probably would not have -gone to bed that night had they not seen the trappers spreading their -blankets near the wagon. This re-assured them, for those men never -would have thought of rest if there had been the least probability -that the Indians would return. So the boys took their beds out of the -wagon and placed them beside those of Dick and his companion, who were -talking over the events of the night. - -"This bisness of fightin' Injuns, youngsters," said the former, "is -one that aint larnt out of books, nor in the woods about Lawrence. If -you had a-been with us, you would a seed that. Now, when I fust went -out thar, you couldn't 'a' told that thar war a red-skin on the -prairy. But I laid my ear to the ground, an' purty quick I heerd a -rumblin' like, an' I knowed the noise war made by hosses. Arter that, -I heerd a rustlin' in the grass, an' seed a Injun sneakin' along, easy -like, t'wards the camp. So I drawed up my ole shootin' iron, an' done -the bisness fur him, an' then started fur the camp, loadin' my rifle -as I ran. In course the Injuns seed then that it warn't no use to go -a-foolin' with us, so they all set up a yell, an' here they come. I -dodged under the wagon, an' as they went by, I give 'em another shot, -an' seed a red-skin go off dead." - -"Go off dead!" repeated Frank. "How could he go off when he was dead?" - -"Why," said the trapper, with a laugh, in which he was joined by old -Bob Kelly, "every one of them Injuns war tied fast to his hoss, so -that if he war killed he wouldn't fall off; an', in course, his hoss -would keep on with the rest, an' carry him away. I seed more'n one -Injun go off dead to-night, an' the way I come to get them feathers, -b'longin' to them two chaps, war, that somebody had shot their hosses. -I seed 'em on the ground, tryin' to cut themselves loose from their -saddles, so I run up an' settled 'em. That war four I rubbed out. -Good-night, youngsters. You needn't be afraid, 'cause they won't come -back again to-night." - -As the trapper spoke, he placed his cap under his head for a pillow, -re-arranged his blanket, and was soon in a sound sleep. - -During the next two weeks nothing occurred to relieve the monotony of -the journey. The train took up its line of march at daylight, halted -at noon for an hour or two, and shortly after sunset encamped for the -night. The fight with the Indians had not driven all thoughts of the -antelopes out of the boys' minds. And while the train journeyed along -the road, they scoured the prairie, in search of the wished-for game. -The appearance of the "sea of grass," which stretched away on all -sides, as far as their eyes could reach, not a little surprised them. -Instead of the perfectly level plain they had expected to see, the -surface of the prairie was broken by gentle swells, like immense waves -of the ocean, and here and there--sometimes two or three days' journey -apart--were small patches of woods, called "oak openings." - -One night they made their camp in sight of the Rocky Mountains. While -the trapper was cooking their supper, he said to the boys, who had -thrown themselves on the ground near the wagon: - -"It aint fur from here that me an' ole Bill Lawson lost that wagon -train. I never travel along here that I don't think of that night, an' -I sometimes feel my cap rise on my head, jest as it did when them -Injuns come pourin' into the camp. But the varlets have been pushed -back further an' further, an' now a feller's as safe here as he would -be in Fort Laramie. The ole bar's hole aint more'n fifty mile from -here, an' if your uncle don't mind the ride, I should like to show you -the cave that has so often sarved me fur a hidin'-place." - -The boys looked toward Mr. Winters, who, having frequently heard the -guide speak of the "ole bar's hole," felt some curiosity to see it. -So, after being assured by both the trappers that there was no danger -to be apprehended, he gave his consent, remarking: - -"We are in no hurry. I don't suppose there is any possibility of being -lost so long as we have Dick and Bob for guides; so we will go there, -and take a week's rest and a hunt." - -The boys were delighted, and the next morning, when the train resumed -its journey, the emigrants were not a little surprised to see Mr. -Winters' wagon moving off by itself. - -That night, when our travelers encamped, they were thirty miles from -the train, and about the same distance from the "ole bar's hole." The -mountains were plainly visible, and the boys could scarcely believe -that they were nearly a day's journey distant. They were certain that -a ride of an hour or two would bring them to the willows that skirted -their base. - -"'T aint the fust time I've seed fellers fooled 'bout sich things," -said Dick. "Do you see that 'ar high peak?" he continued, pointing to -a single mountain that rose high above the others. "Wal, thar's whar -the ole bar's hole is. If we reach it afore dark to-morrer night, I'll -agree to set you down in Sacramento in two weeks." - -The boys were still far from being convinced, and they went to sleep -that night fully believing that they would reach the mountains by noon -the next day. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -Lost on the Prairie. - - -The next morning, by the time the sun had risen, the travelers had -eaten their breakfast, and were again on the move. The entire party -was in high spirits. The trappers laughed and joked with each other, -and pointed out to Mr. Winters the familiar objects that met their eye -on every side, while the boys galloped on before, and in a few moments -had left the wagon far behind. Their horses were in excellent trim, -and bounded along over the prairie as if some of their riders' spirits -had been infused into them. - -"I say, Frank," said Archie, at length, suddenly drawing in his rein, -"what if Dick was mistaken about the Indians all being gone, and a -party of Comanches should suddenly pounce down on us? Wouldn't we be -in a fix? I declare, I see an Indian now," he added; and, as he -spoke, he pointed toward an object that could be dimly seen moving -along the summit of a distant swell. - -"That's something, that's a fact," said Frank, gazing in the direction -indicated; "but it don't look like that Indian we saw the other day. -If it was a Comanche, he wouldn't move about and show himself so -plainly. There's another--and another," he continued, as several more -objects came over the brow of the hill. "Let us ride up a little -nearer. If they are Indians, we can easily reach the wagon before they -can overtake us." - -"Well, come on," said Archie. "If we should get into a fight all by -ourselves, and come safely out of it, it would be something to talk -about, wouldn't it?" - -The boys rode cautiously toward the objects, which were still -increasing in number, holding themselves in readiness to beat a hasty -retreat in case they should prove to be Indians, until they had gone -about half a mile, when Frank suddenly exclaimed: - -"They are antelopes!" - -"Are they?" asked Archie, excitedly. "Let's shoot one of 'em," and, -springing from his saddle, he began to unbuckle his halter and hobble -his horse, as he had seen the trapper do on a former occasion. - -Frank followed his example, and then, securing their rifles, they -threw themselves on their hands and knees, and began to crawl toward -the game, which was fully a mile and a half distant. But that was no -obstacle to the boys then. They would willingly have gone twice that -far to have a shot at an antelope, if for nothing more than to show -the trapper that they were better hunters than he had supposed. It is -true they did not expect to succeed, but the name "antelope killers" -was well worth trying for, and they determined to do their best. They -crawled along slowly and as carefully as possible, pausing now and -then to look over the grass at the animals, which, to their delight, -they found were feeding directly toward them. - -"I don't think it is safe to go much further," said Frank, after they -had crawled nearly half the distance in this manner. "Let's stop and -see what we can do." - -"Well," said Archie. "If you will hold up your handkerchief on your -ramrod, I'll try and shoot one of them, if they come near enough." - -Frank, in compliance with his cousin's suggestion, drew his ramrod -from his gun, fastened his handkerchief to it, and, throwing himself -upon his back, carefully raised it above the grass. While in this -position he could not, of course, see the movements of the game; but -Archie kept vigilant watch, and at length whispered: - -"They see it! They're coming!" - -The animals had, in reality, caught sight of the handkerchief, and, -after regarding it for a few moments, they began to approach it--a -fine large buck leading the way. - -Now the boys knew that the hunt began in earnest. The least awkward -movement on their part--the exposure of the smallest portion of their -bodies, or the slightest noise in the grass--might, as Archie -expressed it, "knock the whole thing in the head." Frank lay perfectly -quiet, watching the movements of his cousin; and he could tell, by the -expression of his countenance, pretty near what the game was doing. -When the antelopes stopped--which they did every few feet--Archie put -on an exceedingly long face, as if fearful that they were about to -turn and run; and when they approached, the fact would be indicated by -a broad grin and a nervous twitching at the lock of his gun. For -fully half an hour--it seemed much longer to the impatient boys--they -remained in their place of concealment; but at length their patience -was rewarded, for the game was within easy rifle range. In an instant -Archie's nervousness all vanished, and Frank almost held his breath -when he saw him slowly, inch by inch, raise his gun to his shoulder. -He took a long, steady aim, pulled the trigger, and sprung from the -ground, shouting: - -"I've got him! I've got him!" - -Frank was on his feet almost as soon as his cousin, and, to his -delight, saw the leader of the antelopes struggling on the ground, -while the rest of the herd were scampering away at the top of their -speed. - -"What will Dick and Bob say now?" exclaimed Archie, who skipped about -as though he were almost beside himself. "What will they--hold -on--hold on--shoot him, Frank!" he shouted. "We're going to lose him -after all." - -Archie's shot had not been fatal. The buck was only disabled for a -moment, and, after a few struggles, he succeeded in regaining his -feet, and started to run. Had his cousin been as excited as he was, -they certainly would have had all their trouble for nothing, for -Archie, instead of stopping to reload, dropped his gun and started in -pursuit of the wounded animal, which--although he ran but slowly--was -fast leaving him behind, when Frank, by an excellent shot, again -brought him to the ground. This time the wound was fatal; but Archie, -to put all further attempts at escape out of the question, ran up and -seized the buck by the horns. - -"He's done for now," said Frank, as he proceeded to reload his rifle; -"I shot him through the head." - -"I see you did," replied his cousin, still retaining his hold upon the -antelope; "but there's no knowing what he might do. I wouldn't trust -him." And it was not until he had turned the deer over several times, -and fully satisfied himself that he had ceased to breathe, that Archie -released him. - -"What will Dick and Bob say now?" he continued, as Frank came up, and -they began to examine their prize, which was much larger than the one -the trapper had killed. "You know they said we couldn't shoot an -antelope. Now, the next thing is to get him back to the wagon. He's -too heavy for us to carry, so if you'll stay here, and watch him and -keep the wolves off, I'll go back and get the horses." - -Frank agreed to this arrangement, and Archie, after he had found and -reloaded his gun, started off after the horses. He was gone almost two -hours--so long that Frank began to be uneasy; but at length he -appeared, riding post-haste over a neighboring swell, mounted on -Sleepy Sam, and leading Pete by the bridle. As soon as he came within -speaking distance, he exclaimed, with blanched cheeks: - -"Frank, we're lost! I can't see the wagon any where." - -"Don't be uneasy," replied his cousin, who, although thoroughly -alarmed by this announcement, appeared to be perfectly unconcerned. -"Don't be uneasy." - -"But I haven't seen the wagon since we left it this morning," -persisted Archie. "I thought it was close behind us. I tell you we're -lost." - -"Oh no, I guess not," answered Frank, as he lifted the antelope from -the ground and placed it on the saddle before his cousin. "The wagon -is no doubt behind some of these hills. Besides, Uncle James won't be -long in hunting us up." - -"I wouldn't stay alone on the prairie to-night for any thing," said -Archie. "I know it wouldn't be the first time I have camped out, but -then there are no wild Indians in the woods about Lawrence." - -Frank had by this time mounted his horse, and together they set out at -a rapid gallop to find the wagon. The mountain which Dick had pointed -out the night before was plainly visible, and the boys determined to -travel toward it with all possible speed, in hopes that they would -overtake their friends before they halted for the night. Frank thought -the wagon could not be far off, and every hill they mounted he gazed -about him as if fully expecting to discover it; but, after riding an -hour without seeing any signs of it, he began to be a good deal of his -cousin's opinion, that they were lost. But he made no remark, for he -knew that a good deal depended upon keeping up Archie's courage. - -"We have not been gone from the wagon three hours," said he, "and they -haven't had time to get very far away from us. We'll find them behind -some of these swells. Perhaps we'll be in time to give them a piece of -our antelope for dinner." - -Archie made no reply, for he derived no encouragement from this; but -he silently followed his cousin, who led the way at a rapid gallop, -riding over this swell, and turning round that, as though he was -perfectly familiar with the ground over which they were traveling. For -two long hours they kept on in this way, almost without speaking, each -time they mounted a hill straining their eyes in every direction, in -the hope of discovering the wagon. Sometimes they were almost certain -they saw its white cover in the distance; but upon taking a second -look, it proved to have been merely a creation of their imagination; -and Frank began to be discouraged. To add to their discomfort, the -heat was almost intolerable, and they began to be tortured with -thirst. Their animals also appeared to be suffering, for they paid -less attention to the spur, and were constantly jerking at the reins, -and endeavoring to go in a direction almost contrary to that which the -boys desired. The hours seemed lengthened into ages, and at three -o'clock in the afternoon they had seen no signs of the wagon, and the -mountains appeared to be as far off as ever. - -"There's no use talking," said Archie, at length, reining in his -horse, "I can't stand this any longer, I'm so thirsty." - -"But what else can we do?" asked Frank, in a husky voice, for his -tongue was so parched that he could scarcely talk plainly. "We can't -find our friends, or water either, by staying here. We _must_ go on." - -As he spoke, he again spurred his horse into a gallop, Archie, as -before, following after him, now and then looking down at the -antelope, which lay across his saddle--and which he considered to be -the cause of all their trouble--as though he heartily wished him safe -among the others of the herd. Two miles more were passed, but still no -signs of water. The idea of finding the wagon had now given away to a -desire to discover some stream where they might quench their thirst, -which was becoming almost unbearable. But the dry, parched prairie -stretched away on each side of them, while in front loomed the -mountains, apparently as distant as when they started in the morning. -Their horses grew more and more restive. Upon applying the spur, they -would gallop for a few yards, and then settle down into a slow walk, -turning their heads and pulling at the reins as if anxious to go in a -contrary direction. This set Frank to thinking. He had often read of -the remarkable sagacity sometimes displayed by the horse--how the -animal had been known to carry his lost rider safely into the midst of -his friends--and, turning to his cousin, he exclaimed: - -"Archie, I'm going to let Pete take his own course. Both the horses -want to go back, so let's see where they will take us to. We can't be -in a much worse fix than we are now." - -As he spoke, he threw the reins on his horse's neck, and the animal, -finding himself at liberty, at once turned, and, pricking up his ears, -galloped off exactly at right angles with the course they had been -pursuing. Archie, too dispirited to raise any objections, followed his -cousin's example, and the old buffalo hunter, which, during the last -two hours, had traveled with his head down, as if scarcely able to -take another step, snuffed the air and bounded off at a rapid pace. -For an hour the animals tore along at a tremendous rate; but -discovering no signs of the wagon, Frank was rapidly losing faith in -the sagacity of his horse, when, as they came suddenly around the base -of a swell, they found before them a long line of willows. Toward this -the animals made their way with increased speed, carrying their riders -through the trees into a stream of clear, running water. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -The Trapper's Reminiscence. - - -The horses did not stop on the bank, but, in spite of the desperate -efforts of the boys, kept on, until the water reached half way to -their backs. The old buffalo hunter, not satisfied with this, -persisted in lying down; and Archie and the antelope were deposited in -the middle of the stream. Under any other circumstances, the young -hunter would have been angry; but, as it was, the cool bath was most -refreshing after his long ride over the dry prairie, under the hot, -scorching sun; so seizing the antelope, he dragged him to the shore, -leaving his horse to take care of himself. - -Thirsty as the boys were, they still retained their presence of mind; -instead of endangering his life by drinking freely of the water, -Archie contented himself with repeatedly bathing his head, while -Frank, who was still in his saddle, reached down and scooped up a few -drops in his hand. - -"I say, Frank, isn't this glorious?" said Archie at length, as he -divested himself of his coat, which he hung upon a limb to dry. "But -it's lucky that my ammunition is water-proof. If you had been in my -fix, you wouldn't be able to do much more shooting until we got back -to our wagon. I declare, it's getting dark. Where do you suppose that -wagon is? If we don't find it inside of fifteen minutes, we shall have -to camp." - -"Let's stay here," said Frank, as he rode his horse out of the water, -and fastened him to a tree. "We must stay somewhere all night, and -this is as good a camping-ground as we can find." - -"If Dick or Bob was here," said Archie, "I wouldn't mind it; but I -don't like the idea of our staying here alone. This is the worst -scrape I was ever in; but if I once get along-side of that wagon -again, I'll stay there." - -"Oh, you've been in worse scrapes than this," said Frank, who saw that -his cousin was losing heart again. - -"I'd like to know when and where?" said Archie, looking up in -astonishment. - -"Why, you were in a much more dangerous situation while you were -hanging by that limb, fifty feet from the ground, when you were after -that 'coon that led you such a long chase." - -"I can't see it," replied Archie. "I knew that if I got down safe, I -would be among friends, and if I had to camp in the woods there would -be no Comanches or grizzly bears waiting for a chance to jump down on -me. I say, Frank, there _may_ be grizzly bears about here," and Archie -peered through the trees, reaching rather hurriedly for his gun, as if -fully expecting to see one of those ferocious animals advancing upon -him. "But what are you about?" he continued, as he saw Frank removing -the saddle from his horse. - -"I'm getting ready to camp," replied Frank, coolly. - -Archie at first strongly objected to this, but Frank finally carried -the day, by assuring him that it was the much better plan to "take -matters easy," and wait for daylight, when they would again set out. -Besides, if they traveled in the dark, they might go miles out of -their way. Archie, although not convinced, finally agreed to his -cousin's proposition, remarking: - -"If you were in the fourth story of a burning house, I wonder if you -wouldn't talk of taking matters easy?" - -It was settled then that they should remain where they were for the -night, and they began to make preparations accordingly. Archie's horse -was relieved of the saddle, and, after both the animals had been led -on to the prairie, they were hobbled and left to graze. Frank then -began to skin and dress the buck, while Archie gathered a supply of -wood, and kindled a fire. In half an hour several slices of venison -were broiling on the coals, and the boys were lying before the fire, -talking over the events of the day, and wondering what Dick and Bob -would say when they learned that their "youngsters" had killed an -antelope, when they were startled by a well-known bark, and the next -moment Useless came bounding through the trees into the very center of -the camp, where he frisked and jumped about with every demonstration -of joy. The boys had scarcely recovered from their alarm, when they -heard a familiar voice exclaim: - -"Bar an' buffaler! You keerless fellers!" and the trapper came -through the willows with long, impatient strides. - -The boys were always glad to see Dick, but words are too feeble to -express the joy they felt at his sudden and wholly unexpected -appearance. For a moment they seemed to have lost the power of speech. - -The trapper glanced hastily from one to the other, took in at a glance -the preparations for the night, and, dropping the butt of his rifle -heavily to the ground, again ejaculated: - -"You keerless fellers!" - -"What's the matter, Dick?" asked Archie, whose spirits were now as -exalted as they had before been depressed. "We're all right. Sit down -and have some supper." - -"Youngsters," said the trapper, seating himself on the ground, and -depositing his rifle beside him, "I jest knowed I would find you all -right. Now, tell me whar have you been, an' what a doin'?" - -"Do you see that?" exclaimed Archie, jumping up and pointing to the -remains of the antelope, which Frank had hung up on a tree. "Do you -see it? You said we couldn't kill a prong-horn, but we've done it." - -The boys then proceeded to recount their adventures, telling the -trapper how they had killed the antelope, of their long ride under the -scorching sun, and how at last their horses had brought them to the -water--to all of which the trapper listened with amazement, and -feelings of admiration that he could not disguise. - -"Wal," said he, when they had concluded, "I won't tell you to try it -over ag'in, 'cause you can't allers be so lucky." - -"What did uncle say?" inquired Archie, who was rather apprehensive of -a "lecture." - -"Oh, he knowed as how thar war no Injuns to massacre you, an' when we -camped fur noon, I heered him say, 'I wonder what the boys have got -fur dinner?' I knowed me and Useless could easy find you. That ar dog -knowed jest as well that I war arter you as I did myself." - -"Well," said Frank, "whenever you get ready, we'll go back to the -camp." - -"To camp!" repeated the trapper. "Haint you rid fur enough yet? Can -you stand twenty miles more to-night?" - -"Twenty miles!" echoed both the boys, in surprise. - -"Sartin! You're further away from the ole bar's hole now than you were -last night." - -The young hunters were astonished. Although they had had the Rocky -Mountains for a guidepost, they had been completely turned round, and -had actually traveled ten miles back toward St. Joseph. - -"That's what comes of not knowin' nothin' 'bout the prairy!" continued -the trapper, helping himself to a piece of the venison. "But we'll -stay here to-night, an' strike fur camp in the mornin'." - -The boys were very well satisfied with this arrangement, for their -long ride had wearied them, and Archie was willing to brave grizzly -bears, so long as he was in Dick's company. - -After supper--which consisted of venison, without bread or coffee--the -trapper lighted his pipe with a brand from the fire, and, settling -back on his elbow, said: - -"I've seed the time, youngsters, when it wouldn't a been healthy fur -you two fellers to be out here alone. I've seed that prairy a'most -black with Comanches, an' have heered 'em yellin' among these ere very -willows. If you had been settin' whar you are now 'bout fifteen year -ago, you would have seed me goin' through these trees, an' swimmin' -that ar creek, with a hul tribe of yellin' an' screechin' red-skins -clost to my heels. I showed your uncle, this mornin', the very place -whar I onct run the gauntlet of more'n a hundred Comanches. I tell -you, youngsters, I know every foot of this ground. Many a time me an' -poor ole Bill Lawson have skrimmaged with the Injuns through here, -when it war more'n a feller's har war wuth to come to this creek arter -a drink o' water. But I told you 'bout runnin' the gauntlet. The way -it happened war this: - -"'Bout fifteen year ago, me an' ole Bill Lawson war trappin' among the -mountains, twenty-five miles from the ole bar's hole. We, in course, -had fine sport, 'cause me an' ole Bill allers knowed whar to go to -find the best trappin' grounds; an', by the time spring opened, we had -as much spelter as we could tote away on our backs. It war gettin' -purty nigh time fur the Comanches to come round on their spring hunt, -an' we began to talk of leavin'; but thar war plenty of beaver left in -the valley, an' we didn't like to go so long as thar war any game to -trap, so we kept puttin' it off, an' when at last we did start, it -war too late to get off with our plunder. - -"One mornin', jest at daylight, while I war in front of the shantee -cookin' my breakfast, ole Bill come in from 'tendin' to his traps, an' -said: - -"'Dick, the valley's chuck full o' red-skins. I jest seed more sign -down by the creek than I ever seed afore 'bout this place, an' that's -sayin' a good deal. We had better shoulder our spelter an' be off to -onct.' - -"I didn't stop to think any more 'bout breakfast jest then, but I ran -into the shantee, grabbed my furs, which I allers kept tied up ready -for a move, an' me an' ole Bill started out. The Injuns must have come -in durin' the night, 'cause the day afore thar warn't a bit of sign to -be seed fur ten miles 'round the valley. But we didn't stop then to -think how or when they got in, but how should we get out. It warn't no -easy thing to do, youngsters--to go through them mountains, swarmin' -with red-skins. They don't walk through the woods like a feller does -when he's squirrel huntin', but they go sneakin' round, an' listenin', -an' peepin'; an' if a chap don't understand their natur, he'd better -not go among 'em. - -"Wal, ole Bill led the way, sometimes a'most on his knees, his rifle -in his hand, an' his bundle of furs on his shoulder, I followin' clost -at his heels--both of us keepin' our eyes open, an' stoppin' now an' -then to listen. We had made 'bout a mile up the mountain in this way, -when, all to onct, ole Bill stopped and looked straight before him. I -stopped, too, an' seed three big Comanches comin' along easy like, -lookin' at the ground, examinin' the bushes, an' whisperin' to each -other. They had found a trail that either me or ole Bill had made the -day afore, an' war tryin' to foller it up. But me an' the ole man -warn't the ones to leave a path that could be follered easy when we -thought thar war red-skins 'round; an' I guess it bothered them -rascals some to tell which way we had gone, an' how many thar war of -us. But they did foller it up slowly, an' while we war lookin' at 'em -they were jined by another Injun, who seemed to be a chief, for he -whispered a few orders, an' two of the Comanches made off. They had -been sent to rouse the camp, an' we knowed that we couldn't get away -from that valley any too fast. The red-skins warn't more'n a hundred -yards from us, an' we knowed it would take mighty keerful movin' to -get away from them without bein' diskivered. But it war life or death -with us, an' we began to crawl slowly through the bushes. A greenhorn -couldn't have heered a leaf rustle if he hadn't been two foot from us; -but thar's a heap of difference atween a greenhorn's ears an' them -that a Injun carries. But they didn't hear us, fur as long as we war -in sight we seed them still follerin' up the ole trail; an' as soon as -we thought we had got out of hearin' of them, we jumped to our feet -an' run like a pair of quarter hosses. We didn't make no more noise -than we could help, but we hadn't gone fur afore the mountains echoed -with the war-whoop, an' a couple of arrers whizzed by our heads. The -Injuns had diskivered us. In course, we both dropped like a flash of -lightnin', an', while I war lookin' round to find the varlets, ole -Bill struck out his hand, sayin': - -"'This is a bad scrape, Dick, an' mebbe me an' you have done our last -trappin' together. But we musn't get ketched if we can help it, 'cause -we couldn't look fur nothin' but the stake.' - -"While the ole man war speakin', I seed one of the rascals that had -shot at us peepin' out from behind a log. He didn't show more'n two -inches of his head, but that war enough, an' I reckon that red-skin -lay thar till his friends toted him off. Jest the minit I fired, ole -Bill throwed down his furs, jumped to his feet, an' run, an' I done -the same, although I did hate to leave that spelter that I had worked -so hard fur all winter. But, in course, thar war no help fur it. Thar -war plenty more beaver in the mountains, an', if I got safe off, I -knowed whar to go to find 'em; but if I lost my scalp, I couldn't get -another. So, as I war sayin', I put arter the ole man, an' jest then I -heered something 'sides a arrer sing by my head. It war a bullet, an' -the chap that sent it warn't sich a bad shot neither; fur, if I had -the ole 'coon-skin cap I wore then, I could show you whar a piece of -it war cut out. I didn't stop to look fur the feller, howsomever, but -kept on arter ole Bill, loadin' my rifle as I ran. The woods war so -thick we couldn't keep clost together, an' I soon lost sight of him; -but that didn't skeer me, fur I knowed he could take keer of his own -bacon. As fur myself, I never yet seed the Injun, or white man either, -that could ketch me, if I onct got a leetle start of him; an' if all -the Injuns in the mountains war _behind_ me, I could laugh at 'em. But -thar war some in front of me, as I found out afore I had gone fur. I -had jest got my rifle loaded, an' war settlin' down to my work--makin' -purty good time, I reckon, the Injuns behind me yellin' an' hootin' -all the while--when, all to onct, up jumped about a dozen more of the -rascals. - -"I didn't stop to ax no questions, but sent the nighest of 'em down in -a hurry; but in a minit arterward I war down, too; an' when I war -pulled to my pins ag'in, I war a pris'ner, my hands bein' bound behind -me with hickory bark. It warn't a pleasant sight I seed, youngsters, -as I stood thar, lookin' at them scowlin' Injuns. At that day thar war -few of them Comanches that didn't know me an' ole Bill, an' when they -seed who I war, they all set up a yell, an' began dancin' 'round me -like mad, shakin' their tomahawks, an' pintin' their rifles an' arrers -at me; an' one feller ketched me by the har, an' passed his knife -'round my head, as though he had half a notion to scalp me to onct. -They kept goin' on in this way until all the Injuns in that part of -the woods had come up to see what the fuss war 'bout; an' they, too, -had to go through the same motions. All to onct they happened to think -of ole Bill. The chief set up a shout, an' all but four of the Injuns -put off on his trail. It showed me, plain enough, that the rascals war -afraid of me, when they left so many to guard me. But no four of them -Comanches would have stopped me from gettin' away if I could have got -my hands free. I tell you, I done my best, makin' that tough hickory -bark crack an' snap, but it war no go--I war fast. As soon as the -others war out of sight, one big feller ketched me by the har, an' -begun to pull me t'wards the camp. - -"He didn't help me along very easy, but dragged me over logs an' -through bushes, as if he meant to pull my head off, while the other -fellers, findin' nothin' else to do, follered behind with switches, -that cut through my old huntin'-shirt like a knife. At last, arter -they had got me purty well thrashed, we reached the camp, which war -jest at the foot of the mountains--I'll show you the place in the -mornin'--an' here they stood me up ag'in a post. Then I ketched it -from every body--men, women, an' young ones. The most of the braves -war still out arter the old man, an' I could easy tell by the way they -whooped an' yelled that they hadn't ketched him. I knowed they -wouldn't get him, neither, unless they surrounded him like they did -me. - -"Wal, arter tormentin' me fur a long time, an' findin' that I didn't -keer fur 'em, the Injuns finally let me alone; an' one ole dried-up -squaw brought me a piece of buffaler meat. They wouldn't untie my -hands, but that ole woman sot thar on the ground, an' fed me like I -war a baby. I eat a heap of that meat, 'cause I war hungry, an' if I -got a chance to have a race with the varlets, I didn't want to run on -an empty stomach; 'sides I might have to go without eatin' fur two or -three days afore I could find ole Bill. Jest afore dark the braves -began to come in, one arter the other. They hadn't ketched the ole -man, an' I could see, by the way they scowled at me, that I would have -to stand punishment for his deeds, an' my own into the bargain. I -could have yelled, when I knowed the old feller war safe, an' I made -up my mind that if the Injuns would only give me half a chance, I'd -soon be with him ag'in. - -"Wal, when the chiefs come in, I war tied fast to the post, and left -thar. They didn't try to skeer me any more, 'cause they seed it war no -use, an' 'sides, they wanted to save all their spite fur the mornin', -fur it war too late to begin bisness that night. I war fast enough--as -fast as if I had been wrapped up in chains--but them Injuns war afraid -to trust me. They actooally kept half a dozen of their braves watchin' -me, from the time it began to grow dark till daylight the next -mornin'. I didn't sleep very easy, fur I war standin' ag'in that post, -an' the bark they had tied me with war drawed so tight that it cut -into my arms; but I made out to git a nap or two, an' when mornin' -come, an' I had eat another big chunk of that buffaler meat, I war -ready fur 'em to begin. - -"As soon as the sun war up, the chief called a council. It didn't take -'em long to say what should be done with me, fur sooner than I had -thought fur, one of the chiefs set up a yelp, which war answered by -the hul tribe, an' men, women, an' children began formin' themselves -into two lines, with whips, clubs, tomahawks, or whatever else they -could ketch hold of; an' two fellers come up to set me free. I war to -run the gauntlet. I tell you, youngsters, if thar is any thing that -will make the har rise on a feller's head, it is fur him to stand an' -look atween two lines sich as I saw that mornin'. It warn't the fust -time I had been in jest sich scrapes, an' I knowed, too, that the -Injuns didn't mean to kill me then--they wanted to save me for the -stake--but somehow I couldn't help feelin' shaky. I didn't let the -Injuns see it, howsomever, but tightened my belt, stretched my arms, -an', 'walkin' out in front of the lines, waited fur the word to start. -The head of the line war t'wards the camp, an' at the foot, which war -t'wards this creek, stood five or six big fellers, waitin' to ketch me -when I come out. - -"Wal, it didn't take me long to see how the land lay, an' when the -chief yelled to let me know that the time had come, I started. The way -I traveled through 'em lines war a thing fur 'em Comanches to look at. -I got plenty of clips as I passed, but this war the only one that hurt -me." - -As the trapper spoke, he bared his brawny shoulder, and showed the -boys a long, ragged scar. The wound must have been a most severe one. - -"That one," continued Dick, "war made by a tomahawk. It didn't hinder -my runnin', howsomever, an' I warn't half a minit comin' to the end of -'em lines. But when I got thar I didn't stop. The Injuns that war -waitin' thar, tried to ketch me, but I passed them like a streak of -lightnin', an' drawed a bee-line fur this ere creek. In course the -hul camp war arter me to onct; but I knowed that I war safe, fur all -the Injuns war behind me, an' I wouldn't have been afraid to run a -race with a hoss. I didn't do as well as I had done afore, nor nigh as -well as I could do now, fur I war stiff an' lame from bein' tied up so -long; but I run plenty fast enough to git away. As I told you, I run -through these willows, swam the creek--which war wide an' deep then, -on 'count of the snow an' ice meltin'--then tuk to the mountains, an' -started to make a circle round to the ole bar's hole. I traveled in -every little stream I could find; walked on logs, an' on the second -day, found ole Bill. The ole feller had been mighty down-hearted since -I war ketched--fur the yells of the Injuns plainly told him what had -become of me--an' had never expected to take me by the hand ag'in. -But, when he seed me safe an' sound, he sot right down on the ground -an' cried like a child. - -"Wal, we lay 'round the ole bar's hole till the Injuns had gone, an' -then set out fur the fort. We war on foot, an' had but one rifle -atween us, but we got through all right, an' in less'n a month, war on -our way to the mountains ag'in." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -The "Ole Bar's Hole." - - -Next morning, after a hasty breakfast, the boys saddled their horses, -and, led by the trapper, set out to find the wagon. Now it was that -the latter showed the young hunters his extraordinary "travelin' -qualities," as he expressed it; for as soon as the boys were in their -saddles, he shouldered his rifle and started off, at a rapid pace, -which he did not slacken at all until they arrived on the banks of a -small stream, where they stopped to quench their thirst. - -"Now, youngsters," said the trapper, seating himself on the ground, -and wiping his forehead with his coat sleeve, "There's the place. The -Comanche's camp war pitched jest in the edge of them ar' willows, an' -right where you see them bushes war where I stood afore I started to -run the gauntlet. The chief's wigwam stood thar then. I tell you, it -warn't healthy fur a feller to go foolin' 'round here them days." - -The boys gazed long and earnestly at every object the trapper pointed -out, and listened to his narration of the various incidents that had -transpired during his captivity, until they almost fancied they could -see the prairie covered with painted savages, and their guide, in the -midst of his foes, awaiting the signal to begin his race for life. -Dick, himself, was no less interested, for he sat for a long time -feasting his eyes on every familiar object; now and then casting -suspicious glances toward the distant willows, as if he almost -expected to catch a glimpse of a hostile warrior, or hear the -war-whoop which had so often awoke the echoes of those very mountains. - -"Wal, youngsters," said he, at length, "let's be movin'! I never -expected to see the time when I could travel over these ere prairies -without bein' in danger of havin' my har raised; an' if you live to be -as old as I am, you'll see the day that 'em city chaps will ride -through here on 'em steam railroads; an' if they see this place, -they'll never dream that such things as I have told you about ever -happened here." - -The travelers again set out, Dick leading the way, at a still more -rapid pace, and in two hours they arrived at the camp. Mr. Winters and -old Bob were lying in the shade of the wagon, and as the boys -approached, the former raised himself on his elbow, and inquired: - -"Well, boys, how do you like traveling on your own hook? Do you think -you could find your way to California without a guide?" - -"Oh, they war all right!" exclaimed Dick, leaning his rifle against -the wagon, and picking up the antelope skin which Archie had thrown -down, and which contained some choice pieces of meat. "They war all -right! Me and Useless found 'em down on Muddy Creek, Bob. They had -killed this prong-horn, made their camp, an' war takin' matters easy -like, as though they had never heered tell on a Comanche--the keerless -fellers." - -While Frank and Archie were unsaddling their horses, the trapper -proceeded to recount their adventures, to which both Mr. Winters and -old Bob listened attentively. The latter was not a little astonished -to learn that the boys could so readily accommodate themselves to -circumstances, and was more firm than ever in his belief that "the -youngsters would make good trappers." - -Mr. Winters had, at first, been considerably alarmed at their absence; -but, upon reflection, he remembered that the boys had often been in -positions fully as dangerous, from which they had always succeeded in -extricating themselves, and he soon fell in with the trapper's -opinion, that they would "turn up all right." He did not think it -necessary to caution them, for, from the description the trapper gave -of their adventures, it was not at all probable that they would ever -again be placed in a like situation. - -After a hearty dinner, which Dick speedily served up, they again set -out toward the mountains, which they reached about the middle of the -afternoon. After riding along the edge of the willows, for half a -mile, they came to a wide but very shallow stream, into which the -trapper turned, and after following it for some distance, drove out on -the bank and stopped. - -"Here we are," said he, as he climbed down out of his wagon. "Now, -youngsters, you're at the ole bar's hole. But if you didn't know it -war here, you might hunt fur it till your har war whiter nor Bob's, -an' then you wouldn't find it, an' that wouldn't be no wonder neither; -fur many a sharpeyed Comanche has looked an' peeped fur it, but only -one ever found it that I know of, an' it didn't do him no good, fur he -never lived to tell of it." - -While the trapper was speaking, old Bob had dismounted from his horse, -and, walking up to a thicket of bushes which grew at the foot of a -high rock that overhung the bed of the stream, began pulling them -aside, and finally disclosed to view an opening that appeared to lead -down into the very bowels of the earth. Meanwhile, Dick had gathered -some dry wood for a torch, and, after lighting it, he backed down into -the hole and disappeared, followed by Frank and Archie, who were -impatient to see the inside of the cave which had so often served -their guide as a secure retreat from his enemies. The passage was long -and winding, and it was with considerable difficulty that the boys -worked their way into it. Besides, it was in some places so narrow -that they could scarcely squeeze themselves through it. The trapper, -however, worked his way along with a celerity that was surprising, and -soon both he and the torch were out of sight, and the boys were left -in pitch darkness. But there was little danger of their being lost in -that narrow passage, and they crawled along as rapidly as possible, -until at length Archie, who was leading the way, stopped, and began to -rub his elbows and knees, which had received some pretty severe -scratches from the sharp rocks. - -"I say, Frank," he exclaimed, "how do you suppose Dick ever squeezed -his broad shoulders through a narrow place like this? What's that?" he -added, in a terrified voice, as they heard a savage growl, which -seemed to sound directly over their heads. - -Frank did not stop to answer, but throwing himself on his hands and -knees, began to make the best of his way out of the passage, closely -followed by his cousin, who urged him to go faster. They had not gone -far when they were startled by the report of a rifle, which was -followed by a roar that echoed and reëchoed through the cave like a -heavy clap of thunder. What it was that had uttered that roar the boys -were unable to determine; but they knew, by the report of the -trapper's rifle, and the sounds of a fierce struggle that came faintly -to their ears, that Dick had found his old harboring-place occupied -by some animal which did not feel disposed to give up possession; and -they got out of the passage in much less time than it had taken them -to get into it. When they reached the open air, the old trapper, who -had heard the report of his "chum's" rifle, threw himself on his hands -and knees, and crawled into the cave, followed by Mr. Winters. The -boys at once ran to the wagon after their weapons, but by the time -they had secured them, the fight was ended, and Dick made his -appearance at the mouth of the passage. But he did not look like the -man who had gone into that cave but a few moments before. His -hunting-shirt and leggins were torn almost into shreds, his arms were -bare to his shoulders, and were covered with wounds that were bleeding -profusely. The boys were horrified; but their fears that the trapper -had received serious injury were speedily set at rest, for he smiled -as if nothing had happened, and exclaimed: - -"Now you see what it is to be a trapper, youngsters. I shall allers -think that 'ar cave has a good name, fur if me an' Useless didn't find -the biggest grizzly bar in thar we ever sot eyes on, then thar aint no -more beaver in the Missouri River." - -As he spoke, he divested himself of what remained of his -hunting-shirt, and walked down to the creek to wash the blood off his -hands and face, in which he was assisted by Mr. Winters. While this -was going on, old Bob crawled out of the cave, carrying two cubs in -his arms, which he presented to the boys, saying: - -"Them's young grizzlies. They don't look now as if they would ever get -to be as big and fierce as their mother war." - -As the boys took them, they both set up a shrill cry, and fought most -desperately for such small animals, and their sharp little claws left -more than one mark upon the hands and faces of the young hunters. - -"Keep an eye open, Bob," shouted Dick, who was seated on the ground, -while Mr. Winters was bandaging his wounds. "Keep an' eye open, 'cause -the old man of the family may be 'round." - -Upon hearing this, Archie dropped his cub, and seizing his rifle, cast -anxious glances upon the surrounding woods. But if the father was in -the vicinity, he evidently thought it best to keep out of sight. - -When Dick's wounds had been cared for, and he had put on another suit -of clothes, he seated himself on the ground, near the boys, while Bob -kindled a fire and began preparations for supper. - -"It aint allers fun to be a trapper, youngsters," said Dick, puffing -away at his pipe, "'cause, afore a man can earn that name, he's got to -go through a heap of skrimmages, like the one I jest had. When I'm on -the prairy, or in the mountains, I allers keep my eyes open, an' the -fust thing I seed as I crawled out of that passage into that ar' cave -war that grizzly bar. She seed me, too, and set up a growl, as if to -tell me that I couldn't get away from thar any too quick; but she -didn't wink more'n twice afore I sent a chunk of lead into her. The -light of the torch, however, bothered me, an' I didn't shoot atween -her eyes, as I meant to; an' afore a feller could say 'Gin'ral -Jackson,' she war comin' at me. Now, I've been in jest such scrapes -afore, an' the way I've got pawed up, an' seed other fellers that were -bigger and stronger than me, clawed an' torn, has showed me that no -one man that ever lived is a match fur a full-grown grizzly; an' when -I seed ole Bob poke his rifle out of the passage an' draw a bead on -that bar's head, I'll allow it made me feel a heap easier. If he had -stayed away five minits longer, I don't believe I'd ever showed you -the way to Californy. As it war, I got pretty well clawed up." - -This was the way the trapper described the fight in the cave, which -was one of the most desperate he had ever engaged in, as the severe -wounds he had received proved. But he looked upon such things as a -matter of course. He expected to be engaged in many similar fights; -always held himself in readiness for them, and when they were over, -another notch was added to those on the handle of his knife (for Dick -kept a strict account of the number of grizzlies he killed,) and he -had another story to tell by the camp-fire. - -After supper, the trappers procured torches, and, accompanied by Mr. -Winters and the boys, proceeded to explore the cave. There, lying -where she had fallen in defense of her young, was the grizzly, which -was the first of these animals the boys had ever seen. As near as they -could judge, she was fully twice the size and weight of the bear Frank -had killed in the woods, and her claws, which she had used with such -effect upon the trapper and his dog, (for, in defending his master, -Useless had been most roughly handled,) measured eight inches in -length. Every thing in the cave bore evidence to the fact that the -fight had been a severe one. The floor and walls were covered with -blood, and on the bear's body were numerous wounds, made by the knife -of the trapper, and the teeth of the faithful Useless. - -After the boys had examined the bear to their satisfaction, old Bob -began to remove the skin, while Dick pointed out other objects of -interest in the cave. There were the withered hemlock boughs which had -many a time served him and Bill Lawson for a bed, and under them was a -hole about two feet square, which the trapper called his "pantry." He -told Mr. Winters the story of the "struggle in the cave," and showed -him the passage that led to the top of the hill where the Comanches -had entered, and where he had for two days kept watch, awaiting the -coming of old Bill. - -They remained in the cave for an hour, listening to Dick's stories; -for in his mind the "Ole Bar's Hole" was associated with many exciting -events, and it was dark before they returned to the camp. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -Archie's Adventure with a Grizzly. - - -On the following morning the boys, as usual, were up with the sun, -impatient to try their skill on the big game, with which the woods -abounded. The trapper, who, during his fight in the cave, had received -wounds that would have prostrated an ordinary man, was already -stirring, and, having attended to his mules, was moving about as -lively as ever, preparing the morning meal. In a few moments their -breakfast was cooked and eaten, and, after hanging their provisions on -the trees, out of reach of any wild beast that might find his way into -camp during their absence, they shouldered their rifles and followed -the trappers into the forest. Here they divided into two parties, Mr. -Winters going with old Bob, and the boys accompanying Dick. - -"Now, youngsters," said the latter almost in a whisper, "we haint -huntin' squirrels. We're arter bigger game. I don't s'pose you keer -'bout tacklin' a grizzly bar arter seein' me pawed up the way I war -last night; so if you happen to come acrosst one of them varmints, you -needn't mind shootin' at him. Thar's plenty other game, an' what we -want to find now ar' a big-horn. That's an animal, I reckon, you never -seed. Go easy, now, 'cause they've got ears like a painter's, an' -noses sharper nor hounds." - -So saying, the trapper led the way through a narrow ravine that lay -between two mountains, whose tops seemed to pierce the clouds. The -ravine, being thickly covered with bushes and logs, rendered their -progress slow and tedious, and the boys, who could not help thinking -what a fine hiding-place it would afford for a bear or panther, often -cast uneasy glances about them, and kept as close to the trapper as -possible. After they had gone about half a mile, the latter suddenly -stopped and said: - -"If these yere trees could talk, a'most every one of 'em would have a -story to tell you 'bout me an' ole Bill Lawson, 'cause we've often -come through this gully when it war chuck full of Comanches. You -'member I onct told you 'bout waitin' at the ole bar's hole fur him, -an' that the ole feller had hid the black mustang in the bushes! Wal, -here's the very spot." - -As the trapper spoke, he pushed his way into a dense thicket, and -showed the boys the sapling to which the old man had tied the horse. - -"Wal, that ar' animal," continued Dick, "stood here fur two hours -quiet an' still as a mouse, an' we tuk him out an' got safe off -without the varlets bein' the wiser fur it. All the way through here -we could hear 'em talkin' to each other, an'--Look thar, youngsters, -quick!" - -Before the boys could look up to see what had attracted the trapper's -attention, the sharp report of his rifle rung through the gully, and a -queer-looking animal come tumbling down the mountain, landing almost -at their feet. Far up above the tree tops they saw the remainder of -the flock bound over the rocks and disappear. - -"That's a sheep," said the trapper, hastily reloading his rifle. -"He'll make a fust rate dinner, an', if we keep our eyes open, we may -get another." - -The game did bear a close resemblance to sheep, the only difference -being his enormous horns, which looked altogether too large and heavy -for so small an animal to carry. But the trapper did not allow them to -closely examine their prize, for he exclaimed: - -"If we want more of 'em fellers, we mustn't waste no time. But, fust, -we must separate, 'cause the further apart we get, the more likely we -are to have a shot at 'em. Are you afraid to stay here, little un?" - -"Of course not," replied Archie, quickly. - -"Wal, then, keep your eyes up the mountain, an' if you see 'em ag'in, -blaze away. Come on, Frank. I'll show you whar to stand." - -The latter moved off with Dick, and Archie was left to himself. After -examining the game to his satisfaction, he took up a position where he -could obtain a good view of the side of the mountain, leaned back -against a tree, and impatiently waited for the re-appearance of the -big-horns. In front of him ran a deer path, hard and well-beaten as -any road. It was, no doubt, used as a highway by animals traveling -through the ravine; and Archie now and then directed his gaze up and -down the path, in hopes he might discover some game in that -direction. - -He had remained in this position for nearly half an hour, when he -_did_ see an animal coming leisurely down the path, about fifty yards -from him. It was an enormous grizzly bear. It did not appear to have -determined upon any thing in particular, for it approached very -slowly, stopping every few feet to snuff the air, and finally seated -itself on its haunches, and proceeded to wash its paws and face, after -the manner of a house cat. Archie had a good view of it. It was nearly -as large as the one the trapper had killed in the cave, and the sight -of its powerful claws, and the frightful array of teeth it exhibited, -made the young hunter shudder. He had not been expecting so formidable -a visitor, and to say that he was frightened would but feebly express -his feelings. He had presence of mind enough, however, to move behind -his tree, out of sight; but still he could not remove his eyes from -the animal, neither could he determine upon any plan to extricate -himself from his unpleasant situation. The grizzly had not yet -discovered him, and Archie had his wits about him sufficiently to note -the fact, that what little wind there was, was blowing from the bear -toward himself. For fully five minutes--it seemed much longer to -Archie--the grizzly sat in the path, sometimes looking lazily about -him, and then licking his jaws like a dog that had just enjoyed a good -meal; and for the same length of time did the young hunter remain -behind his tree watching his movements, and wondering what course he -could pursue to rid himself of his dangerous neighbor. It was not at -all probable that the bear would remain in that position until the -trapper returned. What if he should take it into his head to come -further down the path? Archie would certainly be discovered, for the -path run close by the tree, behind which he was concealed, and what -would the bear do then? It was something he did not like to think -about. He knew, from what he had heard the trapper say, that the -grizzly's disposition is very different from that of the black bear. -The latter, unless rendered desperate by hunger, will generally take -to his heels at the sight of a human being; but the grizzly looks upon -all who invade his dominions as enemies, and believes in punishing -them accordingly. - -These thoughts passed rapidly through Archie's mind, and in a moment -more his resolve was taken. Keeping his eyes fastened on the bear, he -cautiously raised his hand above his head, and, to his joy, found that -he could easily reach the lowest limbs of the tree, and that they were -strong enough to sustain his weight. But it was not his intention to -leave the grizzly in peaceable possession of the field; for, as soon -as he had satisfied himself that he had found a way of escape, he -cocked his rifle and cautiously raised it to his shoulder. He was -trembling violently, but at length he succeeded in quieting his nerves -sufficiently to cover the bear's head with the sight and pull the -trigger. The grizzly, however, arose to his feet just as Archie fired, -and the ball, instead of finding a lodgment in his brain, entered his -shoulder. It brought him to the ground, and Archie caught one glimpse -of him struggling in the path, and heard his growls of rage and pain, -as he dropped his rifle and swung himself into the lowest branches of -the tree. - -It was evident that the bear meant to take ample revenge on him, for -Archie heard him coming up the path. But he knew that the grizzly -could not climb, and, after settling himself among the branches, he -looked down at his enemy in perfect security. The bear knew where he -had gone, for he ran directly to the foot of the tree, and, after -smelling at the rifle and pawing it out of his way, he began walking -up and down the path, all the while uttering those terrific growls, -that made the young hunter tremble. - -At this moment Archie heard the report of a rifle far up the mountain, -which was quickly followed by another that sounded nearer. Then came a -crashing in the bushes, as the big-horns fled before the hunters, and -Archie heard his companions shouting to him: - -"Look out, down there," said Frank; "they're running directly toward -you, Archie." - -"Keep your eyes open, youngster," chimed in Dick. "Don't let 'em go by -you." - -But Archie was not in a situation to intercept them, and he heard the -big-horns dash across the ravine and bound up the mountain on the -opposite side, closely followed by the dog, which barked fierce and -loud at every jump. - -"Archie, why don't you shoot?" again shouted Frank, his voice sounding -as though he was coming down the mountain. - -"I can't," answered Archie. "Look out! Don't come down here. I'm treed -by a grizzly." - -"By a grizzly?" repeated Frank, in astonishment. "Has he hurt you?" - -"No," shouted Archie, from his tree, "I am all right; but I hurt him, -I guess. Look out, Frank! he's going toward you." - -This was a fact. The grizzly had stood perfectly still under the tree, -listening to the sounds of the chase, until, finding that he could not -reach Archie, he determined to revenge himself upon some one else. He -had not gone far before Useless, having overtaken and killed a -big-horn that his master had wounded, came up, and, discovering the -grizzly, instantly gave chase. The bear, maddened by the pain of his -wound, advanced with open mouth to meet him; but the dog, easily -eluding his attacks, kept him busy until the trapper arrived, and put -an end to the fight by shooting the bear through the head. Archie had -watched the struggle from his perch, and, seeing that the grizzly was -dead, he came down out of his tree, feeling very much relieved. - -"You keerless feller!" exclaimed the trapper, "didn't I tell you not -to mind shootin' at a grizzly bar?" - -By this time Frank had come up with a big-horn on his shoulder, and, -after having regained his rifle, Archie gave them an account of what -had transpired. - -"Wal," said the trapper, "it war keerless to go a foolin' with a bar -that ar' way. Now, you stay here, an' I'll go an' get that big-horn -that Useless killed." - -The dog, as if understanding what was said, led his master to the -place where he had left the game. When the trapper returned, he -removed the skin of the grizzly, intending to cure it, and give it to -Archie to remember his "keerlessness by," as he said. After which, -they shouldered their game and returned to camp. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -Hanging a Bear. - - -When they arrived at the wagon, they found Mr. Winters and old Bob -eating their dinner. Although not as fortunate as Dick's party, they -had not returned empty-handed, for the old trapper had killed a -big-horn, and Mr. Winters had knocked over a large gray wolf. Thinking -that Frank might want the skin of the latter to mount in his museum, -he had taken it off very carefully, and stretched it on a frame to -dry. - -Archie's adventure with the grizzly was duly discussed, and, for an -hour after dinner, the boys sat by the fire listening to the trapper's -stories. But they could not long endure this inactivity--there was "no -fun in it," as Archie said--so they saddled their horses and set out -for a ride over the prairie. They were not after game this time. If -they had been, it is not at all probable they would have discovered -any, for they raced their horses over the swells, and shouted loud -enough to frighten all the animals for a mile around. About the middle -of the afternoon they grew tired of their ride, and turned their -horses toward the camp. As they rode slowly along, about half a mile -from the willows that skirted the base of the mountains, Archie, who, -as usual, was leading the way, suddenly drew up his horse, exclaiming: - -"See there, Frank! There's another of the varmints!" - -Frank looked toward the willows, and saw a large grizzly bear, seated -on his haunches, regarding them as if not at all concerned about their -approach. - -"We're safe now, Archie," said he, as soon as he had satisfied himself -that the bear had not the slightest intention of seeking safety in -flight. "A grizzly can't outrun a horse, so let's shoot at that -fellow." - -"I--I--believe I'd rather not meddle with him," answered his cousin, -shrugging his shoulders. "I say, let him alone if he lets us alone. -What if our horses should get frightened and throw us? Wouldn't we be -in a fix? But I'll shoot at him from here." - -"Why, it's too far," said Frank. "I am going up nearer." As he spoke, -he put his horse into a gallop and rode toward the bear, which was -still seated in the edge of the willows. Archie did not at all like -the idea of provoking a fight with the animal; but, after a moment's -hesitation, he followed his cousin. There might be no danger after -all, he thought, for that bear certainly could not catch Sleepy Sam. -The grizzly still kept his seat, closely watching the movements of the -hunters, and once or twice he seemed inclined to advance on them; but, -after walking a few steps, he again seated himself, as if to await -their approach. - -The boys had gone but a short distance, when their horses discovered -the animal, and Pete at once stopped, and refused to go any further. -He had evidently had some experience in bear hunting, for the sight of -the animal seemed to terrify him. Words had more effect than the -spurs, for when Frank spoke encouragingly to him, he would advance a -few steps, and then, as if suddenly recalling his former experience, -he would hastily retreat. In this way, he succeeded in getting -further and further away from the bear, instead of going toward it. -Archie now took the lead, in hopes that his cousin could induce his -horse to follow the old buffalo hunter; but Pete utterly refused to go -any nearer, and Frank at length dismounted and prepared to risk a shot -at the bear at long range. The animal accepted this as a challenge, -for he arose to his feet, growling savagely, and made toward the boys -at a rate of speed that astonished them. - -When Frank dismounted, he was careful to retain a firm hold of Pete's -bridle, for the actions of the horse plainly indicated that, if left -to himself, he would take to his heels, and get as far as possible -away from the dangerous neighborhood. When he saw that the bear was -coming toward him, he snorted and plunged, rendering it impossible for -Frank to shoot; and, in fact, the latter had no desire to do so, when -he found that the grizzly was about to assume the offensive. His first -thought was to remount; but the horse was so terrified that he would -not stand still long enough for Frank to place his foot in the -stirrup. - -"Hurry up, there!" exclaimed Archie, excitedly. "The rascal is coming -fast. He means fight, sure enough." - -Pete evidently thought so too, for he reared and plunged worse than -ever, pulling Frank about over the prairie in spite of all he could -do. Suddenly there was a loud snap, and the bridle, broken close to -the bit, was violently pulled through Frank's hand. The next moment -Pete had disappeared behind a swell. For an instant the cousins gazed -at each other in dismay. On foot, Frank could not hope to escape from -the bear, which, in spite of his clumsy appearance, was making his way -toward them with surprising rapidity; neither could he disable him by -a shot from his rifle. Before, he had been as cool and collected as he -possibly could be, for he knew that he had a way of escape. But Pete -seemed to have carried the last particle of his master's courage away -with him, for Frank's hand trembled so violently that he knew it would -be useless to fire at the bear. But still there was a chance for -escape, and Archie was the first to think of it. - -"Frank!" he exclaimed, "there's only one way now--jump up behind me." - -His cousin was prompt to act upon the suggestion, and Sleepy Sam, -in answer to a thrust from his master's spurs, carried them both -toward the camp at a rapid gallop. - -[Illustration] - -They no longer thought of fighting the grizzly; their only desire was -to reach the old bear's hole as soon as possible, and procure the -assistance of the trappers. They both thought that the animal would -soon abandon the chase, and their only fear was, that before they -could reach the camp and acquaint Dick with what had transpired, the -bear would be safe among the mountains. But they soon discovered their -mistake. The grizzly steadily followed them, and, although Sleepy Sam -made excellent time for a horse encumbered with a double load, gained -at every step. But they were rapidly nearing the old bear's hole, and, -at length, the boys saw their uncle and the trappers ride out of the -willows. Dick was mounted on Frank's horse. The animal, when he found -himself at liberty, had made straight for camp, and his appearance -there, without his rider, occasioned no little surprise and alarm. -Dick, as usual, predicted that "Frank warn't a bit hurt. He would be -sartin to turn up all right." But still he did not know but the young -hunter had got himself into "some scrape," in which he would need -assistance, and agreed with Mr. Winters that it would be best to hunt -him up. The latter was fast falling in with the trapper's opinion, -that his nephews were "'bout the keerlessest chaps agoin';" and -although he knew that they always succeeded in bringing themselves -"safe out of all their scrapes," he felt considerably relieved, when -he saw that Sleepy Sam had carried them out of reach of the claws of -the grizzly. - -Archie, when he found that assistance was at hand, stopped and faced -the bear, intending to try a shot at him. But the trappers galloped -toward them, Dick shouting, "Hold on thar, you keerless feller; me an' -Bob'll take him off your hands. We'll show you how they hunt bars in -Mexico. We'll hang the varmint." - -The trapper swung a lasso above his head, as he spoke, and brought it -down across Pete's sides, in a way that made the spirited animal -prance in the most lively manner. The horse was still unwilling to -approach the bear; but he knew full well that he carried a rider who -was able to enforce obedience. - -The grizzly stopped for a moment when he saw these new enemies -approaching, then he rushed toward old Bob, who was in advance of his -companion. But he was met by the trapper's dog, which attacked him -with such fury that the bear was obliged to stop and defend himself. -Old Bob rode in a circle around the combatants, holding his lasso in -his hand all ready for a throw, and yelling with all the strength of -his lungs to encourage the dog. Dick was making desperate efforts to -join his companion, but his horse stopped about a hundred yards from -the bear, and stubbornly refused to go nearer. His rider, resolved to -have his own way, beat him most unmercifully with his lasso, and, as -the horse appeared to be equally determined, the boys were unable to -decide how the battle would end. All this while Useless had kept up -the contest with the bear, and the animal finding that he could not -elude his attacks, rose on his haunches and struck at the dog with his -paws. Old Bob had been waiting for this. Swinging his lasso around his -head, he launched it at the bear, and as the noose settled down about -his neck, he turned his horse and galloped off. The next moment there -was a heavy thud, a smothered growl of rage, and the grizzly was -prostrate on the prairie. He, however, quickly regained his feet, -and, disregarding the attacks of the dog, rushed with open mouth -toward old Bob. Now was the time for Dick. Having, at last, been -whipped into obedience, Pete gamely approached the bear, and, in an -instant more, the grizzly was powerless. Dick was on one side of him, -old Bob on the other; and their lassos were drawn so taut he could not -turn either way. If he attempted to attack Bob, he was checked by -Dick; and if he rushed upon the latter, old Bob's lasso stopped him. -The grizzly's struggles were desperate; his growls terrific. He tore -at the lassos with his claws, and exerted all his tremendous strength -to break the rawhide ropes, which were drawn as tight as a -bow-string. But the conflict, desperate as it was, lasted only a short -time. The grizzly's struggles grew weaker, his growls fainter, and -finally he sank on the prairie dead. The trappers slackened up their -lassos, and Mr. Winters and the boys, who had closely watched this -singular contest, rode up to examine their prize. - -"Thar's your bar, you keerless fellers," said Dick. "If you don't let -these yere varmints alone, you'll git yourselves in a bad scrape, one -of these days, now, I tell you. A grizzly don't wait fur a feller to -walk up an' shake his fist in his face, an' say, 'Do ye want to -fight?' He b'lieves in makin' war on every one he sees." - -"We know that!" replied Archie. "This fellow made at us before we got -near enough to shoot at him." - -"Then you did mean to fight him, did you?" asked the trapper, as he -and old Bob began to skin the bear. "Wal, it aint every feller that -would keer 'bout meddlin' with a grizzly so long as the critter let -him alone. I've seed trappers--an' brave ones, too--that would -shoulder their we'pons an' walk off if they happened to come acrost a -bar. It aint allers fun to hang a grizzly, neither; fur if your hoss -falls down, or your lasso breaks, you're a'most sartin to go under. -I've seed more 'n one poor chap pawed up 'cause his hoss warn't quick -enough to git out of the varmint's reach." - -In this way the trapper talked to the boys until the skin of the -grizzly was taken off, when the travelers returned to their camp. As -Archie remarked, it had been "a great day for bears," and the evening -was appropriately passed in listening to the stories the trappers -related of their adventures with these animals. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -A Buffalo Hunt. - - -The next morning, after breakfast, the boys seated themselves by the -fire, and while Frank mended his bridle, which Pete had broken the day -before, Archie was endeavoring to conjure up some plan for the day's -amusement. Even in that country, which abounded with game, the boys -were at a loss how to pass the time, for the grizzlies had interfered -with their arrangements considerably. If they went hunting in the -mountains, they might come across another bear; and their recent -experience with those animals had shown them that the hunters were -sometimes the hunted. They had no desire for further adventures with -the monsters, and they had at last decided that they would take a -gallop over the prairie, when they were startled by the clatter of -horses' hoofs in the creek, and old Bob--who, at daylight, had -started out on a "prospecting" expedition--galloped into camp, -breathless and excited. The boys very naturally cast their eyes toward -the prairie, to see if he were not followed by a grizzly; but the -sight of one of those animals never affected the old trapper in that -manner. He had seen what he considered larger and more profitable -game. - -"Dick," he exclaimed, drawing up his horse with a sudden jerk--"Dick, -have some buffaler hump for dinner?" - -"Sartin," replied the trapper, hastily rising to his feet, and -throwing away his pipe. "In course. Saddle up to onct, youngsters. -We'll have some game now as is game." - -The announcement that there is a herd of buffaloes in the vicinity, -always creates an uproar in a hunter's camp, and there was no -exception to the rule this time. The boys had never seen the trapper -so eager; and even Mr. Winters, generally so cool and deliberate, was -not so long in saddling his horse as usual. This, of course, had an -effect upon the boys; but, as is always the case, their hurry -occasioned them a considerable loss of time. Archie could not find his -bridle, and Frank, in his eagerness, broke his saddle-girth; and, to -increase their excitement, the others, as soon as they had saddled -their horses (Dick rode one of the mules) and secured their weapons, -rode off, leaving them alone. Archie, after a lengthy search, found -his bridle in the wagon, and Frank at last succeeded in mending his -saddle-girth with a piece of buckskin. The boys' rifles stood together -against a tree, close by, with all the accouterments hanging to the -muzzles. Frank's being a common "patch" rifle, he, of course, had a -powder-horn and bullet pouch, while Archie carried the ammunition for -his breech-loader in a haversack. The latter was ready first, and -hastily seizing the gun that came first to his hand, secured Frank's -instead of his own, and, putting his horse into a gallop, rode down -the bed of the creek, throwing the powder-horn and bullet pouch over -his shoulder as he went. Frank was ready a moment afterward, and -finding his own rifle gone, he, of course, took Archie's. Although he -thought nothing of it at the time, he afterward looked upon it as a -lucky circumstance. In addition to their rifles, the boys each had two -revolvers, which they carried in their holsters. Frank overtook the -hunters at the edge of the prairie, where they had stopped to wait -for him, and to hold a consultation. The high swells that rose in -every direction shut them out from the view of the game, but old Bob -knew exactly where to go to find it. As they went along, at an easy -gallop, Dick rode up beside the boys, and, addressing himself to -Frank, said: - -"Now, youngster, this'll be new bisness to you, so don't be keerless. -You must 'member that your hoss ar' as green as a punkin in buffaler -huntin', an', if you let him get stampeded, he'll take you cl'ar to -Mexico afore he stops." - -"Stampeded!" repeated Frank. "Does a horse ever get stampeded with -buffaloes?" - -"Sartin he do," answered the trapper, with a laugh; "an' if you ever -get teetotally surrounded by a thousand bellerin', pitchin' buffalers, -you'll say it's the wust scrape you ever war in. So don't go too clost -to 'em. If your hoss gets frightened, stop him to onct, and quit -follerin' 'em." - -Dick was then proceeding to instruct the boys in the manner of hunting -the buffaloes, when old Bob, who had been leading the way, suddenly -came to a halt. - -"They're jest behind that swell," said he. "Don't you hear 'em? Now, -we must separate." Then, in hurried whispers, he pointed out the -station he wished each to occupy, and, after Dick had again cautioned -Frank to keep his horse completely under his control, the boys rode -away in different directions. - -When Frank reached his station, he stopped his horse, examined his -rifle, opened his holsters, so that he could readily draw his -revolvers, and waited impatiently for the signal. The hunters were -stationed about a quarter of a mile apart. Old Bob was in the center -of the line. After satisfying himself that they were all in their -places, he waved his hat--the signal for the advance. They all started -at the same moment, and, before Frank could think twice, his horse had -carried him to the top of the swell, and he was in full view of the -game. The sight that met his eyes astonished him. - -He had often read of the prairie being black with buffaloes, but he -had never seen it before. The herd was an immense one, and stretched -away in all directions as far as his eye could reach. But he was -allowed no time for admiration, for, the moment the hunters made their -appearance, the buffaloes discovered them, and made off at the top of -their speed, the noise of their hoofs sounding on the hard prairie -like the rolling of thunder. Pete was not afraid of buffaloes, and he -soon carried his master within easy range of the herd, the nearest of -which fell at the crack of his rifle. Too impatient to reload his gun, -Frank drew one of his revolvers, and, forgetting, in his excitement, -all the trapper's advice, spurred after the flying herd; and, so close -was he to them, that he seldom missed his mark. When he had fired all -the charges, he returned his empty weapon to his holster, and, as he -drew the other, he cast his eye in the direction of his companions, -and was a good deal surprised to discover that some of the herd had -got between him and the rest of his party, and were running almost -side by side with him. On the outer edge of the herd, he saw his -cousin in company with the trappers. Archie had, doubtless, emptied -all his weapons, for he appeared to be engaged in reloading. Further -back, he saw Mr. Winters, who had stopped to "settle" a large bull he -had wounded. He also noticed that the mule, on which Dick was mounted, -being entirely unaccustomed to such business, and frightened by the -discharges of the fire-arms, and the noise of the rushing herd, was -making desperate but unsuccessful attempts to throw his rider. Frank, -taking this all in at a glance, then turned his attention to the -animals nearest him, and soon emptied his second revolver. - -All this while Pete had been running with the bridle hanging loose on -his neck; now, as Frank gathered up the reins, he noticed, for the -first time, that he was going at a rate of speed he had never before -accomplished. This, however, did not alarm him; but, seeing that he -was leaving his companions behind, he thought he would slacken his -pace and wait for them to come up. He drew in the reins, but it had no -effect on the horse, which, looking back over his shoulder, as if -frightened at something that was pursuing him, bounded off faster than -ever. Taking a firmer hold of the reins, Frank pulled again with all -his strength, but to no purpose. Had he been at sea, in an open boat, -without rudder, sails, or oars, he could not have been more helpless -than he was at that moment. His horse, perfectly unmanageable, was -running away with him! In an instant, the thought flashed through -Frank's mind, that he was in the very position the trapper had so -emphatically cautioned him to avoid. But still he was not frightened, -until he cast his eyes behind him, and, to his utter dismay, -discovered that the herd had closed in on all sides of him. Around his -horse was a clear space of perhaps a hundred yards in diameter, which -was slowly but surely growing smaller, as the frightened animals -pressed and crowded against each other. On every side he saw a mass of -horns, and tails, and shaggy shoulders, which, like a wall, shut him -away from his companions. Away off to the right, he saw the trappers, -Archie, and Mr. Winters, no longer pursuing the game, but gazing after -him, and throwing their arms wildly about. If they shouted, Frank did -not hear what they said, for the noise of that multitude of hoofs -would have drowned the roar of Niagara. They could not assist him, -neither could he help himself. That very morning the trapper had told -him of seeing a man trampled to death by a herd of buffaloes, and now -a similar fate was in store for himself. The appalling thought seemed -to deprive him of the last particle of strength, for he reeled in his -saddle, and only caught the mane of his horse just in time to save -himself from falling to the ground. But, as was always the case with -Frank, when placed in situations of extreme danger, this burst of -weakness quickly passed. While he had life, he could not relinquish -all hope of being able to bring himself safely out of even this, the -most perilous position in which he had ever found himself. He could -determine upon no particular plan for escape, so long as he was -surrounded by those frantic buffaloes. The only course he could pursue -was to compel Pete to keep pace with the herd. But this plan did not -place him out of the reach of danger. He knew that buffaloes, when -stampeded, turn aside for nothing. Neither hills nor rivers check -their mad flight, and any living thing that stands in their way is -trampled to death. Even the exhausted members of the herd, unable to -keep pace with the others, are borne down and crushed to a jelly. They -neither seem to hear or see any thing; all their senses being merged -into the desire to get as far as possible from the object that has -excited their alarm; and they seldom stop until completely exhausted. - -Frank knew this, and the question that arose in his mind was, "How -long could his horse stand that rapid gallop?" He appeared to be as -thoroughly frightened as the buffaloes, and it was not at all probable -he would show any inclination to stop, so long as he saw that shaggy -mass behind him, or could hear the noise of their hoofs, which sounded -like the rumbling of an immense cataract. The more he thought of his -critical situation, the firmer was his belief that there was but one -way open to him, and that was to keep ahead of the animals, which were -behind him. Having determined upon this, he again cast his eyes toward -the place where he had last seen his friends. They were gone, and -Frank was alone in the midst of that multitude of frantic buffaloes. - -When the trappers had discovered Frank's situation, they knew it was -out of their power to assist him. After following him a short -distance, in the vain hope of making him hear the words of advice and -encouragement which they sent after him with all the strength of their -lungs, they had fallen back out of sight. Dick had advised this -course, "Fur," said he, "the longer we foller 'em, the faster they'll -run. They won't stop till they're clean gin out. If the youngster -stays on his hoss, an' keeps ahead of 'em till they're a leetle over -their fright, he's all right." - -Dick, however, did not intend to leave his young companion altogether. -At his request, Archie gave up Sleepy Sam to him, and, after assuring -the others, who were in a state of intense excitement and alarm, that -he would certainly find Frank and bring him back safe, he rode off in -the direction the buffaloes had gone, while the rest of the party -returned to collect their game. - -Meanwhile, Pete, rendered frantic by the deafening noise, was carrying -Frank over the prairie at a terrific pace. The young hunter's alarm -had somewhat abated, and he appeared as calm as though he was merely -taking a ride for amusement; but his mind was exceedingly busy, and, -in a very short space of time, he lived over his whole life. He cast -frequent and anxious glances behind him, but could see no change for -the better in his situation. The buffaloes, as far as his eye could -reach, pushed and crowded against each other, apparently as frightened -as ever, but taking no notice whatever of the horseman in their midst. -The space around his horse was gradually growing smaller, which made -Frank shudder when he thought what the result would be if they should -close in upon him. - -One hour passed, and still the frightened herd dashed on, with the -frantic horse and his helpless rider in their midst, without, in the -least, slackening their pace. Pete was evidently in distress. That mad -gallop was telling on him severely; but, while those buffaloes were -behind him, all attempts to stop him would have been useless. Another -hour glided by, and, to his joy, Frank discovered that the animals -behind him were scattering, and that the line of his pursuers was -growing thinner. Those in front still ran as fast as ever--no doubt, -pushed onward by those behind them, while those in the extreme rear -were evidently getting over their fright. Frank looked again and -again, to satisfy himself that he was not mistaken, and he was -confident that, if his horse could hold out half an hour longer, the -buffaloes, slowly dividing right and left, would leave a way of escape -open to him. The minutes seemed lengthened into hours; but his -pursuers were now rapidly taking up their places on the flanks of the -herd, and, in a short time, not a buffalo was to be seen behind him. - -Again Frank pulled the reins, and Pete, almost exhausted, and no -longer hearing that terrific noise behind him, willingly stopped. -Frank, filled with gratitude for his escape, threw himself from the -saddle, just as the last of the buffaloes were disappearing over a -neighboring swell. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -A Night among the Wolves. - - -It would be impossible to describe Frank's feelings, as he stood -there, holding his panting, reeking horse, and listening to that -rumbling sound, which grew fainter and fainter, as the buffaloes -dashed on their way. Now that the danger of being trampled to death -was passed, he did not stop to think of what was still before him. He -cared not that he was forty miles from the old bear's hole, and that, -in three hours, the sun would be down, and he compelled to pass the -night alone on the prairie. All thoughts of what he knew he must -endure before he reached the camp were swallowed up in thankfulness -that he had been able to bring himself safely out of the most -dangerous position in which he had ever been placed. - -In a few moments the last of the buffaloes had passed out of hearing, -and Frank then turned his attention to his horse. - -Pete looked very unlike the sleek, spirited animal of which he had -been so proud. He was reeking with sweat, panting loudly, and was -evidently very nearly exhausted. Had he been obliged to carry his -rider a few miles further, Frank might have been compelled to find his -way back to camp on foot. Pete was also very much in need of water; -and now that the danger was over, Frank found that he, too, was very -thirsty. During his excitement and alarm he had not thought of it; but -now that he was able to think calmly, he decided that his first care -should be to find a stream of water, where he might quench his thirst. - -After reloading his rifle and revolvers, he again took Pete by the -bridle and led him in the direction of the mountains, which, as near -as he could judge, were twenty miles distant. Although he was most -anxious to reach them before night, in hopes that he might find the -trapper, (for he knew that Dick would not rest easy until he had found -him,) he could not bear the thought of riding his horse while he was -in such distress. - -At length he reached the top of a swell, when he paused to look about -him. On his right hand, about a mile distant, as he judged, he saw a -long line of willows, which (so the trappers had told him) were a sure -sign of water. Toward the willows, then, he directed his course, in -hopes that his horse, when he had quenched his thirst and eaten a few -mouthfuls of grass, would be in a condition to travel. But he soon -found that it was more than a mile to the willows--it was five times -that distance--and it was about an hour before sunset when Frank -reached the stream, and, kneeling down on the bank, took a long, -refreshing drink. Here he had a most lively battle with Pete. The -horse was stubborn, and when he had determined upon a course, it -required considerable persuasion to induce him to abandon it. He -wanted to drink his fill of the water at once, to which Frank -objected; and it was not until Pete had received several severe blows -from a branch that his master cut from one of the willows, that he -allowed himself to be led out of the stream. Frank then tied him to a -tree, removed the saddle, and threw himself on the ground to determine -upon his future movements. He was tired and hungry; he did not like -the idea of camping on the prairie alone, but he could see no way to -avoid it. Then he thought of the trapper, and walked out on the -prairie to look for him. But Dick was nowhere to be seen. Had Frank -remained where he had escaped from the buffaloes, he would then have -been in the company of his friend, for the trapper was at that moment -standing on the top of the very swell, where Frank had stood when he -first discovered the willows. Useless sat by his side, looking up into -his master's face, and whining as if he, too, wondered what had become -of the object of their search. Seeing no signs of Frank, Dick -concluded that he was still among the buffaloes, so he kept on after -them, now and then shaking his head and muttering--"The keerless -feller. It beats all natur' how that hoss of his'n traveled." But -Frank did not know that Dick was so near him, and, after waiting -nearly an hour for him to make his appearance, he returned to the -willows, and sat about making his preparations for the night. He first -selected a suitable spot for a camp, and, after gathering a few dry -branches and lighting a fire with a flint and steel he found in -Archie's haversack, he took his rifle and walked along the bank of -the creek to find something for his supper. He generally took great -pleasure in a hunt, but there was no sport in this one, for he could -not help thinking of his recent adventure with the grizzly. What if he -should meet one of those animals? He could not hope for assistance -from the trapper. He had no one to depend upon but himself. He had -always had great confidence in his skill as a marksman, but he had -never wished for an opportunity to try it on a grizzly bear. If there -were any of those animals among the willows, he did not encounter -them, and, in fact, the woods did not appear to abound in game of any -kind. The only living thing he discovered was a raccoon crossing the -creek on a log just ahead of him. - -Frank, knowing that he was working for his supper, made a good shot, -and when he shouldered the 'coon and started for his camp, he felt -relieved to know that he was not compelled to pass the night hungry. -He had often heard that the flesh of the 'coon was excellent, and he -found it was so; whether it was because he was hungry, or because the -meat was really good, he could not decide; but at any rate, he ate -nearly half the 'coon, and hung the remainder upon a limb to save it -for his breakfast. Then, after gathering a supply of firewood, -sufficient to last all night, he again walked out on the prairie to -look for the trapper. But he was not in sight; and when it began to -grow dark, Frank returned to his camp, feeling rather lonesome. After -he had hobbled Pete, (which he did by tying one end of his halter -around his neck, and the other to one of his fore legs,) and turned -him loose to graze, he seated himself by the fire, and heartily wished -it was morning. - -There was nothing pleasant in the thought that he was obliged to pass -the night alone. He had often camped out, but he was not accustomed to -living in such a wilderness. Had Dick been with him, he would have -slept as soundly as he ever did at home; but, as it was, there was no -probability of his enjoying a good night's rest. It grew dark rapidly, -and the prairie, so deserted and still in the day-time, now seemed to -be crowded with wolves. He had heard them every night since he had -been on the plains, but he had never listened to such a chorus as -saluted his ears that evening. The fact was, they had been attracted -by a buffalo that lay but a short distance from Frank's camp. It had -been wounded by the hunters in the morning, and, becoming separated -from the herd, had come to the creek for water, and died. Frank knew -that the wolves had found something, for he could hear them growling -and fighting over their meal. Suddenly they all set up a howl, and -took to their heels. They did not go far, however, but appeared to be -running in circles about their prey, as if they had been driven away -by some larger animal. Frank was not pleased with his neighbors, and -did not feel at all inclined to go to sleep. He sat before his fire, -with his rifle across his knees, and his revolvers close at hand, -sincerely hoping that the wolves would not approach his camp. For two -hours he remained in this position, and finally, becoming more -accustomed to the howls of the wolves, he leaned against a tree, and -was fast losing all consciousness of what was going on around him, -when he was aroused by his horse, which came snorting through the -willows, and did not stop until he had placed himself close to his -master for protection. This alarmed Frank, who, remembering how Pete -had acted the day before, was certain that there was a grizzly bear -prowling about his camp; and, fearful that his horse, if left to -himself, would run away, he slipped the bridle over his head, and -tied him securely to a tree. While thus engaged, he heard a slight -noise in the bushes, as if some heavy animal was endeavoring to pass -carefully through them. This continued for half an hour, during which -the animal, whatever it was, walked entirely around his camp. This -tried Frank's nerves severely. To sit there, in those woods, and -listen to some animal walking about, perhaps watching for an -opportunity to spring upon him, was almost as bad as facing a grizzly. -Again and again the animal made the circuit of the camp, and presently -Frank saw a pair of eyes, that looked like two coals of fire, glaring -at him through the darkness. Should he fire at the animal? If it was a -grizzly, and the wound should not prove fatal, his life would not be -worth a moment's purchase. There might be bushes between him and the -beast, that would glance the ball, or his hand might prove unsteady. -It was a risk he did not like to take; but he could try the effect of -fire on him. So, catching up a brand, he threw it at the eyes, which -instantly disappeared. - -During the livelong night did Frank sit by the fire, holding his rifle -in his hands, now and then caressing his horse, which stood close -beside him, trembling with fear; while, at regular intervals, he heard -a rustling in the willows, which told him that his enemy was still on -the watch. - -But all things have an end. At length, to Frank's immense relief, day -began to dawn. As soon as he could distinctly discern the nearest -objects, he again hobbled his horse, and, after turning him loose to -graze, began to prepare his breakfast. After he had cooked and eaten -the last vestige of the 'coon, he saddled Pete, and, turning his back -upon the place where he had passed a most uncomfortable night, set out -toward the mountains. - -About the same hour, the trapper arose from the prairie, where he had -made his camp, and where he had slept soundly, in spite of the howling -of the wolves, and, mounting Sleepy Sam, began to follow up the trail -of the buffaloes. Each was looking for the other, and both were -traveling in exactly opposite directions. - -Frank had a long ride before him, and it was monotonous and tiresome. -Pete appeared to have fully recovered from the effects of his long -run, for he carried his rider at a rapid pace; but, at sunset, Frank -had not reached the mountains. He could not bear the thought of -camping on that bare prairie, where he could have no fire, and he -resolved to ride until he reached the timber at the base of the -mountains, if it took him until midnight. Darkness settled down over -the prairie, and, a short time afterward, he reached the woods. As he -rode slowly along, in the hope of discovering some stream, on the -banks of which he could camp, he saw a light shining through the -trees. A second look showed him that it was a camp-fire. No doubt he -would find Dick there. Without hesitating an instant, he put spurs to -his horse, and rode up in full view of the fire, around which he saw -four men lying on their blankets. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -Frank's New Acquaintances. - - -Frank's sudden appearance created considerable of a commotion in the -camp, for the men sprang to their feet and reached rather hurriedly -for their weapons. They were evidently alarmed; and Frank was a good -deal surprised thereat, for he had not dreamed that men accustomed to -the dangers of the prairie--as these undoubtedly were--could be -frightened at the sudden approach of a single bewildered horseman. He, -however, rode straight up to the fire, where the men stood with their -rifles in their hands, and exclaimed, as he dismounted from his horse: - -"Good evening, gentlemen!" - -His politeness did not serve to allay the fears of the men, for they -regarded him sharply for a moment, and then one of them asked, in a -voice that somewhat resembled the growl of an enraged bear: - -"What do you want?" - -"I am lost," replied Frank. "My horse was stampeded with a herd of -buffaloes, and I am now making the best of my way back to my friends." - -The man slowly surveyed him from head to foot, and then answered, in a -tone of voice which showed that he did not believe Frank's statement: - -"Lost! Lost, aint ye? Wal, what in tarnation are ye lost fur? Why -don't ye go whar ye b'long?" - -"That's what I want to do!" replied Frank, who, astonished at the -manner in which he was received, and fearful that he would be -compelled to pass another night alone on the prairie, did not notice -the sly, meaning glances which the men exchanged. "I am trying to find -my friends. I left them at the 'old bear's hole,' if you know where -that is." - -This statement was received with something like a long breath of -relief by the trappers--for such they undoubtedly were--and the -spokesman continued: - -"Then, ye're sartin ye're lost, an' that ye aint got no friends -nigher nor the ole bar's hole? Who war ye travelin' with? Who's yer -comp'ny?" - -"Dick Lewis and old Bob Kelly," replied Frank, mentioning the names of -the guides, with the hope that some of his new acquaintances might -know them; nor was the hope a vain one, for the trappers repeated the -names, and again exchanged those sly glances, which Frank noticed but -could not understand: - -"So ole Bob is yer comp'ny," said his questioner, at length; "an' -ye're sartin ye left him at the ole bar's hole! Then, ye won't be -likely to set eyes on him to-night, 'cause the bar's hole ar' a good -fifty mile from here, an', if ye're actooally an' sartinly lost, ye -aint no ways likely to find it in the dark." - -The trapper was evidently forgetting his fears and recovering his good -nature--if he possessed that quality--for, as he resumed his seat at -the fire, he continued, in a somewhat milder tone: - -"If yer hoss war stampeded, stranger, he must be powerful lively on -his legs to have tuk ye so fur; but, I reckon, ye must be travelin' a -leetle out of yer latitude. It aint often that a feller meets a -teetotal stranger in these parts what says he's lost, an' we don't -like to take in every one as comes along; but, if so be that ye are a -friend of Dick an' ole Bob, ye can hobble yer hoss an' camp here with -us. Ye can sleep by our fire to-night, an' in the mornin' we'll set -yer on the right track." - -Frank gladly complied with this invitation, and, after relieving his -horse of the saddle, he seated himself at the fire, and began to make -a close examination of his new acquaintances. They were all large, -muscular men, and were dressed in complete suits of buckskin, which -were very ragged and dirty. Their faces were almost covered with -thick, bushy whiskers, and their hair, which, judging by its tangled -appearance, had never been made acquainted with a comb, hung down to -their shoulders. The man who had acted the part of spokesman, was -particularly noticeable, being more ragged and dirty than his -companions, and his face, which bore several ugly scars, was almost as -black as a negro's. - -In short, they were a very ferocious looking set, and Frank almost -wished he had remained on the prairie instead of coming to their camp. -But, after all, he might be very much mistaken in his men. It was not -to be expected that persons of their calling, who had no doubt lived -on the prairie from boyhood, who had been exposed to all kinds of -weather, and braved innumerable dangers, it could not be expected that -such men should always present a neat appearance. Beneath their rough -exterior there might be hidden the warmest of hearts. And as for their -reception of him, they had doubtless treated him as they treated every -stranger they met on the prairie--on the principle, "Believe every man -an enemy, until he proves himself otherwise." - -While these thoughts were passing through Frank's mind, the trappers -had been regarding him closely and with evident curiosity. - -The result of their examination appeared to be satisfactory, for the -spokesman presently remarked: - -"It's plain, stranger, that yer out of yer callin'. Ye don't b'long on -the prairy. Yer from the States, we take it." - -Frank replied that he was, and then proceeded to give the trappers an -account of the circumstances that had brought him to the prairie, and -also told how he had made the acquaintance of Dick and old Bob; to all -of which the men listened eagerly, now and then exchanging the same -sly glances that Frank had before noticed. When he had finished his -story, the swarthy trapper arose to his feet, and, going to a tree -close by, took down a piece of buffalo meat, from which he cut several -slices that he placed on the coals, remarking as he did so: - -"Whenever we do meet a stranger in these parts, an' he turns out to be -the right kind of a chap, we allers treat him as handsome as we know -how. We can't offer you anything more'n a chunk of buffaler hump, but -sich as we have yer welcome to." - -The offer was evidently made in all sincerity, and if Frank still -entertained any fears that the men were not what they should be, he -speedily dismissed them, and again blessed his lucky stars that he was -not compelled to pass another night alone on the prairie. - -While his supper was cooking, he was again plied with questions, the -most of them relating to the movements of old Bob; and especially did -the trappers seem anxious to learn where he was going, and what he -intended to do when he returned from California. Frank answered these -questions as well as he could, and his replies seemed to satisfy the -men, one of whom finally changed the subject of the conversation, by -remarking: - -"I'll allow that's a fine shootin' iron of your'n, stranger, but it's -a new-fangled consarn, I should say." - -Frank, it will be remembered, had Archie's rifle, which, being a -breech-loading weapon, was something the trappers had never seen -before, and it required considerable explanation to enable them to -understand "how the consarn worked." - -From his rifle they went to the other articles of his "kit." The -contents of his haversack were examined, the qualities of his -hunting-knife and revolvers discussed, and then they turned their -attention to his horse--made inquiries concerning his speed and -bottom, until, weary with their questioning, they stretched themselves -out by the fire and went to sleep. - -After eating his supper, Frank followed their example; and, being -completely exhausted, having scarcely closed his eyes during the -preceding night, he slept soundly until morning. - -When he awoke it was just daylight. The trappers had already arisen; -the fire had been replenished, and several slices of meat were -broiling on the coals. - -They hardly noticed Frank; the only reply his polite greetings -received, being a sort of grunt and a slight nod of the head. After -washing his hands and face in the creek that ran close by--a -proceeding which the trappers regarded with undisguised contempt--he -seated himself at the fire with the others and began helping himself -to the meat, at the same time inquiring the way to the old bear's -hole. - -"That ar' is the way, stranger," replied the swarthy trapper, pointing -in a direction exactly contrary to the one Frank had pursued the day -before; "an', as I told ye last night, it's nigh on to fifty miles -off." - -After this, they again relapsed into silence, and as soon as they had -finished their breakfast, went out to catch their horses. Frank -accompanied them; all his old fears that there was something wrong, -revived with redoubled force, and he was anxious to leave the company -of his new acquaintances as soon as possible. When he had caught and -saddled Pete, he left him standing for a few moments, until he secured -his rifle and haversack, and when he turned to mount, he saw one of -the trappers seize the horse by the bridle and spring into the saddle. -Frank gazed in surprise at these movements, but before he could speak, -the swarthy trapper turned suddenly upon him, exclaiming: - -"Look a here, stranger! Ye come here last night without nobody's -askin' ye, an' tells us some kind of a story 'bout yer bein' lost, an' -all that. Now, mebbe yer all right, an' mebbe ye aint. Ye may have -friends no great way off, that ye kalkerlate to bring down on us; but -ye can't ketch old foxes like us in no sich trap as that ar'. We're -jest goin' to take yer hoss to keep yer from findin' yer friends ag'in -in a hurry. Yer young fur sich bisness as this yere, an' if ye didn't -look so mighty innercent, I'd split yer wizzen fur ye. So now be off -to onct, an' don't never cross our trail ag'in. If ye do--" The -trapper finished the sentence by shaking his head threateningly. - -Frank listened to this speech in utter bewilderment. He could scarcely -believe his ears. But it was plain that the trappers were in earnest, -for the one who had mounted Pete held his own horse by the bridle, in -readiness to start. He fully realized his helpless situation, and it -almost overpowered him. But, at length, he found courage to say: - -"You are certainly mistaken. I _am_ lost. I don't know where to go to -find my friends, and, if you take my horse from me, I may never find -them again. Besides, what is your object in robbing me?" - -"Wal, now, stranger," said the trapper, dropping the butt of his rifle -to the ground, and leaning upon the muzzle of the weapon, "we jest -aint a goin' to stand no foolin'. We b'lieve yer a spy, an' ar' goin' -to bring Bob Kelly an' the rest of yer friends down on us. That's jest -what's the matter. The prairy is cl'ar, thar aint no Injuns to -massacree ye; ye have a good pair of legs, so trot off on 'em to onct. -Ye can be glad enough that we didn't tie ye up to a tree, an' leave ye -to the wolves. If ole Kelly could get his hands on us, we'd be used a -heap wusser nor robbin', an' you know it well enough. An' when ye see -the ole chap, ye can tell him that the next time he wants to try to -ketch Black Bill, he'll have to get up a better trick nor this yere. -Come, now, mizzle--sally out to onct--an' don't stop to talk, 'cause -it won't do no arthly good whatsomever. Yer hoss is gone--that's -settled--an', if yer shootin' iron were any 'count, we'd a tuk that -too. We've left ye three loads, an' that'll kill game enough to do ye -till ye find yer friends. Come, walk off--make yourself skeerce, -sudden." - -There was a wicked, determined look in the trapper's eye that told -Frank that he was in earnest; and, fully convinced that it would be -useless to remonstrate, and fearful that if he did not obey the order, -the man would fulfill his threat of tying him to a tree, and leaving -him to the mercy of the wolves, he shouldered his rifle, and, with a -heavy heart, set off on his journey. - -When he reached the top of a high swell, about half a mile from the -camp, he looked back, and saw the trappers riding off at a rapid -gallop, Pete playing and prancing with his new rider as if he was -perfectly satisfied with the change. Frank watched them as long as -they remained in sight, and then, throwing himself on the ground, -covered his face with his hands, and gave away to the most bitter -thoughts. What could have induced the trappers to act so -treacherously? Did they really suspect him of being a spy, or was that -merely an excuse to rob him in his defenseless situation? The whole -transaction was involved in a mystery he could not fathom, nor was it -at all probable that he could arrive at a solution until he should see -Dick or old Bob Kelly. Would he ever see them again, was a question he -dare not ask himself. The chances were certainly not in his favor, -situated as he was, alone, in the midst of an unbroken wilderness, the -prairie stretching away, on one hand, as far as his eye could reach, -the Rocky Mountains looming up on the other. But he was not one to -look altogether upon the dark side of the picture. It had a bright -side as well, and he found that he had reason to congratulate himself -that the outlaws--for such he now knew them to be--had let him off so -easily. What if they had left him bound to a tree, as they had -threatened? The chances were not one in a hundred that he would ever -have been released. Although his horse had been taken from him, he had -been allowed to go free, and to retain his rifle and hunting-knife. -Yes, his situation might have been infinitely worse. He still had much -to be grateful for, and, as long as he had life, he would cherish the -hope of being able to find his way to his friends. As these thoughts -passed through his mind, they brought renewed strength and -determination, and, rising to his feet, he again set out at a brisk -walk. - -He remembered that the outlaws had told him that, in order to reach -the old bear's hole, he must travel in a direction exactly opposite to -the one he was pursuing; but he had good reason to believe that they -had endeavored to mislead him. When he took his involuntary ride, he -was careful to remember the points of the compass, and, as Pete had -carried him exactly south, of course, in order to reach his friends, -he must travel north. He had no compass, but the sun was just rising, -and he was able to calculate all the points from that. Having settled -this to his satisfaction, he began an examination of his haversack, -and found that its contents had been thoroughly overhauled--no doubt -while he was asleep--and that the outlaws had left him three -cartridges for his rifle, and his flint and steel. All the other -articles, which consisted of several rounds of ammunition for his -revolvers (which had gone off with his horse), stone arrow-heads, -spear-heads, the claws of the bear that Dick had killed in the cave, -and numerous other relics which Archie had collected since leaving St. -Joseph, had all been abstracted. - -In spite of his unpleasant situation, Frank could not repress a smile, -when he thought how indignant his cousin would be, when he received an -account of his losses. Having completed his examination, and placed -his remaining cartridges carefully away in his pocket, he resumed his -journey, and, just as he reached the top of a swell, he discovered a -horseman galloping rapidly along the edge of the willows that fringed -the base of the mountains. The thought that he saw something familiar, -about both the horse and his rider, had scarcely passed through -Frank's mind, when he was electrified by the sight of a large brindle -dog, which ran in and out of the bushes, with his nose close to the -ground, now and then uttering an impatient bark, which was answered by -yells of encouragement from the horseman. There was no mistaking that -yell, and Frank ran down the swell, swinging his hat, and endeavoring -to attract the attention of the man with a voice which, in his -excitement, he could scarcely raise above a whisper. But he was -discovered. Both dog and horseman turned toward him, and, a moment -afterward, Frank had one arm around the neck of Useless, and his hand -was inclosed in the trapper's vice-like grasp. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -The Trader's Expedition. - - -"Dick," exclaimed Frank, as soon as he could speak, "this is the -second time you have found me when lost; but I wish you had come a -little sooner, for--" - -"You keerless feller!" interrupted the trapper, who knew in a moment -that there was something wrong, "you teetotally keerless feller! -whar's your hoss? Tell me, to onct, what's come on him." - -"He was stolen from me," answered Frank. "I camped last night about -two miles from here, with a party of trappers, and they robbed me." - -"Did!" exclaimed Dick. "Bar and buffaler! who war they? They warn't no -trappers, I can tell ye, if they done that ar' mean trick. Tell me all -about it to onct." - -Frank then proceeded to relate all that had transpired at the camp; -told how closely the men had questioned him concerning the intended -movements of old Bob; repeated all the threats which the outlaw had -made, and concluded his narrative with saying: - -"He told me that when I saw old Bob again, I could say to him, that -the next time he wanted to catch Black Bill, he--" - -"Black Bill!" almost yelled the trapper. "Black Bill! That ar' tells -the hul story. The scoundrel had better steer cl'ar of me an' old Bob, -'cause I'm Bob's chum now, an' any harm that's done to him is done to -me too. I can tell you, you keerless feller, you oughter be mighty -glad that you aint rubbed out altogether." - -"I begin to think so too," replied Frank; "but, Dick, I want my -horse." - -"Wal, then, you'll have to wait till he comes to you, or till them ar' -fellers git ready to fetch him back. 'Taint no 'arthly use to foller -'em, 'cause they'll be sartin to put a good stretch of country atween -them an' ole Bob afore they stop. Your hoss ar' teetotally gone, -youngster--that's as true as gospel. I tell you ag'in, 'taint every -one that Black Bill let's off so easy. Climb up behind me, an' let's -travel back to the ole bar's hole." - -Frank handed his rifle to his companion, mounted Sleepy Sam, and the -trappers drove toward the camp, slowly and thoughtfully. For nearly an -hour they rode along without speaking to each other. Dick, -occasionally shaking his head and muttering "Bar an' buffaler--you -_keerless_ feller." But at length he straitened up in the saddle, and -holding his heavy rifle at arm's length, exclaimed: - -"Youngster, I don't own much of this world's plunder, an' what's more, -I never expect to. But what little I have got is of use to me, an' -without it I should soon starve. But I'd give it all up sooner nor -sleep in a camp with Black Bill an' his band of rascals. I'd fight 'em -now if I should meet 'em, an' be glad of the chance; but thar's a heap -of difference atween goin' under, in a fair skrimmage, an' bein' -rubbed out while you ar' asleep. Durin' the forty year I've been -knocked about, I've faced a'most every kind of danger from wild Injuns -an' varmints, an' I never onct flinched--till I rid on them steam -railroads--but, youngster, I wouldn't do what you done last night fur -nothin'. Howsomever, the danger's all over now, an' you have come out -with a hul skin; so tell me what you done while you war lost." - -The manner in which the trapper spoke of the danger through which he -had passed, frightened Frank exceedingly. He knew that Dick was as -brave as a man could possibly be, and the thought that he had -unconsciously exposed himself to peril that the reckless trapper would -shrink from encountering, occasioned feelings of terror, which could -not be quieted even by the knowledge that he had passed the ordeal -with safety; and when, in compliance with the guide's request, he -proceeded to relate his adventures, it was with a trembling voice, -that could not fail to attract the trapper's attention. - -"I don't wonder you're skeered," said he, as Frank finished his story. -"It would skeer a'most any body. But it's over, now, an' it aint no -ways likely you'll ever meet 'em ag'in. Me an' ole Bob will see 'em -some day, an' when we settle with 'em, we will be sartin to take out -pay fur that hoss. When we git to camp Bob'll tell you how he happens -to owe Black Bill a settlement. When we seed you goin' off in that ar' -way," continued the trapper, turning around in his saddle so as to -face Frank, "we didn't feel no ways skeery 'bout your comin' back all -right, if you got away from the buffalers. Your uncle said, 'In course -the boy has got sense enough to see that the mountains now ar' on his -right hand, an' to know that when he wants to come back, he must keep -them on his left hand;' an' jest afore he went to sleep, I heered him -say to ole Bob, 'I wonder how Frank is gettin' on without his -blanket.' Your little cousin said, 'I hope he'll fetch back my rifle, -an' my possible-sack, an' the things what's in it, all right, 'cause I -should hate to lose them Injun's top-knots.' I guess he won't laugh -none, when he finds out that all them stone arrer-heads, an' -spear-heads, an' other fixin's ar' gone. Ole Bob, he knowed, too, that -you would turn up all right if you could keep on your hoss till he -stopped. But, bar and buffaler! we didn't think you war goin' to camp -with that varlet, Black Bill. If we had, thar wouldn't have been much -sleepin' done in our camp last night." - -Having thus assured Frank that his friends had entertained no fears of -his ability to find his way back to the wagon, the trapper again -alluded to the subject of the robbery, obliging his young companion to -relate the particulars over and over again, each time expressing his -astonishment and indignation in no very measured terms. In this way -they passed the fifteen miles that lay between them and the camp, and -finally arrived within sight of the "ole bar's hole." - -Mr. Winters, Archie, and Bob were seated on the ground near the wagon, -but when they discovered the trapper riding toward them with Frank -mounted behind him, they rose to their feet in surprise, and Archie -inquired, as he grasped his cousin's hand-- - -"Did your horse run himself to death?" - -Before Frank could answer, Dick sprang from the saddle, exclaiming: - -"Bob! Black Bill's on the prairy." - -"Black Bill on the prairy!" repeated the old man, slowly, regarding -his friend as if he was hardly prepared to believe what he had heard. - -"Yes, he ar' on this yere very prairy," replied Dick; "an', Bob," he -continued, stretching his brawny arms to their fullest extent in front -of him, and clenching his huge fists, "an', Bob, that ar' keerless -feller actooally camped with him an' his rascally chums, last night. -Yes, sir, staid in their camp an' slept thar, an' this mornin' they -said as how he war a spy of your'n, sent to ketch 'em; so they stole -his hoss." - -Old Bob was so astonished at this intelligence, that he almost leaped -from the ground; while Dick, without allowing the excited listeners an -opportunity to ask a question, seated himself beside Mr. Winters and -proceeded to give a full account of all that had transpired at Black -Bill's camp; during which, Archie, surprised and indignant at the -treatment his cousin had received, learned that he also had been a -heavy loser by the operation. All his beloved relics were gone. But -they still had miles of Indian country to traverse, and these could be -replaced; while Frank, in being robbed of his horse had sustained a -loss that could not be made good. Archie was generous; and, declaring -that he had ridden on horseback until he was actually tired of it, -told his cousin to consider Sleepy Sam as his own property, an offer -which the latter emphatically refused to accept. - -"Never mind, youngster," said old Bob, who had listened to all that -had passed between the cousins, "never mind. You shan't lose nothin' -by bein' robbed by that varlet. Me an' Dick will put you on hossback -ag'in afore you're two days older. But this yere shows you that you -oughtn't to make friends with every feller you meet on the prairy, no -more'n you would in a big city. Now if you war lost in the -settlements, and didn't know whar to go to find your hum, you would -think twice afore you would camp with a teetotal stranger, an' a -feller oughter do the same thing on the prairy. I larnt that long ago, -an' through that same feller, Black Bill. Years ago, when Dick's old -man war alive, it warn't so. If a feller got a leetle out of his -reckonin', an' walked into a stranger's camp, he could roll himself up -in his blanket an' sleep as safe an' sound as he could any whar, an' -neither man warn't afraid that the other would rub him out afore -daylight. But it aint so now. Them fellers in the settlements got to -doin' meanness, an' run here to git cl'ar of the laws. But they found -thar war law here too; an' when they done any of their badness, an' we -got our hands on 'em, we made short work with 'em. But they kept -comin' in fast, and when three or four of 'em got together, they would -take to the mountains, an' thar warn't no use tryin' to ketch 'em. -When we seed how things war agoin', a lot of us ole trappers, that had -knowed each other fur years, made up a comp'ny. We had to do it to -defend ourselves ag'in them varlets, fur it soon got so it warn't -healthy fur a lone man on the prairy, if he had any plunder wuth -baggin'. We stuck together till that Saskatchewan scrape, an' now me -an' Dick ar' the only ones left. I don't say that we're the only -honest trappers agoin', 'cause that aint so. Thar ar' plenty of good -ones left; but we ar' the last of our comp'ny, an', somehow, we don't -keer 'bout trappin' with strangers. - -"Wal, one spring we went to the fort to trade off the spelter we had -ketched durin' the winter, an' the trader we sold 'em to, war makin' -up a comp'ny to go to the head waters of the Missouri. He war goin' -with his expedition, an' he wanted us to go too. He offered us good -pay; he would find us we'pons, hosses, traps, and provender fur -nothin', an' buy our furs to boot. He done this 'cause thar war a good -many traders workin' ag'in him, an' he wanted to be sartin of gittin' -all the furs we trapped. We had a leetle talk among ourselves about -it, an', finally, told him that it war a bargain, an' that we would -go. So he writ down our names, an' we tuk up our quarters in the fort -till the day come to start. The trader's name war Forbes, an' as he -war our boss, we used to call him Cap'n Forbes. He warn't jest the -kind of a man a feller would take to be a trader--he smelt too much of -the settlements--an' even at the fort, among rough trappers an' -soldiers, he would spruce up an' strut like a turkey. 'Sides, he had a -nigger to wait on him an' take keer of his hoss. As I war sayin', we -noticed all these things, but we didn't keer fur 'em, fur, in course, -it warn't none of our consarn; all we wanted war fur him to pay us fur -the spelter we ketched, an' we knowed he could do that, fur the -fellers all said he had a big pile of gold an' silver that he carried -in his saddle-bags. - -"Wal, we packed our blankets an' we'pons down to the quarters the -cap'n pointed out, an' when we got thar, we found he had half a dozen -chaps down 'sides ourselves. We knowed one or two of 'em, (an' we -didn't know nothin' good of 'em neither,) but the others war strangers -to us. Among the strangers war Black Bill--Bosh Peters he said his -name war. He war a'most as black as the cap'n's darkey, an' thar war a -bad look in his eye that none of us didn't like. An' him an' his crowd -warn't at all pleased to see us neither; fur, although they met us -kind enough, asked us to help ourselves to their grub, an' inquired -'bout our luck in trappin', durin' the last season, thar war somethin' -'bout them that told us plainer nor words that they would have been -much better satisfied if we had stayed away. - -"It war a'most night when we went to the quarters, an' arter we had -eat our supper, we smoked our pipes, spread our blankets, an' went to -sleep. How long I slept I don't know; but I waked up sometime durin' -the night, an' thought I heered somebody talkin' in a low voice. I -listened, an', sure enough, thar war two fellers jest outside of the -quarters plannin' somethin'. I heered one of 'em ask: - -"'When shall we do it?' - -"'Time enough to think of that when we git to the mountains,' said the -other. - -"'But ar' you sartin' he's goin' to take it with him?' - -"'In course! I heered him say so!' - -"'Wal, then, it's all right. But we must be mighty keerful, 'cause our -boys don't like the looks of them last fellers that jined the comp'ny. -So keep a still tongue in your head.' They done some more plannin' and -talkin', but I couldn't hear what it war. Then they moved away in -different directions, an' purty quick somebody come into the quarters, -easy like, an' laid down on his blanket, but it war so dark I couldn't -see who it war. Wal, I thought the matter all over, an' soon made up -my mind that the varlets had been plannin' an' talkin' ag'in the -trader and his money-bags; but when I told the boys of it the next -mornin', they all laughed at me, an' said the cap'n warn't fool enough -to tote so much money to the mountains with him when he could leave it -at the fort, whar it would be safe. They told me I had better not -speak of it ag'in, fur if it got to the trader's ears, he might think -I war a greeny. Wal, I war quite a youngster, that's a fact; but it -warn't long afore it come out that I had more sense nor any of 'em." - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -The Outlaw's Escape. - - -"Before goin' further," continued the trapper, "I oughter tell you -that this Black Bill had been on the prairy a long time. Like a good -many others, he had run away from the law in the States, an', fallin' -in with more rascals as bad as he war, he soon made himself known, by -name, to nearly every trapper in the country. 'Sides robbin' lone men -he met on the prairy an' in the mountains, he would jine in with -Injuns, an' lead 'em ag'in wagon trains. - -"None of our comp'ny had ever seed him, although, in course, we had -often heered of him, an' we never onct thought that he would have the -face to jine in with a party of honest trappers; so we called him -Peters, bein' very fur from thinkin' that he war the feller that had -done so much mischief. If we _had_ knowed who he war, prairy law -wouldn't have let him live five minits. - -"Wal, arter we had been at the fort 'bout two weeks, Cap'n Forbes got -every thing ready fur the start, an', one mornin', bright an' 'arly, -we sot off t'wards the mountains. Thar war fourteen of us -altogether--seven of us fellers, five of Bosh Peters' party, the -trader, and his darkey. We had four pack mules; and, as the Cap'n -warn't a bit stingy, he had give us good we'pons an' plenty of powder -an' lead. I hadn't forgot what them two fellers said that night, -although I hadn't never spoke about it, fur fear of bein' laughed -at--an' I kept close watch on the trader, to find out if he had his -money with him. He carried a pair of saddle-bags, an' they were well -packed, too; but, judgin' by the keerless way he throwed them around, -when we camped fur the night, thar warn't no money in 'em. Bosh Peters -and his party had all along been tryin' to git on the right side of -us, and purty soon our fellers begun to think that we had been fooled -in 'em, an' that they war all right arter all. - -"Wal, when we reached the trappin' grounds, we built our quarters fur -the winter, an' then commenced work. The trader went with one feller -one day, an' with another the next. He warn't no trapper; but he liked -the sport, an' seemed to want to larn how it war done. But, arter -awhile he got tired of this, an' staid in the camp from mornin' till -night. He never went out with me; if he had, I should have told him to -keep his eye on them money-bags, if he had 'em with him. - -"One day, as I war at work settin' a trap in a clump of bushes that -grew on the banks of a little creek, I heered some fellers comin' -along, talkin' to each other. Now, jest that one little thing war -enough to make me b'lieve that thar war somethin' wrong in the wind, -'cause, when fellers go out to hunt an' trap, an' fur nothin' else, -they don't go together through the woods, as though they were huntin' -cows. So I sot still an' listened, an' purty quick heered Bosh Peters -talkin'. Thar war one feller with him, but the bushes war so thick I -couldn't see him, an' I didn't know his voice. They war comin' right -t'wards me, an' when they reached the creek, one of 'em went to get a -drink, an' the others sot down on a log not ten foot from me. Purty -soon I heered Bosh Peters say: - -"'I know it's time we war doin' somethin', Tom, but I'm a'most afraid -to try it. Them 'ar fellers are seven to our five, an' if we shouldn't -happen to get away, we would ketch prairy law, sartin; an' that's a -heap wusser nor law in the settlements. They don't give a feller a -chance to break jail on the prairy.' - -"'Black Bill,' said the other, 'thar's jest no use a talkin that 'ar -way. If we're a goin' to do it at all, now is jest as good a chance as -we shall have. The cap'n stays in the camp all day alone, an' afore -the other chaps get back to larn what's done, we can be miles in the -mountains.' - -"'Wal, then,' said Black Bill, 'let's do the job to onct. The cap'n -war in the camp this mornin' when I left, an' if he's thar this -arternoon, we'll finish him, an' the money-bags are ourn. But let's -move off; it won't do fur us to be seed together.' - -"The varlets walked away, an' I lay thar in them bushes fifteen -minutes afore I stirred. This war the fust time that I knowed Black -Bill war one of our comp'ny. To say that I war surprised to hear it, -wouldn't half tell how I felt. I war teetotally tuk back. The idee of -that feller comin' into our camp, when he knowed that if he war found -out, short work would be made with him! I could hardly b'lieve it. But -I couldn't lay thar, foolin' away time with such thoughts, when I -knowed that the cap'n's life war in danger. So, thinkin' the rascals -had got out of sight an' hearin', I crawled out of the bushes, -intendin' to start at onct fur the camp, an' tell the fellers what I -had jest heered. I walked down to the creek fust, to get a drink, an' -jest as I war bendin' over, I heered the crack of a rifle; a bullet -whistled by, not half an inch from my head, an' buried itself in the -ground. I jumped to my feet, an' lookin' up the bank, saw a leetle -smoke risin' from behind a log not twenty yards distant. Grabbin' my -rifle, which I had laid down as I war goin' to drink, I rushed acrost -the creek, an' the next minit war standin' face to face with Black -Bill. Fur an instant the chap shook like a leaf, an' turned as pale as -his black skin would let him. Then he seemed to find his wits ag'in, -fur he stuck out his hand, sayin': - -"'By gum, Bob Kelly! is that you? I'll be shot if I didn't take you -fur an Injun. I'm mighty glad I didn't hit you, Bob!' - -"'You can't blarney me, Black Bill,' said I. 'I know you;' an' as I -stood thar lookin' at the rascal, an' thought of all the badness he -had done, I had half a mind to shoot him. The way of it war, the -varlet kind o' thought that somebody had been listenin' to what he -said 'bout robbin' the cap'n, an' he had hid behind the log to watch. -When he seed me come out of the bushes, he knowed that I had heered -all that had been goin' on, an' he thought his best plan war to leave -me thar dead. But, although he warn't twenty yards off when he fired -at me, he missed me teetotally. Wal, when he seed that I knowed him, -an' that he couldn't fool me into b'lievin' that he tuk me fur an -Injun, he thought he would skeer me, so he growled: - -"'If you know me, Bob Kelly, you know a man that won't stand no -nonsense. I have friends not fur off, an' if you know any thing, -you'll travel on 'bout your own bisness.' - -"'Now, look a here, Black Bill,' said I, 'I haint never been in the -habit of standin' much nonsense, neither--leastways not from such -fellers as you, an' if you knowed me, you would know that I don't -skeer wuth a charge of gunpowder. That 'ar is the way to the camp, -an' if you want to live two minutes longer, you'll travel off to -onct.' Seein' that he didn't start, but that he stood eyein' me as if -he'd a good mind to walk into me, I stepped back, an' p'intin' my -rifle straight at his heart, said: 'I shan't tell you more'n onct more -that 'ar is the way to camp. You can go thar, or you can stay here fur -the wolves, jest as you please.' - -"I guess he seed that I war in 'arnest, fur he shouldered his empty -rifle, an' started through the woods, I follerin' close behind, ready -to drop him if he should run or show fight. I felt mighty on-easy -while travelin' through that timber, 'cause I knowed well enough that -the rascal had friends, an' if one of 'em should happen to see me -marchin' Black Bill off that 'ar way, he'd drop me, sartin. But I -reached the camp in safety, an' thar I found two of our own fellers, -an' four that I had allers thought war friends of Black Bill. They all -jumped up as we came in, fur they knowed by the way I looked that -somethin' war wrong, an' one of 'em said: - -"'What's Bosh Peters been a doin', Bob?' - -"'That aint no Bosh Peters,' said I; 'that 'ar chap is Black Bill.' - -"Now comes the funniest part of the hul bisness. Every trapper on the -prairy, as I told you, had heered of Black Bill, an' when I told 'em -that my prisoner war the very chap, an' that he had been layin' a plan -to rob the cap'n, I never seed sich a mad set of men in my life. - -"They all sot up a yell, an' one of 'em, that I would have swore war a -friend of Black Bill, drawed his knife, an' made at the varlet as if -he war goin' to rub him out to onct. But my chum, Ned Roberts, ketched -him, and tuk the we'pon away from him. This sot the feller to bilin', -and he rushed round the camp wusser nor a crazy man. He said that -Black Bill had shot his chum, an' that he war swore to kill him -wherever he found him; and he war goin' to do it, too. An' the fust -thing we knowed, he grabbed somebody's rifle, an' jumped back to shoot -the pris'ner. But he war ketched ag'in, afore he could fire, and then -he howled wusser nor ever. Wal, we tied Black Bill to a tree in the -camp, an' this feller kept slippin' round, with his tomahawk in his -hand, an' it tuk two men to get the we'pon away from him. - -"The chap tuk on so, that we all thought that he told the truth, but, -(would you believe it?) I arterwards larnt that he war the very same -chap that I had heered talkin' with Black Bill 'bout robbin' the -cap'n. He kind o' thought that we might know something ag'in him, an' -he carried on in that way to make us b'lieve that he war really an -enemy of Black Bill. In course we didn't know this at the time. If we -had, he'd soon been a pris'ner too. But, supposin' him to be tellin' -the gospel truth, we felt sorry fur him, an' promised that Black Bill -shouldn't ever be let loose to do meanness ag'in. While the fuss war -goin on, the trader come out; an' when we told him what happened--how -the pris'ner an' one of his friends, that we didn't know, had been -layin' a plan to do robbery an' killin'; an' that the chap he called -Bosh Peters war none other than Black Bill the outlaw--I never seed a -man so tuk back in my life. It skeered him purty bad. He had allers -looked upon Black Bill as one of the honestest men in the expedition; -an', when he found that he war a traitor, he didn't know who to trust; -an' he tuk mighty good keer not to be alone durin' the rest of the -arternoon. - -"Wal, when it growed dark, the fellers began to come in from their -day's work, some loaded with furs, an' others with a piece of bar or -big-horn, which they had knocked over for supper. As fast as they come -in, we told 'em what war up, an' they didn't take it very easy, now, I -tell you. - -"The idee that Black Bill, arter doin' so much badness--robbin' lone -trappers an' leadin' wild Injuns ag'in wagon trains--should come into -one of our forts, an' stick his name down with those of honest, -hard-workin' trappers, when he knowed that every one of 'em had plenty -ag'in him, I say it war hard to b'lieve. But thar he war, tied to a -tree, an', when the boys come to look at him close, they wondered that -they hadn't knowed afore that he war a villain. - -"Wal, we waited a long time for all of our fellers to come in; but -thar war three of us missin', an' that war the only thing that saved -Black Bill. We didn't want to pass sentence on him without lettin' all -the boys have a chance to say somethin'; an' as they might come in -some time durin' the night, we thought we would keep the varlet till -morning. So we tied him, hand an' foot, and laid him away in one of -the cabins. The cap'n's darkey made him a bed of hemlock boughs, an' -laid him on it, abusin' him all the while like all natur', an' goin' -in for shootin' him to onct. It would have been well for one of us, if -we had put that darkey in there as a pris'ner too. But we didn't know -it, an' afore we got through he cost us the life of one of the best -men in our comp'ny. The fellers then all went to bed except me. I -guarded the varlet till the moon went down, and then, arter calling my -chum, who war to watch him till daylight, I went into my quarters an' -slept soundly all the rest of the night. When it come mornin', I -awoke, an', in a few minits, all our boys war up. The fellers had all -come in durin' the night, an' ole Jim Roberts--my chum's ole man--who -war our leader, called a council. Black Bill didn't seem to have a -friend among us, for the last man of us said as how the law must be -lived up to. - -"'Who guarded him last night?' asked the ole man. - -"'I did,' I answered, 'till the moon went down, and then Ned tuk my -place.' - -"'Wal, Ned, bring out the pris'ner,' said the ole man. 'But whar is -Ned?' he asked, runnin' his eye over the camp. 'Ned! Ned Roberts!' - -"I had all along s'posed that Ned war still guardin' the pris'ner; but -when he didn't answer, I knowed in a minit that somethin' had been -goin' wrong ag'in, an' the others knowed it too, fur men who have -lived in danger all their lives aint long in seein' through a thing of -that kind. So we all rushed to the cabin where we had left the outlaw, -an' there lay my chum--stark an' dead--stabbed to the heart! The -pris'ner war gone. Thar war the strips of hickory bark we had tied him -with, an' thar war the knife he had used--but Black Bill had tuk -himself safe off. We stood thar, not knowin' what to say or do. Ole -Jim war the fust that could speak. - -"'Another gone,' said he; 'an' it's my only son; an' now whar's the -traitor?' - -"He looked from one to the other of us as he said this, but no one -answered. - -"'He's here right among you,' said the ole man, the tears rollin' down -his cheeks. 'He's right among you. That knife couldn't got in here -without hands; an' thar's somebody in this yere camp, that's helped -Black Bill in makin' his escape. Speak, men, who's the outlaw's -friend?' - -"But still no one answered. We all knowed he war thar, but how could -we tell who it war, when we had no proff ag'in any one? - -"'Bring him out, boys,' said the old man, at last. 'He war a kind son, -an' a good trapper. But he's done his work now, an' we've lost one of -the best men in our comp'ny.' - -"Wal, we carried poor Ned out, an' arter layin' him in my cabin, we -started off on the trail of the outlaw. But he had a good long start, -an' that night we had to come back without him. I've never seen him -from that day to this. - -"The next mornin' none of us went out to trap, fur we couldn't help -thinkin' of poor Ned. He war the fust chum I had ever had, an' me an' -him had been together a'most ever since we had strength to shoulder a -rifle--more'n ten year--an', in course, I war in natur' bound to -avenge him. I staid in my quarters, wonderin' who it war that had -helped the outlaw; when, all of a sudden, I happened to think of -somethin' that brought me to my feet in a hurry, an' sent me into ole -Jim's quarters. I talked the matter over with him, told him what I -thought, an', in a few minits more, we called our boys together, an' -war marchin' t'wards the trader's camp. The darkey war cookin' his -master's breakfast, in front of the cabin, singin' an' whistlin' as -jolly as could be; but when he seed us a comin' he shet up in a -mighty hurry, an' actooally turned white! I knowed he wouldn't act -that ar' way if he warn't guilty, so I sung out, 'Here's the traitor, -boys!' - -"The darkey, seein' that the thing war out, started to run. He hadn't -gone far, howsomever, afore we had him, an' then he 'fessed the hul -bisness. He said he had told the outlaw that the cap'n war goin' to -take his money-bags with him, an' that, bein' the last to leave Black -Bill arter we had tied him, he had hid the knife in his bed. The -pris'ner's arms had been fastened above his elbows, an', in course, -havin' a sharp we'pon, it war the easiest thing in the world to cut -himself loose, an' to pitch into poor Ned afore he knowed it. Arter he -had 'fessed this, we held a council, an' prairy law tuk its course. -This skeered the trader wusser nor ever. If his own servant war -treacherous, he couldn't trust nobody. So he ordered us to break up -our camp an' strike fur the fort. When we got thar, an' offered to -give up our hosses an' we'pons, he wouldn't listen to it at all. He -said that we had saved him an' his money-bags, an' that we could keep -our kit, an' welcome. - -"Wal, our huntin' expedition bein' broke up, we put out on our own -hook. We still thought that them four fellers b'longed to Black Bill's -party, an' we soon found that it war so; fur we had hardly got out of -sight, afore they started fur the mountains. They knowed 'bout whar to -go to find the outlaw, an' they've been with him ever since, robbin' -an' stealin'. One of his party has been rubbed out, but thar ar' four -of them left yet, an' they do a heap of mischief. I have looked an' -watched fur 'em fur years, an' if I never find 'em, I shall leave 'em -to Dick; so I know justice will be done 'em. If you had knowed all -these things, youngster, I don't reckon you would have slept very -sound in Black Bill's camp." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -The King of the Drove. - - -The travelers had been intensely interested in the old trapper's -story, and not even the thought that the danger was passed, and that -Frank was safe in camp again, could altogether quiet their feelings. -Frank was more astonished than ever, and he secretly determined that -he would never again lose sight of the wagon, if he could avoid it. -But, if he should again be compelled to take an involuntary ride, and -should happen to fall in with strangers on the prairie, he would give -them a wide berth. - -Mr. Winters said nothing. He did not think that the occasion demanded -that he should caution his nephew, for it was by no means probable -that the latter would soon forget his night in the outlaw's camp. - -His adventures, which were the subject of a lengthy conversation, did -not, however, entirely quench his love of excitement, and when, after -a hearty dinner on buffalo hump, Archie proposed a short ride on the -prairie, he agreed to accompany him, and, as soon as he had caught and -saddled his uncle's horse, was ready for the start. As they rode along -out of the woods, Archie informed his cousin that another herd of -buffaloes had been seen that morning by old Bob, feeding near the base -of the mountains, and announced his determination of endeavoring to -shoot one, if they should happen to come across them. As there was now -no danger of being stampeded--both of their horses being old buffalo -hunters--Frank agreed to the proposal, and followed his cousin, who -led the way toward the place where the buffaloes had last been seen. -Swell after swell they mounted, straining their eyes in every -direction, without discovering the wished-for game. - -But they saw something else that excited them quite as much as the -sight of a herd of buffaloes would have done; for, as Archie, who had -ridden some distance in advance of his cousin, reached the top of one -of the hills, Frank saw him suddenly draw rein, and back his horse -down the swell, out of sight of something which he had discovered on -the other side. He then rode back to meet Frank, and, as soon as he -came within speaking distance, whispered, excitedly: - -"There's a big drove of wild horses out there." - -Frank waited to hear no more, but, throwing his bridle to his cousin, -dismounted from his horse, and, going cautiously to the top of the -swell, looked over. Sure enough, there they were, about half a mile -distant, probably five hundred of them, scattered about over -the prairie, some feeding, and others prancing about, as if -wholly unconscious of danger. Among them was one horse--an -iron-gray--rendered conspicuous by his great size and extraordinary -beauty, which galloped about as if he were "monarch of all he -surveyed." Frank remembered what Dick had told him about every drove -of wild horses having a "master," and, as he watched his movements, -and noticed how the other horses shied at his approach, he came to the -conclusion that the gray horse was the king. He gazed at them for some -time, admiring their rapid, graceful movements, and thinking how fully -the gray would supply the place of the horse he had lost, when he -noticed that the animals were feeding directly toward him. Fearful of -being discovered, he crawled back down the swell, and rejoined his -cousin. - -"What shall we do?" asked the latter, excitedly. - -"Don't you suppose Dick could catch one of those fellows?" inquired -Frank. - -"Of course he could," answered Archie, quickly. "Didn't he catch that -black mustang he told us about--a horse that every body had tried to -catch, and couldn't? Let's go back, and ask him to try." - -The boys hastily remounted, and started for the camp as fast as their -horses could carry them. Archie, of course, led the way, and, as he -dashed up to the wagon, he threw himself from the saddle, exclaiming: - -"Dick, there's a drove of wild horses out there on the prairie. Jump -on Sam, and go and catch one for Frank." - -"That's the same drove I seed day afore yesterday," said old Bob, "an' -that's what I meant when I told Frank we'd put him on hossback ag'in -afore he war two days older. Ketch my hoss, Dick." - -Dick did as he was desired, and, by this time, Frank had come up, -Archie, in his eagerness, having left him far behind. - -"Did you skeer 'em, youngsters?" asked old Bob, as he went to the -wagon and drew out two rawhide lassos, one of which he handed to Dick. - -"No," replied Frank. "They didn't see us. Dick, catch the king--he's a -large iron-gray--the prettiest horse in the drove. If I could have -him, I would be glad I lost Pete." - -"Wal, now, that ar' will be a hard thing to do, youngsters," replied -the trapper, coiling up his lasso, and hanging it on the horn of his -saddle; "a mighty hard thing to do. Them ar' kings ar' allers the -swiftest hosses in the drove; an' it aint every ole buffaler hunter -that can keep up with 'em." - -Archie was astonished to hear the trapper speak so lightly of Sleepy -Sam, a horse that had several times proved himself to be possessed of -great speed; but Dick hastened to explain. - -"I aint sayin' nothin' ag'in your hoss, little one, no more'n I am -ag'in Bob's. But if you had chased wild hosses as often as I have, you -would know that a hoss can beat any thing in a wagon train, an' yet -have no bisness with the king of a drove. I won't say that we'll ketch -that gray fur you, Frank, but we'll try hard, an' if he is too fast -fur us, we'll lasso one of the others, sartin. We'll bring back -somethin' fur you to ride." - -By this time the trappers were ready for the start. Mr. Winters and -the boys accompanied them to the edge of the prairie, and there Bob -and Dick left them, after repeatedly assuring Frank that it was not -their intention to return empty-handed. - -When they had disappeared, Mr. Winters and the boys seated themselves -on the ground, and for nearly an hour, waited and listened for the -sound of the pursuit. Suddenly a single horse appeared upon the summit -of a distant swell, and facing about, stood as if regarding some -object that had excited his curiosity. Then came another, and another, -and in a moment more the entire drove appeared, running at the top of -their speed. One minute elapsed--two--three--and then two more horses -suddenly arose over the swell, and followed swiftly after the drove. -The chase had begun in earnest. The boys were surprised, and not a -little discouraged, to see the trappers so far behind. But still they -had great confidence in them, and Frank was already reconciled to the -loss of his horse, and confident that he would own another before he -went to sleep that night. The chase was tending directly toward the -mountains, and it presented a sight the boys would have been loth to -miss. Nearer and nearer came the wild steeds, prancing and snorting, -and looking back at the strange objects that were pursuing them. -Presently, among the foremost ones, the boys discovered the gray king. -He moved over the ground as lightly as if he had been furnished with -wings, and as Frank watched his movements, he reluctantly came to the -conclusion that if his endurance was as great as his speed, he must -content himself with one of the common horses of the drove. They -continued to advance until they came within a quarter of a mile of the -willows, when they seemed, for the first time, to discover that their -retreat in that direction was cut off by the mountains. This appeared -to confuse and frighten them. The foremost ones slackened their speed, -but seeing their pursuers close behind them, the drove suddenly -divided, part of the horses turning one way, and the rest going the -other. The trappers had kept their eyes on the king, and, when he -turned, they singled him out from the others, and followed him with -increased speed. The gray mustang made an exhibition of his powers -that was truly surprising; but the trappers took a "short cut" on him, -and gained so rapidly that Frank's hopes rose again. Sleepy Sam was -running splendidly; but, to the surprise of all, old Bob's ungainly, -raw-boned horse, in answer to a yell from his rider, bounded past him. -All this happened in much less time than we have taken to describe it. -The horses moved with wonderful rapidity, and, in a very few moments -after the drove divided, the gray king and the trappers were out of -sight behind the swells, and all sounds of the chase had died away in -the distance. - -Mr. Winters then returned to the camp, while the excited boys again -seated themselves on the ground, and waited long and impatiently for -the trapper's return. The hours slowly wore away, and, finally, the -sun went down, but still no signs of the horsemen. It soon began to -grow dark, and the boys were obliged to return to the wagon. Frank -prepared supper that evening, but their appetites must have gone off -with the gray mustang, for they ate but little. They sat beside the -fire until midnight, straining their ears to catch the first sounds of -the trapper's return; but nothing but the occasional howl of a wolf -broke the stillness; and, finally, growing tired of watching, they -spread their blankets and went to sleep. At the first peep of day they -were again stirring, and, after a hasty breakfast, they stationed -themselves in the edge of the willows, to await the return of the -horsemen. In about two hours their patience was rewarded by the -discovery of several objects moving along the summit of a distant -swell. As they approached, the boys recognized the trappers, and in -half an hour they were within speaking distance. Could Frank believe -his eyes? Was Dick really riding the gray king? It was a horse that -bore a strong resemblance to him, and Frank felt confident that the -animal he had so much admired, was really his own. Nor was he -deceived; for, as they came up, Dick exclaimed: - -"Here we ar', youngsters. We've got him, sure as shootin'. Easy thar," -he continued, as the delighted boys walked slowly around him, admiring -his fine points. "If you know any thing you'll keep cl'ar of his -heels. He aint very good natur'd." - -This was very evident; for the trapper had scarcely spoken before the -mustang began to show his temper. He danced about in the most lively -manner; first rearing up almost straight in the air, and then kicking -with both hind feet. His plunges were furious and desperate, and the -boys fully expected to see the trapper unseated. But the latter, -although he had no saddle--that being a contrivance he despised--and -only had his lasso twisted around the gray's lower jaw, for a bridle, -kept the animal completely under his control, and rode him into the -camp in triumph. - -"The critter led us 'bout as long an' as lively a race as we ever -run," said Dick, after the gray had been securely fastened to a tree. -"An' it war only by accident that we ketched him. I don't reckon I am -sayin' too much when I say that I never seed a hoss run faster nor -hold out better nor he did--not even the black mustang. We went 'round -on the other side of the drove afore we started 'em, on purpose to -make 'em run t'wards the mountains. That give you a good sight of -somethin' you never seed afore, an' by it we gained on the gray when -he turned. Wal, he kept ahead of us for ten or twelve miles, gainin' -on us all the while, fur when he seed that we war arter him in -'arnest, the way he did climb over the prairy war a purty thing to -look at--when, all to onct, we found ourselves in a prairy-dog's nest. -The prairy, as far as a feller could see, war like a honey-comb. I -'spected every minit that my hoss would break through, an' at last he -did. But the gray broke in fust--went down clean to the top of his -legs, an' couldn't git out. I war sartin we had him, an' war jest -goin' to throw my lasso, when my hoss went in, an' kerchunk I went on -the ground. But ole Bob war on hand, an' he ketched him. We told you, -Frank, that we'd put you on horseback ag'in, an' now that we've done -it, I don't reckon you'll lose this animal by campin' with Black -Bill." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -How the Trapper got his Horse. - - -After supper, the travelers seated themselves around the fire, and the -trappers lighted their pipes. After smoking awhile in silence, old Bob -said: - -"As I have told you afore, youngsters, it aint always a easy job to -lasso the king of a drove of wild hosses. The runnin' we done to-day -arter the gray warn't nothin' to what we kalkerlated to do when we -left here; an' if he hadn't got into that prairy-dogs' nest, thar's no -knowin' how many miles he would a been from here by this time. When I -war a youngster, I went to the Saskatchewan fur the fust time, with a -party of six trappers--Dick's ole man war one of 'em--an', being -keerless, like all young fellers, I soon made away with one of the -best hosses I ever owned. I run him clean blind arter a herd of -buffaler. I soon got another, howsomever, but it warn't as good a one -as I wanted; an' I begun to look around to find a critter that suited -me. One day I come acrost a drove of wild hosses, an', arter foolin' -round them fur awhile, I diskivered that they war led by a -chestnut-colored critter--a purty feller--an' I made up my mind that -he war just the one I wanted. I had never ketched a wild hoss then, -an' I had heered enough about them to know that them kings ar' allers -the best animals in the drove, an' that it takes a hoss as is a hoss -to keep up with one of 'em. But I could throw the lasso tolible sharp, -an' war jest 'bout that age when youngsters think they know more'n -any body else on 'arth; so I thought I could ketch him easy. Wal, I -dodged round them till I got within 'bout half a mile of 'em, and then -put out arter the king; but, human natur, how he did run! I follered -him 'bout four mile, and then turned t'ward the camp, thinkin' that -mebbe thar war a few things I didn't know nothin' at all 'bout. Some -days arterward, I seed him ag'in; but he run away from me easy, an' I -went back to the camp to be laughed at fur my trouble. But I knowed -that I should have plenty of chances to ketch him afore we started fur -hum--we war to stay thar till spring--so I said nothin', but kept -lookin' round, an' every time I seed the chestnut king, me an' him had -a race. - -"I got him at last--not in the way I expected, howsomever--an', to -make the story plain, I must tell you what happened 'bout three year -afore that. - -"I war born on the banks of the Missouri River, 'bout twenty mile from -whar St. Joseph now stands. It war thar my ole man fust larnt me how -to handle a rifle an' ride a wild mustang. Thar war a fort 'bout a -mile from our cabin, whar the ole man allers went to sell his furs. It -warn't no ways safe thar, in them days, fur all that country b'longed -to the Injuns, who warn't very friendly t'ward white settlers. But, -whenever thar war any trouble, we had a safe place to go to, an' onct, -when I war only twelve year ole, I stood 'side my ole man, in the -fort, an' helped drive off atween four an' five hundred red-skins. I -done so well that ole hunters an' trappers slapped me on the back, -sayin' that I war a 'chip o' the ole block,' and that I'd be a better -Injun-hunter nor my father some day. This pleased my ole man, an' -when the Injuns had gone, he took me on a trappin' expedition with -him. Thar war four of us, an' we war gone all winter. I ketched my -share of the furs, an' killed two grizzly bars, which war something -for a chap of my years to brag on. Wal, we reached hum in the spring, -an', arter I had stayed at our cabin two or three days, tellin' my -mother big stories of what I had seed, an' what I had done, the ole -man sent me down to the fort to trade off our spelter. I ought to say -that on our way hum we had dodged a large party of Injuns that war on -a scalpin' expedition. They had been off a fightin' with another -tribe, an', havin' got thrashed, they warn't in very good humor. I war -afraid they might take it into their heads to visit the country 'round -the fort, an' massacree the settlers; but the ole man laughed at me, -an' told me to go 'long 'bout my bisness, an' sell them furs. So, as I -war sayin', I sot out fur the fort, an', while I war makin' a bargain -with the trader, a trapper came in on a hoss that war a'most ready to -drop, an' said that the Injuns war strikin' fur the fort. I don't -reckon that they intended to come afore night; but this trapper had -got away from 'em, an', knowin' that he would alarm the settlers, the -Injuns jest thought they would make a rush, an' massacree men, women, -an' children, afore they could reach the fort. - -"Wal, I didn't wait to hear no more; but, grabbin' up my we'pons, -started fur hum arter the old folks. Purty quick I heered a firm' an' -yellin', an' made up my mind that them as didn't reach the fort in -less nor ten minits would be goners, sartin, fur the Injuns war -comin', sure enough. A little further on I met my mother, who told me -that the ole man an' a few more of the settlers war fightin' back the -Injuns to give the women an' young ones time to git safe under kiver. -My mother war a'most too ole to walk so fur, so I took her on my hoss, -and carried her t'wards the fort, intendin' that as soon as I had seed -her safe I would come back arter the ole man. But jest as I reached -the fort, I heered a loud yellin' an' whoopin', an', lookin' back, I -seed the settlers comin' out of the woods, with the Injuns clost -behind 'em. Thar war, as nigh as I could guess, 'bout two hundred -red-skins, an' not more'n twenty white fellers; so, in course, thar -warn't no 'arthly use to think of fightin' in cl'ar open ground. The -settlers war comin' as fast as their hosses could fetch 'em, an' the -Injuns war clost arter 'em, intendin' to kill or captur' 'em all afore -they could reach the fort. I seed the ole man among the settlers, an' -made up my mind that he war safe, fur he rid a good hoss, when, all to -onct, he dropped his rifle, throwed up his hands, an' fell from his -saddle. The settlers kept on; fur, in course, they couldn't help him, -an' the ole man tried to follor 'em; but I seed him pulled down an' -tomahawked, 'bout two hundred yards from the fort, by a young Injun, -whom, from his bar's claws, an' other fixins, I tuk to be a chief. My -ole shootin' iron war good fur that distance, so I drawed up and -blazed away. But my hand trembled, an' I seed that Injun make off with -the ole man's scalp. That war a long time ago, youngsters; but I can -see that varlet yet, an' hear the yell he give as he shook the scalp -at us in the fort, an' ran back into the woods. Of them twenty men -that war in the fight, 'bout a dozen rode safe into the fort. The -others war massacreed afore our very eyes, an' we couldn't help 'em. - -"Wal, the Injuns stayed round in the edge of the tim'er fur 'bout two -hours, yellin' an' firm' at us; but, knowin' that they could not take -the fort--fur they tried that twice--they all set up a yelp an' put -off, burnin' every thing as they went. It war a sad day fur that -settlement. Nigh every family war mournin' fur somebody; but I war -wusser off nor any of 'em. My mother carried a heap of years on her -shoulders, an' when she seed the ole man pulled down an' scalped, it -gave her a shock she never got over. We buried them both nigh the -fort, an' arter stayin' round fur a week or two, I sot out with a -party of trappers fur our ole huntin' grounds on the Saskatchewan. I -never forgot that young Injun, an' all I keered fur or thought 'bout, -war to meet him. I jest knowed that I should find him ag'in some day, -an' if I had met him among his tribe, with hundreds of his friends -standin' round, I would have knowed him. - -"Wal, as I war sayin', I sot out with this party of trappers, an' it -war on the Saskatchewan that I fust diskivered this chestnut king that -I had made up my mind to have. I follered him a'most all winter, an' -the more I seed him run, the more I wanted to ketch him. I 'tended to -my shar' of the trappin', but every chance I got I war arter them -hosses. At last they put off somewhar, an' I never seed 'em ag'in. I -couldn't think what had 'come on 'em, but I knowed that they had gone -clean out of the country, an' that I should have to look fur another -hoss, an' give up all hopes of ketchin' the chestnut. - -"When spring opened, an' it come good travelin' we held a council, an' -settled it that we should start fur the fort to onct. We war in a -hurry to get away, too, fur some of our fellers had seen Injun sign -'bout two miles from the camp; so, one mornin' we sot out to gather up -our traps. I had 'bout five mile to go to reach my trappin' ground, so -I rode off on a gallop. I went along mighty keerless, fur I didn't -b'lieve what them fellers had said 'bout seein' Injun sign, but I soon -larnt that ole trappers never get fooled 'bout sich things. I hadn't -gone more'n a mile from the camp, when, whizz! something whistled by -my head, an' went chuck into a tree on the other side of me. It war an -arrer, an' afore I could look round to see whar it come from, I heered -a yell, an' the next minit a hoss popped out of the bushes, an' came -t'wards me. An Injun war on his back, an' in one hand he carried a -long spear, an' with the other he held his bow an' guided his hoss. As -soon as he got cl'ar of the bushes, he p'inted that spear straight at -my breast, an' came at me, full jump. I war a youngster then. I hadn't -been in as many rough-an'-tumble fights with wild Injuns as I have -been since, an' I would have give all the spelter I had trapped that -winter if I had been safe in camp. These war the fust thoughts that -went through my mind. But arter I had tuk jest one good look at the -Injun an' his hoss, I wouldn't have been away from thar fur nothin'. -The Injun war the young chief that had rubbed out my ole man, an' the -hoss war the chestnut king--the very one I had been tryin' to ketch -fur a'most a year. So, you see, I had two things to work fur. Fust, I -had swore to have that Injun's scalp; next, I wanted that hoss; an' I -made up my mind that I wouldn't leave that 'ar place till I had 'em -both. The young chief war so clost to me that I didn't have time to -shoot, so I sot still in my saddle, an' when I seed the p'int of the -spear 'bout two foot from my breast, I stuck out my rifle an' turned -the we'pon aside. Then, jest as the Injun war goin' by me, I ketched -him by the scalp-lock, quicker nor lightnin', an' pulled him from his -hoss. My own hoss warn't trained wuth a plug o' tobacker, an', skeered -by the fuss, an' the Injuns yellin', he give a jump, an' the fust -thing I knowed, me an' the young chief war rollin' on the ground -together. I've had one or two wild savages by the top-knot since then, -but I never got hold of a chap of his size that war so strong an' -wiry. When I fust ketched him, I allowed to rub him out easy, fur I -war purty good on a rough-an'-tumble, an' it warn't every body that -could take my measure on the ground; but when I ketched that Injun, I -found that I had come acrost a varmint. We fell side by side, I all -the while hangin' on to his har; but afore I could think whar I war, -or what a doin', I found the young chief on top of me; an', both his -hands bein' free, he commenced feelin' fur his knife. In course I -couldn't allow that, so I ketched one of his arms, which he twisted -out of my grasp, as easy as though I had no strength at all. I tried -this two or three times, but findin' that I couldn't hold him, I -fastened on his belt which held the knife, an', with one jerk, tore it -loose, an' flung it over my head. The Injun, findin' that his we'pon -war gone, whooped an' yelled wusser nor ever. We war on even terms -now, fur my knife war under me, an' neither of us could git at it. -Then I began tryin' to git him off me; but it war no use, an' the -Injun findin' that I breathed hard, held still an' quiet, hopin' that -I would soon tire myself out, an' then he would have no trouble in -gittin' away from me. But I war layin' my plans all this while, an', -watchin' the Injun clost, I ketched him off his guard, an' went to -work in 'arnest. By the way that chap kicked an' yelled, I guess he -thought I had only been foolin' with him afore, an' the way he did -fight warn't a funny thing fur me to think of jest then. But it war no -use. I thrashed around till I got hold of my knife, an', in a minit -arter that, the young chief had give his last yell. Arter bein' sartin -that he was done fur, I jumped up an' run t'wards the mustang, which -had stood a little way off watchin' the fight, as though he war -wonderin' who would come out at the top of the heap. I ketched him -easy, an' arter takin' the young Injun's top-knot, I picked up his -we'pons--here's one of 'em, youngsters." - -As the trapper spoke, he drew his hatchet from his belt and handed it -to Archie, who sat nearest him. The boys remembered that the first -time they met old Bob, they had noticed that his hatchet was different -from any they had ever seen. The blade was long and narrow, and as -keen as a razor. The back part of the hatchet was hollow, as was also -the handle, and thus the weapon could be made to answer the purpose of -a pipe. The handle was also ingeniously carved, but was so worn by -long and constant usage, that the figures upon it could not be -distinguished. The travelers had often noticed that the old trapper -was very particular about his "tomahawk," as he invariably called it; -but now that they knew its history, they did not wonder that he -considered it worth preserving. When the boys had examined the weapon -to their satisfaction, they returned it to old Bob, who continued: - -"Wal, arter I had tuk the young chiefs scalp an' we'pons, (I had his -knife, too, but I lost that in the Missouri River by bein' upset in a -canoe,) I jumped on my new hoss, and rode t'wards the camp, leavin' my -ole mustang to go where he pleased. When I reached our fellers, I -found 'em all busy packin' up. They had diskivered signs of a large -party of Injuns, an' they said that the sooner we got away from thar -the better it would be fur us. We traveled all that night an' all the -next day, an' got safe off. I had the laugh on my side then, fur 'em -fellers all said I couldn't never put a bridle on the chestnut king; -an' when I told 'em my story 'bout the young chief, you ought to seed -them open their eyes. I hadn't been fooled 'bout the good pints of -that ar' hoss, fur he war a critter that suited me exactly. He carried -me safe through many a fight with grizzly bars an' Injuns; but, -finally, I lost him but a few miles from whar I fust seed him--on the -Saskatchewan. I never trapped on that river yet without losin' -somethin'. I have lost two chums thar; throwed away four or five -winter's work--or jest the same as throwed it away, fur all my furs -war captur'd by the Injuns, an' thar I lost this hoss." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -Old Bob's Adventure. - - -The old trapper paused for a moment to refill his pipe, and then -continued-- - -"I went out as usual with a party of trappers, fur in them days it -warn't no way safe fur a feller to go thar alone. We war a'most sartin -to be chased by the Injuns, but them as got away with a hul skin, -allers went back as soon as they could make up a comp'ny, fur it war -thar the best trappin' war to be found. - -"If all the red-skins we have rubbed out thar could come to life -ag'in, I reckon thar would be lots of 'em, an' if all our poor fellers -who have had thar har raised on the plains of that same river, could -come back, you'd see a heap of fine trappers. An' if me an' Dick could -have all the furs we have lost thar, I'll allow it would keep us in -pipes an' tobacker fur a year or two. In them days, a feller could git -a good rifle fur a beaver or otter skin, an' a fust rate hoss fur two -or three mink skins. Our furs war the only thing we had to depend on -to buy us a new outfit; so when we lost all our winter's work, it -warn't a thing to laugh at. - -"Wal, as I war sayin', I went out with this party of fellers, an', as -usual, not the least bit of Injun sign did we see durin' the winter. -As a gen'ral thing the red-skins don't run 'round much in cold -weather--leastways, they don't go fur from their camps; but by the -time the snow is off the ground, they ar' well-nigh out of grub, an' -have to start out on their huntin' expeditions. The Saskatchewan war a -good place fur them to come to, fur thar war plenty of game; but the -country warn't big enough for them an' us; so when they begun comin' -in, it war high time fur us to be goin' out. Thar war five of us in -the party, an' as every man knowed his own bisness, by the time spring -come we had as much spelter as four hosses could pack away. When the -snow commenced goin' off, we kept a good lookout fur Injuns--fur the -trappin' war so fine we didn't want to leave so long as it war safe -to stay--an', one mornin', as I war comin' in from tendin' to my -traps, I seed whar two Injuns had crossed the creek. That war enough -fur me, so I put for the camp, but didn't find nobody thar. The -fellers war all out tendin' to their bisness; an', in course, I warn't -goin' away without 'em; so I packed up my spelter ready fur the start, -and while waitin' fur 'em, kept sharp watch on all sides fur Injuns. -'Bout noon I heered a hoss comin', an', in a few minits, up rid one of -our fellers with his huntin' shirt all bloody. As soon as I seed him, -I knowed that the game war up. - -"'Bob!' says he, 'Get away from here to onct. Bill Coffee is done fur -(that war his chum), an' you can see how nigh they come to rubbin' me -out too. Some varlet sent an arrer clean through my arm. Hand me my -pack o' furs, and let's be off to onct, I tell you.' - -"This man--Bill Simons his name war--war the oldest an' bravest man in -our comp'ny, an' he war our leader. Although I didn't like the idee of -leavin' them fellers out thar in the woods with them Injuns--fur every -one of 'em had done me a kindness--I knowed I couldn't do them no good -by stayin'; fur, when Bill Simons deserted his own brother, thar -warn't no use of any body's tryin' to help him. So I handed Bill his -furs, grabbed up my own, jumped on my hoss, an' we started. It war no -light load them hosses had to carry, fur our spelter war a'most as -heavy as we war. But we couldn't think of leavin' 'em behind without -makin' one effort to save 'em, fur we had worked hard fur 'em, an' -didn't want 'em to fall into the hands of them lazy Injuns. As we rid -along, we made up our minds that we would stick together as long as we -could, an' that we wouldn't drop our furs as long as we seed the least -chance of escapin' with 'em. But if we had knowed any thing, we would -have throwed away them packs to onct, fur hangin' on to 'em so long -was jest the very thing that got us ketched. We run our hosses with -them heavy loads, till they war clean done out; an' when the Injuns -got arter us, they war a'most ready to drop. Wal, as I war sayin', we -rid along fur 'bout two mile, keepin' a good lookout on all sides fur -Injuns, an', finally, we seed 'em behind us. Thar war 'bout twenty of -'em, an' as soon as I sot eyes on 'em, I somehow knowed that we war -ketched. - -"'Bob,' said Bill, turnin' to me, 'our scalps ar' wuth more nor this -spelter. It is time to run in 'arnest now.' - -"He throwed down his pack, as he spoke, an' then his hoss went faster. -But I, bein' young an' foolish, didn't like the idee of losin' my -winter's work; so I held on to my pack, till, findin' that Bill war -leavin' me behind, I throwed it away Thar war our eight months' wages -gone. We had worked hard an' froze among the snows of the mountains -fur nothin'. But we hadn't gone fur afore we diskivered that we had -oughter throwed 'em away long ago. Both our hosses run as though they -had traveled all day, an' it war plain as bar's ears that they -couldn't go much further. Every time we looked back we seed that the -Injuns war gainin' on us fast, an' the way they yelled told us that -they, too, knowed that they would soon have us. I looked t'wards Bill, -an' although I could read in his face that he knowed we war ketched, -he didn't seem the least bit skeary. He had been in jest such scrapes -afore. He had often been a pris'ner, but he war strong as a hoss, -could run like a skeered deer, an' had allers succeeded in gittin' -away from the Injuns at last. I, howsomever, had never been in the -hands of the red-skins, but I knowed, from the stories I had often -heered, that they didn't treat a feller very kind, an' this set me to -thinkin'. The Injuns knowed Bill, an' wouldn't they know me to? The -young chief I had rubbed out b'longed to that same tribe, an' wouldn't -his friends 'member the hoss, an' the knife, an' tomahawk I carried in -my belt? I could throw the we'pons away, an', arter thinkin' a leetle, -I did. I unbuckled my belt, an', jest as we went over a swell out of -sight of the Injuns, I dropped knife, tomahawk, an' all, hopin' that -the red-skins would never find 'em; fur I knowed that if they thought -I had ever rubbed out any of the tribe, I would ketch the wust kind of -punishment. - -"Wal, all this while the Injuns had been gainin' on us, fur, the -further we went, the slower our hosses run, an' all the whippin' an' -poundin' we could do, didn't make them go no faster. They war -well-nigh tuckered out. Purty quick I see Bill turn in his saddle an' -draw up his ole shootin' iron. He war bound to die game. I watched the -shot, an' couldn't help givin' a yell when I seed one of the varlets -drop from his hoss. The Injuns had all this while been ridin' clost -together; but findin' that we war goin to begin shootin', they -scattered, an' throwed themselves flat on their hosses' backs, so that -we couldn't hit 'em. But we war sartin of our game, no matter how -small a mark we had to shoot at, an' when I fired, I seed an Injun an' -his hoss come to the ground together. By this time, Bill war ready -ag'in, an' down come another Injun. - -"If our hosses had only been fresh, we could have picked off the last -one of 'em afore they could have ketched us. But the varlets kept -gainin' all the time, an' purty quick they got nigh enough to use -their we'pons, an' the way the arrers whistled 'bout our heads warn't -pleasant, now I tell you. But we kept shootin' at 'em as fast as we -could load up, bringin' down an Injun at every pop--till some chap -sent his arrer into my hoss's side--an' the next minit I war sprawlin' -on the ground. Bill kept on, but he hadn't gone fur afore he got an -arrer through his neck, which brought him from his saddle, dead. I -jest seed this as I war tryin' to get up; fur my hoss had fell on my -leg, an' war holdin' me down. Jest arter Bill fell, the Injuns come up -an' I war a pris'ner. I couldn't tell you how I felt, youngsters. I -had heered enough to know that much depended on my showin' a bold -front; but it takes a man of mighty strong nerve to look a dozen -yellin', scowlin' Injuns in the face, without onct flinchin'. -Howsomever, I kept a leetle courage 'bout me, I guess, fur when one -chap jumped, an' drawed his bow with an arrer p'inted straight at my -breast, I looked him in the eye without winkin'; an' when another -ketched me by the har, an' lifted his tomahawk as if he had a good -notion to make an end of me to onct, I stood as still an' quiet as -though I didn't see him. Arter this had been goin' on fur a while, the -Injuns seemed to grow tired of it, fur my hands war bound behind my -back, an' one feller fetched up Bill's hoss, an' war goin' to put me -on him, when the critter, bein' clean tired out, give a grunt an' lay -right down on the prairy. The Injuns seemed to think the hoss war no -'count, fur they turned him loose, an' I war lifted on to a mustang -behind one of the savages. I didn't think much of this at the time, -but I arterward had reason to be glad that the varlets had left Bill's -hoss out thar on the prairy. - -"It war 'bout five mile to the place whar the Injuns had made their -camp, an' while on the way thar I warn't bothered at all, fur they -seed that I warn't skeered easy. When we reached the village--which -must have had nigh two hundred Injuns in it--I found that I warn't the -only pris'ner, fur thar war Pete Simons, Bill's brother, tied to a -post in the middle of the camp, an' he war surrounded by men, women, -and young uns, who war beatin' him with sticks, an' tormentin' him -every way they knowed how; but findin' that they couldn't make Pete -show fear--fur that war something he didn't have in him--they left -him, when I came up, and pitched into me. I didn't mind 'em much, -howsomever, although I _did_ wince jest the least bit when one feller -struck at me with his tomahawk, and jest grazed my face; but they -didn't see it; an' purty quick one big feller ketched me by the har, -an', arter draggin' me up to the post, tied me with my back to Pete's. -It then wanted 'bout three hours of sundown, an' the Injuns, arter -holdin' a leetle council, made up their minds to have some fun; so -they untied me an' Pete, an' led us out on the prairy 'bout three or -four hundred yards, an' thar left us. We looked back an' seed the -Injuns all drawed up in a line, with their we'pons in their hands, an' -knowed that the varlets had give us a chance to run for our lives. In -course they didn't mean fur us to git away, but they wanted the fun -of seein' us run, never dreamin' but some of their fleet braves would -ketch us afore we had gone fur. I never looked fur 'em to give us sich -a chance fur life as that, an' I made up my mind that I would learn -'em to think twice afore they give a white trapper the free use of his -legs ag'in. I a'most knowed I war safe, but I felt shaky 'bout Peter, -fur the Injuns had shot him with two arrers afore they ketched him, -an' he war hurt bad. I didn't think he could run far--nor he didn't, -neither; fur when we shook hands an' wished each other good luck, he -said to me, 'Bob, I wish I had my rifle.' He meant by that, if he had -his ole shootin' iron in his hands, he wouldn't die alone; he would -have fit the Injuns as long as he could stand. Wal, as I war sayin', -we shook hands an' bid each other good-by, an' jest then I heered a -yell. I jumped like a flash of lightnin', an' made t'wards a little -belt of tim'er which I could see, 'bout two miles acrost the prairy. I -war runnin' fur my life, an' I reckon I made the best time I knowed -how. I soon left poor Pete behind, an', when I had gone about a mile, -I heered a yell, that told me as plain as words, that he had been -ketched. I never stopped to look back, but kept straight ahead, an' -in a few minits more I war in the woods. The yellin' of the Injuns had -been growin' louder an' louder, so I knowed that they were gainin' on -me, an' that if I kept on they would soon ketch me; so, as soon as I -found myself fair in the tim'er, I turned square off to the right, an' -takin' to every log I could find, so as to leave as leetle trail as -possible fur them to foller, I ran 'bout a hundred yards further, an' -then dived into a thick clump of bushes, whar I hid myself in the -leaves an' brush. I had kinder bothered the varlets, for a leetle -while arter, they came into the woods, an' went on through, as if they -thought I had kept on t'wards the prairy. But I knowed that they -wouldn't be fooled long; an' when I heered by their yellin' that they -had left the woods, I crawled out of the bushes to look up a better -hidin'-place. Arter listenin' an' lookin', to be sartin that thar war -no Injuns 'round, I ag'in broke into a run, an' finally found a holler -log at the bottom of a gully, whar I thought I had better stop; so I -crawled into the log, an' jest then I heered the Injuns coming back. -They knowed that I war hid somewhar in the tim'er, an' they all -scattered through the woods, hopin' to find me afore it 'come -dark--yellin' all the while, as though they didn't feel very -good-natured 'bout bein' fooled that ar' way. I knowed that they -couldn't foller my trail easy, but thar war so many of 'em, that I war -afraid somebody might happen to stumble on my hidin'-place. But they -didn't; an' arter awhile it 'come dark, an' the varlets had to give up -the search. I waited till every thing war still, an' then crawled out -of my log, and struck fur the prairy. I warn't green enough to b'lieve -that they war all gone, fur I knowed that thar war Injuns layin' -'round in them woods watchin' an' waitin' fur me. In course I didn't -want to come acrost none of 'em, fur I had no we'pon, and I would have -been ketched sartin; so I war mighty keerful; an' I b'lieve I war two -hours goin' through the hundred yards of woods that lay atween me an' -the prairy. When I reached the edge of the tim'er, I broke into a run. -If thar war any Injuns 'round, they couldn't see me, fur the night war -dark; an' they couldn't hear me, neither, fur my moccasins didn't make -no noise in the grass. I kept on, at a steady gait, fur 'bout two -hours, an' finally reached the place whar I war captur'd. Arter a -leetle lookin' and feelin', I found my belt and we'pons. I felt a -heap better then, fur I had something to defend myself with; but still -I didn't feel like laughin', fur I war afoot, an', havin' no rifle, I -couldn't think how I war to git grub to eat. But I war better off nor -while I war a pris'ner 'mong the Injuns; so I knowed I hadn't oughter -complain. Arter takin' one look at poor Bill, whom the Injuns, arter -havin' scalped, had left whar he had fallen, an' promisin' that every -time I seed a Blackfoot Injun I would think of him, I ag'in sot out. -Arter I had gone 'bout half a mile further, the moon riz, an', as I -war running along, I seed something ahead of me. I stopped to onct, -fur I didn't know but it might be a Injun; but another look showed me -it war a hoss. He war feedin' when he fust seed me, but, when he -heered me comin', he looked up, an' give a leetle whinny that made me -feel like hollerin'. It war Bill Simons's hoss. How glad I war to see -him! An' he must a been glad to see me, too, fur he let me ketch him; -an' when I got on his back, I didn't keer, jest then, fur all the -Injuns on the plains. The critter had had a good rest, an', when I -spoke to him, he started off just as lively as though he war good fur -a hundred mile. Wal, I rid all that night, an', 'arly the next -mornin', I found myself nigh a patch of woods whar we allers made our -camp when goin' to an' from the Saskatchewan, an' I thought I would -stop thar and git a leetle rest, fur I war tired an' hungry. So I rid -through the woods, an', when I come in sight o' our ole campin' -ground, I seed something that made me feel like hollerin' ag'in; an' I -_did_ holler; fur thar war two of our comp'ny--the only ones that -'scaped 'sides me--jest gettin' ready to start off. They stopped when -they seed me--an', youngsters, you may be sartin that we war glad to -meet each other ag'in. One of 'em war Bill Coffee, who I thought war -dead. He war bad hurt, but he got off without losin' his har, an' he -felt mighty jolly over it. Arter they had told me 'bout their fight -with the Injuns--an' they jest _did_ get away, an' that war all--I -told 'em 'bout Bill Simons bein' killed, and how me an' Pete had run a -race with the varlets, an' we all swore that the Blackfeet wouldn't -make nothin' by rubbin' out them two fellers. I stayed thar long -enough to rest a little an' eat a piece of meat that one of 'em give -me, an' then we all sot out fur the fort, which we reached all right. -We laid 'round fur 'bout a month, an' then--would you b'lieve it?--we -three fellers made up another comp'ny, an' put fur the Saskatchewan -ag'in. None of us ever forgot our promise, an' every time we drawed a -bead on a Blackfoot, we thought of Bill an' Pete Simons." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -Homeward Bound. - - -The travelers remained at the "ole bar's hole" three weeks, instead of -one, as they had at first intended. Game of every description was -plenty; there were no Indians to trouble them; in short, they were -leading a life that exactly suited the boys, who were in no hurry to -resume their journey, which was becoming tiresome to them. Besides, -their supply of bacon was exhausted, and the trappers undertook to -replenish the commissary. This they did by "jerking" the meat of the -buffaloes that had been killed during the hunt in which Frank had -taken his involuntary ride. They cut the meat into thin strips, and -hung it upon frames to dry--the sun and the pure atmosphere of the -prairie did the rest. The meat was thoroughly cured without smoke or -salt, and although the boys did not relish it as well as the bacon, -they still found it very palatable. To Dick, it was like meeting with -an old friend. He had always been accustomed to jerked Buffalo meat, -and he ate great quantities of it, to the exclusion of corn-bread and -coffee, of which he had become very fond. - -In addition to this, the gray mustang demanded a large share of their -attention. He was very unruly, extremely vicious, and attempted to use -his teeth or heels upon every thing that approached him. But these -actions did not in the least intimidate Dick, who was a most excellent -horseman; and, after several rides over the prairie, coupled with the -most severe treatment, he succeeded in subduing the gray, which was -turned over to his young master, with the assurance that he was "a -hoss as no sich ole buffaler hunter as Sleepy Sam could run away -from." - -This declaration was instantly resisted by Archie, who forthwith -challenged Frank to a race; but it was not until the latter had fully -satisfied himself that the mustang was completely conquered that he -accepted the proposition. When he had been robbed of his horse, Frank -had lost something that could not again be supplied, and that was his -saddle. As for a bridle, he soon found that the trapper's lasso -twisted about the gray's lower jaw, answered admirably; but it was a -long time before he could bring himself to believe that his blanket -could be made to do duty both as saddle and bed. After a week's -practice, however, he began to feel more at home on his new horse; -and, one morning, as he rode out with his cousin, he informed him that -he was prepared for the race. Archie, always ready, at once put Sleepy -Sam at the top of his speed; but the gray king had lost none of his -lightness of foot during his captivity, and before they had gone fifty -yards he had carried Frank far ahead. Race after race came off that -day, and each time Sleepy Sam was sadly beaten. Archie was compelled -to acknowledge the gray's superiority, and declared that he "wouldn't -mind camping with Black Bill himself if he could be certain of no -worse treatment than Frank had received, and could gain as good a -horse as the gray king by the operation." - -The mustang having been thoroughly broken to saddle, and the travelers -supplied with meat, there was nothing now to detain them at the cave. -So, one morning Dick harnessed his mules, and they prepared to resume -their journey. Before starting, however, the boys explored the "ole -bar's hole" for the twentieth time, and as long as they remained in -sight, they turned to take a long, lingering look at the place which -was now associated with many exciting adventures. - -Instead of traveling back to the road the train had taken, the trapper -led them southward, and, after a long and tedious journey through the -mountains, they reached Bridget's Pass, and a few days afterward they -arrived at a fort of the same name. They camped there one night, and -then turned their faces toward Salt Lake City, which they reached in -safety. Mr. Winters led the way to a hotel, where an excellent dinner -was served up for them. After passing more than two months in the -saddle, subsisting upon the plainest food, it is no wonder that the -boys were glad to find themselves seated at a table once more. Fresh -meat and vegetables of all kinds disappeared before their attacks, and -they finally stopped because they were ashamed to eat more. After -dinner, being informed by their uncle that they would remain in the -city until the following day, in order to give the trappers time to -lay in a fresh supply of provisions, the boys started out to see the -sights. Evidences of prosperity met their eyes on every side. Some of -the buildings were elegant, the streets broad and clean, and filled -with vehicles. Wagon trains were constantly coming and going, and the -principal business seemed to be to supply these with provisions. -Archie thought it must be a splendid place to live in, so near good -hunting grounds; but he could not help glancing pityingly toward a -youth about his own age, whom they met on the street, and wondering -"how many mothers that poor fellow had to boss him around." - -When it began to grow dark they returned to their hotel, where they -retired early. They thought they could enjoy a good night's rest in a -comfortable bed, but their expectations were not realized. They could -not go to sleep. First, they thought the quilts were too heavy, and -they kicked them off on the floor. Then the mattress was too -soft--they could scarcely breathe--and after rolling and tossing for -half the night, they spread the quilts on the floor, and there slept -soundly until morning. - -Their journey through Utah and Nevada into California, was -accomplished without incident worthy of note; and, in due time, they -arrived at Sacramento. Here it was that their uncle had been located -previous to his return to Lawrence, and consequently they were at -their journey's end. As soon as Mr. Winters had settled up his -business, they would return to the States by steamer. This was -communicated to the trappers the morning after their arrival, and it -was an arrangement at which Dick was both surprised and grieved. After -a short consultation with old Bob, they both approached and announced -their determination of returning to the mountains immediately. - -"We've got to go sometime," said Dick, "that ar' sartin; an' the -longer we stay, the harder it 'comes to leave." - -Mr. Winters then broached the subject of payment for their services, -to which the trappers would not listen, neither would they accept the -offer of the horses, mules, and wagon, Dick declaring that by acting -as their guide he had found a "chum" in the oldest and best trapper on -the prairie, and that was worth more to him than any thing else. Money -he did not need; and as for the mules and wagon, he had no use for -them. And evidently wishing to bring the interview to a close, as -soon as possible, he hastily shook Mr. Winters by the hand, and bade -him good-by. - -His parting from the boys was not so easily accomplished. He extended -a hand to each, and, for some moments, stood looking earnestly at -them, without speaking. At length, he said: - -"I don't like to say good-by to you, youngsters. I had hoped that I -should guide you back to the States. But you know your own bisness -better nor I do, so I oughtn't to grumble. I wish you could allers -stay with me. I'd take mighty good keer of you. But our trails lay in -different directions. You go back to your friends, an' me an' ole Bob -go to the mountains, to hunt, an' trap, an' fight Injuns, as we have -done fur many a long year." - -"You'll need a horse then, Dick," interrupted Frank. "You certainly -will not refuse the gray king! Take him, and keep him to remember us -by." - -"Youngsters," said the trapper, struggling hard to keep back something -that appeared to be rising in his throat, "it don't need no hoss to -make me 'member you. But I'll take him, howsomever, as a present from -you, an' every time I look at him, I shall think of you away off in -the States." - -"And, Dick," chimed in Archie, "if you ever see Black Bill, don't -forget that he stole my relics." - -"I won't forget it, little 'un. An' now, good-by. It aint no ways -likely that we shall ever see each other ag'in; but I hope that when -you git hum, an' tell your friends of your trip acrost the plains, -that you will give one thought to your ole friend Dick Lewis, the -trapper. Good-by, youngsters." - -The guide wrung their hands, and then gave way to old Bob, who also -seemed to regret that the parting time had come; and when the -farewells had all been said, the trappers mounted their horses, rode -rapidly down the street and disappeared. - -It was not at all probable that the boys would ever forget those -rough, but kind-hearted men--for the guides held a prominent place in -their affections. Although they were in a busy city, surrounded by -friends--for Mr. Winters had a large circle of acquaintances in -Sacramento--they were lonesome now that the trappers had gone, and -their thoughts often wandered off in search of those two men, now on -their lonely journey to the mountains. - -At the end of two weeks Mr. Winters had settled up his business, and, -one morning, they took the stage for Benicia; thence they went by boat -to San Francisco. Here they took passage on board a mail steamer to -Panama, thence by rail to Aspinwall, where they found another steamer, -that took them safely to Boston. At Portland, which they reached in -due time, they remained a week, and then all set out for Lawrence. -Frank had written to his mother when to expect them, and they found -all the inmates of the cottage on the watch. As the carriage that -brought them from the wharf drew up before the gate, Brave announced -the fact by a joyful bark, that brought Mrs. Nelson and Julia to the -door, where the travelers were warmly received. Besides strong frames, -sunburnt faces, and good appetites, the boys brought back from the -plains a fund of stories that was not exhausted that evening, nor the -next, and even at the end of two weeks they still had something to -talk about. The skins of the bears were stuffed and mounted, side by -side, in the museum, together with those of several prairie wolves, -big-horns, and that of the antelope the boys had killed the morning -they were lost on the prairie. Archie never grew tired of relating -the particulars of his adventure with the grizzly, and when he told -of their being lost, he never forgot to mention how Sleepy Sam had -"landed him in the water." - -And now that the young hunters were among their friends again, did -they ever "give one thought" to their guide? They often talked of -him--his stories were still fresh in their memories, and his many acts -of kindness could never be forgotten. Whenever they recounted their -adventures, or related the little history of the new objects they had -mounted in their museum, they always spoke of him, and many an earnest -wish went out from them for the welfare of DICK LEWIS, THE TRAPPER. In -their subsequent career in the gun-boat service, they often related -incidents of his life to their messmates. - - THE END. - - - * * * * * - - - New and Attractive Juveniles, - - FOR SALE BY - - R. W. CARROLL & CO., - - 117 WEST FOURTH STREET, CINCINNATI. - - - _Any book on this List sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt - of price._ - - - PRICE - - FRANK THE YOUNG NATURALIST. By "Harry Castlemon". $1 25 - FRANK IN THE WOODS. By "Harry Castlemon". 1 25 - FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE. By "Harry Castlemon". 1 25 - FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. By "Harry Castlemon". 1 25 - FRANK BEFORE VICKSBURG. By "Harry Castlemon". 1 25 - FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI. By "Harry Castlemon". 1 25 - RAGGED DICK; or, Street Life In New York with the - Boot-blacks. By Horatio Alger, jr.. 1 25 - FARMING FOR BOYS. By the author of "Ten Acres - Enough". 1 50 - SILVER LAKE; or, Lost in the Snow. - By R. M. Ballantyne. 1 50 - THE BUTTERFLY HUNTERS. By Helen S. Conant. 1 50 - CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE. By Horatio Alger, jr. 1 25 - HANS BRINKER; or, The Silver Skates. By M. E. Dodge. 1 75 - SQUIRE DOWNING'S HEIRS. 1 25 - ON THE WAY; or, Places Passed by Pilgrims. By - A. L. O. E. 90 - LESSONS OF LOVE; or, Aunt Bertha's Visit to the Elms. - By Emma Marshall. 1 00 - HOUSE BEAUTIFUL; or, The Bible Museum. By A. L. O. E. 90 - FIGHTING THE FLAMES; a Tale of the Fire Brigade. - By R. M. Ballantyne. 1 50 - PETER LIPP; or, The Story of a Boy's Venture. - Elegantly illustrated. 2 00 - HOME FAIRY TALES. By Jean Mace. 1 75 - CROOKED AND STRAIGHT; or, Jotham and Annette at Home. - By Martha E. Berry. 1 25 - STORIES AND SIGHTS OF FRANCE AND ITALY. - By Grace Greenwood. 1 50 - ALEXIS THE RUNAWAY; or, Afloat in the World. - By Rosa Abbott Parker. 1 00 - A SISTER'S BYE-HOURS. By Jean Ingelow. 1 25 - TOMMY HICKUP; or, A Pair of Black Eyes. - By Rosa Abbott Parker. 1 00 - TALES FROM SHAKSPEARE. By Charles and Mary Lamb. 1 50 - THE GIRAFFE HUNTERS. By Captain Mayne Reid. 1 75 - OUTWARD BOUND; or, Young America Afloat. - By Oliver Optic. 1 50 - SHAMROCK AND THISTLE; or, Young America in Ireland - and Scotland. By Oliver Optic. 1 50 - THE RED CROSS; or, Young America in England and Wales. - By Oliver Optic. 1 50 - THE STARRY FLAG; or, The Young Fisherman of Cape Ann. - By Oliver Optic. 1 25 - SEEK AND FIND; or, The Adventures of a Smart Boy. - By Oliver Optic. 1 25 - BREAKING AWAY; or, The Fortunes of a Student. - By Oliver Optic. 1 25 - ON THE WING. By Nellie Eyster. 1 00 - GIRDING ON THE ARMOR. By the author of "Win and Wear". 1 25 - THE DESERTED MILL; or, The Reward of Industry. - By E. L. Llewellyn. 1 25 - CELESTIA; a Girl's Book. By Martha E. Berry. 1 25 - NED NEVINS, THE NEWSBOY; or, Street Life in Boston. - By Henry Morgan. 1 50 - TRUTHS AND STORIES FROM FAIRY LAND; or, - Fairy Stories with a Purpose. 75 - SCENES OF THE OLDEN TIMES. By the author of - "Records of Noble Lives". 75 - ONE-ARMED HUGH, THE LITTLE CORN MERCHANT. - By Mrs. A. S. Moffatt. 1 50 - STORIES OF THE APOSTLES. By Caroline Hadley. 1 25 - THE LITTLE BAREFOOT. By Berthold Averback. 1 25 - WARM HEARTS IN COLD REGIONS; a Tale of Arctic Life. 1 00 - GRANDPA'S HOUSE. By Helen C. Weeks. 1 50 - MY FIRST VOYAGE TO SOUTHERN SEAS. - By W. H. G. Kingston. 2 00 - FAIRY TALES OF ALL NATIONS. By Edward Laboulaye. 2 00 - QUEER LITTLE PEOPLE. By Harriet Beecher Stowe. 1 50 - THE WILL-O'-THE-WISP. From the German. 1 50 - OUTPOST. 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Illustrated by Cruikshank. 1 50 - RICH AND HUMBLE; or, The Mission of Bertha Grant. - By Oliver Optic. 1 25 - HASTE AND WASTE; or, The Young Pilot of Lake Champlain. - By Oliver Optic. 1 25 - IN SCHOOL AND OUT; or, The Conquest of Richard Grant. - By Oliver Optic. 1 25 - WATCH AND WAIT; or, The Young Fugitives. - By Oliver Optic. 1 25 - HOPE AND HAVE; or, Fanny Grant among the Indians. - By Oliver Optic. 1 25 - WORK AND WIN; or, Noddy Newman on a Cruise. - By Oliver Optic. 1 25 - THE KANGAROO HUNTERS; or, Adventures in the Bush. - By Annie Bowman. 1 50 - ROUND THE WORLD; a Tale for Boys. - By W. H. G. Kingston. 1 50 - UNCLE PAUL'S STORIES FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. 1 25 - MARK ROWLAND; a Tale of the Sea. By Hawser Martingale. 1 50 - PASTIMES WITH MY LITTLE FRIENDS. By Martha Haines - Butt Bennett. 1 50 - THE TRIUMPH OVER MIDIAN. By A. L. O. E. 1 25 - COUNTESS KATE. By the author of "Heir of Redclyffe." 1 00 - THREE LITTLE SPADES. By the author of - "Dollars and Cents." 1 00 - CHINCAPIN CHARLIE. By Nellie Eyster. 1 00 - LIFE AMONG THE INDIANS: A Book for Youth. - By George Catlin. 2 50 - LAST RAMBLES AMONG THE INDIANS of the Rocky Mountains - and the Andes. By George Catlin. 2 50 - THE FAIRY BOOK: The Best Popular Stories Rendered Anew. - By Miss Muloch. 1 50 - THE LANCERS OF LYNWOOD. By the author of the - "Heir of Redclyffe." 1 25 - DOTTY DIMPLE AT HER GRANDMOTHER'S. By Sophy May. 75 - MISSIONARY EVENINGS AT HOME. By H. L. L. 1 50 - MY DAYS AND NIGHTS ON THE BATTLE-FIELD. - By "Carleton." 1 50 - - - * * * * * - - - Boys' and Girls' Libraries. - - _Put up in neat boxes. Any Volume sold separately._ - - - PRICE - - THE GUN-BOAT SERIES. 6 vols. Illustrated. $7 50 - Frank the Young Naturalist. - Frank in the Woods. - Frank on the Prairie. - Frank on a Gun-boat. - Frank Before Vicksburg. - Frank on the Lower Mississippi. - - THE GYPSY SERIES. 4 vols. 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Illustrated. 7 50 - Convict's Son. - Two Firesides. - Don't Say So. - Errand Boy. - Ann Ash. - Anne Dalton. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Frank on the Prairie, by Harry Castlemon - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE *** - -***** This file should be named 42101-8.txt or 42101-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/1/0/42101/ - -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.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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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: Frank on the Prairie - -Author: Harry Castlemon - -Release Date: February 15, 2013 [EBook #42101] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE *** - - - - -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 42101 ***</div> <div class="figcenter"> <img class="border2" src="images/i000a.jpg" width="362" height="600" alt="" /> @@ -6128,383 +6090,6 @@ Boys’ and Girls’ Libraries.<br /> <td class="tdl">Anne Dalton.</td></tr> </table></div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Frank on the Prairie, by Harry Castlemon - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE *** - -***** This file should be named 42101-h.htm or 42101-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/1/0/42101/ - -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.) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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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: Frank on the Prairie - -Author: Harry Castlemon - -Release Date: February 15, 2013 [EBook #42101] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE *** - - - - -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 GUNBOAT SERIES - - BOOKS for BOYS, by a GUNBOAT BOY - - FRANK, ON THE PRAIRIE. - - R.W. CARROLL & CO. - - CINCINNATI, O.] - - - _THE GUN-BOAT SERIES._ - - - FRANK, THE YOUNG NATURALIST, - FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT, - FRANK IN THE WOODS, - FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE, - FRANK BEFORE VICKSBURG, - FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI. - - Price, $1.25 per volume, or $7.50 per set, in a neat box, - forming a most excellent and interesting LIBRARY FOR YOUNG - FOLKS. - - - _THE GUN-BOAT SERIES._ - - - - - Frank ON THE PRAIRIE. - - BY HARRY CASTLEMON, "THE GUN-BOAT BOY." - - - WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - CINCINNATI: - R. W. CARROLL & CO., PUBLISHERS, - 117 WEST FOURTH STREET. - 1869. - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the years 1868, by R. - W. CARROLL & CO., in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of - the United States, for the Southern District of Ohio. - - STEREOTYPED AT THE FRANKLIN TYPE FOUNDRY, CINCINNATI. - - - - - Contents. - - - CHAPTER I. HO FOR THE WEST 9 - CHAPTER II. THE WAGON TRAIN 18 - CHAPTER III. ANTELOPE HUNTING 29 - CHAPTER IV. THE BEST TRAPPER ON THE PRAIRIE 37 - CHAPTER V. A FIGHT WITH THE INDIANS 56 - CHAPTER VI. LOST ON THE PRAIRIE 73 - CHAPTER VII. THE TRAPPER'S REMINISCENCE 85 - CHAPTER VIII. THE "OLE BAR'S HOLE" 103 - CHAPTER IX. ARCHIE'S ADVENTURE WITH A GRIZZLY 114 - CHAPTER X. HANGING A BEAR 124 - CHAPTER XI. A BUFFALO HUNT 134 - CHAPTER XII. A NIGHT AMONG THE WOLVES 147 - CHAPTER XIII. FRANK'S NEW ACQUAINTANCES 157 - CHAPTER XIV. THE TRADER'S EXPEDITION 171 - CHAPTER XV. THE OUTLAW'S ESCAPE 183 - CHAPTER XVI. THE KING OF THE DROVE 198 - CHAPTER XVII. HOW THE TRAPPER GOT HIS HORSE 209 - CHAPTER XVIII. OLD BOB'S ADVENTURE 222 - CHAPTER XIX. HOMEWARD BOUND 237 - - - - -FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -Ho for the West! - - -For two months after their return from their hunting expedition in -"the woods," Frank and Archie talked of nothing but the incidents that -had transpired during their visit at the trapper's cabin. The -particulars of Frank's desperate fight with the moose had become known -throughout the village, and the "Young Naturalist" enjoyed an enviable -reputation as a hunter. He was obliged to relate his adventures over -and over again, until one day his thoughts and conversation were -turned into a new channel by the arrival of an uncle, who had just -returned from California. - -Uncle James had been absent from home nearly ten years, and during -most of that time had lived in the mines. Although the boys had not -seen him since they were six years old, and of course could not -remember him, they were soon on the best of terms with each other. -Uncle James had an inexhaustible fund of stories; he had crossed the -plains, fought the Indians, was accustomed to scenes of danger and -excitement, and had such an easy way of telling his adventures, that -the boys never grew tired of listening to them. The day after his -arrival he visited the museum, gazed in genuine wonder at the numerous -specimens of his nephews' handiwork, and listened to the descriptions -of their hunting expeditions with as much interest as though he had -been a boy himself. Then he engaged in hunting with them, and entered -into the sport with all the reckless eagerness of youth. - -The winter was passed in this way, and when spring returned, Uncle -James began to talk of returning to California to settle up his -business. He had become attached to life in the mines, but could not -bear the thought of leaving his relatives again. The quiet comforts he -had enjoyed at the cottage he thought were better than the rough life -and hard fare to which he had been accustomed for the last ten years. -He had left his business, however, in an unsettled state, and, as soon -as he could "close it up," would return and take up his abode in -Lawrence. The cousins regretted that the parting time was so near, for -they looked upon their relative as the very pattern of an uncle, but -consoled themselves by looking forward to the coming winter, when he -would be settled as a permanent inmate of the cottage. - -"I say, Frank," exclaimed Archie one day, as he burst into the study, -where his cousin was engaged in cleaning his gun preparatory to a -muskrat hunt, "there's something in the wind. Just now, as I came -through the sitting-room, I surprised our folks and Uncle James -talking very earnestly about something. But they stopped as soon as I -came in, and, as that was a gentle hint that they didn't want me to -know any thing about it, I came out. There's something up, I tell -you." - -"It's about uncle's business, I suppose," replied Frank. But if that -_was_ the subject of the conversation, Archie came to the conclusion -that his affairs must be in a very unsettled state, for when they -returned from their hunt that night the same mysterious conversation -was going on again. It ceased, however, as the boys entered the room, -which made Archie more firm in his belief than ever that there was -"something up." - -The next morning, at the breakfast-table, Archie's father announced -his intention of returning to Portland at once, as his business needed -his attention; and, turning to the boys, inquired: - -"Well, have you had hunting enough this winter to satisfy you?" - -"Yes, sir," was the answer. - -"Then I suppose you don't want to go across the plains with your Uncle -James?" - -"Hurrah!" shouted Archie, springing to his feet, and upsetting his -coffee-cup. "Did you say we might go?" - -"Be a little more careful, Archie," said his father. "No, I did not -say so." - -"Well, it amounts to the same thing," thought Archie, "for father -never would have said a word about it if he wasn't intending to let us -go. I knew there was something up." - -We need not stop to repeat the conversation that followed. Suffice it -to say, that Uncle James, having fully made up his mind to return to -the village as soon as he could settle up his business, had asked -permission for his nephews to accompany him across the plains. Their -parents, thinking of the fight with the moose, and knowing the -reckless spirit of the boys, had at first objected. But Uncle James, -promising to keep a watchful eye on them, had, after considerable -argument, carried the day, and it was finally decided that the boys -could go. - -"But remember," said Mr. Winters, "you are to be governed entirely by -Uncle James; for, if you have no one to take care of you, you will be -in more fights with bears and panthers." - -The boys readily promised obedience, and, hardly waiting to finish -their breakfast, went into the study to talk over their plans. - -"Didn't I tell you there was something up?" said Archie, as soon as -they had closed the door. "We'll have a hunt now that will throw all -our former hunting expeditions in the shade." - -As soon as their excitement had somewhat abated, they remembered that -Dick Lewis, the trapper, had told them that it was his intention to -start for the prairie in the spring. If he had not already gone, would -it not be a good plan to secure his company? He knew all about the -prairie, and might be of service to them. They laid the matter before -Uncle James, who, without hesitation, pronounced it an excellent idea. -"For," said he, "we are in no hurry. Instead of going by stage, we -will buy a wagon and a span of mules and take our time. If we don't -happen to fall in with a train, we shall, no doubt, want a guide." As -soon, therefore, as the ice had left the creek so that it could be -traveled with a boat, Uncle James accompanied the boys to the -trapper's cabin. - -Dick met them at the door, and greeted them with a grasp so hearty, -that they all felt its effects for a quarter of an hour afterward. - -"I ain't gone yet," said he; "but it won't be long afore I see the -prairy onct more." - -"Well, Dick," said Frank, "we're going, too, and want you to go with -us." - -The trapper and his brother opened their eyes wide with astonishment, -but Uncle James explained, and ended by offering to pay the trapper's -expenses if he would accompany them. After a few moments' -consideration, he accepted the proposition, saying: - -"I have tuk to the youngsters mightily. They're gritty fellers, an' I -should like to show 'em a bit of prairy life." - -Uncle James and the boys remained at the cabin nearly a week, during -which their plans were all determined upon, and, when they arrived at -home, they at once commenced preparations for their journey. Their -double-barreled shotguns were oiled, and put carefully away. They were -very efficient weapons among small game, but Uncle James said they -were not in the habit of using "pop-guns" on the prairie; they would -purchase their fire-arms and other necessary weapons at St. Louis. - -The first of June--the time set for the start--at length arrived, and -with it came the trapper, accompanied by his dog. Dick carried his -long rifle on his shoulder, his powder-horn and bullet-pouch at his -side, and a knapsack, containing a change of clothes and other -necessary articles, at his back. He had evidently bestowed more than -usual care upon his toilet; his suit of buckskin was entirely new, -and even his rifle seemed to have received a thorough rubbing and -cleaning preparatory to its introduction into civilized life. Frank -and Archie meeting him at the door, relieved him of his rifle and -pack, and conducted him into the house. But here the trapper was sadly -out of place. He sat on the edge of his chair, and was constantly -changing the position of his feet, and looking down at the rich -carpet, as if he could hardly believe that it was made to walk upon. -The inmates of the cottage used every exertion in their power to make -him feel at his ease, and, to some extent, succeeded; but he breathed -much more freely when the farewells had been said, and the party was -on its way to the wharf. In due time they arrived at Portland, where -they remained nearly a week. Here the trapper again found himself in -hot water. He was installed in a large, airy room in Mr. Winter's -elegant residence; but he would much rather have been assigned -quarters among the trees in the yard. The sights and sounds of the -city were new to him, and at every corner he found something to wonder -at. When on the street, he was continually getting in somebody's way, -or being separated from his companions, who found it necessary to -keep a vigilant watch over him. But it was on the train that his -astonishment reached its height. He had never before traveled in the -cars, and, as they thundered away, going faster and faster as they -left the city behind, the trapper began to clutch his seat, and to -look wistfully out the window at the woods, which appeared to be -dancing by, as if he never expected to be permitted to enter his -natural element again. He would have preferred to "foot it," as he -remarked, and, when at last they reached St. Joseph, he drew a long -breath of relief, mentally resolving that he would never again tempt -destruction by traveling either on a steamboat or railroad car. - -It was midnight when they reached the hotel. Being very much fatigued -with their long journey, they at once secured rooms and retired, and -were soon fast asleep. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -The Wagon Train. - - -On awaking the next morning, the boys found themselves surrounded by -new scenes. While they were dressing, they looked out at the window, -and obtained their first view of a wagon train, which was just -starting out for the prairie. The wagons were protected by canvas -covers, some drawn by oxen, others by mules, and the entire train -being accompanied by men both on foot and on horseback. Fat, sleek -cows followed meekly after the wagons, from behind whose covering -peeped the faces of women and children--the families of the hardy -pioneers now on their way to find new homes amid the solitude of that -western region. - -The boys watched the train until it disappeared, and then went down -stairs to get their breakfast. Uncle James was not to be found. In -fact, ever since leaving Portland, he seemed to have forgotten his -promise to his brother, for he never bothered his head about his -nephews. It is true, he had watched them rather closely at the -beginning of the journey, but soon discovered that they were fully -capable of taking care of themselves and the trapper besides. He did -not make his appearance until nearly two hours after the boys had -finished their breakfast, and then he rode up to the hotel mounted on -a large, raw-boned, ugly-looking horse. He was followed by the -trapper, who was seated in a covered wagon, drawn by a span of mules, -while behind the wagon were two more horses, saddled and bridled. - -"Now, then, boys," said Uncle James, as he dismounted and tied his -horse to a post, "where's your baggage? We're going with that train -that went out this morning." - -"An' here, youngsters," exclaimed Dick, as he climbed down out of his -wagon, "come an' take your pick of these two hosses. This one," he -continued, pointing to a small, gray horse, which stood impatiently -pawing the ground and tossing his head--"this feller is young and -foolish yet. He don't know nothin' 'bout the prairy or buffaler -huntin'; an' if whoever gets him should undertake to shoot a rifle -while on his back, he would land him on the ground quicker nor -lightnin'. I 'spect I shall have to larn him a few lessons. But this -one"--laying his hand on the other horse, which stood with his head -down and his eyes closed, as if almost asleep--"he's an ole buffaler -hunter. The feller that your uncle bought him of has jest come in from -the mountains. He can travel wusser nor a steamboat if you want him -to, an' you can leave him on the prairy any whar an' find him when you -come back. Now, youngster," he added, turning to Frank, "which'll you -have?" - -"I have no choice," replied Frank. "Which one do you want, Archie?" - -"Well," replied the latter, "I'd rather have the buffalo hunter. He -looks as though he hadn't spirit enough to throw a fellow off, but -that gray looks rather vicious." - -"Wal, then, that's settled," said the trapper; "so fetch on your -plunder, an' let's be movin' to onct." - -Their baggage, which consisted of three trunks--small, handy affairs, -capable of holding a considerable quantity of clothing, but not -requiring much space--was stowed away in the wagon. When Uncle James -had paid their bill at the hotel, they mounted their horses, and the -trapper, who now began to feel more at home, took his seat in the -wagon, and drove after the train. Archie soon began to think that he -had shown considerable judgment in the selection of his horse, for -they had not gone far before the gray began to show his temper. After -making several attempts to turn his head toward home--a proceeding -which Frank successfully resisted--he began to dance from one side of -the street to the other, and ended by endeavoring to throw his rider -over his head; but the huge Spanish saddle, with its high front and -back, afforded him a secure seat; and after receiving a few sharp -thrusts from Frank's spurs, the gray quietly took his place by the -side of Archie's horse, and walked along as orderly and gentle as -could be wished. - -The trapper, who was now the chief man of the party, had superintended -the buying of their outfit, and, although it was a simple one, they -were still well provided with every necessary article. The boys were -dressed in complete suits of blue jeans, an article that will resist -wear and dirt to the last extremity, broad-brimmed hats, and heavy -horseman's boots, the heels of which were armed with spurs. - -Their weapons, which were stowed away in the wagon, consisted of a -brace of revolvers and a hunting-knife each, and Archie owned a short -breech-loading rifle, while Frank had purchased a common "patch" -rifle. The wagon also contained provisions in abundance--coffee, corn -meal, bacon, and the like--and ammunition for their weapons. Their -appearance would have created quite a commotion in the quiet little -village of Lawrence, but in St. Joseph such sights were by no means -uncommon. Buckskin was much more plenty than broadcloth, and the -people who passed them on the streets scarcely noticed them. - -At length, just before dark, they overtook the train, which had -stopped for the night. The wagons were drawn up on each side of the -road, and altogether the camp presented a scene that was a pleasant -one to men wearied with their day's journey. Cattle were feeding -quietly near the wagons, chickens cackled joyously from their coops, -men and women were busily engaged with their preparations for supper, -while groups of noisy children rolled about on the grass, filling the -camp with the sounds of their merry laughter. - -The trapper drove on until he found a spot suitable for their camp, -and then turned off the road and stopped. He at once began to -unharness the mules, while the boys, after removing their saddles, -fastened their horses to the wagon with a long rope, and allowed them -to graze. When the trapper had taken care of his mules, he started a -fire, and soon a coffee-pot was simmering and sputtering over the -flames, and several slices of bacon were broiling on the coals. After -supper, the boys spread their blankets out under the wagon, and, being -weary with their day's ride (for it was something new to them), soon -fell asleep. - -The next morning, when they awoke it was just daylight. After drawing -on their boots, they crawled out from under the wagon, and found the -trapper, standing with his hat off, and his long arms extended as if -about to embrace some invisible object. - -"I tell you what, youngsters," said he, as the boys approached; "if -this aint nat'ral; jest take a sniff of that ar fresh air! Here," he -continued, looking about him with a smile of satisfaction--"here, I -know all 'bout things. I'm to hum now. Thar's nothin' on the prairy -that Dick Lewis can't 'count fur. But, youngsters, I wouldn't travel -on them ar steamboats an' railroads ag'in fur all the beaver in the -Missouri River. Every thing in them big cities seemed to say to me, -'Dick, you haint got no business here.' Them black walls an' stone -roads; them rumblin' carts an' big stores, war sights I never seed -afore, an' I never want to see 'em ag'in. I know I was treated mighty -kind, an' all that; but it couldn't make me feel right. I didn't like -them streets, windin' an' twistin' about, an' allers loosin' a feller; -an' I wasn't to hum. But _now_, youngsters, I know what I'm doin'. -Nobody can't lose Dick Lewis on the prairy. I know the names of all -the streets here; an', 'sides, I know whar they all lead to. An' as -fur varmints, thar's none of 'em that I haint trapped an' fit. An' -Injuns! I know a leetle 'bout them, I reckon. It's funny that them ar -city chaps don't know nothin' 'bout what's goin' on out here; an' it -shows that all the larnin' in the world aint got out o' books. Send -one of 'em here, an' I could show him a thing or two he never heern -tell on. But I must be gettin' breakfast, 'cause we'll be off ag'in -soon; an' on the prairy every feller has to look out fur himself. You -can't pull a ring in the wall here, an' have a chap with white huntin' -shirt an' morocker moccasins on come up an' say: 'Did you ring, sir?' -An' how them ar fellers knowed which room to come to in them big -hotels, is something I can't get through my head. Thar's no big bell -to call a feller to grub here. Take one of them city chaps an' give -him a rifle, an' pint out over the prairy an' tell him to go an' hunt -up his breakfast, an' how would he come out? Could he travel by the -sun, or tell the pints of the compass by the stars? Could he lasso an' -ride a wild mustang, or shoot a Injun plumb atween the eyes at two -hundred an' fifty yards? No! I reckon not! Wal, thar's a heap o' -things I couldn't do; an' it shows that every man had oughter stick to -his own business. It's all owin' to a man's bringin' up." - -While the trapper spoke he had been raking together the fire that had -nearly gone out; and having got it fairly started, he began the work -of getting breakfast. The boys, after rolling up their blankets and -packing them away in the wagon, amused themselves in watching the -movements of the emigrants, who now began their preparations for their -day's journey. By the time Uncle James awoke, the trapper pronounced -their breakfast ready. After they had done ample justice to the homely -meal (and it was astonishing what an appetite the fresh invigorating -air of the prairie gave them), the boys packed the cooking utensils -away in the wagon while the trapper began to harness the mules. This -was an undertaking that a less experienced man would have found to be -extremely hazardous, for the animals persisted in keeping their heels -toward him, and it was only by skillful maneuvering that Dick -succeeded in getting them hitched to the wagon. By the time this was -accomplished, Uncle James and the boys had saddled their horses and -followed the trapper, who drove off as though he perfectly understood -what he was about, leaving the train to follow at its leisure. - -Dick acted as if he had again found himself among friends from whom he -had long been separated; but it was evident that sorrow was mingled -with his joy, for on every side his eye rested on the improvements of -civilization. The road was lined with fine, well-stocked farms, and -the prairie over which his father had hunted the buffalo and fought -the Indian, had been turned up by the plow, and would soon be covered -with waving crops. No doubt the trapper's thoughts wandered into the -future, for, as the boys rode up beside the wagon, he said, with -something like a sigh: - -"Things aint as they used to be, youngsters. I can 'member the time -when thar was'nt a fence within miles of here, an' a feller could go -out an' knock over a buffaler fur breakfast jest as easy as that -farmer over thar could find one of his sheep. But the ax an' plow have -made bad work with a fine country, the buffaler an' Injun have been -pushed back t'wards the mountains, an' it won't be long afore thar'll -be no room fur sich as me; an' we won't be missed neither, 'cause when -the buffaler an' beaver are gone thar'll be nothin' fur us to do. -These farms will keep pushin' out all the while; an' when folks, -sittin' in their snug houses beside their warm fires, hear tell of the -Injuns that onst owned this country, nobody will ever think that sich -fellers as me an' Bill Lawson an' ole Bob Kelly ever lived. If ole -Bill was here now, he would say: 'Let's go back to the mountains, -Dick, an' stay thar.' He wouldn't like to see his ole huntin' grounds -wasted in this way, an' I don't want to see it neither. But I know -that the Rocky Mountains an' grizzly bars will last as long as I -shall, an' thar'll be no need of trappers an' hunters an' guides arter -that." - -Dick became silent after this, and it was not until the train halted -for the noon's rest, that he recovered his usual spirits. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -Antelope Hunting. - - -Gradually the train left the improvements of civilization behind, and, -at the end of three weeks, it was miles outside of a fence. Here the -trapper was in his natural element. He felt, as he expressed, "like a -young one jest out o' school," adding, that all he needed was "one -glimpse of a Comanche or Cheyenne to make him feel perfectly nat'ral." - -In accordance with the promise he had made Frank before leaving St. -Joseph, he now took Pete (that was the name the latter had given his -horse) under his especial charge; and every morning, at the first peep -of day, the boys saw him galloping over the prairie, firing his rifle -as fast as he could reload, as if in pursuit of an imaginary herd of -buffaloes. At first the spirited animal objected to this mode of -treatment, and made the most desperate efforts to unseat his rider; -but the trapper, who had broken more than one wild mustang, was -perfectly at home on horseback, and, after a few exercises of this -kind, Pete was turned over to his young master, with the assurance -that he was ready to begin buffalo hunting. According to Frank's idea, -the animal had improved considerably under the trapper's system of -training, for he would hardly wait for his rider to be fairly in the -saddle before he would start off at the top of his speed. The boys, -who considered themselves fully able to do any thing that had ever -been accomplished by any one else, having seen Dick load and fire his -rifle while riding at full speed, began to imitate his example, and in -a short time learned the art to perfection. In addition to this, each -boy looked upon his horse as the better animal, and the emigrants were -witnesses to many a race between them, in which Sleepy Sam, as Archie -called his horse, always came off winner. But Frank kept up the -contest, and at every possible opportunity the horses were "matched," -until they had learned their parts so well, that every time they -found themselves together, they would start off on a race without -waiting for the word from their riders. - -One morning, just after the train had left the camp, as the boys were -riding beside the wagon, listening to a story the trapper was -relating, the latter suddenly stopped, and, pointing toward a distant -swell, said: "Do you see that ar', youngsters?" - -The boys, after straining their eyes in vain, brought their -field-glass into requisition, and finally discovered an object moving -slowly along through the high grass; but the distance was so great, -they could not determine what it was. - -"That's a prong-horn," said the trapper at length. "An' now, Frank," -he continued, "if you'll lend me that ar hoss, I'll show you that all -the huntin' in the world aint larnt in that leetle patch of timber -around Lawrence." - -Frank at once dismounted, and Dick, after securing his rifle, sprung -into the saddle, saying: - -"Come along easy-like, youngsters, an' when I tell you, you get off -an' hide behind your hoss." - -Frank mounted Sleepy Sam behind Archie, and they followed the trapper, -who led the way at an easy gallop. Useless, at his master's command, -remained with the wagon. They rode for a mile at a steady pace, and -then, seeing that the game had discovered them, the boys, at a signal -from the trapper, stopped and dismounted, while Dick kept on alone, -his every movement closely watched by Frank and Archie, who, having -often read of the skill required in hunting antelopes, were anxious to -see how it was done. The trapper rode on for about half a mile -further, and then the boys saw him dismount, unbuckle the bridle, and -hobble his horse so that he would not stray away. He then threw -himself on his hands and knees, and disappeared. A quarter of an hour -afterward the boys saw his 'coon-skin cap waving above the grass. If -this was intended to attract the attention of the game, it did not -meet with immediate success, for the antelopes continued to feed -leisurely up the swell, and finally some of their number disappeared -behind it. The boys regarded this as conclusive evidence that the -trapper's plan had failed; but at length one of the antelopes, which -stood a little apart from the others, and appeared to be acting as -sentinel, uttered a loud snort, which instantly brought every member -of the herd to his side. They remained huddled together for several -moments, as if in consultation, and then began to move slowly down -the swell toward the place where the trapper was concealed. There were -about twenty animals in the herd, and they came on in single file, -stopping now and then to snuff the air and examine the object that had -excited their curiosity. But nothing suspicious was to be seen, for -the trapper was concealed in the grass, the only thing visible being -his cap, which he gently waved to and fro as he watched the movements -of the game. The antelopes advanced slowly--much _too_ slowly for the -impatient boys, who, concealed behind their horse, closely watched all -their movements, fearful that they might detect the presence of the -trapper, and seek safety in flight. But the latter well understood the -matter in hand, and presently the boys saw a puff of smoke rise from -the grass, and the nearest of the antelopes, springing into the air, -fell dead in his tracks. The others turned and fled with the speed of -the wind. - -In an instant Frank and Archie had mounted, and when they reached the -place where the trapper was standing, he had secured his prize, which -was one of the most graceful animals the boys had ever seen. It was -about three and a half feet high at the shoulders, and, although Dick -pronounced it very fat, its body was slender and its limbs small and -muscular. After having examined the animal to their satisfaction, they -all mounted their horses, Dick carrying the game before him on his -saddle; and as they rode toward the wagon, Archie exclaimed: - -"Now, Frank, we know how to hunt antelopes. It isn't so very hard, -after all." - -"Isn't it?" inquired the trapper, with a laugh. "You don't understand -the natur of the critters, when you say that. I know I killed this one -easy, but a feller can't allers do it. Howsomever, you can try your -hand the next time we meet any, an' if you do shoot one, I'll allers -call you my 'antelope killers.' Them red handkerchiefs of your'n would -be jest the things to use, 'cause the critters can see it a long way. -If you can bring one of 'em into camp, it will be something wuth -braggin' on." - -It was evident that the trapper did not entertain a very exalted -opinion of the boys' "hunting qualities;" but that did not convince -them that they could not shoot an antelope. On the contrary, it made -them all the more anxious for an opportunity to try their skill on -the game, if for no other reason than to show the trapper that he was -mistaken. - -Half an hour's riding brought them to the wagon, which was standing -where they had left it, and, after the buck had been skinned and -cleaned, the trapper mounted to his seat and drove after the train, -followed by the boys, who strained their eyes in every direction in -the hope of discovering another herd of antelopes. But nothing in the -shape of a prong-horn was to be seen; and when the train resumed its -journey after its noon halt, they gradually fell back until the wagons -were out of sight behind the hills. Then, leaving the road, they -galloped over the prairie until they reached the top of a high swell, -when they stopped to look about them. About two miles to the left was -the train slowly winding among the hills; but the most faithful use of -their glass failed to reveal the wished-for game. All that afternoon -they scoured the prairie on both sides of the wagons, and when it -began to grow dark, they reluctantly turned their faces toward the -camp. - -"What did I tell you?" asked the trapper, as the boys rode up to the -wagon, where the latter was unharnessing the mules. "I said you -couldn't shoot a prong-horn." - -"Of course we couldn't," answered Archie, "for we didn't see any to -shoot." - -"I know that," replied the trapper with a grin; "but _I_ seed plenty. -The next time you go a huntin' prong-horns, be sartin that the wind -blows from them t'wards you, an' not from you t'wards them. They've -got sharp noses, them critters have." - -The boys were astonished. They had not thought of that; and Archie was -compelled to acknowledge that "there was something in knowing how, -after all." - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -The Best Trapper on the Prairie. - - -That night the train encamped a short distance from one of the -stations of the Overland Stage Company. The trapper, as usual, after -taking care of his mules, superintended the preparations for supper, -while the boys, wearied with their day's ride, threw themselves on the -grass near the wagon, and watched his movements with a hungry eye. -Uncle James, as he had done almost every night since leaving St. -Joseph, walked about the camp playing with the children, who began to -regard him as an old acquaintance. Presently the attention of the boys -was attracted by the approach of a stranger, whose long beard and thin -hair--both as white as snow--bore evidence to the fact that he carried -the burden of many years on his shoulders. - -He was dressed in a complete suit of buckskin, which, although well -worn, was nevertheless very neat, and, in spite of his years, his step -was firm, and he walked as erect as an Indian. He carried a long heavy -rifle on his shoulder, and from his belt peeped the head of a small -hatchet of peculiar shape, and the buck-horn handle of a -hunting-knife. He walked slowly through the camp, and when he came -opposite the boys, Dick suddenly sprang from the ground where he had -been seated, watching some steaks that were broiling on the coals, -and, striding up to the stranger, laid his hand on his shoulder. The -latter turned, and, after regarding him sharply for a moment, thrust -out his hand, which the trapper seized and wrung in silence. For an -instant they stood looking at each other without speaking, and then -Dick took the old man by the arm and led him up to the fire, -exclaiming: - -"Bob Kelly, the oldest an' best trapper on the prairy!" - -The boys arose as he approached, and regarded him with curiosity. They -had heard their guide speak in the highest terms of "ole Bob -Kelly," and had often wished to see the trapper whom Dick was -willing to acknowledge as his superior. There he was--a mild, -good-natured-looking old man, the exact opposite of what they had -imagined him to be. - -"Them are city chaps, Bob"--continued the trapper, as the old man, -after gazing at the boys for a moment, seated himself on the ground -beside the fire--"an' I'm takin' 'em out to Californy. In course they -are green consarnin' prairy life, but they are made of good stuff, an' -are 'bout the keerlessest youngsters you ever see. What a doin' here, -Bob?" - -"Jest lookin' round," was the answer. "I'm mighty glad to meet you -ag'in, 'cause it looks nat'ral to see you 'bout. Things aint as they -used to be. Me an' you are 'bout the oldest trappers agoin' now. The -boys have gone one arter the other, an' thar's only me an' you left -that I knows on." - -"What's come on Jack Thomas?" asked Dick. - -"We're both without our chums now," answered the old man, sorrowfully. -"Jack an' ole Bill Lawson are both gone, an' their scalps are in a -Comanche wigwam." - -The trapper made no reply, but went on with his preparations for -supper in silence, and the boys could see that he was considerably -affected by the news he had just heard. His every movement was closely -watched by his companion, who seemed delighted to meet his old -acquaintance once more, and acted as though he did not wish to allow -him out of his sight. There was evidently a good deal of honest -affection between these two men. It did not take the form of words, -but would have showed itself had one or the other of them been in -danger. They did not speak again until Mr. Winters came up, when Dick -again introduced his friend as the "oldest an' best trapper agoin'." -Uncle James, who understood the customs of the trappers, simply -bowed--a greeting which the old man returned with one short, searching -glance, as if he meant to read his very thoughts. - -"Now, then!" exclaimed Dick, "Grub's ready. Pitch in, Bob." - -The old trapper was not in the habit of standing upon ceremony, and, -drawing his huge knife from his belt, he helped himself to a generous -piece of the meat, and, declining the corn-bread and the cup of coffee -which the boys passed over to him, made his meal entirely of venison. -After supper--there were but few dishes to wash now, for the boys had -learned to go on the principle that "fingers were made before -forks"--the trapper hung what remained of the venison in the wagon, -lighted his pipe, and stretched himself on the ground beside his -companion. - -The boys, knowing that the trappers would be certain to talk over the -events that had transpired since their last meeting, spread their -blankets where they could hear all that passed, and waited impatiently -for them to begin; while Mr. Winters, who had by this time become -acquainted with every man, woman, and child, in the train, started to -pay a visit to the occupants of a neighboring wagon. - -For some moments the two men smoked in silence, old Bob evidently -occupied with his own thoughts, and Dick patiently waiting for him to -speak. At length the old man asked: - -"Goin' to Californy, Dick?" - -The trapper replied in the affirmative. - -"What a goin' to do arterward?" - -"I'm a goin' to take to the mountains, an' stay thar," replied Dick. -"I've seed the inside of a city, Bob; have rid on steam railroads an' -boats as big as one of the Black Hills; an' now I'm satisfied to stay -here. I'd a heap sooner face a grizzly or a Injun than go back thar -ag'in, 'cause I didn't feel to hum." - -"Wal, I'm all alone now, Dick," said the old man, "an' so are you. Our -chums are gone, an' we both want to settle with them Comanche -varmints; so, let's stick together." - -Dick seemed delighted with this proposition, for he quickly arose from -his blanket and extended his hand to his companion, who shook it -heartily; and the boys read in their faces a determination to stand by -each other to the last. - -"I've got a chum now, youngsters," said Dick, turning to the boys; -"an' one that I aint afraid to trust anywhar. Thar's nothin' like -havin' a friend, even on the prairy. I come with the boys," he added, -addressing his companion, who, seeing the interest Dick took in his -"youngsters," slowly surveyed them from head to foot--"I come with 'em -jest to show 'em how we do things on the prairy. They can shoot -consid'ble sharp, an' aint afraid. All it wants is the hard -knocks--fightin' Injuns an' grizzlies, an' starvin' on the prairy, an' -freezin' in the mountains, to make trappers of 'em." And here Dick -settled back on his elbow, and proceeded to give the old man a short -account of what had transpired at Uncle Joe's cabin; described -Frank's fight with the moose and panther in glowing language; told how -the capture of the cubs had been effected, until old Bob began to be -interested; and when Dick finished his story, he said: - -"The youngsters would make good trappers." - -This, as the trapper afterward told the boys, was a compliment old Bob -seldom paid to any one, "for," said he, "I've knowed him a long time, -an' have been in many a fight with him, an' he never told me I was -good or bad." - -"Wal," said Dick, again turning to his companion, "You said as how -Jack Thomas was rubbed out. How did it happen?" - -Old Bob refilled his pipe, smoked a few moments as if to bring the -story fresh to his memory, and then answered: - -"When I heered that Bill Lawson war gone, an' that you war left alone, -I done my best to find you, an' get you to jine a small party we war -makin' up to visit our ole huntin' grounds on the Saskatchewan; but -you had tuk to the mountains, and nobody didn't know whar to go to -find you. Thar war eight of us in the party, an' here, you see, are -all that are left. As nigh as I can 'member, it war 'bout four year -ago come spring that we sot out from the fort, whar we had sold our -furs. We had three pack mules, plenty of powder, ball, an' sich like, -an' we started in high sperits, tellin' the trader that bought our -spelter that we'd have a fine lot fur him ag'in next meetin' time. We -knowed thar war plenty of Injuns an' sich varmints to be fit an' -killed afore we come back, but that didn't trouble us none, 'cause we -all knowed our own bisness, and didn't think but that we would come -through all right, jest as we had done a hundred times afore. We -didn't intend to stop afore we got to the Saskatchewan; so we traveled -purty fast, an' in 'bout three weeks found ourselves in the Blackfoot -country, nigh the Missouri River. One night we camped on a leetle -stream at the foot of the mountains, an' the next mornin', jest as we -war gettin' ready to start out ag'in, Jack Thomas--who, like a -youngster turned loose from school, war allers runnin' round, pokin' -his nose into whatever war goin' on--came gallopin' into camp, -shouting: - -"'Buffaler! buffaler!' - -"In course, we all knowed what that meant, an' as we hadn't tasted -buffaler hump since leavin' the fort, we saddled up in a hurry an' -put arter the game. We went along kinder easy-like--Jack leadin' the -way--until we come to the top of a swell, an' thar they war--nothin' -but buffaler as fur as a feller could see. It war a purty sight, an' -more'n one of us made up our minds that we would have a good supper -that night. We couldn't get no nigher to 'em without bein' diskivered, -so we scattered and galloped arter 'em. In course, the minit we showed -ourselves they put off like the wind; but we war in easy shootin' -distance, an' afore we got through with 'em, I had knocked over four -big fellers an' wounded another. He war hurt so bad he couldn't run; -but I didn't like to go up too clost to him, so I rid off a leetle -way, an' war loadin' up my rifle to give him a settler, when I heered -a noise that made me prick up my ears an' look sharp. I heered a -trampin, an' I knowed it war made by something 'sides a buffaler. Now, -youngsters, a greenhorn wouldn't a seed any thing strange in that; but -when I heered it, I didn't stop to kill the wounded buffaler, but -turned my hoss an' made tracks. I hadn't gone more'n twenty rod afore -I seed four Blackfoot Injuns comin' over a swell 'bout half a mile -back. I had kept my eyes open--as I allers do--but I hadn't seen a -bit of Injun sign on the prairy, an' I made up my mind to onct that -them Blackfoot varmints had been shyin' round arter the same buffaler -we had jest been chasin', an' that they didn't know we war 'bout till -they heered us shoot. Then, in course, they put arter us, 'cause they -think a heap more of scalps than they do of buffaler meat. - -"Wal, as I war sayin', I made tracks sudden; but they warn't long in -diskiverin' me, an' they sot up a yell. I've heered that same yell -often, an' I have kinder got used to it; but I would have give my -hoss, an' this rifle, too, that I have carried for goin' nigh onto -twenty year, if I had been safe in Fort Laramie, 'cause I didn't think -them four Injuns war alone. I war sartin they had friends not a great -way off, an' somehow I a'most knowed how the hul thing was comin' out. -I didn't hardly know which way to go to find our fellers, 'cause while -we were arter the buffaler we had got scattered a good deal; but jest -as I come to the top of a swell I seed 'em a comin'. Jack Thomas war -ahead, an' he war swingin' his rifle an yellin' wusser nor any Injun. -I'll allow, Dick, that it made me feel a heap easier when I seed them -trappers. Jack, who allers knowed what war goin' on in the country -fur five miles round, had first diskivered the Injuns, an' had got all -the party together 'cept me, an' in course they couldn't think of -savin' their own venison by runnin' off and leavin' me. - -"Wal, jest as soon as we got together we sot up a yell and faced -'bout. The Injuns, up to this time, had rid clost together; but when -they seed that we warn't goin' to run no further jest then, they -scattered as if they war goin' to surround us; an' then we all knowed -that them four Injuns warn't alone. So, without stoppin' to fight 'em, -we turned an' run ag'in, makin' tracks for the woods at the foot of -the mountains. An' we warn't a minit too soon, fur all of a sudden we -heered a yell, an' lookin' back we seed 'bout fifty more red-skins -comin' arter us like mad. They had a'most got us surrounded; but the -way to the mountains war open, an' we run fur our lives. The varlets -that had followed me war in good pluggin' distance, an' when we turned -in our saddles an' drawed a bead on 'em, we had four less to deal -with. It warn't more 'n ten mile to the foot of them mountains, but it -seemed a hundred to us, an' we all drawed a long breath when we found -ourselves under kiver of the woods. The minit we reached the timber -we jumped off our hosses, hitched them to the trees, an' made up our -minds to fight it out thar an' then. We knowed, as well as we wanted -to know, what the Injuns would do next--they would leave a party on -the prairy to watch us, an' the rest would go sneakin' round through -the woods an' pick us off one at a time. The only thing we could -do--leastwise till it come dark--war to watch the varlets, an' drop -every one of 'em that showed his painted face in pluggin' distance. We -war in a tight place. Our pack mules, an' a'most all our kit, had been -left in the camp, an' we knowed it wouldn't be long afore the Injuns -would have 'em, an' even if we got off with our bar, we wouldn't be -much better off--no traps, no grub, an' skeercely half a dozen bullets -in our pouches. - -"Wal, the Injuns, when they seed that we had tuk to the timber, -stopped, takin' mighty good keer, as they thought, to keep out of -range of our rifles, an' began to hold a palaver, now an' then lookin' -t'wards us an' settin' up a yell, which told us plain enough that they -thought they had us ketched. But we, knowin' to an inch how fur our -shootin' irons would carry, drawed up an' blazed away; an' we knowed, -by the way them red-skins got back over that swell, that we hadn't -throwed our lead away. They left one feller thar to watch us, -howsomever, but he tuk mighty good keer to keep purty well out of -sight, showin' only 'bout two inches of his head 'bove the top of the -hill. While the Injuns war holdin' their council, we had a talk 'bout -what we had better do. The truth war, thar war only one thing we could -do, an' that war to stay thar until dark an' then take our chances. We -had all fit savage Injuns enough to know that they wouldn't bother us -much so long as daylight lasted; but arter that, if we didn't get away -from thar, our lives war not worth a charge of powder. We soon made up -our minds what we would do. We divided ourselves into two -parties--four of us watchin' the prairy, an' the others keepin' an eye -on the woods, to see that the varlets didn't slip up behind us. - -"Wal, we didn't see nothin' out of the way all that day. Thar war that -feller peepin' over the hill, an' that war the only thing in the shape -of a red-skin we could see; an' we didn't hear nothin' neither, fur -whatever they done, they didn't make noise enough to skeer a painter. -At last it come night, an' it war 'bout the darkest night I ever -see--no moon, no stars--an' then we began to prick up our ears. We all -knowed that the time had come. You can easy tell what we war passin' -through our minds. Thar warn't no sich thing as a coward among us -eight fellers, but men in sich a scrape as that can't help thinkin', -an' I knowed that every one thar drawed a long breath when he thought -of what he had got to do. I tell you, Dick, it war something none of -us liked to do--leave one another in that way--men that you have -hunted, an' trapped, an' fought Injuns with, an' mebbe slept under the -same blanket with, an' who have stuck to you through thick an' -thin--sich fellers, I say, you don't like to desart when they're in -danger. But what else could we do? We war a'most out of powder an' -lead, an' the Injuns war more'n six to our one. You have been in sich -scrapes, an' in course know that thar warn't but one way open to us. - -"Wal, as I was sayin', as soon as it come fairly dark, the boys -gathered 'round me, an' waited to hear what I war goin' to do. In -course, I couldn't advise 'em, 'cause it war every feller look out fur -himself, an' the best men war them as was lucky enough to get away. So -I said: - -"'I'm goin' to start now, boys. It's high time we war movin', cause if -we stay here half an hour longer, we'll have them red-skins down on us -in a lump. Thar's somethin' goin' on, sartin. They don't keep so still -fur nothin'.' - -"Wal, we whispered the matter over, an' finally settled it. The oldest -man war to go fust; the next oldest, second; an' so on; an' that them -as got away should draw a bee-line fur Fort Laramie, an' get thar to -onct, so that we might know who got off an' who didn't. We didn't -think we should all get away. Some war sartin to go under; an', Dick, -we didn't forget to promise each other that those of us that lived -would never let a red Injun cross our trail. When every thing was -settled, I, bein' the oldest man in the comp'ny, began to get ready -fur the start. I put fresh primin' in my rifle; seed that my knife and -tomahawk war all right; then, arter shakin' hands with all the boys, -an' wishin' 'em good luck, I crawled away on my hands an' knees. I -didn't go back into the woods, but tuk to the edge of the prairy, an' -found the way cl'ar. Not an Injun did I hear. As fur seein', you -couldn't a told your mother, if she warn't two foot from you; an' in -'bout half an hour I found myself on the banks of a leetle creek. How -long I lay thar, an' how much of that water I drunk, I don't know; but -I thought water never tasted so good afore. Then I walked into the -creek, an' had waded in it fur 'bout half a mile, when all to onct I -heered a yellin' an' whoopin', followed by the crack of rifles, an' -then I knowed that I hadn't been fooled consarnin' what the red-skins -meant to do. They had got what war left of our fellers surrounded, an' -made the rush. Fur a minit I stood thar in the water an' listened. I -heered a few shots made by our poor fellers, 'cause I can tell the -crack of a Missouri rifle as fur as I can hear it; an' then one long, -loud yell, told me that it war all over. - -"Wal, I laid round in them mountains fur more'n six weeks, starvin' -fur grub an' water, an' listenin' to the yellin' varlets that war -huntin arter me; but I got back safe at last, arter walkin' all the -way from the Rocky Mountains to the fort, an' thar I found Jack -Thomas. Me an' him war the only ones that got out. When the Injuns got -them six fellers, they rubbed out nearly the last one of our comp'ny. -Me an' Jack war mighty down-hearted 'bout it, an' it war a long time -afore we could b'lieve that we war left alone. We didn't feel then -like ever goin' back to the mountains ag'in, 'cause we knowed it would -be lonesome thar. In course, we could easy have made up another -expedition, fur thar war plenty of hunters an' trappers--good ones, -too--hangin' round the fort; but somehow we didn't feel like goin' off -with any one outside of our own comp'ny. - -"Wal, me an' Jack laid round as long as we could stand it, an' then we -got a couple of hosses, another new kit, an' sot off ag'in. We didn't -think it safe fur only two of us to try the Blackfoot country ag'in, -so we struck for the huntin' grounds on the Colorado. At that time -thar war plenty of beaver in that river; so it didn't take us long to -find a place that suited us; an' we settled down, comfortable-like, to -spend the winter. Fur three months we had plenty of sport, an' the -sight of our pile of furs, growin' bigger an' bigger every day, made -us happy an' contented. One mornin' we sot out bright an' 'arly, as -usual, to 'tend to our bisness, takin' different directions--fur my -traps war sot on the side of the mountain, an' Jack had sot his'ne on -the banks of the creek that run through the valley. I had been gone -frum him but a short time, when I heered the crack of his rifle. -Somehow, I knowed it war somethin' 'sides a varmint he had shot at; -an' I warn't fooled neither, for a minit arterward I heered another -gun, an' then afore I could think twice a Comanche yell come echoin' -from the valley, tellin' me plainer nor words that my chum war gone. -An Injun had watched one of his traps, an' shot him as he come to it. -I knowed it as sartin as if I had seed the hul thing done. - -"Wal, I warn't in a fix kalkerlated to make a feller feel very -pleasant. I war three hundred miles from the nighest fort, in the very -heart of the Comanche country, an' in the dead of winter, with the -snow two foot deep on a level. But I didn't stop to think of them -things then. My bisness war to get away from thar to onct. In course, -I couldn't go back arter my hoss or spelter, fur I didn't know how -many Injuns thar war in the valley, nor whar they had hid themselves; -so I shouldered my rifle an' sot off on foot t'wards the prairy. A -storm that come up that night--an' it snowed an' blowed in a way that -warn't a funny thing to look at--kivered up my trail; an' if I war -ever follered, I don't know it. - -"I finally reached the fort, an' I've been thar ever since. I'm an -ole chap now, Dick; but when I hunted an' trapped with your ole man, -when me an' him warn't bigger nor them two youngsters, an' hadn't -hardly strength enough to shoulder a rifle, I never thought that I -should live to be the last of our comp'ny. In them days the prairy war -different from what it is now. It war afore the hoss-thieves an' -rascals began to come in here to get away from the laws of the States; -an' them that called themselves trappers then war honest men, that -never did harm to a lone person on the prairy. But they've gone, one -arter the other, an' only me an' you are left." - -As the old trapper ceased speaking, he arose suddenly to his feet and -disappeared in the darkness, leaving Dick gazing thoughtfully into the -fire. It was an hour before he returned, mounted on his horse, which -he picketed with the others. He then silently rolled himself up in his -blanket and went to sleep. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -A Fight with the Indians. - - -When setting out the next morning, Frank noticed that the wagons, -instead of starting off singly, and straggling, as they had formerly -done, kept close together, and traveled more rapidly. The trapper, -too, instead of taking the lead, and getting in advance of the train, -seemed satisfied to remain with the others. Upon inquiring the reason -for this, Dick replied: - -"You may find out afore night, youngster, that we are in a bad bit of -Injun country. The train that went out afore us had a scrimmage here -with nigh five hundred of the red-skins, who stampeded some of their -stock. So keep your eyes open, an' if you see a Injun, let me know to -onct." The trapper said this with a broad grin, that was meant to -imply that if they were attacked, the Indians would make their -appearance before a person so inexperienced as Frank could be aware of -it. - -"The red-skins don't gener'lly keer 'bout an out-an'-out fight," -continued the trapper, "'cause they don't like these long rifles, an' -they know that these yere pioneers shoot mighty sharp. All the Injuns -want--or all they can get--is the stock; an' they sometimes jump on to -a train afore a feller knows it, an' yell an' kick up a big fuss, -which frightens the cattle. That's what we call stampedin' 'em. An', -youngster, do you see that 'ar?" - -As the trapper spoke, he pointed out over the prairie towards a little -hill about two miles distant. After gazing for a few moments in the -direction indicated, Archie replied: - -"I see something that looks like a weed or a tuft of grass." - -"Wal, that's no weed," said the trapper, with a laugh, "nor grass, -neither. If it is, it's on hossback, an' carries a shootin'-iron or a -bow an' arrer. That's a Injun, or I never seed one afore. What do you -say, Bob?" he asked, turning to the old trapper, who at this moment -came up. - -"I seed that five minutes ago," was the reply, "an' in course it can't -be nothin' but a red-skin." - -The boys gazed long and earnestly at the object, but their eyes were -not as sharp as those of the trappers, for they could not discover -that it bore any resemblance to an Indian, until Mr. Winters handed -them his field-glass through which he had been regarding the object -ever since its discovery. Then they found that the trappers had not -been deceived. It was a solitary Indian, who sat on his horse as -motionless as a statue, no doubt watching the train, and endeavoring -to satisfy himself of the number of men there might be to defend it. -In his hand he carried something that looked like a spear adorned with -a tuft of feathers. - -"I wish the varlet was in good pluggin' distance," said Dick, patting -his rifle which lay across his knees. "If I could only get a bead on -him, he would never carry back to his fellers the news of what he has -seed." - -"Do you suppose there are more of them?" asked Archie, in a voice that -would tremble in spite of himself. - -"Sartin," replied old Bob Kelly, who still rode beside the wagon; -"thar's more of 'em not fur off. This feller is a kind o' spy like, -an' when he has seen exactly how things stand, he'll go back an' tell -the rest of 'em, an' the fust thing we know, they'll be down on us -like a hawk on a June-bug. But they'll ketch a weasel, _they_ will, -when they pitch into us. Dick, when they do come, don't forget Bill -Lawson." - -The trapper turned his head, for a moment, as if to hide the emotion -he felt, at the mention of the name of his departed companion, but -presently replied: - -"This aint the fust time that you an' me have been in jest sich -scrapes, Bob, an' it aint likely that we'll soon forget that we owe -the varlets a long settlement. Thar aint as many of us now as thar -used to be; more'n one good trapper has had his har raised by them -same red-skins--fur I know a Cheyenne as fur as I kin see him, -youngsters--an' mebbe one o' these days, when some one asks, 'What's -come on ole Bob Kelly an' Dick Lewis?' the answer will be, 'Killed by -the Injuns!'" - -It may be readily supposed that such conversation as this was not -calculated to quiet the feelings of Frank and Archie--who had been -considerably agitated by the information that there was a body of -hostile Indians at no great distance--and to their excited -imaginations the danger appeared tenfold worse than it really was. At -that day, as the trapper had remarked, it was a very uncommon -occurrence for a large train to be engaged in a regular fight with the -Indians, for the latter had learned to their cost that the pioneers -were always well armed, and that there were some among them who -understood Indian fighting. They generally contented themselves with -sudden and rapid raids upon the stock of the emigrants, and they -seldom departed empty-handed. But it is not to be wondered that the -trappers, who had participated in numberless engagements with the -savages, and witnessed deeds of cruelty that had awakened in them a -desire for vengeance, should delight to talk over their experience. -The boys, although considerably frightened, were still greatly -encouraged by their example. Dick twisted uneasily on his seat, as -though impatient for the fight to begin, now and then looking toward -the spy, as if he had half a mind to venture a shot at him; while old -Bob Kelly rode along, smoking his pipe, apparently as unconcerned as -though there was not a hostile Indian within a hundred miles of them. -Mr. Winters evidently partook of the old man's indifference, for, -after satisfying himself that his weapons were in readiness, he drew -back beside his nephews, and said, with a smile: - -"Well, boys, you may have an opportunity to try your skill on big game -now. This will be a little different from the fight you had in the -woods with those Indians who stole your traps. Then you had the force -on your side; now the savages are the stronger party. But there's no -danger," he added, quickly seeing that the boys looked rather anxious; -"every man in the train is a good shot, and the most of them have been -in Indian fights before. I don't believe all the red-skins on the -prairie could whip us while we have Dick and Bob with us." - -The boys themselves had great confidence in the trappers--especially -Dick, who, they knew, would never desert them. But even _he_ had -several times been worsted by the Indians. Frank thought of the story -of the lost wagon train. But then he remembered that the reason that -train was captured, was because the emigrants had not "stood up to the -mark like men." - -All this while the train had been moving ahead at a rapid pace, and -many an anxious eye was directed toward the solitary Indian, who -remained standing where he was first discovered until the wagons had -passed, when he suddenly and mysteriously disappeared. All that day -the emigrants rode with their weapons in their hands, in readiness to -repel an attack; and when they halted at noon, guards were posted -about the camp, and the cattle were kept close to the wagons. But, -although now and then a single Indian would be seen upon one of the -distant swells, the main body kept out of sight; and the boys began to -hope that the train was considered too large to be successfully -attacked. At night old Bob Kelly selected the place for the -encampment, which was made according to his directions. The wagons -were drawn up in a circle to form a breastwork, and the cattle were -picketed close by under the protection of a strong guard. Fires were -built, and preparations for supper carried on as usual, for, of -course, all attempts at concealment would have been time and labor -thrown away. As soon as it began to grow dark, the cattle were secured -to the wagons by long stout ropes, which, while they allowed the -animals to graze, effectually prevented escape. Then guards were -selected, and the emigrants made every preparation to give the savages -a warm reception, in case they should make a dash upon the camp. No -one thought of his blanket. The idea of going to sleep while a band of -Indians was hovering about, watching their opportunity to pounce down -upon them, was out of the question. The two trappers, after satisfying -themselves that every thing was in readiness for an attack, began to -station the guards. Frank again thought of the story Dick had related -of the lost wagon train, and, desiring to witness an exhibition of the -skill that had enabled him to detect the presence of the Indians on -that occasion, proposed to Archie that they should stand guard with -him. The latter, who always felt safe when in the company of their -guide, agreed; and when the trapper started off with the guards, he -was surprised to find the boys at his side. - -"Whar are you goin'?" he asked. - -"We want to stand guard with you!" replied Frank. - -"Wal, I never _did_ see sich keerless fellers as you be," said the -trapper. "You get wusser an' wusser. Much you don't know about this -bisness. I guess you had better stay here whar you're safe." - -"Wal, wal!" said old Bob Kelly, who was not a little astonished at the -request the boys had made, "they've got the real grit in 'em, that's a -fact, if they are green as punkins in Injun fightin'. A few year on -the prairy would make 'em as good as me or you, Dick Lewis. But you'll -get enough of Injuns afore you see daylight ag'in, youngsters. So you -had better stay here." - -So saying he shouldered his rifle, and, followed by the guards, -disappeared in the darkness. The boys reluctantly returned to their -wagon, where they found Uncle James, seated on the ground, whistling -softly to himself, and apparently indifferent as to the course the -Indians might see fit to adopt. But still he had not neglected to make -preparations to receive them, for his rifle stood leaning against one -of the wheels of the wagon, and he carried his revolvers in his belt. -The boys silently seated themselves on the ground beside him, and -awaited the issue of events with their feelings worked up to the -highest pitch of excitement. The fires had burned low, but still -there was light sufficient to enable them to discover the emigrants -stretched on the ground about the wagons, talking to one another in -whispers, as if almost afraid to break the stillness that brooded over -the camp, and which was interrupted only by the barking of the prairie -wolves, and the neighing and tramping of the horses. Two hours were -passed in this way, when suddenly the sharp report of a rifle, -accompanied by a terrific yell, rang out on the air, causing the -emigrants to grasp their weapons and spring to their feet in alarm. -For an instant all was silent again. The stillness was so deep that -Frank thought the camp was suddenly deserted. Then a long drawn out -whoop arose from the prairie, followed by a chorus of yells that -struck terror to more than one heart in that wagon train. Then came a -clatter of horses' hoofs; the yells grew louder and louder; and the -boys knew that the Indians were coming toward them. The emigrants -rushed to the wagons, and the next moment the savages swept by. The -boys saw a confused mass of rapidly-moving horsemen; heard the most -terrific yells, the report of fire-arms, and the struggles of the -frightened cattle as they attempted to escape, and then all was over. -The Indians departed as rapidly as they had come, and the boys, -bewildered by the noise, had not fired a shot. On the contrary, they -stood holding their rifles in their hands, as if they had suddenly -forgotten how to use them. Uncle James, however, was not confused. He -had heard the war-whoop before, and as he came out from behind the -wagon, he began to reload one of his revolvers, remarking as he did -so: - -[Illustration] - -"There are some less in that band, I know." - -"Did you shoot?" asked Archie, drawing a long breath of relief to know -that the danger was past. "Why, I didn't have time to fire a shot." - -"That's because you were frightened," replied Mr. Winters. "You see I -have been in skirmishes like this before, and their yells don't make -me nervous. I had five good shots at them, and I don't often miss." - -"I say, youngsters, are you all right?" exclaimed Dick, who at this -moment came up. "See here! I've got two fellers' top-knots. Bless you, -they aint scalps," he continued, as the boys drew back. "They're only -the feathers the Injuns wear in their har. I don't scalp Cheyennes, -'cause I don't keer 'bout 'em. I make war on 'em 'cause it's natur. -But when I knock over a Comanche, I take his har jest to 'member ole -Bill by. But, youngsters, warn't that jolly! I haven't heered a Injun -yell fur more'n a year, an it makes me feel to hum. You can take these -feathers, an' when you get back to Lawrence, tell the folks thar that -the Injuns that wore 'em onct attacked the train you belonged to." - -The emigrants' first care, after having satisfied themselves that the -Indians had gone, was to count their stock; and more than one had to -mourn the loss of a favorite horse or mule, which had escaped and gone -off with the Indians. Mr. Winters, however, had lost nothing--the -trapper having tied the animals so securely that escape was -impossible. Not a person in the train was injured--the only damage -sustained being in the canvas covers of the wagons, which were riddled -with bullets and arrows. - -The boys were still far from feeling safe, and probably would not have -gone to bed that night had they not seen the trappers spreading their -blankets near the wagon. This re-assured them, for those men never -would have thought of rest if there had been the least probability -that the Indians would return. So the boys took their beds out of the -wagon and placed them beside those of Dick and his companion, who were -talking over the events of the night. - -"This bisness of fightin' Injuns, youngsters," said the former, "is -one that aint larnt out of books, nor in the woods about Lawrence. If -you had a-been with us, you would a seed that. Now, when I fust went -out thar, you couldn't 'a' told that thar war a red-skin on the -prairy. But I laid my ear to the ground, an' purty quick I heerd a -rumblin' like, an' I knowed the noise war made by hosses. Arter that, -I heerd a rustlin' in the grass, an' seed a Injun sneakin' along, easy -like, t'wards the camp. So I drawed up my ole shootin' iron, an' done -the bisness fur him, an' then started fur the camp, loadin' my rifle -as I ran. In course the Injuns seed then that it warn't no use to go -a-foolin' with us, so they all set up a yell, an' here they come. I -dodged under the wagon, an' as they went by, I give 'em another shot, -an' seed a red-skin go off dead." - -"Go off dead!" repeated Frank. "How could he go off when he was dead?" - -"Why," said the trapper, with a laugh, in which he was joined by old -Bob Kelly, "every one of them Injuns war tied fast to his hoss, so -that if he war killed he wouldn't fall off; an', in course, his hoss -would keep on with the rest, an' carry him away. I seed more'n one -Injun go off dead to-night, an' the way I come to get them feathers, -b'longin' to them two chaps, war, that somebody had shot their hosses. -I seed 'em on the ground, tryin' to cut themselves loose from their -saddles, so I run up an' settled 'em. That war four I rubbed out. -Good-night, youngsters. You needn't be afraid, 'cause they won't come -back again to-night." - -As the trapper spoke, he placed his cap under his head for a pillow, -re-arranged his blanket, and was soon in a sound sleep. - -During the next two weeks nothing occurred to relieve the monotony of -the journey. The train took up its line of march at daylight, halted -at noon for an hour or two, and shortly after sunset encamped for the -night. The fight with the Indians had not driven all thoughts of the -antelopes out of the boys' minds. And while the train journeyed along -the road, they scoured the prairie, in search of the wished-for game. -The appearance of the "sea of grass," which stretched away on all -sides, as far as their eyes could reach, not a little surprised them. -Instead of the perfectly level plain they had expected to see, the -surface of the prairie was broken by gentle swells, like immense waves -of the ocean, and here and there--sometimes two or three days' journey -apart--were small patches of woods, called "oak openings." - -One night they made their camp in sight of the Rocky Mountains. While -the trapper was cooking their supper, he said to the boys, who had -thrown themselves on the ground near the wagon: - -"It aint fur from here that me an' ole Bill Lawson lost that wagon -train. I never travel along here that I don't think of that night, an' -I sometimes feel my cap rise on my head, jest as it did when them -Injuns come pourin' into the camp. But the varlets have been pushed -back further an' further, an' now a feller's as safe here as he would -be in Fort Laramie. The ole bar's hole aint more'n fifty mile from -here, an' if your uncle don't mind the ride, I should like to show you -the cave that has so often sarved me fur a hidin'-place." - -The boys looked toward Mr. Winters, who, having frequently heard the -guide speak of the "ole bar's hole," felt some curiosity to see it. -So, after being assured by both the trappers that there was no danger -to be apprehended, he gave his consent, remarking: - -"We are in no hurry. I don't suppose there is any possibility of being -lost so long as we have Dick and Bob for guides; so we will go there, -and take a week's rest and a hunt." - -The boys were delighted, and the next morning, when the train resumed -its journey, the emigrants were not a little surprised to see Mr. -Winters' wagon moving off by itself. - -That night, when our travelers encamped, they were thirty miles from -the train, and about the same distance from the "ole bar's hole." The -mountains were plainly visible, and the boys could scarcely believe -that they were nearly a day's journey distant. They were certain that -a ride of an hour or two would bring them to the willows that skirted -their base. - -"'T aint the fust time I've seed fellers fooled 'bout sich things," -said Dick. "Do you see that 'ar high peak?" he continued, pointing to -a single mountain that rose high above the others. "Wal, thar's whar -the ole bar's hole is. If we reach it afore dark to-morrer night, I'll -agree to set you down in Sacramento in two weeks." - -The boys were still far from being convinced, and they went to sleep -that night fully believing that they would reach the mountains by noon -the next day. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -Lost on the Prairie. - - -The next morning, by the time the sun had risen, the travelers had -eaten their breakfast, and were again on the move. The entire party -was in high spirits. The trappers laughed and joked with each other, -and pointed out to Mr. Winters the familiar objects that met their eye -on every side, while the boys galloped on before, and in a few moments -had left the wagon far behind. Their horses were in excellent trim, -and bounded along over the prairie as if some of their riders' spirits -had been infused into them. - -"I say, Frank," said Archie, at length, suddenly drawing in his rein, -"what if Dick was mistaken about the Indians all being gone, and a -party of Comanches should suddenly pounce down on us? Wouldn't we be -in a fix? I declare, I see an Indian now," he added; and, as he -spoke, he pointed toward an object that could be dimly seen moving -along the summit of a distant swell. - -"That's something, that's a fact," said Frank, gazing in the direction -indicated; "but it don't look like that Indian we saw the other day. -If it was a Comanche, he wouldn't move about and show himself so -plainly. There's another--and another," he continued, as several more -objects came over the brow of the hill. "Let us ride up a little -nearer. If they are Indians, we can easily reach the wagon before they -can overtake us." - -"Well, come on," said Archie. "If we should get into a fight all by -ourselves, and come safely out of it, it would be something to talk -about, wouldn't it?" - -The boys rode cautiously toward the objects, which were still -increasing in number, holding themselves in readiness to beat a hasty -retreat in case they should prove to be Indians, until they had gone -about half a mile, when Frank suddenly exclaimed: - -"They are antelopes!" - -"Are they?" asked Archie, excitedly. "Let's shoot one of 'em," and, -springing from his saddle, he began to unbuckle his halter and hobble -his horse, as he had seen the trapper do on a former occasion. - -Frank followed his example, and then, securing their rifles, they -threw themselves on their hands and knees, and began to crawl toward -the game, which was fully a mile and a half distant. But that was no -obstacle to the boys then. They would willingly have gone twice that -far to have a shot at an antelope, if for nothing more than to show -the trapper that they were better hunters than he had supposed. It is -true they did not expect to succeed, but the name "antelope killers" -was well worth trying for, and they determined to do their best. They -crawled along slowly and as carefully as possible, pausing now and -then to look over the grass at the animals, which, to their delight, -they found were feeding directly toward them. - -"I don't think it is safe to go much further," said Frank, after they -had crawled nearly half the distance in this manner. "Let's stop and -see what we can do." - -"Well," said Archie. "If you will hold up your handkerchief on your -ramrod, I'll try and shoot one of them, if they come near enough." - -Frank, in compliance with his cousin's suggestion, drew his ramrod -from his gun, fastened his handkerchief to it, and, throwing himself -upon his back, carefully raised it above the grass. While in this -position he could not, of course, see the movements of the game; but -Archie kept vigilant watch, and at length whispered: - -"They see it! They're coming!" - -The animals had, in reality, caught sight of the handkerchief, and, -after regarding it for a few moments, they began to approach it--a -fine large buck leading the way. - -Now the boys knew that the hunt began in earnest. The least awkward -movement on their part--the exposure of the smallest portion of their -bodies, or the slightest noise in the grass--might, as Archie -expressed it, "knock the whole thing in the head." Frank lay perfectly -quiet, watching the movements of his cousin; and he could tell, by the -expression of his countenance, pretty near what the game was doing. -When the antelopes stopped--which they did every few feet--Archie put -on an exceedingly long face, as if fearful that they were about to -turn and run; and when they approached, the fact would be indicated by -a broad grin and a nervous twitching at the lock of his gun. For -fully half an hour--it seemed much longer to the impatient boys--they -remained in their place of concealment; but at length their patience -was rewarded, for the game was within easy rifle range. In an instant -Archie's nervousness all vanished, and Frank almost held his breath -when he saw him slowly, inch by inch, raise his gun to his shoulder. -He took a long, steady aim, pulled the trigger, and sprung from the -ground, shouting: - -"I've got him! I've got him!" - -Frank was on his feet almost as soon as his cousin, and, to his -delight, saw the leader of the antelopes struggling on the ground, -while the rest of the herd were scampering away at the top of their -speed. - -"What will Dick and Bob say now?" exclaimed Archie, who skipped about -as though he were almost beside himself. "What will they--hold -on--hold on--shoot him, Frank!" he shouted. "We're going to lose him -after all." - -Archie's shot had not been fatal. The buck was only disabled for a -moment, and, after a few struggles, he succeeded in regaining his -feet, and started to run. Had his cousin been as excited as he was, -they certainly would have had all their trouble for nothing, for -Archie, instead of stopping to reload, dropped his gun and started in -pursuit of the wounded animal, which--although he ran but slowly--was -fast leaving him behind, when Frank, by an excellent shot, again -brought him to the ground. This time the wound was fatal; but Archie, -to put all further attempts at escape out of the question, ran up and -seized the buck by the horns. - -"He's done for now," said Frank, as he proceeded to reload his rifle; -"I shot him through the head." - -"I see you did," replied his cousin, still retaining his hold upon the -antelope; "but there's no knowing what he might do. I wouldn't trust -him." And it was not until he had turned the deer over several times, -and fully satisfied himself that he had ceased to breathe, that Archie -released him. - -"What will Dick and Bob say now?" he continued, as Frank came up, and -they began to examine their prize, which was much larger than the one -the trapper had killed. "You know they said we couldn't shoot an -antelope. Now, the next thing is to get him back to the wagon. He's -too heavy for us to carry, so if you'll stay here, and watch him and -keep the wolves off, I'll go back and get the horses." - -Frank agreed to this arrangement, and Archie, after he had found and -reloaded his gun, started off after the horses. He was gone almost two -hours--so long that Frank began to be uneasy; but at length he -appeared, riding post-haste over a neighboring swell, mounted on -Sleepy Sam, and leading Pete by the bridle. As soon as he came within -speaking distance, he exclaimed, with blanched cheeks: - -"Frank, we're lost! I can't see the wagon any where." - -"Don't be uneasy," replied his cousin, who, although thoroughly -alarmed by this announcement, appeared to be perfectly unconcerned. -"Don't be uneasy." - -"But I haven't seen the wagon since we left it this morning," -persisted Archie. "I thought it was close behind us. I tell you we're -lost." - -"Oh no, I guess not," answered Frank, as he lifted the antelope from -the ground and placed it on the saddle before his cousin. "The wagon -is no doubt behind some of these hills. Besides, Uncle James won't be -long in hunting us up." - -"I wouldn't stay alone on the prairie to-night for any thing," said -Archie. "I know it wouldn't be the first time I have camped out, but -then there are no wild Indians in the woods about Lawrence." - -Frank had by this time mounted his horse, and together they set out at -a rapid gallop to find the wagon. The mountain which Dick had pointed -out the night before was plainly visible, and the boys determined to -travel toward it with all possible speed, in hopes that they would -overtake their friends before they halted for the night. Frank thought -the wagon could not be far off, and every hill they mounted he gazed -about him as if fully expecting to discover it; but, after riding an -hour without seeing any signs of it, he began to be a good deal of his -cousin's opinion, that they were lost. But he made no remark, for he -knew that a good deal depended upon keeping up Archie's courage. - -"We have not been gone from the wagon three hours," said he, "and they -haven't had time to get very far away from us. We'll find them behind -some of these swells. Perhaps we'll be in time to give them a piece of -our antelope for dinner." - -Archie made no reply, for he derived no encouragement from this; but -he silently followed his cousin, who led the way at a rapid gallop, -riding over this swell, and turning round that, as though he was -perfectly familiar with the ground over which they were traveling. For -two long hours they kept on in this way, almost without speaking, each -time they mounted a hill straining their eyes in every direction, in -the hope of discovering the wagon. Sometimes they were almost certain -they saw its white cover in the distance; but upon taking a second -look, it proved to have been merely a creation of their imagination; -and Frank began to be discouraged. To add to their discomfort, the -heat was almost intolerable, and they began to be tortured with -thirst. Their animals also appeared to be suffering, for they paid -less attention to the spur, and were constantly jerking at the reins, -and endeavoring to go in a direction almost contrary to that which the -boys desired. The hours seemed lengthened into ages, and at three -o'clock in the afternoon they had seen no signs of the wagon, and the -mountains appeared to be as far off as ever. - -"There's no use talking," said Archie, at length, reining in his -horse, "I can't stand this any longer, I'm so thirsty." - -"But what else can we do?" asked Frank, in a husky voice, for his -tongue was so parched that he could scarcely talk plainly. "We can't -find our friends, or water either, by staying here. We _must_ go on." - -As he spoke, he again spurred his horse into a gallop, Archie, as -before, following after him, now and then looking down at the -antelope, which lay across his saddle--and which he considered to be -the cause of all their trouble--as though he heartily wished him safe -among the others of the herd. Two miles more were passed, but still no -signs of water. The idea of finding the wagon had now given away to a -desire to discover some stream where they might quench their thirst, -which was becoming almost unbearable. But the dry, parched prairie -stretched away on each side of them, while in front loomed the -mountains, apparently as distant as when they started in the morning. -Their horses grew more and more restive. Upon applying the spur, they -would gallop for a few yards, and then settle down into a slow walk, -turning their heads and pulling at the reins as if anxious to go in a -contrary direction. This set Frank to thinking. He had often read of -the remarkable sagacity sometimes displayed by the horse--how the -animal had been known to carry his lost rider safely into the midst of -his friends--and, turning to his cousin, he exclaimed: - -"Archie, I'm going to let Pete take his own course. Both the horses -want to go back, so let's see where they will take us to. We can't be -in a much worse fix than we are now." - -As he spoke, he threw the reins on his horse's neck, and the animal, -finding himself at liberty, at once turned, and, pricking up his ears, -galloped off exactly at right angles with the course they had been -pursuing. Archie, too dispirited to raise any objections, followed his -cousin's example, and the old buffalo hunter, which, during the last -two hours, had traveled with his head down, as if scarcely able to -take another step, snuffed the air and bounded off at a rapid pace. -For an hour the animals tore along at a tremendous rate; but -discovering no signs of the wagon, Frank was rapidly losing faith in -the sagacity of his horse, when, as they came suddenly around the base -of a swell, they found before them a long line of willows. Toward this -the animals made their way with increased speed, carrying their riders -through the trees into a stream of clear, running water. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -The Trapper's Reminiscence. - - -The horses did not stop on the bank, but, in spite of the desperate -efforts of the boys, kept on, until the water reached half way to -their backs. The old buffalo hunter, not satisfied with this, -persisted in lying down; and Archie and the antelope were deposited in -the middle of the stream. Under any other circumstances, the young -hunter would have been angry; but, as it was, the cool bath was most -refreshing after his long ride over the dry prairie, under the hot, -scorching sun; so seizing the antelope, he dragged him to the shore, -leaving his horse to take care of himself. - -Thirsty as the boys were, they still retained their presence of mind; -instead of endangering his life by drinking freely of the water, -Archie contented himself with repeatedly bathing his head, while -Frank, who was still in his saddle, reached down and scooped up a few -drops in his hand. - -"I say, Frank, isn't this glorious?" said Archie at length, as he -divested himself of his coat, which he hung upon a limb to dry. "But -it's lucky that my ammunition is water-proof. If you had been in my -fix, you wouldn't be able to do much more shooting until we got back -to our wagon. I declare, it's getting dark. Where do you suppose that -wagon is? If we don't find it inside of fifteen minutes, we shall have -to camp." - -"Let's stay here," said Frank, as he rode his horse out of the water, -and fastened him to a tree. "We must stay somewhere all night, and -this is as good a camping-ground as we can find." - -"If Dick or Bob was here," said Archie, "I wouldn't mind it; but I -don't like the idea of our staying here alone. This is the worst -scrape I was ever in; but if I once get along-side of that wagon -again, I'll stay there." - -"Oh, you've been in worse scrapes than this," said Frank, who saw that -his cousin was losing heart again. - -"I'd like to know when and where?" said Archie, looking up in -astonishment. - -"Why, you were in a much more dangerous situation while you were -hanging by that limb, fifty feet from the ground, when you were after -that 'coon that led you such a long chase." - -"I can't see it," replied Archie. "I knew that if I got down safe, I -would be among friends, and if I had to camp in the woods there would -be no Comanches or grizzly bears waiting for a chance to jump down on -me. I say, Frank, there _may_ be grizzly bears about here," and Archie -peered through the trees, reaching rather hurriedly for his gun, as if -fully expecting to see one of those ferocious animals advancing upon -him. "But what are you about?" he continued, as he saw Frank removing -the saddle from his horse. - -"I'm getting ready to camp," replied Frank, coolly. - -Archie at first strongly objected to this, but Frank finally carried -the day, by assuring him that it was the much better plan to "take -matters easy," and wait for daylight, when they would again set out. -Besides, if they traveled in the dark, they might go miles out of -their way. Archie, although not convinced, finally agreed to his -cousin's proposition, remarking: - -"If you were in the fourth story of a burning house, I wonder if you -wouldn't talk of taking matters easy?" - -It was settled then that they should remain where they were for the -night, and they began to make preparations accordingly. Archie's horse -was relieved of the saddle, and, after both the animals had been led -on to the prairie, they were hobbled and left to graze. Frank then -began to skin and dress the buck, while Archie gathered a supply of -wood, and kindled a fire. In half an hour several slices of venison -were broiling on the coals, and the boys were lying before the fire, -talking over the events of the day, and wondering what Dick and Bob -would say when they learned that their "youngsters" had killed an -antelope, when they were startled by a well-known bark, and the next -moment Useless came bounding through the trees into the very center of -the camp, where he frisked and jumped about with every demonstration -of joy. The boys had scarcely recovered from their alarm, when they -heard a familiar voice exclaim: - -"Bar an' buffaler! You keerless fellers!" and the trapper came -through the willows with long, impatient strides. - -The boys were always glad to see Dick, but words are too feeble to -express the joy they felt at his sudden and wholly unexpected -appearance. For a moment they seemed to have lost the power of speech. - -The trapper glanced hastily from one to the other, took in at a glance -the preparations for the night, and, dropping the butt of his rifle -heavily to the ground, again ejaculated: - -"You keerless fellers!" - -"What's the matter, Dick?" asked Archie, whose spirits were now as -exalted as they had before been depressed. "We're all right. Sit down -and have some supper." - -"Youngsters," said the trapper, seating himself on the ground, and -depositing his rifle beside him, "I jest knowed I would find you all -right. Now, tell me whar have you been, an' what a doin'?" - -"Do you see that?" exclaimed Archie, jumping up and pointing to the -remains of the antelope, which Frank had hung up on a tree. "Do you -see it? You said we couldn't kill a prong-horn, but we've done it." - -The boys then proceeded to recount their adventures, telling the -trapper how they had killed the antelope, of their long ride under the -scorching sun, and how at last their horses had brought them to the -water--to all of which the trapper listened with amazement, and -feelings of admiration that he could not disguise. - -"Wal," said he, when they had concluded, "I won't tell you to try it -over ag'in, 'cause you can't allers be so lucky." - -"What did uncle say?" inquired Archie, who was rather apprehensive of -a "lecture." - -"Oh, he knowed as how thar war no Injuns to massacre you, an' when we -camped fur noon, I heered him say, 'I wonder what the boys have got -fur dinner?' I knowed me and Useless could easy find you. That ar dog -knowed jest as well that I war arter you as I did myself." - -"Well," said Frank, "whenever you get ready, we'll go back to the -camp." - -"To camp!" repeated the trapper. "Haint you rid fur enough yet? Can -you stand twenty miles more to-night?" - -"Twenty miles!" echoed both the boys, in surprise. - -"Sartin! You're further away from the ole bar's hole now than you were -last night." - -The young hunters were astonished. Although they had had the Rocky -Mountains for a guidepost, they had been completely turned round, and -had actually traveled ten miles back toward St. Joseph. - -"That's what comes of not knowin' nothin' 'bout the prairy!" continued -the trapper, helping himself to a piece of the venison. "But we'll -stay here to-night, an' strike fur camp in the mornin'." - -The boys were very well satisfied with this arrangement, for their -long ride had wearied them, and Archie was willing to brave grizzly -bears, so long as he was in Dick's company. - -After supper--which consisted of venison, without bread or coffee--the -trapper lighted his pipe with a brand from the fire, and, settling -back on his elbow, said: - -"I've seed the time, youngsters, when it wouldn't a been healthy fur -you two fellers to be out here alone. I've seed that prairy a'most -black with Comanches, an' have heered 'em yellin' among these ere very -willows. If you had been settin' whar you are now 'bout fifteen year -ago, you would have seed me goin' through these trees, an' swimmin' -that ar creek, with a hul tribe of yellin' an' screechin' red-skins -clost to my heels. I showed your uncle, this mornin', the very place -whar I onct run the gauntlet of more'n a hundred Comanches. I tell -you, youngsters, I know every foot of this ground. Many a time me an' -poor ole Bill Lawson have skrimmaged with the Injuns through here, -when it war more'n a feller's har war wuth to come to this creek arter -a drink o' water. But I told you 'bout runnin' the gauntlet. The way -it happened war this: - -"'Bout fifteen year ago, me an' ole Bill Lawson war trappin' among the -mountains, twenty-five miles from the ole bar's hole. We, in course, -had fine sport, 'cause me an' ole Bill allers knowed whar to go to -find the best trappin' grounds; an', by the time spring opened, we had -as much spelter as we could tote away on our backs. It war gettin' -purty nigh time fur the Comanches to come round on their spring hunt, -an' we began to talk of leavin'; but thar war plenty of beaver left in -the valley, an' we didn't like to go so long as thar war any game to -trap, so we kept puttin' it off, an' when at last we did start, it -war too late to get off with our plunder. - -"One mornin', jest at daylight, while I war in front of the shantee -cookin' my breakfast, ole Bill come in from 'tendin' to his traps, an' -said: - -"'Dick, the valley's chuck full o' red-skins. I jest seed more sign -down by the creek than I ever seed afore 'bout this place, an' that's -sayin' a good deal. We had better shoulder our spelter an' be off to -onct.' - -"I didn't stop to think any more 'bout breakfast jest then, but I ran -into the shantee, grabbed my furs, which I allers kept tied up ready -for a move, an' me an' ole Bill started out. The Injuns must have come -in durin' the night, 'cause the day afore thar warn't a bit of sign to -be seed fur ten miles 'round the valley. But we didn't stop then to -think how or when they got in, but how should we get out. It warn't no -easy thing to do, youngsters--to go through them mountains, swarmin' -with red-skins. They don't walk through the woods like a feller does -when he's squirrel huntin', but they go sneakin' round, an' listenin', -an' peepin'; an' if a chap don't understand their natur, he'd better -not go among 'em. - -"Wal, ole Bill led the way, sometimes a'most on his knees, his rifle -in his hand, an' his bundle of furs on his shoulder, I followin' clost -at his heels--both of us keepin' our eyes open, an' stoppin' now an' -then to listen. We had made 'bout a mile up the mountain in this way, -when, all to onct, ole Bill stopped and looked straight before him. I -stopped, too, an' seed three big Comanches comin' along easy like, -lookin' at the ground, examinin' the bushes, an' whisperin' to each -other. They had found a trail that either me or ole Bill had made the -day afore, an' war tryin' to foller it up. But me an' the ole man -warn't the ones to leave a path that could be follered easy when we -thought thar war red-skins 'round; an' I guess it bothered them -rascals some to tell which way we had gone, an' how many thar war of -us. But they did foller it up slowly, an' while we war lookin' at 'em -they were jined by another Injun, who seemed to be a chief, for he -whispered a few orders, an' two of the Comanches made off. They had -been sent to rouse the camp, an' we knowed that we couldn't get away -from that valley any too fast. The red-skins warn't more'n a hundred -yards from us, an' we knowed it would take mighty keerful movin' to -get away from them without bein' diskivered. But it war life or death -with us, an' we began to crawl slowly through the bushes. A greenhorn -couldn't have heered a leaf rustle if he hadn't been two foot from us; -but thar's a heap of difference atween a greenhorn's ears an' them -that a Injun carries. But they didn't hear us, fur as long as we war -in sight we seed them still follerin' up the ole trail; an' as soon as -we thought we had got out of hearin' of them, we jumped to our feet -an' run like a pair of quarter hosses. We didn't make no more noise -than we could help, but we hadn't gone fur afore the mountains echoed -with the war-whoop, an' a couple of arrers whizzed by our heads. The -Injuns had diskivered us. In course, we both dropped like a flash of -lightnin', an', while I war lookin' round to find the varlets, ole -Bill struck out his hand, sayin': - -"'This is a bad scrape, Dick, an' mebbe me an' you have done our last -trappin' together. But we musn't get ketched if we can help it, 'cause -we couldn't look fur nothin' but the stake.' - -"While the ole man war speakin', I seed one of the rascals that had -shot at us peepin' out from behind a log. He didn't show more'n two -inches of his head, but that war enough, an' I reckon that red-skin -lay thar till his friends toted him off. Jest the minit I fired, ole -Bill throwed down his furs, jumped to his feet, an' run, an' I done -the same, although I did hate to leave that spelter that I had worked -so hard fur all winter. But, in course, thar war no help fur it. Thar -war plenty more beaver in the mountains, an', if I got safe off, I -knowed whar to go to find 'em; but if I lost my scalp, I couldn't get -another. So, as I war sayin', I put arter the ole man, an' jest then I -heered something 'sides a arrer sing by my head. It war a bullet, an' -the chap that sent it warn't sich a bad shot neither; fur, if I had -the ole 'coon-skin cap I wore then, I could show you whar a piece of -it war cut out. I didn't stop to look fur the feller, howsomever, but -kept on arter ole Bill, loadin' my rifle as I ran. The woods war so -thick we couldn't keep clost together, an' I soon lost sight of him; -but that didn't skeer me, fur I knowed he could take keer of his own -bacon. As fur myself, I never yet seed the Injun, or white man either, -that could ketch me, if I onct got a leetle start of him; an' if all -the Injuns in the mountains war _behind_ me, I could laugh at 'em. But -thar war some in front of me, as I found out afore I had gone fur. I -had jest got my rifle loaded, an' war settlin' down to my work--makin' -purty good time, I reckon, the Injuns behind me yellin' an' hootin' -all the while--when, all to onct, up jumped about a dozen more of the -rascals. - -"I didn't stop to ax no questions, but sent the nighest of 'em down in -a hurry; but in a minit arterward I war down, too; an' when I war -pulled to my pins ag'in, I war a pris'ner, my hands bein' bound behind -me with hickory bark. It warn't a pleasant sight I seed, youngsters, -as I stood thar, lookin' at them scowlin' Injuns. At that day thar war -few of them Comanches that didn't know me an' ole Bill, an' when they -seed who I war, they all set up a yell, an' began dancin' 'round me -like mad, shakin' their tomahawks, an' pintin' their rifles an' arrers -at me; an' one feller ketched me by the har, an' passed his knife -'round my head, as though he had half a notion to scalp me to onct. -They kept goin' on in this way until all the Injuns in that part of -the woods had come up to see what the fuss war 'bout; an' they, too, -had to go through the same motions. All to onct they happened to think -of ole Bill. The chief set up a shout, an' all but four of the Injuns -put off on his trail. It showed me, plain enough, that the rascals war -afraid of me, when they left so many to guard me. But no four of them -Comanches would have stopped me from gettin' away if I could have got -my hands free. I tell you, I done my best, makin' that tough hickory -bark crack an' snap, but it war no go--I war fast. As soon as the -others war out of sight, one big feller ketched me by the har, an' -begun to pull me t'wards the camp. - -"He didn't help me along very easy, but dragged me over logs an' -through bushes, as if he meant to pull my head off, while the other -fellers, findin' nothin' else to do, follered behind with switches, -that cut through my old huntin'-shirt like a knife. At last, arter -they had got me purty well thrashed, we reached the camp, which war -jest at the foot of the mountains--I'll show you the place in the -mornin'--an' here they stood me up ag'in a post. Then I ketched it -from every body--men, women, an' young ones. The most of the braves -war still out arter the old man, an' I could easy tell by the way they -whooped an' yelled that they hadn't ketched him. I knowed they -wouldn't get him, neither, unless they surrounded him like they did -me. - -"Wal, arter tormentin' me fur a long time, an' findin' that I didn't -keer fur 'em, the Injuns finally let me alone; an' one ole dried-up -squaw brought me a piece of buffaler meat. They wouldn't untie my -hands, but that ole woman sot thar on the ground, an' fed me like I -war a baby. I eat a heap of that meat, 'cause I war hungry, an' if I -got a chance to have a race with the varlets, I didn't want to run on -an empty stomach; 'sides I might have to go without eatin' fur two or -three days afore I could find ole Bill. Jest afore dark the braves -began to come in, one arter the other. They hadn't ketched the ole -man, an' I could see, by the way they scowled at me, that I would have -to stand punishment for his deeds, an' my own into the bargain. I -could have yelled, when I knowed the old feller war safe, an' I made -up my mind that if the Injuns would only give me half a chance, I'd -soon be with him ag'in. - -"Wal, when the chiefs come in, I war tied fast to the post, and left -thar. They didn't try to skeer me any more, 'cause they seed it war no -use, an' 'sides, they wanted to save all their spite fur the mornin', -fur it war too late to begin bisness that night. I war fast enough--as -fast as if I had been wrapped up in chains--but them Injuns war afraid -to trust me. They actooally kept half a dozen of their braves watchin' -me, from the time it began to grow dark till daylight the next -mornin'. I didn't sleep very easy, fur I war standin' ag'in that post, -an' the bark they had tied me with war drawed so tight that it cut -into my arms; but I made out to git a nap or two, an' when mornin' -come, an' I had eat another big chunk of that buffaler meat, I war -ready fur 'em to begin. - -"As soon as the sun war up, the chief called a council. It didn't take -'em long to say what should be done with me, fur sooner than I had -thought fur, one of the chiefs set up a yelp, which war answered by -the hul tribe, an' men, women, an' children began formin' themselves -into two lines, with whips, clubs, tomahawks, or whatever else they -could ketch hold of; an' two fellers come up to set me free. I war to -run the gauntlet. I tell you, youngsters, if thar is any thing that -will make the har rise on a feller's head, it is fur him to stand an' -look atween two lines sich as I saw that mornin'. It warn't the fust -time I had been in jest sich scrapes, an' I knowed, too, that the -Injuns didn't mean to kill me then--they wanted to save me for the -stake--but somehow I couldn't help feelin' shaky. I didn't let the -Injuns see it, howsomever, but tightened my belt, stretched my arms, -an', 'walkin' out in front of the lines, waited fur the word to start. -The head of the line war t'wards the camp, an' at the foot, which war -t'wards this creek, stood five or six big fellers, waitin' to ketch me -when I come out. - -"Wal, it didn't take me long to see how the land lay, an' when the -chief yelled to let me know that the time had come, I started. The way -I traveled through 'em lines war a thing fur 'em Comanches to look at. -I got plenty of clips as I passed, but this war the only one that hurt -me." - -As the trapper spoke, he bared his brawny shoulder, and showed the -boys a long, ragged scar. The wound must have been a most severe one. - -"That one," continued Dick, "war made by a tomahawk. It didn't hinder -my runnin', howsomever, an' I warn't half a minit comin' to the end of -'em lines. But when I got thar I didn't stop. The Injuns that war -waitin' thar, tried to ketch me, but I passed them like a streak of -lightnin', an' drawed a bee-line fur this ere creek. In course the -hul camp war arter me to onct; but I knowed that I war safe, fur all -the Injuns war behind me, an' I wouldn't have been afraid to run a -race with a hoss. I didn't do as well as I had done afore, nor nigh as -well as I could do now, fur I war stiff an' lame from bein' tied up so -long; but I run plenty fast enough to git away. As I told you, I run -through these willows, swam the creek--which war wide an' deep then, -on 'count of the snow an' ice meltin'--then tuk to the mountains, an' -started to make a circle round to the ole bar's hole. I traveled in -every little stream I could find; walked on logs, an' on the second -day, found ole Bill. The ole feller had been mighty down-hearted since -I war ketched--fur the yells of the Injuns plainly told him what had -become of me--an' had never expected to take me by the hand ag'in. -But, when he seed me safe an' sound, he sot right down on the ground -an' cried like a child. - -"Wal, we lay 'round the ole bar's hole till the Injuns had gone, an' -then set out fur the fort. We war on foot, an' had but one rifle -atween us, but we got through all right, an' in less'n a month, war on -our way to the mountains ag'in." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -The "Ole Bar's Hole." - - -Next morning, after a hasty breakfast, the boys saddled their horses, -and, led by the trapper, set out to find the wagon. Now it was that -the latter showed the young hunters his extraordinary "travelin' -qualities," as he expressed it; for as soon as the boys were in their -saddles, he shouldered his rifle and started off, at a rapid pace, -which he did not slacken at all until they arrived on the banks of a -small stream, where they stopped to quench their thirst. - -"Now, youngsters," said the trapper, seating himself on the ground, -and wiping his forehead with his coat sleeve, "There's the place. The -Comanche's camp war pitched jest in the edge of them ar' willows, an' -right where you see them bushes war where I stood afore I started to -run the gauntlet. The chief's wigwam stood thar then. I tell you, it -warn't healthy fur a feller to go foolin' 'round here them days." - -The boys gazed long and earnestly at every object the trapper pointed -out, and listened to his narration of the various incidents that had -transpired during his captivity, until they almost fancied they could -see the prairie covered with painted savages, and their guide, in the -midst of his foes, awaiting the signal to begin his race for life. -Dick, himself, was no less interested, for he sat for a long time -feasting his eyes on every familiar object; now and then casting -suspicious glances toward the distant willows, as if he almost -expected to catch a glimpse of a hostile warrior, or hear the -war-whoop which had so often awoke the echoes of those very mountains. - -"Wal, youngsters," said he, at length, "let's be movin'! I never -expected to see the time when I could travel over these ere prairies -without bein' in danger of havin' my har raised; an' if you live to be -as old as I am, you'll see the day that 'em city chaps will ride -through here on 'em steam railroads; an' if they see this place, -they'll never dream that such things as I have told you about ever -happened here." - -The travelers again set out, Dick leading the way, at a still more -rapid pace, and in two hours they arrived at the camp. Mr. Winters and -old Bob were lying in the shade of the wagon, and as the boys -approached, the former raised himself on his elbow, and inquired: - -"Well, boys, how do you like traveling on your own hook? Do you think -you could find your way to California without a guide?" - -"Oh, they war all right!" exclaimed Dick, leaning his rifle against -the wagon, and picking up the antelope skin which Archie had thrown -down, and which contained some choice pieces of meat. "They war all -right! Me and Useless found 'em down on Muddy Creek, Bob. They had -killed this prong-horn, made their camp, an' war takin' matters easy -like, as though they had never heered tell on a Comanche--the keerless -fellers." - -While Frank and Archie were unsaddling their horses, the trapper -proceeded to recount their adventures, to which both Mr. Winters and -old Bob listened attentively. The latter was not a little astonished -to learn that the boys could so readily accommodate themselves to -circumstances, and was more firm than ever in his belief that "the -youngsters would make good trappers." - -Mr. Winters had, at first, been considerably alarmed at their absence; -but, upon reflection, he remembered that the boys had often been in -positions fully as dangerous, from which they had always succeeded in -extricating themselves, and he soon fell in with the trapper's -opinion, that they would "turn up all right." He did not think it -necessary to caution them, for, from the description the trapper gave -of their adventures, it was not at all probable that they would ever -again be placed in a like situation. - -After a hearty dinner, which Dick speedily served up, they again set -out toward the mountains, which they reached about the middle of the -afternoon. After riding along the edge of the willows, for half a -mile, they came to a wide but very shallow stream, into which the -trapper turned, and after following it for some distance, drove out on -the bank and stopped. - -"Here we are," said he, as he climbed down out of his wagon. "Now, -youngsters, you're at the ole bar's hole. But if you didn't know it -war here, you might hunt fur it till your har war whiter nor Bob's, -an' then you wouldn't find it, an' that wouldn't be no wonder neither; -fur many a sharpeyed Comanche has looked an' peeped fur it, but only -one ever found it that I know of, an' it didn't do him no good, fur he -never lived to tell of it." - -While the trapper was speaking, old Bob had dismounted from his horse, -and, walking up to a thicket of bushes which grew at the foot of a -high rock that overhung the bed of the stream, began pulling them -aside, and finally disclosed to view an opening that appeared to lead -down into the very bowels of the earth. Meanwhile, Dick had gathered -some dry wood for a torch, and, after lighting it, he backed down into -the hole and disappeared, followed by Frank and Archie, who were -impatient to see the inside of the cave which had so often served -their guide as a secure retreat from his enemies. The passage was long -and winding, and it was with considerable difficulty that the boys -worked their way into it. Besides, it was in some places so narrow -that they could scarcely squeeze themselves through it. The trapper, -however, worked his way along with a celerity that was surprising, and -soon both he and the torch were out of sight, and the boys were left -in pitch darkness. But there was little danger of their being lost in -that narrow passage, and they crawled along as rapidly as possible, -until at length Archie, who was leading the way, stopped, and began to -rub his elbows and knees, which had received some pretty severe -scratches from the sharp rocks. - -"I say, Frank," he exclaimed, "how do you suppose Dick ever squeezed -his broad shoulders through a narrow place like this? What's that?" he -added, in a terrified voice, as they heard a savage growl, which -seemed to sound directly over their heads. - -Frank did not stop to answer, but throwing himself on his hands and -knees, began to make the best of his way out of the passage, closely -followed by his cousin, who urged him to go faster. They had not gone -far when they were startled by the report of a rifle, which was -followed by a roar that echoed and reechoed through the cave like a -heavy clap of thunder. What it was that had uttered that roar the boys -were unable to determine; but they knew, by the report of the -trapper's rifle, and the sounds of a fierce struggle that came faintly -to their ears, that Dick had found his old harboring-place occupied -by some animal which did not feel disposed to give up possession; and -they got out of the passage in much less time than it had taken them -to get into it. When they reached the open air, the old trapper, who -had heard the report of his "chum's" rifle, threw himself on his hands -and knees, and crawled into the cave, followed by Mr. Winters. The -boys at once ran to the wagon after their weapons, but by the time -they had secured them, the fight was ended, and Dick made his -appearance at the mouth of the passage. But he did not look like the -man who had gone into that cave but a few moments before. His -hunting-shirt and leggins were torn almost into shreds, his arms were -bare to his shoulders, and were covered with wounds that were bleeding -profusely. The boys were horrified; but their fears that the trapper -had received serious injury were speedily set at rest, for he smiled -as if nothing had happened, and exclaimed: - -"Now you see what it is to be a trapper, youngsters. I shall allers -think that 'ar cave has a good name, fur if me an' Useless didn't find -the biggest grizzly bar in thar we ever sot eyes on, then thar aint no -more beaver in the Missouri River." - -As he spoke, he divested himself of what remained of his -hunting-shirt, and walked down to the creek to wash the blood off his -hands and face, in which he was assisted by Mr. Winters. While this -was going on, old Bob crawled out of the cave, carrying two cubs in -his arms, which he presented to the boys, saying: - -"Them's young grizzlies. They don't look now as if they would ever get -to be as big and fierce as their mother war." - -As the boys took them, they both set up a shrill cry, and fought most -desperately for such small animals, and their sharp little claws left -more than one mark upon the hands and faces of the young hunters. - -"Keep an eye open, Bob," shouted Dick, who was seated on the ground, -while Mr. Winters was bandaging his wounds. "Keep an' eye open, 'cause -the old man of the family may be 'round." - -Upon hearing this, Archie dropped his cub, and seizing his rifle, cast -anxious glances upon the surrounding woods. But if the father was in -the vicinity, he evidently thought it best to keep out of sight. - -When Dick's wounds had been cared for, and he had put on another suit -of clothes, he seated himself on the ground, near the boys, while Bob -kindled a fire and began preparations for supper. - -"It aint allers fun to be a trapper, youngsters," said Dick, puffing -away at his pipe, "'cause, afore a man can earn that name, he's got to -go through a heap of skrimmages, like the one I jest had. When I'm on -the prairy, or in the mountains, I allers keep my eyes open, an' the -fust thing I seed as I crawled out of that passage into that ar' cave -war that grizzly bar. She seed me, too, and set up a growl, as if to -tell me that I couldn't get away from thar any too quick; but she -didn't wink more'n twice afore I sent a chunk of lead into her. The -light of the torch, however, bothered me, an' I didn't shoot atween -her eyes, as I meant to; an' afore a feller could say 'Gin'ral -Jackson,' she war comin' at me. Now, I've been in jest such scrapes -afore, an' the way I've got pawed up, an' seed other fellers that were -bigger and stronger than me, clawed an' torn, has showed me that no -one man that ever lived is a match fur a full-grown grizzly; an' when -I seed ole Bob poke his rifle out of the passage an' draw a bead on -that bar's head, I'll allow it made me feel a heap easier. If he had -stayed away five minits longer, I don't believe I'd ever showed you -the way to Californy. As it war, I got pretty well clawed up." - -This was the way the trapper described the fight in the cave, which -was one of the most desperate he had ever engaged in, as the severe -wounds he had received proved. But he looked upon such things as a -matter of course. He expected to be engaged in many similar fights; -always held himself in readiness for them, and when they were over, -another notch was added to those on the handle of his knife (for Dick -kept a strict account of the number of grizzlies he killed,) and he -had another story to tell by the camp-fire. - -After supper, the trappers procured torches, and, accompanied by Mr. -Winters and the boys, proceeded to explore the cave. There, lying -where she had fallen in defense of her young, was the grizzly, which -was the first of these animals the boys had ever seen. As near as they -could judge, she was fully twice the size and weight of the bear Frank -had killed in the woods, and her claws, which she had used with such -effect upon the trapper and his dog, (for, in defending his master, -Useless had been most roughly handled,) measured eight inches in -length. Every thing in the cave bore evidence to the fact that the -fight had been a severe one. The floor and walls were covered with -blood, and on the bear's body were numerous wounds, made by the knife -of the trapper, and the teeth of the faithful Useless. - -After the boys had examined the bear to their satisfaction, old Bob -began to remove the skin, while Dick pointed out other objects of -interest in the cave. There were the withered hemlock boughs which had -many a time served him and Bill Lawson for a bed, and under them was a -hole about two feet square, which the trapper called his "pantry." He -told Mr. Winters the story of the "struggle in the cave," and showed -him the passage that led to the top of the hill where the Comanches -had entered, and where he had for two days kept watch, awaiting the -coming of old Bill. - -They remained in the cave for an hour, listening to Dick's stories; -for in his mind the "Ole Bar's Hole" was associated with many exciting -events, and it was dark before they returned to the camp. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -Archie's Adventure with a Grizzly. - - -On the following morning the boys, as usual, were up with the sun, -impatient to try their skill on the big game, with which the woods -abounded. The trapper, who, during his fight in the cave, had received -wounds that would have prostrated an ordinary man, was already -stirring, and, having attended to his mules, was moving about as -lively as ever, preparing the morning meal. In a few moments their -breakfast was cooked and eaten, and, after hanging their provisions on -the trees, out of reach of any wild beast that might find his way into -camp during their absence, they shouldered their rifles and followed -the trappers into the forest. Here they divided into two parties, Mr. -Winters going with old Bob, and the boys accompanying Dick. - -"Now, youngsters," said the latter almost in a whisper, "we haint -huntin' squirrels. We're arter bigger game. I don't s'pose you keer -'bout tacklin' a grizzly bar arter seein' me pawed up the way I war -last night; so if you happen to come acrosst one of them varmints, you -needn't mind shootin' at him. Thar's plenty other game, an' what we -want to find now ar' a big-horn. That's an animal, I reckon, you never -seed. Go easy, now, 'cause they've got ears like a painter's, an' -noses sharper nor hounds." - -So saying, the trapper led the way through a narrow ravine that lay -between two mountains, whose tops seemed to pierce the clouds. The -ravine, being thickly covered with bushes and logs, rendered their -progress slow and tedious, and the boys, who could not help thinking -what a fine hiding-place it would afford for a bear or panther, often -cast uneasy glances about them, and kept as close to the trapper as -possible. After they had gone about half a mile, the latter suddenly -stopped and said: - -"If these yere trees could talk, a'most every one of 'em would have a -story to tell you 'bout me an' ole Bill Lawson, 'cause we've often -come through this gully when it war chuck full of Comanches. You -'member I onct told you 'bout waitin' at the ole bar's hole fur him, -an' that the ole feller had hid the black mustang in the bushes! Wal, -here's the very spot." - -As the trapper spoke, he pushed his way into a dense thicket, and -showed the boys the sapling to which the old man had tied the horse. - -"Wal, that ar' animal," continued Dick, "stood here fur two hours -quiet an' still as a mouse, an' we tuk him out an' got safe off -without the varlets bein' the wiser fur it. All the way through here -we could hear 'em talkin' to each other, an'--Look thar, youngsters, -quick!" - -Before the boys could look up to see what had attracted the trapper's -attention, the sharp report of his rifle rung through the gully, and a -queer-looking animal come tumbling down the mountain, landing almost -at their feet. Far up above the tree tops they saw the remainder of -the flock bound over the rocks and disappear. - -"That's a sheep," said the trapper, hastily reloading his rifle. -"He'll make a fust rate dinner, an', if we keep our eyes open, we may -get another." - -The game did bear a close resemblance to sheep, the only difference -being his enormous horns, which looked altogether too large and heavy -for so small an animal to carry. But the trapper did not allow them to -closely examine their prize, for he exclaimed: - -"If we want more of 'em fellers, we mustn't waste no time. But, fust, -we must separate, 'cause the further apart we get, the more likely we -are to have a shot at 'em. Are you afraid to stay here, little un?" - -"Of course not," replied Archie, quickly. - -"Wal, then, keep your eyes up the mountain, an' if you see 'em ag'in, -blaze away. Come on, Frank. I'll show you whar to stand." - -The latter moved off with Dick, and Archie was left to himself. After -examining the game to his satisfaction, he took up a position where he -could obtain a good view of the side of the mountain, leaned back -against a tree, and impatiently waited for the re-appearance of the -big-horns. In front of him ran a deer path, hard and well-beaten as -any road. It was, no doubt, used as a highway by animals traveling -through the ravine; and Archie now and then directed his gaze up and -down the path, in hopes he might discover some game in that -direction. - -He had remained in this position for nearly half an hour, when he -_did_ see an animal coming leisurely down the path, about fifty yards -from him. It was an enormous grizzly bear. It did not appear to have -determined upon any thing in particular, for it approached very -slowly, stopping every few feet to snuff the air, and finally seated -itself on its haunches, and proceeded to wash its paws and face, after -the manner of a house cat. Archie had a good view of it. It was nearly -as large as the one the trapper had killed in the cave, and the sight -of its powerful claws, and the frightful array of teeth it exhibited, -made the young hunter shudder. He had not been expecting so formidable -a visitor, and to say that he was frightened would but feebly express -his feelings. He had presence of mind enough, however, to move behind -his tree, out of sight; but still he could not remove his eyes from -the animal, neither could he determine upon any plan to extricate -himself from his unpleasant situation. The grizzly had not yet -discovered him, and Archie had his wits about him sufficiently to note -the fact, that what little wind there was, was blowing from the bear -toward himself. For fully five minutes--it seemed much longer to -Archie--the grizzly sat in the path, sometimes looking lazily about -him, and then licking his jaws like a dog that had just enjoyed a good -meal; and for the same length of time did the young hunter remain -behind his tree watching his movements, and wondering what course he -could pursue to rid himself of his dangerous neighbor. It was not at -all probable that the bear would remain in that position until the -trapper returned. What if he should take it into his head to come -further down the path? Archie would certainly be discovered, for the -path run close by the tree, behind which he was concealed, and what -would the bear do then? It was something he did not like to think -about. He knew, from what he had heard the trapper say, that the -grizzly's disposition is very different from that of the black bear. -The latter, unless rendered desperate by hunger, will generally take -to his heels at the sight of a human being; but the grizzly looks upon -all who invade his dominions as enemies, and believes in punishing -them accordingly. - -These thoughts passed rapidly through Archie's mind, and in a moment -more his resolve was taken. Keeping his eyes fastened on the bear, he -cautiously raised his hand above his head, and, to his joy, found that -he could easily reach the lowest limbs of the tree, and that they were -strong enough to sustain his weight. But it was not his intention to -leave the grizzly in peaceable possession of the field; for, as soon -as he had satisfied himself that he had found a way of escape, he -cocked his rifle and cautiously raised it to his shoulder. He was -trembling violently, but at length he succeeded in quieting his nerves -sufficiently to cover the bear's head with the sight and pull the -trigger. The grizzly, however, arose to his feet just as Archie fired, -and the ball, instead of finding a lodgment in his brain, entered his -shoulder. It brought him to the ground, and Archie caught one glimpse -of him struggling in the path, and heard his growls of rage and pain, -as he dropped his rifle and swung himself into the lowest branches of -the tree. - -It was evident that the bear meant to take ample revenge on him, for -Archie heard him coming up the path. But he knew that the grizzly -could not climb, and, after settling himself among the branches, he -looked down at his enemy in perfect security. The bear knew where he -had gone, for he ran directly to the foot of the tree, and, after -smelling at the rifle and pawing it out of his way, he began walking -up and down the path, all the while uttering those terrific growls, -that made the young hunter tremble. - -At this moment Archie heard the report of a rifle far up the mountain, -which was quickly followed by another that sounded nearer. Then came a -crashing in the bushes, as the big-horns fled before the hunters, and -Archie heard his companions shouting to him: - -"Look out, down there," said Frank; "they're running directly toward -you, Archie." - -"Keep your eyes open, youngster," chimed in Dick. "Don't let 'em go by -you." - -But Archie was not in a situation to intercept them, and he heard the -big-horns dash across the ravine and bound up the mountain on the -opposite side, closely followed by the dog, which barked fierce and -loud at every jump. - -"Archie, why don't you shoot?" again shouted Frank, his voice sounding -as though he was coming down the mountain. - -"I can't," answered Archie. "Look out! Don't come down here. I'm treed -by a grizzly." - -"By a grizzly?" repeated Frank, in astonishment. "Has he hurt you?" - -"No," shouted Archie, from his tree, "I am all right; but I hurt him, -I guess. Look out, Frank! he's going toward you." - -This was a fact. The grizzly had stood perfectly still under the tree, -listening to the sounds of the chase, until, finding that he could not -reach Archie, he determined to revenge himself upon some one else. He -had not gone far before Useless, having overtaken and killed a -big-horn that his master had wounded, came up, and, discovering the -grizzly, instantly gave chase. The bear, maddened by the pain of his -wound, advanced with open mouth to meet him; but the dog, easily -eluding his attacks, kept him busy until the trapper arrived, and put -an end to the fight by shooting the bear through the head. Archie had -watched the struggle from his perch, and, seeing that the grizzly was -dead, he came down out of his tree, feeling very much relieved. - -"You keerless feller!" exclaimed the trapper, "didn't I tell you not -to mind shootin' at a grizzly bar?" - -By this time Frank had come up with a big-horn on his shoulder, and, -after having regained his rifle, Archie gave them an account of what -had transpired. - -"Wal," said the trapper, "it war keerless to go a foolin' with a bar -that ar' way. Now, you stay here, an' I'll go an' get that big-horn -that Useless killed." - -The dog, as if understanding what was said, led his master to the -place where he had left the game. When the trapper returned, he -removed the skin of the grizzly, intending to cure it, and give it to -Archie to remember his "keerlessness by," as he said. After which, -they shouldered their game and returned to camp. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -Hanging a Bear. - - -When they arrived at the wagon, they found Mr. Winters and old Bob -eating their dinner. Although not as fortunate as Dick's party, they -had not returned empty-handed, for the old trapper had killed a -big-horn, and Mr. Winters had knocked over a large gray wolf. Thinking -that Frank might want the skin of the latter to mount in his museum, -he had taken it off very carefully, and stretched it on a frame to -dry. - -Archie's adventure with the grizzly was duly discussed, and, for an -hour after dinner, the boys sat by the fire listening to the trapper's -stories. But they could not long endure this inactivity--there was "no -fun in it," as Archie said--so they saddled their horses and set out -for a ride over the prairie. They were not after game this time. If -they had been, it is not at all probable they would have discovered -any, for they raced their horses over the swells, and shouted loud -enough to frighten all the animals for a mile around. About the middle -of the afternoon they grew tired of their ride, and turned their -horses toward the camp. As they rode slowly along, about half a mile -from the willows that skirted the base of the mountains, Archie, who, -as usual, was leading the way, suddenly drew up his horse, exclaiming: - -"See there, Frank! There's another of the varmints!" - -Frank looked toward the willows, and saw a large grizzly bear, seated -on his haunches, regarding them as if not at all concerned about their -approach. - -"We're safe now, Archie," said he, as soon as he had satisfied himself -that the bear had not the slightest intention of seeking safety in -flight. "A grizzly can't outrun a horse, so let's shoot at that -fellow." - -"I--I--believe I'd rather not meddle with him," answered his cousin, -shrugging his shoulders. "I say, let him alone if he lets us alone. -What if our horses should get frightened and throw us? Wouldn't we be -in a fix? But I'll shoot at him from here." - -"Why, it's too far," said Frank. "I am going up nearer." As he spoke, -he put his horse into a gallop and rode toward the bear, which was -still seated in the edge of the willows. Archie did not at all like -the idea of provoking a fight with the animal; but, after a moment's -hesitation, he followed his cousin. There might be no danger after -all, he thought, for that bear certainly could not catch Sleepy Sam. -The grizzly still kept his seat, closely watching the movements of the -hunters, and once or twice he seemed inclined to advance on them; but, -after walking a few steps, he again seated himself, as if to await -their approach. - -The boys had gone but a short distance, when their horses discovered -the animal, and Pete at once stopped, and refused to go any further. -He had evidently had some experience in bear hunting, for the sight of -the animal seemed to terrify him. Words had more effect than the -spurs, for when Frank spoke encouragingly to him, he would advance a -few steps, and then, as if suddenly recalling his former experience, -he would hastily retreat. In this way, he succeeded in getting -further and further away from the bear, instead of going toward it. -Archie now took the lead, in hopes that his cousin could induce his -horse to follow the old buffalo hunter; but Pete utterly refused to go -any nearer, and Frank at length dismounted and prepared to risk a shot -at the bear at long range. The animal accepted this as a challenge, -for he arose to his feet, growling savagely, and made toward the boys -at a rate of speed that astonished them. - -When Frank dismounted, he was careful to retain a firm hold of Pete's -bridle, for the actions of the horse plainly indicated that, if left -to himself, he would take to his heels, and get as far as possible -away from the dangerous neighborhood. When he saw that the bear was -coming toward him, he snorted and plunged, rendering it impossible for -Frank to shoot; and, in fact, the latter had no desire to do so, when -he found that the grizzly was about to assume the offensive. His first -thought was to remount; but the horse was so terrified that he would -not stand still long enough for Frank to place his foot in the -stirrup. - -"Hurry up, there!" exclaimed Archie, excitedly. "The rascal is coming -fast. He means fight, sure enough." - -Pete evidently thought so too, for he reared and plunged worse than -ever, pulling Frank about over the prairie in spite of all he could -do. Suddenly there was a loud snap, and the bridle, broken close to -the bit, was violently pulled through Frank's hand. The next moment -Pete had disappeared behind a swell. For an instant the cousins gazed -at each other in dismay. On foot, Frank could not hope to escape from -the bear, which, in spite of his clumsy appearance, was making his way -toward them with surprising rapidity; neither could he disable him by -a shot from his rifle. Before, he had been as cool and collected as he -possibly could be, for he knew that he had a way of escape. But Pete -seemed to have carried the last particle of his master's courage away -with him, for Frank's hand trembled so violently that he knew it would -be useless to fire at the bear. But still there was a chance for -escape, and Archie was the first to think of it. - -"Frank!" he exclaimed, "there's only one way now--jump up behind me." - -His cousin was prompt to act upon the suggestion, and Sleepy Sam, -in answer to a thrust from his master's spurs, carried them both -toward the camp at a rapid gallop. - -[Illustration] - -They no longer thought of fighting the grizzly; their only desire was -to reach the old bear's hole as soon as possible, and procure the -assistance of the trappers. They both thought that the animal would -soon abandon the chase, and their only fear was, that before they -could reach the camp and acquaint Dick with what had transpired, the -bear would be safe among the mountains. But they soon discovered their -mistake. The grizzly steadily followed them, and, although Sleepy Sam -made excellent time for a horse encumbered with a double load, gained -at every step. But they were rapidly nearing the old bear's hole, and, -at length, the boys saw their uncle and the trappers ride out of the -willows. Dick was mounted on Frank's horse. The animal, when he found -himself at liberty, had made straight for camp, and his appearance -there, without his rider, occasioned no little surprise and alarm. -Dick, as usual, predicted that "Frank warn't a bit hurt. He would be -sartin to turn up all right." But still he did not know but the young -hunter had got himself into "some scrape," in which he would need -assistance, and agreed with Mr. Winters that it would be best to hunt -him up. The latter was fast falling in with the trapper's opinion, -that his nephews were "'bout the keerlessest chaps agoin';" and -although he knew that they always succeeded in bringing themselves -"safe out of all their scrapes," he felt considerably relieved, when -he saw that Sleepy Sam had carried them out of reach of the claws of -the grizzly. - -Archie, when he found that assistance was at hand, stopped and faced -the bear, intending to try a shot at him. But the trappers galloped -toward them, Dick shouting, "Hold on thar, you keerless feller; me an' -Bob'll take him off your hands. We'll show you how they hunt bars in -Mexico. We'll hang the varmint." - -The trapper swung a lasso above his head, as he spoke, and brought it -down across Pete's sides, in a way that made the spirited animal -prance in the most lively manner. The horse was still unwilling to -approach the bear; but he knew full well that he carried a rider who -was able to enforce obedience. - -The grizzly stopped for a moment when he saw these new enemies -approaching, then he rushed toward old Bob, who was in advance of his -companion. But he was met by the trapper's dog, which attacked him -with such fury that the bear was obliged to stop and defend himself. -Old Bob rode in a circle around the combatants, holding his lasso in -his hand all ready for a throw, and yelling with all the strength of -his lungs to encourage the dog. Dick was making desperate efforts to -join his companion, but his horse stopped about a hundred yards from -the bear, and stubbornly refused to go nearer. His rider, resolved to -have his own way, beat him most unmercifully with his lasso, and, as -the horse appeared to be equally determined, the boys were unable to -decide how the battle would end. All this while Useless had kept up -the contest with the bear, and the animal finding that he could not -elude his attacks, rose on his haunches and struck at the dog with his -paws. Old Bob had been waiting for this. Swinging his lasso around his -head, he launched it at the bear, and as the noose settled down about -his neck, he turned his horse and galloped off. The next moment there -was a heavy thud, a smothered growl of rage, and the grizzly was -prostrate on the prairie. He, however, quickly regained his feet, -and, disregarding the attacks of the dog, rushed with open mouth -toward old Bob. Now was the time for Dick. Having, at last, been -whipped into obedience, Pete gamely approached the bear, and, in an -instant more, the grizzly was powerless. Dick was on one side of him, -old Bob on the other; and their lassos were drawn so taut he could not -turn either way. If he attempted to attack Bob, he was checked by -Dick; and if he rushed upon the latter, old Bob's lasso stopped him. -The grizzly's struggles were desperate; his growls terrific. He tore -at the lassos with his claws, and exerted all his tremendous strength -to break the rawhide ropes, which were drawn as tight as a -bow-string. But the conflict, desperate as it was, lasted only a short -time. The grizzly's struggles grew weaker, his growls fainter, and -finally he sank on the prairie dead. The trappers slackened up their -lassos, and Mr. Winters and the boys, who had closely watched this -singular contest, rode up to examine their prize. - -"Thar's your bar, you keerless fellers," said Dick. "If you don't let -these yere varmints alone, you'll git yourselves in a bad scrape, one -of these days, now, I tell you. A grizzly don't wait fur a feller to -walk up an' shake his fist in his face, an' say, 'Do ye want to -fight?' He b'lieves in makin' war on every one he sees." - -"We know that!" replied Archie. "This fellow made at us before we got -near enough to shoot at him." - -"Then you did mean to fight him, did you?" asked the trapper, as he -and old Bob began to skin the bear. "Wal, it aint every feller that -would keer 'bout meddlin' with a grizzly so long as the critter let -him alone. I've seed trappers--an' brave ones, too--that would -shoulder their we'pons an' walk off if they happened to come acrost a -bar. It aint allers fun to hang a grizzly, neither; fur if your hoss -falls down, or your lasso breaks, you're a'most sartin to go under. -I've seed more 'n one poor chap pawed up 'cause his hoss warn't quick -enough to git out of the varmint's reach." - -In this way the trapper talked to the boys until the skin of the -grizzly was taken off, when the travelers returned to their camp. As -Archie remarked, it had been "a great day for bears," and the evening -was appropriately passed in listening to the stories the trappers -related of their adventures with these animals. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -A Buffalo Hunt. - - -The next morning, after breakfast, the boys seated themselves by the -fire, and while Frank mended his bridle, which Pete had broken the day -before, Archie was endeavoring to conjure up some plan for the day's -amusement. Even in that country, which abounded with game, the boys -were at a loss how to pass the time, for the grizzlies had interfered -with their arrangements considerably. If they went hunting in the -mountains, they might come across another bear; and their recent -experience with those animals had shown them that the hunters were -sometimes the hunted. They had no desire for further adventures with -the monsters, and they had at last decided that they would take a -gallop over the prairie, when they were startled by the clatter of -horses' hoofs in the creek, and old Bob--who, at daylight, had -started out on a "prospecting" expedition--galloped into camp, -breathless and excited. The boys very naturally cast their eyes toward -the prairie, to see if he were not followed by a grizzly; but the -sight of one of those animals never affected the old trapper in that -manner. He had seen what he considered larger and more profitable -game. - -"Dick," he exclaimed, drawing up his horse with a sudden jerk--"Dick, -have some buffaler hump for dinner?" - -"Sartin," replied the trapper, hastily rising to his feet, and -throwing away his pipe. "In course. Saddle up to onct, youngsters. -We'll have some game now as is game." - -The announcement that there is a herd of buffaloes in the vicinity, -always creates an uproar in a hunter's camp, and there was no -exception to the rule this time. The boys had never seen the trapper -so eager; and even Mr. Winters, generally so cool and deliberate, was -not so long in saddling his horse as usual. This, of course, had an -effect upon the boys; but, as is always the case, their hurry -occasioned them a considerable loss of time. Archie could not find his -bridle, and Frank, in his eagerness, broke his saddle-girth; and, to -increase their excitement, the others, as soon as they had saddled -their horses (Dick rode one of the mules) and secured their weapons, -rode off, leaving them alone. Archie, after a lengthy search, found -his bridle in the wagon, and Frank at last succeeded in mending his -saddle-girth with a piece of buckskin. The boys' rifles stood together -against a tree, close by, with all the accouterments hanging to the -muzzles. Frank's being a common "patch" rifle, he, of course, had a -powder-horn and bullet pouch, while Archie carried the ammunition for -his breech-loader in a haversack. The latter was ready first, and -hastily seizing the gun that came first to his hand, secured Frank's -instead of his own, and, putting his horse into a gallop, rode down -the bed of the creek, throwing the powder-horn and bullet pouch over -his shoulder as he went. Frank was ready a moment afterward, and -finding his own rifle gone, he, of course, took Archie's. Although he -thought nothing of it at the time, he afterward looked upon it as a -lucky circumstance. In addition to their rifles, the boys each had two -revolvers, which they carried in their holsters. Frank overtook the -hunters at the edge of the prairie, where they had stopped to wait -for him, and to hold a consultation. The high swells that rose in -every direction shut them out from the view of the game, but old Bob -knew exactly where to go to find it. As they went along, at an easy -gallop, Dick rode up beside the boys, and, addressing himself to -Frank, said: - -"Now, youngster, this'll be new bisness to you, so don't be keerless. -You must 'member that your hoss ar' as green as a punkin in buffaler -huntin', an', if you let him get stampeded, he'll take you cl'ar to -Mexico afore he stops." - -"Stampeded!" repeated Frank. "Does a horse ever get stampeded with -buffaloes?" - -"Sartin he do," answered the trapper, with a laugh; "an' if you ever -get teetotally surrounded by a thousand bellerin', pitchin' buffalers, -you'll say it's the wust scrape you ever war in. So don't go too clost -to 'em. If your hoss gets frightened, stop him to onct, and quit -follerin' 'em." - -Dick was then proceeding to instruct the boys in the manner of hunting -the buffaloes, when old Bob, who had been leading the way, suddenly -came to a halt. - -"They're jest behind that swell," said he. "Don't you hear 'em? Now, -we must separate." Then, in hurried whispers, he pointed out the -station he wished each to occupy, and, after Dick had again cautioned -Frank to keep his horse completely under his control, the boys rode -away in different directions. - -When Frank reached his station, he stopped his horse, examined his -rifle, opened his holsters, so that he could readily draw his -revolvers, and waited impatiently for the signal. The hunters were -stationed about a quarter of a mile apart. Old Bob was in the center -of the line. After satisfying himself that they were all in their -places, he waved his hat--the signal for the advance. They all started -at the same moment, and, before Frank could think twice, his horse had -carried him to the top of the swell, and he was in full view of the -game. The sight that met his eyes astonished him. - -He had often read of the prairie being black with buffaloes, but he -had never seen it before. The herd was an immense one, and stretched -away in all directions as far as his eye could reach. But he was -allowed no time for admiration, for, the moment the hunters made their -appearance, the buffaloes discovered them, and made off at the top of -their speed, the noise of their hoofs sounding on the hard prairie -like the rolling of thunder. Pete was not afraid of buffaloes, and he -soon carried his master within easy range of the herd, the nearest of -which fell at the crack of his rifle. Too impatient to reload his gun, -Frank drew one of his revolvers, and, forgetting, in his excitement, -all the trapper's advice, spurred after the flying herd; and, so close -was he to them, that he seldom missed his mark. When he had fired all -the charges, he returned his empty weapon to his holster, and, as he -drew the other, he cast his eye in the direction of his companions, -and was a good deal surprised to discover that some of the herd had -got between him and the rest of his party, and were running almost -side by side with him. On the outer edge of the herd, he saw his -cousin in company with the trappers. Archie had, doubtless, emptied -all his weapons, for he appeared to be engaged in reloading. Further -back, he saw Mr. Winters, who had stopped to "settle" a large bull he -had wounded. He also noticed that the mule, on which Dick was mounted, -being entirely unaccustomed to such business, and frightened by the -discharges of the fire-arms, and the noise of the rushing herd, was -making desperate but unsuccessful attempts to throw his rider. Frank, -taking this all in at a glance, then turned his attention to the -animals nearest him, and soon emptied his second revolver. - -All this while Pete had been running with the bridle hanging loose on -his neck; now, as Frank gathered up the reins, he noticed, for the -first time, that he was going at a rate of speed he had never before -accomplished. This, however, did not alarm him; but, seeing that he -was leaving his companions behind, he thought he would slacken his -pace and wait for them to come up. He drew in the reins, but it had no -effect on the horse, which, looking back over his shoulder, as if -frightened at something that was pursuing him, bounded off faster than -ever. Taking a firmer hold of the reins, Frank pulled again with all -his strength, but to no purpose. Had he been at sea, in an open boat, -without rudder, sails, or oars, he could not have been more helpless -than he was at that moment. His horse, perfectly unmanageable, was -running away with him! In an instant, the thought flashed through -Frank's mind, that he was in the very position the trapper had so -emphatically cautioned him to avoid. But still he was not frightened, -until he cast his eyes behind him, and, to his utter dismay, -discovered that the herd had closed in on all sides of him. Around his -horse was a clear space of perhaps a hundred yards in diameter, which -was slowly but surely growing smaller, as the frightened animals -pressed and crowded against each other. On every side he saw a mass of -horns, and tails, and shaggy shoulders, which, like a wall, shut him -away from his companions. Away off to the right, he saw the trappers, -Archie, and Mr. Winters, no longer pursuing the game, but gazing after -him, and throwing their arms wildly about. If they shouted, Frank did -not hear what they said, for the noise of that multitude of hoofs -would have drowned the roar of Niagara. They could not assist him, -neither could he help himself. That very morning the trapper had told -him of seeing a man trampled to death by a herd of buffaloes, and now -a similar fate was in store for himself. The appalling thought seemed -to deprive him of the last particle of strength, for he reeled in his -saddle, and only caught the mane of his horse just in time to save -himself from falling to the ground. But, as was always the case with -Frank, when placed in situations of extreme danger, this burst of -weakness quickly passed. While he had life, he could not relinquish -all hope of being able to bring himself safely out of even this, the -most perilous position in which he had ever found himself. He could -determine upon no particular plan for escape, so long as he was -surrounded by those frantic buffaloes. The only course he could pursue -was to compel Pete to keep pace with the herd. But this plan did not -place him out of the reach of danger. He knew that buffaloes, when -stampeded, turn aside for nothing. Neither hills nor rivers check -their mad flight, and any living thing that stands in their way is -trampled to death. Even the exhausted members of the herd, unable to -keep pace with the others, are borne down and crushed to a jelly. They -neither seem to hear or see any thing; all their senses being merged -into the desire to get as far as possible from the object that has -excited their alarm; and they seldom stop until completely exhausted. - -Frank knew this, and the question that arose in his mind was, "How -long could his horse stand that rapid gallop?" He appeared to be as -thoroughly frightened as the buffaloes, and it was not at all probable -he would show any inclination to stop, so long as he saw that shaggy -mass behind him, or could hear the noise of their hoofs, which sounded -like the rumbling of an immense cataract. The more he thought of his -critical situation, the firmer was his belief that there was but one -way open to him, and that was to keep ahead of the animals, which were -behind him. Having determined upon this, he again cast his eyes toward -the place where he had last seen his friends. They were gone, and -Frank was alone in the midst of that multitude of frantic buffaloes. - -When the trappers had discovered Frank's situation, they knew it was -out of their power to assist him. After following him a short -distance, in the vain hope of making him hear the words of advice and -encouragement which they sent after him with all the strength of their -lungs, they had fallen back out of sight. Dick had advised this -course, "Fur," said he, "the longer we foller 'em, the faster they'll -run. They won't stop till they're clean gin out. If the youngster -stays on his hoss, an' keeps ahead of 'em till they're a leetle over -their fright, he's all right." - -Dick, however, did not intend to leave his young companion altogether. -At his request, Archie gave up Sleepy Sam to him, and, after assuring -the others, who were in a state of intense excitement and alarm, that -he would certainly find Frank and bring him back safe, he rode off in -the direction the buffaloes had gone, while the rest of the party -returned to collect their game. - -Meanwhile, Pete, rendered frantic by the deafening noise, was carrying -Frank over the prairie at a terrific pace. The young hunter's alarm -had somewhat abated, and he appeared as calm as though he was merely -taking a ride for amusement; but his mind was exceedingly busy, and, -in a very short space of time, he lived over his whole life. He cast -frequent and anxious glances behind him, but could see no change for -the better in his situation. The buffaloes, as far as his eye could -reach, pushed and crowded against each other, apparently as frightened -as ever, but taking no notice whatever of the horseman in their midst. -The space around his horse was gradually growing smaller, which made -Frank shudder when he thought what the result would be if they should -close in upon him. - -One hour passed, and still the frightened herd dashed on, with the -frantic horse and his helpless rider in their midst, without, in the -least, slackening their pace. Pete was evidently in distress. That mad -gallop was telling on him severely; but, while those buffaloes were -behind him, all attempts to stop him would have been useless. Another -hour glided by, and, to his joy, Frank discovered that the animals -behind him were scattering, and that the line of his pursuers was -growing thinner. Those in front still ran as fast as ever--no doubt, -pushed onward by those behind them, while those in the extreme rear -were evidently getting over their fright. Frank looked again and -again, to satisfy himself that he was not mistaken, and he was -confident that, if his horse could hold out half an hour longer, the -buffaloes, slowly dividing right and left, would leave a way of escape -open to him. The minutes seemed lengthened into hours; but his -pursuers were now rapidly taking up their places on the flanks of the -herd, and, in a short time, not a buffalo was to be seen behind him. - -Again Frank pulled the reins, and Pete, almost exhausted, and no -longer hearing that terrific noise behind him, willingly stopped. -Frank, filled with gratitude for his escape, threw himself from the -saddle, just as the last of the buffaloes were disappearing over a -neighboring swell. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -A Night among the Wolves. - - -It would be impossible to describe Frank's feelings, as he stood -there, holding his panting, reeking horse, and listening to that -rumbling sound, which grew fainter and fainter, as the buffaloes -dashed on their way. Now that the danger of being trampled to death -was passed, he did not stop to think of what was still before him. He -cared not that he was forty miles from the old bear's hole, and that, -in three hours, the sun would be down, and he compelled to pass the -night alone on the prairie. All thoughts of what he knew he must -endure before he reached the camp were swallowed up in thankfulness -that he had been able to bring himself safely out of the most -dangerous position in which he had ever been placed. - -In a few moments the last of the buffaloes had passed out of hearing, -and Frank then turned his attention to his horse. - -Pete looked very unlike the sleek, spirited animal of which he had -been so proud. He was reeking with sweat, panting loudly, and was -evidently very nearly exhausted. Had he been obliged to carry his -rider a few miles further, Frank might have been compelled to find his -way back to camp on foot. Pete was also very much in need of water; -and now that the danger was over, Frank found that he, too, was very -thirsty. During his excitement and alarm he had not thought of it; but -now that he was able to think calmly, he decided that his first care -should be to find a stream of water, where he might quench his thirst. - -After reloading his rifle and revolvers, he again took Pete by the -bridle and led him in the direction of the mountains, which, as near -as he could judge, were twenty miles distant. Although he was most -anxious to reach them before night, in hopes that he might find the -trapper, (for he knew that Dick would not rest easy until he had found -him,) he could not bear the thought of riding his horse while he was -in such distress. - -At length he reached the top of a swell, when he paused to look about -him. On his right hand, about a mile distant, as he judged, he saw a -long line of willows, which (so the trappers had told him) were a sure -sign of water. Toward the willows, then, he directed his course, in -hopes that his horse, when he had quenched his thirst and eaten a few -mouthfuls of grass, would be in a condition to travel. But he soon -found that it was more than a mile to the willows--it was five times -that distance--and it was about an hour before sunset when Frank -reached the stream, and, kneeling down on the bank, took a long, -refreshing drink. Here he had a most lively battle with Pete. The -horse was stubborn, and when he had determined upon a course, it -required considerable persuasion to induce him to abandon it. He -wanted to drink his fill of the water at once, to which Frank -objected; and it was not until Pete had received several severe blows -from a branch that his master cut from one of the willows, that he -allowed himself to be led out of the stream. Frank then tied him to a -tree, removed the saddle, and threw himself on the ground to determine -upon his future movements. He was tired and hungry; he did not like -the idea of camping on the prairie alone, but he could see no way to -avoid it. Then he thought of the trapper, and walked out on the -prairie to look for him. But Dick was nowhere to be seen. Had Frank -remained where he had escaped from the buffaloes, he would then have -been in the company of his friend, for the trapper was at that moment -standing on the top of the very swell, where Frank had stood when he -first discovered the willows. Useless sat by his side, looking up into -his master's face, and whining as if he, too, wondered what had become -of the object of their search. Seeing no signs of Frank, Dick -concluded that he was still among the buffaloes, so he kept on after -them, now and then shaking his head and muttering--"The keerless -feller. It beats all natur' how that hoss of his'n traveled." But -Frank did not know that Dick was so near him, and, after waiting -nearly an hour for him to make his appearance, he returned to the -willows, and sat about making his preparations for the night. He first -selected a suitable spot for a camp, and, after gathering a few dry -branches and lighting a fire with a flint and steel he found in -Archie's haversack, he took his rifle and walked along the bank of -the creek to find something for his supper. He generally took great -pleasure in a hunt, but there was no sport in this one, for he could -not help thinking of his recent adventure with the grizzly. What if he -should meet one of those animals? He could not hope for assistance -from the trapper. He had no one to depend upon but himself. He had -always had great confidence in his skill as a marksman, but he had -never wished for an opportunity to try it on a grizzly bear. If there -were any of those animals among the willows, he did not encounter -them, and, in fact, the woods did not appear to abound in game of any -kind. The only living thing he discovered was a raccoon crossing the -creek on a log just ahead of him. - -Frank, knowing that he was working for his supper, made a good shot, -and when he shouldered the 'coon and started for his camp, he felt -relieved to know that he was not compelled to pass the night hungry. -He had often heard that the flesh of the 'coon was excellent, and he -found it was so; whether it was because he was hungry, or because the -meat was really good, he could not decide; but at any rate, he ate -nearly half the 'coon, and hung the remainder upon a limb to save it -for his breakfast. Then, after gathering a supply of firewood, -sufficient to last all night, he again walked out on the prairie to -look for the trapper. But he was not in sight; and when it began to -grow dark, Frank returned to his camp, feeling rather lonesome. After -he had hobbled Pete, (which he did by tying one end of his halter -around his neck, and the other to one of his fore legs,) and turned -him loose to graze, he seated himself by the fire, and heartily wished -it was morning. - -There was nothing pleasant in the thought that he was obliged to pass -the night alone. He had often camped out, but he was not accustomed to -living in such a wilderness. Had Dick been with him, he would have -slept as soundly as he ever did at home; but, as it was, there was no -probability of his enjoying a good night's rest. It grew dark rapidly, -and the prairie, so deserted and still in the day-time, now seemed to -be crowded with wolves. He had heard them every night since he had -been on the plains, but he had never listened to such a chorus as -saluted his ears that evening. The fact was, they had been attracted -by a buffalo that lay but a short distance from Frank's camp. It had -been wounded by the hunters in the morning, and, becoming separated -from the herd, had come to the creek for water, and died. Frank knew -that the wolves had found something, for he could hear them growling -and fighting over their meal. Suddenly they all set up a howl, and -took to their heels. They did not go far, however, but appeared to be -running in circles about their prey, as if they had been driven away -by some larger animal. Frank was not pleased with his neighbors, and -did not feel at all inclined to go to sleep. He sat before his fire, -with his rifle across his knees, and his revolvers close at hand, -sincerely hoping that the wolves would not approach his camp. For two -hours he remained in this position, and finally, becoming more -accustomed to the howls of the wolves, he leaned against a tree, and -was fast losing all consciousness of what was going on around him, -when he was aroused by his horse, which came snorting through the -willows, and did not stop until he had placed himself close to his -master for protection. This alarmed Frank, who, remembering how Pete -had acted the day before, was certain that there was a grizzly bear -prowling about his camp; and, fearful that his horse, if left to -himself, would run away, he slipped the bridle over his head, and -tied him securely to a tree. While thus engaged, he heard a slight -noise in the bushes, as if some heavy animal was endeavoring to pass -carefully through them. This continued for half an hour, during which -the animal, whatever it was, walked entirely around his camp. This -tried Frank's nerves severely. To sit there, in those woods, and -listen to some animal walking about, perhaps watching for an -opportunity to spring upon him, was almost as bad as facing a grizzly. -Again and again the animal made the circuit of the camp, and presently -Frank saw a pair of eyes, that looked like two coals of fire, glaring -at him through the darkness. Should he fire at the animal? If it was a -grizzly, and the wound should not prove fatal, his life would not be -worth a moment's purchase. There might be bushes between him and the -beast, that would glance the ball, or his hand might prove unsteady. -It was a risk he did not like to take; but he could try the effect of -fire on him. So, catching up a brand, he threw it at the eyes, which -instantly disappeared. - -During the livelong night did Frank sit by the fire, holding his rifle -in his hands, now and then caressing his horse, which stood close -beside him, trembling with fear; while, at regular intervals, he heard -a rustling in the willows, which told him that his enemy was still on -the watch. - -But all things have an end. At length, to Frank's immense relief, day -began to dawn. As soon as he could distinctly discern the nearest -objects, he again hobbled his horse, and, after turning him loose to -graze, began to prepare his breakfast. After he had cooked and eaten -the last vestige of the 'coon, he saddled Pete, and, turning his back -upon the place where he had passed a most uncomfortable night, set out -toward the mountains. - -About the same hour, the trapper arose from the prairie, where he had -made his camp, and where he had slept soundly, in spite of the howling -of the wolves, and, mounting Sleepy Sam, began to follow up the trail -of the buffaloes. Each was looking for the other, and both were -traveling in exactly opposite directions. - -Frank had a long ride before him, and it was monotonous and tiresome. -Pete appeared to have fully recovered from the effects of his long -run, for he carried his rider at a rapid pace; but, at sunset, Frank -had not reached the mountains. He could not bear the thought of -camping on that bare prairie, where he could have no fire, and he -resolved to ride until he reached the timber at the base of the -mountains, if it took him until midnight. Darkness settled down over -the prairie, and, a short time afterward, he reached the woods. As he -rode slowly along, in the hope of discovering some stream, on the -banks of which he could camp, he saw a light shining through the -trees. A second look showed him that it was a camp-fire. No doubt he -would find Dick there. Without hesitating an instant, he put spurs to -his horse, and rode up in full view of the fire, around which he saw -four men lying on their blankets. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -Frank's New Acquaintances. - - -Frank's sudden appearance created considerable of a commotion in the -camp, for the men sprang to their feet and reached rather hurriedly -for their weapons. They were evidently alarmed; and Frank was a good -deal surprised thereat, for he had not dreamed that men accustomed to -the dangers of the prairie--as these undoubtedly were--could be -frightened at the sudden approach of a single bewildered horseman. He, -however, rode straight up to the fire, where the men stood with their -rifles in their hands, and exclaimed, as he dismounted from his horse: - -"Good evening, gentlemen!" - -His politeness did not serve to allay the fears of the men, for they -regarded him sharply for a moment, and then one of them asked, in a -voice that somewhat resembled the growl of an enraged bear: - -"What do you want?" - -"I am lost," replied Frank. "My horse was stampeded with a herd of -buffaloes, and I am now making the best of my way back to my friends." - -The man slowly surveyed him from head to foot, and then answered, in a -tone of voice which showed that he did not believe Frank's statement: - -"Lost! Lost, aint ye? Wal, what in tarnation are ye lost fur? Why -don't ye go whar ye b'long?" - -"That's what I want to do!" replied Frank, who, astonished at the -manner in which he was received, and fearful that he would be -compelled to pass another night alone on the prairie, did not notice -the sly, meaning glances which the men exchanged. "I am trying to find -my friends. I left them at the 'old bear's hole,' if you know where -that is." - -This statement was received with something like a long breath of -relief by the trappers--for such they undoubtedly were--and the -spokesman continued: - -"Then, ye're sartin ye're lost, an' that ye aint got no friends -nigher nor the ole bar's hole? Who war ye travelin' with? Who's yer -comp'ny?" - -"Dick Lewis and old Bob Kelly," replied Frank, mentioning the names of -the guides, with the hope that some of his new acquaintances might -know them; nor was the hope a vain one, for the trappers repeated the -names, and again exchanged those sly glances, which Frank noticed but -could not understand: - -"So ole Bob is yer comp'ny," said his questioner, at length; "an' -ye're sartin ye left him at the ole bar's hole! Then, ye won't be -likely to set eyes on him to-night, 'cause the bar's hole ar' a good -fifty mile from here, an', if ye're actooally an' sartinly lost, ye -aint no ways likely to find it in the dark." - -The trapper was evidently forgetting his fears and recovering his good -nature--if he possessed that quality--for, as he resumed his seat at -the fire, he continued, in a somewhat milder tone: - -"If yer hoss war stampeded, stranger, he must be powerful lively on -his legs to have tuk ye so fur; but, I reckon, ye must be travelin' a -leetle out of yer latitude. It aint often that a feller meets a -teetotal stranger in these parts what says he's lost, an' we don't -like to take in every one as comes along; but, if so be that ye are a -friend of Dick an' ole Bob, ye can hobble yer hoss an' camp here with -us. Ye can sleep by our fire to-night, an' in the mornin' we'll set -yer on the right track." - -Frank gladly complied with this invitation, and, after relieving his -horse of the saddle, he seated himself at the fire, and began to make -a close examination of his new acquaintances. They were all large, -muscular men, and were dressed in complete suits of buckskin, which -were very ragged and dirty. Their faces were almost covered with -thick, bushy whiskers, and their hair, which, judging by its tangled -appearance, had never been made acquainted with a comb, hung down to -their shoulders. The man who had acted the part of spokesman, was -particularly noticeable, being more ragged and dirty than his -companions, and his face, which bore several ugly scars, was almost as -black as a negro's. - -In short, they were a very ferocious looking set, and Frank almost -wished he had remained on the prairie instead of coming to their camp. -But, after all, he might be very much mistaken in his men. It was not -to be expected that persons of their calling, who had no doubt lived -on the prairie from boyhood, who had been exposed to all kinds of -weather, and braved innumerable dangers, it could not be expected that -such men should always present a neat appearance. Beneath their rough -exterior there might be hidden the warmest of hearts. And as for their -reception of him, they had doubtless treated him as they treated every -stranger they met on the prairie--on the principle, "Believe every man -an enemy, until he proves himself otherwise." - -While these thoughts were passing through Frank's mind, the trappers -had been regarding him closely and with evident curiosity. - -The result of their examination appeared to be satisfactory, for the -spokesman presently remarked: - -"It's plain, stranger, that yer out of yer callin'. Ye don't b'long on -the prairy. Yer from the States, we take it." - -Frank replied that he was, and then proceeded to give the trappers an -account of the circumstances that had brought him to the prairie, and -also told how he had made the acquaintance of Dick and old Bob; to all -of which the men listened eagerly, now and then exchanging the same -sly glances that Frank had before noticed. When he had finished his -story, the swarthy trapper arose to his feet, and, going to a tree -close by, took down a piece of buffalo meat, from which he cut several -slices that he placed on the coals, remarking as he did so: - -"Whenever we do meet a stranger in these parts, an' he turns out to be -the right kind of a chap, we allers treat him as handsome as we know -how. We can't offer you anything more'n a chunk of buffaler hump, but -sich as we have yer welcome to." - -The offer was evidently made in all sincerity, and if Frank still -entertained any fears that the men were not what they should be, he -speedily dismissed them, and again blessed his lucky stars that he was -not compelled to pass another night alone on the prairie. - -While his supper was cooking, he was again plied with questions, the -most of them relating to the movements of old Bob; and especially did -the trappers seem anxious to learn where he was going, and what he -intended to do when he returned from California. Frank answered these -questions as well as he could, and his replies seemed to satisfy the -men, one of whom finally changed the subject of the conversation, by -remarking: - -"I'll allow that's a fine shootin' iron of your'n, stranger, but it's -a new-fangled consarn, I should say." - -Frank, it will be remembered, had Archie's rifle, which, being a -breech-loading weapon, was something the trappers had never seen -before, and it required considerable explanation to enable them to -understand "how the consarn worked." - -From his rifle they went to the other articles of his "kit." The -contents of his haversack were examined, the qualities of his -hunting-knife and revolvers discussed, and then they turned their -attention to his horse--made inquiries concerning his speed and -bottom, until, weary with their questioning, they stretched themselves -out by the fire and went to sleep. - -After eating his supper, Frank followed their example; and, being -completely exhausted, having scarcely closed his eyes during the -preceding night, he slept soundly until morning. - -When he awoke it was just daylight. The trappers had already arisen; -the fire had been replenished, and several slices of meat were -broiling on the coals. - -They hardly noticed Frank; the only reply his polite greetings -received, being a sort of grunt and a slight nod of the head. After -washing his hands and face in the creek that ran close by--a -proceeding which the trappers regarded with undisguised contempt--he -seated himself at the fire with the others and began helping himself -to the meat, at the same time inquiring the way to the old bear's -hole. - -"That ar' is the way, stranger," replied the swarthy trapper, pointing -in a direction exactly contrary to the one Frank had pursued the day -before; "an', as I told ye last night, it's nigh on to fifty miles -off." - -After this, they again relapsed into silence, and as soon as they had -finished their breakfast, went out to catch their horses. Frank -accompanied them; all his old fears that there was something wrong, -revived with redoubled force, and he was anxious to leave the company -of his new acquaintances as soon as possible. When he had caught and -saddled Pete, he left him standing for a few moments, until he secured -his rifle and haversack, and when he turned to mount, he saw one of -the trappers seize the horse by the bridle and spring into the saddle. -Frank gazed in surprise at these movements, but before he could speak, -the swarthy trapper turned suddenly upon him, exclaiming: - -"Look a here, stranger! Ye come here last night without nobody's -askin' ye, an' tells us some kind of a story 'bout yer bein' lost, an' -all that. Now, mebbe yer all right, an' mebbe ye aint. Ye may have -friends no great way off, that ye kalkerlate to bring down on us; but -ye can't ketch old foxes like us in no sich trap as that ar'. We're -jest goin' to take yer hoss to keep yer from findin' yer friends ag'in -in a hurry. Yer young fur sich bisness as this yere, an' if ye didn't -look so mighty innercent, I'd split yer wizzen fur ye. So now be off -to onct, an' don't never cross our trail ag'in. If ye do--" The -trapper finished the sentence by shaking his head threateningly. - -Frank listened to this speech in utter bewilderment. He could scarcely -believe his ears. But it was plain that the trappers were in earnest, -for the one who had mounted Pete held his own horse by the bridle, in -readiness to start. He fully realized his helpless situation, and it -almost overpowered him. But, at length, he found courage to say: - -"You are certainly mistaken. I _am_ lost. I don't know where to go to -find my friends, and, if you take my horse from me, I may never find -them again. Besides, what is your object in robbing me?" - -"Wal, now, stranger," said the trapper, dropping the butt of his rifle -to the ground, and leaning upon the muzzle of the weapon, "we jest -aint a goin' to stand no foolin'. We b'lieve yer a spy, an' ar' goin' -to bring Bob Kelly an' the rest of yer friends down on us. That's jest -what's the matter. The prairy is cl'ar, thar aint no Injuns to -massacree ye; ye have a good pair of legs, so trot off on 'em to onct. -Ye can be glad enough that we didn't tie ye up to a tree, an' leave ye -to the wolves. If ole Kelly could get his hands on us, we'd be used a -heap wusser nor robbin', an' you know it well enough. An' when ye see -the ole chap, ye can tell him that the next time he wants to try to -ketch Black Bill, he'll have to get up a better trick nor this yere. -Come, now, mizzle--sally out to onct--an' don't stop to talk, 'cause -it won't do no arthly good whatsomever. Yer hoss is gone--that's -settled--an', if yer shootin' iron were any 'count, we'd a tuk that -too. We've left ye three loads, an' that'll kill game enough to do ye -till ye find yer friends. Come, walk off--make yourself skeerce, -sudden." - -There was a wicked, determined look in the trapper's eye that told -Frank that he was in earnest; and, fully convinced that it would be -useless to remonstrate, and fearful that if he did not obey the order, -the man would fulfill his threat of tying him to a tree, and leaving -him to the mercy of the wolves, he shouldered his rifle, and, with a -heavy heart, set off on his journey. - -When he reached the top of a high swell, about half a mile from the -camp, he looked back, and saw the trappers riding off at a rapid -gallop, Pete playing and prancing with his new rider as if he was -perfectly satisfied with the change. Frank watched them as long as -they remained in sight, and then, throwing himself on the ground, -covered his face with his hands, and gave away to the most bitter -thoughts. What could have induced the trappers to act so -treacherously? Did they really suspect him of being a spy, or was that -merely an excuse to rob him in his defenseless situation? The whole -transaction was involved in a mystery he could not fathom, nor was it -at all probable that he could arrive at a solution until he should see -Dick or old Bob Kelly. Would he ever see them again, was a question he -dare not ask himself. The chances were certainly not in his favor, -situated as he was, alone, in the midst of an unbroken wilderness, the -prairie stretching away, on one hand, as far as his eye could reach, -the Rocky Mountains looming up on the other. But he was not one to -look altogether upon the dark side of the picture. It had a bright -side as well, and he found that he had reason to congratulate himself -that the outlaws--for such he now knew them to be--had let him off so -easily. What if they had left him bound to a tree, as they had -threatened? The chances were not one in a hundred that he would ever -have been released. Although his horse had been taken from him, he had -been allowed to go free, and to retain his rifle and hunting-knife. -Yes, his situation might have been infinitely worse. He still had much -to be grateful for, and, as long as he had life, he would cherish the -hope of being able to find his way to his friends. As these thoughts -passed through his mind, they brought renewed strength and -determination, and, rising to his feet, he again set out at a brisk -walk. - -He remembered that the outlaws had told him that, in order to reach -the old bear's hole, he must travel in a direction exactly opposite to -the one he was pursuing; but he had good reason to believe that they -had endeavored to mislead him. When he took his involuntary ride, he -was careful to remember the points of the compass, and, as Pete had -carried him exactly south, of course, in order to reach his friends, -he must travel north. He had no compass, but the sun was just rising, -and he was able to calculate all the points from that. Having settled -this to his satisfaction, he began an examination of his haversack, -and found that its contents had been thoroughly overhauled--no doubt -while he was asleep--and that the outlaws had left him three -cartridges for his rifle, and his flint and steel. All the other -articles, which consisted of several rounds of ammunition for his -revolvers (which had gone off with his horse), stone arrow-heads, -spear-heads, the claws of the bear that Dick had killed in the cave, -and numerous other relics which Archie had collected since leaving St. -Joseph, had all been abstracted. - -In spite of his unpleasant situation, Frank could not repress a smile, -when he thought how indignant his cousin would be, when he received an -account of his losses. Having completed his examination, and placed -his remaining cartridges carefully away in his pocket, he resumed his -journey, and, just as he reached the top of a swell, he discovered a -horseman galloping rapidly along the edge of the willows that fringed -the base of the mountains. The thought that he saw something familiar, -about both the horse and his rider, had scarcely passed through -Frank's mind, when he was electrified by the sight of a large brindle -dog, which ran in and out of the bushes, with his nose close to the -ground, now and then uttering an impatient bark, which was answered by -yells of encouragement from the horseman. There was no mistaking that -yell, and Frank ran down the swell, swinging his hat, and endeavoring -to attract the attention of the man with a voice which, in his -excitement, he could scarcely raise above a whisper. But he was -discovered. Both dog and horseman turned toward him, and, a moment -afterward, Frank had one arm around the neck of Useless, and his hand -was inclosed in the trapper's vice-like grasp. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -The Trader's Expedition. - - -"Dick," exclaimed Frank, as soon as he could speak, "this is the -second time you have found me when lost; but I wish you had come a -little sooner, for--" - -"You keerless feller!" interrupted the trapper, who knew in a moment -that there was something wrong, "you teetotally keerless feller! -whar's your hoss? Tell me, to onct, what's come on him." - -"He was stolen from me," answered Frank. "I camped last night about -two miles from here, with a party of trappers, and they robbed me." - -"Did!" exclaimed Dick. "Bar and buffaler! who war they? They warn't no -trappers, I can tell ye, if they done that ar' mean trick. Tell me all -about it to onct." - -Frank then proceeded to relate all that had transpired at the camp; -told how closely the men had questioned him concerning the intended -movements of old Bob; repeated all the threats which the outlaw had -made, and concluded his narrative with saying: - -"He told me that when I saw old Bob again, I could say to him, that -the next time he wanted to catch Black Bill, he--" - -"Black Bill!" almost yelled the trapper. "Black Bill! That ar' tells -the hul story. The scoundrel had better steer cl'ar of me an' old Bob, -'cause I'm Bob's chum now, an' any harm that's done to him is done to -me too. I can tell you, you keerless feller, you oughter be mighty -glad that you aint rubbed out altogether." - -"I begin to think so too," replied Frank; "but, Dick, I want my -horse." - -"Wal, then, you'll have to wait till he comes to you, or till them ar' -fellers git ready to fetch him back. 'Taint no 'arthly use to foller -'em, 'cause they'll be sartin to put a good stretch of country atween -them an' ole Bob afore they stop. Your hoss ar' teetotally gone, -youngster--that's as true as gospel. I tell you ag'in, 'taint every -one that Black Bill let's off so easy. Climb up behind me, an' let's -travel back to the ole bar's hole." - -Frank handed his rifle to his companion, mounted Sleepy Sam, and the -trappers drove toward the camp, slowly and thoughtfully. For nearly an -hour they rode along without speaking to each other. Dick, -occasionally shaking his head and muttering "Bar an' buffaler--you -_keerless_ feller." But at length he straitened up in the saddle, and -holding his heavy rifle at arm's length, exclaimed: - -"Youngster, I don't own much of this world's plunder, an' what's more, -I never expect to. But what little I have got is of use to me, an' -without it I should soon starve. But I'd give it all up sooner nor -sleep in a camp with Black Bill an' his band of rascals. I'd fight 'em -now if I should meet 'em, an' be glad of the chance; but thar's a heap -of difference atween goin' under, in a fair skrimmage, an' bein' -rubbed out while you ar' asleep. Durin' the forty year I've been -knocked about, I've faced a'most every kind of danger from wild Injuns -an' varmints, an' I never onct flinched--till I rid on them steam -railroads--but, youngster, I wouldn't do what you done last night fur -nothin'. Howsomever, the danger's all over now, an' you have come out -with a hul skin; so tell me what you done while you war lost." - -The manner in which the trapper spoke of the danger through which he -had passed, frightened Frank exceedingly. He knew that Dick was as -brave as a man could possibly be, and the thought that he had -unconsciously exposed himself to peril that the reckless trapper would -shrink from encountering, occasioned feelings of terror, which could -not be quieted even by the knowledge that he had passed the ordeal -with safety; and when, in compliance with the guide's request, he -proceeded to relate his adventures, it was with a trembling voice, -that could not fail to attract the trapper's attention. - -"I don't wonder you're skeered," said he, as Frank finished his story. -"It would skeer a'most any body. But it's over, now, an' it aint no -ways likely you'll ever meet 'em ag'in. Me an' ole Bob will see 'em -some day, an' when we settle with 'em, we will be sartin to take out -pay fur that hoss. When we git to camp Bob'll tell you how he happens -to owe Black Bill a settlement. When we seed you goin' off in that ar' -way," continued the trapper, turning around in his saddle so as to -face Frank, "we didn't feel no ways skeery 'bout your comin' back all -right, if you got away from the buffalers. Your uncle said, 'In course -the boy has got sense enough to see that the mountains now ar' on his -right hand, an' to know that when he wants to come back, he must keep -them on his left hand;' an' jest afore he went to sleep, I heered him -say to ole Bob, 'I wonder how Frank is gettin' on without his -blanket.' Your little cousin said, 'I hope he'll fetch back my rifle, -an' my possible-sack, an' the things what's in it, all right, 'cause I -should hate to lose them Injun's top-knots.' I guess he won't laugh -none, when he finds out that all them stone arrer-heads, an' -spear-heads, an' other fixin's ar' gone. Ole Bob, he knowed, too, that -you would turn up all right if you could keep on your hoss till he -stopped. But, bar and buffaler! we didn't think you war goin' to camp -with that varlet, Black Bill. If we had, thar wouldn't have been much -sleepin' done in our camp last night." - -Having thus assured Frank that his friends had entertained no fears of -his ability to find his way back to the wagon, the trapper again -alluded to the subject of the robbery, obliging his young companion to -relate the particulars over and over again, each time expressing his -astonishment and indignation in no very measured terms. In this way -they passed the fifteen miles that lay between them and the camp, and -finally arrived within sight of the "ole bar's hole." - -Mr. Winters, Archie, and Bob were seated on the ground near the wagon, -but when they discovered the trapper riding toward them with Frank -mounted behind him, they rose to their feet in surprise, and Archie -inquired, as he grasped his cousin's hand-- - -"Did your horse run himself to death?" - -Before Frank could answer, Dick sprang from the saddle, exclaiming: - -"Bob! Black Bill's on the prairy." - -"Black Bill on the prairy!" repeated the old man, slowly, regarding -his friend as if he was hardly prepared to believe what he had heard. - -"Yes, he ar' on this yere very prairy," replied Dick; "an', Bob," he -continued, stretching his brawny arms to their fullest extent in front -of him, and clenching his huge fists, "an', Bob, that ar' keerless -feller actooally camped with him an' his rascally chums, last night. -Yes, sir, staid in their camp an' slept thar, an' this mornin' they -said as how he war a spy of your'n, sent to ketch 'em; so they stole -his hoss." - -Old Bob was so astonished at this intelligence, that he almost leaped -from the ground; while Dick, without allowing the excited listeners an -opportunity to ask a question, seated himself beside Mr. Winters and -proceeded to give a full account of all that had transpired at Black -Bill's camp; during which, Archie, surprised and indignant at the -treatment his cousin had received, learned that he also had been a -heavy loser by the operation. All his beloved relics were gone. But -they still had miles of Indian country to traverse, and these could be -replaced; while Frank, in being robbed of his horse had sustained a -loss that could not be made good. Archie was generous; and, declaring -that he had ridden on horseback until he was actually tired of it, -told his cousin to consider Sleepy Sam as his own property, an offer -which the latter emphatically refused to accept. - -"Never mind, youngster," said old Bob, who had listened to all that -had passed between the cousins, "never mind. You shan't lose nothin' -by bein' robbed by that varlet. Me an' Dick will put you on hossback -ag'in afore you're two days older. But this yere shows you that you -oughtn't to make friends with every feller you meet on the prairy, no -more'n you would in a big city. Now if you war lost in the -settlements, and didn't know whar to go to find your hum, you would -think twice afore you would camp with a teetotal stranger, an' a -feller oughter do the same thing on the prairy. I larnt that long ago, -an' through that same feller, Black Bill. Years ago, when Dick's old -man war alive, it warn't so. If a feller got a leetle out of his -reckonin', an' walked into a stranger's camp, he could roll himself up -in his blanket an' sleep as safe an' sound as he could any whar, an' -neither man warn't afraid that the other would rub him out afore -daylight. But it aint so now. Them fellers in the settlements got to -doin' meanness, an' run here to git cl'ar of the laws. But they found -thar war law here too; an' when they done any of their badness, an' we -got our hands on 'em, we made short work with 'em. But they kept -comin' in fast, and when three or four of 'em got together, they would -take to the mountains, an' thar warn't no use tryin' to ketch 'em. -When we seed how things war agoin', a lot of us ole trappers, that had -knowed each other fur years, made up a comp'ny. We had to do it to -defend ourselves ag'in them varlets, fur it soon got so it warn't -healthy fur a lone man on the prairy, if he had any plunder wuth -baggin'. We stuck together till that Saskatchewan scrape, an' now me -an' Dick ar' the only ones left. I don't say that we're the only -honest trappers agoin', 'cause that aint so. Thar ar' plenty of good -ones left; but we ar' the last of our comp'ny, an', somehow, we don't -keer 'bout trappin' with strangers. - -"Wal, one spring we went to the fort to trade off the spelter we had -ketched durin' the winter, an' the trader we sold 'em to, war makin' -up a comp'ny to go to the head waters of the Missouri. He war goin' -with his expedition, an' he wanted us to go too. He offered us good -pay; he would find us we'pons, hosses, traps, and provender fur -nothin', an' buy our furs to boot. He done this 'cause thar war a good -many traders workin' ag'in him, an' he wanted to be sartin of gittin' -all the furs we trapped. We had a leetle talk among ourselves about -it, an', finally, told him that it war a bargain, an' that we would -go. So he writ down our names, an' we tuk up our quarters in the fort -till the day come to start. The trader's name war Forbes, an' as he -war our boss, we used to call him Cap'n Forbes. He warn't jest the -kind of a man a feller would take to be a trader--he smelt too much of -the settlements--an' even at the fort, among rough trappers an' -soldiers, he would spruce up an' strut like a turkey. 'Sides, he had a -nigger to wait on him an' take keer of his hoss. As I war sayin', we -noticed all these things, but we didn't keer fur 'em, fur, in course, -it warn't none of our consarn; all we wanted war fur him to pay us fur -the spelter we ketched, an' we knowed he could do that, fur the -fellers all said he had a big pile of gold an' silver that he carried -in his saddle-bags. - -"Wal, we packed our blankets an' we'pons down to the quarters the -cap'n pointed out, an' when we got thar, we found he had half a dozen -chaps down 'sides ourselves. We knowed one or two of 'em, (an' we -didn't know nothin' good of 'em neither,) but the others war strangers -to us. Among the strangers war Black Bill--Bosh Peters he said his -name war. He war a'most as black as the cap'n's darkey, an' thar war a -bad look in his eye that none of us didn't like. An' him an' his crowd -warn't at all pleased to see us neither; fur, although they met us -kind enough, asked us to help ourselves to their grub, an' inquired -'bout our luck in trappin', durin' the last season, thar war somethin' -'bout them that told us plainer nor words that they would have been -much better satisfied if we had stayed away. - -"It war a'most night when we went to the quarters, an' arter we had -eat our supper, we smoked our pipes, spread our blankets, an' went to -sleep. How long I slept I don't know; but I waked up sometime durin' -the night, an' thought I heered somebody talkin' in a low voice. I -listened, an', sure enough, thar war two fellers jest outside of the -quarters plannin' somethin'. I heered one of 'em ask: - -"'When shall we do it?' - -"'Time enough to think of that when we git to the mountains,' said the -other. - -"'But ar' you sartin' he's goin' to take it with him?' - -"'In course! I heered him say so!' - -"'Wal, then, it's all right. But we must be mighty keerful, 'cause our -boys don't like the looks of them last fellers that jined the comp'ny. -So keep a still tongue in your head.' They done some more plannin' and -talkin', but I couldn't hear what it war. Then they moved away in -different directions, an' purty quick somebody come into the quarters, -easy like, an' laid down on his blanket, but it war so dark I couldn't -see who it war. Wal, I thought the matter all over, an' soon made up -my mind that the varlets had been plannin' an' talkin' ag'in the -trader and his money-bags; but when I told the boys of it the next -mornin', they all laughed at me, an' said the cap'n warn't fool enough -to tote so much money to the mountains with him when he could leave it -at the fort, whar it would be safe. They told me I had better not -speak of it ag'in, fur if it got to the trader's ears, he might think -I war a greeny. Wal, I war quite a youngster, that's a fact; but it -warn't long afore it come out that I had more sense nor any of 'em." - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -The Outlaw's Escape. - - -"Before goin' further," continued the trapper, "I oughter tell you -that this Black Bill had been on the prairy a long time. Like a good -many others, he had run away from the law in the States, an', fallin' -in with more rascals as bad as he war, he soon made himself known, by -name, to nearly every trapper in the country. 'Sides robbin' lone men -he met on the prairy an' in the mountains, he would jine in with -Injuns, an' lead 'em ag'in wagon trains. - -"None of our comp'ny had ever seed him, although, in course, we had -often heered of him, an' we never onct thought that he would have the -face to jine in with a party of honest trappers; so we called him -Peters, bein' very fur from thinkin' that he war the feller that had -done so much mischief. If we _had_ knowed who he war, prairy law -wouldn't have let him live five minits. - -"Wal, arter we had been at the fort 'bout two weeks, Cap'n Forbes got -every thing ready fur the start, an', one mornin', bright an' 'arly, -we sot off t'wards the mountains. Thar war fourteen of us -altogether--seven of us fellers, five of Bosh Peters' party, the -trader, and his darkey. We had four pack mules; and, as the Cap'n -warn't a bit stingy, he had give us good we'pons an' plenty of powder -an' lead. I hadn't forgot what them two fellers said that night, -although I hadn't never spoke about it, fur fear of bein' laughed -at--an' I kept close watch on the trader, to find out if he had his -money with him. He carried a pair of saddle-bags, an' they were well -packed, too; but, judgin' by the keerless way he throwed them around, -when we camped fur the night, thar warn't no money in 'em. Bosh Peters -and his party had all along been tryin' to git on the right side of -us, and purty soon our fellers begun to think that we had been fooled -in 'em, an' that they war all right arter all. - -"Wal, when we reached the trappin' grounds, we built our quarters fur -the winter, an' then commenced work. The trader went with one feller -one day, an' with another the next. He warn't no trapper; but he liked -the sport, an' seemed to want to larn how it war done. But, arter -awhile he got tired of this, an' staid in the camp from mornin' till -night. He never went out with me; if he had, I should have told him to -keep his eye on them money-bags, if he had 'em with him. - -"One day, as I war at work settin' a trap in a clump of bushes that -grew on the banks of a little creek, I heered some fellers comin' -along, talkin' to each other. Now, jest that one little thing war -enough to make me b'lieve that thar war somethin' wrong in the wind, -'cause, when fellers go out to hunt an' trap, an' fur nothin' else, -they don't go together through the woods, as though they were huntin' -cows. So I sot still an' listened, an' purty quick heered Bosh Peters -talkin'. Thar war one feller with him, but the bushes war so thick I -couldn't see him, an' I didn't know his voice. They war comin' right -t'wards me, an' when they reached the creek, one of 'em went to get a -drink, an' the others sot down on a log not ten foot from me. Purty -soon I heered Bosh Peters say: - -"'I know it's time we war doin' somethin', Tom, but I'm a'most afraid -to try it. Them 'ar fellers are seven to our five, an' if we shouldn't -happen to get away, we would ketch prairy law, sartin; an' that's a -heap wusser nor law in the settlements. They don't give a feller a -chance to break jail on the prairy.' - -"'Black Bill,' said the other, 'thar's jest no use a talkin that 'ar -way. If we're a goin' to do it at all, now is jest as good a chance as -we shall have. The cap'n stays in the camp all day alone, an' afore -the other chaps get back to larn what's done, we can be miles in the -mountains.' - -"'Wal, then,' said Black Bill, 'let's do the job to onct. The cap'n -war in the camp this mornin' when I left, an' if he's thar this -arternoon, we'll finish him, an' the money-bags are ourn. But let's -move off; it won't do fur us to be seed together.' - -"The varlets walked away, an' I lay thar in them bushes fifteen -minutes afore I stirred. This war the fust time that I knowed Black -Bill war one of our comp'ny. To say that I war surprised to hear it, -wouldn't half tell how I felt. I war teetotally tuk back. The idee of -that feller comin' into our camp, when he knowed that if he war found -out, short work would be made with him! I could hardly b'lieve it. But -I couldn't lay thar, foolin' away time with such thoughts, when I -knowed that the cap'n's life war in danger. So, thinkin' the rascals -had got out of sight an' hearin', I crawled out of the bushes, -intendin' to start at onct fur the camp, an' tell the fellers what I -had jest heered. I walked down to the creek fust, to get a drink, an' -jest as I war bendin' over, I heered the crack of a rifle; a bullet -whistled by, not half an inch from my head, an' buried itself in the -ground. I jumped to my feet, an' lookin' up the bank, saw a leetle -smoke risin' from behind a log not twenty yards distant. Grabbin' my -rifle, which I had laid down as I war goin' to drink, I rushed acrost -the creek, an' the next minit war standin' face to face with Black -Bill. Fur an instant the chap shook like a leaf, an' turned as pale as -his black skin would let him. Then he seemed to find his wits ag'in, -fur he stuck out his hand, sayin': - -"'By gum, Bob Kelly! is that you? I'll be shot if I didn't take you -fur an Injun. I'm mighty glad I didn't hit you, Bob!' - -"'You can't blarney me, Black Bill,' said I. 'I know you;' an' as I -stood thar lookin' at the rascal, an' thought of all the badness he -had done, I had half a mind to shoot him. The way of it war, the -varlet kind o' thought that somebody had been listenin' to what he -said 'bout robbin' the cap'n, an' he had hid behind the log to watch. -When he seed me come out of the bushes, he knowed that I had heered -all that had been goin' on, an' he thought his best plan war to leave -me thar dead. But, although he warn't twenty yards off when he fired -at me, he missed me teetotally. Wal, when he seed that I knowed him, -an' that he couldn't fool me into b'lievin' that he tuk me fur an -Injun, he thought he would skeer me, so he growled: - -"'If you know me, Bob Kelly, you know a man that won't stand no -nonsense. I have friends not fur off, an' if you know any thing, -you'll travel on 'bout your own bisness.' - -"'Now, look a here, Black Bill,' said I, 'I haint never been in the -habit of standin' much nonsense, neither--leastways not from such -fellers as you, an' if you knowed me, you would know that I don't -skeer wuth a charge of gunpowder. That 'ar is the way to the camp, -an' if you want to live two minutes longer, you'll travel off to -onct.' Seein' that he didn't start, but that he stood eyein' me as if -he'd a good mind to walk into me, I stepped back, an' p'intin' my -rifle straight at his heart, said: 'I shan't tell you more'n onct more -that 'ar is the way to camp. You can go thar, or you can stay here fur -the wolves, jest as you please.' - -"I guess he seed that I war in 'arnest, fur he shouldered his empty -rifle, an' started through the woods, I follerin' close behind, ready -to drop him if he should run or show fight. I felt mighty on-easy -while travelin' through that timber, 'cause I knowed well enough that -the rascal had friends, an' if one of 'em should happen to see me -marchin' Black Bill off that 'ar way, he'd drop me, sartin. But I -reached the camp in safety, an' thar I found two of our own fellers, -an' four that I had allers thought war friends of Black Bill. They all -jumped up as we came in, fur they knowed by the way I looked that -somethin' war wrong, an' one of 'em said: - -"'What's Bosh Peters been a doin', Bob?' - -"'That aint no Bosh Peters,' said I; 'that 'ar chap is Black Bill.' - -"Now comes the funniest part of the hul bisness. Every trapper on the -prairy, as I told you, had heered of Black Bill, an' when I told 'em -that my prisoner war the very chap, an' that he had been layin' a plan -to rob the cap'n, I never seed sich a mad set of men in my life. - -"They all sot up a yell, an' one of 'em, that I would have swore war a -friend of Black Bill, drawed his knife, an' made at the varlet as if -he war goin' to rub him out to onct. But my chum, Ned Roberts, ketched -him, and tuk the we'pon away from him. This sot the feller to bilin', -and he rushed round the camp wusser nor a crazy man. He said that -Black Bill had shot his chum, an' that he war swore to kill him -wherever he found him; and he war goin' to do it, too. An' the fust -thing we knowed, he grabbed somebody's rifle, an' jumped back to shoot -the pris'ner. But he war ketched ag'in, afore he could fire, and then -he howled wusser nor ever. Wal, we tied Black Bill to a tree in the -camp, an' this feller kept slippin' round, with his tomahawk in his -hand, an' it tuk two men to get the we'pon away from him. - -"The chap tuk on so, that we all thought that he told the truth, but, -(would you believe it?) I arterwards larnt that he war the very same -chap that I had heered talkin' with Black Bill 'bout robbin' the -cap'n. He kind o' thought that we might know something ag'in him, an' -he carried on in that way to make us b'lieve that he war really an -enemy of Black Bill. In course we didn't know this at the time. If we -had, he'd soon been a pris'ner too. But, supposin' him to be tellin' -the gospel truth, we felt sorry fur him, an' promised that Black Bill -shouldn't ever be let loose to do meanness ag'in. While the fuss war -goin on, the trader come out; an' when we told him what happened--how -the pris'ner an' one of his friends, that we didn't know, had been -layin' a plan to do robbery an' killin'; an' that the chap he called -Bosh Peters war none other than Black Bill the outlaw--I never seed a -man so tuk back in my life. It skeered him purty bad. He had allers -looked upon Black Bill as one of the honestest men in the expedition; -an', when he found that he war a traitor, he didn't know who to trust; -an' he tuk mighty good keer not to be alone durin' the rest of the -arternoon. - -"Wal, when it growed dark, the fellers began to come in from their -day's work, some loaded with furs, an' others with a piece of bar or -big-horn, which they had knocked over for supper. As fast as they come -in, we told 'em what war up, an' they didn't take it very easy, now, I -tell you. - -"The idee that Black Bill, arter doin' so much badness--robbin' lone -trappers an' leadin' wild Injuns ag'in wagon trains--should come into -one of our forts, an' stick his name down with those of honest, -hard-workin' trappers, when he knowed that every one of 'em had plenty -ag'in him, I say it war hard to b'lieve. But thar he war, tied to a -tree, an', when the boys come to look at him close, they wondered that -they hadn't knowed afore that he war a villain. - -"Wal, we waited a long time for all of our fellers to come in; but -thar war three of us missin', an' that war the only thing that saved -Black Bill. We didn't want to pass sentence on him without lettin' all -the boys have a chance to say somethin'; an' as they might come in -some time durin' the night, we thought we would keep the varlet till -morning. So we tied him, hand an' foot, and laid him away in one of -the cabins. The cap'n's darkey made him a bed of hemlock boughs, an' -laid him on it, abusin' him all the while like all natur', an' goin' -in for shootin' him to onct. It would have been well for one of us, if -we had put that darkey in there as a pris'ner too. But we didn't know -it, an' afore we got through he cost us the life of one of the best -men in our comp'ny. The fellers then all went to bed except me. I -guarded the varlet till the moon went down, and then, arter calling my -chum, who war to watch him till daylight, I went into my quarters an' -slept soundly all the rest of the night. When it come mornin', I -awoke, an', in a few minits, all our boys war up. The fellers had all -come in durin' the night, an' ole Jim Roberts--my chum's ole man--who -war our leader, called a council. Black Bill didn't seem to have a -friend among us, for the last man of us said as how the law must be -lived up to. - -"'Who guarded him last night?' asked the ole man. - -"'I did,' I answered, 'till the moon went down, and then Ned tuk my -place.' - -"'Wal, Ned, bring out the pris'ner,' said the ole man. 'But whar is -Ned?' he asked, runnin' his eye over the camp. 'Ned! Ned Roberts!' - -"I had all along s'posed that Ned war still guardin' the pris'ner; but -when he didn't answer, I knowed in a minit that somethin' had been -goin' wrong ag'in, an' the others knowed it too, fur men who have -lived in danger all their lives aint long in seein' through a thing of -that kind. So we all rushed to the cabin where we had left the outlaw, -an' there lay my chum--stark an' dead--stabbed to the heart! The -pris'ner war gone. Thar war the strips of hickory bark we had tied him -with, an' thar war the knife he had used--but Black Bill had tuk -himself safe off. We stood thar, not knowin' what to say or do. Ole -Jim war the fust that could speak. - -"'Another gone,' said he; 'an' it's my only son; an' now whar's the -traitor?' - -"He looked from one to the other of us as he said this, but no one -answered. - -"'He's here right among you,' said the ole man, the tears rollin' down -his cheeks. 'He's right among you. That knife couldn't got in here -without hands; an' thar's somebody in this yere camp, that's helped -Black Bill in makin' his escape. Speak, men, who's the outlaw's -friend?' - -"But still no one answered. We all knowed he war thar, but how could -we tell who it war, when we had no proff ag'in any one? - -"'Bring him out, boys,' said the old man, at last. 'He war a kind son, -an' a good trapper. But he's done his work now, an' we've lost one of -the best men in our comp'ny.' - -"Wal, we carried poor Ned out, an' arter layin' him in my cabin, we -started off on the trail of the outlaw. But he had a good long start, -an' that night we had to come back without him. I've never seen him -from that day to this. - -"The next mornin' none of us went out to trap, fur we couldn't help -thinkin' of poor Ned. He war the fust chum I had ever had, an' me an' -him had been together a'most ever since we had strength to shoulder a -rifle--more'n ten year--an', in course, I war in natur' bound to -avenge him. I staid in my quarters, wonderin' who it war that had -helped the outlaw; when, all of a sudden, I happened to think of -somethin' that brought me to my feet in a hurry, an' sent me into ole -Jim's quarters. I talked the matter over with him, told him what I -thought, an', in a few minits more, we called our boys together, an' -war marchin' t'wards the trader's camp. The darkey war cookin' his -master's breakfast, in front of the cabin, singin' an' whistlin' as -jolly as could be; but when he seed us a comin' he shet up in a -mighty hurry, an' actooally turned white! I knowed he wouldn't act -that ar' way if he warn't guilty, so I sung out, 'Here's the traitor, -boys!' - -"The darkey, seein' that the thing war out, started to run. He hadn't -gone far, howsomever, afore we had him, an' then he 'fessed the hul -bisness. He said he had told the outlaw that the cap'n war goin' to -take his money-bags with him, an' that, bein' the last to leave Black -Bill arter we had tied him, he had hid the knife in his bed. The -pris'ner's arms had been fastened above his elbows, an', in course, -havin' a sharp we'pon, it war the easiest thing in the world to cut -himself loose, an' to pitch into poor Ned afore he knowed it. Arter he -had 'fessed this, we held a council, an' prairy law tuk its course. -This skeered the trader wusser nor ever. If his own servant war -treacherous, he couldn't trust nobody. So he ordered us to break up -our camp an' strike fur the fort. When we got thar, an' offered to -give up our hosses an' we'pons, he wouldn't listen to it at all. He -said that we had saved him an' his money-bags, an' that we could keep -our kit, an' welcome. - -"Wal, our huntin' expedition bein' broke up, we put out on our own -hook. We still thought that them four fellers b'longed to Black Bill's -party, an' we soon found that it war so; fur we had hardly got out of -sight, afore they started fur the mountains. They knowed 'bout whar to -go to find the outlaw, an' they've been with him ever since, robbin' -an' stealin'. One of his party has been rubbed out, but thar ar' four -of them left yet, an' they do a heap of mischief. I have looked an' -watched fur 'em fur years, an' if I never find 'em, I shall leave 'em -to Dick; so I know justice will be done 'em. If you had knowed all -these things, youngster, I don't reckon you would have slept very -sound in Black Bill's camp." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -The King of the Drove. - - -The travelers had been intensely interested in the old trapper's -story, and not even the thought that the danger was passed, and that -Frank was safe in camp again, could altogether quiet their feelings. -Frank was more astonished than ever, and he secretly determined that -he would never again lose sight of the wagon, if he could avoid it. -But, if he should again be compelled to take an involuntary ride, and -should happen to fall in with strangers on the prairie, he would give -them a wide berth. - -Mr. Winters said nothing. He did not think that the occasion demanded -that he should caution his nephew, for it was by no means probable -that the latter would soon forget his night in the outlaw's camp. - -His adventures, which were the subject of a lengthy conversation, did -not, however, entirely quench his love of excitement, and when, after -a hearty dinner on buffalo hump, Archie proposed a short ride on the -prairie, he agreed to accompany him, and, as soon as he had caught and -saddled his uncle's horse, was ready for the start. As they rode along -out of the woods, Archie informed his cousin that another herd of -buffaloes had been seen that morning by old Bob, feeding near the base -of the mountains, and announced his determination of endeavoring to -shoot one, if they should happen to come across them. As there was now -no danger of being stampeded--both of their horses being old buffalo -hunters--Frank agreed to the proposal, and followed his cousin, who -led the way toward the place where the buffaloes had last been seen. -Swell after swell they mounted, straining their eyes in every -direction, without discovering the wished-for game. - -But they saw something else that excited them quite as much as the -sight of a herd of buffaloes would have done; for, as Archie, who had -ridden some distance in advance of his cousin, reached the top of one -of the hills, Frank saw him suddenly draw rein, and back his horse -down the swell, out of sight of something which he had discovered on -the other side. He then rode back to meet Frank, and, as soon as he -came within speaking distance, whispered, excitedly: - -"There's a big drove of wild horses out there." - -Frank waited to hear no more, but, throwing his bridle to his cousin, -dismounted from his horse, and, going cautiously to the top of the -swell, looked over. Sure enough, there they were, about half a mile -distant, probably five hundred of them, scattered about over -the prairie, some feeding, and others prancing about, as if -wholly unconscious of danger. Among them was one horse--an -iron-gray--rendered conspicuous by his great size and extraordinary -beauty, which galloped about as if he were "monarch of all he -surveyed." Frank remembered what Dick had told him about every drove -of wild horses having a "master," and, as he watched his movements, -and noticed how the other horses shied at his approach, he came to the -conclusion that the gray horse was the king. He gazed at them for some -time, admiring their rapid, graceful movements, and thinking how fully -the gray would supply the place of the horse he had lost, when he -noticed that the animals were feeding directly toward him. Fearful of -being discovered, he crawled back down the swell, and rejoined his -cousin. - -"What shall we do?" asked the latter, excitedly. - -"Don't you suppose Dick could catch one of those fellows?" inquired -Frank. - -"Of course he could," answered Archie, quickly. "Didn't he catch that -black mustang he told us about--a horse that every body had tried to -catch, and couldn't? Let's go back, and ask him to try." - -The boys hastily remounted, and started for the camp as fast as their -horses could carry them. Archie, of course, led the way, and, as he -dashed up to the wagon, he threw himself from the saddle, exclaiming: - -"Dick, there's a drove of wild horses out there on the prairie. Jump -on Sam, and go and catch one for Frank." - -"That's the same drove I seed day afore yesterday," said old Bob, "an' -that's what I meant when I told Frank we'd put him on hossback ag'in -afore he war two days older. Ketch my hoss, Dick." - -Dick did as he was desired, and, by this time, Frank had come up, -Archie, in his eagerness, having left him far behind. - -"Did you skeer 'em, youngsters?" asked old Bob, as he went to the -wagon and drew out two rawhide lassos, one of which he handed to Dick. - -"No," replied Frank. "They didn't see us. Dick, catch the king--he's a -large iron-gray--the prettiest horse in the drove. If I could have -him, I would be glad I lost Pete." - -"Wal, now, that ar' will be a hard thing to do, youngsters," replied -the trapper, coiling up his lasso, and hanging it on the horn of his -saddle; "a mighty hard thing to do. Them ar' kings ar' allers the -swiftest hosses in the drove; an' it aint every ole buffaler hunter -that can keep up with 'em." - -Archie was astonished to hear the trapper speak so lightly of Sleepy -Sam, a horse that had several times proved himself to be possessed of -great speed; but Dick hastened to explain. - -"I aint sayin' nothin' ag'in your hoss, little one, no more'n I am -ag'in Bob's. But if you had chased wild hosses as often as I have, you -would know that a hoss can beat any thing in a wagon train, an' yet -have no bisness with the king of a drove. I won't say that we'll ketch -that gray fur you, Frank, but we'll try hard, an' if he is too fast -fur us, we'll lasso one of the others, sartin. We'll bring back -somethin' fur you to ride." - -By this time the trappers were ready for the start. Mr. Winters and -the boys accompanied them to the edge of the prairie, and there Bob -and Dick left them, after repeatedly assuring Frank that it was not -their intention to return empty-handed. - -When they had disappeared, Mr. Winters and the boys seated themselves -on the ground, and for nearly an hour, waited and listened for the -sound of the pursuit. Suddenly a single horse appeared upon the summit -of a distant swell, and facing about, stood as if regarding some -object that had excited his curiosity. Then came another, and another, -and in a moment more the entire drove appeared, running at the top of -their speed. One minute elapsed--two--three--and then two more horses -suddenly arose over the swell, and followed swiftly after the drove. -The chase had begun in earnest. The boys were surprised, and not a -little discouraged, to see the trappers so far behind. But still they -had great confidence in them, and Frank was already reconciled to the -loss of his horse, and confident that he would own another before he -went to sleep that night. The chase was tending directly toward the -mountains, and it presented a sight the boys would have been loth to -miss. Nearer and nearer came the wild steeds, prancing and snorting, -and looking back at the strange objects that were pursuing them. -Presently, among the foremost ones, the boys discovered the gray king. -He moved over the ground as lightly as if he had been furnished with -wings, and as Frank watched his movements, he reluctantly came to the -conclusion that if his endurance was as great as his speed, he must -content himself with one of the common horses of the drove. They -continued to advance until they came within a quarter of a mile of the -willows, when they seemed, for the first time, to discover that their -retreat in that direction was cut off by the mountains. This appeared -to confuse and frighten them. The foremost ones slackened their speed, -but seeing their pursuers close behind them, the drove suddenly -divided, part of the horses turning one way, and the rest going the -other. The trappers had kept their eyes on the king, and, when he -turned, they singled him out from the others, and followed him with -increased speed. The gray mustang made an exhibition of his powers -that was truly surprising; but the trappers took a "short cut" on him, -and gained so rapidly that Frank's hopes rose again. Sleepy Sam was -running splendidly; but, to the surprise of all, old Bob's ungainly, -raw-boned horse, in answer to a yell from his rider, bounded past him. -All this happened in much less time than we have taken to describe it. -The horses moved with wonderful rapidity, and, in a very few moments -after the drove divided, the gray king and the trappers were out of -sight behind the swells, and all sounds of the chase had died away in -the distance. - -Mr. Winters then returned to the camp, while the excited boys again -seated themselves on the ground, and waited long and impatiently for -the trapper's return. The hours slowly wore away, and, finally, the -sun went down, but still no signs of the horsemen. It soon began to -grow dark, and the boys were obliged to return to the wagon. Frank -prepared supper that evening, but their appetites must have gone off -with the gray mustang, for they ate but little. They sat beside the -fire until midnight, straining their ears to catch the first sounds of -the trapper's return; but nothing but the occasional howl of a wolf -broke the stillness; and, finally, growing tired of watching, they -spread their blankets and went to sleep. At the first peep of day they -were again stirring, and, after a hasty breakfast, they stationed -themselves in the edge of the willows, to await the return of the -horsemen. In about two hours their patience was rewarded by the -discovery of several objects moving along the summit of a distant -swell. As they approached, the boys recognized the trappers, and in -half an hour they were within speaking distance. Could Frank believe -his eyes? Was Dick really riding the gray king? It was a horse that -bore a strong resemblance to him, and Frank felt confident that the -animal he had so much admired, was really his own. Nor was he -deceived; for, as they came up, Dick exclaimed: - -"Here we ar', youngsters. We've got him, sure as shootin'. Easy thar," -he continued, as the delighted boys walked slowly around him, admiring -his fine points. "If you know any thing you'll keep cl'ar of his -heels. He aint very good natur'd." - -This was very evident; for the trapper had scarcely spoken before the -mustang began to show his temper. He danced about in the most lively -manner; first rearing up almost straight in the air, and then kicking -with both hind feet. His plunges were furious and desperate, and the -boys fully expected to see the trapper unseated. But the latter, -although he had no saddle--that being a contrivance he despised--and -only had his lasso twisted around the gray's lower jaw, for a bridle, -kept the animal completely under his control, and rode him into the -camp in triumph. - -"The critter led us 'bout as long an' as lively a race as we ever -run," said Dick, after the gray had been securely fastened to a tree. -"An' it war only by accident that we ketched him. I don't reckon I am -sayin' too much when I say that I never seed a hoss run faster nor -hold out better nor he did--not even the black mustang. We went 'round -on the other side of the drove afore we started 'em, on purpose to -make 'em run t'wards the mountains. That give you a good sight of -somethin' you never seed afore, an' by it we gained on the gray when -he turned. Wal, he kept ahead of us for ten or twelve miles, gainin' -on us all the while, fur when he seed that we war arter him in -'arnest, the way he did climb over the prairy war a purty thing to -look at--when, all to onct, we found ourselves in a prairy-dog's nest. -The prairy, as far as a feller could see, war like a honey-comb. I -'spected every minit that my hoss would break through, an' at last he -did. But the gray broke in fust--went down clean to the top of his -legs, an' couldn't git out. I war sartin we had him, an' war jest -goin' to throw my lasso, when my hoss went in, an' kerchunk I went on -the ground. But ole Bob war on hand, an' he ketched him. We told you, -Frank, that we'd put you on horseback ag'in, an' now that we've done -it, I don't reckon you'll lose this animal by campin' with Black -Bill." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -How the Trapper got his Horse. - - -After supper, the travelers seated themselves around the fire, and the -trappers lighted their pipes. After smoking awhile in silence, old Bob -said: - -"As I have told you afore, youngsters, it aint always a easy job to -lasso the king of a drove of wild hosses. The runnin' we done to-day -arter the gray warn't nothin' to what we kalkerlated to do when we -left here; an' if he hadn't got into that prairy-dogs' nest, thar's no -knowin' how many miles he would a been from here by this time. When I -war a youngster, I went to the Saskatchewan fur the fust time, with a -party of six trappers--Dick's ole man war one of 'em--an', being -keerless, like all young fellers, I soon made away with one of the -best hosses I ever owned. I run him clean blind arter a herd of -buffaler. I soon got another, howsomever, but it warn't as good a one -as I wanted; an' I begun to look around to find a critter that suited -me. One day I come acrost a drove of wild hosses, an', arter foolin' -round them fur awhile, I diskivered that they war led by a -chestnut-colored critter--a purty feller--an' I made up my mind that -he war just the one I wanted. I had never ketched a wild hoss then, -an' I had heered enough about them to know that them kings ar' allers -the best animals in the drove, an' that it takes a hoss as is a hoss -to keep up with one of 'em. But I could throw the lasso tolible sharp, -an' war jest 'bout that age when youngsters think they know more'n -any body else on 'arth; so I thought I could ketch him easy. Wal, I -dodged round them till I got within 'bout half a mile of 'em, and then -put out arter the king; but, human natur, how he did run! I follered -him 'bout four mile, and then turned t'ward the camp, thinkin' that -mebbe thar war a few things I didn't know nothin' at all 'bout. Some -days arterward, I seed him ag'in; but he run away from me easy, an' I -went back to the camp to be laughed at fur my trouble. But I knowed -that I should have plenty of chances to ketch him afore we started fur -hum--we war to stay thar till spring--so I said nothin', but kept -lookin' round, an' every time I seed the chestnut king, me an' him had -a race. - -"I got him at last--not in the way I expected, howsomever--an', to -make the story plain, I must tell you what happened 'bout three year -afore that. - -"I war born on the banks of the Missouri River, 'bout twenty mile from -whar St. Joseph now stands. It war thar my ole man fust larnt me how -to handle a rifle an' ride a wild mustang. Thar war a fort 'bout a -mile from our cabin, whar the ole man allers went to sell his furs. It -warn't no ways safe thar, in them days, fur all that country b'longed -to the Injuns, who warn't very friendly t'ward white settlers. But, -whenever thar war any trouble, we had a safe place to go to, an' onct, -when I war only twelve year ole, I stood 'side my ole man, in the -fort, an' helped drive off atween four an' five hundred red-skins. I -done so well that ole hunters an' trappers slapped me on the back, -sayin' that I war a 'chip o' the ole block,' and that I'd be a better -Injun-hunter nor my father some day. This pleased my ole man, an' -when the Injuns had gone, he took me on a trappin' expedition with -him. Thar war four of us, an' we war gone all winter. I ketched my -share of the furs, an' killed two grizzly bars, which war something -for a chap of my years to brag on. Wal, we reached hum in the spring, -an', arter I had stayed at our cabin two or three days, tellin' my -mother big stories of what I had seed, an' what I had done, the ole -man sent me down to the fort to trade off our spelter. I ought to say -that on our way hum we had dodged a large party of Injuns that war on -a scalpin' expedition. They had been off a fightin' with another -tribe, an', havin' got thrashed, they warn't in very good humor. I war -afraid they might take it into their heads to visit the country 'round -the fort, an' massacree the settlers; but the ole man laughed at me, -an' told me to go 'long 'bout my bisness, an' sell them furs. So, as I -war sayin', I sot out fur the fort, an', while I war makin' a bargain -with the trader, a trapper came in on a hoss that war a'most ready to -drop, an' said that the Injuns war strikin' fur the fort. I don't -reckon that they intended to come afore night; but this trapper had -got away from 'em, an', knowin' that he would alarm the settlers, the -Injuns jest thought they would make a rush, an' massacree men, women, -an' children, afore they could reach the fort. - -"Wal, I didn't wait to hear no more; but, grabbin' up my we'pons, -started fur hum arter the old folks. Purty quick I heered a firm' an' -yellin', an' made up my mind that them as didn't reach the fort in -less nor ten minits would be goners, sartin, fur the Injuns war -comin', sure enough. A little further on I met my mother, who told me -that the ole man an' a few more of the settlers war fightin' back the -Injuns to give the women an' young ones time to git safe under kiver. -My mother war a'most too ole to walk so fur, so I took her on my hoss, -and carried her t'wards the fort, intendin' that as soon as I had seed -her safe I would come back arter the ole man. But jest as I reached -the fort, I heered a loud yellin' an' whoopin', an', lookin' back, I -seed the settlers comin' out of the woods, with the Injuns clost -behind 'em. Thar war, as nigh as I could guess, 'bout two hundred -red-skins, an' not more'n twenty white fellers; so, in course, thar -warn't no 'arthly use to think of fightin' in cl'ar open ground. The -settlers war comin' as fast as their hosses could fetch 'em, an' the -Injuns war clost arter 'em, intendin' to kill or captur' 'em all afore -they could reach the fort. I seed the ole man among the settlers, an' -made up my mind that he war safe, fur he rid a good hoss, when, all to -onct, he dropped his rifle, throwed up his hands, an' fell from his -saddle. The settlers kept on; fur, in course, they couldn't help him, -an' the ole man tried to follor 'em; but I seed him pulled down an' -tomahawked, 'bout two hundred yards from the fort, by a young Injun, -whom, from his bar's claws, an' other fixins, I tuk to be a chief. My -ole shootin' iron war good fur that distance, so I drawed up and -blazed away. But my hand trembled, an' I seed that Injun make off with -the ole man's scalp. That war a long time ago, youngsters; but I can -see that varlet yet, an' hear the yell he give as he shook the scalp -at us in the fort, an' ran back into the woods. Of them twenty men -that war in the fight, 'bout a dozen rode safe into the fort. The -others war massacreed afore our very eyes, an' we couldn't help 'em. - -"Wal, the Injuns stayed round in the edge of the tim'er fur 'bout two -hours, yellin' an' firm' at us; but, knowin' that they could not take -the fort--fur they tried that twice--they all set up a yelp an' put -off, burnin' every thing as they went. It war a sad day fur that -settlement. Nigh every family war mournin' fur somebody; but I war -wusser off nor any of 'em. My mother carried a heap of years on her -shoulders, an' when she seed the ole man pulled down an' scalped, it -gave her a shock she never got over. We buried them both nigh the -fort, an' arter stayin' round fur a week or two, I sot out with a -party of trappers fur our ole huntin' grounds on the Saskatchewan. I -never forgot that young Injun, an' all I keered fur or thought 'bout, -war to meet him. I jest knowed that I should find him ag'in some day, -an' if I had met him among his tribe, with hundreds of his friends -standin' round, I would have knowed him. - -"Wal, as I war sayin', I sot out with this party of trappers, an' it -war on the Saskatchewan that I fust diskivered this chestnut king that -I had made up my mind to have. I follered him a'most all winter, an' -the more I seed him run, the more I wanted to ketch him. I 'tended to -my shar' of the trappin', but every chance I got I war arter them -hosses. At last they put off somewhar, an' I never seed 'em ag'in. I -couldn't think what had 'come on 'em, but I knowed that they had gone -clean out of the country, an' that I should have to look fur another -hoss, an' give up all hopes of ketchin' the chestnut. - -"When spring opened, an' it come good travelin' we held a council, an' -settled it that we should start fur the fort to onct. We war in a -hurry to get away, too, fur some of our fellers had seen Injun sign -'bout two miles from the camp; so, one mornin' we sot out to gather up -our traps. I had 'bout five mile to go to reach my trappin' ground, so -I rode off on a gallop. I went along mighty keerless, fur I didn't -b'lieve what them fellers had said 'bout seein' Injun sign, but I soon -larnt that ole trappers never get fooled 'bout sich things. I hadn't -gone more'n a mile from the camp, when, whizz! something whistled by -my head, an' went chuck into a tree on the other side of me. It war an -arrer, an' afore I could look round to see whar it come from, I heered -a yell, an' the next minit a hoss popped out of the bushes, an' came -t'wards me. An Injun war on his back, an' in one hand he carried a -long spear, an' with the other he held his bow an' guided his hoss. As -soon as he got cl'ar of the bushes, he p'inted that spear straight at -my breast, an' came at me, full jump. I war a youngster then. I hadn't -been in as many rough-an'-tumble fights with wild Injuns as I have -been since, an' I would have give all the spelter I had trapped that -winter if I had been safe in camp. These war the fust thoughts that -went through my mind. But arter I had tuk jest one good look at the -Injun an' his hoss, I wouldn't have been away from thar fur nothin'. -The Injun war the young chief that had rubbed out my ole man, an' the -hoss war the chestnut king--the very one I had been tryin' to ketch -fur a'most a year. So, you see, I had two things to work fur. Fust, I -had swore to have that Injun's scalp; next, I wanted that hoss; an' I -made up my mind that I wouldn't leave that 'ar place till I had 'em -both. The young chief war so clost to me that I didn't have time to -shoot, so I sot still in my saddle, an' when I seed the p'int of the -spear 'bout two foot from my breast, I stuck out my rifle an' turned -the we'pon aside. Then, jest as the Injun war goin' by me, I ketched -him by the scalp-lock, quicker nor lightnin', an' pulled him from his -hoss. My own hoss warn't trained wuth a plug o' tobacker, an', skeered -by the fuss, an' the Injuns yellin', he give a jump, an' the fust -thing I knowed, me an' the young chief war rollin' on the ground -together. I've had one or two wild savages by the top-knot since then, -but I never got hold of a chap of his size that war so strong an' -wiry. When I fust ketched him, I allowed to rub him out easy, fur I -war purty good on a rough-an'-tumble, an' it warn't every body that -could take my measure on the ground; but when I ketched that Injun, I -found that I had come acrost a varmint. We fell side by side, I all -the while hangin' on to his har; but afore I could think whar I war, -or what a doin', I found the young chief on top of me; an', both his -hands bein' free, he commenced feelin' fur his knife. In course I -couldn't allow that, so I ketched one of his arms, which he twisted -out of my grasp, as easy as though I had no strength at all. I tried -this two or three times, but findin' that I couldn't hold him, I -fastened on his belt which held the knife, an', with one jerk, tore it -loose, an' flung it over my head. The Injun, findin' that his we'pon -war gone, whooped an' yelled wusser nor ever. We war on even terms -now, fur my knife war under me, an' neither of us could git at it. -Then I began tryin' to git him off me; but it war no use, an' the -Injun findin' that I breathed hard, held still an' quiet, hopin' that -I would soon tire myself out, an' then he would have no trouble in -gittin' away from me. But I war layin' my plans all this while, an', -watchin' the Injun clost, I ketched him off his guard, an' went to -work in 'arnest. By the way that chap kicked an' yelled, I guess he -thought I had only been foolin' with him afore, an' the way he did -fight warn't a funny thing fur me to think of jest then. But it war no -use. I thrashed around till I got hold of my knife, an', in a minit -arter that, the young chief had give his last yell. Arter bein' sartin -that he was done fur, I jumped up an' run t'wards the mustang, which -had stood a little way off watchin' the fight, as though he war -wonderin' who would come out at the top of the heap. I ketched him -easy, an' arter takin' the young Injun's top-knot, I picked up his -we'pons--here's one of 'em, youngsters." - -As the trapper spoke, he drew his hatchet from his belt and handed it -to Archie, who sat nearest him. The boys remembered that the first -time they met old Bob, they had noticed that his hatchet was different -from any they had ever seen. The blade was long and narrow, and as -keen as a razor. The back part of the hatchet was hollow, as was also -the handle, and thus the weapon could be made to answer the purpose of -a pipe. The handle was also ingeniously carved, but was so worn by -long and constant usage, that the figures upon it could not be -distinguished. The travelers had often noticed that the old trapper -was very particular about his "tomahawk," as he invariably called it; -but now that they knew its history, they did not wonder that he -considered it worth preserving. When the boys had examined the weapon -to their satisfaction, they returned it to old Bob, who continued: - -"Wal, arter I had tuk the young chiefs scalp an' we'pons, (I had his -knife, too, but I lost that in the Missouri River by bein' upset in a -canoe,) I jumped on my new hoss, and rode t'wards the camp, leavin' my -ole mustang to go where he pleased. When I reached our fellers, I -found 'em all busy packin' up. They had diskivered signs of a large -party of Injuns, an' they said that the sooner we got away from thar -the better it would be fur us. We traveled all that night an' all the -next day, an' got safe off. I had the laugh on my side then, fur 'em -fellers all said I couldn't never put a bridle on the chestnut king; -an' when I told 'em my story 'bout the young chief, you ought to seed -them open their eyes. I hadn't been fooled 'bout the good pints of -that ar' hoss, fur he war a critter that suited me exactly. He carried -me safe through many a fight with grizzly bars an' Injuns; but, -finally, I lost him but a few miles from whar I fust seed him--on the -Saskatchewan. I never trapped on that river yet without losin' -somethin'. I have lost two chums thar; throwed away four or five -winter's work--or jest the same as throwed it away, fur all my furs -war captur'd by the Injuns, an' thar I lost this hoss." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -Old Bob's Adventure. - - -The old trapper paused for a moment to refill his pipe, and then -continued-- - -"I went out as usual with a party of trappers, fur in them days it -warn't no way safe fur a feller to go thar alone. We war a'most sartin -to be chased by the Injuns, but them as got away with a hul skin, -allers went back as soon as they could make up a comp'ny, fur it war -thar the best trappin' war to be found. - -"If all the red-skins we have rubbed out thar could come to life -ag'in, I reckon thar would be lots of 'em, an' if all our poor fellers -who have had thar har raised on the plains of that same river, could -come back, you'd see a heap of fine trappers. An' if me an' Dick could -have all the furs we have lost thar, I'll allow it would keep us in -pipes an' tobacker fur a year or two. In them days, a feller could git -a good rifle fur a beaver or otter skin, an' a fust rate hoss fur two -or three mink skins. Our furs war the only thing we had to depend on -to buy us a new outfit; so when we lost all our winter's work, it -warn't a thing to laugh at. - -"Wal, as I war sayin', I went out with this party of fellers, an', as -usual, not the least bit of Injun sign did we see durin' the winter. -As a gen'ral thing the red-skins don't run 'round much in cold -weather--leastways, they don't go fur from their camps; but by the -time the snow is off the ground, they ar' well-nigh out of grub, an' -have to start out on their huntin' expeditions. The Saskatchewan war a -good place fur them to come to, fur thar war plenty of game; but the -country warn't big enough for them an' us; so when they begun comin' -in, it war high time fur us to be goin' out. Thar war five of us in -the party, an' as every man knowed his own bisness, by the time spring -come we had as much spelter as four hosses could pack away. When the -snow commenced goin' off, we kept a good lookout fur Injuns--fur the -trappin' war so fine we didn't want to leave so long as it war safe -to stay--an', one mornin', as I war comin' in from tendin' to my -traps, I seed whar two Injuns had crossed the creek. That war enough -fur me, so I put for the camp, but didn't find nobody thar. The -fellers war all out tendin' to their bisness; an', in course, I warn't -goin' away without 'em; so I packed up my spelter ready fur the start, -and while waitin' fur 'em, kept sharp watch on all sides fur Injuns. -'Bout noon I heered a hoss comin', an', in a few minits, up rid one of -our fellers with his huntin' shirt all bloody. As soon as I seed him, -I knowed that the game war up. - -"'Bob!' says he, 'Get away from here to onct. Bill Coffee is done fur -(that war his chum), an' you can see how nigh they come to rubbin' me -out too. Some varlet sent an arrer clean through my arm. Hand me my -pack o' furs, and let's be off to onct, I tell you.' - -"This man--Bill Simons his name war--war the oldest an' bravest man in -our comp'ny, an' he war our leader. Although I didn't like the idee of -leavin' them fellers out thar in the woods with them Injuns--fur every -one of 'em had done me a kindness--I knowed I couldn't do them no good -by stayin'; fur, when Bill Simons deserted his own brother, thar -warn't no use of any body's tryin' to help him. So I handed Bill his -furs, grabbed up my own, jumped on my hoss, an' we started. It war no -light load them hosses had to carry, fur our spelter war a'most as -heavy as we war. But we couldn't think of leavin' 'em behind without -makin' one effort to save 'em, fur we had worked hard fur 'em, an' -didn't want 'em to fall into the hands of them lazy Injuns. As we rid -along, we made up our minds that we would stick together as long as we -could, an' that we wouldn't drop our furs as long as we seed the least -chance of escapin' with 'em. But if we had knowed any thing, we would -have throwed away them packs to onct, fur hangin' on to 'em so long -was jest the very thing that got us ketched. We run our hosses with -them heavy loads, till they war clean done out; an' when the Injuns -got arter us, they war a'most ready to drop. Wal, as I war sayin', we -rid along fur 'bout two mile, keepin' a good lookout on all sides fur -Injuns, an', finally, we seed 'em behind us. Thar war 'bout twenty of -'em, an' as soon as I sot eyes on 'em, I somehow knowed that we war -ketched. - -"'Bob,' said Bill, turnin' to me, 'our scalps ar' wuth more nor this -spelter. It is time to run in 'arnest now.' - -"He throwed down his pack, as he spoke, an' then his hoss went faster. -But I, bein' young an' foolish, didn't like the idee of losin' my -winter's work; so I held on to my pack, till, findin' that Bill war -leavin' me behind, I throwed it away Thar war our eight months' wages -gone. We had worked hard an' froze among the snows of the mountains -fur nothin'. But we hadn't gone fur afore we diskivered that we had -oughter throwed 'em away long ago. Both our hosses run as though they -had traveled all day, an' it war plain as bar's ears that they -couldn't go much further. Every time we looked back we seed that the -Injuns war gainin' on us fast, an' the way they yelled told us that -they, too, knowed that they would soon have us. I looked t'wards Bill, -an' although I could read in his face that he knowed we war ketched, -he didn't seem the least bit skeary. He had been in jest such scrapes -afore. He had often been a pris'ner, but he war strong as a hoss, -could run like a skeered deer, an' had allers succeeded in gittin' -away from the Injuns at last. I, howsomever, had never been in the -hands of the red-skins, but I knowed, from the stories I had often -heered, that they didn't treat a feller very kind, an' this set me to -thinkin'. The Injuns knowed Bill, an' wouldn't they know me to? The -young chief I had rubbed out b'longed to that same tribe, an' wouldn't -his friends 'member the hoss, an' the knife, an' tomahawk I carried in -my belt? I could throw the we'pons away, an', arter thinkin' a leetle, -I did. I unbuckled my belt, an', jest as we went over a swell out of -sight of the Injuns, I dropped knife, tomahawk, an' all, hopin' that -the red-skins would never find 'em; fur I knowed that if they thought -I had ever rubbed out any of the tribe, I would ketch the wust kind of -punishment. - -"Wal, all this while the Injuns had been gainin' on us, fur, the -further we went, the slower our hosses run, an' all the whippin' an' -poundin' we could do, didn't make them go no faster. They war -well-nigh tuckered out. Purty quick I see Bill turn in his saddle an' -draw up his ole shootin' iron. He war bound to die game. I watched the -shot, an' couldn't help givin' a yell when I seed one of the varlets -drop from his hoss. The Injuns had all this while been ridin' clost -together; but findin' that we war goin to begin shootin', they -scattered, an' throwed themselves flat on their hosses' backs, so that -we couldn't hit 'em. But we war sartin of our game, no matter how -small a mark we had to shoot at, an' when I fired, I seed an Injun an' -his hoss come to the ground together. By this time, Bill war ready -ag'in, an' down come another Injun. - -"If our hosses had only been fresh, we could have picked off the last -one of 'em afore they could have ketched us. But the varlets kept -gainin' all the time, an' purty quick they got nigh enough to use -their we'pons, an' the way the arrers whistled 'bout our heads warn't -pleasant, now I tell you. But we kept shootin' at 'em as fast as we -could load up, bringin' down an Injun at every pop--till some chap -sent his arrer into my hoss's side--an' the next minit I war sprawlin' -on the ground. Bill kept on, but he hadn't gone fur afore he got an -arrer through his neck, which brought him from his saddle, dead. I -jest seed this as I war tryin' to get up; fur my hoss had fell on my -leg, an' war holdin' me down. Jest arter Bill fell, the Injuns come up -an' I war a pris'ner. I couldn't tell you how I felt, youngsters. I -had heered enough to know that much depended on my showin' a bold -front; but it takes a man of mighty strong nerve to look a dozen -yellin', scowlin' Injuns in the face, without onct flinchin'. -Howsomever, I kept a leetle courage 'bout me, I guess, fur when one -chap jumped, an' drawed his bow with an arrer p'inted straight at my -breast, I looked him in the eye without winkin'; an' when another -ketched me by the har, an' lifted his tomahawk as if he had a good -notion to make an end of me to onct, I stood as still an' quiet as -though I didn't see him. Arter this had been goin' on fur a while, the -Injuns seemed to grow tired of it, fur my hands war bound behind my -back, an' one feller fetched up Bill's hoss, an' war goin' to put me -on him, when the critter, bein' clean tired out, give a grunt an' lay -right down on the prairy. The Injuns seemed to think the hoss war no -'count, fur they turned him loose, an' I war lifted on to a mustang -behind one of the savages. I didn't think much of this at the time, -but I arterward had reason to be glad that the varlets had left Bill's -hoss out thar on the prairy. - -"It war 'bout five mile to the place whar the Injuns had made their -camp, an' while on the way thar I warn't bothered at all, fur they -seed that I warn't skeered easy. When we reached the village--which -must have had nigh two hundred Injuns in it--I found that I warn't the -only pris'ner, fur thar war Pete Simons, Bill's brother, tied to a -post in the middle of the camp, an' he war surrounded by men, women, -and young uns, who war beatin' him with sticks, an' tormentin' him -every way they knowed how; but findin' that they couldn't make Pete -show fear--fur that war something he didn't have in him--they left -him, when I came up, and pitched into me. I didn't mind 'em much, -howsomever, although I _did_ wince jest the least bit when one feller -struck at me with his tomahawk, and jest grazed my face; but they -didn't see it; an' purty quick one big feller ketched me by the har, -an', arter draggin' me up to the post, tied me with my back to Pete's. -It then wanted 'bout three hours of sundown, an' the Injuns, arter -holdin' a leetle council, made up their minds to have some fun; so -they untied me an' Pete, an' led us out on the prairy 'bout three or -four hundred yards, an' thar left us. We looked back an' seed the -Injuns all drawed up in a line, with their we'pons in their hands, an' -knowed that the varlets had give us a chance to run for our lives. In -course they didn't mean fur us to git away, but they wanted the fun -of seein' us run, never dreamin' but some of their fleet braves would -ketch us afore we had gone fur. I never looked fur 'em to give us sich -a chance fur life as that, an' I made up my mind that I would learn -'em to think twice afore they give a white trapper the free use of his -legs ag'in. I a'most knowed I war safe, but I felt shaky 'bout Peter, -fur the Injuns had shot him with two arrers afore they ketched him, -an' he war hurt bad. I didn't think he could run far--nor he didn't, -neither; fur when we shook hands an' wished each other good luck, he -said to me, 'Bob, I wish I had my rifle.' He meant by that, if he had -his ole shootin' iron in his hands, he wouldn't die alone; he would -have fit the Injuns as long as he could stand. Wal, as I war sayin', -we shook hands an' bid each other good-by, an' jest then I heered a -yell. I jumped like a flash of lightnin', an' made t'wards a little -belt of tim'er which I could see, 'bout two miles acrost the prairy. I -war runnin' fur my life, an' I reckon I made the best time I knowed -how. I soon left poor Pete behind, an', when I had gone about a mile, -I heered a yell, that told me as plain as words, that he had been -ketched. I never stopped to look back, but kept straight ahead, an' -in a few minits more I war in the woods. The yellin' of the Injuns had -been growin' louder an' louder, so I knowed that they were gainin' on -me, an' that if I kept on they would soon ketch me; so, as soon as I -found myself fair in the tim'er, I turned square off to the right, an' -takin' to every log I could find, so as to leave as leetle trail as -possible fur them to foller, I ran 'bout a hundred yards further, an' -then dived into a thick clump of bushes, whar I hid myself in the -leaves an' brush. I had kinder bothered the varlets, for a leetle -while arter, they came into the woods, an' went on through, as if they -thought I had kept on t'wards the prairy. But I knowed that they -wouldn't be fooled long; an' when I heered by their yellin' that they -had left the woods, I crawled out of the bushes to look up a better -hidin'-place. Arter listenin' an' lookin', to be sartin that thar war -no Injuns 'round, I ag'in broke into a run, an' finally found a holler -log at the bottom of a gully, whar I thought I had better stop; so I -crawled into the log, an' jest then I heered the Injuns coming back. -They knowed that I war hid somewhar in the tim'er, an' they all -scattered through the woods, hopin' to find me afore it 'come -dark--yellin' all the while, as though they didn't feel very -good-natured 'bout bein' fooled that ar' way. I knowed that they -couldn't foller my trail easy, but thar war so many of 'em, that I war -afraid somebody might happen to stumble on my hidin'-place. But they -didn't; an' arter awhile it 'come dark, an' the varlets had to give up -the search. I waited till every thing war still, an' then crawled out -of my log, and struck fur the prairy. I warn't green enough to b'lieve -that they war all gone, fur I knowed that thar war Injuns layin' -'round in them woods watchin' an' waitin' fur me. In course I didn't -want to come acrost none of 'em, fur I had no we'pon, and I would have -been ketched sartin; so I war mighty keerful; an' I b'lieve I war two -hours goin' through the hundred yards of woods that lay atween me an' -the prairy. When I reached the edge of the tim'er, I broke into a run. -If thar war any Injuns 'round, they couldn't see me, fur the night war -dark; an' they couldn't hear me, neither, fur my moccasins didn't make -no noise in the grass. I kept on, at a steady gait, fur 'bout two -hours, an' finally reached the place whar I war captur'd. Arter a -leetle lookin' and feelin', I found my belt and we'pons. I felt a -heap better then, fur I had something to defend myself with; but still -I didn't feel like laughin', fur I war afoot, an', havin' no rifle, I -couldn't think how I war to git grub to eat. But I war better off nor -while I war a pris'ner 'mong the Injuns; so I knowed I hadn't oughter -complain. Arter takin' one look at poor Bill, whom the Injuns, arter -havin' scalped, had left whar he had fallen, an' promisin' that every -time I seed a Blackfoot Injun I would think of him, I ag'in sot out. -Arter I had gone 'bout half a mile further, the moon riz, an', as I -war running along, I seed something ahead of me. I stopped to onct, -fur I didn't know but it might be a Injun; but another look showed me -it war a hoss. He war feedin' when he fust seed me, but, when he -heered me comin', he looked up, an' give a leetle whinny that made me -feel like hollerin'. It war Bill Simons's hoss. How glad I war to see -him! An' he must a been glad to see me, too, fur he let me ketch him; -an' when I got on his back, I didn't keer, jest then, fur all the -Injuns on the plains. The critter had had a good rest, an', when I -spoke to him, he started off just as lively as though he war good fur -a hundred mile. Wal, I rid all that night, an', 'arly the next -mornin', I found myself nigh a patch of woods whar we allers made our -camp when goin' to an' from the Saskatchewan, an' I thought I would -stop thar and git a leetle rest, fur I war tired an' hungry. So I rid -through the woods, an', when I come in sight o' our ole campin' -ground, I seed something that made me feel like hollerin' ag'in; an' I -_did_ holler; fur thar war two of our comp'ny--the only ones that -'scaped 'sides me--jest gettin' ready to start off. They stopped when -they seed me--an', youngsters, you may be sartin that we war glad to -meet each other ag'in. One of 'em war Bill Coffee, who I thought war -dead. He war bad hurt, but he got off without losin' his har, an' he -felt mighty jolly over it. Arter they had told me 'bout their fight -with the Injuns--an' they jest _did_ get away, an' that war all--I -told 'em 'bout Bill Simons bein' killed, and how me an' Pete had run a -race with the varlets, an' we all swore that the Blackfeet wouldn't -make nothin' by rubbin' out them two fellers. I stayed thar long -enough to rest a little an' eat a piece of meat that one of 'em give -me, an' then we all sot out fur the fort, which we reached all right. -We laid 'round fur 'bout a month, an' then--would you b'lieve it?--we -three fellers made up another comp'ny, an' put fur the Saskatchewan -ag'in. None of us ever forgot our promise, an' every time we drawed a -bead on a Blackfoot, we thought of Bill an' Pete Simons." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -Homeward Bound. - - -The travelers remained at the "ole bar's hole" three weeks, instead of -one, as they had at first intended. Game of every description was -plenty; there were no Indians to trouble them; in short, they were -leading a life that exactly suited the boys, who were in no hurry to -resume their journey, which was becoming tiresome to them. Besides, -their supply of bacon was exhausted, and the trappers undertook to -replenish the commissary. This they did by "jerking" the meat of the -buffaloes that had been killed during the hunt in which Frank had -taken his involuntary ride. They cut the meat into thin strips, and -hung it upon frames to dry--the sun and the pure atmosphere of the -prairie did the rest. The meat was thoroughly cured without smoke or -salt, and although the boys did not relish it as well as the bacon, -they still found it very palatable. To Dick, it was like meeting with -an old friend. He had always been accustomed to jerked Buffalo meat, -and he ate great quantities of it, to the exclusion of corn-bread and -coffee, of which he had become very fond. - -In addition to this, the gray mustang demanded a large share of their -attention. He was very unruly, extremely vicious, and attempted to use -his teeth or heels upon every thing that approached him. But these -actions did not in the least intimidate Dick, who was a most excellent -horseman; and, after several rides over the prairie, coupled with the -most severe treatment, he succeeded in subduing the gray, which was -turned over to his young master, with the assurance that he was "a -hoss as no sich ole buffaler hunter as Sleepy Sam could run away -from." - -This declaration was instantly resisted by Archie, who forthwith -challenged Frank to a race; but it was not until the latter had fully -satisfied himself that the mustang was completely conquered that he -accepted the proposition. When he had been robbed of his horse, Frank -had lost something that could not again be supplied, and that was his -saddle. As for a bridle, he soon found that the trapper's lasso -twisted about the gray's lower jaw, answered admirably; but it was a -long time before he could bring himself to believe that his blanket -could be made to do duty both as saddle and bed. After a week's -practice, however, he began to feel more at home on his new horse; -and, one morning, as he rode out with his cousin, he informed him that -he was prepared for the race. Archie, always ready, at once put Sleepy -Sam at the top of his speed; but the gray king had lost none of his -lightness of foot during his captivity, and before they had gone fifty -yards he had carried Frank far ahead. Race after race came off that -day, and each time Sleepy Sam was sadly beaten. Archie was compelled -to acknowledge the gray's superiority, and declared that he "wouldn't -mind camping with Black Bill himself if he could be certain of no -worse treatment than Frank had received, and could gain as good a -horse as the gray king by the operation." - -The mustang having been thoroughly broken to saddle, and the travelers -supplied with meat, there was nothing now to detain them at the cave. -So, one morning Dick harnessed his mules, and they prepared to resume -their journey. Before starting, however, the boys explored the "ole -bar's hole" for the twentieth time, and as long as they remained in -sight, they turned to take a long, lingering look at the place which -was now associated with many exciting adventures. - -Instead of traveling back to the road the train had taken, the trapper -led them southward, and, after a long and tedious journey through the -mountains, they reached Bridget's Pass, and a few days afterward they -arrived at a fort of the same name. They camped there one night, and -then turned their faces toward Salt Lake City, which they reached in -safety. Mr. Winters led the way to a hotel, where an excellent dinner -was served up for them. After passing more than two months in the -saddle, subsisting upon the plainest food, it is no wonder that the -boys were glad to find themselves seated at a table once more. Fresh -meat and vegetables of all kinds disappeared before their attacks, and -they finally stopped because they were ashamed to eat more. After -dinner, being informed by their uncle that they would remain in the -city until the following day, in order to give the trappers time to -lay in a fresh supply of provisions, the boys started out to see the -sights. Evidences of prosperity met their eyes on every side. Some of -the buildings were elegant, the streets broad and clean, and filled -with vehicles. Wagon trains were constantly coming and going, and the -principal business seemed to be to supply these with provisions. -Archie thought it must be a splendid place to live in, so near good -hunting grounds; but he could not help glancing pityingly toward a -youth about his own age, whom they met on the street, and wondering -"how many mothers that poor fellow had to boss him around." - -When it began to grow dark they returned to their hotel, where they -retired early. They thought they could enjoy a good night's rest in a -comfortable bed, but their expectations were not realized. They could -not go to sleep. First, they thought the quilts were too heavy, and -they kicked them off on the floor. Then the mattress was too -soft--they could scarcely breathe--and after rolling and tossing for -half the night, they spread the quilts on the floor, and there slept -soundly until morning. - -Their journey through Utah and Nevada into California, was -accomplished without incident worthy of note; and, in due time, they -arrived at Sacramento. Here it was that their uncle had been located -previous to his return to Lawrence, and consequently they were at -their journey's end. As soon as Mr. Winters had settled up his -business, they would return to the States by steamer. This was -communicated to the trappers the morning after their arrival, and it -was an arrangement at which Dick was both surprised and grieved. After -a short consultation with old Bob, they both approached and announced -their determination of returning to the mountains immediately. - -"We've got to go sometime," said Dick, "that ar' sartin; an' the -longer we stay, the harder it 'comes to leave." - -Mr. Winters then broached the subject of payment for their services, -to which the trappers would not listen, neither would they accept the -offer of the horses, mules, and wagon, Dick declaring that by acting -as their guide he had found a "chum" in the oldest and best trapper on -the prairie, and that was worth more to him than any thing else. Money -he did not need; and as for the mules and wagon, he had no use for -them. And evidently wishing to bring the interview to a close, as -soon as possible, he hastily shook Mr. Winters by the hand, and bade -him good-by. - -His parting from the boys was not so easily accomplished. He extended -a hand to each, and, for some moments, stood looking earnestly at -them, without speaking. At length, he said: - -"I don't like to say good-by to you, youngsters. I had hoped that I -should guide you back to the States. But you know your own bisness -better nor I do, so I oughtn't to grumble. I wish you could allers -stay with me. I'd take mighty good keer of you. But our trails lay in -different directions. You go back to your friends, an' me an' ole Bob -go to the mountains, to hunt, an' trap, an' fight Injuns, as we have -done fur many a long year." - -"You'll need a horse then, Dick," interrupted Frank. "You certainly -will not refuse the gray king! Take him, and keep him to remember us -by." - -"Youngsters," said the trapper, struggling hard to keep back something -that appeared to be rising in his throat, "it don't need no hoss to -make me 'member you. But I'll take him, howsomever, as a present from -you, an' every time I look at him, I shall think of you away off in -the States." - -"And, Dick," chimed in Archie, "if you ever see Black Bill, don't -forget that he stole my relics." - -"I won't forget it, little 'un. An' now, good-by. It aint no ways -likely that we shall ever see each other ag'in; but I hope that when -you git hum, an' tell your friends of your trip acrost the plains, -that you will give one thought to your ole friend Dick Lewis, the -trapper. Good-by, youngsters." - -The guide wrung their hands, and then gave way to old Bob, who also -seemed to regret that the parting time had come; and when the -farewells had all been said, the trappers mounted their horses, rode -rapidly down the street and disappeared. - -It was not at all probable that the boys would ever forget those -rough, but kind-hearted men--for the guides held a prominent place in -their affections. Although they were in a busy city, surrounded by -friends--for Mr. Winters had a large circle of acquaintances in -Sacramento--they were lonesome now that the trappers had gone, and -their thoughts often wandered off in search of those two men, now on -their lonely journey to the mountains. - -At the end of two weeks Mr. Winters had settled up his business, and, -one morning, they took the stage for Benicia; thence they went by boat -to San Francisco. Here they took passage on board a mail steamer to -Panama, thence by rail to Aspinwall, where they found another steamer, -that took them safely to Boston. At Portland, which they reached in -due time, they remained a week, and then all set out for Lawrence. -Frank had written to his mother when to expect them, and they found -all the inmates of the cottage on the watch. As the carriage that -brought them from the wharf drew up before the gate, Brave announced -the fact by a joyful bark, that brought Mrs. Nelson and Julia to the -door, where the travelers were warmly received. Besides strong frames, -sunburnt faces, and good appetites, the boys brought back from the -plains a fund of stories that was not exhausted that evening, nor the -next, and even at the end of two weeks they still had something to -talk about. The skins of the bears were stuffed and mounted, side by -side, in the museum, together with those of several prairie wolves, -big-horns, and that of the antelope the boys had killed the morning -they were lost on the prairie. Archie never grew tired of relating -the particulars of his adventure with the grizzly, and when he told -of their being lost, he never forgot to mention how Sleepy Sam had -"landed him in the water." - -And now that the young hunters were among their friends again, did -they ever "give one thought" to their guide? They often talked of -him--his stories were still fresh in their memories, and his many acts -of kindness could never be forgotten. Whenever they recounted their -adventures, or related the little history of the new objects they had -mounted in their museum, they always spoke of him, and many an earnest -wish went out from them for the welfare of DICK LEWIS, THE TRAPPER. In -their subsequent career in the gun-boat service, they often related -incidents of his life to their messmates. - - THE END. - - - * * * * * - - - New and Attractive Juveniles, - - FOR SALE BY - - R. W. CARROLL & CO., - - 117 WEST FOURTH STREET, CINCINNATI. - - - _Any book on this List sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt - of price._ - - - PRICE - - FRANK THE YOUNG NATURALIST. By "Harry Castlemon". $1 25 - FRANK IN THE WOODS. By "Harry Castlemon". 1 25 - FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE. By "Harry Castlemon". 1 25 - FRANK ON A GUN-BOAT. By "Harry Castlemon". 1 25 - FRANK BEFORE VICKSBURG. 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