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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:31:58 -0700 |
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diff --git a/8670-h/8670-h.htm b/8670-h/8670-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0887207 --- /dev/null +++ b/8670-h/8670-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,14018 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" name="linkgenerator" /> + <title> + In the Heart of The Rockies, by G. A. Henty + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of In the Heart of the Rockies, by G. A. Henty + +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: In the Heart of the Rockies + A Story of Adventure in Colorado + +Author: G. A. Henty + +Release Date: August, 2005 [EBook #8670] +First Posted: July, 31, 2003 +Last Updated: April, 12, 2019 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES *** + + + + +Etext produced by Charles Franks, Michelle Shephard, and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + IN THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES + </h1> + <h2> + A Story Of Adventure In Colorado + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By G. A. Henty + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I — TOM'S CHOICE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II — FINDING FRIENDS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III — ON THE PLAINS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV — LEAPING HORSE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V — IN DANGER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI — UNITED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII — CHASED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII — IN SAFETY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX — A BAD TIME </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X — AN AVALANCHE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI — WINTER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII — THE SNOW FORT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII — A FRESH START </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV — AN INDIAN ATTACK </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV — THE COLORADO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI — AFLOAT IN CANOES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII — THE GRAND CAŅON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII — BACK TO DENVER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX — A FORTUNE </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <h3> + MY DEAR LADS, + </h3> + <p> + Until comparatively lately that portion of the United States in which I + have laid this story was wholly unexplored. The marvellous caņons of the + Colorado River extend through a country absolutely bare and waterless, and + save the tales told by a few hunters or gold-seekers who, pressed by + Indians, made the descent of some of them, but little was known regarding + this region. It was not until 1869 that a thorough exploration of the + caņons was made by a government expedition under the command of Major + Powell. This expedition passed through the whole of the caņons, from those + high up on the Green River to the point where the Colorado issues out on + to the plains. Four years were occupied by the party in making a detailed + survey of the course of the main river and its tributaries. These + explorations took place some eight or nine years after the date of my + story. The country in which the Big Wind River has its source, and the + mountain chains contained in it, were almost unknown until, after the + completion of the railway to California, the United States government was + forced to send an expedition into it to punish the Indians for their raids + upon settlers in the plains. For details of the geography and scenery I + have relied upon the narrative of Mr. Baillie-Grohman, who paid several + visits to the country in 1878 and the following years in quest of sport, + and was the first white man to penetrate the recesses of the higher + mountains. At that time the Indians had almost entirely deserted the + country. For the details of the dangers and difficulties of the passage + through the caņons I am indebted to the official report of Major Powell, + published by the United States government. + </p> + <p> + Yours sincerely, + </p> + <h3> + G. A. HENTY. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I — TOM'S CHOICE + </h2> + <p> + "I can be of no use here, Carry. What am I good for? Why, I could not earn + money enough to pay for my own food, even if we knew anyone who would help + me to get a clerkship. I am too young for it yet. I would rather go before + the mast than take a place in a shop. I am too young even to enlist. I + know just about as much as other boys at school, and I certainly have no + talent anyway, as far as I can see at present. I can sail a boat, and I + won the swimming prize a month ago, and the sergeant who gives us lessons + in single-stick and boxing says that he considers me his best pupil with + the gloves, but all these things put together would not bring me in + sixpence a week. I don't want to go away, and nothing would induce me to + do so if I could be of the slightest use to you here. But can I be of any + use? What is there for me to look forward to if I stay? I am sure that you + would be always worrying over me if I did get some sort of situation that + you would know father and mother would not have liked to see me in, and + would seem to offer no chance for the future, whereas if I went out there + it would not matter what I did, and anything I earned I could send home to + you." + </p> + <p> + The speaker was a lad of sixteen. He and his sister, who was two years his + senior, were both dressed in deep mourning, and were sitting on a bench + near Southsea Castle looking across to Spithead, and the Isle of Wight + stretching away behind. They had three days before followed their mother + to the grave, and laid her beside their father, a lieutenant of the navy, + who had died two years before. This was the first time they had left the + house, where remained their four sisters—Janet, who came between + Carry and Tom; Blanche, who was fourteen; Lucie, twelve; and Harriet, + eight. Tom had proposed the walk. + </p> + <p> + "Come out for some fresh air, Carry," he had said. "You have been shut up + for a month. Let us two go together;" and Carry had understood that he + wanted a talk alone with her. There was need, indeed, that they should + look the future in the face. Since Lieutenant Wade's death their means had + been very straitened. Their mother had received a small pension as his + widow, and on this, eked out by drafts reluctantly drawn upon the thousand + pounds she had brought him on her marriage, which had been left untouched + during his lifetime, they had lived since his death. Two hundred pounds + had been drawn from their little capital, and the balance was all that now + remained. It had long been arranged that Carry and Janet should go out as + governesses as soon as they each reached the age of eighteen, but it was + now clear that Carry must remain at home in charge of the young ones. + </p> + <p> + That morning the two girls had had a talk together, and had settled that, + as Janet was too young to take even the humblest place as a governess, + they would endeavour to open a little school, and so, for the present at + any rate, keep the home together. Carry could give music lessons, for she + was already an excellent pianist, having been well taught by her mother, + who was an accomplished performer, and Janet was sufficiently advanced to + teach young girls. She had communicated their decision to Tom, who had + heartily agreed with it. + </p> + <p> + "The rent is only twenty pounds a year," he said, "and, as you say, the + eight hundred pounds bring in thirty-two pounds a year, which will pay the + rent and leave something over. If you don't get many pupils at first it + will help, and you can draw a little from the capital till the school gets + big enough to pay all your expenses. It is horrible to me that I don't + seem to be able to help, but at any rate I don't intend to remain a drag + upon you. If mother had only allowed me to go to sea after father's death + I should be off your hands now, and I might even have been able to help a + little. As it is, what is there for me to do here?" And then he pointed + out how hopeless the prospect seemed at Portsmouth. + </p> + <p> + Carry was silent for a minute or two when he ceased speaking, and sat + looking out over the sea. + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, we should not wish you to go into a shop, Tom, and what you + say about going into an office is also right enough. We have no sort of + interest, and the sort of clerkship you would be likely to get here would + not lead to anything. I know what you are thinking about—that letter + of Uncle Harry's; but you know that mother could not bear the thought of + it, and it would be dreadful for us if you were to go away." + </p> + <p> + "I would not think of going, Carry, if I could see any chance of helping + you here, and I don't want to go as I did when the letter first came. It + seems such a cowardly thing to run away and leave all the burden upon your + shoulders, yours and Janet's, though I know it will be principally on + yours; but what else is there to do? It was not for my own sake that I + wanted before to go, but I did not see what there was for me to do here + even when I grew up. Still, as mother said it would break her heart if I + went away, of course there was an end of it for the time, though I have + always thought it would be something to fall back upon if, when I got to + eighteen or nineteen, nothing else turned up, which seemed to me very + likely would be the case. Certainly, if it came to a choice between that + and enlisting, I should choose that: and now it seems to me the only thing + to be done." + </p> + <p> + "It is such a long way off, Tom," the girl said in a tone of deep pain; + "and you know when people get away so far they seem to forget those at + home and give up writing. We had not heard from uncle for ten years when + that letter came." + </p> + <p> + "There would be no fear of my forgetting you, Carry. I would write to you + whenever I got a chance." + </p> + <p> + "But even going out there does not seem to lead to anything, Tom. Uncle + has been away twenty-five years, and he does not seem to have made any + money at all." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, but then he owned in his letter, Carry, that it was principally his + own fault. He said he had made a good sum several times at mining, and + chucked it away; but that next time he strikes a good thing he was + determined to keep what he made and to come home to live upon it. I + sha'n't chuck it away if I make it, but shall send every penny home that I + can spare." + </p> + <p> + "But uncle will not expect you, Tom, mother refused so positively to let + you go. Perhaps he has gone away from the part of the country he wrote + from, and you may not be able to find him." + </p> + <p> + "I shall be able to find him," Tom said confidently. "When that letter + went, I sent one of my own to him, and said that though mother would not + hear of my going now, I might come out to him when I got older if I could + get nothing to do here, and asked him to send me a few words directed to + the post-office telling me how I might find him. He wrote back saying that + if I called at the Empire Saloon at a small town called Denver, in + Colorado, I should be likely to hear whereabouts he was, and that he would + sometimes send a line there with instructions if he should be long away." + </p> + <p> + "I see you have set your mind on going, Tom," Carry said sadly. + </p> + <p> + "No, I have not set my mind on it, Carry. I am perfectly ready to stop + here if you can see any way for me to earn money, but I cannot stop here + idle, eating and drinking, while you girls are working for us all." + </p> + <p> + "If you were but three or four years older, Tom, I should not so much + mind, and though it would be a terrible blow to part with you, I do not + see that you could do anything better; but you are only sixteen." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but I am strong and big for my age; I am quite as strong as a good + many men. Of course I don't mean the boatmen and the dockyard maties, but + men who don't do hard work. Anyhow, there are lots of men who go out to + America who are no stronger than I am, and of course I shall get stronger + every month. I can walk thirty miles a day easy, and I have never had a + day's illness." + </p> + <p> + "It is not your strength, Tom; I shall have no fears about your breaking + down; on the contrary, I should say that a life such as uncle wrote about, + must be wonderfully healthy. But you seem so young to make such a long + journey, and you may have to travel about in such rough places and among + such rough men before you can find Uncle Harry." + </p> + <p> + "I expect that I shall get on a great deal easier than a man would," Tom + said confidently. "Fellows might play tricks with a grown-up fellow who + they see is a stranger and not up to things, and might get into quarrels + with him, but no one is likely to interfere with a boy. No, I don't think + that there is anything in that, Carry,—the only real difficulty is + in going away so far from you, and perhaps being away for a long time." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Tom," the girl said after another pause, "it seems very terrible, + but I own that I can see nothing better for you. There is no way that you + can earn money here, and I am sure we would rather think of you as mining + and hunting with uncle, than as sitting as a sort of boy-clerk in some + dark little office in London or Portsmouth. It is no worse than going to + sea anyhow, and after all you may, as uncle says, hit on a rich mine and + come back with a fortune. Let us be going home. I can hardly bear to think + of it now, but I will tell Janet, and will talk about it again this + evening after the little ones have gone to bed." + </p> + <p> + Tom had the good sense to avoid any expression of satisfaction. He gave + Carry's hand a silent squeeze, and as they walked across the common talked + over their plans for setting to work to get pupils, and said no word that + would give her a hint of the excitement he felt at the thought of the life + of adventure in a wild country that lay before him. He had in his blood a + large share of the restless spirit of enterprise that has been the main + factor in making the Anglo-Saxons the dominant race of the world. His + father and his grandfather had both been officers in the royal navy, and a + great-uncle had commanded a merchantman that traded in the Eastern seas, + and had never come back from one of its voyages; there had been little + doubt that all on board had been massacred and the ship burned by Malay + pirates. His Uncle Harry had gone away when little more than a boy to seek + a fortune in America, and had, a few years after his landing there, + crossed the plains with one of the first parties that started out at news + of the discovery of gold in California. + </p> + <p> + Tom himself had longed above all things to be a sailor. His father had not + sufficient interest to get him into the royal navy, but had intended to + obtain for him a berth as apprentice in the merchant service; but his + sudden death had cut that project short, and his mother, who had always + been opposed to it, would not hear of his going to sea. But the life that + now seemed open to him was in the boy's eyes even preferable to that he + had longed for. The excitement of voyages to India or China and back was + as nothing to that of a gold-seeker and hunter in the West, where there + were bears and Indians and all sorts of adventures to be encountered. He + soon calmed down, however, on reaching home. The empty chair, the black + dresses and pale faces of the girls, brought back in its full force the + sense of loss. + </p> + <p> + In a short time he went up to his room, and sat there thinking it all over + again, and asking himself whether it was fair of him to leave his sisters, + and whether he was not acting selfishly in thus choosing his own life. He + had gone over this ground again and again in the last few days, and he now + came to the same conclusion, namely, that he could do no better for the + girls by stopping at home, and that he had not decided upon accepting his + uncle's invitation because the life was just what he would have chosen, + but because he could see nothing that offered equal chances of his being + able permanently to aid them at home. + </p> + <p> + When he came downstairs again Carry said: + </p> + <p> + "The others have gone out, Tom; you had better go round and see some of + your school-fellows. You look fagged and worn out. You cannot help me + here, and I shall go about my work more cheerfully if I know that you are + out and about." + </p> + <p> + Tom nodded, put on his cap and went out; but he felt far too restless to + follow her advice and call on some of his friends, so he walked across the + common and lay down on the beach and went all over it again, until at last + he went off to sleep, and did not wake up until, glancing at his watch, he + found that it was time to return to tea. He felt fresher and better for + his rest, for indeed he had slept but little for the past fortnight, and + Carry nodded approvingly as she saw that his eyes were brighter, and the + lines of fatigue and sleeplessness less strongly marked on his face. + </p> + <p> + Two hours later, when the younger girls had gone to bed, Carry said: "Now + we will have a family council. I have told Janet about our talk, Tom, and + she is altogether on your side, and only regrets that she is not a boy and + able to go out with you. We need not go over the ground again, we are + quite agreed with you that there seems no prospect here of your obtaining + work such as we should like to see you at, or that would lead to anything. + There are only two things open to you, the one is to go to sea, the other + to go out to Uncle Harry. You are old to go as an apprentice, but not too + old, and that plan could be carried out; still, we both think that the + other is better. You would be almost as much separated from us if you went + to sea as you would be if you went out to America. But before you quite + decide I will read uncle's letter, which I have found this afternoon among + some other papers." + </p> + <p> + She took out the letter and opened it. + </p> + <p> + "'My dear Jack,—I am afraid it is a very long time since I wrote + last; I don't like to think how long. I have been intending to do so a + score of times, but you know I always hated writing, and I have been + waiting to tell you that I had hit upon something good at last. Even now I + can only tell you that I have been knocking about and getting older, but + so far I cannot say I have been getting richer. As I told you when I wrote + last I have several times made good hauls and struck it rich, but somehow + the money has always slipped through my fingers. Sometimes I have put it + into things that looked well enough but turned out worthless; sometimes I + have chucked it away in the fool's manner men do here. I have just come + back from a prospecting tour in the country of the Utes, where I found two + or three things that seemed good; one of them first-rate, the best thing, + I think, I have seen since I came out here. + </p> + <p> + "'Unfortunately I cannot do anything with them at present, for the Utes + are getting troublesome, and it would be as much as one's life is worth to + go back there with a small party; so that matter must rest for a bit, and + I must look out in another quarter until the Utes settle down again. I am + going to join a hunting party that starts for the mountains next week. I + have done pretty nearly as much hunting as mining since I came out, and + though there is no big pile to be made at it, it is a pretty certain + living. How are you all getting on? I hope some day to drop in on your + quiet quarters at Southsea with some big bags of gold-dust, and to end my + days in a nook by your fireside; which I know you will give me, old + fellow, with or without the gold bags. '" + </p> + <p> + [Image: CARRY READS UNCLE HARRY'S LETTER.] + </p> + <p> + "'I suppose your boy is thirteen or fourteen years old by this time. That + is too young for him to come out here, but if in two or three years you + don't see any opening for him at home, send him out to me, and I will make + a man of him; and even if he does not make a fortune in gold-seeking, + there are plenty of things a young fellow can turn his hand to in this + country with a good certainty of making his way, if he is but steady. You + may think that my example is not likely to be of much benefit to him, but + I should do for an object lesson, and seriously, would do my very best to + set him in a straight path. Anyhow, three or four years' knocking about + with me would enable him to cut his eye-teeth, and hold his own in the + world. At the end of that time he could look round and see what line he + would take up, and I need not say that I would help him to the utmost of + my power, and though I have not done any good for myself I might do good + for him. + </p> + <p> + "'In the first place, I know pretty well every one in Colorado, Montana, + and Idaho; in the next place, in my wanderings I have come across a score + of bits of land in out-of-the-way places where a young fellow could set up + a ranche and breed cattle and horses and make a good thing of it; or if he + has a turn for mechanics, I could show him places where he could set up + saw-mills for lumber, with water-power all the year round, and with + markets not far away. Of course, he is too young yet, but unless he is + going to walk in your steps and turn sailor he might do worse than come + out to me in three or four years' time. Rough as the life is, it is a + man's life, and a week of it is worth more than a year's quill-driving in + an office. It is a pity your family have run to girls, for if one boy had + made up his mind for the sea you might have spared me another.' + </p> + <p> + "That is all. You know mother sent an answer saying that dear father had + gone, and that she should never be able to let you go so far away and take + up such a rough and dangerous life. However, Tom, as you wrote to uncle, + her refusal would not matter, and by his sending you instructions how to + find him, it is evident that he will not be surprised at your turning up. + In the first place, are you sure that you would prefer this to the sea?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite sure, Carry; I should like it much better. But the principal thing + is that I may soon be able to help you from there, while it would be years + before I should get pay enough at sea to enable me to do so." + </p> + <p> + "Then that is settled, Tom. And now, I suppose," and her voice quivered a + little, "you will want to be off as soon as you can?" + </p> + <p> + "I think so," Tom replied. "If I am to go, it seems to me the sooner I go + the better; there is nothing that I can do here, and we shall all be + restless and unsettled until I am off." + </p> + <p> + Carry nodded. "I think you are right, Tom; we shall never be able to + settle to our work here when we are thinking of your going away. The first + thing to do will be to draw some money from the bank. There will be your + outfit to get and your passage to pay to America, and a supply of money to + take you out West, and keep you until you join uncle." + </p> + <p> + "That is what I hate," Tom said gloomily. "It seems beastly that when I + want to help you I must begin by taking some of your money." + </p> + <p> + "That can't be helped," Carry said cheerfully. "One must not grudge a + sprat to catch a whale, and besides it would cost ever so much more if we + had to apprentice you to the sea, and get your outfit. You will not want + many clothes now. You have enough for the voyage and journey, and I should + think it would be much better for you to get what you want out there, when + you will have uncle to advise what is necessary. I should really think + some flannel shirts and a rough suit for the voyage will be the principal + things." + </p> + <p> + "I should think so, certainly," Tom agreed. "The less baggage one travels + with the better, for when I leave the railway I shall only want what I can + carry with me or pack on horses. Anything else would only be a nuisance. + As to a rough suit for the voyage, the clothes I had before I put these + on" (and he glanced at his black suit) "will do capitally. Of course I + shall go steerage. I can get out for four or five pounds that way, and I + shall be quite as well off as I should be as an apprentice. I know I must + have some money, but I won't take more than is absolutely necessary. I am + all right as far as I can see for everything, except three or four flannel + shirts. I don't see that another thing will be required except a small + trunk to hold them and the clothes I have on, which I don't suppose I + shall ever wear again, and a few other things. You know I would only allow + you to have this one black suit made. I was thinking of this, and it would + have been throwing away money to have got more. Of course, I don't know + what I shall want out there. I know it is a long way to travel by rail, + and I may have to keep myself for a month before I find uncle. I should + think five-and-twenty pounds when I land would be enough for everything." + </p> + <p> + "I shall draw fifty pounds," Carry said positively. "As you say, your + outfit will really cost nothing; ten pounds will pay for your journey to + Liverpool and your passage; that will leave you forty pounds in your + pocket when you land. That is the very least you could do with, for you + may find you will have to buy a horse, and though I believe they are very + cheap out there, I suppose you could not get one under ten pounds; and + then there would be the saddle and bridle and food for the journey, and + all sorts of things. I don't think forty pounds will be enough." + </p> + <p> + "I won't have a penny more, anyhow," Tom said. "If I find a horse too + expensive I can tramp on foot." + </p> + <p> + "And you must be sure not to get robbed," Janet said, breaking in for the + first time. "Just fancy your finding yourself without money in such a + place as that. I will make you a belt to wear under your things, with + pockets for the money." + </p> + <p> + "I hope I should not be such a fool as that, Janet, but anyhow I will be + as careful as I can. I shall be very glad of the belt. One does not know + what the fellows might be up to, and I would certainly rather not have my + money loose in my pocket; but even if I were robbed I don't think it would + be as desperate as you think. I expect a boy could always find something + to do to earn his living, and I should try and work my way along somehow, + but as that would not be pleasant at all I shall take good care of my + money, you may be sure." + </p> + <p> + For an hour they sat talking, and before the council broke up it was + agreed that they should look in the newspaper in the morning for a list of + vessels sailing for America, and should at once write and take a passage. + </p> + <p> + There was no time lost. Carry felt that it would be best for them all that + the parting should be got over as soon as possible. Letters were written + the next morning to two steamship companies and to the owners of two + sailing vessels asking the prices of steerage passages, agreeing that if + there was not much difference it would be better to save perhaps a + fortnight by taking the passage in a steamship. + </p> + <p> + The replies showed that the difference was indeed trifling, and a week + after their receipt Tom Wade started from Portsmouth to Liverpool. Even at + the last moment he was half-inclined to change his plans, it seemed so + hard to leave his sisters alone; but Carry and Janet had both convinced + themselves that his scheme was the best, and would not hear of his + wavering now. They kept up a show of good spirits until the last, talked + confidently of the success of their own plans, and how they should set + about carrying them out as soon as they were free to act. The younger + girls, although implored by the elders not to give way to their grief at + the departure of their brother, were in a state of constant tearfulness, + and were in consequence frequently got rid of by being sent on errands. + Tom, too, took them out for hours every day, and by telling them stories + of the wild animals he should hunt, and the Indians he should see, and of + the stores of gold he should find hidden, generally brought them home in a + more cheerful state of mind. + </p> + <p> + At last the parting was over, and after making heroic efforts to be + cheerful to the end, Tom waved a last adieu with his handkerchief to the + five weeping figures on the platform, and then threw himself back in his + seat and gave free vent to his own feelings. Two girls sitting beside him + sniggered at the sight of the strong-built young fellow giving way to + tears, but a motherly-looking woman opposite presently put her hand on his + knee. + </p> + <p> + "Don't be ashamed of crying, my lad," she said. "I have got a son years + older than you, and we always have a good cry together every time he + starts on a long voyage. Are you going far? I suppose those are your + sisters? I see you are all in black. Lost someone dear to you, no doubt? + It comes to us all, my boy, sooner or later." + </p> + <p> + "I am going to America," Tom replied, "and may not be back for years. Yes, + those are my sisters, and what upsets me most is that I have to leave them + all alone, for we have lost both our parents." + </p> + <p> + "Dear, dear, that is sad indeed! No wonder you are all upset. Well, well, + America is not so very far away—only a ten days' voyage by steamer, + they tell me, and my boy is away in a sailing ship. He is in China, I + reckon, now; he sailed five months ago, and did not expect to be home + under a year. I worry about him sometimes, but I know it is of no use + doing that. The last thing he said when I bade good-bye to him was, 'Keep + up your spirits, mother'; and I try to do so." + </p> + <p> + The old lady went on talking about her son, and Tom, listening to her + kindly attempts to draw him out of his own troubles, grew interested, and + by the time they reached Winchester, where she left the train, he had + shaken off his first depression. It was a long journey with several + changes, and he did not arrive in Liverpool until six o'clock in the + evening, having been nearly twelve hours on the road. Carry's last + injunction had been, "Take a cab when you get to Liverpool, Tom, and drive + straight down to the docks. Liverpool is a large place, and you might get + directed wrong. I shall be more comfortable if I know that, at any rate, + you will go straight on board." + </p> + <p> + Tom had thought it an unnecessary expense, but as he saw that Carry would + be more comfortable about him if he followed her advice, he promised to do + so, and was not sorry for it as he drove through the streets; for, in + spite of cutting down everything that seemed unnecessary for the voyage + and subsequent journey, the portmanteau was too heavy to carry far with + comfort, and although prepared to rough it to any extent when he had once + left England, he felt that he should not like to make his way along the + crowded streets with his trunk on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + The cabman had no difficulty in finding the <i>Parthia</i>, which was + still in the basin. Tom was, however, only just in time to get on board, + for the men were already throwing off the warps, and ten minutes later she + passed out through the dock-gates, and soon anchored in the middle of the + river. Tom had been on board too many ships at Portsmouth to feel any of + that bewilderment common to emigrants starting on their first voyage. He + saw that at present everyone was too busy to attend to him, and so he put + his portmanteau down by the bulwark forward, and leaning on the rail + watched the process of warping the ship out of the docks. There were a + good many steerage passengers forward, but at present the after-part of + the ship was entirely deserted, as the cabin passengers would not come on + board until either late at night or early next morning. When the anchor + had been let drop he took up his trunk and asked a sailor where he ought + to go to. + </p> + <p> + "Show me your ticket. Ah! single man's quarters, right forward." + </p> + <p> + There he met a steward, who, after looking at his ticket, said: "You will + see the bunks down there, and can take any one that is unoccupied. I + should advise you to put your trunk into it, and keep the lid shut. People + come and go in the morning, and you might find that your things had gone + too. It would be just as well for you to keep it locked through the + voyage. I see that you have got a cord round it. Keep it corded; the more + things there are to unfasten to get at the contents the less chance there + is of anyone attempting it." + </p> + <p> + The place was crowded with berths, mere shallow trays, each containing a + straw mattress and pillow and two coloured blankets. They were in three + tiers, one above the other, and were arranged in lines three deep, with a + narrow passage between. He saw by the number into which bags and packets + had been thrown that the upper berths were the favourites, but he + concluded that the lower tiers were preferable. "It will be frightfully + hot and stuffy here," he said to himself, "and I should say the lower + berths will be cooler than the upper." He therefore placed his trunk in + one of those next to the central passage and near the door, and then went + up on deck. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Parthia</i> was a Cunarder, and although not equal in size to the + great ships of the present day, was a very fine vessel. The fare had been + somewhat higher than that for which he could have had a passage in a + sailing ship, but in addition to his saving time, there was the advantage + that on board the steamers, passengers were not obliged to provide their + own bedding, as they had to do in sailing vessels, and also the food was + cooked for them in the ship's galleys. + </p> + <p> + The first meal was served soon after the anchor dropped, and consisted of + a bowl of cocoa and a large piece of bread. Half an hour later a tender + came alongside with the last batch of steerage passengers, and Tom was + interested in watching the various groups as they came on board—men, + women, and children. + </p> + <p> + "Well," he said to himself, "I do think I am better fitted to make my way + out there than most of these people are, for they look as helpless and + confused as a flock of sheep. I pity those women with children. It will be + pretty crowded in our quarters, but there is a chance of getting a fair + night's sleep, while in a place crowded with babies and children it would + be awful." + </p> + <p> + Being a kind-hearted lad he at once set to work to help as far as he + could, volunteering to carry children down below, and to help with boxes + and bundles. + </p> + <p> + In many cases his assistance was thankfully accepted, but in some it was + sharply refused, the people's manner clearly showing their suspicions of + his motive. He was not surprised at this after all the warnings Carry had + given him against putting any confidence in strangers, but was satisfied, + after an hour's hard work, that he had rendered things somewhat easier for + many a worried and anxious woman. It was getting dusk even on deck by the + time he had finished. + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, lad," a man, who went up the companion ladder with him, said + as they stepped on to the deck. "You have done my missis a good turn by + taking care of those three young ones while we straightened up a bit, and + I saw you helping others too. You are the right sort, I can see. There + ain't many young chaps as puts themselves out of the way to do a bit of + kindness like that. My name is Bill Brown; what is yours?" + </p> + <p> + "Tom Wade. I had nothing to do, and was glad to be of a little help. + People who have never been on board ship before naturally feel confused in + such a crowd." + </p> + <p> + "Have you been to sea?" + </p> + <p> + "Not on a voyage, but I have lived at Portsmouth and have often been on + board troopships and men-of-war, so it does not seem so strange to me." + </p> + <p> + "Are you by yourself, or have you friends with you?" + </p> + <p> + "I am alone," Tom replied. "I am going out to join an uncle in the + States." + </p> + <p> + "I have been across before," the man said. "I am a carpenter, and have + worked out there six months, and came home six weeks back to fetch the + others over. I have got a place, where I was working before, to go to as + soon as I land. It makes a lot of difference to a man." + </p> + <p> + "It does indeed," Tom agreed. "I know if I were going out without any + fixed object beyond taking the first work that came to hand, I should not + feel so easy and comfortable about it as I do now." + </p> + <p> + "I have got two or three of my mates on board who are going out on my + report of the place, and three families from my wife's village. She and + the youngsters have been staying with her old folk while I was away. So we + are a biggish party, and if you want anything done on the voyage you have + only got to say the word to me." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II — FINDING FRIENDS + </h2> + <p> + The weather was fine, and Tom Wade found the voyage more pleasant than he + had expected. The port-holes were kept open all the way, and the crowded + quarters were less uncomfortable than would have been the case had they + encountered rough weather. There were some very rough spirits among the + party forward, but the great majority were quiet men, and after the first + night all talking and larking were sternly repressed after the lights were + out. The food was abundant, and although some grumbled at the meat there + was no real cause of complaint. A rope across the deck divided the + steerage passengers from those aft, and as there were not much more than + one-half the emigrants aboard that the <i>Parthia</i> could carry, there + was plenty of room on deck. + </p> + <p> + But few of the passengers suffered from sea-sickness, and the women sat + and chatted and sewed in little groups while the children played about, + and the men walked up and down or gathered forward and smoked, while a few + who had provided themselves with newspapers or books sat in quiet corners + and read. Tom was one of these, for he had picked up a few books on the + United States at second-hand bookstalls at Portsmouth, and this prevented + him from finding the voyage monotonous. When indisposed to read he chatted + with Brown the carpenter and his mates, and sometimes getting a party of + children round him and telling them stories gathered from the books now + standing on the shelves in his room at Southsea. He was glad, however, + when the voyage was over; not because he was tired of it, but because he + was longing to be on his way west. Before leaving the ship he took a very + hearty farewell of his companions on the voyage, and on landing was + detained but a few minutes at the custom-house, and then entering an + omnibus that was in waiting at the gate, was driven straight to the + station of one of the western lines of railway. + </p> + <p> + From the information he had got up before sailing he had learnt that there + were several of these, but that there was very little difference either in + their speed or rates of fare, and that their through-rates to Denver were + practically the same. He had therefore fixed on the Chicago and Little + Rock line, not because its advantages were greater, but in order to be + able to go straight from the steamer to the station without having to make + up his mind between the competing lines. He found on arrival that the + emigrant trains ran to Omaha, where all the lines met, and that beyond + that he must proceed by the regular trains. An emigrant train was to leave + that evening at six o'clock. + </p> + <p> + "The train will be made up about four," a good-natured official said to + him, "and you had best be here by that time so as to get a corner seat, + for I can tell you that makes all the difference on a journey like this. + If you like to take your ticket at once you can register that trunk of + yours straight on to Denver, and then you won't have any more trouble + about it." + </p> + <p> + "Of course we stop to take our meals on the way?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; but if you take my advice you will do as most of them do, get a big + basket and lay in a stock of bread and cooked meat, cheese, and anything + you fancy, then you will only have to go out and get a cup of tea at the + stopping-places. It comes a good bit cheaper, and you get done before + those who take their meals, and can slip back into the cars again quick + and keep your corner seat. There ain't much ceremony in emigrant trains, + and it is first come first served." + </p> + <p> + "How long shall we be in getting to Denver?" + </p> + <p> + "It will be fully a week, but there ain't any saying to a day. The + emigrant trains just jog along as they can between the freight trains and + the fast ones, and get shunted off a bit to let the expresses pass them." + </p> + <p> + Thanking the official for his advice, Tom took his ticket, registered his + trunk, and then went out and strolled about the streets of New York until + three o'clock. He took the advice as to provisions, and getting a small + hamper laid in a stock of food sufficient for three or four days. The + platform from which the train was to start was already occupied by a + considerable number of emigrants, but when the train came up he was able + to secure a corner seat. The cars were all packed with their full + complement of passengers. They were open from end to end, with a passage + down the middle. Other cars were added as the train filled up, but not + until all the places were already occupied. The majority of the passengers + were men, but there were a considerable number of women, and still more + children; and Tom congratulated himself on learning from the conversation + of those around him that a good many were not going beyond Chicago, and + that almost all would leave the train at stations between that place and + Omaha. + </p> + <p> + The journey to Chicago was the most unpleasant experience Tom had ever + gone through. The heat, the dust, and the close confinement seemed to tell + on the tempers of everyone. The children fidgeted perpetually, the little + ones and the babies cried, the women scolded, and the men grumbled and + occasionally quarrelled. It was even worse at night than during the day; + the children indeed were quieter, for they lay on the floor of the passage + and slept in comparative comfort, but for the men and women there was no + change of position, no possibility of rest. The backs of the seats were + low, and except for the fortunate ones by the windows there was no rest + for the head; but all took uneasy naps with their chins leaning forward on + their chest, or sometimes with their heads resting on their neighbour's + shoulder. Tom did not retain his corner seat, but resigned it a few hours + after starting to a weary woman with a baby in her arms who sat next to + him. He himself, strong as he was, felt utterly worn out by the fatigue + and sleeplessness. + </p> + <p> + Beyond Chicago there was somewhat more room, and it was possible to make a + change of position. Beyond Omaha it was much better; the train was + considerably faster and the number of passengers comparatively few. He now + generally got a seat to himself and could put his feet up. The people were + also, for the most part, acquainted with the country, and he was able to + learn a good deal from their conversation. There were but few women or + children among them, for except near the stations of the railway, + settlements were very rare; and the men were for the most part either + miners, ranchemen, or mechanics, going to the rising town of Denver, or + bound on the long journey across the plains to Utah or California. It was + on the eighth day after starting that Denver was reached. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving the ship Tom had put on his working clothes and a flannel + shirt, and had disposed of his black suit, for a small sum, to a + fellow-passenger who intended to remain at New York. This had somewhat + lightened his portmanteau, but he was glad when he found that there were + vehicles at the station to convey passengers up the hill to Denver, which + was some three miles away, and many hundred feet above it. He was too + tired to set about finding the Empire Saloon, but put up at the hotel at + which the omnibus stopped, took a bath and a hearty meal, and then went + straight to bed. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast the next morning he at once set out. He had no difficulty + in finding the whereabouts of the Empire Saloon, which he learned from the + clerk of the hotel was a small place frequented almost entirely by miners. + Its appearance was not prepossessing. It had been built in the earliest + days of Denver, and was a rough erection. The saloon was low, its bare + rafters were darkly coloured by smoke, a number of small tables stood on + the sanded floor, and across the farther end of the room ran a bar. On + shelves behind this stood a number of black bottles, and a man in his + shirt sleeves was engaged in washing up glasses. Two or three + rough-looking men in coloured flannel shirts, with the bottoms of their + trousers tucked into high boots, were seated at the tables smoking and + drinking. + </p> + <p> + "I am expecting a letter for me here," Tom said to the man behind the bar. + "My name is Wade." + </p> + <p> + "The boss is out now," the man said. "He will be here in an hour or so. If + there is anything for you he will know about it." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you. I will come again in an hour," Tom replied. The man nodded + shortly, and went on with his work. When Tom returned, the bar-tender said + to a man who was sitting at one of the tables talking to the miners, "This + is the chap I told you of as was here about the letter." + </p> + <p> + "Sit right down," the man said to Tom, "I will talk with you presently;" + and he continued his conversation in a low tone with the miners. It was + nearly half an hour before he concluded it. Then he rose, walked across + the room to Tom, and held out his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Shake, young fellow," he said; "that is, if you are the chap Straight + Harry told me might turn up here some day." + </p> + <p> + "I expect I am the fellow," Tom said with a smile. "My uncle's name is + Harry Wade." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that is his name; although he is always called Straight Harry. Yes, + I have got a letter for you. Come along with me." He led the way into a + small room behind the saloon, that served at once as his bed-room and + office, and motioned to Tom to sit down on the only chair; then going to a + cupboard he took out a tin canister, and opening it shook out half a dozen + letters on to the table. + </p> + <p> + "That is yourn," he said, picking one out. + </p> + <p> + It was directed to Tom, and contained but a few lines. "<i>If you come I + have gone west. Pete Hoskings will tell you all he knows about me and put + you on the line. Your affectionate uncle.</i>" + </p> + <p> + "Are you Mr. Hoskings?" he asked the landlord. + </p> + <p> + "I am Pete Hoskings," the man said. "There ain't been no Mister to my name + as ever I can remember." + </p> + <p> + "My uncle tells me that you will be able to direct me to him, and will put + me on the line." + </p> + <p> + "It would take a darn sight cuter fellow than I am to direct you to him at + present," the man said with a laugh. "Straight Harry went away from here + three months ago, and he might be just anywhere now. He may be grubbing + away in a mine, he may be hunting and trapping, or he may have been wiped + out by the Indians. I know where he intended to go, at least in a general + sort of way. He did tell me he meant to stay about there, and it may be he + has done so. He said if he moved away and got a chance he would send me + word; but as there ain't nairy a post-office within about five hundred + miles of where he is, his only chance of sending a letter would be by a + hunter who chanced to be going down to the settlements, and who, like + enough, would put it into his hunting-shirt and never give it another + thought. So whether he has stayed there or not is more nor I can say." + </p> + <p> + "And where is <i>there?</i>" Tom asked. "It is among the hills to the west + of the Colorado River, which ain't much, seeing as the Colorado is about + two thousand miles long. However, I can put you closer than that, for he + showed me on a map the bit of country he intended to work. He said he + would be back here in six months from the time he started; and that if you + turned up here I was either to tell you the best way of getting there, or + to keep you here until he came back. Well, I may say at once that there + ain't no best way; there is only one way, and that is to get on a pony and + ride there, and a mighty bad way it is. The only thing for you to do is to + keep on west along the caravan tract. You have to cross the Green River,—that + is the name of the Colorado on its upper course. Fort Bridger is the place + for you to start from, but you have got to wait there until you sight some + one or other bound south; for as to going by yourself, it would be a sight + better to save yourself all trouble by putting that Colt hanging there to + your head, and pulling the trigger. It is a bad country, and it is full of + bad Indians, and there ain't many, even of the oldest hands, who care to + risk their lives by going where Straight Harry has gone. + </p> + <p> + "I did all I could to keep him from it; but he is just as obstinate as a + mule when he has made up his mind to a thing. I know him well, for we + worked as mates for over a year down on the Yuba in California. We made a + good pile, and as I had got a wife and wanted to settle I came back east. + This place had a couple of dozen houses then; but I saw it was likely to + boom, so I settled down and set up this saloon and sent for my wife to + come west to me. If she had lived I should have been in a sight bigger + place by this time; but she died six months after she got here, and then I + did not care a continental one way or the other; and I like better to stop + here, where I meet my old mates and can do as I like, than to run a big + hotel. It ain't much to look at, but it suits me, and I am content to know + that I could buy up the biggest place here if I had a fancy to. I don't + take much money now, but I did when the place was young; and I bought a + few lots of land, and you may bet they have turned out worth having. Well, + don't you act rashly in this business. Another three months your uncle + will turn up, if he is alive; and if he don't turn up at all I dare say I + can put you into a soft thing. If you go on it is about ten to one you get + scalped before you find him. Where are you staying?" + </p> + <p> + "At the Grand. The omnibus stopped there last night." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you stay there for a week and think it over. You have got to learn + about the country west of the Colorado. You had best come here to do that. + You might stay a month at the Grand and not find a soul who could tell you + anything worth knowing, but there ain't a day when you couldn't meet men + here who have either been there themselves or have heard tell of it from + men who have." + </p> + <p> + "Are the natives friendly now?" Tom asked. "In a letter he wrote two years + ago to us, my uncle said that he should put off going to a part of the + country he wanted to prospect until the Indians were quiet." + </p> + <p> + "The darned critters are never either friendly or quiet. A red-skin is + pizen, take him when you will. The only difference is, that sometimes they + go on the war-path and sometimes they don't; but you may bet that they are + always ready to take a white man's scalp if they get a chance." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I am very much obliged to you for your advice, which I will + certainly take; that is, I will not decide for a few days, and will come + in here and talk to the miners and learn what I can about it." + </p> + <p> + "You can hear at once," the landlord said. He stepped back into the + saloon, and said to the two men with whom he had been talking: "Boys, this + young chap is a Britisher, and he has come out all the way to join + Straight Harry, who is an uncle of his. Straight Harry is with Ben Gulston + and Sam Hicks, and they are prospecting somewhere west of the Colorado. He + wants to join them. Now, what do you reckon his chances would be of + finding them out and dropping in on their campfire?" + </p> + <p> + The men looked at Tom with open eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Waal," one of them drawled, "I should reckon you would have just about + the same chance of getting to the North Pole if you started off on foot, + as you would of getting to Straight Harry with your hair on." + </p> + <p> + Tom laughed. "That is not cheering," he said. + </p> + <p> + "It ain't. I don't say as an old hand on the plains might not manage it. + He would know the sort of place Harry and his mates would be likely to be + prospecting, he would know the ways of the red-skins and how to travel + among them without ever leaving a trail or making a smoke, but even for + him it would be risky work, and not many fellows would care to take the + chances even if they knew the country well. But for a tenderfoot to start + out on such a job would be downright foolishness. There are about six + points wanted in a man for such a journey. He has got to be as hard and + tough as leather, to be able to go for days without food or drink, to know + the country well, to sleep when he does sleep with his ears open, to be up + to every red skin trick, to be able to shoot straight enough to hit a man + plumb centre at three hundred yards at least, and to hit a dollar at + twenty yards sartin with his six-shooter. If you feel as you have got all + them qualifications you can start off as soon as you like, and the chances + aren't more'n twenty to one agin your finding him." + </p> + <p> + "I haven't anyone of them," Tom said. + </p> + <p> + "Waal, it is something if you know that, young chap. It is not every + tenderfoot who would own up as much. You stick to it that you don't know + anything, and at the same time do your best to learn something, and you + will do in time. You look a clean-built young chap, and you could not have + a better teacher than Straight Harry. What he don't know, whether it is + about prospecting for gold or hunting for beasts, ain't worth knowing, you + bet. What is your name, mate?" + </p> + <p> + "Tom Wade." + </p> + <p> + "Waal, let us drink. It ain't like you, Pete, to keep a stranger dry as + long as you have been doing." + </p> + <p> + "He ain't up to our customs yet," the landlord said, as he moved off + towards the bar. + </p> + <p> + "It is a custom everywhere," the miner said reprovingly, "for folks to + stand drink to a stranger; and good Bourbon hurts no man." + </p> + <p> + The landlord placed a bottle and four glasses on the counter. Each of the + miners filled his glass for himself, and the bottle was then handed to + Tom, who followed their example, as did Hoskings. + </p> + <p> + "Here is luck to you," the miner said, as he lifted his glass. Three + glasses were set down empty, but Tom had to stop half-way with his to + cough violently. + </p> + <p> + "It is strong stuff," he said apologetically, "and I never drank spirits + without water before. I had a glass of grog-and-water on board a ship + sometimes, but it has always been at least two parts of water to one of + spirits." + </p> + <p> + "We mostly drink our liquor straight out here," the miner said. "But I am + not saying it is the best way, especially for one who ain't used to it, + but you have got to learn to do it if you are going to live long in this + country." + </p> + <p> + "Standing drinks round is a custom here," Pete Hoskings explained, seeing + that Tom looked a little puzzled, "and there ain't no worse insult than to + refuse to drink with a man. There have been scores of men shot, ay, and + hundreds, for doing so. I don't say that you may not put water in, but if + you refuse to drink you had best do it with your hand on the butt of your + gun, for you will want to get it out quick, I can tell you." + </p> + <p> + "There is one advantage in such a custom anyhow," Tom said, "it will keep + anyone who does not want to drink from entering a saloon at all." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, lad," Pete Hoskings said heartily. "I keep a saloon, and have + made money by it, but for all that I say to every young fellow who hopes + to make his way some time, keep out of them altogether. In country places + you must go to a saloon to get a square meal, but everyone drinks tea or + coffee with their food, and there is no call to stay in the place a minute + after you have finished. Calling for drinks round has been the ruin of + many a good man; one calls first, then another calls, and no one likes to + stand out of it, and though you may only have gone in for one glass, you + may find you will have to drink a dozen before you get out." + </p> + <p> + "Why, you are a downright temperance preacher, Pete," one of the miners + laughed. + </p> + <p> + "I don't preach to a seasoned old hoss like you, Jerry. I keep my + preaching for those who may benefit by it, such as the youngster here; but + I say to him and to those like him, you keep out of saloons. If you don't + do that, you will find yourself no forwarder when you are fifty than you + are now, while there are plenty of openings all over the country for any + bright young fellow who will keep away from liquor." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you," Tom said warmly; "I will follow your advice, which will be + easy enough. Beyond a glass of beer with my dinner and a tot of grog, + perhaps once in three months when I have gone on board a ship, and did not + like to say no, I have never touched it, and have no wish to do so." + </p> + <p> + "Stick to that, lad; stick to that. You will find many temptations, but + you set your face hard against them, and except when you come upon a hard + man bent on kicking up a muss, you will find folks will think none the + worse of you when you say to them straight, 'I am much obliged to you all + the same, but I never touch liquor.'" + </p> + <p> + Tom remained four days at the hotel, spending a good deal of his time at + the saloon, where he met many miners, all of whom endorsed what the first + he had spoken to had said respecting the country, and the impossibility of + anyone but an old hand among the mountains making his way there. + </p> + <p> + On the fourth evening he said to Pete Hoskings: "I see that your advice + was good, and that it would be madness for me to attempt to go by myself, + but I don't see why I should not ride to Fort Bridger; not of course by + myself, but with one of the caravans going west. It would be a great deal + better for me to do that and to learn something of the plains and camping + than to stay here for perhaps three months. At Fort Bridger I shall be + able to learn more about the country, and might join some hunting party + and gain experience that way. I might find other prospectors going up + among the hills, and even if it were not near where my uncle is to be + found, I should gain by learning something, and should not be quite a + greenhorn when I join him." + </p> + <p> + "Well, that is sensible enough," Pete Hoskings said, "and I don't know as + I can say anything against it. You certainly would not be doing any good + for yourself here, and I don't say that either an hotel or a saloon is the + best place for you. I will think it over, and will let you know when you + come round in the morning; maybe I can put you a little in the way of + carrying it out." + </p> + <p> + The next morning when Tom went to the saloon, Jerry Curtis, one of the + miners he had first met there, was sitting chatting with Pete Hoskings. + </p> + <p> + "I had Jerry in my thoughts when I spoke to you last night, Tom," the + latter said. "I knew he was just starting west again, and thought I would + put the matter to him. He says he has no objection to your travelling with + him as far as Fort Bridger, where maybe he will make a stay himself. There + ain't no one as knows the plains much better than he does, and he can put + you up to more in the course of a month than you would learn in a year + just travelling with a caravan with farmers bound west." + </p> + <p> + "I should be very much obliged indeed," Tom said delightedly. "It would be + awfully good of you, Jerry, and I won't be more trouble than I can help." + </p> + <p> + "I don't reckon you will be any trouble at all," the miner said. "I was + never set much on travelling alone as some men are. I ain't much of a + talker, but I ain't fond of going two or three months without opening my + mouth except to put food and drink into it. So if you think you will like + it I shall be glad enough to take you. I know Straight Harry well, and I + can see you are teachable, and not set upon your own opinions as many + young fellows I have met out here are, but ready to allow that there are + some things as men who have been at them all their lives may know a little + more about than they do. So you may take it that it is a bargain. Now, + what have you got in the way of outfit?" + </p> + <p> + "I have not got anything beyond flannel shirts, and rough clothes like + these." + </p> + <p> + "They are good enough as far as they go. Two flannel shirts, one on and + one off, is enough for any man. Two or three pairs of thick stockings. + Them as is very particular can carry an extra pair of breeches in case of + getting caught in a storm, though for myself I think it is just as well to + let your things dry on you. You want a pair of high boots, a buffalo robe, + and a couple of blankets, one with a hole cut in the middle to put your + head through; that does as a cloak, and is like what the Mexicans call a + poncho. You don't want a coat or waistcoat; there ain't no good in them. + All you want to carry you can put in your saddle-bag. Get a pair of the + best blankets you can find. I will go with you and choose them for you. + You want a thing that will keep you warm when you sleep, and shoot off the + rain in bad weather. Common blankets are no better than a sponge. + </p> + <p> + "Then, of course, you must have a six-shooter and a rifle. No man in his + senses would start across the plains without them. It is true there ain't + much fear of red-skins between here and Bridger, but there is never any + saying when the varmint may be about. Can you shoot?" + </p> + <p> + "No; I never fired off a rifle or a pistol in my life." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you had better take a good stock of powder and ball, and you can + practise a bit as you go along. A man ain't any use out on these plains if + he cannot shoot. I have got a pony; but you must buy one, and a saddle, + and fixings. We will buy another between us to carry our swag. But you + need not trouble about the things, I will get all that fixed." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you very much. How much do you suppose it will all come to?" + </p> + <p> + "Never you mind what it comes to," Pete Hoskings said roughly. "I told + your uncle that if you turned up I would see you through. What you have + got to get I shall pay for, and when Straight Harry turns up we shall + square it. If he don't turn up at all, there is no harm done. This is my + business, and you have got nothing to do with it." + </p> + <p> + Tom saw that he should offend Hoskings if he made any demur, and the kind + offer was really a relief to him. He had thirty pounds still in his belt, + but he had made a mental calculation of the cost of the things Jerry had + considered essential, and found that the cost of a horse and saddle, of + half another horse, of the rifle, six-shooter ammunition, blankets, boots, + and provisions for the journey, must certainly amount up to more than that + sum, and would leave him without any funds to live on till he met his + uncle. + </p> + <p> + He was so anxious to proceed that he would have made no excuse, although + he saw that he might find himself in a very difficult position. Pete's + insistence, therefore, on taking all expenses upon himself, was a + considerable relief to him; for although determined to go, he had had an + uneasy consciousness that it was a foolish step. He therefore expressed + his warm thanks. + </p> + <p> + "There, that is enough said about it," the latter growled out. "The money + is nothing to me one way or the other, and it would be hard if I couldn't + do this little thing for my old mate's nephew. When are you thinking of + making a start, Jerry?" + </p> + <p> + "The sooner the better. I have been four months here already and have not + struck a vein, that is, not one really worth working, and the sooner I + make a fresh start the better. To-day is Wednesday. There will be plenty + of time to get all the things to-day and to-morrow, and we will start at + daylight on Friday. You may as well come with me, Tom, and learn something + about the prices of things. There are some Indians camped three miles + away. We will walk over there first and pick up a couple of ponies. I know + they have got a troop of them, that is what they come here to sell. They + only arrived yesterday, so we shall have the pick of them." + </p> + <p> + Before starting there was a short conversation between Jerry and the + landlord, and then the former put on his broad-brimmed hat. + </p> + <p> + "Have you seen any red-skins yet?" + </p> + <p> + "I saw a few at some of the stations the train stopped at between this and + Omaha." + </p> + <p> + "Those fellows are mostly Indians who have been turned out of their tribes + for theft or drunkenness, and they hang about the stations to sell + moccasins and other things their squaws make, to fresh arrivals. + </p> + <p> + "The fellows you are going to see are Navahoes, though not good specimens + of the tribe, or they would not be down here to sell ponies. Still, they + are a very different sort from those you have seen." + </p> + <p> + An hour's walking took them to a valley, in which the Indians were + encamped. There were eight wigwams. Some women paused in their work and + looked round at the newcomers. Their dogs ran up barking furiously, but + were driven back by a volley of stones thrown by three or four boys, with + so good an aim that they went off with sharp yelps. Jerry strolled along + without paying any attention to the dogs or boys towards a party of men + seated round a fire. One of them rose as they approached. + </p> + <p> + "My white brothers are welcome," he said courteously. "There is room by + the fire for them," and he motioned to them to sit down by his side. A + pipe, composed of a long flat wooden stem studded with brass nails, with a + bowl cut out of red pipe-stone, was now handed round, each taking a short + puff. + </p> + <p> + "Does my brother speak the language of the Navahoes?" the chief asked in + that tongue. + </p> + <p> + "I can get along with it," Jerry said, "as I can with most of your Indian + dialects." + </p> + <p> + "It is good," the chief said. "My brother is wise; he must have wandered + much." + </p> + <p> + "I have been a goodish bit among your hills, chief. Have you come from + far?" + </p> + <p> + "The moon was full when we left our village." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, then you have been a fortnight on the road. Well, chief, I have come + here to trade. I want to buy a couple of ponies." + </p> + <p> + The chief said a word or two to a boy standing near, and he with four or + five others at once started up the valley, and in a few minutes returned + with a drove of Indian ponies. + </p> + <p> + "They are not a bad lot," Jerry said to Tom. + </p> + <p> + "They don't look much, Jerry." + </p> + <p> + "Indian ponies never look much, but one of those ponies would gallop an + eastern-bred horse to a stand-still." + </p> + <p> + Jerry got up and inspected some of the horses closely, and presently + picked out two of them; at a word from the chief two of the lads jumped on + their backs and rode off on them at full speed, and then wheeling round + returned to the spot from where they started. + </p> + <p> + "My white brother is a judge of horses," the chief said; "he has picked + out the best of the lot." + </p> + <p> + "There are three or four others quite as good," Jerry said carelessly. + "Now, chief, how many blankets, how much powder and lead, and what else do + you want for those two horses?" + </p> + <p> + The chief stated his demands, to which Jerry replied: "You said just now, + chief, that I was a wise man; but it seems that you must regard me as a + fool." + </p> + <p> + For half an hour an animated argument went on. Two or three times Jerry + got up, and they started as if to quit the village, but each time the + chief called them back. So animated were their gestures and talk that Tom + had serious fears that they were coming to blows, but their voices soon + fell and the talk became amicable again. At last Jerry turned to Tom. + </p> + <p> + "The bargain is struck," he said; "but he has got the best of me, and has + charged an outrageous sum for them," Then, in his own language, he said to + the chief: + </p> + <p> + "At noon to-morrow you will send the ponies down to the town. I will meet + them at the big rock, half a mile this side of it, with the trade goods." + </p> + <p> + "They shall be there," the chief said, "though I am almost giving them to + you." + </p> + <p> + As they walked away, Tom said: + </p> + <p> + "So you have paid more than you expected, Jerry?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I have got them a bargain; only it would never have done to let the + chief know I thought so, or the horses would not have turned up to-morrow. + I expect they have all been stolen from some other tribe. The two I have + got are first-rate animals, and the goods will come to about fourteen + pounds. I shall ride one of them myself, and put our swag on my own pony. + That has been a very good stroke of business; they would never have sold + them at that price if they had been honestly come by." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III — ON THE PLAINS + </h2> + <p> + The purchase of a buffalo robe, blankets, boots, and a Colt's revolver + occupied but a short time, but the rifle was a much more difficult matter. + </p> + <p> + "You can always rely upon a Colt," the miner said, "but rifles are + different things; and as your life may often depend upon your + shooting-iron carrying straight, you have got to be mighty careful about + it. A gun that has got the name of being a good weapon will fetch four + times as much as a new one." + </p> + <p> + Denver was but a small place; there was no regular gunsmith's shop, but + rifles and pistols were sold at almost every store in the town. In this + quest Jerry was assisted by Pete Hoskings, who knew of several men who + would be ready to dispose of their rifles. Some of these weapons were + taken out into the country and tried at marks by the two men. They made + what seemed to Tom wonderful shooting, but did not satisfy Hoskings. + </p> + <p> + "I should like the youngster to have a first-rate piece," he said, "and I + mean to get him one if I can. There are two of these would do if we can't + get a better, but if there is a first-rate one to be had in this township + I will have it." Suddenly he exclaimed, "I must have gone off my head, and + be going downright foolish! Why, I know the very weapon. You remember + Billy the scout?" + </p> + <p> + "In course I do, everyone knew him. I heard he had gone down just before I + got back here." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, Jerry. You know he had a bit of a place up in the hills, four + or five miles from here, where he lived with that Indian wife of his when + he was not away. I went out to see him a day or two afore he died. I asked + him if there was anything I could do for him. He said no, his squaw would + get on well enough there. She had been alone most of her time, and would + wrestle on just as well when he had gone under. He had a big garden-patch + which she cultivated, and brought the things down into the town here. They + always fetch a good price. Why more people don't grow them I can't make + out; it would pay better than gold-seeking, you bet. He had a few hundred + dollars laid by, and he said they might come in handy to her if she fell + sick, or if things went hard in winter. Well, you remember his gun?" + </p> + <p> + "In course—his gun was nigh as well known as Billy himself. He used + to call it Plumb-centre. You don't mean to say she hasn't sold it?" + </p> + <p> + "She hasn't; at least I should have been sure to hear if she had. I know + several of the boys who went to the funeral wanted to buy it, and offered + her long prices for it too; but she wouldn't trade. I will ride over there + this evening and see what I can do about it. She will sell to me if she + sells to anyone, for she knows I was a great chum of Billy's, and I have + done her a few good turns. She broke her leg some years back when he was + away, and luckily enough I chanced to ride over there the next day. Being + alone and without anyone to help, she would have got on badly. I sent a + surgeon up to her, and got a redskin woman to go up to nurse her. I don't + wonder she did not like to sell Billy's piece, seeing he was so famous + with it, and I feel sure money would not do it; but perhaps I can talk her + into it." + </p> + <p> + The next morning the articles agreed upon as the price of the horses were + packed on Jerry's pony, and they went out to the meeting-place. + </p> + <p> + "It is twenty minutes early," Jerry said, as Tom consulted his watch, "and + the red-skins won't be here till it is just twelve o'clock. A red-skin is + never five minutes before or five minutes after the time he has named for + a meeting. It may have been set six months before, and at a place a + thousand miles away, but just at the hour, neither before nor after, he + will be there. A white man will keep the appointment; but like enough he + will be there the night before, will make his camp, sleep, and cook a meal + or two, but he does not look for the red-skin till exactly the hour named, + whether it is sunrise or sunset or noon. Red-skins ain't got many virtues,—least + there ain't many of them has, though I have known some you could trust all + round as ready as any white man,—but for keeping an appintment they + licks creation." + </p> + <p> + A few minutes before twelve o'clock three Indians were seen coming down + the valley on horseback. They were riding at a leisurely pace, and it was + exactly the hour when they drew rein in front of Tom and his companion. + Jerry had already unloaded his pony and had laid out the contents of the + pack. First he proceeded to examine the two ponies, to make sure that they + were the same he had chosen. + </p> + <p> + "That is all right," he said; "they would hardly have tried to cheat us + over that—they would know that it would not pay with me. There, + chief, is your exchange. You will see that the blankets are of good + quality. There is the keg of powder, the bar of lead, ten plugs of + tobacco, the cloth for the squaws, and all the other things agreed on." + </p> + <p> + The chief examined them carefully, and nodded his satisfaction. "If all + the pale-faces dealt as fairly with the red man as you have done there + would not be so much trouble between them," he said. + </p> + <p> + "That is right enough, chief; it can't be gainsaid that a great many, ay, + I might say the most part, of the traders are rogues. But they would cheat + us just the same as they would you, and often do take us in. I have had + worthless goods passed off on me many a time; and I don't blame you a bit + if you put a bullet into the skull of a rogue who has cheated you, for I + should be mightily inclined to do the same myself." + </p> + <p> + No more words were wasted; the lads who had ridden the ponies down made up + the goods in great bundles and went up the valley with their chief, while + Jerry and Tom took the plaited leather lariats which were round the + ponies' necks and returned to Denver. A saddle of Mexican pattern, with + high peak and cantle, massive wooden framework, huge straps and heavy + stirrups, was next bought. Jerry folded a horse-rug and tried it in + different positions on the horse's back until the saddle fitted well upon + it. + </p> + <p> + "That is the thing that you have got to be most particular about, Tom. If + the saddle does not sit right the horse gets galled, and when a horse once + gets galled he ain't of much use till he is well again, though the Indians + ride them when they are in a terrible state; but then they have got so + many horses that, unless they are specially good, they don't hold them of + any account. You see the saddle is so high that there is good space + between it and the backbone, and the pressure comes fair on the ribs, so + the ponies don't get galled if the blankets are folded properly. The + Indians do not use saddles, but ride either on a pad or just a folded + blanket, and their ponies are always getting galled." + </p> + <p> + "The saddle is tremendously heavy." + </p> + <p> + "It is heavy, but a few pounds don't make much difference to the horse one + way or the other, so that he is carrying it comfortably. The saddles would + be no good if they were not made strong, for a horse may put his foot in a + hole and come down head over heels, or may tumble down a precipice, and + the saddle would be smashed up if it were not pretty near as strong as + cast-iron. Out on the plains a man thinks as much of his saddle as he does + of his horse, and more. If his horse dies he will put the saddle on his + head and carry it for days rather than part with it, for he knows he won't + be long before he gets a horse again. He can buy one for a few charges of + powder and ball from the first friendly Indians he comes across, or he may + get one given to him if he has nothing to exchange for it, or if he comes + across a herd of wild horses he can crease one." + </p> + <p> + "What is creasing a horse?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it is a thing that wants a steady hand, for you have got to hit him + just on the right spot—an inch higher, you will miss him; half an + inch lower, you will kill him. You have got to put a bullet through his + neck two or three inches behind the ears and just above the spine. Of + course if you hit the spine you kill him, and he is no good except to give + you a meal or two if you are hard-up for food; but if the ball goes + through the muscles of the neck, just above the spine, the shock knocks + him over as surely as if you had hit him in the heart. It stuns him, and + you have only got to run up and put your lariat round his neck, and be + ready to mount him as soon as he rises, which he will do in two or three + minutes, and he will be none the worse for the shock; in fact you will be + able to break him in more easily than if you had caught him by the rope." + </p> + <p> + Jerry then adjusted his own saddle to the other Indian horse. + </p> + <p> + "Can you ride?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "No, I have never had any chance of learning at home." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you had better have a lesson at once. This is a good way for a + beginner;" and he took a blanket, and having rolled it up tightly, + strapped it over the peak of the saddle and down the flaps. + </p> + <p> + "There," he said. "You get your knees against that, and what with the high + peak and the high cantle you can hardly be chucked out anyhow, that is, if + the horse does not buck; but I will try him as to that before you mount. + We will lead them out beyond the town, we don't want to make a circus of + ourselves in the streets; besides, if you get chucked, you will fall + softer there than you would on the road. But first of all we will give + them a feed of corn. You see they are skeary of us at present. Indian + horses are always afraid of white men at first, just as white men's horses + are afraid of Indians. A feed of corn will go a long way towards making us + good friends, for you may be sure they have never had a feed in their + lives beyond what they could pick up for themselves." + </p> + <p> + The horses snuffed the corn with some apprehension when it was held out + towards them, backing away from the sieves with their ears laid back; but + seeing that no harm came to them they presently investigated the food more + closely, and at last took a mouthful, after which they proceeded to eat + greedily, their new masters patting their necks and talking to them while + they did so. Then their saddles and bridles were put on, and they were led + out of the stable and along the streets. At first they were very fidgety + and wild at the unaccustomed sights and sounds, but their fear gradually + subsided, and by the time they were well in the country they went along + quietly enough. + </p> + <p> + "Now you hold my horse, Tom, and I will try yours." + </p> + <p> + Jerry mounted and galloped away; in ten minutes he returned. + </p> + <p> + "He will do," he said as he dismounted. "He is fresh yet and wants + training. I don't suppose he has been ridden half a dozen times, but with + patience and training he will turn out a first-rate beast. I could see + they were both fast when those boys rode them. I don't wonder the chief + asked what, for an Indian pony, was a mighty long price, though it was + cheap enough for such good animals. He must have two or three uncommon + good ones at home or he would never have parted with them, for when an + Indian gets hold of an extra good pony no price will tempt him to sell it, + for a man's life on the plains often depends on the speed and stay of his + horse. Now, I will take a gallop on my own, and when I come back you can + mount and we will ride on quietly together. + </p> + <p> + "There is not much difference between them," he said on his return. "Yours + is a bit faster. Pete told me to get you the best horse I could find, and + I fixed upon yours, directly my eye fell upon him, as being the pick of + the drove. But this is a good one too, and will suit me as well as yours, + for he is rather heavier, and will carry me better than yours would do on + a long journey. Now climb up into your saddle." + </p> + <p> + Jerry laughed at the difficulty Tom had in lifting his leg over the high + cantle. "You will have to practise presently putting your hands on the + saddle and vaulting into it. Half a minute in mounting may make all the + difference between getting away and being rubbed out. When you see the + red-skins coming yelling down on you fifty yards away, and your horse is + jumping about as scared as you are, it is not an easy matter to get on to + its back if you have got to put your foot in the stirrup first. You have + got to learn to chuck yourself straight into your seat whether you are + standing still or both on the run. There, how do you feel now?" + </p> + <p> + "I feel regularly wedged into the saddle." + </p> + <p> + "That is right. I will take up the stirrups a hole, then you will get your + knees firmer against the blanket. It is better to learn to ride without + it, even if you do get chucked off a few times, but as we start to-morrow + you have no time for that. In a few days, when you get at home in the + saddle, we will take off the blanket, and you have got to learn to hold on + by your knees and by the balance of your body. Now we will be moving on." + </p> + <p> + As soon as the reins were slackened the horses started together at an easy + canter. + </p> + <p> + "That is their pace," Jerry said. "Except on a very long journey, when he + has got squaws and baggage with him, a red-skin never goes at a walk, and + the horses will keep on at this lope for hours. That is right. Don't sit + so stiffly; you want your legs to be stiff and keeping a steady grip, but + from your hips you want to be as slack as possible, just giving to the + horse's action, the same way you give on board ship when vessels are + rolling. That is better. Ah! here comes Pete. I took this way because I + knew it was the line he would come back by—and, by gosh, he has got + the rifle, sure enough!" + </p> + <p> + Pete had seen them, and was waving the gun over his head. + </p> + <p> + "I've got it," he said as he reined up his horse when he met them. "It was + a stiff job, for she did not like to part with it. I had to talk to her a + long time. I put it to her that when she died the gun would have to go to + someone, and I wanted it for a nephew of Straight Harry, whom she knew + well enough; that it was for a young fellow who was safe to turn out a + great hunter and Indian fighter like her husband, and that he would be + sure to do credit to Plumb-centre, and make the gun as famous in his hands + as it had been in her husband's. That fetched her. She said I had been + kind to her, and though she could not have parted with the gun for money, + she would do it, partly to please me, and partly because she knew that + Straight Harry had been a friend of her husband's, and had fought by his + side, and that the young brave I spoke of, would be likely to do credit to + Plumb-centre. Her husband, she said, would be glad to know that it was in + such good hands. So she handed it over to me. She would not hear of taking + money for it; indeed, I did not press it, knowing that she would feel that + it was almost a part of her husband; but I will make it up to her in other + ways. There, Tom; there is as good a shooting-iron as there is in all the + territories." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you very much indeed, Pete. I shall value it immensely, and I only + hope that some day I shall be able to do credit to it, as the poor woman + said." + </p> + <p> + There was nothing particular in the appearance of the rifle. It was a + plainly-finished piece, with a small bore and heavy metal. + </p> + <p> + "It don't look much," Jerry said, "but it is a daisy, you bet." + </p> + <p> + "We will try a shot with it, Jerry. She gave me the bag of bullets and a + box of patches and his powder-horn with it. We will see what it will do in + our hands, we are both pretty good shots." + </p> + <p> + He loaded the rifle carefully. + </p> + <p> + "You see that bit of black rock cropping out of the hill-side. I guess it + is about two hundred and fifty yards away, and is about the size a + red-skin's head would be if he were crawling through the grass towards us. + Will you shoot first or shall I?" + </p> + <p> + "Fire away, Pete." + </p> + <p> + Hoskings took a steady aim and fired. + </p> + <p> + "You have hit it," Jerry exclaimed. "Just grazed it at the top." + </p> + <p> + They walked across to the rock; there was a chip just on the top. + </p> + <p> + "It was a good shot, Pete; especially considering how you are out of + practice. If it had been a red-skin it would have stunned him sure, for I + doubt whether it is not too high by a quarter of an inch or so, to have + finished him altogether." + </p> + <p> + [Image: JERRY GIVES TOM A LESSON IN SHOOTING.] + </p> + <p> + "It would have cut his top-knot off, Jerry, and that is all. I doubt + whether it would have even touched his skin." + </p> + <p> + They returned to the spot where Pete had fired, and Jerry threw himself + down on the grass and levelled his rifle. + </p> + <p> + "That is not fair, Jerry," Pete protested. + </p> + <p> + "It would not be fair if I was shooting against you, but we are only + trying the rifle, and if that rock were a red-skin you may be sure that I + should be lying down." + </p> + <p> + He fired: and on going to the stone again they found that the bullet had + struck it fair, within an inch of its central point. + </p> + <p> + "That is something like a rifle," Jerry said delighted. "Now, Tom, you + shall have a shot." + </p> + <p> + As they walked to the shooting-point, Jerry showed the lad how to hold the + rifle, instructed him as to the backsight, and showed him how to get the + foresight exactly on the nick of the backsight. "You must just see the + bead as if it were resting in the nick, and the object you aim at must + just show above the top point of the bead." He showed him how to load, and + then told him to lie down, as he had done, on his chest, and to steady the + rifle with the left arm, the elbow being on the ground. "You must be quite + comfortable," he said; "it is of no use trying to shoot if you are in a + cramped position. Now, take a steady aim, and the moment you have got the + two sights in a line on the rock, press the trigger steadily. Press pretty + hard; it is only a pull of about two pounds, but it is wonderful how stiff + a trigger feels the first time you pull at it. You need not be at all + afraid of the kick. If you press the butt tightly against your shoulder + you will hardly feel it, for there is plenty of weight in the barr'l, and + it carries but a small charge of powder. You won't want to shoot at + anything much beyond this range, but sometimes you may have to try at four + or five hundred yards when you are in want of a dinner. In that case you + can put in a charge and a half of powder. Now, are you comfortable? You + need not grip so hard with your left hand, the gun only wants to rest + between your thumb and fingers. That is better. Now take a steady aim, and + the moment you have got it press the trigger. Well done! that is a good + shot for a first. You hit the dust an inch or two to the right of the + stone. If it had been a red-skin you would have hit him in the shoulder. + You will do, lad, and by the time we get to Fort Bridger I guess you will + bring down a stag as clean as nine out of ten hunters." + </p> + <p> + "Don't get into the way of waiting too long before you fire, Tom," Pete + Hoskings said. "Better to try to shoot too quick to begin with than to be + too long about it. When you have made up your mind that you are going to + shoot, get your bead on your mark and fire at once. You may want to hit a + red-skin's head as he looks out from behind a tree, and to do that you + must fire the instant you see him or he will be in again. One of the best + shots I ever saw never used to raise his gun to his shoulder at all. He + just dropped his piece into the hollow of his left hand, and would fire as + he touched it. He did not seem to take any aim at all, but his bullet was + sartin to hit the thing he wanted to, even if it were no bigger than an + orange. He could not tell himself how he did it. 'I seen the thing and I + fired, Pete,' he would say; 'the gun seems to point right of its own + accord, I have not anything to say to it.' You see, shooting is a matter + of eye. Some men may shoot all their lives, and they will never be more + than just respectable, while others shoot well the first time that a gun + is put in their hands. Want of nerve is what spoils half men's shooting; + that and taking too long an aim. Well, it is time for us to be mounting + and getting back. I have got to see that the dinner is all ready. I never + can trust that black scoundrel, Sam, to do things right while I am away." + </p> + <p> + The preparations for the journey were completed by the evening. + </p> + <p> + "Now mind, Tom," Pete Hoskings said the last thing before going to bed, + "if you don't find your uncle, or if you hear that he has got wiped out, + be sure you come right back here. Whether you are cut out for a hunter or + not, it will do you a world of good to stick to the life until you get + four or five years older and settle as to how you like to fix yourself, + for there ain't no better training than a few years out on the plains, no + matter what you do afterwards. I will find a good chum for you, and see + you through it, both for the sake of my old mate, Straight Harry, and + because I have taken a liking to you myself." + </p> + <p> + "Why do you call my uncle Straight Harry?" Tom asked, after thanking Pete + for his promise. "Is he so very upright?" + </p> + <p> + "No, lad, no; it ain't nothing to do with that. There are plenty more + erect men than him about. He is about the size of Jerry, though, maybe a + bit taller. No; he got to be called Straight Harry because he was a square + man, a chap everyone could trust. If he said he would do a thing he would + do it; there weren't no occasion for any papers to bind him. When he said + a thing you could bet on it. You could buy a mine on his word: if he said + it was good you need not bother to take a journey to look at it, you knew + it was right there, and weren't a put-up job. Once when we were working + down on the Yuba we got to a place where there were a fault in the rock, + and the lode had slipped right away from us. Everyone in camp knew that we + had been doing well, and we had only got to pile up a few pieces of rock + at the bottom, and no one who would have seen it would have known that the + lode was gone. That is what most chaps would have done, and a third chap + who was working with us was all for doing it. Anyone would have given us + five hundred ounces for it. Well, I didn't say nothing, it was what pretty + nigh anyone on the mines would have done if he had the chance, but Harry + turned on our partner like a mountain lion. 'You are a mean skunk, New + Jersey' says he. 'Do you think that I would be one to rob a man only + because he would be fool enough to take a place without looking at it? + We've worked to the edge of the claim both ways, and I don't reckon there + is a dollar's worth of gold left in it, now that it has pettered out at + the bottom, and if there was I would not work another day with a man who + proposed to get up a swindle.' So as soon as he got up to the surface he + told everyone that the lode had gone out and that the claim weren't worth + a red cent. He and New Jersey had a big fight with fists that evening. The + other was bigger than Harry, and stronger, but he were no hand with his + pistol, and Harry is a dead shot; so he told New Jersey he would fight him + English fashion, and Harry gave him the biggest licking I ever saw a man + have. I felt pretty mean myself, you bet, for having thought of planting + the thing off; but as I hadn't spoken, Harry knew nothing about it. If he + had, I doubt if he would ever have given me his hand again. Yes, sir, he + is a straight man all round, and there is no man better liked than Harry. + Why, there are a score of men in this town who know him as I do, and, if + he came to them and said, 'I have struck it rich, I will go halves with + you if you will plank down twenty thousand dollars to open her up,' they + would pay down the cash without another word; and, I tell you, there ain't + ten men west of the Missouri of whom as much could be said." + </p> + <p> + The next morning at daybreak Jerry and Tom started. They rode due north, + skirting the foot of the hills, till they reached the emigrant route, for + the railway had not been carried farther than Wabash, from which point it + ran south to Denver. It was a journey of some five hundred miles to Fort + Bridger, and they took a month to accomplish it, sometimes following the + ordinary line of travel, sometimes branching off more to the north, where + game was still abundant. + </p> + <p> + "That is Fort Bridger, Tom. It ain't much of a place to look at; but is, + like all these forts, just a strong palisading, with a clump of wooden + huts for the men in the middle. Well, the first stage of your journey is + over, and you know a little more now than when you left Denver; but though + I have taught you a good bit, you will want another year's practice with + that shooting-iron afore you're a downright good shot; but you have come + on well, and the way you brought down that stag on a run yesterday was + uncommon good. You have made the most of your opportunities, and have got + a steady hand and a good eye. You are all right on your horse now, and can + be trusted to keep your seat if you have a pack of red-skins at your + heels. You have learnt to make a camp, and to sleep comfortable on the + ground; you can frizzle a bit of deer-flesh over the fire, and can bake + bread as well as a good many. Six months of it and you will be a good + plain's-man. I wish we had had a shot at buffalo. They are getting scarcer + than they were, and do not like crossing the trail. We ain't likely to see + many of them west of the Colorado; the ground gets too hilly for them, and + there are too many bad lands." + </p> + <p> + "What are bad lands, Jerry?" + </p> + <p> + "They are just lands where Nature, when she made them, had got plenty of + rock left, but mighty little soil or grass seed. There are bad lands all + over the country, but nowhere so bad as the tract on both sides of the + Green and Colorado rivers. You may ride fifty miles any way over bare rock + without seeing a blade of grass unless you get down into some of the + valleys, and you may die of thirst with water under your feet." + </p> + <p> + "How do you mean, Jerry?" + </p> + <p> + "The rivers there don't act like the rivers in other parts. Instead of + working round the foot of the hills they just go through them. You ride + along on what seems to be a plain, and you come suddenly to a crack that + ain't perhaps twenty or thirty feet across, and you look down, if you have + got head enough to do it, and there, two thousand feet or more below you, + you see a river foaming among rocks. It ain't one river or it ain't + another river as does it; every little stream from the hills cuts itself + its caņon and makes its way along till it meets two or three others, then + they go on together, cutting deeper and deeper until they run into one of + the arms of the Green River or the Colorado or the Grand. + </p> + <p> + "The Green and the Colorado are all the same river, only the upper part is + called the Green. For about a thousand miles it runs through great caņons. + No one has ever gone down them, and I don't suppose anyone ever will; and + people don't know what is the course of the river from the time it begins + this game till it comes out a big river on the southern plains. You see, + the lands are so bad there is no travelling across them, and the rapids + are so terrible that there is no going down them. Even the Indians never + go near the caņons if they can help it. I believe they think the whole + thing is the work of an evil spirit." + </p> + <p> + "But you said some of the valleys had grass?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I have gone down one or two myself from the mountains of Utah, where + the stream, instead of cutting a caņon for itself, has behaved for a bit + in the ordinary way and made a valley. Wonderfully good places they were—plenty + of grass, plenty of water, and no end of game. I have spent some months + among them, and got a wonderful lot of skins, beavers principally of + course, but half a dozen mountain lions and two grizzlies. I did not bring + home their skins, you bet. They were too heavy, and I should not have + troubled them if they had not troubled me. There was good fish, too, in + the streams, and I never had a better time. The red-skins happened to be + friendly, and I was with a hunter who had a red-skin wife and a dozen + ponies. If it hadn't been for that I should soon have had to quit, for it + ain't no good hunting if you can't carry away the skins. As it was I made + a good job of it, for I got nigh a thousand dollars for my skins at Utah. + </p> + <p> + "Well, here we are at the fort. I guess we may as well make our camp + outside. If you go in you have got to picket your horse here and put your + baggage there and come in at gun-fire, and all sorts of things that + troubles a man who is accustomed to act as he likes." + </p> + <p> + The horses were soon picketed. "I will go in first and see who is here, + Tom. There are usually a lot of loafing Indians about these forts, and + though it is safe enough to leave our traps, out on the plain, it will not + do here. We must stay with them, or at any rate keep them in sight; + besides, these two horses would be a temptation to any redskin who + happened to want an animal." + </p> + <p> + "I will wait willingly, Jerry; I should know nobody inside the fort if I + went in. I will see to making a fire and boiling the kettle, and I will + have supper ready at seven o'clock." + </p> + <p> + "I shall be sure to be back by that time; like enough I sha'n't be a + quarter of an hour away." + </p> + <p> + It was but half an hour, indeed, before Tom saw him returning, accompanied + by a tall red-skin. + </p> + <p> + "This is a friend of mine, Tom. He was a chief of the Senecas, but his + tribe are nearly wiped out, and he has been all his life a hunter, and + there are few of us who have been much out on the plains who don't know + him. Chief, this is Straight Harry's nephew I was telling you of, who has + come out here to join his uncle. Sit down, we have got some deer-flesh. + Tom here knocked one over on the run at two hundred and fifty yards by as + good a shot as you want to see; while it is cooking we can smoke a pipe + and have a chat." + </p> + <p> + The chief gravely seated himself by the fire. + </p> + <p> + "What have you been doing since I last saw you up near the Yellowstone?" + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse has been hunting," the Indian said quietly, with a wave of + his hand, denoting that he had been over a wide expanse of country. + </p> + <p> + "I guessed so," Jerry put in. + </p> + <p> + "And fighting with 'Rappahoes and Navahoes." + </p> + <p> + "Then you've been north and south?" + </p> + <p> + The Indian nodded. "Much trouble with both; they wanted our scalps. But + four of the 'Rappahoe lodges are without a master, and there are five + Navahoe widows." + </p> + <p> + "Then you were not alone?" + </p> + <p> + "Garrison was with me among the 'Rappahoes; and the Shoshone hunter, + Wind-that-blows, was with me when the Navahoes came on our trail." + </p> + <p> + "They had better have left you alone, chief. Do you know the Ute country?" + </p> + <p> + "The Leaping Horse has been there. The Utes are dogs." + </p> + <p> + "They are troublesome varmint, like most of the others," Jerry agreed. "I + was telling you Straight Harry is up in their country somewhere. Tom here + is anxious to join him, but of course that can't be. You have not heard + anything of him, I suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "The Leaping Horse was with him a week ago." + </p> + <p> + "You were, chief! Why did you not tell me so when I was saying we did not + know where he was?" + </p> + <p> + "My white brother did not ask," the chief said quietly. + </p> + <p> + "That is true enough, chief, but you might have told me without asking." + </p> + <p> + The Indian made no reply, but continued to smoke his hatchet pipe + tranquilly, as if the remark betrayed such ignorance of Indian manners + that it was not worth replying to. + </p> + <p> + Tom took up the conversation now. + </p> + <p> + "Was it far from here that you saw him?" + </p> + <p> + "Five days' journey, if travel quick." + </p> + <p> + "Was he hunting?" Jerry asked. + </p> + <p> + "Hunting, and looking for gold." + </p> + <p> + "Who had he with him?" + </p> + <p> + "Two white men. One was Ben Gulston. Leaping Horse had met him in Idaho. + The other was called Sam, a big man with a red beard." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Sam Hicks; he only came back from California a few months back, so + you would not be likely to have met him before. Were they going to remain + where you left them?" + </p> + <p> + The Indian shook his head. "They were going farther north." + </p> + <p> + "Farther north!" Jerry repeated. "Don't you mean farther south?" + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse is not mistaken, he knows his right hand from his left." + </p> + <p> + "Of course, of course, chief," the miner said apologetically; "I only + thought that it was a slip of the tongue. Then if they were going farther + north they must have come back in this direction." + </p> + <p> + "They were on the banks of the Big Wind River when Leaping Horse met + them." + </p> + <p> + "Jerusalem!" the miner exclaimed. "What on airth are they doing there? + Why, we thought they had gone down to the west of the Colorado. I told you + so, chief, when I talked to you about it; and instead of that, here they + are up in the country of the 'Rappahoes and Shoshones." + </p> + <p> + "They went south," the Indian said quietly, "and had trouble with the Utes + and had to come back again, then they went north." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that accounts for it. I wonder Harry didn't send word to Pete + Hoskings that he had gone up to the Big Wind River. I ain't heard of there + being any gold in that region, though some think that coming down through + the big hills from Yellowstone Valley on the northwest, metal might be + struck." + </p> + <p> + "Going to look for gold a little," the chief said, "hunt much; not stay + there very long, mean to go down south again after a bit. Leaping Horse go + with them." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I see. The Utes had come upon them, and they knew that if they + stopped there they would lose their scalps sooner or later, so they came + up here and made north for a bit to hunt and fossick about in the hills, + and then go back when the Utes had quieted down." + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded. + </p> + <p> + "Well, well, that alters the affair altogether. Whereabouts did you leave + them?" + </p> + <p> + "Near the Buffalo Lake." + </p> + <p> + "Don't know it. Where does it lie?" + </p> + <p> + "On a stream that runs into the river from the west, from a valley running + up near Frémont's Buttes. They were going up so as to follow the Rivičre + de Noir, and then either strike up across the hills to the Upper + Yellowstone, or go out west and come down over the Grosventre range on to + the Wyoming range, and then down through Thompson's Pass, or else skirt + the foot-hills on to the Green River." + </p> + <p> + "Waal, chief, I reckon that among all those hills and mountains, one would + have just about the same chance of lighting on them as you would have of + finding a chipmunk in a big pine-forest." + </p> + <p> + "Couldn't find," the chief said, "but might follow. If they go fast never + catch them; if wait about, hunt beaver, look for gold and silver, then + might come up to them easy enough, if 'Rappahoes not catch and kill. Very + bad place. Leaping Horse told them so. White brother said he think so too; + but other men think they find gold somewhere, so they go on. They have got + horses, of course. Three horses to ride, three horses to carry + beaver-traps and food. Leaping Horse came back here to sell his skins. He + had promised to meet a friend here, or he would not have left Straight + Harry, who is a good man and a friend of Leaping Horse. Three men not + enough in bad country." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think there would be any chance of my finding them?" Tom asked + eagerly. + </p> + <p> + A slight gleam of amusement passed over the Indian's face. + </p> + <p> + "My brother is very young," he said. "He will be a brave warrior and a + great hunter some day, but his eyes are not opened yet. Were he to try he + would leave his scalp to dry in the 'Rappahoes' lodges." + </p> + <p> + "That is just what I told him, chief. It would be sheer madness." + </p> + <p> + The Indian made no reply, and Jerry turned the conversation. + </p> + <p> + "You don't drink spirits, chief, or I would go and get a bottle from the + fort." + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse is not a madman," the Indian said scornfully, "that he + should poison his brain with fire-water." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I remembered, chief, that you had fallen into our ways and drink + tea." + </p> + <p> + "Tea is good," the Indian said. "It is the best thing the white man has + brought out on to the plains." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, chief, except tobacco. We did not bring that; but I reckon + you got it from the Spaniards long ago, though maybe you knew of it before + they came up from the south." + </p> + <p> + The meat was now cooked, and Tom took it off the fire and handed the + pieces on the ramrod, that had served as a spit, to the others, together + with some bread, poured out the tea from the kettle, and placed a bag of + sugar before them. There was little talk until after the meal was over. + Then the Indian and Jerry smoked steadily, while Tom took a single pipe, + having only commenced the use of tobacco since he had left Denver. + Presently the Indian arose. + </p> + <p> + "In the morning I will see my white friends again," he said, and without + further adieu turned and walked gravely back to the fort. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV — LEAPING HORSE + </h2> + <p> + "He is a fine fellow," Jerry said, after the Indian had left him. "You + must have a talk with him one of these days over his adventures among the + 'Rappahoes and Navahoes, who are both as troublesome rascals as are to be + found on the plains. An Indian seldom talks of his adventures, but + sometimes when you can get him in the right humour you may hear about + them." + </p> + <p> + "He talks very fair English," Tom said. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; he has been ten years among us. He was employed for two or three + years supplying the railway men with meat; but no Indian cares to hunt + long in one place, and he often goes away with parties of either hunters + or gold-seekers. He knows the country well, and is a first-rate shot; and + men are always glad to have him with them. There is no more trusty + red-skin on the plains, and he will go through fire and water for those + whom he regards as his special friends. I should say he is about the one + man alive who could take you to your uncle." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think he would?" Tom asked eagerly. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that is another matter; I don't know what his plans are. If he is + engaged to go with another party he will go, for he would not fail anyone + to whom he had made a promise. If he isn't engaged he might perhaps do it. + Not for pay, for he has little use for money. His hunting supplies him + with all he wants. It gives him food, and occasionally he will go with a + bundle of pelts to the nearest town, and the money he gets for them will + supply him with tea and tobacco and ammunition, and such clothes as he + requires, which is little enough. Buckskin is everlasting wear, and he + gets his worked up for him by the women of any Indian tribe among whom he + may be hunting. If he were one of these fort Indians it would be only a + question of money; but it would never do to offer it to him. He does not + forget that he is a chief, though he has been away so many years from what + there is left of his old tribe. If he did it at all it would be for the + sake of your uncle. I know they have hunted together, and fought the + Apachés together. I won't say but that if we get at him the right way, and + he don't happen to have no other plans in his mind, that he might not be + willing to start with you." + </p> + <p> + "I should be glad if he would, Jerry. I have been quite dreading to get to + Fort Bridger. I have had such a splendid time of it with you that I should + feel awfully lonely after you had gone on." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I dare say you would feel lonesome. I should have felt lonesome + myself if I did not light upon some mate going the same way. We got on + very well together, Tom. When Pete Hoskings first put it to me whether I + would be willing to take you with me as far as this, I thought that though + I liked you well enough, it would not be in my way to be playing a sort of + schoolmaster business to a young tenderfoot; but I had got to like the + notion before we left Denver, and now it seems to me that we have had a + rare good time of it together." + </p> + <p> + "We have indeed, Jerry; at least I have had. Even if the Indian would + agree to take me I should miss you awfully." + </p> + <p> + Jerry made no reply, but sat smoking his pipe and looking into the fire. + As he was sometimes inclined to be taciturn, Tom made no attempt to + continue the conversation; and after moving out and shifting the + picket-pegs so as to give the horses a fresh range of grass to munch + during the night, he returned to the fire, wrapped himself in his blankets + and lay down, his "Good-night, Jerry," meeting with no response, his + companion being evidently absorbed in his own thoughts. + </p> + <p> + "You are not going on to-day, Jerry, are you?" Tom said, as he threw off + his blankets and sat up in the morning. The sun was not yet up, but Jerry + had already stirred up the embers, put some meat over them to cook, and + put the kettle among them. + </p> + <p> + "No, I shall stop here for a day or two, lad. I am in no special hurry, + and have no call to push on. I have not made up my mind about things yet." + </p> + <p> + They had scarcely finished breakfast when Leaping Horse came down from the + fort. + </p> + <p> + "Tom here has been asking me, chief, whether there was any chance of + getting you to guide him to his uncle. I said, of course, that I did not + know what your plans were; but that if you had nothing special before you, + possibly you might be willing to do so, as I know that you and Straight + Harry have done some tall hunting and fighting together." + </p> + <p> + The Indian's face was impassive. + </p> + <p> + "Can my young brother ride day after day and night after night, can he go + long without food and water, is he ready to run the risk of his scalp + being taken by the 'Rappahoes? Can he crawl and hide, can he leave his + horse and travel on foot, can he hear the war-cry of the red-skins without + fear?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't say that I can do all these things, chief," Tom said; "but I can + do my best. And, anyhow, I think I can promise that if we should be + attacked you shall see no signs of my being afraid, whatever I may feel. I + am only a boy yet, but I hope I am not a coward." + </p> + <p> + "You have come a long way across the sea to find my brother, Straight + Harry. You would not have come so far alone if your heart had been weak. + Leaping Horse is going back to join his white brother again, and will take + you to him." + </p> + <p> + Tom felt that any outburst of delight would be viewed with distaste by + this grave Indian, and he replied simply: "I thank you with all my heart, + chief, and I am sure that my uncle will be grateful to you." + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded his head gravely, and then, as if the matter were settled + and no more need be said about it, he turned to Jerry: + </p> + <p> + "Which way is my white friend going?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm dog-goned if I know. I had reckoned to go down past Utah, and to go + out prospecting among the hills, say a hundred miles farther west; then + while I journeyed along with Tom I got mixed in my mind. I should like to + have handed him over safe to Harry; but if Harry had gone down to the Ute + hills with an idea of trying a spot I have heard him speak of, where he + thought he had struck it rich, he might not have cared to have had me come + there, and so I concluded last night it was best the lad should wait here + till Harry got back. Now the thing is altered; they are just hunting and + prospecting, and might be glad to have me with them, and I might as well + be there as anywhere else; so as you are going back there, I reckon I + shall be one of the party." + </p> + <p> + "That will be capital, Jerry," Tom said. "With you as well as the chief we + shall be sure to get through; and it will be awfully jolly having you with + us." + </p> + <p> + "Don't you make any mistake," the miner said, "I should not be of much + more use in finding them than you would. I ain't been up among the + mountains all these years without learning something, but I ain't no more + than a child by the side of the chief. And don't you think this affair is + going to be a circus. I tell you it is going to be a hard job. There ain't + a dozen white men as have been over that country, and we shall want to be + pretty spry if we are to bring back our scalps. It is a powerful rough + country. There are peaks there, lots of them, ten thousand feet high, and + some of them two or three thousand above that. There are rivers, torrents, + and defiles. I don't say there will be much chance of running short of + food, if it wasn't that half the time one will be afraid to fire for fear + the 'tarnal Indians should hear us. We ain't got above a month afore the + first snows fall. Altogether it is a risky business, look at it which way + you will." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Jerry, if it is as bad as that, I don't think it will be right for + you and the chief to risk your lives merely that I should find my uncle. + If he is alive he is sure to come back here sooner or later; or if he goes + some other way back to Denver he will hear from Pete that I am here, and + will either write or come for me." + </p> + <p> + "It ain't entirely on your account, lad, as I am thinking of going; and I + am pretty sure the chief would tell you that it is the same with him. You + see, he tried to persuade your uncle to turn back. My opinion is, that + though he had to come here to keep the appointment, he had it in his mind + to go back again to join your uncle. Haven't I about struck your thoughts, + chief?" + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded. "My white brother Harry is in danger," he said. "Leaping + Horse had to leave him; but would have started back to-day to take his + place by his side. The Hunting Dog will go with him." + </p> + <p> + "I thought so, chief; I am dog-goned if I did not think so. It was Hunting + Dog you came back here to meet, I suppose." + </p> + <p> + "Hunting Dog is of my tribe," he said; "he is my sister's son. He came + across the plains to join me. He has hunted in his own country; this is + the first time he has come out to take his place as a man. Leaping Horse + will teach him to be a warrior." + </p> + <p> + "That is good; the more the better, so that there ain't too many. Well, + what is your advice, chief? Shall we take our pack pony with the outfit?" + </p> + <p> + The chief shook his head decidedly. "Must travel quick and be able to + gallop fast. My white brothers must take nothing but what they can carry + with them." + </p> + <p> + "All right, chief; we will not overload ourselves. We will just take our + robes and blankets, our shooting-irons, some tea and sugar, and a few + pounds of flour. At what time shall we start?" + </p> + <p> + "In an hour we will ride out from the fort." + </p> + <p> + "We shall be ready. Ten minutes would fix us, except that I must go into + the fort and sell my critter and what flour and outfit we sha'n't want, to + a trader there. + </p> + <p> + "I ain't done badly by that deal," Jerry said when he returned. "I have + sold the pony for more than I gave for him; for the red-skins have been + keeping away from the fort of late, and the folks going by are always + wanting horses in place of those that have died on the way. The other + things all sold for a good bit more than we gave for them at Denver. + Carriage comes mighty high on these plains; besides, the trader took his + chances and reckoned them in." + </p> + <p> + "How do you mean, Jerry?" + </p> + <p> + "Waal, I told him we was going up to the Shoshone Sierra, and intended to + hunt about and to come back, maybe by the Yellowstone and then by the Bear + rivers, and that we would take the price of the goods out in trade when we + got back. That made it a sort of lottery for him, for if we never came + back at all he would never have to pay, so he could afford to take his + risks and offer me a good price. I reckon he thinks he has got them at a + gift. He has given two pieces of paper, one for you and one for me, saying + that he owes the two of us the money; so if I should go under and you + should get back, you will draw it all right." + </p> + <p> + They at once proceeded to pack their ponies. Divided between the + saddle-bags of the two animals were four pounds of tea, eight of sugar, + and thirty-six of flour. Each took a good store of ammunition, an extra + pair of breeches, a flannel shirt, and a pair of stockings. The rest of + their clothes had been packed, and taken up by Jerry to the traders to lie + there until their return. + </p> + <p> + "That is light enough for anything," Jerry said, when the things were + stowed into the saddle-bags. "Four-and-twenty pounds of grub and five + pounds of ammunition brings it up to nine-and-twenty pounds each, little + enough for a trip that may last three months for aught we know." + </p> + <p> + In addition to the ammunition in the saddle-bags, each carried a + powder-horn and a bag of bullets over his shoulder. The revolvers were in + their belts, and the rifles slung behind them. While Jerry was away at the + fort Tom had made and baked three loaves, which were cut up and put in the + holsters. + </p> + <p> + "Now we are ready, Tom; the Indians will be out in a minute or two. The + sun is just at its highest." + </p> + <p> + Two minutes later the chief and his companion rode out from the gate of + the fort. Jerry and Tom mounted their horses and cantered over to meet + them. As they came up, Tom looked with interest at the young Indian. He + judged him to be about nineteen, and he had a bright and intelligent face. + He was, like his uncle, attired in buckskin; but the shirt was fringed and + embroidered, as was the band that carried his powder-horn, a gift, + doubtless, from some Indian maiden at his departure from his village. No + greetings were exchanged; but the chief and Jerry rode at once side by + side towards the northeast, and Tom took his place by the side of the + young Indian. + </p> + <p> + "How are you?" he said, holding out his hand. The young Indian took it and + responded to the shake, but he shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, you don't speak English yet?" Hunting Dog again shook his head. "That + is a pity," Tom went on; "it would have been jolly if we could have talked + together." + </p> + <p> + The chief said something to Jerry, who turned around in his saddle. "His + uncle says he can talk some. He has taught him a little when he has paid + visits to the village, but he has had no practice in speaking it. He will + get on after a time." + </p> + <p> + All were well mounted, and they travelled fast. Just before sunset they + crossed the Green River at a ford used by the emigrants, and some fifty + miles northeast of Fort Bridger. They had seen a herd of deer by the way, + and the two Indians had dismounted and stalked them. The others lost sight + of them, but when two rifle-shots were heard Jerry said, "We will take the + horses along to them, you may be sure they have got meat; the chief is a + dead shot, and he says that his nephew has also gifts that way." As they + expected, they found the Indians standing beside two dead deer. Hunting + Dog laid open the stomachs with a slash of his knife, and removed the + entrails, then tying the hind legs together swung the carcasses on to his + horse behind the saddle, and the journey was at once renewed. + </p> + <p> + "You will make for Frémont's Buttes, I suppose, chief?" Jerry said, as + after riding up the river for three or four miles so as to be able to + obtain wood for their fire—as for a considerable distance on either + side of the emigrant trail not a shrub was to be seen—they + dismounted, turned the horses loose, lit a fire, and prepared a meal. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. We will go over the pass and camp at one of the little lakes at the + head of the north fork, thence we will ride across the plain and ford + Little Wind River, and then follow up the Sage Creek and make our camp at + night on Buffalo Lake. From there we must follow their trail." + </p> + <p> + "And where shall we have to begin to look out for the 'Rappahoes?" + </p> + <p> + "They may be over the next rise; no one can say. The 'Rappahoes are like + the dead leaves drifting before the wind. They come as far south as the + emigrant trail, and have attacked caravans many times. After to-night we + must look out for them always, and must put out our fires before dark." + </p> + <p> + Tom had noticed how carefully the young Indian had selected the wood for + the fire; searching carefully along by the edge of the river for + drift-wood, and rejecting all that contained any sap. He himself had + offered to cut down some wood with the axe he carried strapped to his + saddle, but Hunting Dog had shaken his head. + </p> + <p> + "No good, no good," he said. "Make heap smoke; smoke very bad." + </p> + <p> + Tom thought that the shrub he was about to cut would give out obnoxious + smoke that would perhaps flavour the meat hanging over it, but when the + Indian added, "Heap smoke, red-skins see a long way," he understood that + Hunting Dog had been so careful in choosing the wood in order to avoid + making any smoke whatever that might attract the attention of Indians at a + distance from them. It was his first lesson in the necessity for caution; + and as darkness set in he looked round several times, half expecting to + see some crouching red-skins. The careless demeanour of his companions, + however, reassured him, for he felt certain that if there was any fear of + a surprise, they would be watchful. + </p> + <p> + After supper the Indian talked over with Jerry the route they would most + probably have to pursue. The miner had never been in this part of the + country before; indeed, very few white men, with the exception of trappers + who had married Indian women and had been admitted into their tribes, had + ever penetrated into this, the wildest portion of the Rocky Mountains. + Vague rumours existed of the abundance of game there, and of the existence + of gold, but only one attempt had been made to prospect on a large scale. + This had taken place three years before, when a party of twenty + Californian miners penetrated into the mountains. None of them returned, + but reports brought down by Indians to the settlements were to the effect + that, while working a gold reef they had discovered, they were attacked + and killed to a man by a war party of Sioux. + </p> + <p> + "I was mighty nigh being one of that crowd," Jerry said when he told the + story to Tom, as they sat over the camp-fire that night. "I heard of their + start when I got back to Salt Lake City, after being away for some time + among the hills. I legged it arter them as fast as I could, but I found + when I got to the last settlement that they had gone on ten days before, + and as I did not know what line they had followed, and did not care to + cross the pass alone, I gave it up. Mighty lucky thing it was, though I + did not think so at the time." + </p> + <p> + "But why should my uncle's party have gone into such a dangerous country + when they knew that the natives were so hostile?" + </p> + <p> + "It is a mighty big place, it is pretty nigh as big as all the eastern + states chucked into one, and the red-skins are not thick. No one knows how + many there are, but it is agreed they are not a big tribe. Then it ain't + like the plains, where a party travelling can be seen by an Indian scout + miles and miles away. It is all broken ground, canons and valleys and + rocks. Then again, when we get on the other side of the Wind River they + tell me there are big forests. That is so, chief, isn't it?" + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded. "Heap forests," he said, "higher up rocks and bad lands; + all bad. In winter snow everywhere on hills. Red-skins not like cold; too + much cold, wigwam no good." + </p> + <p> + "That's it, you see, Tom. We are here a long way above the sea-level, and + so in the hills you soon get above the timber-line. It's barren land + there, just rock, without grass enough for horses, and in winter it is so + all-fired cold that the Indians can't live there in their wigwams. I + reckon their villages are down in the sheltered valleys, and if we don't + have the bad luck to run plump into one of these we may wander about a + mighty long time before we meet with a red-skin. That is what you mean, + isn't it, chief?" + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse grunted an assent. + </p> + <p> + "What game is there in the country?" + </p> + <p> + "There are wapitis, which are big stag with thundering great horns, and + there are big-horns. Them are mountain sheep; they are mostly up above the + timber-line. Wapitis and big-horns are good for food, but their skins + ain't worth taking off. There is beaver, heaps of them; though I reckon + there ain't as many as there were by a long way, for since the whites came + out here and opened trade, and the red-skins found they could get good + prices for beaver, they have brought them down by thousands every year. + Still, there is no doubt there is plenty left, and that trappers would do + first-rate there if the red-skins were friendly. In course, there is + plenty of b'ars, but unless you happen to have a thundering good chance it + is just as well to leave the b'ars alone, for what with the chances of + getting badly mauled, and what with the weight of the skin, it don't pay + even when you come right side up out of a tussle." + </p> + <p> + "Are there any maps of the region?" + </p> + <p> + "None of any account. They are all just guess-work. You may take it that + this is just a heap of mountains chucked down anyhow. Such maps as there + are have been made from tales trappers who came in with pelts have told. + Well, firstly they only knew about just where the tribe they had joined + lived, and in the second place you may bet they warn't such fools as to + tell anything as would help other fellows to get there; so you may put + down that they told very little, and what they did tell was all lies. Some + day or other I suppose there will be an expedition fitted out to go right + through, and to punish these dog-goned red-skins and open the country; but + it will be a long time arter that afore it will be safe travelling, for I + reckon that soldiers might march and march for years through them + mountains without ever catching a sight of a red-skin if they chose to + keep out of their way. And now I reckon we had best get in atween our + blankets." + </p> + <p> + The two Indians had already lain down by the fire. Tom was some time + before he could get to sleep. The thought of the wild and unknown country + he was about to enter, with its great game, its hidden gold treasures, its + Indians and its dangers, so excited his imagination that, tired as he was + with the long ride, two or three hours passed before he fell off to sleep. + He was awoke by being shaken somewhat roughly by Jerry. + </p> + <p> + "Why, you are sleeping as sound as a b'ar in a hollow tree," the miner + said. "You are generally pretty spry in the morning." A dip in the cold + water of the river awoke Tom thoroughly, and by the time he had rejoined + his comrades breakfast was ready. The ground rose rapidly as they rode + forward. They were now following an Indian trail, a slightly-marked path + made by the Indians as they travelled down with their ponies laden with + beaver skins, to exchange for ammunition, blankets, and tobacco at the + trading station. The country was barren in the extreme, being covered only + with patches of sage brush. As they proceeded it became more and more + hilly, and distant ridges and peaks could be seen as they crossed over the + crests. + </p> + <p> + "These are the bad lands, I suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "You bet they are, Tom, but nothing like as bad as you will see afore you + are done. Sage brush will grow pretty nigh everywhere, but there are + thousands of square miles of rock where even sage brush cannot live." + </p> + <p> + The hills presently became broken up into fantastic shapes, while isolated + rocks and pinnacles rose high above the general level. + </p> + <p> + "How curiously they are coloured," Tom remarked, "just regular bands of + white and red and green and orange; and you see the same markings on all + these crags, at the same level." + </p> + <p> + "Just so, Tom. We reckon that this country, and it is just the same down + south, was once level, and the rains and the rivers and torrents cut their + way through it and wore it down, and just these buttes and crags and + spires were left standing, as if to show what the nature of the ground was + everywhere. Though why the different kinds of rocks has such different + colours is more than I can tell. I went out once with an old party as they + called a scientific explorer. I have heard him say this was all under + water once, and sometimes one kind of stuff settled down like mud to the + bottom, sometimes another, though where all the water came from is more + nor I can tell. He said something about the ground being raised + afterwards, and I suppose the water run off then. I did not pay much + attention to his talk, for he was so choke-full of larning, and had got + such a lot of hard names on the tip of his tongue, that there were no + making head or tail of what he was saying." + </p> + <p> + Tom had learnt something of the elements of geology, and could form an + idea of the processes by which the strange country at which he was looking + had been formed. + </p> + <p> + "That's Frémont's Buttes," the Indian said presently, pointing to a + flat-topped hill that towered above the others ahead. + </p> + <p> + "Why, I thought you said it was a fifty-mile ride to-day, Jerry, and we + can't have gone more than half that." + </p> + <p> + "How far do you suppose that hill is off?" + </p> + <p> + "Three or four miles, I should think." + </p> + <p> + "It is over twenty, lad. Up here in the mountains the air is so clear you + can see things plain as you couldn't make out the outlines of down below." + </p> + <p> + "But it seems to me so close that I could make out people walking about on + the top," Tom said a little incredulously. + </p> + <p> + "I dare say, lad. But you will see when you have ridden another hour it + won't seem much closer than it does now." + </p> + <p> + Tom found out that the miner was not joking with him, as he at first had + thought was the case. Mile after mile was ridden, and the landmark seemed + little nearer than before. Presently Hunting Dog said something to the + chief, pointing away to the right. Leaping Horse at once reined in, and + motioned to his white companions to do the same. + </p> + <p> + "What is it, chief?" Jerry asked. + </p> + <p> + "Wapiti," he replied. + </p> + <p> + "That is good news," the miner said. "It will be lucky if we can lay in a + supply of deer flesh here. The less we shoot after we get through the pass + the better. Shall we go with you, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "My white brothers had better ride on slowly," Leaping Horse said. "Might + scare deer. No good lose time." + </p> + <p> + Tom felt rather disappointed, but as he went on slowly with Jerry, the + miner said: "You will have plenty of chances later on, lad, and there is + no time to lose in fooling about. The red-skins will do the business." + </p> + <p> + Looking back, Tom saw the two Indians gallop away till they neared the + crest of a low swell. Then they leapt from their horses, and stooping low + went forward. In a short time they lay prone on the ground, and wriggled + along until just on the crest. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon the stag is just over there somewhere," Jerry said. "The young + red-skin must have caught sight of an antler." + </p> + <p> + They stopped their ponies altogether now, and sat watching the Indians. + These were half a mile away, but every movement was as clearly visible as + if they were but a hundred yards distant. The chief raised himself on his + arms and then on to his knees. A moment later he lay down again, and they + then crawled along parallel with the crest for a couple of hundred yards. + Then they paused, and with their rifles advanced they crept forward again. + </p> + <p> + "Now they see them," Jerry exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + The Indians lay for half a minute motionless. Then two tiny puffs of smoke + darted out. The Indians rose to their feet and dashed forward as the sound + of their shots reached the ears of their companions. + </p> + <p> + "Come on," Jerry said, "you may be sure they have brought down one stag + anyhow. The herd could not have been far from that crest or the boy would + not have seen the antler over it, and the chief is not likely to miss a + wapiti at a hundred yards." + </p> + <p> + Looking back presently Tom saw that the Indian ponies had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, Hunting Dog has come back for them. You may be sure they won't be + long before they are up with us again." + </p> + <p> + In a quarter of an hour the two Indians rode up, each having the + hind-quarters of a deer fastened across his horse behind the saddle, while + the tongues hung from the peaks. + </p> + <p> + "Kill them both at first shot, chief?" Jerry asked; "I did not hear + another report." + </p> + <p> + "Close by," the chief said; "no could miss." + </p> + <p> + "It seems a pity to lose such a quantity of meat," Tom remarked. + </p> + <p> + "The Indians seldom carry off more than the hindquarters of a deer, never + if they think there is a chance of getting more soon. There is a lot more + flesh on the hindquarters than there is on the rest of the stag. But that + they are wasteful, the red-skins are, can't be denied. Even when they have + got plenty of meat they will shoot a buffalo any day just for the sake of + his tongue." + </p> + <p> + It was still early in the afternoon when they passed under the shadow of + the buttes, and, two miles farther, came upon a small lake, the water from + which ran north. Here they unsaddled the horses and prepared to camp. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V — IN DANGER + </h2> + <p> + There were no bushes that would serve their purpose near the lake; they + therefore formed their camp on the leeward side of a large boulder. The + greatest care was observed in gathering the fuel, and it burned with a + clear flame without giving out the slightest smoke. + </p> + <p> + "Dead wood dries like tinder in this here air," the miner said. "In + course, if there wur any red-skins within two or three miles on these + hills they would make out the camp, still that ain't likely; but any + loafing Indian who chanced to be hunting ten or even fifteen miles away + would see smoke if there was any, and when a red-skin sees smoke, if he + can't account for it, he is darned sartin to set about finding out who + made it." + </p> + <p> + The horses fared badly, for there was nothing for them to pick up save a + mouthful of stunted grass here and there. + </p> + <p> + "Plenty of grass to-morrow," the chief said in answer to a remark of Tom + as to the scantiness of their feed. "Grass down by Buffalo Lake good." + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning they mounted and rode down the hills into Big Wind + River valley. They did not go down to the river itself, but skirted the + foot of the hills until they reached Buffalo Lake. + </p> + <p> + "There," the chief said, pointing to a pile of ashes, "the fire of my + white brother." Alighting, he and Hunting Dog searched the ground + carefully round the fire. Presently the younger Indian lightly touched the + chief and pointed to the ground. They talked together, still carefully + examining the ground, and moved off in a straight line some fifty yards. + Then they returned. + </p> + <p> + "Indian here," Leaping Horse said, "one, two days ago. Found fire, went + off on trail of white men." + </p> + <p> + "That is bad news, chief." + </p> + <p> + "Heap bad," the Indian said gravely. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps he won't follow far," Tom suggested. + </p> + <p> + The Indian made no answer. He evidently considered the remark to be + foolish. + </p> + <p> + "You don't know much of Indian nature yet, Tom," the miner said. "When a + red-skin comes upon the trail of whites in what he considers his country, + he will follow them if it takes him weeks to do it, till he finds out all + about them, and if he passes near one of his own villages he will tell the + news, and a score of the varmint will take up the trail with him. It's + them ashes as has done it. If the chief here had stopped with them till + they started this would not have happened, for he would have seen that + they swept every sign of their fire into the lake. I wonder they did not + think of it themselves. It was a dog-goned foolish trick to leave such a + mark as this. I expect they will be more keerful arterwards, but they + reckoned that they had scarce got into the Indian country." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think it was yesterday the red-skin was here, or the day before, + chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse can't say," the Indian replied. "Ground very hard, mark + very small. No rain, trail keep fresh a long time. Only find mark twice." + He led them to a spot where, on the light dust among the rocks, was the + slight impression of a footmark. + </p> + <p> + "That is the mark of a moccasin, sure enough," Jerry said; "but maybe one + of the whites, if not all of them, have put on moccasins for the journey. + They reckoned on climbing about some, and moccasins beat boots anyhow for + work among the hills." + </p> + <p> + "Red-skin foot," the Indian said quietly. + </p> + <p> + "Well, if you say it is, of course it is. I should know it myself if I saw + three or four of them in a line, but as there is only one mark it beats + me." + </p> + <p> + "How would you know, Jerry?" + </p> + <p> + "A white man always turns out his toes, lad, an Indian walks + straight-footed. There are other differences that a red-skin would see at + once, but which are beyond me, for I have never done any tracking work." + </p> + <p> + The Indian without speaking led them to another point some twenty yards + away, and pointed to another impression. This was so slight that it was + with difficulty that Tom could make out the outline. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that settles it," Jerry said. "You see, lad, when there was only one + mark I could not tell whether it was turned out or not, for that would + depend on the direction the man was walking in. This one is just in a line + with the other, and so the foot must have been set down straight. Had it + been turned out a bit, the line, carried straight through the first + footprint, would have gone five or six yards away to the right." + </p> + <p> + It took Tom two or three minutes to reason this out to himself, but at + last he understood the drift of what his companion said. As the line + through one toe and heel passed along the centre of the other, the foot + must each time have been put down in a straight line, while if the + footprints had been made by a person who turned out his toes they would + never point straight towards those farther on. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what is your advice, chief?" Jerry asked. + </p> + <p> + "Must camp and eat," the Indian replied, "horses gone far enough. No fear + here, red-skin gone on trail." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think there have been more than one, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Not know," Leaping Horse said; "find out by and by." + </p> + <p> + Tom now noticed that Hunting Dog had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + "Where shall we make the fire?" + </p> + <p> + The chief pointed to the ashes. + </p> + <p> + "That's it," Jerry said. "If any red-skin came along you see, Tom, there + would be nothing to tell them that more than one party had been here." + </p> + <p> + The chief this time undertook the collection of fuel himself, and a bright + fire was presently burning. Two hours later Hunting Dog came back. He + talked for some time earnestly with the chief, and taking out two leaves + from his wampum bag opened them and showed him two tiny heaps of black + dust. Jerry asked no questions until the conversation was done, and then + while Hunting Dog cut off a large chunk of deer's flesh, and placing it in + the hot ashes sat himself quietly down to wait until it was cooked, he + said: + </p> + <p> + "Well, chief, what is the news?" + </p> + <p> + "The Indian had a horse, Hunting Dog came upon the spot where he had left + it a hundred yards away. When he saw ashes, he came to look at them. + Afterwards he followed the trail quite plain on the soft ground at head of + lake. Over there," and he pointed to the foot of the hills, "Indian + stopped and fired twice." + </p> + <p> + "How on earth did he know that, chief?" + </p> + <p> + The chief pointed to the two leaves. The scout examined the powder. + "Wads," he said. "They are leather wads, Tom, shrivelled and burnt. What + did he fire at, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Signal. Half a mile farther three other mounted redskins joined him. They + stopped and had heap talk. Then one rode away into hills, the others went + on at gallop on trail." + </p> + <p> + "That is all bad, chief. The fellow who went up the hills no doubt made + for a village?" + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded. + </p> + <p> + "The only comfort is that Harry has got a good start of them. It was a + week from the time you left them before we met you, that is three days + ago, so that if the red-skins took up the trail yesterday, Harry has ten + days' start of them." + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse shook his head. "Long start if travel fast, little start if + travel slow." + </p> + <p> + "I see what you mean. If they pushed steadily on up the valley, they have + gone a good distance, but if they stopped to catch beaver or prospect for + gold they may not have got far away. Hadn't we better be pushing on, + chief?" + </p> + <p> + "No good, horses make three days' journey; rest well to-day, travel right + on to-morrow. If go farther to-night, little good to-morrow. Good camp + here, all rest." + </p> + <p> + "Well, no doubt you are right, chief, but it worries one to think that + while we are sitting here those 'tarnal red-skins may be attacking our + friends. My only hope is that Harry, who has done a lot of Indian + fighting, will hide his trail as much as possible as he goes on, and that + they will have a lot of trouble in finding it." + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded. "My white brother, Harry, knows Indian ways. He did not + think he had come to Indian country here or he would not have left his + ashes. But beyond this he will be sure to hide his trail, and the + 'Rappahoes will have to follow slow." + </p> + <p> + "You think they are 'Rappahoes, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, this 'Rappahoe country. The Shoshones are further north, and are + friendly; the Bannacks and Nez Percés are in northwest, near Snake River; + and the Sioux more on the north and east, on other side of great + mountains. 'Rappahoes here." + </p> + <p> + "Waal," Jerry said wrathfully, "onless they catch Harry asleep, some of + the darned skunks will be rubbed out afore they get his scalp. It is a + good country for hiding trail. There are many streams coming down from the + hills into the Big Wind, and they can turn up or down any of them as they + please, and land on rocky ground too, so it would be no easy matter to + track them. By the lay of the country there does not seem much chance of + gold anywheres about here, and, as I reckon, they will be thinking more of + that than of beaver skins, so I think they would push straight on." + </p> + <p> + "Harry said he should get out of Big Wind River valley quick," Leaping + Horse said. "Too many Indians there. Get into mountains other side. Go up + Rivičre de Noir, then over big mountains into Sierra Shoshone, and then + down Buffalo through Jackson's Hole, and then strike Snake River. I told + him heap bad Indians in Jackson's Hole, Bannacks, and Nez Percés. He said + not go down into valley, keep on foot-hills. I told him, too bad journey, + but he and other pale-faces thought could do it, and might find much gold. + No good Leaping Horse talk." + </p> + <p> + "This is a dog-goned bad business I have brought you into, Tom. I reckoned + we should not get out without troubles, but I did not calkerlate on our + getting into them so soon." + </p> + <p> + "You did not bring me here, Jerry, so you need not blame yourself for + that. It was I brought you into it, for you did not make up your mind to + come till I had settled to go with Leaping Horse." + </p> + <p> + "I reckon I should have come anyhow," Jerry grumbled. "Directly the chief + said where Harry and the others had gone my mind was set on joining them. + It was a new country, and there wur no saying what they might strike, and + though I ain't a regular Indian-fighter, leaving them alone when they + leave me alone, I can't say as I am averse to a scrimmage with them if the + odds are anyways equal." + </p> + <p> + "It is a wonderful country," Tom said, looking at the almost perpendicular + cliffs across the valley, with their regular coloured markings, their deep + fissures, crags, and pinnacles, "and worth coming a long way to see." + </p> + <p> + "I don't say as it ain't curous, but I have seen the like down on the + Colorado, and I don't care if I never see no more of it if we carry our + scalps safe out of this. I don't say as I object to hills if they are + covered with forest, for there is safe to be plenty of game there, and the + wood comes in handy for timbering, but this kind of country that looks as + if some chaps with paint-pots had been making lines all over it, ain't to + my taste noway. Here, lad; I never travel without hooks and lines; you can + get a breakfast and dinner many a day when a gun would bring down on you a + score of red varmints. I expect you will find fish in the lake. Many of + these mountain lakes just swarm with them. You had better look about and + catch a few bugs, there ain't no better bait. Those jumping bugs are as + good as any," and he pointed to a grasshopper, somewhat to Tom's relief, + for the lad had just been wondering where he should look for bugs, not + having seen one since he landed in the States. + </p> + <p> + There were two lines and hooks in the miner's outfit, and Tom and Hunting + Dog, after catching some grasshoppers, went down to the lake, while Jerry + and the chief had a long and earnest conversation together. The baited + hooks were scarcely thrown into the water when they were seized, and in a + quarter of an hour ten fine lake trout were lying on the bank. Tom was + much delighted. He had fished from boats, but had never met with much + success, and his pleasure at landing five fish averaging four or five + pounds apiece was great. As it was evidently useless to catch more, they + wound up their lines, and Hunting Dog split the fish open and laid them + down on the rock, which was so hot that Tom could scarce bear his hand on + it. + </p> + <p> + Seeing the elder men engaged in talk Tom did not return to them, but + endeavoured to keep up a conversation with the young Indian, whom he found + to be willing enough to talk now they were alone, and who knew much more + English than he had given him credit for. As soon as the sun set the fire + was extinguished, and they lay down to sleep shortly afterwards. An hour + before daylight they were in the saddle. Hunting Dog rode ahead on the + line he had followed the day before. As soon as it became light Tom kept + his eyes fixed upon the ground, but it was only now and then, when the + Indian pointed to the print of a horse's hoof in the sand between the + rocks, that he could make them out. The two Indians followed the track, + however, without the slightest difficulty, the horses going at a hand + gallop. + </p> + <p> + "They don't look to me like horses' footprints," Tom said to Jerry when + they had passed a spot where the marks were unusually clear. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon you have never seen the track of an unshod horse before, Tom. + With a shod horse you see nothing but the mark of the shoe, here you get + the print of the whole hoof. Harry has been careful enough here, and has + taken the shoes off his ponies, for among all the marks, we have not seen + any made by a shod horse. The Indians never shoe theirs, and the mark of + an iron is enough to tell the first red-skin who passes that a white man + has gone along there. The chief and I took off the shoes of the four + horses yesterday afternoon when you were fishing. We put them and the + nails by to use when we get out of this dog-goned country." + </p> + <p> + After riding for two hours they came to the bank of a stream. The chief + held up his hand for them to stop, while he dismounted and examined the + foot-marks. Then he mounted again and rode across the stream, which was + some ten yards wide and from two to three feet deep. He went on a short + distance beyond it, leapt from his saddle, threw the reins on the horse's + neck, and returned to the bank on foot. He went a short distance up the + stream and then as much down, stooping low and examining every inch of the + ground. Then he stood up and told the others to cross. + </p> + <p> + [Image: "Leaping Horse Mounted, And Rode Across The Stream"] + </p> + <p> + "Leave your horses by mine," he said as they joined him. "Trail very bad, + all rock." He spoke to the young Indian, who, on dismounting, at once went + forward, quartering the ground like a spaniel in search of game, while the + chief as carefully searched along the bank. + </p> + <p> + "Best leave them to themselves, Tom; they know what they are doing." + </p> + <p> + "They are hunting for the trail, Jerry, I suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, lad. Harry struck on a good place when he crossed where he did, for + you see the rock here is as smooth as the top of a table, and the wind has + swept it as clean of dust as if it had been done by an eastern woman's + broom. If the horses had been shod there would have been scratches on the + rock that would have been enough for the dullest Indian to follow, but an + unshod horse leaves no mark on ground like this. I expect the red-skins + who followed them were just as much puzzled as the chief is. There ain't + no saying whether they crossed and went straight on, or whether they never + crossed at all or kept in the stream either up or down." + </p> + <p> + It was half an hour before the two Indians had concluded their examination + of the ground. + </p> + <p> + "Well, chief, what do you make of it?" Jerry asked when they had spoken a + few words together. + </p> + <p> + "Hunting Dog has good eyes," the chief said. "The white men went forward, + the red men could not find the trail, and thought that they had kept in + the river, so they went up to search for them. Come, let us go forward." + </p> + <p> + The miner and Tom mounted their horses, but the Indians led theirs forward + some three hundred yards. Then Hunting Dog pointed down, and the chief + stooped low and examined the spot. + </p> + <p> + "What is it, chief?" Jerry asked; and he and Tom both got off and knelt + down. They could see nothing whatever. + </p> + <p> + "That is it," Leaping Horse said, and pointed to a piece of rock + projecting half an inch above the flat. + </p> + <p> + "I am darned if I can see anything." + </p> + <p> + "There is a tiny hair there," Tom said, putting his face within a few + inches of the ground. "It might be a cat's hair; it is about the length, + but much thicker. It is brown." + </p> + <p> + "Good!" the chief said, putting his hand on Tom's shoulder. "Now let us + ride." He leapt into his saddle, the others following his example, and + they went on at the same pace as before. + </p> + <p> + "Well, chief," the miner said, "what does that hair tell you about it, for + I can't make neither head nor tail of it?" + </p> + <p> + "The white men killed a deer on their way up here, and they cut up the + hide and made shoes for horses, so that they should leave no tracks. One + of the horses trod on a little rock and a hair came out of the hide." + </p> + <p> + "That may be it, chief," the miner said, after thinking the matter over, + "though it ain't much of a thing to go by." + </p> + <p> + "Good enough," Leaping Horse said. "We know now the line they were taking. + When we get to soft ground see trail plainer." + </p> + <p> + "What will the others do when they cannot find the trail anywhere along + the bank?" + </p> + <p> + "Ride straight on," the chief said. "Search banks of next river, look at + mouths of valleys to make sure white men have not gone up there, meet more + of tribe, search everywhere closely, find trail at last." + </p> + <p> + "Well, that ought to give Harry a good start, anyhow." + </p> + <p> + "Not know how long gone on," the chief said gravely. "No rainfall. Six, + eight—perhaps only two days' start." + </p> + <p> + "But if they always hide their trail as well as they did here I don't see + how the Indians can find them at all—especially as they don't know + where they are making for, as we do." + </p> + <p> + "Find camp. Men on foot may hide traces, but with horses sure to find." + </p> + <p> + "That is so," Jerry agreed, shaking his head. "An Indian can see with half + an eye where the grass has been cropped or the leaves stripped off the + bushes. Yes, I am afraid that is so. There ain't no hiding a camp from + Indian eyes where horses have been about. It is sure to be near a stream. + Shall you look for them, chief?" + </p> + <p> + The Indian shook his head. "Lose time," he said. "We go straight to + Rivičre de Noir." + </p> + <p> + "You don't think, then, they are likely to turn off before that?" + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse thinks not. They know Indian about here. Perhaps found + Indian trail near first camp. Know, anyhow, many Indians. Think push + straight on." + </p> + <p> + "That is the likeliest. Anyhow, by keeping on we must get nearer to them. + The worst danger seems to me that we may overtake the red-skins who are + hunting them." + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded. + </p> + <p> + "It is an all-fired fix, Tom," Jerry went on. "If we go slow we may not be + in time to help Harry and the others to save their scalps; if we go fast + we may come on these 'tarnal red-skins, and have mighty hard work in + keeping our own ha'r on." + </p> + <p> + "I feel sure that the chief will find traces of them in time to prevent + our running into them, Jerry. Look how good their eyes are. Why, I might + have searched all my life without noticing a single hair on a rock." + </p> + <p> + After riding some fifteen miles beyond the stream, and crossing two + similar though smaller rivulets, the chief, after a few words with Jerry, + turned off to the left and followed the foot of the hills. At the mouth of + a narrow valley he stopped, examined the ground carefully, and then led + the way up it, carrying his rifle in readiness across the peak of the + saddle. The valley opened when they had passed its mouth, and a thick + grove of trees grew along the bottom. As soon as they were beneath their + shelter they dismounted. + </p> + <p> + The horses at once began to crop the grass. Hunting Dog went forward + through the trees, rifle in hand. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I take the bits out of the horses' mouths, Jerry?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "Not till the young Indian returns. It is not likely there is a red-skin + village up there, for we should have seen a trail down below if there had + been. Still there may be a hut or two, and we can do nothing till he comes + back." + </p> + <p> + It was half an hour before Hunting Dog came through the trees again. He + shook his head, and without a word loosened the girths of his horse and + took off the bridle. + </p> + <p> + "He has seen no signs of them, so we can light a fire and get something to + eat. I am beginning to feel I want something badly." + </p> + <p> + Thus reminded, Tom felt at once that he was desperately hungry. They had + before starting taken a few mouthfuls of meat that had been cooked the day + before and purposely left over, but it was now three o'clock in the + afternoon, and he felt ravenous. The Indians quickly collected dried wood, + and four of the fish were soon frizzling on hot ashes, while the kettle, + hung in the flame, was beginning to sing. + </p> + <p> + "We have done nigh forty miles, Tom, and the horses must have a couple of + hours' rest. We will push on as fast as we can before dark, and then wait + until the moon rises; it will be up by ten. This ain't a country to ride + over in the dark. We will hide up before morning, and not go on again till + next night. Of course we shall not go so fast as by day, but we sha'n't + have any risk of being ambushed. The chief reckons from what he has heard + that the Indian villages are thick along that part of the valley, and that + it will never do to travel by day." + </p> + <p> + "Then you have given up all hopes of finding Harry's tracks?" + </p> + <p> + "It would be just wasting our time to look for them. We will push on sharp + till we are sure we are ahead of them. We may light upon them by chance, + but there can be no searching for them with these red varmint round us. It + would be just chucking away our lives without a chance of doing any good. + I expect Harry and his party are travelling at night too; but they won't + travel as fast as we do, not by a sight. They have got pack-ponies with + them, and they are likely to lay off a day or two if they come upon a good + place for hiding." + </p> + <p> + They travelled but a few miles after their halt, for the Indians declared + they could make out smoke rising in two or three places ahead; and + although neither Jerry nor Tom could distinguish it, they knew that the + Indians' sight was much keener than their own in a matter of this kind. + They therefore halted again behind a mass of rocks that had fallen down + the mountain-side. Hunting Dog lay down among the highest of the boulders + to keep watch, and the horses were hobbled to prevent their straying. The + miner and the chief lit their pipes, and Tom lay down on his back for a + sleep. A short time before it became dusk the call of a deer was heard. + </p> + <p> + "There are wapiti, chief. We can't take a shot at them; but it don't + matter, we have meat enough for a week." + </p> + <p> + The chief had already risen to his feet, rifle in hand. + </p> + <p> + "It is a signal from Hunting Dog," he said, "he has seen something in the + valley. My white brother had better get the horses together," and he made + his way up the rocks. In a minute or two he called out that the horses + might be left to feed, and presently came leisurely down to them. "Seen + Indians—ten 'Rappahoes." + </p> + <p> + "Which way were they going?" + </p> + <p> + "Riding from Big Wind River across valley. Been away hunting among hills + over there. Have got meat packed on horses, ride slow. Not have heard + about white men's trail. Going to village, where we saw smoke." + </p> + <p> + Tom was fast asleep when Jerry roused him, and told him that the moon was + rising, and that it was time to be off. + </p> + <p> + They started at a walk, the chief leading; Jerry followed him, while Tom + rode between him and Hunting Dog, who brought up the rear. Tom had been + warned that on no account was he to speak aloud. "If you have anything you + want to say, and feel that you must say it or bust," Jerry remarked, "just + come up alongside of me and whisper it. Keep your eyes open and your rifle + handy, we might come upon a party any minute. They might be going back to + their village after following Harry's trail as long as they could track + it, or it might be a messenger coming back to fetch up food, or those + fellows Hunting Dog made out going on to join those in front. Anyhow we + have got to travel as quiet as if there was ears all round us." + </p> + <p> + As they passed the clumps of trees where the Indian villages stood they + could see the reflection of the fires on the foliage, and heard the + frequent barking of dogs and an occasional shout. A quarter of a mile + farther the chief halted and spoke to Hunting Dog, who at once dismounted + and glided away towards the village. + </p> + <p> + "Gone to see how many men there," the chief said in explanation to Jerry. + "Too much laugh, no good." + </p> + <p> + "He means the men must have gone off again, Tom. If there were men in the + camp the boys would not be making a noise." + </p> + <p> + They were but a few hundred yards from the trees, and in a very short time + the Indian returned. + </p> + <p> + "Men are gone," he said; "only squaws and boys there." + </p> + <p> + "How many lodges are there?" the chief asked. Hunting Dog held up both + hands with extended fingers, and then one finger only. + </p> + <p> + "Eleven of them," Jerry said. "I expect they are all small villages, and + they move their lodges across into the forests when winter comes on." + </p> + <p> + As soon as they had mounted, the chief put his horse into a canter, and at + this pace they went forward for some hours, breaking into a walk + occasionally for a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + "I thought you said we should not go beyond a walk to-night, Jerry," Tom + remarked on the first of these occasions. + </p> + <p> + "That is what we kinder agreed, lad; but you may be sure the chief has + some good reason for going on faster. I dunno what it is, and I ain't + going to ask. Red-skins hate being questioned. If he wants to tell us he + will tell us without being asked." + </p> + <p> + A faint light was stealing over the sky when the chief halted his horse + and sat listening. No sound, however, broke the stillness of the night. + </p> + <p> + "Did you think you heard anything, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse heard nothing, but he stopped to listen. What does my white + brother think of the 'Rappahoes having gone on directly they returned from + the chase?" + </p> + <p> + "I thought that when they got the news that some white men had gone + through, they might have started to join those following up the trail. + Isn't that what you think, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Only three white men, plenty Indians on trail; no hurry to follow; might + have had feast after hunt and gone on in morning." + </p> + <p> + "So they might. You think the whites have been tracked, and are to be + attacked this morning?" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps attacked yesterday. Perhaps have got strong place, 'Rappahoes + want more help to take it. White rifle shoot straight, perhaps want more + men to starve them out." + </p> + <p> + They again went forward, at a gallop now. Jerry did not think much of the + chief's idea. It seemed to him natural that the Indians should want to + join in the hunt for scalps, and to get a share of the white men's goods, + though he admitted that it was strange they should have gone on without + taking a meal. Presently the chief reined in his horse again, and sat with + head bent forward. Tom heard an angry grunt from between Hunting Dog's + teeth. Listening intently also, he was conscious of a faint, far-away + sound. + </p> + <p> + "You hear?" the chief said to Jerry. + </p> + <p> + "I heard something; but it might be anything. A waterfall in the hills + miles away, that is what it sounds like." + </p> + <p> + "Guns," the chief said laconically. + </p> + <p> + "Do you think so?" Jerry said doubtfully. "There don't seem to me anything + of guns in it. It is just a sort of murmur that keeps on and on." + </p> + <p> + "It is the mountains speaking back again," the chief said, waving his + hand. "Hills everywhere. They say to each other, the red men who live in + our bosoms are attacking the pale-face strangers." + </p> + <p> + "What do you think, Hunting Dog?" Tom whispered to the Indian. + </p> + <p> + "Gun-shot," he replied, in a tone of absolute conviction. + </p> + <p> + "Waal, chief, I will not gainsay your opinion," Jerry said. "How far do + you think it is off?" + </p> + <p> + "The horses will take us there in two hours," the chief replied. + </p> + <p> + "Then we can put it at twenty miles at least. Let us be going; whatever + the sound is, we shall know more about it before we have gone much + farther." + </p> + <p> + "Not too fast," Leaping Horse said as the miner was urging his horse + forward. "Maybe have to fight, maybe have to run. No good tire horse too + much." + </p> + <p> + It was more than an hour before Tom could hear any distinct change in the + character of the sound, but at last he was able to notice that, though + seemingly continuous, the sound really pulsated; sometimes it almost died + away, then suddenly swelled out again, and there were several vibrations + close together. Jerry, more accustomed to the sound of firearms in the + mountains, had before this come round to the chief's opinion. + </p> + <p> + "It is guns, sure enough, Tom; the chief has made no mistake about it. + Waal, there is one comfort, they ain't been surprised. They are making a + good fight of it, and we may be there in time to take a hand in the game." + </p> + <p> + "Shall we ride straight on and join them?" + </p> + <p> + "I reckon not, lad. We must wait until we see what sort of place Harry is + in, and how we can best help him, before we fix on any scheme." + </p> + <p> + The sound became louder and clearer. The echo was still continuous, but + the sound of the shots could be distinctly heard. + </p> + <p> + "It is over there, to the right," Jerry said. "They must have crossed the + Big Wind River." + </p> + <p> + "And gone up the De Noir valley," the chief said. "We ought to be close to + it now." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I reckon it can't be far off, by what you told me about the + distance." + </p> + <p> + "Better cross Big Wind at once. They no see us now." + </p> + <p> + "I agree with you, chief; it would not do for them to get sight of us. If + they did our case would be worse than Harry's. I expect he has got + strongly posted, or he would have been wiped out long ago; that is what + would happen to us if they were to make us out and spy our numbers afore + we get to some place where we and Harry's outfit can help each other." + </p> + <p> + They rode rapidly down to the river. With the exception of a few yards in + the middle, where the horses had to swim, the depth was not great, and + they were soon on the other side. They rode to the foot of the hills, and + then kept along it. The sound of firing became louder and louder, and Tom + felt his heart beat quickly at the thought that he might soon be engaged + in a desperate fight with the Indians, and that with the odds greatly + against his party. + </p> + <p> + Presently the hills fell sharply away, and they were at the entrance of + the valley of the Rivičre de Noir, which is the principal arm of the Big + Wind River at this point. The firing had very much died out during the + last few minutes, and only an occasional shot was heard. + </p> + <p> + "They have beat off the attack so far," Jerry said to him encouragingly. + "Now we have got to lie low a bit, while the chief sees how things stand." + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse dismounted at the mouth of a narrow canon running up into + the cliff beside them. A little stream trickled down its centre. + </p> + <p> + "Could not have been better," Jerry said. "Here is a place we four could + hold against a crowd of red-skins for hours. There is water anyway, and + where there is water there is mostly a little feed for horses. I will take + your horse, chief, and Tom will take Hunting Dog's, if so be you mean him + to go with you. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you worry yourself, lad," he went on, seeing how anxious Tom + looked, as they started with the horses up the caņon. "If Harry and his + friends have beaten off the first attack, you may bet your boots they are + safe for some time. It is clear the red-skins have drawn off, and are + holding a pow-wow as to how they are to try next. They attacked, you see, + just as the day was breaking; that is their favourite hour, and I reckon + Harry must have been expecting them, and that he and his mates were + prepared." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI — UNITED + </h2> + <p> + The caņon showed no sign of widening until they had proceeded a quarter of + a mile from the entrance, then it broadened suddenly for a distance of a + hundred yards. + </p> + <p> + "There has been a big slip here both sides," the miner said, looking + round. "It must have taken place a great many years ago, for the winter + floods have swept away all signs of it, and there are grass and trees on + the slopes. The horses can find enough to keep them alive here for a day + or two, and that is all we shall want, I hope." + </p> + <p> + "It would be a nasty place to get out of, Jerry, for the cliffs are + perpendicular from half-way up." + </p> + <p> + "It ain't likely as there is any place we could get out without following + it to the upper end, which may be some fifty miles away. I don't know the + country it runs through, but the red-skins are pretty certain to know all + about it. If they were to track us here they would never try to fight + their way in, but would just set a guard at the mouth and at the upper end + and starve us out. It is a good place to hide in, but a dog-goned bad one + to be caught in. However, I hope it ain't coming to that. It is we who are + going to attack them, and not them us, and that makes all the difference. + The red-skins can't have a notion that there are any other white men in + this neighbourhood, and when we open fire on them it will raise such a + scare for a bit that it will give us a chance of joining the others if we + choose. That of course must depend on their position." + </p> + <p> + They walked back to the mouth of the caņon, and had not to wait long for + the return of the Indians. + </p> + <p> + "Come," Leaping Horse said briefly, at once turning and going off at a + swift pace. + </p> + <p> + Jerry asked no questions, but with Tom followed close on the Indians' + heels. There were bushes growing among the fallen rocks and débris from + the face of the cliff, and they were, therefore, able to go forward as + quickly as they could leap from boulder to boulder, without fear of being + seen. A quarter of an hour's run, and the chief climbed up to a ledge on + the face of the cliff where a stratum harder than those above it had + resisted the effects of the weather and formed a shelf some twelve feet + wide. He went down on his hands and knees, and keeping close to the wall + crawled along to a spot where some stunted bushes had made good their + hold. The others followed him, and lying down behind the bushes peered + through them. + </p> + <p> + The valley was four or five hundred yards wide, and down its centre ran + the stream. Close to the water's edge rose abruptly a steep rock. It was + some fifty feet in height and but four or five yards across at the top. On + the north and west the rocks were too perpendicular to be climbed, but the + other sides had crumbled down, the stones being covered with brushwood. + From the point where they were looking they could see the six horses lying + among the bushes. They were evidently tightly roped, and had probably been + led up there when the attack began and thrown at the highest point to + which they could be taken, a spot being chosen where the bushes concealed + their exact position from those below. The rock was about two hundred and + fifty yards from the spot where the party was lying, and their position + was about level with its top. Some twenty Indians were gathered a few + hundred yards higher up the valley, and about as many some distance down + it. + </p> + <p> + "Why didn't the varmint take their places here?" Jerry whispered to the + chief. + </p> + <p> + "They came here. See," and he pointed to a patch of blood a few feet + beyond him. "Indian guns not shoot far," he said, "powder weak; white + man's rifles carry here, red-skin not able to shoot so far. When they + found that, went away again." + </p> + <p> + "What are they going to do now, do you think?" + </p> + <p> + "Soon attack again." + </p> + <p> + Half an hour passed, and then a loud yell gave the signal and the two + troops galloped towards the rock. They had evidently had experience of the + accuracy of the white men's fire; not an Indian showed himself, each + dropping over one side of his pony, with an arm resting in a rope round + the animals' necks and one leg thrown over the back. So they dashed + forward until close to the foot of the rocks. Another instant and they + would have thrown themselves from their horses and taken to the bushes, + but although hidden from the sight of the defenders of the position, they + were exposed to the full view of the party on the ledge, from whom they + were distant not more than two hundred yards. The chief fired first, and + almost together the other three rifles flashed out. Three of the Indians + fell from their horses, another almost slipped off, but with an effort + recovered his hold with his leg. A yell of astonishment and fear broke + from the Indians. As the two bands mingled together, some of the riders + were exposed to those on the top of the rock, and three shots were fired. + Two more of the 'Rappahoes fell, and the whole band in obedience to a + shout from one of their chiefs galloped at full speed down the valley. The + three men sprang to their feet, waving their hats, while the party on the + ledge also leapt up with a shout. + </p> + <p> + "It's you, chief, I see!" one of those on the rocks shouted. "I have been + hoping ever since morning to hear the crack of your rifle, and I never + heard a more welcome sound. We should have been rubbed out sure. Who have + you got with you?" + </p> + <p> + "It's Jerry Curtis, Harry. I come up along with Leaping Horse, though I + did not expect to find you in such a bad fix. This young Indian is Hunting + Dog, and this young chap next to me is your nephew, Tom Wade. You did not + expect to meet him like this, I reckon?" + </p> + <p> + While he had been speaking, all had reloaded their rifles. + </p> + <p> + "You had best go across and talk it over with Harry, chief, and consart + measures with him for getting out of this fix. Those red-skins have got a + bad scare, but you may bet they ain't gone far; and they have lost six of + their bucks now beside what the others shot before, and it ain't in Indian + natur for them to put up with such a loss as that." He had been looking at + the rock as he spoke, and turning round uttered an exclamation of + surprise, for the chief was no longer there. Looking down they saw that he + had managed to make his way down the face of the cliff, and in another two + minutes was ascending the rock. There he stood for some time in earnest + conversation with the whites, and then returned to the ledge. + </p> + <p> + "Trouble over horses," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, ay, I reckoned that was what you was talking over. There ain't no + going back for them now." + </p> + <p> + The chief shook his head. "'Rappahoes keep watch," he said, "cannot go + till night to fetch horses. All lie here to-day, go across to rock when + darkness comes, then white men go up valley till get to trees an hour's + march away; can see them from rock. Get in among trees and work up into + hills. Leaping Horse and Hunting Dog cross river, go down other side past + 'Rappahoes, then cross back and get into caņon, drive horses up. White men + meet them up in mountains." + </p> + <p> + "That seems a good plan enough, chief. That is, if you can get out at the + other end of the caņon." + </p> + <p> + "Caņon little up high," the chief replied. "Find some place to climb." + </p> + <p> + "But they may find the horses to-day." + </p> + <p> + The Indian nodded. "May find, perhaps not." + </p> + <p> + "Why should we not go across to the rock at once, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Indian count on fingers how many. They do not know we only four; much + troubled in their mind where men come from, who can be. Red-skins not like + white men. Have many fancies. Fire come out of bush where 'Rappahoe had + been killed; think that bad medicine, keep together and talk. Think if men + here, why not go across to rock." + </p> + <p> + "I should not be surprised if you are right, chief. They are more likely + to fancy we have come down from above than from below, for they must have + reckoned for sure there were no other white men in the Big Wind valley, + and our not showing ourselves will give them an all-fired scare." + </p> + <p> + "What does the chief mean by bad medicine, Jerry?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "A red-skin is full of all sorts of ideas. Anything he can't make head nor + tail of, is bad medicine; they think there is some magic in it, and that + old Nick has had his finger in the pie. When they get an idea like that in + their minds, even the bravest of them loses his pluck, and is like a child + who thinks he has seen a ghost. It is a mighty good notion for us to lie + low all day. The red-skins will reason it all out, and will say, if these + are white men who killed our brothers why the 'tarnal don't they go and + join the others, there ain't nothing to prevent them. If they ain't white + men, who are they? Maybe they can move without our being able to see them + and will shoot from some other place. No, I reckon it is likely they will + keep pretty close together and won't venture to scatter to look for + tracks, and in that case the chief's plan will work out all right. In + course, a good deal depends on their chief; one of them is among those we + shot, you can make out his feathers from here. If he is the boss chief, it + may be that they will give it up altogether; the next chief will throw the + blame on to him, and may like enough persuade them to draw off altogether. + If it ain't the boss chief, then they are bound to try again. He would not + like to take them back to their villages with the news that a grist of + them had been killed and narry a scalp taken. I expect you will see this + afternoon some of them come down to palaver with Harry." + </p> + <p> + The morning passed quietly and not unpleasantly, for they were lying in + the shade, but before noon the sun had climbed up over the cliff behind + them and shone down with great force, and they had to lie with their heads + well under the bushes to screen them from its rays. Presently, Leaping + Horse said: + </p> + <p> + "Indian chief come, no lift heads." + </p> + <p> + All shifted their position so as to look down the valley. An Indian chief, + holding up his hands to show that he was unarmed, was advancing on foot, + accompanied by another Indian also without arms. + </p> + <p> + "There is Harry going down to meet them," Jerry said. + </p> + <p> + Tom looked eagerly at the figure that came down from the rock and advanced + to meet the Indians. It seemed strange to him that after having come so + far to join his uncle they should remain for hours in sight of each other + without meeting. It was too far to distinguish his features, but he saw by + the light walk and easy swing of the figure that his uncle was a much more + active man than he had expected to see. He had known indeed that he was + but forty years old, but he had somehow expected that the life of hardship + he had led would have aged him, and he was surprised to see that his walk + and figure were those of a young man. + </p> + <p> + "Is it not rather dangerous, his coming down alone to meet two of them? + They may have arms hidden." + </p> + <p> + "They have got arms, you maybe sure," Jerry replied. "They have knives for + certain, and most likely tomahawks, but I expect Harry has got his + six-shooter. But it don't matter whether he has or not, there are his two + mates up on that rock with their rifles, and we are across here. The + 'Rappahoes would know well enough their lives wouldn't be worth a red cent + if they were to try any of their games. They don't mean business; they + will make out they have come to persuade Harry and his mates to give up, + which they know quite well they ain't fools enough to do. But what is + really in their minds is to try and find out who we are, and where we have + come from." + </p> + <p> + The conversation lasted a few minutes. Tom could see that questions were + being asked about the concealed party, for the chief pointed to the ledge + two or three times. When the talk was over the Indians went down the + valley again at a slow pace, never once looking back, and the Englishman + returned to the rocks. + </p> + <p> + "I don't suppose they have got much from Harry." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose uncle talks their language?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I don't reckon he knows the 'Rappahoe dialect. But the tribes on the + western side of the plains can mostly understand each other's talk; and as + I know he can get on well with the Utes, he is sure to be able to + understand the 'Rappahoes' talk." + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse will go along the ledge," the chief said a few minutes + later, after a short conversation with Hunting Dog. "The 'Rappahoes will + try to find out who are here; not like to attack the rock till find out." + </p> + <p> + The two Indians lay down flat on the ledge, and crawled along without + raising themselves in the slightest until they reached a point where the + cliffs projected somewhat. From here they could see down the valley, and + they lay immovable, with their rifles in front of them. + </p> + <p> + "They are not more than fifty yards or so from those bushes where we got + up on to the ledge. That is where the red-skins are likely to try crawling + up, for there they would be out of sight of the rock." + </p> + <p> + "Surely they would never venture to come along the ledge in daylight, + Jerry. They would have to pass along under the fire of uncle and his + mates, and would have our rifles to meet in front." + </p> + <p> + "No, it would only be one, or at most, two scouts. They would reckon that + from that point where the chief is lying they would get a view right along + the ledge to here, and be able to make out what we are. It is the + strangeness of the thing that has kept them quiet all these hours, and I + expect their chief will want to prove that there are only a few of us, and + that we are men for certain. I reckon they have sent off to the villages + already, and there will be more of the varmint here to-night. The Indians + are never fond of attacking in the dark; still, if they were sure about + us, they might try it. They would know they could get up to the foot of + that rock before being seen, and once among the bushes they would reckon + they could make easy work of it." + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour later there was the crack of a rifle, followed + instantly by an Indian yell. + </p> + <p> + "That is the chief's piece, Tom, and I reckon the lead has gone straight." + </p> + <p> + The silence remained unbroken for the next two hours, and then Leaping + Horse crawled back as quietly as he had gone. + </p> + <p> + "What was it, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "It was a 'Rappahoe, who will scout no more," the chief said quietly. "He + came up the bushes, but before he could step on to the ledge Leaping Horse + fired, and he will take no tales back to his tribe." + </p> + <p> + "They won't try again, chief?" + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse shook his head. "First take rock," he said, "then when they + have the scalps of the white men they will watch us here. Will know we + cannot stay here long without water." + </p> + <p> + "You are right there, chief, and no m'stake; my tongue is like a piece of + leather now, and as soon as it gets dark I shall make a bee-line down to + the river. I want to have a talk with Harry, but just at present I want a + drink a blamed sight worse. If I had thought we were going to be stuck up + here all day I would have brought my water-bottle with me." + </p> + <p> + The time passed very slowly, although the air became cooler as soon as the + sun had gone down behind the opposite range. As soon as the light faded a + little, the Indian crawled farther along the ledge, and returned in a + short time saying that he had found a spot where the whites could descend. + Two or three times Jerry urged that it was dark enough, before the chief + consented to move. At last, however, he stood up and gave the cry of an + owl, and they were in a minute or two joined by Hunting Dog, who had until + now remained at his post. The chief at once led the way along the ledge + until he reached the spot where the rock had crumbled away somewhat. + </p> + <p> + "We had better go down one at a time," Jerry said. "For if there was a + slip or a tumble it might let down a gun-hammer, and we want our lead for + the 'Rappahoes, and not for each other." + </p> + <p> + When it came to Tom's turn, he found it a very difficult place to get down + in the semi-darkness, and two or three times he almost lost his footing. + As soon as all were down they fell into Indian file, and crossed the + valley to the rock, the chief giving the hoot of an owl twice as he + approached it. Three men at once stepped out from the bushes at its foot. + </p> + <p> + "I began to wonder when you were coming, and was just going to get the + ponies down before it was too dark to do it without running the risk of + breaking their legs. Well, I am right glad to see you, Jerry; and you too, + Tom, though it is too dark to see much of you. The chief has been telling + me how he brought you along. There is no time to talk now, but I am right + glad to see you, lad" and he shook Tom heartily by the hand. "Now, mates, + let us get the horses down." + </p> + <p> + "I must make tracks for the water first, Harry, the young un and I are + pretty near choking; and I expect the Indians are as bad, though it ain't + their natur to talk about it." + </p> + <p> + "Get down horses first," the chief said. "Too dark soon." + </p> + <p> + "Waal, I suppose five minutes won't make much difference," Jerry grumbled, + "so here goes." + </p> + <p> + "I have tied some hide over their hoofs," Harry said, "so as to make as + little noise as possible about it." + </p> + <p> + "Must make no noise," the chief said urgently. "Redskin scouts soon be + crawling up." + </p> + <p> + One by one the horses were brought down, Harry leading them, and the + others pushing aside the bushes as noiselessly as possible. Then their + loads were carried down and packed upon them. + </p> + <p> + "You get on my horse, Jerry," Harry Wade whispered, "I will walk with Tom. + I have had no time to say a word to him yet, or to ask about the people at + home. Where is the chief?" + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse and his companion had stolen away as soon as the loads had + been adjusted. The others led the horses to the river, and allowed them to + drink, while Jerry and Tom lay down and took a long draught of the water. + The miners' bottles were filled, and they then started. + </p> + <p> + "It is lucky the river makes such a roar among these rocks here," Harry + said, "it will drown the sound of the horses' hoofs." + </p> + <p> + For half an hour they proceeded at a fast walk, then the skins were taken + off the horses' feet and they went on at a trot, the two Wades taking hold + of Jerry's stirrup-leathers and running alongside. In half an hour they + entered the belt of trees, and dismounting, at once began to ascend the + hill. They were some distance up when they heard a distant yell. + </p> + <p> + "You may yell as much as you like," Jerry panted, "you won't catch us now. + They have been a mighty long time finding out we were gone." + </p> + <p> + "They could not make out about you," Harry said. "I could see by the + chief's manner, and the glances the Indian with him kept giving to the + place where you were lying, that they were puzzled and alarmed. They + offered if we would surrender that they would allow us to return down the + valley without hurt. I said, of course, that I preferred staying where I + was; we had come up the valley and intended going farther; we didn't want + to interfere with them, and if they had left us alone we should have left + them alone; and they had only themselves to thank for the loss of some of + their braves. 'We have,' I said, 'many friends, who will protect us, and + much harm will fall on the Indians who venture to meddle with us.' + </p> + <p> + "'Are your friends white men?' the chief asked. 'Have they wings that they + have flown down here from the hills?' + </p> + <p> + "'They have come, that is enough,' I said. 'You see, when they were wanted + they were here, and if they are wanted again you will hear of them, and + your braves will die, and you will gain nothing. You had best go back to + your lodges and leave us to go away in peace. Whoever they are, they can + shoot, as you have found out to your cost. They have no ill-will to the + red-skins, providing the redskins let us alone. They only fired four + shots; if they had wished to, they could have killed many more.' When the + chief saw that he could get nothing further from me he went away. As usual + he spoke boastfully at last, and said that he had offered peace to us, and + if war came, it would be our faults. I laughed, and said that we could + take care of ourselves, and preferred doing so to trusting ourselves in + the hands of the 'Rappahoes, when we had made some of their squaws + widows." + </p> + <p> + "Would they have kept their word, uncle, do you think?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "Not they. There are a few of the Indian tribes whose word can be taken, + but as a rule words mean nothing with them, and if we had put ourselves in + their power they would have tomahawked us instantly, or else taken us down + and tortured us at their villages, which would have been a deal worse. I + have no doubt they had a long talk after the chief returned to them, and + that it was some time after it became dark before they could pluck up + courage enough to climb the rock, though I expect they must have got close + to it very soon after we left. I reckon they have been crawling up inch by + inch. Of course, directly they got to where the horses had been tied they + knew we had gone, and I expect that yell was a signal for a rush forward + to the top. But we need not bother any more about them. They may ride as + far as the foot of the forest, but when they find we have gained that + safely they will give it up until morning; they will know well enough it + is no good starting to search the woods in the dark. We may as well rest + where we are until the moon is up, for we make so much noise crashing + through this undergrowth that they could hear us down there." + </p> + <p> + "Now tell me, lad, about your mother and sisters, and how you came out + after all." + </p> + <p> + Tom told his uncle of his mother's death, and the reason why he had left + his sisters to come out to join him. + </p> + <p> + "It is a very bad business, lad, and I take a lot of blame to myself. When + I got your mother's letter, telling me of poor John's death, and that she + would not hear of your coming out, I said some very hard things to myself. + Here had I been knocking about for twenty years, and having had a fair + share of luck, and yet I could not put my hand on five hundred dollars, + and there was my brother's widow and children, and I, their nearest + relative, could not help them. It made me feel a pretty mean man, I can + tell you. Your mother did not say much about her circumstances, but it did + not need that. I knew that John had retired from the navy with little + besides his half-pay, and that her pension as his widow must be a mighty + slim one. Altogether I had a pretty bad time of it. However, I took a tall + oath that the next rich strike I made the dollars should not be thrown + away. I reckoned that you would be out before long; for it was certain + that if you were a lad of spirit you would not be staying there doing + nothing. Your mother said that the girls all intended to take up teaching, + and it was not likely that you would let them work for the family while + you were loafing about at home. I know in my time it was hard enough to + get anything to do there, and young fellows who have come out here to + ranche tell me that it is harder than ever now. I thought you would fancy + this life, and that in time you would talk your mother over into letting + you come." + </p> + <p> + "I should never have got her to agree to it, uncle. I wanted to go to sea, + but after father's death she would not hear of it. She said I was her only + boy and that she could not spare me, and I had to promise to give up the + thought. She was still more against your plan, but when I wrote to you I + thought that possibly in time she might agree to it. But it was not long + afterwards that her health began to fail, and I saw then that I must give + up all thought of leaving her, and must, when I left school, take anything + that offered; and it was only after her death that I talked it over with + the girls, and they agreed that to come here was the best thing for me." + </p> + <p> + "And you left before my last letter arrived?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; we had no letter after the one you wrote asking me to come out." + </p> + <p> + "No, I suppose you could not have had it. I wrote before I started out + three months ago from Salt Lake City. I had struck a ledge of pretty good + stuff, I and another. We sold out for a thousand dollars, and I sent my + share off to your mother, telling her that I had been having bad luck + since I got her letter, but that I hoped to do better in future, and I + thought, anyhow, I could promise to send her as much once a year, and if I + had a real stroke of luck she and her girls would have the benefit of it." + </p> + <p> + "That was good of you, uncle." + </p> + <p> + "Not good at all," Harry Wade grumbled. "I have behaved like a fool all + along; it is true that when I did get letters from your father, which was + not very often, he always wrote cheerfully, and said very little about how + he was situated as to money. But I ought to have known—I did know, + if I thought of it—that with a wife and six children it must be + mighty hard to make ends meet on a lieutenant's half-pay, and there was I, + often throwing away twice as much as his year's pension on a week's spree. + When I heard he was gone you may pretty well guess how I felt. However, + lad, if things turn out well I will make it up as far as I can. Now, let + us join the others." + </p> + <p> + The others, however, were all sound asleep, having wrapped themselves in + their blankets, and lain down as soon as the halt was decided upon. Jerry, + having had no sleep the previous night, and but little for four or five + days, had not even thought of asking the others for food, which they + doubtless had on their saddles, although he had tasted nothing for + twenty-four hours. Tom, however, less accustomed to enforced fasts, felt + ravenous. + </p> + <p> + "We have had nothing to eat to-day, uncle, except a crust left over from + yesterday's baking, and I don't think I could get to sleep if I did not + eat something." + </p> + <p> + "Bless me, I never thought of that, Tom. If I had I would have sent food + across by the chief this morning. There is no bread, but there is plenty + of cold meat. We cooked a lot yesterday evening, for we thought we might + not get a chance of cooking to-day." + </p> + <p> + "Then you knew, uncle, the Indians were near?" Tom went on, when he had + appeased his appetite and taken a drink of water, with a little whisky in + it from his uncle's flask. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, lad; we guessed somehow we had been followed all along. We had done + everything we could to throw them off the trail—travelling as much + as we could in the course of streams, muffling the feet of our ponies, and + picking out the hardest ground to travel on; but every morning before + daybreak one of us went up the hillside, and twice we made out mounted + Indians moving about down the valley. Yesterday morning ten of them came + galloping up within easy shot. I don't think they thought that we were so + near. They drew up their horses suddenly, had a talk, and then came riding + after us. It didn't need their yells to tell us what their intention was. + We knocked three of them out of their saddles, then threw our horses down + and lay behind them. + </p> + <p> + "They galloped round and round us shooting, but we picked two more off, + and then they rode away. We knew enough of them to be sure that they were + not going to give it up, but would follow us till joined by enough of + their tribe to attack us again. We made a long march, hoping to get to the + timber before they could come up, but just as the sun was setting we saw + them coming along, about fifteen of them; and we had just time to get up + to that rock. As they rode past we opened a smart fire and dropped four of + them; the others rode up the valley, so as to cut us off from going + farther. We filled our water-skins and got the horses half-way up as you + saw, and then lighted a fire and cooked. We kept watch all night, two down + below and one at the top; but everything was quiet, and we guessed they + were waiting for others to come up. + </p> + <p> + "About an hour before daylight we heard another gang arrive below us. They + halted there, and it was not long before they began crawling up from above + and below, and for a bit we shot pretty brisk. The odds were too much + against them, with us on the height, and they drew off. Then for an hour + they were pretty quiet while they were holding council, except that we did + some shooting with a party who had climbed up to that ledge opposite; then + we saw both bands mount, and reckoned they were going to make a dash for + us. We knew if they did it in earnest we must go down, for once among the + rocks and bushes there would be no keeping them from mounting up. We made + up our minds that the end was not far off, though I fancy we should have + accounted for a good many of them before they rubbed us out. When your + four rifles spoke from the ledge we thought it was a party who had gone + back there, for we felt sure that we had driven them all away, but it + wasn't more than a moment before we saw it wasn't that. There was no + mistaking the yell of astonishment from the Indians, and as the horses + swerved round we saw that three of them had fallen. You may guess we + didn't stop to argue who it was, but set to work to do our share; but it + seemed to us something like a miracle when the red-skins rode off. + </p> + <p> + "We had been talking of Leaping Horse during the night, for he had + promised to come back to join us, and I knew him well enough to be able to + bet all creation that he would come. He had only left us to keep an + appointment with his nephew, who was to join him at Fort Bridger. If there + had only been two guns fired we should have put it down to him, but being + four I don't think either of us thought of him till he stood up and + shouted. Now, lad, you had better take a sleep. We shall be moving on as + soon as the moon is fairly up, and it won't be over that hill behind us + till two or three. I will watch till then, but I don't think there is the + least chance of their following us to-night; they have been pretty roughly + handled, and I don't think they will follow until they have solved the + mystery of that ledge. They searched it, no doubt, as soon as they found + the rock was empty, and at daybreak they will set about tracing the trail + up. That will be easy enough for them when they have once got rid of the + idea that there was something uncanny about it, and then we shall have + them on our heels again and on the chief's too. The first thing for us to + do will be to make along the hill till we get to the edge of the caņon, + where Leaping Horse has gone for your ponies, and to follow it to its + upper end." + </p> + <p> + "I will watch, uncle, if you will wake me in an hour. I shall be all right + after a nap, but I can scarcely keep my eyes open now." + </p> + <p> + It seemed, however, to Tom that he had not been asleep five minutes when + his uncle shook him. The others were already on their feet. The moon was + shining down through the trees, and with cautious steps, and taking the + utmost trouble to avoid the branches, they started on their upward climb. + Not a word was spoken, for all knew how far sound travels on a still + night. There was, however, a slight breeze moving among the tree tops when + they started, and in an hour this had so far increased that the boughs + were swaying and the leaves rustling. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon there ain't no occasion to keep our mouths shut no longer," one + of the men said. "Now that the trees are on the move they would not hear + us if they were only a hundred yards away." + </p> + <p> + All were glad when daylight began to appear, Tom because the climbing + would be much easier when the ground could be seen, the others because + they were all longing for a pipe, but had hitherto not dared to light one, + for the flash of a match could be seen far away. They had been bearing + steadily to the right as they mounted, and shortly after daybreak they + suddenly found themselves on the edge of a caņon. + </p> + <p> + "Do you think this is the one, Jerry?" one of the men asked. + </p> + <p> + "That is more than I can tell, Ben. I did not see an opening in the valley + as we came up it, but we might very well have missed one in the dark. I + should think from the distance we have gone towards the right it must be + the one where we left our horses. Anyhow, whether it is or not, we must + follow it up to the top and wait there for a bit to see if the chief + comes." + </p> + <p> + "I reckon he will be there before us," Harry said; "that is if he got + round the red-skins all right and found the horses. There would be no + reason for him to wait, and I expect he would go straight on, and is like + enough to be waiting for us by this time." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII — CHASED + </h2> + <p> + The party pressed forward as rapidly as they could. The ground was rough + and at times very steep, and those on foot were able to keep up with the + horses without much difficulty. + </p> + <p> + "You think the Indians will follow, uncle?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "They will follow, you may bet your boots, Tom; by this time they have got + to the bottom of the mystery. The first thing this morning some of them + will go up on to the ledge where you were, follow your tracks down to the + caņon where you left the horses, and find that you came up the valley and + not down it. They will have made out that there were two whites and two + red-skins, and that the two red-skins have gone up the caņon with the + horses. Directly the matter is all cleared up, they will be hotter than + ever for our scalps, for there is nothing a red-skin hates worse than + being fooled. Of course, they will know that it is a good deal harder to + wipe out seven men than three, and I don't think they will attack us + openly; they know well enough that in a fair fight two red-skins, if not + three, are likely to go down for each white they rub out. But they will + bide their time: red-skins are a wonderful hand at that; time is nothing + to them, and they would not mind hanging about us for weeks and weeks if + they can but get us at last. However, we will talk it all over when the + Indians join us. I don't think there is any chance of fighting to-day, but + whether we shall get out of these mountains without having another + scrimmage is doubtful." + </p> + <p> + Tom noticed that in his talk with him his uncle dropped most of the + western expressions which when speaking with the others he used as freely + as they did. He was now able to have a fair look at him, and found that he + agreed pretty closely with the ideas he had formed of him. There was a + strong likeness between him and his brother. They were about the same + height, but Harry was broader and more strongly built. His face was deeply + bronzed by long exposure to the wind and sun. He had a large tawny beard, + while Tom's father had been clean shaved. The sailor was five years the + senior, but the miner looked far younger than Tom could ever remember his + father looking, for the latter had never thoroughly recovered his, health + after having had a long bout of fever on the Zanzibar station; and the + long stride and free carriage of his uncle was in striking contrast to the + walk of his father. Both had keen gray eyes, the same outline of face, the + same pleasant smile. + </p> + <p> + "Now that I can see you fairly, Tom," the miner said, when they halted + once for the horses to come up to them, "I can make out that you are a + good deal like your father as I can first remember him." + </p> + <p> + "I was thinking you were very like him, uncle." + </p> + <p> + "We used to be alike in the old days, but I reckon the different lives we + led must have changed us both a great deal. He sent me once a photograph + four or five years ago, and at first I should not have known it was he. I + could see the likeness after a bit, but he was very much changed. No doubt + I have changed still more; all this hair on my face makes a lot of + difference. You see, it is a very long time since we met. I was but twenty + when I left England, and I had not seen him for two or three years before + that, for he was on the Mediterranean station at the time. Well, here are + the horses again, and as the ground looks flatter ahead we shall have to + push on to keep up with them." They were presently altogether beyond the + forest, and a broad plateau of bare rock stretched away in front of them + for miles. + </p> + <p> + "There they are," Jerry Curtis shouted. "I was beginning to feel scared + that the 'Rappahoes had got them." + </p> + <p> + It was a minute or two before Tom could make out the distant figures, for + his eyes were less accustomed to search for moving objects than were those + of his companions. + </p> + <p> + "They are riding fast," Harry Wade said. "I reckon they have made out some + Indians on their trail." + </p> + <p> + The little dark mass Tom had first seen soon resolved itself into two + horsemen and two riderless animals. They were still three or four miles + away, but in twenty minutes they reached the party advancing to meet them. + The whites waved their hats and gave them a cheer as they rode up. + </p> + <p> + "So you have managed to get through them all right, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "The 'Rappahoes are dogs. They are frightened at shadows; their eyes were + closed. Leaping Horse stood near their fires and saw them go forward, and + knew that his white brothers must have gained the forest before the + 'Rappahoes got to the rock. He found the horses safe, but the caņon was + very dark and in some places very narrow, with many rocks in the road, so + that he had to stop till the moon was high. It was not until morning came + that he reached the head of the caņon, an hour's ride from here. Half an + hour back Leaping Horse went to the edge and looked down. There were ten + 'Rappahoes riding fast up the trail. Has my brother heard anything of the + others?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing whatever," Harry said. "I reckon they did not begin to move until + daylight, and as we went on when the moon rose they must be a good two + hours behind us. Which way do you think we had better go, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Where does my brother wish to go?" + </p> + <p> + "It matters mighty little. I should say for a bit we had better travel + along this plateau, keeping about the same distance from the timber-line. + I don't think the 'Rappahoes will venture to attack us in the open. If we + keep on here we can cross the divide and get into the Shoshones' country, + and either go down the Buffalo and then up the Snake and so work down + south, or go east and strike some of the streams running that way into the + Big Horn." + </p> + <p> + The chief shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "Too far, too many bad Indians; will talk over fire tonight." + </p> + <p> + "That is it, chief. It is a matter that wants a good deal of talking over. + Anyhow, we had better be moving on at once." + </p> + <p> + Tom was glad to find himself in the saddle again, and the party rode on at + a steady pace for some hours, then they halted, lit a fire, and cooked a + meal. Tom noticed that the Indians no longer took pains to gather dry + sticks, but took the first that came to hand. He remarked this to Jerry. + </p> + <p> + "They know it is no use trying to hide our trail here; the two bands of + Indians will follow, one up and one down, until they meet at the spot + where the chief joined us. From there they can track us easy enough. + Nothing would suit us better than for them to come up to us here, for we + should give them fits, sartin. This is a good place. This little stream + comes down from that snow peak you see over there, and we have got + everything we want, for this patch of bushes will keep us in firing for a + bit. You see, there are some more big hills in front of us, and we are + better here than we should be among them. I expect we shall camp here for + the night." + </p> + <p> + "Then you don't think the Indians will come up close?" + </p> + <p> + "Not they. They will send a spy or two to crawl up, you may be sure, but + they will know better than to come within reach of our rifles." + </p> + <p> + "I am mighty glad to have my teeth into some deer-flesh again," Ben + Gulston said. "We had two or three chances as we came along, but we dare + not fire, and we have just been living on bread and bacon. Where did you + kill these wapiti?" + </p> + <p> + "At our first halt, near Fremont's Pass. We got two." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you haven't eaten much, Jerry," Sam Hicks said. "I reckon four men + ought pretty well to have finished off two quarters by this time." + </p> + <p> + "I reckon we should have finished one of the bucks, Sam; but we caught a + grist of fish the same day, dried them in the sun, and I think we mostly + ate them. They would not keep as well as the flesh. That is as good as the + day we shot it, for up here in the dry air meat keeps a sight better than + down in the plains. Give me some more tea, Sam." + </p> + <p> + "What do you think, mates, of camping here?" Harry Wade said. "The chief + thinks we are better here than we should be if we moved on. He feels + certain the red-skins won't dare attack us." + </p> + <p> + There was a cordial agreement in favour of a halt, for after the work they + had gone through during the last week they were glad of a rest. No one + would have thought half an hour afterwards that the little party engaged + in washing their shirts at the stream or mending their clothes, were in + the heart of a country unknown to most of them, and menaced by a savage + foe. The horses cropped the scanty tufts of grass or munched the young + tops of the bushes, the rifles stood stacked by the fire, near which the + two Indians sat smoking and talking earnestly together, Hunting Dog + occasionally getting up and taking a long careful look over the plain. As + the men finished their various jobs they came back to the fire. + </p> + <p> + "Now, chief," Harry said, "let us hear your ideas as to what we had best + do. We are all pretty old hands at mountaineering, but we reckon you know + a great deal more about it than we do. You don't like the plans I + proposed." + </p> + <p> + "No can do it," the chief said positively. "In a moon the snow will fall, + and there will be no crossing mountains." + </p> + <p> + "That is true enough," Jerry said. "An old trapper who had lived among the + Shoshones told me that nine months in the year they were shut up in the + valleys by the snow on the passes." + </p> + <p> + "Then how can live?" the chief went on. "As long as we stay in this + country the 'Rappahoes will watch us. They will tell the Bannacks and the + Nez Percés, and they too would be on our trail. As long as we keep + together and watch they will not come, they fear the white man's rifle; + but we cannot live without hunting, and then they kill one, two, till all + killed. At night must always watch, at day cannot hunt. How we live? What + good to stay? If we stop all killed sure." + </p> + <p> + There was silence round the circle. Every one of them felt the truth of + the Indian's words, and yet they hated the thought of abandoning their + search for gold, or, failing that, of a return home with their horses + laden with beaver skins. + </p> + <p> + Harry was the first to speak. "I am afraid these varmint have interfered + with our plans, mates. If we had had the luck to drop into one of the + upper valleys without being noticed we could have hunted and trapped there + and looked for gold for months without much chance of being discovered, + but this has upset it all. I am afraid that what the chief says is true. + If we keep together we starve, if we break up and hunt we shall be + ambushed and killed. I hate giving up anything I have set my mind on, but + this time I don't see a way out of it. We ain't the first party that has + come up here and had to go back again with empty hands, and we know what + happened to that party of twenty old-time miners from California two years + ago, though none of them ever got back to tell the tale. We knew when we + started, it wur just a chance, and the cards have gone against us." + </p> + <p> + "That is so," Ben agreed; "if it had turned out well we might have made a + good strike. It ain't turned out well, and as every day we stay here there + will be more of those varmint swarming round us, I say the sooner we get + out of this dog-goned country the better." + </p> + <p> + "You can count me in with you, Ben," Sam Hicks said. "We have gone in for + the game and we don't hold hands, and it ain't no use bluffing against + them red-skins. We sha'n't have lost much time arter all, and I reckon we + have all learned something. Some day when the railroad goes right across, + Uncle Sam will have to send a grist of troops to reckon up with the + red-skins in these hills, and arter that it may be a good country for + mining and trapping, but for the present we are a darned sight more likely + to lose our scalps than to get skins." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Leaping Horse, which way would you advise us to take, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Go straight back to caņon, ride down there, cross river, go up mountains + other side, pass them north of Union Peak, come down on upper water Big + Wind River. From there little way on to Green River. Leaping Horse never + been there, but has heard. One long day's ride from here, go to upper + waters of Green River." + </p> + <p> + "That sounds good," Jerry Curtis said. "If we could once strike the Green + we should be out of the 'Rappahoe country altogether. I have known two or + three men who have been up the Green nearly to its head, and there is good + hunting and a good many beaver in the side streams. I should not have + thought it would have come anywhere like as near as this, but I don't + doubt the chief is right." + </p> + <p> + "Union Peak," the chief said, pointing to a crag rising among a tumble of + hills to the south. + </p> + <p> + "Are you sure, chief?" + </p> + <p> + The Indian nodded. "Forty, fifty miles away," he said. "Leaping Horse has + been to upper waters of Green River, seen the peak from other side." + </p> + <p> + "That settles it, then," Harry said. "That is our course, there cannot be + a doubt. I should never have proposed the other if I had had an idea that + we were within sixty or seventy miles of the Green River. And you think we + had better take the caņon you came up by, chief?" + </p> + <p> + The Indian nodded. "If go down through forest may be ambushed. Open ground + from here back to caņon. 'Rappahoes most in front. Think we go that way, + not think we go back. Get good start. Once across river follow up little + stream among hills other side, that the way to pass. If 'Rappahoes follow + us we fight them." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, we shall have them at an advantage there, for they would have to + come up under our fire, and there are sure to be places where half a dozen + men could keep fifty at bay. Very well, chief, that is settled. When do + you think we had better start?" + </p> + <p> + "When gets dark," the chief replied. "No lose time, more Indian come every + hour. Keep fire burning well, 'Rappahoes think we camp here. Take horses a + little way off and mount beyond light of fire." + </p> + <p> + "You think they will be watching us?" + </p> + <p> + "Sure to watch. First ride north half an hour, then turn and ride to + caņon. If spies see us go off take word to friends we gone north. Too dark + to follow trail. They think they catch us easy to-morrow, and take up + trail in morning; but too late then, we cross river before that." + </p> + <p> + There was a general murmur of assent. The thought of being constantly + watched, and suddenly attacked when least expecting it, made them feel + restless, and the thought of early action was pleasant to them. + </p> + <p> + "You don't think that there are any spies watching us now, uncle, do you?" + </p> + <p> + "Not close, Tom; they would know better than that. They could see us miles + away if we were to mount and ride off, and it is only when it gets dark + that they would venture to crawl up, for if one were sighted in the + daytime he would not have a ghost of a chance of getting away, for we + could ride him down sartin." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I reckon we may as well take a sleep," Sam Hicks said. "You lie + down for one, anyhow, Harry, for you watched last evening. We will toss up + which of us keeps awake." + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse will keep watch," the chief said quietly. "No fear of + Indians, but better to watch." + </p> + <p> + Knowing the power of the red-skins to keep awake for an almost unlimited + time, none of the others thought of refusing the offer, and in a few + minutes all were sound asleep. Towards sunset they were on their feet + again. Another meal was cooked and eaten, then as it became dusk the + horses were gathered fifty yards away, and Hunting Dog and Tom took their + places beside them. + </p> + <p> + "Keep your eyes open and your rifle handy, Tom," his uncle said. "It is + like enough that some young brave, anxious to distinguish himself, may + crawl up with the intention of stampeding the ponies, though I don't think + he would attempt it till he thought most of us were asleep. Still, there + is no saying." + </p> + <p> + The watch was undisturbed, and soon it became so dark that objects could + no longer be seen fifty yards away. Tom began to feel nervous. Every tuft + of ground, every little bush seemed to him to take the form of a crawling + Indian, and he felt a great sense of relief when he saw the figures round + the fire rise and walk towards him. + </p> + <p> + "I am glad you have come, uncle," he said frankly; "I began to feel very + uncomfortable several times. It seemed to me that some of the bushes + moved." + </p> + <p> + "That is just what I thought you would be feeling, Tom. But it was just as + well that your first watch should be a short one, without much chance of + an ambush being on foot; and I knew that if your eyes deceived you, + Hunting Dog was there. Next time you won't feel so nervous; that sort of + thing soon passes off." + </p> + <p> + A fresh armful of brushwood had been thrown on to the fire before the men + left it, and long after they had ridden away they could see the flames + mounting high. After riding north for a quarter of an hour they changed + their route and passed round, leaving the fire half a mile on their right. + The light of the stars was quite sufficient for them to travel by, and + after four hours' journey the chief, who was riding ahead, halted. + </p> + <p> + "Not far from caņon now. Listen." + </p> + <p> + A very faint murmur came to their ears, so faint that had not his + attention been drawn to it Tom would not have noticed it at all. + </p> + <p> + "What is that noise?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "That is the stream down in the caņon," his uncle replied. "How far are we + from the head, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Not far, must ride slow." + </p> + <p> + They proceeded at a walk, changing their course a little towards the east. + Hunting Dog went on ahead, and in a quarter of an hour they heard his + signal, the cry of an owl. It arose from a point still further east, and + quickening their pace, in a few minutes they came up to the young Indian, + who was standing by his horse at the edge of a steep descent, at the + bottom of which Tom could see a stream of water. + </p> + <p> + "It looks very steep," Jerry said. + </p> + <p> + "Steep, but smooth," the Indian replied. "Came up here with horses this + morning." + </p> + <p> + All dismounted, and Tom went up to his horse's head. "That won't do, Tom. + Never go before a horse down a steep place where you can't see your way, + always drive it before you." + </p> + <p> + There was some trouble in getting the horses to commence the descent, but + after a short time the chief's pony set the example; and tucking its hind + legs under it until it sat down on its haunches, began to slide down, + while the other animals, after staring into the darkness with ears laid + back and snorting with fear, were half-persuaded, half-forced to follow + its example, and the men went down after them. The descent was not so + steep as in the darkness it looked, and the depth was not over fifty feet. + As soon as they reached the bottom they mounted again, and the chief + leading the way, they rode down the caņon. At first they were able to + proceed at a fair pace, but as the sides grew higher and more precipitous + the darkness became more dense, and they were obliged to pick their way + with great caution among the boulders that strewed the bottom of the + ravine. Several times they had to dismount in order to get the horses over + heavy falls, and it was four hours from the time they entered the caņon + before they approached its mouth. When they entered the little wood where + they had first left the horses, the chief said, "Make fire, cook food + here. Leaping Horse and Hunting Dog go on and scout, maybe 'Rappahoes left + watch in valley." + </p> + <p> + "Very well, chief. It is seven hours since we started; I think the horses + will be all the better for an hour's rest, and I am sure we shall be the + better of a feed. Besides, when we are once out of this hole we may have + to travel fast." + </p> + <p> + "You don't think it likely that the 'Rappahoes are on the look-out for us + at the entrance?" Tom asked, as the Indians moved away. + </p> + <p> + "Not likely at all, Tom. Still, as they might reckon that if we gave their + searching party the slip we must come down again by the river or through + this caņon, they may have left a party or sent down word to some of their + villages to keep a watch in the valley." + </p> + <p> + It was more than an hour before the Indians returned. + </p> + <p> + "No 'Rappahoes in valley," the chief said, as he seated himself by the + fire and began without loss of time to eat the meat they had cooked in + readiness. "Better be going soon, must cross river and get on before light + come; have seen fires, Indian villages up on hillsides. When light comes + and 'Rappahoes find trail they come back quick." + </p> + <p> + "You may bet your boots they will, chief," Sam Hicks said. "They will be a + pretty mad crowd when they make out that we have come down again by the + caņon. As soon as they see which way we have headed some of them will make + a bee-line down here in hopes of cutting us off at the mouth, but by the + time they are here we shall be half-way up the hill." + </p> + <p> + The Indian made no reply, but he and Hunting Dog ate their meal steadily, + and as soon as they had finished rose to their feet, and saying "Time to + go" went out to fetch in their horses. + </p> + <p> + "I don't think the chief is as confident we shall get off without a fight + as Sam seemed to be," Tom said to his uncle. + </p> + <p> + "There is never any saying what an Indian thinks, Tom, even when he has + fallen into white man's ways, as Leaping Horse has done. It may be that + the sight of the fires he made out on the opposite hills has troubled him. + It will be light before we are far up on the side, and we may be made out + by some of the varmint there. They are always restless. Go into an Indian + village when you will, you will find some of them smoking by the fire. + Their ears are so 'tarnal sharp, they can hear sounds that would never + catch our ears, not at half the distance. The clink of a couple of pans + together, or a stone set rolling by a horse's tread, were it ever so + faint, would bring them on their feet directly, especially now they know + that a war-party is out." + </p> + <p> + The march was again resumed. Passing through the narrowest part of the + caņon they issued out into the valley and made for the river. Some time + was lost here, for Sam Hicks, who was leading one of the pack-ponies, was + carried down several hundred yards by the stream, and with difficulty + effected his landing. The horse's load shifted and had to be repacked. As + soon as this was done they followed the river down for two miles till they + came upon a stream running into it from the southwest. + </p> + <p> + "You think this is the stream we have to follow, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Must be him, no other came in on this side for a long way; right line for + peak." + </p> + <p> + They turned up by the stream, and after riding a mile found themselves + entering a mountain gorge. It was not a caņon but a steep, narrow valley. + They picked their way with the greatest caution for some time, then the + two Indians stopped simultaneously. + </p> + <p> + "What is the matter, chief?" Harry, who was riding next to them, + whispered. + </p> + <p> + "Smell smoke." + </p> + <p> + Harry sniffed the air. + </p> + <p> + "I can't say I smell it, chief, but if you say you do that settles it. + Where do you think it comes from?" + </p> + <p> + "Up valley; wind light, but comes that way. Indian village up here." + </p> + <p> + "Well, so much the worse for the Indian village if it interferes with us," + Harry said grimly; "there is one thing certain, we have got to go through. + Probably most of the braves are away up in the hills." + </p> + <p> + They now went on with redoubled caution. The chief gave his bridle to + Hunting Dog and went forward on foot. A hundred yards farther the valley + made a sharp turn and then widened out considerably, and the glow of a + fire was visible among some trees standing on the hillside some fifty feet + above the level of the stream. The chief looked at the sky; a faint light + was breaking, and without pausing he continued to lead the way. They + passed under the Indian encampment, and had got a few yards higher when + the pony Sam Hicks was leading gave a sharp neigh. + </p> + <p> + "Darn its old ears!" Tom heard Jerry growl. Harry at the same moment put + his horse to a trot, and the others following clattered up the valley, + knowing that concealment was no longer of any use; indeed, an answering + neigh from above and hurried shouts were heard, followed a moment + afterwards by a loud yell as an Indian running through the trees caught + sight of them in the moonlight. + </p> + <p> + "We are in for it now, Tom; that is, if there are men enough in the + village to attack us." + </p> + <p> + The horses broke into a gallop. They had gone but fifty yards when a + rifle-shot was heard from behind, and Tom felt a shock as the ball struck + his saddle. Almost immediately another shot was fired abreast of him, and + an Indian yell rose loudly behind them. A moment later Leaping Horse with + a shout of triumph bounded down the rocks and leapt on to his horse. Four + or five more shots were fired from behind, but none of them were hit. A + hundred yards farther they were in shelter of a belt of trees that + extended down to the stream. As they entered it Harry looked back. He + could now see the hills beyond the main valley. + </p> + <p> + "Look, chief!" he exclaimed. "The varmint up there are signalling far off + above the timber-line." + </p> + <p> + Bright tongues of fire could be seen, two close together and one a short + distance to the left. + </p> + <p> + "What does that mean, uncle?" Tom asked, as the chief gave a short + exclamation of surprise and anger. + </p> + <p> + "It means, lad, that the red-skins have been sharper than we gave them + credit for. When their spies brought them news that we had started they + must have come down to the fire and followed our trail at once with + torches, before we had got above an hour or two away. No doubt it was slow + work, but they must have found where we changed our course, and made out + that we were making for the head of the caņon. I expect most of them lost + no time in following the trail farther, but rode straight for the head of + the caņon, and like enough they weren't half an hour behind us when we + came out. The others rode to the edge of the plateau and set those fires + alight." + </p> + <p> + "But what do they mean, uncle?" + </p> + <p> + "They are a warning to all the villages that we have headed back, you may + be sure of that, though I can't say what the message is, for every tribe + has its own signals, but it will have set them on the watch up and down + the valley; and like enough the signal has been repeated somewhere at a + point where it can be seen straight down the Big Wind Valley. The shooting + will tell them all which way we are making, and if the 'Rappahoes have + come out of the caņon, as I reckon they have, they need lose no more time + in looking for our trail. I reckon in half an hour we shall have a hundred + or so of the varmint after us. I only hope there are no more villages upon + this line. I don't so much care about the fellows who are following us, we + are sure to find some place where we can make a stand, but it would be + awkward if we find our way barred." + </p> + <p> + "But if there is no one in front, uncle, I should think we might be able + to keep ahead. Our horses are as good as they are likely to have." + </p> + <p> + "You and Jerry might be able to, Tom, for you have got hold of two + first-rate ponies; but the Indians' are nothing out of the way, and our + ponies ain't in it with you; besides, they and the pack-horses have all + been doing hard work for the last week with none too much food, and many + of the 'Rappahoes will be on fresh horses. I expect we have got some very + tall climbing to do before we get up to the pass, and we have got to do + our fighting before we get there." + </p> + <p> + The ground rose steeply, and was encumbered by fallen stones and boulders, + and it was not long before the pack-horses began to show signs of + distress, while those ridden by Harry and his two comrades were drawing + their breath in short gasps. After emerging from the trees the ravine had + run in almost a straight line for more than half a mile, and just as they + reached the end of this stretch a yell was heard down the valley. Looking + back they saw eight or ten mounted Indians emerging from the wood at the + lower end. + </p> + <p> + "That is a signal," Harry exclaimed, as four rifles were fired in quick + succession. "Well, we have got a bit of a start of them, and they won't + venture to attack us until some more come up. We had better take it a bit + quietly, chief, or our horses will give out. I expect we sha'n't be long + before we come upon a place where we can make a stand." + </p> + <p> + The Seneca looked round at the horses. "You, Sam, Ben and pack-horses go + on till you get to place where can fight. We four wait here; got good + horses, and can ride on. We stop them here for a bit." + </p> + <p> + "That would be best. I don't like being out of it, but we will do our + share presently." + </p> + <p> + No more words were necessary. Harry and his two mates rode on at a slower + pace than before, while the two Indians, Jerry, and Tom dismounted, left + their horses beyond the turn, and then coming back took up their positions + behind four large boulders. The Indians had noticed their returning + figures, for they suddenly drew up their horses and gathered together in + consultation. + </p> + <p> + "Draw your bullet, Tom," Jerry said, "and drop in half a charge more + powder; I reckon that piece of yours will send a bullet among them with + the help of a good charge. Allow a bit above that top notch for extra, + elevation. It's a good big mark, and you ought to be able to plump a + bullet among them." + </p> + <p> + Tom followed the instructions, and then resting the barrel on the top of + the boulder took a steady aim and fired. There was a sudden stir among the + group of Indians. A horse reared high in the air, almost unseating its + rider, and then they all rode off at the top of their speed, and halted + two or three hundred yards lower down the valley. The Senecas uttered a + grunt of approval. + </p> + <p> + "That was a good shot, Tom, though I wish you had hit one of the red-skins + instead of his critter. Still, it will give them a good lesson, and make + them mighty keerful. They won't care about showing their ugly heads within + range of a piece that will carry five hundred yards." + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour passed without any movement on the part of the + Indians. Then a large party of horsemen appeared from the trees below, and + were greeted by them with a yell of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + "There must be well-nigh fifty of them," Jerry said. "I reckon it's the + party that came down the hill. They must have picked up a good many others + by the way. Now the fun is going to begin." + </p> + <p> + After five minutes' consultation some twenty of the Indians dismounted, + and dividing into two parties ascended the slopes of the valley and began + to move forward, taking advantage of every stone and bush, so that it was + but occasionally that a glimpse of one of their bodies was obtained. + </p> + <p> + "They are going to skirmish up to us," Jerry said, "till they are near + enough to make it hot for us if we show a head above the rocks to fire. As + soon as they can do that, the others will charge. I think they are not + more than four hundred yards off now, Tom. That is within your range, so + you may as well begin to show them that we are awake. If you can bring one + down it will check their pace." + </p> + <p> + Tom had just noticed three Indians run behind a clump of bushes, and he + now levelled his rifle so that it bore on a spot a foot on one side of it. + Half a minute later an Indian appeared at the bush and began to run + forward. Tom pressed the trigger. The Indian ran a few steps, and then + fell forward on his face. + </p> + <p> + "Bravo, Plumb-centre!" Jerry shouted. "We said that you would do the rifle + credit, Tom, and Billy the Scout could not have done better himself." + </p> + <p> + "Young white man make great hunter," the chief remarked approvingly. "Got + good eye and steady hand." + </p> + <p> + The lesson had its effect. The Indian advance was no longer rapid, but was + conducted with the greatest caution, and it was only occasionally that a + glimpse could be caught of a dusky figure passing from rock to rock. When + they came within three hundred yards the two Indians and Jerry also opened + fire. One fell to a shot from the chief, but neither of the others hit + their marks. Tom indeed did not fire again, the movements of the Indians + being so rapid that they were gone before he could bring his sight to bear + upon any of them. + </p> + <p> + "Go now," the chief said. "'Rappahoes fire soon; run quick." + </p> + <p> + It was but a few yards to shelter. As they dashed across the intervening + space two or three Indian rifles rang out, but the rest of the assailants + had been too much occupied in sheltering themselves and looking for the + next spot to make for, to keep an eye upon the defenders, and the + hastily-fired shots all missed. A moment later the party mounted their + horses and rode up the ravine, the yells of the Indians ringing in their + ears. + </p> + <p> + [Image: "A Moment Later The Indian Fell Forward On His Face."] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII — IN SAFETY + </h2> + <p> + "We have gained half an hour anyhow," Jerry said, as they galloped up the + ravine, "and I reckon by the time we overtake them we shall find them + stowed away in some place where it will puzzle the red-skins to dislodge + us. The varmint will fight hard if they are cornered, but they ain't good + at advancing when there are a few rifle-tubes, in the hands of white men, + pointing at them, and they have had a lesson now that we can shoot." + </p> + <p> + The ravine continued to narrow. The stream had become a mere rivulet, and + they were high up on the hillside. + </p> + <p> + "I begin to be afeared there ain't no place for making a stand." Here he + was interrupted by an angry growl, as a great bear suddenly rose to his + feet behind a rock. + </p> + <p> + "You may thank your stars that we are too busy to attend to you," Jerry + said, as they rode past within a few yards of it. "That is a grizzly, Tom; + and an awkward beast you would have found him if you had come upon him by + yourself without your shooting-iron. He is a big one too, and his skin + would have been worth money down in the settlements. Ah, there they are." + </p> + <p> + The ravine made an abrupt turn to the west, and high up on its side they + saw their three companions with the five horses climbing up the + precipitous rocks. + </p> + <p> + "How ever did they get up there?" Jerry exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "Found Indian trail," the chief said. "Let my brothers keep their eyes + open." + </p> + <p> + They rode on slowly now, examining every foot of the steep hillside. + Presently Hunting Dog, who was ahead, uttered an exclamation. Between two + great boulders there was a track, evidently a good deal used. + </p> + <p> + "Let Hunting Dog go first," the chief said. "Leaping Horse will follow the + white men." + </p> + <p> + "I reckon that this is the great Indian trail over the pass," Jerry said + to Tom, who preceded him. "I have heard there ain't no way over the + mountains atween that pass by Fremont's Buttes and the pass by this peak, + which they calls Union Peak, and the red-skins must travel by this when + they go down to hunt buffalo on the Green River. It is a wonder Harry + struck on it." + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse told him to keep his eyes open," the chief said from the + rear. "He knew that Indian trail led up this valley." + </p> + <p> + "Jee-rusalem! but it's a steep road," Jerry said presently. "I am + dog-goned if I can guess how the red-skins ever discovered it. I expect + they must have tracked some game up it, and followed to see where it went + to." + </p> + <p> + The trail wound about in a wonderful way. Sometimes it went horizontally + along narrow ledges, then there was a bit of steep climbing, where they + had to lead their horses; then it wound back again, and sometimes even + descended for a distance to avoid a projecting crag. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! would ye, yer varmint?" Jerry exclaimed, as a shot rang out from the + valley below and a bullet flattened itself against a rock within a foot or + two of his head. The shot was followed by a loud yell from below, as a + crowd of mounted Indians rode at full gallop round the angle of the + ravine. + </p> + <p> + "Hurry on, Hunting Dog, and get round the next corner, for we are regular + targets here." + </p> + <p> + A few yards farther a turn of the path took them out of sight of the + Indians, but not before a score of bullets came whistling up from below. + </p> + <p> + "The varmint have been riding too fast to shoot straight, I reckon. It + will be our turn directly." + </p> + <p> + Just as he spoke the chief called upon them to dismount. They threw their + bridles on their horses' necks, and descending to the ledge they had just + left, lay down on it. + </p> + <p> + "Get your revolver out, Tom, before you shoot," Jerry said. "They will be + off before you have time to load your rifle again." + </p> + <p> + The Indians were some four hundred feet below them, and were talking + excitedly, evidently hesitating whether to follow up the trail. The four + rifles cracked almost together. Two Indians fell, and the plunging of two + horses showed that they were hit. In an instant the whole mass were on + their way down the valley, followed by bullet after bullet from the + revolvers which Leaping Horse as well as the whites carried. Anything like + accurate aim was impossible, and no Indian was seen to fall, but it was + probable that some of the bullets had taken effect among the crowded + horsemen. + </p> + <p> + "Go on quiet now," Leaping Horse said, rising to his feet. "'Rappahoes not + follow any farther. One man with this"—and he touched his revolver—"keep + back whole tribe here." + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later they joined the party who had halted at the top of the + track. + </p> + <p> + "It air too bad our being out of it," Ben said. "I hope you have given + some of the varmint grist." + </p> + <p> + "Only five or six of them," Jerry replied regretfully, "counting in the + one Leaping Horse shot at the village. Tom here did a big shot, and + brought one down in his tracks at a good four hundred yards—as neat + a shot as ever I saw fired. The chief he accounted for another; then + atween us we wiped out two down below; and I reckon some of the others are + carrying some of our lead away. Waal, I think we have shook them off at + last any how. I suppose there ain't, no other road they can come up here + by, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse only heard of one trail." + </p> + <p> + "You may bet your life there ain't another," Harry remarked. "They would + never have used such a dog-goned road as this if there had been any other + way of going up." + </p> + <p> + "Camp here," the chief said. "Long journey over pass, too much cold. Keep + watch here at head of trail." + </p> + <p> + "That is a very good plan. I have heard that the pass is over nine + thousand feet above the sea, and it would never do to have to camp up + there. Besides, I have been looking at the sky, and I don't much like its + appearance. Look over there to the north." + </p> + <p> + There were, indeed, evident signs of an approaching change in the weather. + On the previous day every peak and jagged crest stood out hard and + distinct in the clear air. Now all the higher summits were hidden by a + bank of white cloud. + </p> + <p> + "Snow," the Indian said gravely; "winter coming." + </p> + <p> + "That is just what I thought, chief. At any rate we know where we are + here, and there is brushwood to be gathered not far down the trail; and + even if we are shut up here we can manage well enough for a day or two. + These early snows don't lie long, but to be caught in a snow-storm higher + up would be a sight worse than fighting with red-skins." + </p> + <p> + From the spot where they were now standing at the edge of the ravine the + ground sloped very steeply up for some hundreds of feet, and then steep + crags rose in an unbroken wall; but from the view they had had of the + country from the other side they knew that behind this wall rose a range + of lofty summits. The Indian trail ran along close to the edge of the + ravine. The chief looked round earnestly. + </p> + <p> + "No good place to camp," he said. "Wind blow down hills, horses not able + to stand against it. Heap snow tumble down from there," and he pointed + upwards. "Carry everything down below." + </p> + <p> + "Well, if you think we had better push on, let us do so, chief." + </p> + <p> + The Indian shook his head and pointed to the clouds again. "See," he said; + "storm come very soon." + </p> + <p> + Even in the last two or three minutes a change was perceptible. The upper + edge of the clouds seemed to be suddenly broken up. Long streamers spread + out like signal flags of danger. Masses of clouds seemed to be wrenched + off and to fly with great rapidity for a short distance; some of them + sinking a little, floated back until they again formed a part of the + mountain cap, while others sped onwards towards the south. + </p> + <p> + "No time," the chief repeated earnestly; "must look for camp quick." He + spoke in the Indian tongue to Hunting Dog, and the two stood on a point + where the ground jutted out, and closely examined the ravine up whose side + they had climbed. The chief pointed farther along, and Hunting Dog started + at a run along the Indian trail. A few hundred yards farther he paused and + looked down, moved a few steps farther, and then disappeared from sight. + In three or four minutes he returned and held up his arms. + </p> + <p> + "Come," the chief said, and taking his horse's rein led it along the path. + The others followed his example, glad, indeed, to be in motion. Five + minutes before they had been bathed in perspiration from their climb up + the cliff; now they were conscious of the extraordinary change of + temperature that had suddenly set in, and each had snatched a blanket from + behind his saddle and wrapped it round him. They soon reached the spot + where Hunting Dog was standing, and looked down. Some thirty feet below + there was a sort of split in the face of the cliff, a wall of rock rising + to within four or five feet of the level of the edge of the ravine. At one + end it touched the face of the rock, at the other it was ten or twelve + feet from it, the space between being in the form of a long wedge, which + was completely filled up with trees and brushwood. A ledge ran down from + the point where Hunting Dog was standing to the mouth of the fissure. + </p> + <p> + "Jee-rusalem, chief!" Ben exclaimed. "That air just made for us—we + could not have found a better, not if we had sarched for a year. But I + reckon we shall have to clear the place a bit before we take the critters + down." + </p> + <p> + Two axes were taken from one of the pack-horses. + </p> + <p> + "Don't cut away the bigger stuff, Ben," Harry said as his two mates + proceeded down the ledge, "their heads will shelter us from the snow a + bit; and only clear away the bushes enough to give room for the horses and + us, and leave those standing across the entrance to make a screen. While + you are doing it we will fetch in as much more wood and grass as we can + get hold of before the snow begins to fall." + </p> + <p> + The horses were left standing while the men scattered along the top of the + ravine, and by the time Ben shouted that they were ready, a considerable + pile of brushwood and a heap of coarse grass had been collected. The + horses were then led down one by one, unsaddled, and packed together in + two lines, having beyond them a great pile of the bushes that had been cut + away. + </p> + <p> + "I am dog-goned if this ain't the best shelter I ever struck upon," Jerry + said. "We could not have fixed upon a better if we had had it built + special," the others cordially agreed. + </p> + <p> + The place they occupied was of some twelve feet square. On either side was + a perpendicular wall of rock; beyond were the horses; while at the + entrance the bush, from three to four feet high, had been left standing; + above them stretched a canopy of foliage. Enough dry wood had been + collected to start a fire. + </p> + <p> + "Don't make it too big. Jerry, we don't want to scorch up our roof," Harry + Wade said. "Well, I reckon we have got enough fuel here for a week, for + there is what you cut down and what we brought, and all that is left + standing beyond the horses; and with the leaves and the grass the ponies + should be able to hold out as long as the fuel lasts. We are short of + meat, but we have plenty of flour; and as for water, we can melt snow." + </p> + <p> + Buffalo rugs were laid down on each side by the rock walls, and on these + they took their seats and lighted their pipes. + </p> + <p> + "I have been wanting a smoke pretty bad," Jerry said; "I ain't had one + since we halted in that there caņon. Hello, here it comes!" + </p> + <p> + As he spoke a fierce gust of wind swayed the foliage overhead and sent the + smoke, that had before risen quietly upwards, whirling round the recess; + then for a moment all was quiet again; then came another and a stronger + gust, rising and gathering in power and laden with fine particles of snow. + A thick darkness fell, and Harry threw some more wood on the fire to make + a blaze. But loud as was the gale outside, the air in the shelter was + hardly moved, and there was but a slight rustling of the leaves overhead. + Thicker and thicker flew the snow flakes in the air outside, and yet none + seemed to fall through the leaves. + </p> + <p> + "I am dog-goned if I can make this out," Sam Hicks said. "We are as quiet + here as if we were in a stone house, and one would think there was a + copper-plated roof overhead. It don't seem nat'ral." + </p> + <p> + The others were also looking up with an air of puzzled surprise, not + unmingled with uneasiness. Harry went to the entrance and looked out over + the breastwork of bushes. "Look here, Sam," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Harry, it looks to me as if it were snowing up instead of down," the + miner said as he joined him. + </p> + <p> + "That is just it. You see, we are in the elbow of the valley and are + looking straight down it, into the eye of the wind. It comes rushing up + the valley and meets this steep wall on its way, and pushed on by the wind + behind has to go somewhere, and so it is driven almost straight up here + and over the hilltops behind us. So you see the snow is carried up instead + of falling, and this rock outside us shoots it clear up over the path we + were following above. As long as the wind keeps north, I reckon we sha'n't + be troubled by the snow in here." + </p> + <p> + The explanation seemed satisfactory, and there was a general feeling of + relief. + </p> + <p> + "I remember reading," Tom said, as the others took their seats again, + "that people can stand on the edge of a cliff, facing a gale, without + feeling any wind. For the wind that strikes the cliff rushes up with such + force that it forms a sort of wall. Of course, it soon beats down again, + and not many yards back you can feel the gale as strongly as anywhere + else. But just at the edge the air is perfectly still." + </p> + <p> + The miners looked at Tom as if they thought that he was making a joke at + their expense. But his uncle said: + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I can quite believe that. You see, it is something like a waterfall; + you can stand right under that, for the force shoots it outwards, and I + reckon it is the same sort of thing here." The chief nodded gravely. He + too had been surprised at the lull in their shelter when the storm was + raging so furiously outside, but Harry's illustration of the action of + rushing water enlightened him more than his first explanation had done. + </p> + <p> + "But water ain't wind, Harry," Ben said. + </p> + <p> + "It is like water in many ways, Ben. You don't see it, but you can feel it + just the same. If you stand behind a tree or round a corner it rushes past + you, and you are in a sort of eddy, just as you would be if it was a river + that was moving alongside of you. Wind acts just the same way as water. If + it had been a big river coming along the valley at the same rate as the + wind it would rush up the rocks some distance and then sweep round and + race up the valley; but wind being light instead of being heavy is able to + rush straight up the hill till it gets right over the crest." + </p> + <p> + "Waal, if you say it is all right I suppose it is. Anyhow, it's a good + thing for us, and I don't care how long it goes on in the same way. I + reckoned that before morning we should have those branches breaking down + on us with the weight of snow; now I see we are like to have a quiet + night." + </p> + <p> + "I won't answer for that, Ben; it is early in the day yet, and there is no + saying how the wind may be blowing before to-morrow morning. Anyhow, now + we have time we may as well get some of those bundles of bushes that we + brought down, and pile them so as to thicken the shelter of these bushes + and lighten it a bit. If we do that, and hang a couple of blankets inside + of them, it will give us a good shelter even if the wind works round, and + will help to keep us warm. For though we haven't got wind or snow in here, + we have got cold." + </p> + <p> + "You bet," Jerry agreed; "it is a regular blizzard. And although I don't + say as it is too cold sitting here by the fire, it won't cost us anything + to make the place a bit warmer." + </p> + <p> + Accordingly the bundles of wood they had gathered were brought out, and + with these the screen of bush was thickened, and raised to a height of + five feet; and when this was hung inside with a couple of blankets, it was + agreed that they could get through the storm comfortably even if it lasted + for a month. + </p> + <p> + They cooked their last chunk of deer's flesh, after having first prepared + some bread and put it in the baking pot among the embers, and made some + tea from the water in the skins. When they had eaten their meal they + covered themselves up in buffalo robes and blankets, and lighted their + pipes. There was, however, but little talk, for the noise of the tempest + was so great, that it was necessary to raise the voice almost to a shout + to be heard, and it was not long before they were all asleep. + </p> + <p> + For hours there was no stir in the shelter, save when a horse pawed the + ground impatiently, or when Hunting Dog rose two or three times to put + fresh sticks on the fire. It seemed to Tom when he woke that it ought to + be nearly morning. He took out his watch, and by the light of the fire + made out to his surprise that it was but ten o'clock. The turmoil of the + wind seemed to him to be as loud as before, and he pulled the blankets + over his shoulder again and was soon sound asleep. When he next woke, it + was with the sensation of coldness in the face, and sitting up he saw that + the blankets and the ground were covered with a thick coating of fine + snow. There was a faint light in addition to that given by the embers of + the fire, and he knew that morning was breaking. His movement disturbed + his uncle, who was lying next him. He sat up and at once aroused the + others. + </p> + <p> + "Wake up, mates," he said; "we have had somewhere about eighteen hours' + sleep, and day is breaking." + </p> + <p> + In a minute all were astir. The snow was first shaken off the blankets, + and then Harry, taking a shovel, cleared the floor. Jerry took the largest + cooking-pot, and saying to Tom, "You bring that horse-bucket along," + pushed his way out through a small gap that had been left in the screen of + bushes. The wind had gone down a good deal, though it was still blowing + strongly. The snow had drifted against the entrance, and formed a steep + bank there; from this they filled the pot and bucket, pressing the snow + down. Tom was glad to get back again within the shelter, for the cold + outside was intense. The fire was already burning brightly, and the pot + and a frying-pan were placed over it, and kept replenished with snow as + fast as their contents melted. "We must keep on at this," Harry said, + "there is not a drop left in the skins, and the horses must have water." + </p> + <p> + As soon as enough had melted it was poured into the kettle. There was some + bacon among the trappers' stores, as they had calculated that they would + not be able to hunt until out of Big Wind Valley and far up among the + forests beyond. The frying-pan was now utilized for its proper work, while + the pail was placed close enough to the fire to thaw its contents, without + risking injury to it. Within an hour of breakfast being finished enough + snow had been thawed to give the horses half a bucket of water each. In + each pail a couple of pounds of flour had been stirred to help out what + nourishment could be obtained from the leaves, and from the small modicum + of grass given to each animal. + </p> + <p> + "It will be a big journey over the pass, anyhow," Harry had said. "Now + that we are making tracks for the settlements we need not be sparing of + the flour; indeed, the lighter we are the better." + </p> + <p> + The day did not pass so pleasantly as that preceding it, for the air was + filled with fine snow that blew in at the entrance and found its way + between the leaves overhead; while from time to time the snow accumulating + there came down with a crash, calling forth much strong language from the + man on whom it happened to fall, and shouts of laughter from his comrades. + The party was indeed a merry one. They had failed altogether in the + objects of their expedition, but they had escaped without a scratch from + the Indians, and had inflicted some damage upon them; and their luck in + finding so snug a shelter in such a storm far more than counterbalanced + their disappointment at their failure. + </p> + <p> + "Have you often been caught in the snow, uncle?" + </p> + <p> + "You bet, Tom; me and the chief here were mighty nigh rubbed out three + years ago. I was prospecting among the Ute hills, while Leaping Horse was + doing the hunting for us both. It was in the middle of winter; the snow + was deep on the ground in the valleys and on the tops of the hills, but + there was plenty of bare rock on the hillside, so I was able to go on with + my work. While as for hunting, the cold drove the big-horns down from the + heights where they feed in summer, and the chief often got a shot at them; + and they are good eating, I can tell you. + </p> + <p> + "We hadn't much fear of red-skins, for they ain't fond of cold and in + winter move their lodges down to the most sheltered valleys and live + mostly on dried meat. When they want a change they can always get a bear + or maybe a deer in the woods. We were camped in a grove of pines in a + valley and were snug enough. One day I had struck what I thought was the + richest vein I had ever come on. I got my pockets full of bits of quartz + with the gold sticking thick in it, and you may bet I went down to the + camp in high glee. A quarter of a mile before I got there I saw Leaping + Horse coming to meet me at a lope. It didn't want telling that there was + something wrong. As soon as he came up he said 'Utes.' 'Many of them, + chief?' I asked. He held up his open hands twice. + </p> + <p> + "'Twenty of them,' I said; 'that is pretty bad. How far are they away?' He + said he had seen them coming over a crest on the other side of the valley. + 'Then we have got to git,' I said, 'there ain't no doubt about that. What + the 'tarnal do the varmint do here?' 'War-party,' the chief said. 'Indian + hunter must have come across our trail and taken word back to the lodges.' + The place where he had met me was among a lot of rocks that had rolled + down. There had been no snow for a fortnight, and of course the red-skins + would see our tracks everywhere, going and coming from the camp. We were + on foot that time, though we had a pack-horse to carry our outfit. Of + course they would get that and everything at the camp. I did not think + much of the loss, the point was how were we to save our scalps? We had sat + down behind a rock as soon as he had joined me. Just then a yell came from + the direction of our camp, and we knew that the red-skins had found it. + 'They won't be able to follow your trail here, chief, will they?' He shook + his head. 'Trail everywhere, not know which was the last.' We could see + the grove where the camp was, and of course they could see the rocks, and + it was sartin that if we had made off up the hill they would have been + after us in a squirrel's jump; so there was nothing to do but to lie quiet + until it was dark. We got in among the boulders, and lay down where we + could watch the grove through a chink. + </p> + <p> + "'I don't see a sign of them,' I said. 'You would have thought they would + have been out in search of us.' + </p> + <p> + "'No search,' the chief said. 'No good look for us, not know where we have + gone to. Hide up in grove. Think we come back, and then catch us.' + </p> + <p> + "So it turned out. Not a sign of them was to be seen, and after that first + yell everything was as quiet as death. In a couple of hours it got dark, + and as soon as it did we were off. We talked matters over, you may be + sure. There weren't no denying we were cornered. There we were without an + ounce of flour or a bite of meat. The chief had caught up a couple of + buffalo rugs as soon as he sighted the red-skins. That gave us just a + chance, but it wasn't more. In the morning the red-skins would know we had + either sighted them or come on their trail, and would be scattering all + over the country in search of us. We agreed that we must travel a good way + apart, though keeping each other in sight. They would have noticed that + the trails were all single, and if they came upon two together going + straight away from the camp, would know for sure it was us making off. + </p> + <p> + "You may think that with so many tracks as we had made in the fortnight we + had been there, they would not have an idea which was made the first day + and which was made the last, but that ain't so. In the first place, the + snow was packed hard, and the footprints were very slight. Then, even when + it is always freezing there is an evaporation of the snow, and the + footprints would gradually disappear; besides that, the wind on most days + had been blowing a little, and though the drift does not count for much on + packed snow, a fine dust is blown along, and if the prints don't get + altogether covered there is enough drift in them to show which are old + ones and which are fresh. We both knew that they could not make much + mistake about it, and that they would be pretty sure to hit on the trail I + had made in the morning when I went out, and on that of the chief to the + rocks, and following mine back to the same place would guess that we had + cached there till it was dark. + </p> + <p> + "I could have done that myself; one can read such a trail as that like a + printed book. The worst of it was, there were no getting out of the valley + without leaving sign. On the bare hillsides and among the rocks we could + travel safe enough, but above them was everywhere snow, and do what we + would there would be no hiding our trail. We agreed that the only thing + was to cross the snow as quick as possible, to keep on the bare rock + whenever we got a chance, and wherever we struck wood, and to double + sometimes one way sometimes another, so as to give the red-skins plenty of + work to do to follow our trail. We walked all that night, and right on the + next day till early in the afternoon. Then we lay down and slept till + sunset, and then walked again all night. We did not see any game. If we + had we should have shot, for we knew the red-skins must be a long way + behind. When we stopped in the morning we were not so very far from the + camp we had started from, for if we had pushed straight back to the + settlements we should have been caught sure, for the Utes would have been + certain to have sent off a party that way to watch the valleys we should + have had to pass through. We lay down among some trees and slept for a few + hours and then set out to hunt, for we had been two days without food, and + I was beginning to feel that I must have a meal. + </p> + <p> + "We had not gone far when we came across the track of a black bear. We + both felt certain that the trail was not many hours old. We followed it + for two miles, and found it went up to a slide of rocks; they had come + down from a cliff some years before, for there were bushes growing among + them. As a rule a black bear will always leave you alone if you leave him, + and hasn't much fight in him at the best; so up we went, thinking we were + sure of our bear-steak without much trouble in getting it. I was ahead, + and had just climbed up on to a big rock, when, from a bush in front, the + bear came out at me with a growl. I expect it had cubs somewhere, I had + just time to take a shot from the hip and then he was on me, and gave me a + blow on the shoulder that ripped the flesh down to the elbow. + </p> + <p> + "But that was not the worst, for the blow sent me over the edge, and I + fell seven or eight feet down among the sharp rocks. I heard the chief's + rifle go off, and it was some time after that before I saw or heard + anything more. When I came to I found he had carried me down to the foot + of the slide and laid me there. He was cutting up some sticks when I + opened my eyes. 'Have you got the bear, Leaping Horse?' + </p> + <p> + "'The bear is dead,' he said. 'My brother is badly hurt.' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, never mind the hurt,' I said, 'so that we have got him. What are you + doing, chief? You are not going to make a fire here, are you?' + </p> + <p> + "'My brother's leg is broken,' he said. 'I am cutting some sticks to keep + it straight.' + </p> + <p> + "That brought me round to my senses, as you may guess. To break one's leg + up in the mountains is bad at any time, but when it is in the middle of + winter, and you have got a tribe of red-skins at your heels, it means you + have got to go under. I sat up and looked at my leg. Sure enough, the left + one was snapt like a pipe-stem, about half-way between the knee and the + ankle. 'Why, chief,' I said, 'it would have been a sight better if you had + put a bullet through my head as I lay up there. I should have known + nothing about it.' + </p> + <p> + "'The Utes have not got my white brother yet.' + </p> + <p> + "'No,' said I, 'but it won't be long before they have me; maybe it will be + this afternoon, and maybe to-morrow morning.' The chief said nothing, but + went on with his work. When he had got five or six sticks about three feet + long and as many about a foot, and had cut them so that they each had one + flat side, he took off his buckskin shirt, and working round the bottom of + it cut a thong about an inch wide and five or six yards long. Then he + knelt down and got the bone in the right position, and then with what help + I could give him put on the splints and bandaged them tightly, a long one + and a short one alternately. The long ones he bandaged above the knee as + well as below, so that the whole leg was stiff. I felt pretty faint by the + time it was done, and Leaping Horse said, 'Want food; my white brother + will lie quiet, Leaping Horse will soon get him some.' + </p> + <p> + "He set to work and soon had a fire going, and then went up to the rocks + and came down again with the bear's hams and about half his hide. It was + not long before he had some slices cooked, and I can tell you I felt + better by the time we had finished. We had not said much to each other, + but I had been thinking all the time, and when we had done I said, 'Now, + chief, I know that you will be wanting to stay with me, but I ain't going + to have it. You know as well as I do that the Utes will be here to-morrow + at latest, and there ain't more chance of my getting away from them than + there is of my flying. It would be just throwing away your scalp if you + were to stop here, and it would not do me a bit of good, and would fret me + considerable. Now before you start I will get you to put me somewhere up + among those stones where I can make a good fight of it. You shall light a + fire by the side of me, and put a store of wood within reach and a few + pounds of bear's flesh. I will keep them off as long as I can with the + rifle, then there will be five shots with my Colt. I will keep the last + barrel for myself; I ain't going to let the Utes amuse themselves by + torturing me for a few hours before they finish me. Then you make straight + away for the settlements; they won't be so hot after you when they have + once got me. The next time you go near Denver you can go and tell Pete + Hoskings how it all came about.' + </p> + <p> + "'My white brother is weak with the pain,' the chief said quietly; 'he is + talking foolishly. He knows that Leaping Horse will stay with his friend. + He will go and look for a place.' Without listening to what I had to say + he took up his rifle and went up the valley, which was a steep one. He was + away better than half an hour and then came back. 'Leaping Horse found a + place,' he said, 'where he and his brother can make a good fight. Straight + Harry get on his friend's back.' It was clear that there weren't no use + talking to him. He lifted me up on to my feet, then he got me well up on + to his back, as if I had been a sack of coal, and went off with me, + striding along pretty near as quick as if I had not been there. It might + have been half a mile, when he turned up a narrow ravine that was little + more than a cleft in the rock that rose almost straight up from the + valley. It did not go in very far, for there had been a slide, and it was + blocked up by a pile of rocks and earth, forty or fifty feet high. It was + a big job even for the chief to get me up to the top of them. The snow had + drifted down thick into the ravine, and it was a nasty place to climb even + for a man who had got nothing but his rifle on his shoulder. However, he + got me up safely, and laid me down just over the crest. He had put my + buffalo robe over my shoulders before starting, and he rolled me up in + this and said, 'Leaping Horse will go and fetch rifles and bear-meat,' and + he set straight off and left me there by myself." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX — A BAD TIME + </h2> + <p> + "Even to me," Harry went on, after refilling and lighting his pipe, "it + did not seem long before the chief was back. He brought a heavy load, for + besides the rifles and bear's flesh he carried on his back a big faggot of + brushwood. After laying that down he searched among the rocks, and + presently set to work to dig out the snow and earth between two big + blocks, and was not long before he scooped out with his tomahawk a hole + big enough for the two of us to lie in comfortably. He laid the + bear's-skin down in this, then he carried me to it and helped me in and + then put the robes over me; and a snugger place you would not want to lie + in. + </p> + <p> + "It was about ten feet below the level of the crest of the heap of rocks, + and of course on the upper side, so that directly the red-skins made their + appearance he could help me up to the top. That the two of us could keep + the Utes back I did not doubt; we had our rifles, and the chief carried a + revolver as well as I did. After they had once caught a glimpse of the + sort of place we were on, I did not think they would venture into the + ravine, for they would have lost a dozen men before they got to the mound. + I had looked round while the chief was away, and I saw that a hundred + yards or so higher up, the ravine came to an end, the sides closing in, so + there was no fear of our being attacked from there. What I was afraid of + was that the Indians might be able to get up above and shoot down on us, + though whether they could or not depended on the nature of the ground + above, and of course I could not see beyond the edge of the rocks. + </p> + <p> + "But even if they could not get up in the daylight, they could crawl up at + night and finish us, or they could camp down at the mouth of the ravine + and starve us out, for there was no chance of our climbing the sides, even + if my leg had been all right. I was mighty sorry for the chief. He had + just thrown his life away, and it must come to the same in the end, as far + as I was concerned. Even now he could get away if he chose, but I knew + well enough it weren't any good talking to him. So I lay there, just + listening for the crack of his rifle above. He would bring down the first + man that came in, sartin, and there would be plenty of time after that to + get me up beside him, for they would be sure to have a long talk before + they made any move. I did not expect them until late in the afternoon, and + hoped it might be getting dark before they got down into the valley. There + had been a big wind sweeping down it since the snow had fallen, and though + it had drifted deep along the sides, the bottom was for the most part + bare. I noticed that the chief had picked his way carefully, and guessed + that, as they would have no reason for thinking we were near, they might + not take up the trail till morning. Of course they would find our fire and + the dead bear, or all that there was left of him, and they would fancy we + had only stopped to take a meal and had gone on again. They would see by + the fire that we had left pretty early in the day. I heard nothing of the + chief until it began to get dark; then he came down to me. + </p> + <p> + "'Leaping Horse will go out and scout,' he said. 'If Utes not come soon, + will come back here; if they come, will watch down at mouth of valley till + he sees Utes go to sleep.' 'Well, chief,' I said; 'at any rate you may as + well take this robe; one is enough to sleep with in this hole, and I shall + be as snug as a beaver wrapped up in mine. Half your hunting shirt is + gone, and you will find it mighty cold standing out there.' + </p> + <p> + "In an hour he came back again. 'Utes come,' he said. 'Have just lighted + fire and going to cook. No come tonight. Leaping Horse has good news for + his brother. There are no stars.' + </p> + <p> + "That is good news indeed,' I said. 'If it does but come on to snow + to-night we may carry our scalps back to the settlement yet.' + </p> + <p> + "'Leaping Horse can feel snow in the air,' he said. 'If it snows before + morning, good; if not, the Utes will tell their children how many lives + the scalps of the Englishman and the Seneca cost.' + </p> + <p> + "The chief lay down beside me. I did not get much sleep, for my leg was + hurting me mightily. From time to time he crawled out, and each time he + returned saying, 'No snow.' I had begun to fear that when it came it would + be too late. It could not have been long before daybreak when he said, as + he crawled in: 'The Great Manitou has sent snow. My brother can sleep in + peace.' An hour later I raised myself up a bit and looked out. It was + light now. The air was full of fine snow, and the earth the chief had + scraped out was already covered thickly. I could see as much as that, + though the chief had, when he came in for the last time, drawn the faggot + in after him. I wondered at the time why he did it, but I saw now. As soon + as the snow had fallen a little more it would hide up altogether the + entrance to our hole. Hour after hour passed, and it became impossible to + get even a peep out, for the snow had fallen so thickly on the leafy end + of the brushwood, which was outward, that it had entirely shut us in. All + day the snow kept on, as we could tell from the lessening light, and by + two o'clock only a faint twilight made its way in. + </p> + <p> + "'How long do you think we shall be imprisoned here, chief?' I asked. + </p> + <p> + "'Must not hurry,' he replied. 'There are trees up the valley, and the + Utes may make their camp there and stay till the storm is over. No use to + go out till my brother can walk. Wait till snow is over; then stay two or + three days to give time for Utes to go away. Got bear's flesh to eat; warm + in here, melt snow.' This was true enough, for I was feeling it downright + hot. Just before night came on the chief pushed the end of his ramrod + through the snow and looked out along the hole. + </p> + <p> + "'Snow very strong,' he said. 'When it is dark can go out if wish.' + </p> + <p> + "There is not much to tell about the next five days. The snow kept falling + steadily, and each evening after dark the chief went outside for a short + time to smoke his pipe, while I sat at the entrance and smoked mine, and + was glad enough to get a little fresh air. As soon as he came in again the + faggot was drawn back to its place, and we were imprisoned for another + twenty-four hours. One gets pretty tired after a time of eating raw bear's + flesh and drinking snow-water, and you bet I was pretty glad when the + chief, after looking out through a peephole, said that the snow had + stopped falling and the sun was shining. About the middle of that day he + said suddenly: 'I hear voices.' + </p> + <p> + "It was some time before I heard anything, but I presently made them out, + though the snow muffled them a good deal. They did not seem far off, and a + minute or two later they ceased. We lay there two days longer, and then + even the chief was of opinion that they would have moved off. My own idea + was that they had started the first afternoon after the snow had stopped + falling. + </p> + <p> + "'Leaping Horse will go out to scout as soon as it is dark,' he said. 'Go + to mouth of ravine. If Utes are in wood he will see their fires and come + back again. Not likely come up here again and find his traces.' + </p> + <p> + "That is what I had been saying for the last two days, for after some of + them had been up, and had satisfied themselves that there was no one in + the gully, they would not be likely to come through the snow again. When + the chief returned after an hour's absence, he told me that the Utes had + all gone. 'Fire cold,' he said; 'gone many hours. Leaping Horse has + brought some dry wood up from their hearth. Can light fire now.' You may + guess it was not long before we had a fire blazing in front of our den, + and I never knew how good bear-steak really was till that evening. + </p> + <p> + "The next morning the chief took off the splints and rebandaged my leg, + this time putting on a long strip of the bear's skin, which he had worked + until it was perfectly soft while we had been waiting there. Over this he + put on the splints again, and for the first time since that bear had + knocked me off the rock I felt at ease. We stayed there another fortnight, + by the end of which time the bones seemed to have knit pretty fairly. + However, I had made myself a good strong crutch from a straight branch + with a fork at the end, that the chief had cut for me, and I had lashed a + wad of bear's skin in the fork to make it easy. Then we started, making + short journeys at first, but getting longer every day as I became + accustomed to the crutch, and at the end of a week I was able to throw it + aside. + </p> + <p> + "We never saw a sign of an Indian trail all the way down to the + settlements, and by the time we got there I was ready to start on a + journey again. The chief found plenty of game on the way down, and I have + never had as much as a twinge in my leg since. So you see this affair + ain't a circumstance in comparison. Since then the chief and I have always + hunted together, and the word brother ain't only a mode of speaking with + us;" and he held out his hand to the Seneca, who gravely placed his own in + it. + </p> + <p> + "That war a tight corner, Harry, and no blamed mistake. Did you ever find + out whether they could have got on the top to shoot down on you?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, the chief went up the day after the Utes had left. It was level up + there, and they could have sat on the edge and fired down upon us, and + wiped us out without our having a show." + </p> + <p> + "And you have never since been to that place you struck the day the Utes + came down, Harry?" Jerry asked. "I have heard you talk of a place you knew + of, just at the edge of the bad lands, off the Utah hills. Were that it?" + </p> + <p> + Harry nodded. "I have never been there since. I went with a party into + Nevada the next spring, and last year the Utes were all the time upon the + war-path. I had meant to go down this fall, but the Utes were too lively, + so I struck up here instead; but I mean to go next spring whether they are + quiet or not, and to take my chances, and find out whether it is only good + on the surface and peters out to nothing when you get in, or whether it is + a real strong lode. Ben and Sam, and of course the chief, will go with me, + and Tom here, now he has come out, and if you like to come we shall be all + glad." + </p> + <p> + "You may count me in," Jerry said, "and I thank you for the offer. I have + had dog-goned bad luck for some time, and I reckon it is about time it was + over. How are you going to share?" + </p> + <p> + "We have settled that. The chief and I take two shares each as + discoverers. You four will take one share each." + </p> + <p> + "That is fair enough, Harry. Those are mining terms, and after your nearly + getting rubbed out in finding it, if you and the chief had each taken + three shares there would have been nothing for us to grunt at. They are a + 'tarnal bad lot are the Utes. I reckon they are bad by nature, but the + Mormons have made them worse. There ain't no doubt it's they who set them + on to attack the caravans. They could see from the first that if this was + going to be the main route west there would be so many coming along, and a + lot perhaps settle there, that the Gentiles, as they call the rest of us, + would get too strong for them. What they have been most afeard of is, that + a lot of gold or silver should be found up in the hills, and that would + soon put a stop to the Mormon business. They have been wise enough to tell + the red-skins that if men came in and found gold there would be such a lot + come that the hunting would be all spoilt. There is no doubt that in some + of the attacks made on the caravans there have been sham Indians mixed up + with the real ones. Red-skins are bad enough, but they are good men by the + side of scoundrels who are false to their colour, and who use Indians to + kill whites. That is one reason I want to see this railway go on till it + jines that on the other side. It will be bad for game, and I reckon in a + few years the last buffalo will be wiped out, but I will forgive it that, + so that it does but break up the Saints as they call themselves, though I + reckon there is about as little of the saint among them as you will find + if you search all creation." + </p> + <p> + "Right you are, Jerry," Sam Hicks said. "They pretty nigh wiped me out + once, and if Uncle Sam ever takes to fighting them you may bet that I am + in it, and won't ask for no pay." + </p> + <p> + "How did it come about, Sam?" Jerry asked. "I dunno as I have ever heard + you tell that story." + </p> + <p> + "Waal, I had been a good bit farther east, and had been doing some + scouting with the troops, who had been giving a lesson to the red-skins + there, that it was best for them to let up on plundering the caravans + going west. We had done the job, and I jined a caravan coming this way. It + was the usual crowd, eastern farmers going to settle west, miners, and + such like. Among them was two waggons, which kept mostly as far apart from + the others as they could. They was in charge of two fellows who dressed in + store clothes, and had a sanctimonious look about them. There was an old + man and a couple of old women, and two or three boys and some gals. They + did not talk much with the rest, but it got about that they were not going + farther than Salt Lake City, and we had not much difficulty in reckoning + them up as Mormons. There ain't no law perviding for the shooting of + Mormons without some sort of excuse, and as the people kept to themselves + and did not interfere with no one, nothing much was said agin them. On a + v'yage like that across the plains, folks has themselves to attend to, and + plenty to do both on the march and in camp, so no one troubles about any + one else's business. + </p> + <p> + "I hadn't no call to either, but I happened to go out near their waggons + one evening, and saw two or three bright-looking maids among them, and it + riled me to think that they was going to be handed over to some rich old + elder with perhaps a dozen other wives, and I used to feel as it would be + a satisfaction to pump some lead into them sleek-looking scoundrels who + had them in charge. I did not expect that the gals had any idea what was + in store for them. I know them Mormons when they goes out to get what they + call converts, preaches a lot about the prophet, and a good deal about the + comforts they would have in Utah. So much land for nothing, and so much + help to set them up, and all that kind of thing, but mighty little about + polygamy and the chance of their being handed over to some man old enough + to be their father, and without their having any say in the matter. + Howsoever, I did not see as I could interfere, and if I wanted to + interfere I could not have done it; because all those women believed what + they had been taught, and if I a stranger, and an ill-looking one at that, + was to tell them the contrary, they wouldn't believe a word what I had + said. So we went on till we got within four or five days' journey of Salt + Lake City, then one morning, just as the teams were being hitched up, two + fellows rode into camp. + </p> + <p> + "As we were in Utah now, there weren't nothing curious about that, but I + reckoned them up as two as hard-looking cusses as I had come across for a + long time. After asking a question or two they rode to the Mormon waggons, + and instead of starting with the rest, the cattle was taken out and they + stopped behind. Waal, I thought I would wait for a bit and see what they + were arter. It weren't no consarn of mine noways, but I knew I could catch + up the waggons if I started in the afternoon, and I concluded that I would + just wait; so I sat by the fire and smoked. When the caravan had gone on + the Mormons hitched up their cattle again. They were not very far away + from where I was sitting, and I could see one of the men in black pointing + to me as he talked with the two chaps who had just jined them. With that + the fellow walked across to where I was sitting. + </p> + <p> + "'Going to camp here?' says he. + </p> + <p> + "'Waal,' I says, 'I dunno, as I haven't made up my mind about it. Maybe I + shall, maybe I sha'n't.' + </p> + <p> + "'I allow it would be better for you to move on.' + </p> + <p> + "'And I allow,' says I, 'it would be better for you to attend to your own + affairs.' + </p> + <p> + "'Look here,' says he, 'I hear as you have been a-spying about them + waggons.' + </p> + <p> + "'Then,' says I, 'whosoever told you that, is an all-fired liar, and you + tell him so from me.' + </p> + <p> + "I had got my hand on the butt of my Colt, and the fellow weakened. + </p> + <p> + "'Waal,' he said, 'I have given you warning, that is all.' + </p> + <p> + "'All right,' says I, 'I don't care none for your warnings; and I would + rather anyhow be shot down by white skunks dressed up as red-skins, than I + would have a hand in helping to fool a lot of innercent women.' + </p> + <p> + "He swore pretty bad at this, but I could see as he wasn't real grit, and + he went off to the waggons. There was considerable talk when he got there, + but as the Mormons must have known as I had been a scout, and had brought + a lot of meat into the camp on the way, and as the chap that came across + must have seen my rifle lying handy beside me, I guess they allowed that I + had better be left alone. So a bit later the waggons started, and as I + expected they would, went up a side valley instead of going on by the + caravan route. The fellow had riz my dander, and after sitting for a bit I + made up my mind I would go after 'em. I had no particular motive, it wur + just out of cussedness. I was not going to be bluffed from going whar I + chose. This air a free country, and I had as much right to go up that + valley as they had." + </p> + <p> + "I should have thought yer had had more common sense, Sam Hicks," Jerry + said reproachfully, "than to go a-mixing yourself up in a business in + which you had no sort of consarn. Ef one of them women had asked you to + help her, or if you had thought she was being taken away agin her will, + you or any other man would have had a right to take a hand in the game; + but as it was, you war just fooling with your life to interfere with them + Mormons in their own country." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, Jerry, and I ain't a word to say agin it. It war just a piece + of cussedness, and I have asked myself forty-eleven times since, what on + arth made me make such a blame fool of myself. Afore that fellow came over + to bluff me I hadn't no thought of following the waggons, but arter that I + felt somehow as if he dared me to do it. I reckoned I was more nor a match + for the two fellows who just jined them, and as for the greasy-faced chaps + in black, I did not count them in, one way or the other. I had no thought + of getting the gals away, nor of getting into any muss with them if they + left me alone. It was just that I had got a right to go up that valley or + any other, and I was not going to be bluffed out of it. So I took up my + shooting-iron, strapped my blanket over my shoulder, and started. They war + maybe a mile away when I turned into the valley. I wasn't hungry for a + fight, so I didn't keep up the middle, but just skirted along at the foot + of the hill where it did not seem likely as they would see me. I did not + get any closer to them, and only caught sight of them now and then. + </p> + <p> + "As far as I could make out there was only one horseman with them, and I + reckoned the other was gone on ahead; looking for a camping-ground maybe, + or going on to one of the Mormon farms to tell them to get things ready + there. What I reckoned on doing, so far as I reckoned at all, was to scout + up to them as soon as it got dark and listen to their talk, and try to + find out for certain whether the women war goin' willing. Then I thought + as I would walk straight up to their fires and just bluff those four men + as they tried to bluff me. Waal, they went on until late in the afternoon, + unhitched the cattle, and camped. I waited for a bit, and now that I war + cooled down and could look at the thing reasonable, I allowed to myself + that I had showed up as a blamed fool, and I had pretty well made up my + mind to take back tracks and go down the valley, when I heard the sound of + some horses coming down fast from the camp. + </p> + <p> + "Then the thought that I was a 'tarnal fool came to me pretty strong, you + bet. One of those fellows had ridden on and brought down some of the + Regulators, as we used to call them in the mining camps, but I believe the + Mormons call them Destroying Angels, though there is mighty little of + angels about them. I hoped now that they had not caught sight of me during + the day, and that the band were going right down to the waggon camp; but + as I had not taken any particular pains to hide myself, I reckoned they + must have made me out. It war pretty nigh dark, and as I took cover behind + a bush I could scarce see them as they rode along. They went down about + two hundred yards and then stopped, and I could hear some of them + dismount. + </p> + <p> + "'You are sure we are far enough?' one said. + </p> + <p> + "'Yes; I can swear he was higher up than this when we saw him just before + we camped.' + </p> + <p> + "'If you two fellows hadn't been the worst kind of curs,' a man said + angrily, 'you would have hidden up as soon as you made out he was + following you and shot him as he came along.' + </p> + <p> + "'I told you,' another voice said, 'that the man is an Indian fighter, and + a dead shot. Suppose we had missed him.' + </p> + <p> + "'You could not have missed him if you had waited till he was close to you + before you fired; then you might have chucked him in among the bushes and + there would have been an end of it, and we should have been saved a + twenty-mile ride. Now then, look sharp for him and search every bush. + Between us and Johnson's party above we are sure to catch him.' + </p> + <p> + "I didn't see that, though I did wish the rocks behind had not been so + 'tarnal steep. I could have made my way up in the daylight, though even + then it would have been a tough job, but without light enough to see the + lay of the ledges and the best places for getting from one to another, it + was a business I didn't care about. I was just thinking of making across + to the other side of the valley when some horsemen came galloping back. + </p> + <p> + "'You stop here, brother Ephraim, and keep your ears well open, as well as + your eyes. You stop fifty yards higher up, Hiram, and the others at the + same distance apart. When the men among the rocks come abreast of you, + Ephraim, ride on and take your place at the other end of the line. You do + the same, Hiram, and so all in turn; I will ride up and down.' + </p> + <p> + "It was clear they meant business, and I was doubting whether I would take + my chance of hiding or make for the cliff, when I saw a light coming + dancing down from the camp, and knew it was a chap on horseback with a + torch. As he came up the man who had spoken before said: 'How many torches + have you got, brother Williams?' + </p> + <p> + "'A dozen of them.' + </p> + <p> + "'Give me six, and take the other six down to the men below. That is + right, I will light one from yours.' + </p> + <p> + "You may guess that settled me. I had got to git at once, so I began to + crawl off towards the foot of the cliffs. By the time I had got there, + there war six torches burning a hundred yards below, and the men who + carried them were searching every bush and prying under every rock. Along + the middle of the valley six other torches were burning fifty yards apart. + There was one advantage, the torches were pitch-pine and gave a fairish + light, but not so much as tarred rope would have done; but it was enough + for me to be able to make out the face of the cliff, and I saw a break by + which I could get up for a good bit anyhow. It was where a torrent came + down when the snows were melting, and as soon as I had got to the bottom I + made straight up. There were rocks piled at its foot, and I got to the top + of these without being seen. + </p> + <p> + "I hadn't got a dozen feet higher when my foot set a boulder rolling, and + down it went with a crash. There were shouts below, but I did not stop to + listen to what they said, but put up the bed of the torrent at a two-forty + gait. A shot rang out, and another and another, but I was getting now + above the light of their torches. A hundred feet higher I came to a + stand-still, for the rock rose right up in front of me, and the water had + here come down from above in a fall. This made it a tight place, you bet. + There war no ledge as I could see that I could get along, and I should + have to go down a good bit afore I got to one. They kept on firing from + below, but I felt pretty sure that they could not see me, for I could hear + the bullets striking high against the face of the rock that had stopped + me. + </p> + <p> + "You may bet I was careful how I went down again, and I took my time, for + I could see that the men with the torches had halted at the foot of the + heap of rocks below, not caring much, I expect, to begin to mount, while + the horsemen kept on firing, hoping to hear my body come rolling down; + besides, they must have known that with their torches they made a pretty + sure mark for me. At last I got down to the ledge. It war a narrow one, + and for a few yards I had to walk with my face to the rock and my arms + spread out, and that, when I knew that at any moment they might make me + out, and their bullets come singing up, warn't by no means pleasant. In a + few yards the ledge got wider and there was room enough on it for me to + lie down. I crawled along for a good bit, and then sat down with my back + against the rock and reckoned the matter up. All the torches war gathered + round where I had gone up. Four more men had come down from the camp on + horseback, and five or six on foot with torches were running down the + valley. They had been searching for me among the bushes higher up, and + when they heard the firing had started down to jine the others. The leader + was shouting to the men to climb up after me, but the men didn't seem to + see it. + </p> + <p> + "'What's the use?' I heard one fellow say; 'he must be chock-full of + bullets long ago. We will go up and find his carcass in the morning.' + </p> + <p> + "'But suppose he is not dead, you fool.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well, if he ain't dead he would just pick us off one after another as we + went up with torches.' + </p> + <p> + "'Well, put your torches out, then. Here, I will go first if you are + afraid,' and he jumped from his horse. + </p> + <p> + "You can bet your boots that my fingers itched to put a bullet into him. + But it warn't to be done; I did not know how far the ledge went or whether + there might be any way of getting off it, and now I had once got out of + their sight it would have been chucking away my life to let them know whar + I lay. So I got up again and walked on a bit farther. I came on a place + where the rock had crumbled enough for me to be able to get up on to the + next ledge, and after a lot of climbing up and down I got to the top in + about two hours, and then struck across the hills and came down at eight + o'clock next morning on to the caravan track. I hid up till evening in + case they should come down after me, and next morning I came up to the + caravan just as they were hitching the teams up for a start." + </p> + <p> + "You got out of that better than you deserved," Harry said. "I wouldn't + have believed that any man would have played such a fool's trick as to go + meddling with the Mormons in their own country without any kind of reason. + It war worse than childishness." + </p> + <p> + The other two miners assented vigorously, and Sam said: "Waal, you can't + think more meanly of me over that business than I do of myself. I have + never been able to make out why I did it, and you may bet it ain't often I + tells the story. It war a dog-goned piece of foolishness, and, as Harry + says, I didn't desarve to get out of it as I did. Still, it ain't made me + feel any kind of love for Mormons. When about two hundred shots have been + fired at a man it makes him feel kinder like as if he war going to pay + some of them back when he gets the chance, and you may bet I mean to." + </p> + <p> + "Jee-rusalem!" + </p> + <p> + The exclamation was elicited by the fall of a heavy mass of snow on to the + fire, over which the kettle had just begun to boil. The tripod from which + it hung was knocked over. A cloud of steam filled the place, and the party + all sprung to their feet to avoid being scalded. + </p> + <p> + "It might have waited a few minutes longer," Jerry grumbled, "then we + should have had our tea comfortable. Now the fire is out and the water is + spilt, and we have got to fetch in some more snow; that is the last lot + there was melted." + </p> + <p> + "It is all in the day's work, Jerry," Harry said cheerfully, "and it is + just as well we should have something to do. I will fetch the snow in if + the rest of you will clear the hearth again. It is a nuisance about the + snow, but we agreed that there is no help for it, and we may thank our + stars it is no worse." + </p> + <p> + It was not long before the fire was blazing again, but it took some time + before water was boiling and tea made, still longer before the bread which + had been soddened by the water from the kettle was fit to eat. By this + time it was dark. When the meal was over they all turned in for the night. + Tom was just going off to sleep, when he was roused by Leaping Dog + suddenly throwing off his buffalo robe and springing to his feet with his + rifle in his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Hist!" he said in a low tone. "Something comes!" + </p> + <p> + The men all seized their rifles and listened intently. Presently they + heard a soft step on the snow outside, then there was a snuffing sound. + </p> + <p> + "B'ar!" the Indian said. + </p> + <p> + A moment later a great head reared itself over the bushes at the entrance. + Five rifles rang out, the two Indians reserving their fire; the report was + followed by the dull sound of a heavy fall outside. + </p> + <p> + "Wait a moment," Harry said sharply, as the others were preparing to rush + out, "let us make sure he is dead." + </p> + <p> + "He is dead enough," Jerry said. "I reckon even a grizzly cannot walk off + with five bullets in his head." + </p> + <p> + Harry looked over the screen. "Yes, he is dead enough; anyhow he looks so. + Waal, this is a piece of luck." They all stepped out on to the platform. + </p> + <p> + "Is it a grizzly, uncle?" Tom asked excitedly. + </p> + <p> + "He is a grizzly, sure enough. You don't want to see his colour to know + that. Look at his size." + </p> + <p> + "Why, he is as big as a cow." + </p> + <p> + "Ay, lad, and a big cow too. You go in and make up the fire while we cut + off enough meat for supper." + </p> + <p> + The fact that they had eaten a meal but half an hour before, went for + nothing; slices of bear-meat were soon frizzling, and as hearty a meal was + eaten as if no food had been tasted since the previous day. The men were + in the highest spirits; the fact that they were out of meat had been the + greatest drawback to the prospect of being shut up for perhaps a week, for + badly-baked bread is but a poor diet to men accustomed to live almost + exclusively upon meat. + </p> + <p> + "What brought the bear down here?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "Curiosity at first perhaps, and then hunger," his uncle replied. "I + expect he was going along on the path above when he saw the light among + the leaves, and then no doubt he smelt the bread, and perhaps us and the + horses, and came down to see what he could get. + </p> + <p> + "Curiosity is a bad fault, Tom. You have had two lessons in that this + evening. Bear in mind that in this part of the world the safest plan is + always to attend strictly to your own business." + </p> + <p> + All thought of sleep was for the present dissipated; their pipes were + again lighted, and it was midnight before they lay down. In the morning + the bear was with some difficulty skinned and cut up, the joints being + left outside to freeze through. The snow still fell steadily, but the wind + had almost died down. Sallying out they cut five or six long poles, and + with some difficulty fixed these from above across from the cliff to the + outstanding rock, pushed the bear's-skin across them, and lashed it there, + its bulk being sufficient to cover the space above the fire and a + considerable portion of their dwelling room. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast snow was again melted for the horses, and the work for the + day thus done they seated themselves contentedly round the fire. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X — AN AVALANCHE + </h2> + <p> + "You don't think, chief," Harry asked, "that there is any chance of the + 'Rappahoes taking it into their heads to come up to have a look round?" + </p> + <p> + "Indians keep in lodges, no like cold; they think we have gone on over + pass. If weather gets fine perhaps they come to look for our guns and + packs. They think sure we die in snow-storm when we up in pass. When snow + stops falling, we make no more fire; but path from valley all shut up by + snow now." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I don't think anyone would try to climb it till the sun has cleared + the track; it was a pretty bad place when we came up," Harry said. "I + don't say that men on foot could not make their way up; but as you say, + the red-skins are not likely to try it until the weather has cleared a + bit, though I don't say that they wouldn't if they knew we were camped + here close to the top." + </p> + <p> + "What noise is that?" Tom asked. "I have heard it several times before, + but not so loud as that." + </p> + <p> + "Snow-slide," Leaping Horse said. "Snow come down from mountains; break + off trees, roll rocks down. Bad place all along here." + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I saw that you looked up at the hills behind there before you looked + over the edge here, chief," Ben Gulston said, "and I reckoned that you had + snow-slides in your mind. I thought myself that it was like enough the + snow might come tumbling over the edge of that high wall and then come + scooting down over where we war, and there would have been no sort of show + for us if we had been camped whar the trail goes along." + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse has heard from his red brothers with whom he has spoken + that trail from top of valley very bad when snow falls. Many Indians + stopping too long at fort, to trade goods, have been swept away by + snow-slides when caught in storm here." + </p> + <p> + "I thought it looked a bad place," Harry remarked. "There ain't no fooling + with a snow-slide anyway. I have come across bones once or twice lying + scattered about in snug-looking valleys—bones of horses and men, and + it was easy to see they had been killed by a snow-slide coming down on + them. Rocks were heaped about among them, some of the bones were smashed. + They had been hunting or trapping, and sheltered up in a valley when the + storm came on and the slide had fallen on them, and there they had laid + till the sun melted the snow in summer, when the coyotes and the vultures + would soon clean the bones." He broke off suddenly; there was a dull + sound, and at the same moment a distinct vibration of the ground, then a + rustling murmur mingled with a rumbling as of a waggon passing over a + rocky ground. + </p> + <p> + "There is another one," Jerry exclaimed, "and it is somewhere just above + us. Keep your backs to the wall, boys." + </p> + <p> + [Image: "There Is Another Avalanche, Keep Your Backs To The Wall, Boys"] + </p> + <p> + Louder and louder grew the sound; the tremor of the earth increased, the + horses neighed with fright, the men stood with their backs against the + rock next to the hill. Suddenly the light was darkened as a vast mass of + snow mingled with rocks of all sizes leapt like a torrent over the edge of + the cliff, the impetus carrying it over the outer wall of their shelter + and down into the ravine. There was a mighty sound of the crashing of + trees, mingled with a thumping and rolling of the rocks as they clashed + against the side of the ravine and went leaping down into the valley. The + ground shook with a continuous tremor, and then the light returned as + suddenly as it had been cut off, and a few seconds later a dead stillness + succeeded the deafening roar from below. The passage of the avalanche + overhead had lasted but a minute, though to the men standing below it the + time had seemed vastly longer. Instinctively they had pressed themselves + against the rock, almost holding their breath, and expecting momentarily + that one of the boulders in its passage would strike the top of the + outside wall and fall in fragments among them. The silence that followed + was unbroken for some seconds, and then Sam Hicks stepped a pace forward. + </p> + <p> + "Jee-rusalem!" he said, "that was a close call. I don't know how you felt, + boys, but it seemed as if all the sand had gone out of me, and I weakened + so that my knees have not done shaking yet." + </p> + <p> + The men, accustomed as they were to danger, were all equally affected. Tom + felt relieved to see that the others all looked pale and shaken, for he + was conscious that he had been in a terrible fright, and that his legs + would scarcely support his weight. + </p> + <p> + "I am glad to hear you say so, Sam, for I was in an awful funk; but I + should not have said so if you hadn't spoken." + </p> + <p> + "You needn't be ashamed of that, Tom," his uncle put in. "You showed + plenty of pluck when we were in trouble with the red-skins, but I am sure + there was not one of us that did not weaken when that snow-slide shot over + us; and none of us need be ashamed to say so. A man with good grit will + brace up, keep his head cool and his fingers steady on the trigger to the + last, though he knows that he has come to the end of his journey and has + got to go down; but it is when there is nothing to do, no fight to be + made, when you are as helpless as a child and have no sort of show, that + the grit runs out of your boots. I have fought red-skins and Mexicans a + score of times; I have been in a dozen shooting scrapes in saloons at the + diggings; but I don't know that I ever felt so scared as I did just now. + Ben, there is a jar of whisky in our outfit; we agreed we would not touch + it unless one of us got hurt or ill, but I think a drop of medicine all + round now wouldn't be out of place." + </p> + <p> + There was a general assent. "But before we take it," he went on, "we will + take off our hats and say 'Thank God' for having taken us safe through + this thing. If He had put this shelter here for us express, He could not + have planted it better for us, and the least we can do is to thank Him for + having pulled us through it safe." + </p> + <p> + The men all took off their hats, and stood silent for a minute or two with + bent heads. When they had replaced their hats Ben Gulston went to the + corner where the pack-saddles and packs were piled, took out a small keg, + and poured out some whisky for each of the white men. The others drank it + straight; Tom mixed some water with his, and felt a good deal better after + drinking it. Ben did not offer it to the Indians, neither of whom would + touch spirits on any occasion. + </p> + <p> + "It is a good friend and a bad enemy," Harry said as he tossed off his + portion. "As a rule there ain't no doubt that one is better without it; + but there is no better medicine to carry about with you. I have seen many + a life saved by a bottle of whisky. Taken after the bite of a rattlesnake, + it is as good a thing as there is. In case of fever, and when a man is + just tired out after a twenty-four hours' tramp, a drop of it will put new + life into him for a bit. But I don't say as it hasn't killed a sight more + than it has cured. It is at the bottom of pretty nigh every shooting + scrape in the camps, and has been the ruin of hundreds of good men who + would have done well if they could but have kept from it." + </p> + <p> + "But you ain't a temperance man yourself, Harry?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Sam; but then, thank God, I am master of the liquor, and not the + liquor of me. I can take a glass, or perhaps two, without wanting more. + Though I have made a fool of myself in many ways since I have come out + here, no man can say he ever saw me drunk; if liquor were to get the + better of me once, I would swear off for the rest of my life. Don't you + ever take to it, Tom; that is, not to get so as to like to go on drinking + it. In our life we often have to go for months without it, and a man has + got to be very careful when he goes down to the settlements, else it would + be sure to get over him." + </p> + <p> + "I don't care for it at all, uncle." + </p> + <p> + "See you don't get to care for it, Tom. There are plenty start as you do, + and before they have been out here long they do get to like it, and from + that day they are never any good. It is a big temptation. A man has been + hunting or trapping, or fossicking for gold in the hills for months, and + he comes down to a fort or town and he meets a lot of mates. One says + 'Have a drink?' and another asks you, and it is mighty hard to be always + saying 'no'; and there ain't much to do in these places but to drink or to + gamble. A man here ain't so much to be blamed as folks who live in + comfortable houses, and have got wives and families and decent places of + amusement, and books and all that sort of thing, if they take to drink or + gambling. I have not any right to preach, for if I don't drink I do + gamble; that is, I have done; though I swore off that when I got the + letter telling me that your father had gone. Then I thought what a fool I + had made of myself for years. Why, if I had kept all the gold I had dug I + could go home now and live comfortably for the rest of my life, and have a + home for my nieces, as I ought to have. However, I have done with it now. + And I am mighty glad it was the cards and not drink that took my dust, for + it is a great deal easier to give up cards than it is to give up liquor + when you have once taken to it. Now let us talk of something else; I vote + we take a turn up on to the trail, and see what the snow-slide has done." + </p> + <p> + Throwing the buffalo robes round their shoulders the party went outside. + The air was too thick with snow to enable them to perceive from the + platform the destruction it had wrought in the valley below, but upon + ascending the path to the level above, the track of the avalanche was + plainly marked indeed. For the width of a hundred yards, the white mantle + of snow, that covered the slope up to the point where the wall of cliff + rose abruptly, had been cleared away as if with a mighty broom. Every rock + and boulder lying upon it had been swept off, and the surface of the bare + rock lay flat, and unbroken by even a tuft of grass. They walked along the + edge until they looked down upon their shelter. The bear's hide was still + in its place, sloping like a pent-house roof, from its upper side two or + three inches below the edge of the rock, to the other wall three feet + lower. It was, however, stripped of its hair, as cleanly as if it had been + shorn off with a razor, by the friction of the snow that had shot down + along it. + </p> + <p> + "That is the blamedest odd thing I ever saw," Sam Hicks said. "I wonder + the weight of the snow didn't break it in." + </p> + <p> + "I expect it just shot over it, Sam," Harry said. "It must have been + travelling so mighty fast that the whole mass jumped across, only just + rubbing the skin. Of course the boulders and stones must have gone clean + over. That shows what a narrow escape we have had; for if that outer rock + had been a foot or so higher, the skin would have caved in, and our place + would have been filled chock up with snow in a moment. Waal, we may as + well turn in again, for I feel cold to the bones already." + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the fifth day the snow ceased falling, and next morning + the sky was clear and bright. Preparations were at once made for a start. + A batch of bread had been baked on the previous evening. Some buckets of + hot gruel were given to the horses, a meal was hastily eaten, the horses + saddled and the packs arranged, and before the sun had been up half an + hour they were on their way. The usual stillness of the mountains was + broken by a variety of sounds. From the valley at their feet came up sharp + reports, as a limb of a tree, or sometimes the tree itself, broke beneath + the weight of the snow. A dull rumbling sound, echoing from hill to hill, + told of the falls of avalanches. Scarcely had the echoes of one ceased, + than they began again in a fresh quarter. The journey was toilsome in the + extreme, for the horses' hoofs sank deep in the freshly-fallen snow, + rendering their progress exceedingly slow. + </p> + <p> + "If we had been sure that this weather would hold, chief, it would have + been better to have waited a few days before making our start, for by that + time the snow would have been hard enough to travel on." + </p> + <p> + The chief shook his head. "Winter coming for good," he said, waving his + hand towards the range of snowy summits to the north. "Clouds there still; + if stop, not able to cross pass till next summer." + </p> + <p> + "That is so; we agreed as to that yesterday, and that if we don't get over + now the chances are we shall never get over at all. Yet, it is a pity we + can't wait a few days for a crust to form on the snow." + </p> + <p> + Twice in the course of the next hour avalanches came down from the hills + above them; the first sweeping down into the valley a quarter of a mile + behind them, the next but two or three hundred yards ahead of them. + Scarcely a word was spoken from end to end of the line. They travelled in + Indian file, and each horse stepped in the footprints of its predecessor. + Every few hundred yards they changed places, for the labour of the first + horse was very much heavier than of those following. At the end of an hour + the men drew together for a consultation. There was a wide break in the + line of cliffs, and a valley ran nearly due south. + </p> + <p> + "What do you think, chief? This confounded snow has covered up all signs + of the trail, and we have got to find our own way. There is no doubt this + valley below is running a deal too much to the west, and that the trail + must strike off somewhere south. It looks to me as if that were a likely + valley through the cliff. There is no hiding the fact that if we take the + wrong turn we are all gone coons." + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse knows no more than his brother," the chief said gravely. + "He knows the pass is on the western side of the great peak. The great + peak lies there," and he pointed a little to the west of the break in the + hills up which they were looking. + </p> + <p> + "It may be that we must cross the hills into another valley, or perhaps + this will turn west presently." + </p> + <p> + "I tell you what, Harry," Sam Hicks said, "my opinion is, that our best + plan by a long chalk will be to go back to our last place and to stop + there for a bit. We have got b'ar's flesh enough for another fortnight, + and we may kill some more game afore that is done. Ef this is but a spell + of snow it may melt enough in another ten days for us to make out the + trail and follow it. Ef, as the chief thinks, we have got winter right + down on us, we must wait till the snow crust hardens ef it is a month or + double. Anything is better than going on like this. What with this soft + snow and these 'tarnal snow-slides, there ain't no more chance of our + getting over that pass in one day's journey, than there air in our flying + right down to Salt Lake City. Ef the worst comes to the worst, I tell yer + I would rather go back and take our chance of following the Big Wind River + down, and fighting the red-skins, than I would of crossing over these + dog-goned hills." + </p> + <p> + The other three men were of the same opinion. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what do you say, chief?" Harry asked the Indian. + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse thinks that the trail will not be found until next summer," + the chief replied quietly. "Heap of hills in front and heap of snow. If + snow-storm catch us in the hills no find way anywhere. Leaping Horse is + ready to do whatever his white brother thinks." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I am with the others," Harry said. "I don't like the look of those + clouds. They are quiet enough now, but they may begin to shift any time, + and, as you say, if we are caught in a snow-storm on the hills there is an + end of us. I think Sam is right. Even if we have to rustle all through the + winter in that hut there, I would rather face it than keep on." + </p> + <p> + That settled it. The horses' heads were turned, and they retraced their + steps until they reached the shelter. The bear's-skin had been left where + it was, the fire was soon set going, and there was a general feeling of + satisfaction as they laid out the robes and blankets again. + </p> + <p> + "Look here, boys," Harry said, "this is not going to be a holiday time, + you bet. We have got to make this place a sight snugger than it is now, + for, I tell you, when the winter sets in in earnest, it will be cold + enough here to freeze a buffalo solid in an hour. We have got to set to + work to make a roof all over this place, and we have got to hunt to lay in + a big stock of meat. We have got to get a big store of food for the + horses, for we must be mighty careful with our flour now. We can wait a + fortnight to see how things go, but if it is clear then that we have got + to fight it out here through the winter, we must shoot the pack-ponies at + once, and I reckon the others will all have to go later. However, we will + give them a chance as long as we can." + </p> + <p> + "Take them down into the valley," the chief said. "All Indian horses." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, I didn't think of that, chief. Yes, they are accustomed to rustle for + their living, and they may make a shift to hold on down there. I don't + think there is much fear of Indians coming up." + </p> + <p> + "No Indians," Leaping Horse said. "Indians go away when winter set in. + Some go to forest, some go to lodges right down valley. No stop up here in + mountains. When winter comes plenty game—big-horn, wapiti." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that is a more cheerful look-out, chief. If we can get plenty of meat + we can manage without flour, and can go down and give the ponies a pail of + hot gruel once a week, which will help them to keep life together. The + first thing, I take it, is to cut some poles for the roof. I am afraid we + shall have to go down to the bottom for them." + </p> + <p> + "Waal, we needn't begin that till to-morrow," Sam Hicks said. "If we had + them, we have got no skins to cover them." + </p> + <p> + "Cut brushwood," Indian said. "First put plenty of brushwood on poles, + then put skins over." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that is the plan, chief. Well, if we get down there we shall have to + take our shovels and clear the snow off some of the narrow ledges. If we + do that we can lead one of the horses down to pack the poles up here." + </p> + <p> + The chief went out on to the platform. "No use clear snow now. Clouds + moving. In two hours snow fall again." + </p> + <p> + The others joined him outside. "I reckon you are right, chief," Jerry + said. "It is mighty lucky we didn't go on. It can't be much worse here + than it was before." + </p> + <p> + At three in the afternoon it began to snow heavily again. There was less + wind than there had been on the previous occasion, and the snow drifted + through the entrance less than before. Just as they were turning in for + the night an ominous crack was heard above. All leapt from their blankets, + and looking up they could see by the light of the fire that the poles + supporting the skin were all bent in a curve downwards. + </p> + <p> + "Jee-rusalem!" Sam Hicks exclaimed, "the whole outfit will be coming down + on us." + </p> + <p> + "That it will, Sam. You see, there is no wind as there was before, and one + of our jobs will be keeping the roof clear of snow. Turn out, boys; we + must get rid of it somehow." + </p> + <p> + They at once set to work to lash two poles, some eight feet long, to the + handles of the shovels, and as soon as this was done they all turned out. + On reaching the edge of the ravine above the roof, they first cleared away + the snow down to the rock so as to have firm standing, and then proceeded + to shovel the snow off the surface of the skin. It was easier work than + they expected, for as soon as it was touched it slid down the incline, and + in a very few minutes the whole was cleared off. + </p> + <p> + "I think that is good until morning now," Harry said. "As long as the snow + lasts we shall have to do it every few hours. Directly we get a spell of + fine weather we must put some more poles under it to strengthen it." + </p> + <p> + For six days the snow continued to fall without intermission. At daybreak, + at mid-day, and the last thing before they turned in at night the snow was + cleared off the hide. With this exception they did not stir out of the + shelter. They had also each day to clear out the inner portion of the + fissure, as the snow now frequently broke through the trees in masses, + startling the horses, and keeping them in a state of restlessness. The + sixth day it stopped snowing, and the next morning the sky was bright and + clear. The whole party at once started out, two of them taking shovels, + and the rest brooms that they had made during the long hours of their + confinement. By the middle of the day they had cleared the path down into + the valley, and on their way back to dinner each carried up a large bundle + of faggots. + </p> + <p> + The meal was cooked and eaten hastily, and the whole of the horses were + then led down into the valley. Here a couple of dozen stout poles for the + roof were cut by the whites, the two Indians at once going up the valley + in search of game. In half an hour two rifle-shots were heard, and + presently Hunting Dog ran in with the news that they had killed two + wapiti. Jerry and Sam Hicks at once went off with him, leading two horses, + and presently returned with the dead deer fastened across their backs. + </p> + <p> + "They are very like pictures I have seen of moose," Tom said to his uncle + as he examined the great stags. + </p> + <p> + "New-comers often call them moose, Tom; but there is a difference between + them, though what the difference is I cannot tell you, for I have never + hunted moose. I believe the wapiti are peculiar to the West. They often go + in great herds of three or four hundreds together." + </p> + <p> + "The chief says there are a great many of them up the valley," Jerry put + in. "They made off when he fired, but I could see their foot-tracks myself + all about. He says they have been driven down here by the storm for + shelter. He has gone round with the lad to head them back." + </p> + <p> + "That is good news, Jerry. The meat we have got already will last some + time, but it is as well to lay in a good stock, and we want the skins + badly to make our roof. You had better lead these horses to the foot of + the path, and then we will all take our post behind trees across the + valley." + </p> + <p> + An hour later they heard the reports of two rifles a long way up the + valley, and all stood in readiness. A few minutes later there was a dull + trampling sound, and almost directly afterwards a herd of wapiti came + along at a heavy trot, ploughing their way but slowly through the snow. + </p> + <p> + "Don't use your revolvers, boys," Harry had said, "except to finish off a + stag you have wounded with your rifle. The chance is all against your + bringing them down, and the poor brutes would only get away to die." + </p> + <p> + One after another the rifles rang out. Tom and his uncle both had the + satisfaction of seeing the stags they had aimed at, plunge forward before + they had gone many yards farther, and roll over dead. The other three had + each hit the animal they aimed at, but as these kept on their course they + dashed out in pursuit, firing their Colts, which in their hands were as + deadly weapons as a rifle, and the three stags all fell, although one got + nearly half a mile down the valley before he succumbed. A carcass was + hoisted on to each of the horses' backs, and the loaded animals were then + led up the track. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I wait until the Indians come back, uncle, and tell them why you + have gone up?" + </p> + <p> + "There is no occasion for that, Tom; they would hear the shots, and will + have guessed what has happened." + </p> + <p> + The poles were divided among the men and carried up to the top of the + path, and laid down just above the shelter. Harry and Sam Hicks at once + proceeded to cut them up into proper lengths, while the others skinned and + cut up the deer. A number of thongs were cut from one of the hides for + lashing cross-poles across those that were to act as ridge-poles. The + bear's-skin was removed and additional poles placed at that spot, and all + working together the framework of the roof was completed by nightfall. The + Indians had returned soon after the party began their work, and taking + their horses down fetched up the deer they had killed. + </p> + <p> + In the morning the roof was completed, hides being stretched over the + framework and securely lashed to it with thongs. The whole of the trees + and brushwood were then chopped down close to the ground so as to leave a + level floor. The foliage was given to the horses, and the wood cut up and + piled for fuel. The chief reported that at the upper end of the valley + there was a thick pine-wood, which would give good shelter to the horses. + Near it were plenty of bushes, and a level tract which had been a beaver + meadow, and was thickly covered with grass, as he could see where the + wapiti had scratched away the snow to get at it. This was excellent news, + for the question of how the horses could be fed through the winter had + troubled them much more than that of their own maintenance. The joints of + venison were hung up on a pole outside what they now called their hut, one + or two hams being suspended from the rafters over the fire, to be smoked. + </p> + <p> + "We shall have to rig up a b'ar-trap outside," Ben said, "or we shall be + having them here after the meat; and a b'ar's ham now and then will make a + change. Wapiti flesh ain't bad, but we should get dog-goned tired of it + arter a bit." + </p> + <p> + "You may bet we shall, Ben," Jerry agreed; "but I reckon that we shall be + able to get a lot of game through the winter. That valley down there is + just the place for them to shelter in, and I hope we shall get a big-horn + now and then. It will be a difficult thing to make a b'ar-trap outside. A + grizzly wants a pretty strong pen to keep him in, and though the horses + might drag up some big beams from below, there ain't no fastening them in + this rock." + </p> + <p> + "No; I don't think we can make that sort of trap," Harry said. "We must + contrive something else. We need not do all our work at once; we have got + plenty of time before us. We want three or four more skins to finish our + hut." + </p> + <p> + "You mean to fill up the entrance?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; we will sew them together, and make a curtain to hang from the edge + of the roof to the ground. I tell you it is going to be mighty cold here, + and besides, it will keep the snow from drifting in." + </p> + <p> + "I wish to goodness we could make a chimney," Tom said. "The smoke went up + through the leaves all right, but my eyes are watering now, and if you + fill up the end with skins it will be something awful." + </p> + <p> + "You will get accustomed to it, Tom; but, of course, we must make a hole + at the top when we fill up the entrance. What do you think is the next + thing to be done, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Get wood," the chief said emphatically. "Must fill all the end of hut + with wood." + </p> + <p> + "That will be a big job, chief, but there is no doubt we must lay in a + great store of it. Well, there is plenty of timber down in the valley, and + with ten horses we can bring up a tidy lot every day." + </p> + <p> + "Let us cut quick before snow comes again." + </p> + <p> + "We will begin to-morrow morning, chief. I agree with you, the sooner the + better." + </p> + <p> + Accordingly the next morning they went down to the valley. They had but + two axes, and Jerry and Sam Hicks, who had both done a good deal of + wood-cutting, undertook this portion of the work. The others took the + horses up to the beaver meadow, where they at once began scraping at the + snow, and were soon munching away at the rich grass. + </p> + <p> + "Why do you call it a beaver meadow, uncle? I don't see any beavers." + </p> + <p> + "They have gone long ago, perhaps a hundred years. As we know, this valley + is occupied by the Indians in summer, and they would soon clear out the + beavers. But it is called a beaver meadow because it was made by them. + They set to work and dammed up the stream, and gradually all this flat + became a lake. Well, in time, you know, leaves from the woods above, and + soil and dead wood and other things brought down by the stream, gradually + filled up the bottom. Then the beavers were killed, and their dams went to + ruin and the water drained off, and in a short time grass began to grow. + There are hundreds, ay, and thousands of beaver meadows among the hills, + and on the little streams that run into the big rivers, and nowhere is the + grass so rich. You will often see an Indian village by one of these + meadows. They grow their roots and plant their corn there. The horses will + do first-rate here through the winter if the snow don't get too deep for + them, and, anyhow, we can help them out with a bucket of gruel + occasionally." + </p> + <p> + "It will be awfully cold for them, though." + </p> + <p> + "It will be coldish, no doubt, but Indian ponies are accustomed to it." + </p> + <p> + "I should think, uncle, it would not take much trouble to make them a sort + of shed up among the trees there." + </p> + <p> + Sam laughed, and even the chief smiled. + </p> + <p> + "It would not be a bad plan, Tom," his uncle said; "not so much for the + sake of the warmth, though there is no doubt that the warmer they are the + less they can do with to eat, but if they have a place to go to they are + less likely to wander away, and we shall not have the trouble of hunting + for them. Well, we will think it over." + </p> + <p> + Following the valley up, they found that it extended some ten miles + farther, for the last two of which it was but a narrow caņon a few yards + wide. They shot a black bear and four small deer, and returned carrying + the skins, the hind-quarters of the deer, and the bear's hams. + </p> + <p> + "We seem to have got meat enough for anything," Tom remonstrated when they + shot the deer. + </p> + <p> + "Seven men will get through a lot of meat, Tom, when they have nothing + else to go with it; and we may be weeks before we can put our heads out of + our hut. Besides, the skins will be useful. We shall want deer-skin + shirts, trousers, and socks and caps; and the skin of these deer is softer + and more pliable than that of the wapiti. I don't want to kill more than I + can help, lad, for I hate taking life without there is a necessity for it, + but we can do with a lot more skins before we are stocked." + </p> + <p> + When, driving the horses before them, they returned to the woodcutters, + they found they had cut down and chopped into logs a number of trees; and + Tom was quite astonished at the great pile of firewood that had been got + ready by them in the course of a day's work. The logs were made up into + bundles, each weighing about eighty pounds. These were tied together with + the horses' lariats, and then secured, one on each side of the saddle, two + of the horses carrying the meat. Harry took the bridle of his horse and + started up the path, the others following at once. + </p> + <p> + "That is a good day's work," Harry said as the logs were piled at the + inner end of the hut. "That is about half a ton of wood. If we have but a + week of open weather we shall have a good store in our cellar." + </p> + <p> + The work continued steadily for a week. The horses were each day taken to + feed at the meadow, the two wood-choppers continued their work, while the + rest of the party hunted. The Indians had on the second day gone down the + valley, and returned with the report that the Indian lodges had all + disappeared and that the valley was entirely deserted. Eight more wapiti + were killed during the week, and fourteen smaller deer. Of an evening they + occupied themselves in sewing the skins together with thongs of leather, + the holes being made with their knives; and a curtain at the mouth of the + hut was completed and hung. Four wide slabs of wood had been cut. These + had been bound together with thongs so as to form a sort of chimney four + feet high, and with a good deal of difficulty this was secured by props in + its position over a hole cut through the skins, above the fire. + </p> + <p> + "The first avalanche will carry it away, Tom." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, uncle; but we have had one avalanche here, and it seems to me the + chances are strongly against our having another in exactly the same + place." + </p> + <p> + The skins of the smaller deer were carefully scraped with knives on the + inner side, smeared with bears' fat, and then rubbed and kneaded until + they were perfectly soft. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI — WINTER + </h2> + <p> + The erection of Tom's shed for the horses did not take long. The whole + party, with the exception of the two Indians,—who, as usual, went + hunting,—proceeded to the pine-wood above the beaver meadow. After a + little search six trees were found conveniently situated with regard to + each other. The axemen cut down three young firs. One was lashed by the + others between the two central trees, to form a ridge-pole eight feet from + the ground; the others against the other trees, at a height of three feet, + to support the lower ends of the roof. They were but ten feet apart, so + that the roof might have a considerable pitch. Numbers of other young + trees were felled and fixed, six inches apart, from the ridge down to the + eaves. On these the branches of the young fir-trees were thickly laid, and + light poles were lashed lengthways over them to keep them in their places. + </p> + <p> + As the poles of the roof had been cut long enough to extend down to the + ground, no side walls were necessary. The ends were formed of poles lashed + across to the side trees, but extending down only to within four feet six + of the ground, so as to allow the horses to pass under, and were, like the + roof, thickly covered with boughs. The lower ends were left open for a + width of four feet in the middle, uprights being driven into the ground + and the sides completed as before. + </p> + <p> + "What do you want a doorway at both ends for?" Tom asked. "It would have + been easier and quicker to have shut one end up altogether, and it would + be a good deal warmer." + </p> + <p> + "So it would, Tom; but if a grizzly were to appear at the door, what would + the horses do? They would be caught in a trap." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think they are likely to come, uncle?" + </p> + <p> + "The likeliest thing in the world, Tom. Horses can smell bear a good + distance off, and if they heard one either coming down or going up the + valley, they would bolt through the opposite door. They will do first-rate + here; they will stand pretty close together, and the warmth of their + bodies will heat the place up. They won't know themselves, they will be so + comfortable. It has only taken us a day's work to make the shed; and + though we laughed at your idea at first, I think now that the day has been + well spent in getting them up such a good shelter. Jerry has got the big + pail boiling over his fire, and we will put in a few handfuls of the flour + we brought down. Bring the horses in from the meadow, and we will give + them each a drink of gruel in the shed. They will soon learn that it is to + be their home." + </p> + <p> + For two more days the open weather continued, and the horses took up three + loads of wood each afternoon, as they had done the previous week. Then, as + there were signs of change, they were given a good feed at their shed; the + saddles were taken off and hung up on some cross-poles over their heads. + </p> + <p> + The party had scarcely returned to the hut when the snow began to fall. + They were, however, weather-proof, and felt the immense additional comfort + of the changes they had made. Their stock of firewood was now a very large + one. At each journey the horses had brought up about fifteen + hundredweight; and as the work had gone on for nine days, they had, they + calculated, something like fourteen tons of firewood neatly stacked. They + had also a stock of poles in case the roof should require strengthening. A + certain amount of light found its way in at the edges of the curtain + across the entrance, but they depended principally upon the fire-light. + The smoke, however, was a serious grievance, and even the men were forced + occasionally to go outside into the open air to allay the smarting of + their eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you think, uncle, we might do something to dry the wood?" + </p> + <p> + "I can't see that we can do more than we are doing, Tom. We always keep a + dozen logs lying round the fire to dry a bit before they are put on." + </p> + <p> + "I should think we might make a sort of stage about four feet above the + fire and keep some logs up there. We might pile them so that the hot air + and smoke could go up through them. They would dry a great deal faster + there than merely lying down on the ground." + </p> + <p> + "I think the idea is a very good one, Tom; but we shall have to make the + frame pretty strong, for if it happened to come down it might break some + of our legs." + </p> + <p> + The men all agreed that the idea was a capital one, and after some + consultation they set to to carry it out. Two strong poles were first + chosen. These were cut carefully to the right length, and were jambed + between the rocks at a height of seven feet above the floor and five feet + apart. They were driven in and wedged so tightly that they could each bear + the weight of two men swinging upon them without moving. Then four upright + poles were lashed to them, five feet apart, and these were connected with + cross-poles. + </p> + <p> + "That is strong enough for anything," Jerry said when the structure had + been so far completed. "If a horse were to run against one of the poles he + would hardly bring the thing down." + </p> + <p> + Four other short poles were now lashed to the uprights three feet below + the upper framework, and were crossed by others so as to form a gridiron. + On this, the logs were laid in tiers crossing each other, sufficient space + being left between them to allow for the passage of the hot air. + </p> + <p> + "That is a splendid contrivance," Harry said when they took their seats on + the buffalo robes round the fire and looked up admiringly at their work. + "The logs will get as dry as chips, and in future we sha'n't be bothered + with the smoke. Besides, it will do to stand the pail and pots full of + snow there, and keep a supply of water, without putting them down into the + fire and running the risk of an upset." + </p> + <p> + They had occupation now in manufacturing a suit of clothes a-piece from + the deer-skins. As the work required to be neater than that which sufficed + for the making of the curtain, pointed sticks hardened in the fire were + used for making the holes, and the thongs that served as thread were cut + as finely as possible; this being done by the Indians, who turned them out + no thicker than pack-thread. + </p> + <p> + There was no occasion for hurry, and there was much laughing and joking + over the work. Their hunting-shirts and breeches served as patterns from + which to cut out the skins; and as each strove to outvie the others, the + garments when completed were very fair specimens of work. The + hunting-shirts were made with hoods that, when pulled over the head, + covered the whole face except the eyes, nose, and mouth. As they had + plenty of skin, the hoods and shirts were made double, so that there was + hair both inside and out. They were made to come down half-way to the + knee, being kept close at the waists by their belts. The leggings were + made of single thickness only, as they would be worn over their breeches; + they were long and reached down below the ankle. The Indians made fresh + moccasins for the whole party; they were made higher than usual, so as to + come up over the bottom of the leggings. In addition each was provided + with long strips of hide, which were to be wound round and round the + leggings, from the knee to below the ankle, covering tightly the tops of + the moccasins, and so preventing the snow from finding its way in there. + Gloves were then manufactured, the fingers being in one and the thumb only + being free. + </p> + <p> + The work occupied them a fortnight, broken only by one day's spell of fine + weather, which they utilized by going down into the valley, taking with + them their kettles and pail, together with a few pounds of flour. They + found the horses out in the meadow, and these, as soon as they saw them, + came trotting to meet them with loud whinnies of pleasure. A fire was lit + near the shed, the snow melted, and an allowance of warm gruel given to + each horse. At Tom's suggestion a few fir-boughs were hung from the bar + over each entrance. These would swing aside as the horses entered, and + would keep out a good deal of wind. When at the end of a fortnight the sky + cleared, the chief said that he thought that there would be but little + more snow. + </p> + <p> + "If storm come, sure to bring snow, but not last long. Winter now set in; + soon snow harden. Now make snowshoes." + </p> + <p> + The hunters had all been accustomed to use these in winter. They had found + the last expedition through the deep snow a very toilsome one, and they + embraced the idea eagerly. Some of the poles were split into eight feet + lengths. These were wetted and hung over the fire, the process being + repeated until the wood was sufficiently softened to be bent into the + required shape. This was done by the chief. Two cross-pieces were added, + to stiffen them and keep them in the right shape when they dried; and the + wood was then trimmed up and scraped by the men. When it had dried and + hardened, the work of filling up the frame with a closely-stretched + network of leather was undertaken. This part of the work occupied three or + four days. The straps were attached to go across the toe and round the + heel, and they were then ready to set off. + </p> + <p> + The weather was now intensely cold, but as there was but little wind it + was not greatly felt; at the same time they were glad of their furs when + they ventured outside the hut. On the first day after their snow-shoes + were finished, the rest of the party started off to visit the horses, + Hunting Dog remaining behind to give Tom instructions in the use of the + snow-shoes, and to help him when he fell down. + </p> + <p> + Tom found it difficult work at first, the toe of the shoe frequently + catching in the snow, and pitching him head foremost into it, and he would + have had great difficulty in extricating himself, had not the young Indian + been at hand. Before the day was over, however, he could get on fairly + well; and after two or three more days' practice had made such progress + that he was considered capable of accompanying the rest. + </p> + <p> + The wood-drying apparatus had succeeded excellently. The wood was now + dried so thoroughly before being put on to the fire that there was no + annoyance from the smoke inside the hut, and scarce any could be perceived + coming from the chimney. Upon Harry's remarking upon this with + satisfaction the first time they went out after using the dry wood, Tom + said: + </p> + <p> + "What does it matter? There are no Indians in the valley." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, Tom; but as soon as the weather sets in clear, the red-skins + will be hunting again. Winter is their best time for laying in their stock + of pelts for trading. At other times the game is all high up in the + mountains, and it is very difficult to get within range of it. In the + winter the animals come down to the shelter of the forests and valleys, + and they can be shot in numbers; especially as the Indians in their + snow-shoes can get along almost as quickly as the wapiti can plough + through the snow. At present the red-skins think that we must have been + overtaken by that first storm and have all gone under; but as soon as they + begin to venture out of their lodges to hunt, a column of smoke here would + be sure to catch their eyes, and then we should be having them up the + valley to a certainty. The first thing they would do would be to find our + horses and drive them off, and the next thing would be to set themselves + to work to catch us." + </p> + <p> + "But we could hold the path against them, uncle." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; but we should have to keep watch every day, which would be a serious + trouble. Besides, there must be other places they could get up. No doubt + their regular trail comes up here, because it is the straightest way to + the pass, and possibly there may be no other point at which loaded animals + could mount anywhere about here. But there must be plenty of places where + Indians could climb, and even if it took them a detour of fifty miles they + would manage it. As long as there is no smoke we may hope they will not + discover us here, though any hunting party might come upon the horses. + That is what has bothered me all along; but the chief and I have talked it + over a dozen times, and can see no way of avoiding the risk. + </p> + <p> + "We can't keep the horses up here because we can't feed them; and even if + we were to bring ourselves to leave this comfortable place and to build a + hut down in the valley, we might be surprised and rubbed out by the + red-skins. Of course we might bring them up here every night and take them + down again in the morning, but it would be a troublesome business. We have + agreed that we won't do much more shooting down in the valley, and that in + coming and going to the horses we will keep along close to the foot of the + cliffs this side, so that if two or three Indians do come up they won't + see any tracks on the snow, unless they happen to come close up to the + cliff. Of course if they go up as far as the beaver flat they will light + upon the horses. There is no help for that; but the chief and I agreed + last night that in future two of us shall always stay up here, and shall + take it by turns to keep watch. It won't be necessary to stand outside. If + the curtain is pulled aside three or four inches one can see right down + the valley, and any Indians coming up could be made out. If the party is a + strong one a gun would be fired as a signal to those away hunting, and + some damp wood thrown on the fire. They might possibly push on up the + valley to have a look at the place, but the two up here with their rifles + would soon stop them. After that, of course, the horses would have to be + brought up here at night, and a watch kept by night as well as by day." + </p> + <p> + Two or three mornings later they found on going out that two joints of + venison had been carried off, and footprints in the snow showed that it + had been done by a grizzly bear. This turned their attention again to the + construction of a trap, which had not been thought of since the day it was + first mentioned. A young tree of four or five inches in diameter was cut + below and brought up. The butt was cut in the shape of a wedge, and this + was driven strongly into a fissure in the rock. A rope with a running + noose had been fastened to the tree, and this was bent down by the united + strength of four men, and fixed to a catch fastened in the ground, the + noose being kept open by two sticks placed across it. + </p> + <p> + A foot beyond the noose a joint of venison was hung, the rope passing over + a pole and then down to the catch, so that upon the joint being pulled the + catch would be loosened, when the tree would fly up and the noose catch + anything that might be through it. + </p> + <p> + A week later they were disturbed by an outburst of violent growling. + Seizing their rifles they rushed out. A huge bear was caught by one of his + paws. The animal's weight was too great for it to be lifted from the + ground, but it was standing upright with its paw above its head, making + furious efforts to free itself. A volley of bullets at once put an end to + its life. The tree was bent down again and the noose loosed, and they at + once returned to their rugs, leaving the bear where it fell. Four times + during the winter did they thus capture intruders, providing themselves + with an ample supply of bear's flesh, while the skins would sell well down + at the settlements. + </p> + <p> + Otherwise sport was not very good. No more wapiti came up, but black and + white tail deer were occasionally shot, and five or six big-horn sheep + also fell to their rifles. One day on approaching the beaver meadow the + chief pointed to some deep footprints. No explanation was needed. All knew + that they were made by a big grizzly, and that the animal was going up the + valley. No horses were in view on the flat, and grasping their rifles they + hurried towards the wood. Just as they reached it the horses came + galloping to meet them, whinnying and snorting. + </p> + <p> + "They have been scared by the critter," Jerry said. "Do you see their + coats are staring. Gosh, look at this pack-pony—the bear has had his + paw on him!" + </p> + <p> + The animal's hind-quarters were indeed badly torn. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder how it got away," Harry said. "When a grizzly once gets hold, it + don't often leave go." + </p> + <p> + "There is something in front of the hut," Tom exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "It's the grizzly, sure enough," Harry said. "It is a rum place for it to + go to sleep." + </p> + <p> + They advanced, holding their rifles in readiness to fire, when Leaping + Horse said: + </p> + <p> + "Bear dead." + </p> + <p> + "What can have killed him?" Harry asked doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + "Horses kill him," the chief replied. They hurried up to the spot. The + bear was indeed dead, and there were signs of a desperate struggle. There + was blood on the snow from a point near the door of the hut to where the + animal was lying ten yards away. Round it the snow was all trampled + deeply. The bear's head was battered out of all shape; its jaw was broken, + and one of its eyes driven out. The Indians examined the ground closely. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what do you make of it, chief?" Harry asked. + </p> + <p> + "Bear walk round hut, come in other end. Horses not able to get out in + time. Pack-horse last, bear catch him by hind-quarters. Horse drag him a + little way and then fall. Then other horses come back, form ring round + bear and kick him. Look at prints of fore-feet deep in snow. That is where + they kick; they break bear's jaw, break his ribs, keep on kick till he + dead." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose that is how it came about, chief. I should not have thought + they would have done it." + </p> + <p> + The Seneca nodded. "When wild horses with young foals attacked by bear or + mountain-lion, they form circle with colts in the middle, stand heads in + and kick. Bears and mountain-lion afraid to attack them." + </p> + <p> + "Waal, I should hardly have believed if I had not seen it," Sam Hicks + said, "that horses would come back to attack a grizzly." + </p> + <p> + "Not come back," the chief said, "if not for friend. Friend cry out loud, + then horses come back, fight bear and kill him." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it was mighty plucky of them," Harry said. "I am afraid this pony + won't get over it; he is terribly torn." + </p> + <p> + The chief examined the horse's wounds again. "Get over it," he said. "Cold + stop wounds bleeding, get some fat and put in." + </p> + <p> + "I reckon you will find plenty inside the grizzly," Jerry said. The chief + shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "Bear's fat bad; other horses smell him, perhaps keep away from him, + perhaps kick him. Leaping Horse will bring fat from the big-horn he shot + yesterday." + </p> + <p> + The animal lay where it had fallen, a mile up the valley. They went up and + tied the great sheep's feet together, and putting a pole through them + brought it down to the hut. Partly skinning it, they obtained some fat and + melted this in a kettle over the fire. Sam Hicks had remained behind at + the fire, the horses all standing near him, excited at the prospect of + their usual meal. As soon as the fat was melted it was poured into the + horse's wounds. The mess of gruel was then prepared and given to the + animals. The bear was skinned and the hams cut off, then by a united + effort it was dragged some distance from the hut, and the carcass of the + big-horn, the bear's flesh and hide, were afterwards carried up to the + hut. + </p> + <p> + Early in February the cold reached its extreme point, and in spite of + keeping up a good fire they had long before this been compelled to build + up the entrance with a wall of firewood, the interstices being stuffed + with moss; the hut was lighted by lamps of bear and deer fat melted down + and poured into tin drinking-cups, the wicks being composed of strips of + birch bark. A watch was regularly kept all day, two always remaining in + the hut, one keeping watch through a small slip cut in the curtain before + the narrow orifice in the log wall, that served as a door, the other + looking after the fire, keeping up a good supply of melted snow, and + preparing dinner ready for the return of the hunters at sunset. Of an + evening they told stories, and their stock of yarns of their own + adventures and of those they had heard from others, seemed to Tom + inexhaustible. + </p> + <p> + Hunting Dog had made rapid advances with his English, and he and Tom had + become great friends, always hunting together, or when their turn came, + remaining together on guard. The cold was now so intense that the hunting + party was seldom out for more than two or three hours. Regularly twice a + week the horses were given their ration of hot gruel, and although they + had fallen away greatly in flesh they maintained their health, and were + capable of work if called upon to do it. It was one day in the middle of + February, that Hunting Dog, who was standing at the peep-hole, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + "'Rappahoes!" + </p> + <p> + Tom sprang up from the side of the fire, and running to the entrance + pulled aside the curtain and looked out. Six Indians on snow-shoes were + coming up the valley. He ran out on to the platform and fired his ride. As + the sound of the report reached the Indians' ears they stopped suddenly. + </p> + <p> + "Shall I throw some green wood on the fire, Hunting Dog?" + </p> + <p> + "No need," the Indian replied. "The others only gone an hour, not farther + than horses' hut; hear gun plain enough. Perhaps 'Rappahoes go back." + </p> + <p> + The Indians remained for some time in consultation. + </p> + <p> + "Not know where gun fired," Hunting Dog said. "Soon see hut, then know." + </p> + <p> + After a time the red-skins continued their way up the valley, but instead + of coming on carelessly in the centre they separated, and going to the + other side crept along among the fallen boulders there, where they would + have escaped observation had it not been for their figures showing against + the white snow. + </p> + <p> + "Must fire now," the young Indian said, "then Leaping Horse know + 'Rappahoes coming up." + </p> + <p> + They went out on to the platform and opened fire. They knew that their + chance of hitting one of the Indians was small indeed; the other side of + the valley was a quarter of a mile away, and the height at which they were + standing rendered it difficult to judge the elevation necessary for their + rifles. However, they fired as fast as they could load. + </p> + <p> + The Indians made no reply, for their guns would not carry anything like + the distance. They occasionally gathered when they came upon a boulder of + rock sufficiently large to give shelter to them all, and then moved on + again one at a time. When opposite the lower end of the pathway they again + held a consultation. + </p> + <p> + "No go further," Hunting Dog said. "Afraid we come down path and stop + them. See, Leaping Horse among rocks." + </p> + <p> + It was some time before Tom could detect the Indian, so stealthily did he + move from rock to rock. + </p> + <p> + "Where are the others?" + </p> + <p> + "No see, somewhere in bushes. Leaping Horse go on to scout; not know how + many 'Rappahoes." + </p> + <p> + Presently they saw the chief raise his head behind a rock within a hundred + yards of that behind which the 'Rappahoes were sheltering. + </p> + <p> + "He see them now," Hunting Dog said. "See, he going to fire." There was a + puff of smoke and a sharp report, and almost simultaneously rose an Indian + yell, and the war-cry of the Seneca. Then five Indians leapt out from + behind the rock and made down the valley at full speed, while from a clump + of trees two hundred yards above the spot from which the chief had fired + the four white men hurried out rifle in hand. The chief waited until they + joined him, for the bend in the valley prevented him from seeing that the + 'Rappahoes were making straight down it, and it would have been imprudent + to have ventured out until his white allies came up. + </p> + <p> + "They have gone right down," Tom shouted at the top of his voice. Harry + waved his arm to show that he heard the words, and then the five men ran + to the corner. The Indians were already a quarter of a mile away, and were + just entering the wood below. The whites were about to fire, when the + chief stopped them. "No use fire," he said. "Stand back behind rocks; no + good let 'Rappahoes count our rifles." + </p> + <p> + "That is true enough, chief," Harry said, as they all sprang among the + rocks. "All they know at present is, that there are two up on the top + there and one down here. If we were sure that we could wipe them all out + it would be worth following and making a running fight of it, but there + would be no chance of that, and it is better to let them go without + learning more about us. Well, I should say the first thing is to get up + the horses." + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded. + </p> + <p> + "Get up," he said, "but no fear 'Rappahoes come back to-night. Many hours' + journey down to villages, then great council. Next night scouts come up + valley, look all about for sign, and then go back and tell friends." + </p> + <p> + "I dare say you are right, chief. Anyhow, I shall feel a great deal more + comfortable when we have got the critters up." + </p> + <p> + It was late in the afternoon before they reached the hut. Some hours were + spent in collecting tufts of grass in places sheltered from the snow, and + in cutting off great bundles of young fir-branches and the heads of + evergreen bushes, and the horses arrived almost hidden under the load of + grass and foliage they carried. Little was said until some hot tea had + been drunk and the bear steaks in readiness were disposed of, for although + they had worked hard and kept themselves comparatively warm down in the + valley, they had as they moved slowly up the path with the horses become + chilled to the bone. + </p> + <p> + "Now then, chief," Harry said, when they had lighted their pipes with the + mixture of tobacco and willow bark that they had taken to, as soon as they + found that they were likely to be imprisoned all the winter, "we must hold + a council. We have been longer than I expected without disturbance by + these varmint, but it has come now, and the question is what are we to do? + We have agreed all along that there is no getting over the pass till the + spring comes." + </p> + <p> + "Too cold," the chief said, "deep drift snow. Indians all say no can pass + over hills in winter." + </p> + <p> + "That air a fact," Jerry said. "Down in the valley there it is all right, + but up here the cold pretty near takes one's breath away. We ain't sure + about the way. We couldn't get over the pass in one day's tramp, and we + should be all stiff before morning. There would be no taking the horses, + and there is a hundred miles to be done over the snow before we reach the + fort. It ain't to be thought of. I would a sight rather go down the valley + and fight the hull tribe." + </p> + <p> + "I agree with you, Jerry. We might, with luck, get down the valley, but I + don't think there is a possibility of our crossing the pass till the + winter breaks." + </p> + <p> + "No can go down valley," Leaping Horse said; "they find trail on snow, + sure." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, chief, and in that case it is evident that we have got to + fight it out here." + </p> + <p> + "Good place to stop," the Seneca said; "no good place to fight." + </p> + <p> + This was self-evident. An enemy on the rock above would be able to fire + down through the roof, without their having a chance of making an + effectual reply. + </p> + <p> + "The only way I can see," Harry said after a long pause, "is to build a + sort of fort up above. If we put it just at the top of this pathway, we + should have them whether they came up by the trail from below or climbed + up anywhere else and came along above. It need not be a very big place, + only just big enough for us all to fire over. We might make a sort of + shelter in it with a fire, and keep guard there by turns." The chief + nodded, and there was a general exclamation of assent from the others. + </p> + <p> + "The worst of it is," Jerry said, "the ground is so 'tarnal hard that + there will be no driving posts into it. We have cut down all the trees + near the bottom of the pass, and it would be a risky thing to go up + higher, when we might have the red-skins come whooping up the valley at + any time." + </p> + <p> + "Why not make a snow fort?" Tom suggested. "There is four feet of snow up + there, and with the shovels we could make a wall ten feet high in a very + short time." + </p> + <p> + "So we might, Tom; that is a capital idea. The difficulty is, the snow + does not bind in this bitter cold as it does in England." + </p> + <p> + "If it was hammered down it would, I should think, uncle. You know the + Esquimaux make snow houses, and it is as cold there as it is here. The + snow at the top is light enough, but I should think as it gets down it + would be hard enough to cut out in blocks. We have plenty of water, and if + we pour it over each layer of blocks it would freeze into solid ice + directly. When we finish it we might pour more water down over the + outside, and it would make a regular wall of ice that no one could climb + up." + </p> + <p> + "Hooray! Bully for you, Tom!" Jerry shouted, while similar exclamations of + approval broke from all the others, while the chief said gravely, "My + young brother has the head of a man; he is able to teach warriors." + </p> + <p> + "You shall be engineer-in-chief, Tom," Harry said. "It is certain we may + sleep quietly to-night; at daybreak to-morrow we will begin the job." + </p> + <p> + The first thing in the morning a semicircular line was traced out at the + top of their pathway. It was thirty feet across, for, as Tom said, the + walls ought to be at least four feet thick; and six feet would be better, + as they would want a parapet at least two feet thick to fire over. It was + agreed that the whites should use the two shovels by turns. The Indians + were unaccustomed to the work, and were to undertake that of scouting + along the hillside, and of watching by turns at night. The frying-pan was + brought into requisition, a wooden handle being made for it. The hard + upper crust was removed with the shovels, and the layer beneath this was + sufficiently soft for the instrument to be used as a shovel. Below that it + hardened, and could be cut out in great blocks. The loose snow was thrown + inside of the line traced out. + </p> + <p> + As fast as the blocks were cut out they were carried and piled regularly + to form the face. Tom's share of the work was to keep on melting snow, and + to bring it up and pour between and over the blocks. As fast as a line of + these were made the loose snow was thrown in behind it and trampled down + hard. Except for meals there was no rest. The chief said that as there was + little chance of the 'Rappahoes coming up so soon, Hunting Dog had better + stay behind and help, and he lent his aid in carrying the blocks of snow + on a rough stretcher they made for the purpose. By the time it became dark + the wall had risen to a height of three feet above the general level of + the snow, and was already sufficient to form an excellent breastwork. + </p> + <p> + At the end farthest from the side from which the Indians were likely to + come, a gap was left between it and the edge of the ravine three feet + wide, in order that if necessary the horses could pass out. When it became + dark the chief returned. He had gone many miles along towards the main + valley, but had seen no sign of any Indians. After supper was over he took + one of the wapiti skins and his buffalo robe, went up to the "fort," as + they had already called it, and laid the deer-skin down on the slope of + snow behind the wall, wrapped the buffalo robe round him, and lay down + upon it. Hunting Dog then threw another robe over him, projecting a foot + beyond his head, so that he could from time to time raise it and look out + over the snow. The night was a dark one, but any object moving across the + unbroken white surface could be seen at a considerable distance. + </p> + <p> + "I feel sure I should go to sleep," Tom said, "if I were to lie down like + that." + </p> + <p> + "I have no doubt you would, Tom, but there is no fear with the chief. An + Indian never sleeps on the watch, or if he does sleep, it is like a dog: + he seems to hear as well as if he were awake, and every minute or two his + eyes open and he takes a look round. I would rather have an Indian sentry + than half a dozen white ones, unless it is in the open, where there is no + tree to lean against, and a man must keep moving." + </p> + <p> + Hunting Dog threw himself down as soon as he returned to the hut, and was + almost instantly asleep. Three hours later he rose and went out, and + Leaping Horse a minute or two later returned. + </p> + <p> + "All quiet," he said; and then after smoking for a short time also lay + down. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII — THE SNOW FORT + </h2> + <p> + The hut was quiet at an unusually early hour, for the men had done a very + hard day's work, and felt the strain after the long weeks of inactivity. + At daybreak they were up and about, but could remain out but a few + minutes, for the cold was so intense that they felt unable to face it + until they had taken some hot tea and eaten something. Half an hour + sufficed for this early breakfast. Hunting Dog was again left behind by + the chief when he started. + </p> + <p> + "Two eyes enough," the latter said. "Hunting Dog more use here." + </p> + <p> + The wall of blocks was raised three more feet during the day, as it was + agreed to devote all their efforts to this, and to defer the work of + thickening it until the next day, for the snow had now been cleared so far + from its foot that it could no longer be thrown inside. Though but six + feet above the snow level, it was at least three feet more above the level + of the rock, and its face was a solid sheet of ice, Tom having, during the + two days, made innumerable journeys backwards and forwards with + snow-water. + </p> + <p> + "Another couple of feet and it will be high enough for anything," Harry + said. "I don't believe that the Indians will venture to attack us, but it + is just as well to have it so high that they can't help each other up to + the top. If they knew how strong it is, I am sure they would not attack, + and would leave us alone altogether, but if a hundred of them creep up in + the dark and make a rush, they will do their best to try to climb it. + Anyhow we sha'n't need to make the bank behind very high. If it goes to + within four feet and a half of the top, so that we can stand and fire over + the wall, that is all that is wanted." + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse returned at dusk as before. He uttered a warm approval of + the work when he had examined it. + </p> + <p> + "Good fort," he said, "better than palisades. Indian no climb over it. No + opening to fire through, good as wall of town house." + </p> + <p> + "I think they will be puzzled when they get here, chief." + </p> + <p> + "Must watch well to-night," the chief said. "Indian scout sure to come. + Two men keep on watch; two better than one." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, chief; we will change every hour. But it will be mighty cold. + I don't see why we shouldn't rig up a shelter against the wall, and have a + bit of a fire there. Then the two on watch can take it by turns every few + minutes to come in and get a warm." + </p> + <p> + With poles and skins a lean-to was speedily constructed against the wall. + The snow was hammered down, and a hearth made of half a dozen logs packed + closely together. Some brands were brought up from the fire in the hut, + and the skins across the end of the lean-to dropped, so that the air + within could get warm while they were at supper. + </p> + <p> + "Hunting Dog and Tom shall take the first watch," Harry said; "Sam and I + will take the next, Jerry and Ben the third, then you, chief, can take the + next." + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse watch by himself," the Seneca said; "his eyes will be + open." + </p> + <p> + "Very well, chief. I know you are as good as any two of us, so that will + give us each one hour out and three hours in bed." + </p> + <p> + Wrapping buffalo robes round them, Tom and the young Indian went up to the + fort. Tom drew aside one of the skins and looked into the shelter. The + hearth was in a glow, and two logs lying on it were burning well. The + night was very still, except for the occasional rumble of some distant + snow-slide. For a few minutes they stood looking over the wall, but + keeping far back, so that only their heads were above its level. + </p> + <p> + "Tom go in by the fire," the Indian said. "All white, no need for four + eyes." + </p> + <p> + "Very well, I will go in first; but mind, you have got to go in + afterwards. I sha'n't go in if you don't." + </p> + <p> + After waiting for a few minutes in the shelter Tom went out again, and + Hunting Dog took his place. It was his first war-path, and nothing would + have persuaded him to retire from the watch had he not felt sure that even + white men's eyes could not fail to detect any dark object moving on the + surface of the snow. But although all white the surface was not level; + here and there were sudden elevations marking rises in the rock beneath. + Still it seemed impossible to Tom that anyone could approach unseen. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the protection of the buffalo robe it was intensely cold + outside, and he was glad each time when his turn came for a warm by the + fire. The changes, too, made the time pass quickly, and he was quite + surprised when his uncle and Sam came out to relieve them. The other two + men and the chief were still smoking by the fire. There was tea in the + kettle, and they evidently did not mean to lie down until after their + first watch. Every few minutes the chief got up and went out to the + platform, and stood listening there intently for a short time. Just before + it was time to change the guard again he said when he returned: + </p> + <p> + "Indian down in valley." + </p> + <p> + "Have you heard them, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse heard a dead stick crack." + </p> + <p> + "That might have been a deer," Ben suggested. + </p> + <p> + The chief shook his head. "'Rappahoe; heard gun strike tree." + </p> + <p> + "Then I reckon they will be up in our watch," Ben said. "Well, we shall be + ready for them." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps come, perhaps not come; perhaps scout up valley first see if some + of us there, and look for horses. Perhaps some come up path; but crawl up + slow, not know whether look-out there." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I don't envy them if they have got much crawling to do to-night; it + is cold enough to freeze one's breath." + </p> + <p> + "'Rappahoe not like cold," the chief said, "but wants scalp bad; that + makes his blood warm." + </p> + <p> + "I will let some of it out," Jerry said wrathfully, "if I get a chance to + lay a bead on one of them. Don't you be afeard, chief; we will look out + sharp enough, you bet. Waal, I reckon it is about our time to turn out, + Ben." + </p> + <p> + "Jerry tells me that you have heard noises below, chief," Harry said when + he came in. "We heard nothing, but it ain't easy to hear well with these + hoods over one's head." + </p> + <p> + "Hoods bad for hear," the chief assented. "Leaping Horse heard plain, + Indians down below." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it is only what we expected, chief. Anyhow, we are ready for them + when they come." + </p> + <p> + Tom lay down now, and knew nothing more till Hunting Dog touched him. + </p> + <p> + "Time to go and watch," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Has everything been quiet?" + </p> + <p> + The Indian nodded. "No come yet." + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse remained at his post after they came out to relieve him. Tom + made no comment. Harry had impressed upon him the necessity for absolute + silence. + </p> + <p> + "If they hear voices they will never come near us," he had said, "and we + would rather they came than stopped away. The sooner we get this job over + the better." + </p> + <p> + The chief stood with his head slightly bent forward and the hood of his + hunting-shirt thrown back, listening attentively. Then he touched Hunting + Dog, and stooping low down whispered something in his ear, and then both + stood again listening. Tom, too, threw back his hood, but he could hear + nothing whatever, and was soon glad to pull it forward over his ears + again. He strained his eyes in the direction towards which they were + listening, which was apparently towards the edge of the ravine where the + Indian trail came up from below. All seemed to him to be white and bare. + </p> + <p> + Presently the chief's rifle went up to his shoulder; there was a sharp + crack, a dark figure leapt up from the snow fifty yards away and then fell + headlong down again. It seemed to Tom almost magical. His eyes had been + fixed in that direction for the last five minutes, and he could have sworn + that the surface of the snow was unbroken. A minute later the other four + men came running up. + </p> + <p> + "What is it, chief?" Harry whispered. + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse pointed to the dark figure stretched out on the snow. + </p> + <p> + "So you have got the varmint. Good! Do you think there are any more of + them about?" + </p> + <p> + "More there sure," the chief said, pointing to the path up from below. + "Perhaps more there," and he pointed to a broad black line from the foot + of the cliffs to the edge of the ravine, where, three days before, an + avalanche from the hills above had swept the rock clear of snow. + </p> + <p> + "They must have made sure that we were all asleep, or that fellow would + never have shown himself on the snow," Harry said. + </p> + <p> + "He did not show himself, uncle. How he got there I don't know; but I was + looking at the spot when the chief fired, and I saw no signs of him + whatever. How he hid himself I don't know. If it had been anywhere else I + should have said he must have had a white sheet over him." + </p> + <p> + "It certainly was not that whatever it was, Tom. However, we shall see in + the morning. Well, we may as well turn in again. Will they try again, do + you think, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Not try to-night, too cold; if any there, will hide up till daybreak. Now + they know we are awake, will not venture on snow." + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later a great fire was lighted out of gunshot range lower + down the valley, and three or four figures could be seen round it. + </p> + <p> + "Too cold," Hunting Dog said to Tom. "All gone down to get warm." + </p> + <p> + The watches were relieved regularly through the night, but there was no + further alarm until just after daylight had broken, when Sam Hicks + suddenly discharged his rifle. The others all turned out at once. He had + fired at a bush just at the point where the trail came up from below, and + he declared that he had seen a slight movement there, and that some pieces + of the snow had dropped from the leaves. + </p> + <p> + "We will make sure that there is no one there," Harry said, "and then we + will turn out and have a look. It is like enough that one of the red-skins + from below came up the path to have a look at us this morning." + </p> + <p> + He took a steady aim and fired. + </p> + <p> + "Fetch up an axe, Tom; we will cut that bush away at once. It is lucky + that Sam caught sight of the red-skin. If he had not done so he might have + got a bullet in his own head, for when the red-skin had finished taking a + view of the fort he would certainly have picked off Sam or myself before + he went down. It is a weak point, that from here one can't command the + path. If they come in force we shall have to keep watch on the platform + too. From there you can get a sight of two or three of its turnings." + </p> + <p> + [Image: "They Went Out To Look At The Indian The Chief Had Shot."] + </p> + <p> + They went out together, and as they passed, stopped to look at the body of + the Indian the chief had shot. He was a young brave of two-or + three-and-twenty, and the manner of his advance so far unperceived was now + evident. Favoured by a slight fall in the ground, he had crawled forward, + scooping a trench wide enough for his body a foot in depth, pushing the + snow always forward, so that it formed a sort of bank in front of him and + screened him from the sight of those on watch. The chief's keen eye had + perceived a slight movement of the snow, and after watching a moment had + fired at the point where he judged anyone concealed by it must be. He had + calculated accurately. The ball had struck on the shoulder close to the + neck, and had passed down through the body. The Indian had brought no + rifle with him, but had knife and tomahawk in his belt. + </p> + <p> + "Poor young fellow," Harry said. "He wanted to win a name for himself by a + deed of desperate bravery. It has cost him his life, but as he would have + taken ours if he had had a chance it is of no use regretting it." + </p> + <p> + They now went on to the bush. + </p> + <p> + "You were right, Sam," he went on, as they saw the impression on the snow + made by a figure lying down behind it. "There was an Indian here sure + enough, and here is the mark of the stock of his rifle, and no doubt he + would have picked off one of us if you had not scared him. I don't expect + you hit him; there are no signs of blood." + </p> + <p> + "Fire too high," the chief said, pointing to a twig that had been freshly + cut off two feet from the ground. "Always shoot low at man behind bush. + Man cannot float in air." + </p> + <p> + There was a general laugh at Sam, who replied: "I did not suppose he + could, chief. I just fired where I saw the snow fall, without thinking + about it one way or the other. I was an all-fired fool, but I shall know + better next time." + </p> + <p> + The bush was cut down, and also two or three others that grew along by the + edge of the ravine. On their way back to the hut Harry stopped by the dead + Indian. + </p> + <p> + "Fetch me a shovel, Tom," he said, "I will dig a hole in the snow; it + ain't a pleasant object to be looking at anyway." + </p> + <p> + Tom fetched the shovel, Harry dug down in the snow till he reached the + rock, then he and Jerry laid the body in it and filled in the snow again. + The chief looked on. + </p> + <p> + "Bears get him," he said when they had finished. + </p> + <p> + "That is like enough, chief, but we have done the best we can for him. + There is no digging into the rock." + </p> + <p> + "I thought the Indians always scalped enemies they shot?" Tom afterwards + said to his uncle. + </p> + <p> + "So they do, Tom; but you see the chief is a sort of civilized Indian. He + has consorted for years with whites, and he knows that we don't like it. I + don't say he wouldn't do it if he were on the war-path by himself, but + with us he doesn't, at any rate not openly. I have no doubt it went + against his grain to see the red-skin buried with his hair on, for the + scalp would have been a creditable one, as it would not have been got + without a clear eye and good judgment in shooting. I have no doubt he has + got some scalps about him now, though he don't show them; but they will be + hung up some day if he ever settles down in a wigwam of his own. + </p> + <p> + "Well, chief, and what do you think," he asked Leaping Horse, as, after + returning to the hut, they sat down to breakfast, "will they come or won't + they?" + </p> + <p> + "I think they no come," the chief said. "Scout behind bush will tell them + fort too strong to take; must cross snow, and many fall before they get to + it. Very hard to climb. No like cold, Leaping Horse thinks they will stop + in wigwams." + </p> + <p> + "No fools either," Jerry agreed; "a man would be worse than a natural if + he were to go fooling about in this weather, and run a pretty good big + risk of getting shot and nothing much to gain by it. They know we have + left their country now, and ain't likely to come back again either to hunt + there or to dig gold, and that all we want is to get away as soon as we + can. I allow that the chief is right, and that we sha'n't hear no more of + them, anyhow not for some time." + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded. "If come again, not come now. Wait a moon, then think + perhaps we sleep sound and try again; but more likely not try." + </p> + <p> + "Much more likely," Harry assented. "Unless they can do it by a surprise. + Indians are not fond of attacking; they know we shoot straighter than they + do and have better rifles. You remember that time when you and I and + Jersey Dick kept off a party of Navahoes from sunrise till sunset down + near the Emigrant trail? It was lucky for us that a post-rider who was + passing along heard the firing, and took the news to a fort, and that the + officer there brought out fifty troopers just as the sun went down, or we + should have been rubbed out that night sure." + </p> + <p> + The Seneca nodded. + </p> + <p> + "How was it, Harry?" Sam Hicks asked. + </p> + <p> + "It was just the usual thing, Sam. We had left the trail two days before, + and were hunting on our own account when the Navahoes came down. We had + just time to throw the three horses and lie down behind them. They were + within two hundred yards when I began and fetched the chief, who was + leading them, out of his saddle. Leaping Horse brought down another one + and Jersey Dick held his fire, and instead of keeping straight on they + began to straggle round. And they kept at that all day. Sometimes they + would get in pretty close, but each time they did the chief brought down a + horse, and when his rider, who was of course hanging on the other side of + him, got up to run, I fetched him down. Dick wasn't much of a shot, so we + would not let him fire. It discourages red-skins mightily when they see + that there is never a shot thrown away, and that it is sure death whenever + one draws a trigger. So at last they got careful and held off, knowing as + they would get us at night, when they could have crawled up on foot and + made a rush when they got close to us. + </p> + <p> + "The worst of it was we hadn't struck water the evening before, and it was + just one of the hottest days on the plains, and we were pretty nigh mad + with thirst before evening. I believe when the soldiers rode up I was + about as glad to get a drink from one of their bottles as I was that the + Navahoes bolted when they saw them coming. No, the red-skins ain't any + good for an open attack; they would have lost fewer men by riding straight + at us than they did by fooling round, but they could not bring themselves + to do it, and I reckon that is what it will be here. They may, as the + chief says, try, say six weeks on, when the frost begins to break, in + hopes that we may have given up keeping watch: but if they find us awake + they will never try an open attack, for they could not reckon on taking + the place without losing a score of men in doing so. If the snow was off + the ground it would be different. Then of a dark night they could crawl up + close and make a rush." + </p> + <p> + After breakfast the chief and Hunting Dog went out scouting. When they + returned they brought news that three Indians had come over the snow along + the side of the hills, that three others had come up the valley, and that + in a wood half a mile below where they had seen the fire, there had been a + large party encamped. + </p> + <p> + "I reckoned that would be about it, chief. Three fellows came along over + the hill, in case we should be keeping guard at the top of the path, and + they had a big force somewhere down below, so that if the scouts reported + that there was nothing to prevent them falling on us they would come up + before morning and wipe us out. I suppose they have all ridden off?" + </p> + <p> + "All gone. Leaping Horse and Hunting Dog followed right down valley. No + stop anywhere, gone back to lodges." + </p> + <p> + "Then in that case, Harry, we had best get the critters down to their shed + again. They have eaten all that stuff they brought up three days ago, I + gave them the last of it this morning. The Indians know that we keep a + pretty sharp look-out during the day and there ain't no fear of their + coming up here when it is light." + </p> + <p> + As the chief was also of opinion that there was no danger, the horses were + taken down the path into the valley, where on having their bridles + unbuckled they at once trotted off of their own accord towards the beaver + meadow. + </p> + <p> + For the next six weeks a watch was kept regularly, but by only one man at + a time. The horses were driven down to the valley every morning and + brought up again before sunset. There was little hunting now, for they had + as many skins as they could carry comfortably, and a supply of frozen meat + sufficient to last well into the spring. In March the weather became + perceptibly warmer, and the snow in the valley began to melt where the + full power of the sun at mid-day fell upon it. Day by day the crashes of + distant avalanches became more frequent, and they began to look forward to + the time when they should be able to proceed on their journey. + </p> + <p> + One night towards the end of the month Tom was on watch, when he heard a + rustling sound far up beyond the wall of cliff in front of him. It grew + louder and rose to a roar, and then a white mass came pouring down over + the cliff. Leaping from the wall he dashed down the path to the hut. It + needed no word to call the men to their feet, for a deep rumbling filled + the air and the rock seemed to quiver. The horses struggled to break their + head-ropes and snorted with fright. + </p> + <p> + "Your backs to the wall!" Harry shouted, and as all leapt across at his + order there was a crash overhead. The roof above them fell in and a mass + of snow followed; a minute later a deep silence followed the deafening + roar. + </p> + <p> + "Anyone hurt?" Harry shouted, and the replies came in muffled tones. Tom + was jambed against the rock by the snow; he was nearest to the entrance, + his uncle was next to him. + </p> + <p> + "I am all right at present, uncle, but I feel half smothered." + </p> + <p> + "All right, lad; I am pretty free, and I will soon clear you a bit." + </p> + <p> + The snow was pushed away from before Tom's face, his left arm was cleared, + and then his uncle with a vigorous pull brought him back close to him. + Here he was comparatively free, for a part of the roof had fallen close to + the wall and had partially kept off the snow. Then Harry turned, and with + some difficulty managed to get Jerry, who was next to him, freed from the + snow. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Jerry, you work along that way and get at the others. Tom and I will + try to burrow a way out." + </p> + <p> + It was a difficult task. Once through the passage in the log wall they + pushed to the left towards the edge of the platform, taking it by turns to + go first until the snow became lighter; then by a vigorous effort Harry + rose to his feet, sending a mass of snow tumbling over the edge of the + platform. As soon as Tom had joined him they set to work with hands and + knives, and soon cleared a passage back to the entrance. Just as they did + so Jerry crawled out from within. + </p> + <p> + "Are they all right, Jerry?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, the others are coming; only about twelve feet of the roof caved in, + and the two Indians and Sam soon got in among the horses. I had a lot of + trouble with Ben; he had been knocked down, and I thought that he was gone + when I got him out; but he is all right now, though he can't walk yet. The + Indians and Sam have got the shovels, and are working away to clear a + passage along by the wall; there is no getting Ben out through that + rabbit-hole you have made." + </p> + <p> + "Thank God we are all right," Harry said; "it does not matter a bit, now + that we know no one is badly hurt. We will begin at this end, but we + sha'n't be able to do much until we get the shovels, the snow will fall in + as fast as we get it out." + </p> + <p> + They soon found that they could do nothing in this way. + </p> + <p> + "We will try to tunnel again," Harry said, "it is not more than ten feet + along. If we get in and hump ourselves, we shall soon get it big enough to + drag Ben out, then the others can follow, and we can set to work with the + spades to clear the place." + </p> + <p> + After a good deal of effort they succeeded in enlarging the hole, and then + got Ben through it, one crawling backwards and pulling him while the other + shoved at his legs. + </p> + <p> + "How do you feel, Ben?" Harry asked him when they laid him down outside. + </p> + <p> + "I dunno, Harry; I am afraid my back is badly hurt. I don't seem to feel + my legs at all. I expect they are numbed from the weight of snow on them." + </p> + <p> + "I will crawl into our store and fetch out the keg." + </p> + <p> + "I reckon a drop of whisky will do me good if anything will," Ben said. "I + was crushed pretty near flat, and if my head hadn't been against the wall + I should have been smothered. Are you all right, young Tom?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I am not hurt at all. The snow squeezed me against the rock, and I + could not move an inch, but uncle managed to get me a little free and then + pulled me out of it." + </p> + <p> + Harry soon came back with the whisky, and was followed by the Indians and + Sam, who found that they could do nothing with the snow, which fell in as + fast as they cleared it. Their first step was to dig out a buffalo robe to + wrap Ben in. His voice was stronger after he had drank some spirit, and he + said that he felt better already. The others at once set to work with the + shovels. They first cleared the platform along by the wall to the + entrance, and then attacked the snow which filled the space between the + two rock walls to the top. + </p> + <p> + Two of them worked with poles, loosening the snow above, and bringing it + down in masses, while those with shovels cast it out on to the platform, + going out occasionally to throw it over into the ravine. Hunting Dog made + his way up over the snow to the top of the path, and called down to say + that the fort was entirely swept away, and the chief told him to take up + his post at once at the top of the path leading from below. + </p> + <p> + "He need not have told us that the fort was gone," Jerry grumbled. "If it + had been made of cast-iron it would not have stood. The sooner we get our + rifles out the better." + </p> + <p> + This could not be done for a time, for the loosening of the snow above had + caused that below to slip, and the passage along by the wall had fallen + in. The Indians, however, who had slept beyond the part filled by snow, + had brought their pieces out with them, and could have defended the path + alone. Several times those at work were buried by falls of snow, and had + to be dragged out by the others. By daylight a considerable gap had been + made in the snow, and they were able to get into the space beyond the + fall. A number of logs, and a joint of meat that had been taken in the day + before to thaw, were brought out, and a fire was soon blazing on the + platform. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder why the snow did not shoot over as it did before?" Ben, who was + now able to sit up, remarked. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon it is the fort did it," Harry said. "Of course it went, but it + may have checked the rush of the snow for a moment, and those thick walls + couldn't have got the same way on as the rest of the snow had." + </p> + <p> + "But the fort wasn't over the roof, uncle," Tom remarked. + </p> + <p> + "No, but it may have blocked the slide a little, and thrown some of it + sideways; you see it is only this end that gave, while it shot right over + the rest of the roof just as before." + </p> + <p> + "It is mighty lucky it did not break in all along," Sam Hicks said, "for + it would have left us without horses if it had; and it would have been + mighty rough on us to have lost them, just as we are going to want them, + after our taking such pains with them all through the winter." + </p> + <p> + The chief took Hunting Dog's place as soon as he had finished his meal, + and remained on watch all day. The men worked without ceasing, but it was + not until sunset that the snow was completely cleared away. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon that we shall have to be starting before long," Jerry said as + they sat round the fire in what they before called their store-room, + having driven the horses as far in as possible to make room. "We could + have held out before as long as we liked, but it is different now. The + rock's cleared now for a hundred yards on each side of us, our fort's + gone, and there is nothing to prevent the redskins from crawling close up + the first dark night and making a rush. They are like enough to be sending + scouts up the valley occasionally, and it won't be long before they hear + that our fort has gone and the ground cleared of snow." + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse nodded. "Two men must watch at top of path," he said. + </p> + <p> + "That is right enough, chief; but we know three of them came along the + hills before, and it is like enough they will all come that way next time. + They are safe to reckon that we shall hold the path." + </p> + <p> + "It is very unfortunate," Harry said; "in another month, we should have + been able to travel. Anyhow, it seems to me that we have got to try now; + it would never do to be caught in here by the red-skins. If we are to go, + the sooner the better. All our meat has been carried over the edge. This + is about the time we expected the Indians back, and it would be dangerous + to scatter hunting. It is a big risk, too, taking the horses down to the + meadow. No, I think we can manage to get over the pass. The snow gets + softer every day when the sun is on it; but it freezes at night. We have + the moon, too, so we shall be able to travel then; and even if we take + three or four days getting over the divide we can sleep in the daytime." + </p> + <p> + "We must get a little more meat anyhow before we start," Jerry said. "This + joint ain't more than enough for another square meal for us, and though I + reckon the bighorns will be coming up to the hills again now, it won't do + to risk that." + </p> + <p> + "We have the pack-horses, Jerry." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I did not think of them. Horseflesh ain't so bad on a pinch; but I + don't want to lose our skins." + </p> + <p> + "Better our skins than our hair," Sam laughed. + </p> + <p> + "That is right enough, Sam, but I would like to save both." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps there is some of the meat under the snow," Tom suggested. "It + hung near the wall, and the snow must have come straight down on it from + above, as it did in here." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, Tom; we will have a look the first thing in the morning. I am + so tired now I would not dig for it if it were gold." + </p> + <p> + As soon as it was light the next morning they began to clear the snow from + the rest of the platform, and found to their great satisfaction four bear + hams. The rest of the meat had been swept over the edge. The two Indians + had not shared in the work, having started away early without saying where + they were going. They returned to breakfast, each carrying a hind-quarter + of venison, which they had found in the snow below. + </p> + <p> + It was agreed that a start should be made that evening. By sunset the + horses were loaded, and half an hour later they moved away. Ben Gulston + had to be assisted on to his horse, for although in other respects + recovered, it was found that he had so severely strained his back across + the loins that he was scarcely able to walk a foot. The moon was shining + brightly, and as soon as they were on the snow they could see as plainly + as if it were day. All were in high spirits that they had left the spot + where for six months they had been prisoners. They had difficulty in + restraining themselves from shouting and singing, but the chief before + starting had warned them of the necessity for travelling silently. + "Snow-slides very bad now; shouting might set them going." + </p> + <p> + The others looked rather incredulous, but Harry said: + </p> + <p> + "I know he is right, boys; for I have heard that in the Alps the guides + always forbid talking when they are crossing places exposed to avalanches. + At any rate we may as well give the snow as little chance as may be of + going for us." + </p> + <p> + They travelled in Indian file from habit rather than necessity, for the + snow was firm and hard, and the horses made their way over it without + difficulty. There had been some debate as to the way they should go; but + they determined at last to take the valley through the cliff wall, and to + strike to the right whenever they came upon a likely spot for crossing. + Two such attempts were made in vain, the upper slopes of snow being found + too steep for the horses to climb; but at the third, which was made just + after morning broke, they succeeded in getting up the hill to their right, + and, after great difficulty, descended into another valley. This they had + little doubt was the one that led to the pass, for from the hill they + could see the great peak along whose foot the trail ran. + </p> + <p> + It was ten o'clock before they got down into the valley. The snow was + beginning to be soft on the surface, and the horses were tired out. They + therefore halted, made a fire with two or three of the logs they had + brought with them for the purpose, boiled water and had breakfast, and + gave half a bucket of gruel to each of the animals. Then wrapping + themselves in their buffalo robes they lay down and slept till late in the + afternoon. The journey was resumed at sunset, and before morning they had + crossed the divide; and when the sun rose obtained a view over the country + far to the south. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII — A FRESH START + </h2> + <p> + In the evening they camped on the banks of the Green River, here a stream + of but small size, except when the melting snow swelled its waters into a + torrent. At the spot where they halted a rivulet ran into the stream from + a thickly-wooded little valley. It was frozen, but breaking the ice with + their axes they found that water was flowing underneath. They had observed + that there was a marked difference in temperature on this side of the + mountains, upon which the strength of the southern sun had already in many + places cleared away the snow. + </p> + <p> + "It is a comfort to be able to sit by a fire without the thought that + red-skins maybe crawling up towards you," Sam Hicks said heartily, "and to + sleep without being turned out to stand watch in the cold. + </p> + <p> + "You say the country ahead is bad, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Bad lands both sides of Green River. Deep canons and bare rock." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we need not follow it; it don't make any difference to us whether + we get down to the fort in a fortnight or six weeks." + </p> + <p> + "None at all," Harry said. "We have agreed that when summer fairly sets in + we will try that place I hit on just as the Utes came down on us. It is + the richest place I have ever seen, and if the Indians will but let us + alone for a month we ought to bring back a big lot of dust; and if we do, + we can sell our share in it for a big sum, and take down enough men to + thrash the Utes out of their boots if they interfere with us. By our + reckoning it is the end of March now, though we don't at all agree as to + the day; but at any rate, it is there or thereabouts. That gives us a good + six weeks, and if we start in the middle of May it will be time enough. So + I propose that we strike more to the west, or to the east, whichever you + think is the best, chief, and try and pick up a few more pelts so as to + lay in a fresh stock of goods for our next trip." + </p> + <p> + "Bad hills everywhere," the chief said; "better go west, plenty of game + there." + </p> + <p> + "No fear of Indians?" + </p> + <p> + "Indians there peaceable; make good trade with whites. Ten years ago + fight, but lose many men and not get much plunder. Trappers here good + friends with them. Traders bring up powder and cloth and beads. Indians no + give trouble." + </p> + <p> + For the next six weeks, therefore, they travelled slowly, camping + sometimes for two or three days on a stream, and then making a long march + until they again came to water. The beaver traps had been left behind, but + they were fortunate enough to come upon several beaver villages, and by + exercising patience they were able to shoot a good many, getting in all + some fifty skins. Tom used to go out in the evening and lie down to watch + the beavers at work, but he would not take a gun. + </p> + <p> + "I could not shoot them down in cold blood, uncle. It is almost like + looking at a village of human beings at work. One can shoot a man who is + wanting to shoot you, without feeling much about it, but to fire at a man + labouring in the fields is murder. Of course, if we wanted the flesh for + food it would be different." + </p> + <p> + "I did not see you refuse that beaver-tail soup we had last night, Tom." + </p> + <p> + "No, and it was very good, uncle; but I would very much rather have gone + without it than shoot the beaver the tail belonged to." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Tom, as we have all got guns, and as none of us have any scruples + that way, there is no occasion whatever for you to draw a trigger on them. + They take some shooting, for if you hit them in the water they sink + directly, and you have got to kill them dead when they are on land, + otherwise they make for the water at once and dive into their houses and + die there." + </p> + <p> + They killed a good many other animals besides the beaver, including + several wolverines, and by the time they got down to the fort in the + middle of May they had had to give up riding and pack all the animals with + the skins they had obtained. None of these were of any great value, but + the whole brought enough to buy them a fresh outfit of clothes, a fresh + stock of provisions and powder, and to give them a hundred dollars each. + </p> + <p> + The evening after the sale was effected Tom wrote home to his sisters, + giving them a brief account of what had taken place since the letter he + had posted to them before starting for the mountains, but saying very + little of their adventures with Indians. "I am afraid you have been in a + great fright about me," he said, "but you must never fidget when you don't + get letters. We may often be for a long time away from any place where we + can post them, or, as they call it here, mail them, though I certainly do + not expect to be snowed up again for a whole winter. Owing to the Indians + being hostile we did not do nearly so well as we expected, for we could + not go down to hunt in the valleys. So after getting a fresh outfit for + our next journey our share is only a hundred dollars each. I did not want + to take a share, for of course I was not of much use to them, though I + have learnt a lot in the last six months, and can shoot now as well as any + of them, except the two Indians. + </p> + <p> + "However, they all insisted on my having the same share as the rest. Uncle + wanted me to take his hundred dollars and send them home to you with mine, + but I told him that I would not do so, for I know you have money enough to + go on with, even if your school has turned out a failure. So I think it + would be as well for us to keep our money in hand for the present. There + is never any saying what may happen; we may lose our horses and kit, and + it would be very awkward if we hadn't the money to replace them. As soon + as we get more we will send it off, as you know I always intended to do. I + have still some left of what I brought out with me, but that and the two + hundred dollars would not be more than enough to buy an entirely new + outfit for us both. + </p> + <p> + "I hope you got the five hundred dollars uncle sent you. He told me he + sent it off from Denver, and it ought to have got home a few weeks after I + left. It is horrid to think that there may be letters from you lying at + Denver, but it serves me right for being so stupid as not to put in the + short note I wrote you from here before I started, that you had better + direct to me at Fort Bridger, as I shall almost be sure to come back to it + before I go to Denver. I like uncle awfully; it seems to me that he is + just what I expected he would be. I suppose they all put in equal shares, + but the other men quite look upon him as their leader. Sometimes when he + is talking to me he speaks just as people do at home. When he talks to the + men he uses the same queer words they do. He is taller than father was, + and more strongly built. What I like in him is, he is always the same. + Sometimes the others used to get grumbly when we were shut up so long, but + it never seemed to make any difference in him. + </p> + <p> + "I told you when I wrote from Denver that he was called 'Straight Harry,' + because he always acted straightforwardly, and now I know him I can quite + understand their calling him so. One feels somehow that one could rely + upon his always being the same, whatever happened. Leaping Horse is a + first-rate fellow, and so is Hunting Dog, though of course he does not + know nearly as much as the chief does, but he knows a lot. The other three + are all nice fellows, too, so we were a very jolly party. They know a + tremendous lot of stories about hunting and red-skins and that sort of + thing. Some of them would make all you girls' hairs stand on end. We are + going to start off in two or three days to hunt up a gold mine uncle found + three years ago. The Indians are going, too; they will hunt while the rest + of us work. It will be quite a different journey to the last, and I expect + it will be just as hot this time as it was cold last. We may be away for + four months, and perhaps we may not come back till the snow sets in, so + don't expect a letter till you see it." + </p> + <p> + This was by far the longest letter Tom had ever written, and it took him + several hours to get through. He had the room to himself, for the others + were talking over their adventures with old friends they had met at the + fort. His uncle returned about ten o'clock. + </p> + <p> + "Where are the others?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "In the saloon; but they are not drinking, that is, not drinking much. I + told them that if they were to get drunk one of them would be sure to blab + as to where we were going, or at any rate to say enough to excite + suspicion among some of the old miners, that we knew of a good thing, and + in that case we should get a lot of men following us, and it would + interfere with our plans altogether. A party as small as ours may live for + months without a red-skin happening to light on us, but if there were many + more they would be certain to find us. There would be too much noise going + on, too much shooting and driving backward and forward with food and + necessaries. We want it kept dark till we thoroughly prove the place. So I + made them all take an oath this morning that they would keep their heads + cool, and I told them that if one of them got drunk, or said a word about + our going after gold, I would not take him with us. I have given out that + we are going on another hunting party, and of course our having brought in + such a lot of skins will make them think that we have hit on a place where + game is abundant and are going back there for the summer." + </p> + <p> + Two more pack-ponies had been added to the outfit. They might be away for + five or six months, and were determined to take a good supply of flour + this time, for all were tired of the diet of meat only, on which they had + existed for the last six months, having devoted by far the greater part of + the flour to the horses. + </p> + <p> + When they started next day they turned their faces north, as if they + intended to hunt in the mountains where they had wintered. They made but a + short march, camped on a stream, and long before daybreak started again, + travelling for some hours to the west and then striking directly south. + For two days they travelled rapidly, Tom going out every morning with the + Indians hunting, while the others kept with the pack-horses. Ben had now + quite recovered from the strain which had crippled him for the first three + weeks of their march down to Fort Bridger. They were now fairly among the + Ute hills, and at their third camping-place Harry said: + </p> + <p> + "We must do no more shooting now till we get to our valley. We have got a + supply of deer-flesh for a week at least, and we must be careful in + future. We heard at the fort that several miners have been cut off and + killed by the Utes during the winter, and that they are more set than ever + against white men entering their country. Everyone says those rascally + Saints are at the bottom of it. We must hide our trail as much as we can. + We are just at the edge of the bad lands, and will travel on them for the + next two days. The red-skins don't go out that way much, there being + nothing either to hunt or to plunder, so there is little fear of their + coming on our trail on the bare rocks, especially as none of the horses + are shod. On the third day we shall strike right up into their mountains." + </p> + <p> + "Are you sure that you will know the place again, Harry?" + </p> + <p> + "I reckon I could find it, but I should not feel quite certain about it if + I had not the chief with me. There is no fear of his going wrong. When a + red-skin has once been to a place he can find his way straight back to it + again, even if he were a thousand miles off." + </p> + <p> + "You said when we were talking of it among the hills, uncle," Tom said, as + he rode beside him the next morning, "that Leaping Horse and you each took + two shares. I wonder what he will do with his if it turns out well." + </p> + <p> + "He won't do anything with it, Tom. The chief and I are like brothers. He + does not want gold, he has no use for it; and, besides, as a rule, Indians + never have anything to do with mining. He and Hunting Dog really come as + hunters, and he has an understanding with me that when the expedition is + over I shall pay them the same as they would earn from any English + sportsman who might engage them as guides and hunters, and that I shall + take their shares in whatever we may make. I need not say that if it turns + out as well as we expect, the Indians will get as many blankets and as + much ammunition as will last them their lives. You can't get a red-skin to + dig. Even the chief, who has been with us for years, would consider it + degrading to do work of that kind; and if you see an Indian at mining + work, you may be sure that he is one of the fellows who has left his tribe + and settled down to loaf and drink in the settlements, and is just doing a + spell to get himself enough fire-water to make himself drunk on. + </p> + <p> + "The Seneca would be just as willing to come and hunt for us for nothing. + He would get his food and the skins, which would pay for his tobacco and + ammunition, and, occasionally, a new suit of leggings and hunting-shirt, + made by an Indian woman, and with this he would be happy and contented. He + doesn't mind taking money in return for skins, and he and Hunting Dog had + their full share in the division at the fort. When I last talked to him + about this business, he said, 'Leaping Horse doesn't want money. Of what + use is it to him? He has got a bagful hidden at home, which he has been + paid when he was scouting with the army, and for the skins of beasts he + has shot. It is enough to buy many horses and blankets, and all that a + chief can want. He is going with his friend to hunt, and to fight by his + side if the Utes come; he wants none of the gold.' I explained the matter + to him, and he said carelessly: 'Leaping Horse will take the two shares, + but it will be for his brother, and that he may send it to the girls, the + sisters of his friend Tom, of whom he spoke one night by the fire.' + </p> + <p> + "Hunting Dog is like Leaping Horse, he will take no gold. I have told the + three men how matters stand. Of course, it makes no difference to them + whether the Indians keep their share or hand it over to me, but at the + same time I thought they ought to know how we stood. They said it was no + business of theirs; that as I was the discoverer I had a right to sell the + whole thing if I chose, and that they thought I had done the friendly + thing by them in letting them in as partners. So you see it is all right + and square. It is like enough, too, that we shall find some other lodes, + and of course there they will come in on even terms with us. So they are + pleased with the look-out, and know well enough it is likely to be the + best strike they ever made in their lives." + </p> + <p> + They kept near the edge of the bad lands, as had they gone farther out + they would have been obliged to make long detours to get round the head of + the caņons made by rivers running down into the Colorado. They had filled + their water-skins at the last stream where they had camped, and had taken + with them enough dried wood for their fires. These they lit each night in + a hollow, as from the upper slopes of the Ute hills a view could be + obtained for a great distance over the flat rocky plateau. Tom was + heartily glad when the two days' journey was over. Not a living creature + had met their eyes; there was no grass on which beasts could exist, no + earth in which prairie-dogs could burrow; even birds shunned the bare + waste of rock. + </p> + <p> + "It is a desolate country," he said, as they sat round the fire; "it would + be enough to give one the horrors if one were alone. It is hot now, and in + the height of summer the heat and glare from the rock must be awful." + </p> + <p> + "It is, Tom; many and many a man has died of thirst in the bad lands. And + what makes it more terrible is, that they can perhaps see water a thousand + feet below them and yet die from the want of it." + </p> + <p> + "When we were camped on the Green River, uncle, you said that no one had + ever followed it down." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, lad. One knows whereabouts it goes, as men driven by thirst + have followed caņons down to it; and in some places it runs for many miles + across low land before it plunges into another caņon. Then it cuts its way + for two or three hundred miles, perhaps, through the hills, with walls two + or three thousand feet high. No one, so far as I know, has gone down these + big caņons, but it is certain there are rapids and whirlpools and rocks in + them. Two or three parties have gone down through some of the shorter + caņons to escape Indians, and most of them have never been heard of again, + but one or two have got down some distance and managed to escape. + </p> + <p> + "No one has followed the course by land. They could not do so unless they + carried all their provisions, and drink and food for their animals, and + even then the expedition would take months, perhaps years to do; for every + spring from the hills runs down a caņon to the river, sometimes fifty + miles, sometimes a hundred long, and each time the party came upon one of + these they would have to work up to the mountains to get round it. It is + over a thousand miles in a straight line from the place where the Green + River first enters a caņon to where the Colorado issues out on to the + plains, and it may be quite twice that distance if one could follow all + its windings. Some day when the country fills up attempts will no doubt be + made to find out something about it; but it will be a big job whenever it + is tried, and may cost a lot of lives before the caņons are all explored." + </p> + <p> + In the morning they started westward for the hills. The greatest care was + observed on the march. They took advantage of every depression, and when + obliged to pass over level ground moved at a distance apart, as a clump or + string of moving animals would be made out at a distance from which a + solitary one would be unnoticed. By noon they had left the bare rock, and + were travelling up a valley clothed with grass and dotted with clumps of + trees. In the first of these they halted. + </p> + <p> + "We will stay here until it begins to get dusk," Harry said, "and then + move on as fast as we can go. If we don't lose our way we shall be there + before morning." + </p> + <p> + There was no moon, but the stars shone brilliantly, and the mountains, + with their summits still covered with snow, could be seen ahead. The chief + went on in front. Sometimes they proceeded up valleys, sometimes crossed + shoulders and spurs running down from the hills. They moved in Indian + file, and at times proceeded at a brisk pace, at other times more slowly; + but there was no halt or sign of hesitation on the part of their leader. + At last, just as morning was breaking, the chief led them into a clump of + trees. He moved a little distance in, and then reined in his horse and + dismounted. + </p> + <p> + "Does my brother remember that?" he said to Harry, pointing to something + on the ground. + </p> + <p> + "Jee-hoshaphat!" Harry exclaimed; "if that ain't my old pack-saddle! This + is the very spot where we camped, boys. Well, chief, you are certainly a + wonder. I doubt whether I could have found my way here in the daytime. + Half a dozen times to-night it seemed to me that you were going in the + wrong direction altogether, and yet you bring us as straight to the spot + as if all the time you had been following a main road." + </p> + <p> + "Bully for the chief!" Jerry said warmly. "I am blamed if that ain't a + fust-rate piece of tracking. Waal, here we are at our journey's end. Can + we make a fire?" + </p> + <p> + "Make small fire, but must put screen round." + </p> + <p> + "Very well; we will leave the fire to you, and we will unpack the + critters. There is a bundle of dry wood left, so we sha'n't have the + bother of looking for it now." + </p> + <p> + Before lighting the fire the two Indians stretched some blankets some six + feet above it, to prevent the light falling upon the foliage; then by + their directions Sam cut a dozen short poles, and fixed them in a circle + round the fire. Half a dozen more blankets were fastened to the poles, + forming a wall round the fire, which the chief then lighted. The nights + were, at that height above the sea-level, cool enough to make the heat + pleasant, and there was just room for the seven men to sit between the + blanket wall and the fire. + </p> + <p> + "Do you mean this to be our permanent camp, Harry?" + </p> + <p> + "What do you think, Leaping Horse?" + </p> + <p> + "Wait till me go up gold valley," the Seneca said. "If can't find a good + place there better stay here; if go backwards and forwards every day make + trail Indian squaw would notice." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, chief; but by what Harry says it is a mere gully, and the + horses will have to range." + </p> + <p> + "Horses must feed," the chief said. "If we find a place up there, make + hut, take saddles and outfit there. Tie up horses here, and let them loose + to feed at night. No regular track then. But talk after sleep." + </p> + <p> + "It will be broad daylight by the time that we have finished our meal," + Jerry said, "and I reckon none of us will be wanting to sleep till we have + got a sight of Harry's bonanza." + </p> + <p> + As soon as they had finished their meal, the mining implements, which had + been carefully hidden among the rest of their goods when they started from + the fort, were brought out. Among these were a dozen light pick-heads and + half a dozen handles, as many shovels, a flat iron plate for crushing ore + upon, and a short hammer, with a face six inches in diameter, as a + pounder; also a supply of long nails, to be used in fastening together + troughs, cradles, or any other woodwork that might be required; three or + four deep tin dishes, a bottle of mercury, a saw, and a few other tools. + Three of the pick-heads were now fastened to their handles, and taking + these, a couple of shovels, two of the tin basins, a sledge hammer, and + some steel wedges, and the peculiar wooden platter, in shape somewhat + resembling a small shield with an indentation in the middle, called a + vanner, and universally used by prospectors, the five whites and Leaping + Horse started from their camp for the spot where Harry had found the lode. + It lay about a mile up a narrow valley, running into the larger one. A + rivulet trickled down its centre. + </p> + <p> + "I reckoned on that," Harry said. "Of course it was frozen when we were + here, but I could see that there was water in summer. You see this hollow + runs right up into that wood, and there is sure to be water in it for the + next three months anyhow." + </p> + <p> + They had gone but a short distance up when they stopped at a spot where + the streamlet widened out into a pool. + </p> + <p> + "Let us try here," Jerry said, "and see if there is any sign." + </p> + <p> + Half a shovelful of sand was placed in the vanner with a small quantity of + water, and while Harry and Sam proceeded to wash some gravel roughly in + the pans, Tom stood watching Jerry's operations. He gave a gentle motion + to the vanner that caused its contents to revolve, the coarser particles + being thrown towards the edges while the finer remained in the centre. The + water was poured away and the rougher particles of gravel and sand swept + off by the hand; fresh water was then added, and the process repeated + again and again, until at last no more than a spoonful of fine sand + remained in the centre. A sideway action of the vanner caused this to + slope gradually down towards the edge. At the very bottom three tiny bits + of yellow metal were seen. They were no bigger than pins' heads. It seemed + to Tom that this was a miserably small return for five minutes' labour, + but the others seemed well satisfied, and were still more pleased when, on + the two pans being cleaned out, several little pieces of gold were found, + one of which was nearly as large as a small pea. + </p> + <p> + "That is good enough," Ben said; "it will run a lot richer when we get + down on to the rock." + </p> + <p> + At two other places on their way up they tried the experiments, with + increasingly good results. + </p> + <p> + "There is some tall work to be done here with washing," Harry said. "Now + come on to the vein. I only saw one of them, but there must be a lot more + or you would not find so much metal in the sand. However, the one I saw is + good enough for anything." They went on again to a point where the rock + cropped boldly out on both sides of the valley; Harry led them a few paces + up the side, and pointed to some white patches in the rock. "That is where + I chipped it off, lads, three years ago." + </p> + <p> + The face of the lode, discoloured by age and weather, differed but little + from the rock surrounding it; but where it had been broken off it was a + whitish yellow, thickly studded with little bits of dull yellow metal + sticking out of it. Tom was not greatly impressed; but he saw from the + faces of his companions that they were at once surprised and delighted. + </p> + <p> + "By gosh, Harry, you have done it this time!" Sam Hicks exclaimed. "You + have struck it rich, and no mistake. I thought from the way you talked of + it it must be something out of the way, but I am blamed if I thought it + was like this." + </p> + <p> + "Stand back, you chaps," Jerry said, lifting the heavy sledge hammer; "let + me get a drive at it. Here is a crack. Put one of them wedges in, Ben." + </p> + <p> + The wedge was placed in the fissure, and Ben held it while Jerry gave a + few light blows to get it firmly fixed. + </p> + <p> + "That will do, Ben; take away your hand and let me drive at it." Swinging + the hammer round his head Jerry brought it down with tremendous force on + the head of the wedge. Again and again the heavy hammer rose and fell, + with the accuracy of a machine, upon the right spot, until the wedge, + which was nine inches long, was buried in the crevice. + </p> + <p> + "Now another one, Ben. Give me a longer one this time." + </p> + <p> + This time Ben held the wedge until it was half buried, having perfect + confidence in Jerry's skill. It was not until the fourth wedge had been + driven in that a fragment of rock weighing four or five hundredweight + suddenly broke out from the face. All bent eagerly over it, and the miners + gave a shout of joy. The inner surface, which was white, but slightly + stained with yellow, with blurs of slate colour here and there, was + thickly studded with gold. It stuck out above the surface in thin, leafy + plates with ragged edges, with here and there larger spongy masses. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon that is good enough," Jerry said, wiping the sweat from his + forehead. "Ef there is but enough of it, it is the biggest thing that ever + was struck. There ain't no saying how rich it is, but I will bet my boots + it's over five hundred ounces to the ton. It ain't in nature that it is + going to run far like that, but it is good enough for anything. Well, what + is the next thing, Harry?" + </p> + <p> + "We will break it up," Harry said, "and carry it down with us to the camp. + If the Utes came down on us tomorrow, and we could get off with it, that + would be plenty to show if we want to make a sale." + </p> + <p> + It took them a long time to break up the rock, for the quartz was hard, + and was so bound together by the leafy gold running through it that each + of the four men had several spells with the hammer before it was broken up + into fragments weighing some twenty pounds apiece. As soon as this was + done the men collected earth, filled up the hole in the face of the rock, + and planted several large tufts of grass in it, and poured four or five + tins of water over them; then they smeared with mud the patches where + Harry had before broken pieces off. + </p> + <p> + "What is all that for, Jerry?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "It is to hide up the traces, lad. We may have to bolt away from here + to-morrow morning for anything we know, and before we come back again + someone else may come along, and though we shall locate our claims at the + mining register, there would be a lot of trouble if anyone else had taken + possession, and was working the vein when we got back." + </p> + <p> + "It is not likely that anyone else would come along here, Jerry." + </p> + <p> + "Waal, I reckon that is so, but one ain't going to trust to chance when + one has struck on such a place as this." + </p> + <p> + The Seneca had been the only unmoved person in the party. + </p> + <p> + "What do you think of that, chief?" Harry asked him. + </p> + <p> + "If my white brother is pleased Leaping Horse is glad," he replied. "But + the Indian does not care for gold. What can he do with it? He has a good + gun, he does not want twenty. He does not want many hunting suits. If he + were to buy as many horses as would fill the valley he could not ride them + all, and he would soon tire of sitting in his lodge and being waited upon + by many wives. He has enough for his needs now. When he is old it will be + time to rest." + </p> + <p> + "Well, that is philosophy, chief, and I don't say you are wrong from your + way of looking at it. But that gold means a lot to us. It means going home + to our people. It means living in comfort for the rest of our lives. It + means making our friends happy." + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse is glad," the chief said gravely. "But he cannot forget + that to him it means that the white brother, with whom he has so long + hunted and camped and fought bad Indians, will go away across the great + salt water, and Leaping Horse will see him no more." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, chief," Harry said, grasping the Indian's hand warmly, "and I + was a selfish brute not to think of it before. There is one thing I will + promise you. Every year or so I will come out here and do a couple of + months' hunting with you. The journey is long, but it is quickly made now, + and I know that after knocking about for twenty years I shall never be + content if I don't take a run out on the plains for a bit every summer. I + will give you my word, Leaping Horse, that as long as I have health and + strength I will come out regularly, and that you shall see your white + brother's friendship is as strong as your own." + </p> + <p> + The Seneca's grave face lit up with pleasure. "My white brother is very + good," he said. "He has taken away the thorn out of the heart of Leaping + Horse. His Indian brother is all glad now." + </p> + <p> + The quartz was placed in sacks they had brought with them to carry down + samples, and they at once returned to the camp, where, after smoking a + pipe, they lay down to sleep; but it was some time before all went off, so + excited were they at the thought of the fortune that seemed before them. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon they took one of the pieces of stone, weighing, by a + spring balance, twenty pounds, and with the flat plate and the + crushing-hammer went to the stream. The rock was first broken with the + sledge into pieces the size of a walnut. These were pulverized on the iron + plate and the result carefully washed, and when the work was finished the + gold was weighed in the miner's scales, and turned the four-ounce weight. + </p> + <p> + "That is nearly five hundred ounces to the ton," Harry said, "but of + course it is not going to run like that. I reckon it is a rich pocket; + there may be a ton of the stuff, and there may be fifty. Now let's go up + and have a quiet look for the lode, and see if we can trace it. We ought + to see it on the rock the other side." + </p> + <p> + A careful search showed them the quartz vein on the face of the rock some + fifty feet higher up the valley, and this showed them the direction of the + run of the lode. It was here, however, only six inches wide instead of + being two feet, as at the spot where it was first found. Some pieces were + broken off: there was gold embedded in it, but it was evident that it was + nothing like so rich as on the other side. A piece of ten pounds was + pounded up, it returned only a little over a pennyweight of gold. + </p> + <p> + "About twelve ounces to the ton," Harry said. "Not bad, but a mighty + falling off from the other. To-morrow morning we will follow the lode on + the other side and see if we can strike an outcrop." + </p> + <p> + The next day they found the lode cropping up through the rock some thirty + yards from their great find. It was about nine inches wide. They dug it + out with their picks to a depth of two feet so as to get a fair sample. + This when crushed gave a return at the rate of twenty ounces. + </p> + <p> + "That is rich enough again, and would pay splendidly if worked by + machinery. Of course the question is, how far it holds on as rich as we + found it at the face, and how it keeps on in depth? But that is just what + we can't find. We want drills and powder, as picks are no sort of good on + this hard quartz. Supposing it goes off gradually from the face to this + point, there would be millions of dollars in it, even supposing it pinched + in below, which there is no reason in the world to suppose. We may as well + take a few of these chunks of rock, they will show that the gold holds + fairly a good way back anyhow." + </p> + <p> + A few pieces were put aside and the rest thrown into the hole again, which + was stamped down and filled up with dust. The party then went back to + dinner, and a consultation was held as to what was next to be done. + </p> + <p> + "Of course we must stake out our claims at once," Harry said. "In the + first place there are our own eight claims—two for each of the + discoverers and one each for the others. Hunting Dog will not have a + share, but will be paid the regular rate as a hunter. Then we will take + twenty claims in the names of men we know. They wouldn't hold water if it + were a well-known place, and everyone scrambling to get a claim on the + lode; but as there is no one to cut in, and no one will know the place + till we have sold it and a company sends up to take possession and work + it, it ain't likely to be disputed. The question is, What shall we do now? + Shall we make back to the settlements, or try washing a bit?" + </p> + <p> + "Try washing, I should say," Jerry said. "You may be some time before you + can sell the place. Anyone buying will know that they will have to send up + a force big enough to fight the Utes, and besides they will want someone + to come up here to examine it before they close the bargain. I vote we + stick here and work the gravel for a bit so as to take enough away to keep + us till next spring. I reckon we shall find plenty of stuff in it as we go + down, and if that is so we can't do better than stick to it as long as + there is water in the creek." + </p> + <p> + "I agree with you there, Jerry; but it will never do to risk losing those + first samples. I am ready to stay here through the summer, but I vote we + sew them up in deer-hide, and put two or three thicknesses of skin on them + so as to prevent accidents. Two of us had best go with them to the fort + and ask the Major to let us stow them away in his magazine, then, if we + have to bolt, we sha'n't be weighted down with them. Besides, we might not + have time for packing them on the horses, and altogether it would be best + to get them away at once, then come what might we should have proofs of + the value of the mine." + </p> + <p> + This proposal was cordially agreed to, and it was settled that on the + following morning Harry himself should, with Hunting Dog and two + pack-horses, start for the fort, following the same route they came, while + the rest should set to work to construct a cradle, and troughs for leading + the water to it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV — AN INDIAN ATTACK + </h2> + <p> + A couple of trees were felled in the middle of the clump in which they + were still encamped. They were first roughly squared and then sawn into + planks, the three men taking it by turns to use the saw. The question of + shifting the camp up to the spot where they intended to work was discussed + the night before Harry started, but it was agreed at last that it would be + better to remain where they were. + </p> + <p> + "If Utes come, sure to find traces," the chief said. "Many horses in + valley make tracks as plain as noonday. Gold valley bad place for fight." + </p> + <p> + "That is so," Jerry agreed. "We should not have a show there. Even if we + made a log-house, and it would be a dog-goned trouble to carry up the + logs,—we might be shut up in it, and the red-skins would only have + to lie round and shoot us down if we came out. I reckon we had best stay + here after all, Harry. We could keep them outside the range of our rifles + anyhow by day." + </p> + <p> + "I don't see that that would be much good to us, Jerry; for if they came + by day they would not find us here. Still I don't know that it ain't best + for us to stay here; it would give us a lot of trouble to build a place. I + reckon two of us had better stay here all the day with the horses. If the + red-skins come, they can fire a couple of shots, and we shall hear them up + at the washing-place. The red-skins would be safe to draw off for a bit to + talk it over before they attacked, as they would not know how many there + were among the trees. That would give the rest time to come down." + </p> + <p> + It took three days' hard work to saw the planks and make the cradle, and + troughs sufficiently long to lead the water down into it from the stream + higher up. These were roughly but strongly made, the joints being smeared + with clay to prevent the water from running through. A dam was then made + to keep back the water above the spot where they intended to begin, which + was about fifty yards below the quartz vein, and from this dam the trough + was taken along on strong trestles to the cradle. + </p> + <p> + The horses were brought into the camp at daybreak every morning and tied + up to the trees, and were let out again at nightfall. Tom remained in + camp, the chief being with him. The latter, however, was, during the time + Harry was away, twice absent for a day on hunting excursions lower down + the valley, which was there thickly wooded. The first time, he returned + with the hams and a considerable portion of the rest of the flesh of a + bear. The second time, he brought up the carcass of a deer. + </p> + <p> + "How far does the valley run?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "Valley last ten miles. Sides get steep and high, then caņon begin." + </p> + <p> + "That will run right down to the Colorado?" + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded. "Leaping Horse go no farther. Caņon must go down to the + river." + </p> + <p> + "How far is it before the sides of the valley get too steep to climb?" + </p> + <p> + "Two miles from here. Men could climb another mile or two, horses not." + </p> + <p> + "Is there much game down there, chief?" + </p> + <p> + The Seneca nodded. + </p> + <p> + "That is a comfort, we sha'n't be likely to run out of fresh meat." + </p> + <p> + The chief was very careful in choosing the wood for the fire, so that in + the daytime no smoke should be seen rising from the trees. When the dead + wood in the clump of trees was exhausted he rode down the valley each day, + and returned in an hour with a large faggot fastened behind him on the + horse. He always started before daybreak, so as to reduce the risk of + being seen from the hills. On the sixth day the men began their work at + the gravel. The bottle of mercury was emptied into the cradle, the bottom + of which had been made with the greatest care, so as to prevent any loss + from leakage. Two of the men brought up the gravel in buckets and pans, + until the cradle was half full. Then water was let in, and the third man + rocked the machine and kept on removing the coarse stuff that worked up to + the top, while the others continued bringing up fresh gravel. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what luck?" Tom asked, when they returned in the evening. + </p> + <p> + "We have not cleaned up yet; we shall let it run for three or four days + before we do. We are only on the surface yet, and the stuff wouldn't pay + for the trouble of washing out." + </p> + <p> + On the eighth day after their departure Harry and Hunting Dog returned. + </p> + <p> + "Well, boys, it is all stowed away safely," he said. "I know the Major + well, and he let me have a big chest, which he locked up, after I had put + the bags in, and had it stowed away in the magazine; so there is no fear + of its being touched. Any signs of the red-skins?" + </p> + <p> + "Nary a sign. We have none of us been up the valley beyond this, so that + unless they come right down here, they would find no trail. The horses are + always driven down the valley at night." + </p> + <p> + "How is the work going on, Jerry?" + </p> + <p> + "We began washing two days ago; to-morrow night we shall clean up. We all + think it is going to turn out pretty good, for we have seen gold in the + sand several times as we have carried it up in the pails." + </p> + <p> + The next day Tom went up with the others, the Indians remaining in camp. + Two men now worked at the cradle, while the other three brought up the + sand and gravel. Towards evening they began the work of cleaning up. No + more stuff was brought up to the machine, but the water was still run into + it. As fast as the shaking brought the rough gravel to the top it was + removed, until only a foot of sand remained at the bottom. The water was + now stopped and the sand dug out, and carefully washed in the pans by + hand. At the bottom of each pan there remained after all the sand had been + removed a certain amount of gold-dust, the quantity increasing as the + bottom was approached. The last two panfuls contained a considerable + amount. + </p> + <p> + "It does not look much," Tom said when the whole was collected together. + </p> + <p> + "It is heavy stuff, lad," Harry replied. "What do you think there is, + Jerry? About twelve ounces, I should fancy." + </p> + <p> + "All that, Harry; nigher fourteen, I should think." + </p> + <p> + The pan was now put at the bottom of the cradle, a plug pulled out, and + the quicksilver run into it. A portion of this was poured on wash-leather, + the ends of which were held up by the men so as to form a bag. Harry took + the leather, and holding it over another pan twisted it round and round. + As the pressure on the quicksilver increased it ran through the pores of + the leather in tiny streams, until at last a lump of pasty metal remained. + This was squeezed again and again, until not a single globule of + quicksilver passed through the leather. The ball, which was of the + consistency of half-dried mortar was then taken out, and the process + repeated again and again until the whole of the quicksilver had been + passed through the leather. Six lumps of amalgam about the size of small + hens' eggs remained. + </p> + <p> + "Is that good, uncle?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "Very fair, lad; wonderfully good indeed, considering we have not got down + far yet. I should say we shall get a pound and a half of gold out of it." + </p> + <p> + "But how does the gold get into it, uncle?" + </p> + <p> + "There is what is called an affinity between quicksilver and gold. The + moment gold touches quicksilver it is absorbed by it, just as a drop of + water is taken up by a lump of salt. It thickens the quicksilver, and as + it is squeezed through the leather the quicksilver is as it were strained + out, and what remains behind becomes thicker and thicker, until, as you + see, it is almost solid. It is no good to use more pressure, for if you do + a certain amount of the gold would be squeezed through the leather. You + see, as the stuff in the cradle is shaken, the gold being heavier than the + sand finds its way down to the bottom, and every particle that comes in + contact with the quicksilver is swallowed up by it." + </p> + <p> + "And how do you get the quicksilver out of those lumps?" + </p> + <p> + "We put them in one of those clay crucibles you saw, with a pinch of + borax, cover them up, and put them in a heap of glowing embers. That + evaporates the quicksilver, and leaves the gold behind in the shape of a + button." This was done that evening, and when the buttons were placed in + the scales they just turned the two-pound weight. + </p> + <p> + "Well, boys, that is good enough for anything," Harry said. "That, with + the dust, makes a pound a day, which is as good as the very best stuff in + the early days of California." + </p> + <p> + They worked steadily for the next seven weeks. Contrary to their + expectations the gravel was but little richer lower down than they had + found it at the end of the first wash-up, but continued about equally + good, and the result averaged about a pound weight of gold a day. This was + put into little bags of deer-skin, each containing five pounds' weight, + and these bags were distributed among the saddle-bags, so that in case of + sudden disturbance there would be no risk of their being left behind. The + Indians took it by turns to hunt; at other times they remained on guard in + camp, Tom only staying when one of them was away. One day when the mining + party stopped work, and sat down to eat some bread and cold meat,—which + they had from the first brought up, so as to save them the loss of time + entailed by going to the camp and back,—the report of a gun came + upon their ears. All started to their feet and seized their rifles, and + then stood listening intently. A minute later two more shots were heard at + close intervals. + </p> + <p> + "Red-skins for sure!" Jerry exclaimed. "I thought as how our luck were too + good to last." They started at a run down the little valley, and only + paused when they reached its mouth. Harry then advanced cautiously until + he could obtain a view of the main valley. He paused for a minute and then + rejoined his companions. + </p> + <p> + "There are fifty of them," he said, "if there is one. They are Utes in + their war-paint. They are a bit up the valley. I think if we make a rush + we can get to the trees before they can cut us off." + </p> + <p> + "We must try anyhow," Sam Hicks said, "else they will get the two Indians + and our horses and saddles and all. Just let us get breath for a moment, + and then we will start." + </p> + <p> + "Keep close together as you run," Harry said, "and then if they do come up + we can get back to back and make a fight of it." After a short pause they + started. They had not gone twenty yards when a loud yell proclaimed that + the Indians had seen them. They had, however, but three hundred yards to + run, while the Utes were double that distance from the clump. + </p> + <p> + When the miners were within fifty yards of the trees two rifle-shots rang + out, and two of the Utes, who were somewhat ahead of the rest; fell from + their horses, while the rest swerved off, seeing that there was no hope of + cutting the party off. A few more yards and the miners were among the + trees. + </p> + <p> + "So the Utes have found us out, chief," Harry said as he joined Leaping + Horse, who had just reloaded his ride. + </p> + <p> + "Must have tracked us. They are a war-party," the Seneca replied. "Hunter + must have found tracks and taken news back to the villages." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we have got to fight for it, that is clear enough," Harry said. + "Anyhow, now they see there are seven of us they are not likely to attack + until it gets dark, so we have time to think over what had best be done. + We had just begun our meal when we heard your shot, and the best thing we + can do is to have a good feed at once. We may be too busy later on." + </p> + <p> + The chief said a word to the young Indian, and, leaving him on the watch, + accompanied the others to the fire. They had scarcely sat down when + Hunting Dog came up. + </p> + <p> + "More Utes," he said briefly, pointing across the valley. + </p> + <p> + They at once went to the outer line of trees. On the brow of the rise + opposite were a party of horsemen between twenty and thirty strong. + </p> + <p> + "That shows they have learnt all about our position," Harry said. "Those + fellows have been lying in wait somewhere over the hill to cut us off if + we took to our horses on seeing the main body. Let us have a look the + other side." + </p> + <p> + Crossing the clump of trees, they saw on the brow there another party of + Utes. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon they must have crossed that valley we were working in just after + we got through," Jerry said. "It is mighty lucky they did not come down on + us while we were washing, for they could have wiped us all out before we + had time to get hold of our guns. Well, Harry, we are in a pretty tight + fix, with fifty of them up the valley and five-and-twenty or so on each + side of us. We shall have to be dog-goned smart if we are to get out of + this scrape." + </p> + <p> + "Hand me your rifle, Tom," his uncle said, "it carries farther than mine, + and I will give those fellows a hint that they had best move off a bit." + </p> + <p> + Steadying his piece against a tree, he took a careful aim and fired. One + of the Indians swerved in his saddle, and then fell forward on the neck of + his horse, which turned and galloped off with the rest. + </p> + <p> + "Now we will have our meal and take council, chief," Harry said as he + turned away. "If we have got to fight there is no occasion to fight + hungry." + </p> + <p> + The fire was made up; there was no need to be careful now. Strips of + deer's flesh were hung over it, and the meal was soon ready. But little + was said while it was being eaten, then they all lighted their pipes and + each put a pannikin of hot tea beside him. + </p> + <p> + "Now, chief," Harry said, "have you arrived at any way out of this? It is + worse than it was the last time we got caught in this valley." + </p> + <p> + The chief shook his head. "No good fight here," he said; "when night come + they creep up all round." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I see that we have got to bolt, but the question is, how? If we were + to ride they would ride us down, that is certain. Jerry and Tom might + possibly get away, though that ain't likely. Their critters are good, but + nothing downright extraordinary, and the chances are that some of the Utes + have got faster horses than theirs. As for the rest of us, they would have + us before we had ridden an hour." + </p> + <p> + "That ain't to be thought of," Jerry said. "It seems to me our best chance + would be to leave the critters behind, and to crawl out the moment it gets + dark, and try and get beyond them." + </p> + <p> + "They will close in as soon as it gets dark, Jerry. They will know well + enough that that is the time we shall be moving. I reckon we should not + have a chance worth a cent of getting through. What do you say, chief?" + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse nodded in assent. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," Sam Hicks said, "I vote we mount our horses and go right at + them. I would rather do that and get rubbed out in a fair fight than lie + here until they crawl up and finish us." + </p> + <p> + No one answered, and for some minutes they smoked on without a word being + spoken, then Harry said: + </p> + <p> + "There is only one chance for us that I can see, and that is to mount now + and to ride right down the valley. The chief says that in some places it + is not more than fifty yards wide, with steep cliffs on each side, and we + could make a much better fight there, for they could only attack us in + front. There would be nothing for them then but to dismount and close in + upon us from tree to tree, and we could make a running fight of it until + we come to the mouth of the caņon. There must be places there, that we + ought to be able to hold with our seven rifles against the lot of them." + </p> + <p> + "Bully for you, Harry! I reckon that would give us a chance anyhow. That + is, if we ain't cut off before we get to the wood." + </p> + <p> + "Let us have a look round and see what they are doing," Harry said. "Ah! + here comes Hunting Dog. He will tell us all about it." + </p> + <p> + "Utes on hills all gone up and joined the others," the young Indian said + as he came up. + </p> + <p> + "It could not be better news!" Harry exclaimed. "I reckon they have moved + away to tempt us to make a start for the fort, for they know if we go that + way they will have us all, sure. They have not reckoned on our riding down + the valley, for they will be sure we must have found out long ago that + there ain't any way out of it. Well, we had best lose no time. There is + some meat ready, Hunting Dog, and you had best fill up while we get ready + for a start." + </p> + <p> + The blankets and buffalo rugs were wrapped up and strapped behind the + saddles, as soon as these were placed behind the horses. They had only a + small quantity of meat left, as the chief was going out hunting the next + morning, but they fastened this, and eighty pounds of flour that still + remained, on to one of the pack-horses. They filled their powder-horns + from the keg, and each put three or four dozen bullets into his holsters, + together with all the cartridges for their pistols; the rest of the + ammunition was packed on another horse. When all was completed they + mounted. + </p> + <p> + "We may get a couple of hundred yards more start before we are seen," + Harry said. "Anyhow, we have got five hundred yards, and may reckon on + making the two miles to where the valley narrows before they catch us." + </p> + <p> + The instant, however, they emerged from the wood, two loud yells were + heard from Indians who had been left lying down on watch at the top of the + slopes on either side. Sam, who was the worst shot of the party, had + volunteered to lead the string of pack-horses, while Ben was ready to urge + them on behind. + </p> + <p> + "You may want to stop some of the leading varmint, and I should not be + much good at that game, so I will keep straight on without paying any + attention to them." + </p> + <p> + A loud answering yell rose from the Indians up the valley. + </p> + <p> + "We shall gain fifty yards or so before they are fairly in the saddle," + Harry said as they went off at the top of their speed, the horses seeming + to know that the loud war-cry boded danger. They had gone half a mile + before they looked round. The Indians were riding in a confused mass, and + were some distance past the grove the miners had left, but they still + appeared as far behind as they had been when they started. Another mile + and the mass had broken up; the best-mounted Indians had left the rest + some distance behind, and considerably decreased the gap between them and + the fugitives. Another five minutes and the latter reached the wood, that + began just where the valley narrowed and the cliffs rose almost + perpendicularly on each side. As soon as they did so they leapt from their + horses, and each posting himself behind a tree opened fire at their + pursuers, the nearest of whom were but two hundred yards away. Four fell + to the first seven shots; the others turned and galloped back to the main + body, who halted at once. + </p> + <p> + "They won't try a charge," Harry said; "it isn't in Indian nature to come + across the open with the muzzles of seven rifles pointed at them. They + will palaver now; they know they have got us in a trap, and they will wait + till night. Now, chief, I reckon that you and I and Hunting Dog had best + stay here, so that if they try, as they are pretty sure to do, to find out + whether we are here still, we can give them a hint to keep off. The other + four had better ride straight down the caņon, and go on for a bit, to find + out the best place for making a stand, and as soon as it is dark we will + go forward and join them. There will be no occasion for us to hurry. I + reckon the skunks will crawl up here soon after it is dark; but they won't + go much farther, for we might hide up somewhere and they might miss us. In + the morning they will come down on foot, sheltering behind the trees as + much as they can, till at last they locate us." + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded his approval of the plan, and Tom and the three miners at + once started, taking the pack-horses with them. On the way down they came + upon a bear. Ben was about to fire, but Jerry said: "Best leave him alone, + Ben; we are only three miles down, and these cliffs would echo the sound + and the red-skins would hear it and know that some of us had gone down the + valley, and might make a rush at once." In an hour and a half they came + down to a spot where the valley, after widening out a good bit, suddenly + terminated, and the stream entered a deep caņon in the face of the wall of + rock that closed it in. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon all this part of the valley was a lake once," Jerry said. "When + it got pretty well full it began to run over where this caņon is and + gradually cut its way out down to the Colorado. I wonder how far it is to + the river." + </p> + <p> + They had gone but a hundred yards down the caņon when they came to a place + where a recent fall of rocks blocked it up. Through these the stream, + which was but a small one, made its way. + </p> + <p> + "There is a grist of water comes down here when the snow melts in the + spring," Ben remarked. "You can see that the rocks are worn fifty feet up. + Waal, I reckon this place is good enough for us, Jerry." + </p> + <p> + "I reckon so, too," the latter agreed. "It will be a job to get our horses + over; but we have got to do it anyhow, if we have to carry them." The + animals, however, managed to scramble up the rocks that filled the caņon + to the height of some thirty feet. The distance between the rock walls was + not more than this in width. + </p> + <p> + "We could hold this place for a year," Ben said, "if they didn't take to + chucking rocks down from above." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that is the only danger," Jerry agreed; "but the betting is they + could not get nigh enough to the edge to look down. Still, they might do + it if the ground is level above; anyhow, we should not show much at this + depth, for it is pretty dark down here, and the rocks must be seven or + eight hundred feet high." + </p> + <p> + It was, indeed, but a narrow strip of sky that they saw as they looked up, + and although still broad daylight in the valley they had left, it was + almost dark at the bottom of the deep gorge, and became pitch dark as soon + as the light above faded. + </p> + <p> + "The first job in the morning," Jerry said, "will be to explore this place + down below. I expect there are places where it widens out. If it does, and + there are trees and anything like grass, the horses can get a bite of + food; if not, they will mighty soon go under, that is if we don't come + upon any game, for if we don't we sha'n't be able to spare them flour." + </p> + <p> + "It is almost a pity we did not leave them in the valley to take their + chance," Tom said. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you make any mistake," Jerry said. "In the first place they may + come in useful to us yet, and even if we never get astride of them again + they may come in mighty handy for food. I don't say as we mayn't get a + bear if there are openings in the caņon, or terraces where they can come + down, but if there ain't it is just horse-meat we have got to depend on. + Look here, boys, it is 'tarnal dark here; I can't see my own hand. I vote + we get a light. There is a lot of drift-wood jammed in among the stones + where we climbed up, that will do to start a fire, and I saw a lot more + just at the mouth of this gap. We know the red-skins ain't near yet, so I + vote we grope our way up and bring some down. It will be a first-rate + thing, too, to make a bit of fire half-way between here and the mouth; + that would put a stop to their crawling up, as they are like enough to try + to do, to make out whereabouts we are. Of course we shall have to damp our + own fire down if they come, else we should show up agin the light if we + went up on the rock." + </p> + <p> + The others agreed at once, for it was dull work sitting there in the black + darkness. All had matches, and a piece of dry fir was soon found. This was + lighted, and served as a torch with which to climb over the rocks. Jammed + in between these on the upper side was a large quantity of drift-wood. + This was pulled out, made into bundles, and carried over the rock barrier, + and a fire was soon blazing there. Then taking a brand and two axes they + went up to the mouth of the gorge, cut up the arms of some trees that had + been brought down by the last floods and left there as the water sank. The + greater part of these were taken down to their camping-place; the rest, + with plenty of small wood to light them, were piled halfway between the + barrier and the mouth of the caņon, and were soon blazing brightly. + </p> + <p> + They were returning to their camping-place, when Ben exclaimed that he + heard the sound of horses' hoofs. All stopped to listen. + </p> + <p> + "There are not more than three of them," Ben said, "and they are coming + along at a canter. I don't expect we shall hear anything of the red-skins + until tomorrow morning." + </p> + <p> + They heard the horses enter the caņon, then Jerry shouted: "Are you all + right, Harry?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; the red-skins were all quiet when we came away. Why, where are you?" + he shouted again when he came up to the fire. + </p> + <p> + "A hundred yards farther on I will show you a light." + </p> + <p> + Two or three blazing brands were brought up. Harry and the Indians had + dismounted at the first fire, and now led their horses up to the stone + barrier. + </p> + <p> + "What on arth have you lit that other fire for, Jerry?" Harry asked as he + stopped at the foot of the barrier. + </p> + <p> + "Because we shall sleep a dog-goned sight better with it there. As like as + not they may send on two or three young warriors to scout. It is as black + as a wolf's mouth, and we might have sat listening all night, and then + should not have heard them. But with that fire there they dare not come + on, for they would know they could not pass it without getting a bullet in + them." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it is a very good idea, Jerry; I could not think what was up when I + got there and did not see anybody. I see you have another fire over the + other side. I could make it out clear enough as we came on." + </p> + <p> + "It will burn down a bit presently," Jerry said. "I should not try to get + those horses up here now, Harry. It was a bad place to come up in + daylight, and like enough they would break their legs if they tried it + now. They will do just as well there as they would on this side, and you + can get them over as soon as the day breaks." + </p> + <p> + "I would rather get them over, Jerry; but I see it is a pretty rough + place." + </p> + <p> + Leaving the horses, Harry and the Indians climbed over the barrier, and + were soon seated with the others round their fire, over which the meat was + already frizzling. + </p> + <p> + "So the Indians kept quiet all the afternoon, Harry?" + </p> + <p> + "As quiet as is their nature. Two or three times some of them rode down, + and galloped backwards and forwards in front of us to make out if we were + there. Each time we let them fool about for a good long spell, and then + when they got a bit careless sent them a ball or two to let them know we + were still there. Hunting Dog went with the three horses half a mile down + the valley soon after you had gone, so that they might not hear us ride + off. + </p> + <p> + "As soon as it began to get dusk we started. We had to come pretty slow, + for it got so dark under the trees we could not make out the trunks, and + had to let the horses pick their own way. But we knew there was no hurry, + for they would not follow till morning, though of course their scouts + would creep up as soon as it was dark, and wouldn't be long before they + found out that we had left." + </p> + <p> + "I reckon they will all come and camp in the wood and wait for daylight + before they move, though I don't say two or three scouts may not crawl + down to try and find out where we are. They will move pretty slow, for + they will have to pick their way, and will know well enough that if a twig + cracks it will bring bullets among them. I reckon they won't get here + under four or five hours. It is sartin they won't try to pass that fire + above. As soon as they see us they will take word back to the others, and + we shall have the whole lot down here by morning." + </p> + <p> + "We shall have to get the horses over, the first thing. Two of us had best + go down, as soon as it is light enough to ride without risking our necks, + to see what the caņon is like below." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that is most important, Jerry; there may be some break where the + red-skins could get down, and so catch us between two fires." + </p> + <p> + "I don't care a red cent for the Utes," Jerry said. "We can lick them out + of their boots in this caņon. What we have been thinking of, is whether + there is some place where the horses can get enough to keep them alive + while we are shut up here. If there is game, so much the better; if there + ain't, we have got to take to horseflesh." + </p> + <p> + "How long do you suppose that the Indians are likely to wait when they + find that they can't get at us?" Tom asked. + </p> + <p> + "There ain't no sort of saying," his uncle replied. "I reckon no one ever + found out yet how long a red-skin's patience will last. Time ain't nothing + to them. They will follow up this caņon both sides till they are sartin + that there ain't no place where a man can climb up. If there ain't, they + will just squat in that valley. Like enough they will send for their + lodges and squaws and fix themselves there till winter comes, and even + then they might not go. They have got wood and water. Some of them will + hunt and bring in meat, which they will dry for the winter; and they are + just as likely to stay here as to go up to their villages." + </p> + <p> + A vigilant watch was kept up all night, two of them being always on guard + at the top of the barrier. As soon as morning broke, the three horses were + got over, and half an hour later Harry and Sam Hicks rode off down the + caņon, while the others took their places on guard, keeping themselves + well behind the rocks, between which they looked out. They had not long to + wait, for an Indian was seen to dart rapidly across the mouth of the + caņon. Two rifles cracked out, but the Indian's appearance and + disappearance was so sudden and quick that they had no reason to believe + that they had hit him. + </p> + <p> + "They will know now that we are here, and are pretty wide awake," Ben + said. "You may be sure that he caught sight of these rocks." + </p> + <p> + A minute or two later several rifles flashed from among the fallen stones + at the mouth of the gorge. + </p> + <p> + "Keep your eyes open," Jerry said, "and when you see the slightest + movement, fire. But don't do it unless you feel certain that you make out + a head or a limb. We've got to show the Utes that it is sartin death to + try and crawl up here." + </p> + <p> + Almost immediately afterwards a head appeared above the stones, the + chief's rifle cracked, and at the same instant the head disappeared. + </p> + <p> + "Do you think you got him, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Think so, not sure. Leaping Horse does not often miss his mark at two + hundred yards." + </p> + <p> + Almost directly afterwards Tom fired. An Indian sprang to his feet and + bounded away. + </p> + <p> + "What did you fire at, Tom?" + </p> + <p> + "I think it was his arm and shoulder," Tom replied. "I was not sure about + it, but I certainly saw something move." + </p> + <p> + "I fancy you must have hit him, or he would not have got up. Waal, now I + reckon we are going to have quiet for a bit. They must have had a good + look at the place while they were lying there, and must have seen that it + air too strong for them. I don't say they mayn't come on again tonight—that + they may do, but I think it air more likely they won't try it. They would + know that we should be on the watch, and with seven rifles and Colts we + should account for a grist of them afore they got over. What do you say, + chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Not come now," the Indian said positively. "Send men first along top see + if can get down. Not like come at night; the caņons of the Colorado very + bad medicine, red-skins no like come into them. If no way where we can get + up, then Utes sit down to starve us." + </p> + <p> + "That will be a longish job, chief. A horse a week will keep us for three + months." + </p> + <p> + "If no food for horse, horse die one week." + </p> + <p> + "So they will, chief. We must wait till Harry comes back, then we shall + know what our chances are." + </p> + <p> + It was six hours before Harry and Sam returned. There was a shout of + satisfaction from the men when they saw that they had on their saddles the + hind-quarters of a bear. + </p> + <p> + "Waal, what is the news, Harry?" + </p> + <p> + "It ain't altogether good, Ben. It goes down like this for about twelve + miles, then it widens out sudden. It gets into a crumbly rock which has + got worn away, and there is a place maybe about fifty yards wide and half + a mile long, with sloping sides going up a long way, and then cliff all + round. The bottom is all stones; there are a few tufts of coarse grass + growing between them. On the slopes there are some bushes, and on a ledge + high up we made out a bear. We had two or three shots at him, and at last + brought him down. There may be more among the bushes; there was plenty of + cover for them." + </p> + <p> + "There was no place where there was a chance of getting up, Harry?" + </p> + <p> + "Nary a place. I don't say as there may not be, but we couldn't see one." + </p> + <p> + "But the bear must have got down." + </p> + <p> + "No. He would come down here in the dry season looking for water-holes, + and finding the place to his liking he must have concluded to settle + there. It is just the place a bear would choose, for he might reckon + pretty confident that there weren't no chance of his being disturbed. + Well, we went on beyond that, and two miles lower the caņon opened again, + and five minutes took us down on to the bank of the Colorado. There was no + great room between the river and the cliff, but there were some good-sized + trees there, and plenty of bush growing up some distance. We caught sight + of another bear, but as we did not want him we left him alone." + </p> + <p> + "Waal, let us have some b'ar-meat first of all," Jerry said. "We finished + our meat last night, and bread don't make much of a meal, I reckon. Anyhow + we can all do with another, and after we have done we will have a talk. We + know what to expect now, and can figure it up better than we could + before." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV — THE COLORADO + </h2> + <p> + "Well, boys," Harry Wade began after they had smoked for some time in + silence, "we have got to look at this matter squarely. So far we have got + out of a mighty tight place better than we expected. Yesterday it seemed + to us that there weren't much chance of our carrying our hair away, but + now we are out of that scrape. But we are in another pretty nigh as bad, + though there ain't much chance of the red-skins getting at us." + </p> + <p> + "That air so, Harry. We are in a pretty tight hole, you bet. They ain't + likely to get our scalps for some time, but there ain't no denying that + our chance of carrying them off is dog-goned small." + </p> + <p> + "You bet there ain't, Jerry," Sam Hicks said. "Them pizon varmint will + camp outside here; for they know they have got us in a trap. They mayn't + attack us at present, but we have got to watch night and day. Any dark + night they may take it into their heads to come up, and there won't be + nothing to prevent them, for the rustling of the stream among the rocks + would cover any little noise they might make. The first we should know of + it would be the yell of the varmint at the foot of this barrier, and afore + we could get to the top the two on guard would be tomahawked, and they + would be down on us like a pack of wolves. I would a'most as soon put down + my rifle and walk straight out now and let them shoot me, if I knew they + would do it without any of their devilish tortures, as go on night after + night, expecting to be woke up with their war-yell in my ears. + </p> + <p> + "Of course they will be always keeping a watch there at the mouth of the + caņon,—a couple of boys are enough for that,—for they will + know that if we ride out on our horses we must go right up the valley, and + it is a nasty place to gallop through in the dark; besides, some of them + will no doubt be placed higher up to cut us off, and if we got through, + which ain't likely, they could ride us down in a few hours. If we crept + out on foot and got fairly among the trees we should be no better off, for + they would take up our trail in the morning and hunt us down. I tell you + fairly, boys, I don't see any way out of it. I reckon it will come to our + having to ride out together, and to wipe out as many of the Utes as + possible afore we go down. What do you say, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse agrees with his white brother, Straight Harry, whose mind + he knows." + </p> + <p> + "Waal, go on then, Harry," Sam said. "I thought that you had made an end + of it or I wouldn't have opened out. I don't see no way out of it at + present, but if you do I am ready to fall in with it whatever it is." + </p> + <p> + "I see but one way out of it, boys. It is a mighty risky thing, but it + can't be more risky than stopping here, and there is just a chance. I + spoke to the chief last night, and he owned that it didn't seem to him + there was a chance in that or any other way. However, he said that if I + went he would go with me. My proposal is this, that we take to the river + and try and get through the caņons." + </p> + <p> + There was a deep silence among the men. The proposal took them by + surprise. No man had ever accomplished the journey. Though two parties + similarly attacked by Indians had attempted to raft down some of the + caņons higher up; one party perished to a man, one survivor of the other + party escaped to tell the tale; but as to the caņons below, through which + they would have to pass, no man had ever explored them. The Indians + regarded the river with deep awe, and believed the caņons to be peopled + with demons. The enterprise was so stupendous and the dangers to be met + with so terrible, that ready as the western hunters were to encounter + dangers, no one had ever attempted to investigate the windings and + turnings of the river that for two thousand miles made its way through + terrific precipices, and ran its course some three thousand feet below the + surrounding country, until it emerged on to the plains of Mexico. + </p> + <p> + "That was why I was so anxious to reach the river," Harry went on after a + pause. "I wanted to see whether there were some trees, by which we could + construct a raft, near its bank. Had there not been, I should have + proposed to follow it up or down, as far as we could make our way, in + hopes of lighting on some trees. However, as it is they are just handy for + us. I don't say as we shall get through, boys, but there is just a chance + of it. I don't see any other plan that would give us a show." + </p> + <p> + Jerry was the first to speak. + </p> + <p> + "Waal, Harry, you can count me in. One might as well be drowned in a rapid + or carried over a fall as killed, or, wuss, taken and tortured by the + red-skins." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, Jerry," Sam Hicks agreed. While Ben said: "Waal, if we git + through it will be something to talk about all our lives. In course there + ain't no taking the horses?" + </p> + <p> + "That is out of the question, Ben. We shall not have much time to spare, + for the Utes may take it into their heads to attack us any night; and, + besides, we have no means of making a big raft. We might tie two or three + trunks together with the lariats and spike a few cross-pieces on them, we + might even make two such rafts; that is the outside. They will carry us + and our stores, but as for the horses, we must either leave them down in + the hollow for the Indians to find, or put a bullet through their heads. I + expect the latter will be the best thing for them, poor beasts." + </p> + <p> + "No want trees," the chief said. "Got horses' skins; make canoes." + </p> + <p> + "You are right, chief," Harry exclaimed; "I never thought of that. That + would be the very thing. Canoes will go down the rapids where the + strongest rafts would be dashed to pieces, and if we come to a bad fall we + can make a shift to carry them round." + </p> + <p> + The others were no less pleased with the suggestion, and the doubtful + expression of their faces as they assented to the scheme now changed to + one of hopefulness, and they discussed the plan eagerly. It was agreed + that not a moment should be lost in setting to work to carry it out, and + that they should forthwith retreat to the mouth of the lower caņon; for + all entertained a secret misgiving that the Utes might make their attack + that night, and felt that if that attack were made in earnest it would + succeed. It was certain they would be able to find some point at which the + lower gorge could be held; and at any rate a day would be gained, for at + whatever hour of the night the Indians came up they would not venture + farther until daybreak, and there would probably be a long palaver before + they would enter the lower caņon. + </p> + <p> + Tom had not spoken. He recognized the justice of Harry's reasoning, but + had difficulty in keeping his tears back at the thought of his horse being + killed. For well-nigh a year it had carried him well; he had tended and + cared for it; it would come to his call and rub its muzzle against his + cheek. He thought that had he been alone he would have risked anything + rather than part with it. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you like the plan, Tom?" Harry said to him, as, having packed and + saddled the horses, they rode together down the caņon. "I don't suppose + the passage is so terrible after all." + </p> + <p> + "I am not thinking of the passage at all, uncle," Tom said almost + indignantly; "it will be a grand piece of adventure; but I don't like—I + hate—the thought of my horse being killed. It is like killing a dear + friend to save one's self." + </p> + <p> + "It is a wrench, lad," Harry said kindly; "I can quite understand your + feelings, and don't like the thought myself. But I see that it has got to + be done, and after all it will be better to kill the poor brutes than to + let them fall into the hands of the Indians, who don't know what mercy to + their beasts means, and will ride them till they drop dead without the + least compunction." + </p> + <p> + "I know it is better, uncle, ever so much better—but it is horrible + all the same. Anyhow, don't ask me to do it, for I could not." + </p> + <p> + "I will see to that, Tom. You shall be one of the guards of the caņon. You + would not be of much use in making the canoes, and you won't have to know + anything about it till you go down and get on board." + </p> + <p> + Tom nodded his thanks; his heart was too full for him to speak, and he + felt that if he said a word he should break down altogether. They rode + rapidly along, passed through the little valley where the bear had been + killed, without stopping, and went down the lower caņon, carefully + examining it to fix upon the most suitable point for defence. There had + been no recent fall, and though at some points great boulders lay thickly, + there was no one place that offered special facilities for defence. + </p> + <p> + "Look here, boys," Harry said, reining up his horse at a point within two + hundred yards of the lower end, "we can't do better than fix ourselves + here. An hour's work will get up a wall that will puzzle the red-skins to + get over, and there is the advantage that a shot fired here by the guard + will bring our whole force up in a couple of minutes. I vote we ride the + horses down to the river and let them pick up what they can, and then come + back here and build the wall. It will be getting dark in an hour's time, + and we may as well finish that job at once. Ben and Sam, you may as well + pick out a couple of young fir-trees and bring them down at once, then + there will be no time lost. Five of us will be enough for the wall. Keep + your eyes open. Likely enough there is a bear or two about, and it would + be a great thing for us to lay in a stock of meat before we start." + </p> + <p> + As soon as they issued from the gorge the horses were unsaddled and the + stores taken off the pack-animals. As they were doing this Harry said a + few words in a low tone to Sam. He then carefully examined the trees, and + picked out two young firs. Sam and Ben took their axes, and the other five + went up the gorge again, and were soon hard at work collecting boulders + and piling them in a wall. + </p> + <p> + "There is a gun, uncle," Tom exclaimed presently. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I hope they have got sight of a bear, we shall want a stock of meat + badly." + </p> + <p> + A dozen shots were fired, but Tom thought no more of it as he proceeded + with his work. The bottom of the caņon was but fifteen feet wide, and by + the time it was dark they had a solid wall across it nearly six feet high, + with places for them to stand on to fire over. + </p> + <p> + "Now then, Tom, you may as well take post here at once. I will send Sam or + Ben up to watch with you. I don't think there is a shadow of chance of + their coming to-night, but there is never any answering for red-skins. I + would leave Hunting Dog with you, but we shall want him to help make the + framework for the canoes; the Indians are a deal handier than we are in + making lashings. I will send your supper up here, lad, and your buffalo + robes. Then you can take it by turns to watch and sleep. I reckon we shall + be at work all night; we have got to get the job finished as quick as we + can." + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour later Sam Hicks came up. + </p> + <p> + "Have you got the trees down, Sam?" + </p> + <p> + "Lor' bless you, it didn't take a minute to do that. We got them down and + split them up, then lit a fire and got the meat over it and the kettle, + and mixed the dough." + </p> + <p> + "Did you kill another bear? We heard you firing." + </p> + <p> + "No; the critter was too high up, and I ain't much good at shooting. + Perhaps they will get sight of him tomorrow, and Harry and the chief will + bring him down if he is within range of their shooting-irons. It is + 'tarnal dark up here." + </p> + <p> + In twenty minutes two lights were seen approaching, and Harry and Hunting + Dog came up carrying pine-wood torches. Each had a great faggot of wood + fastened on his back, and Harry also carried the frying-pan, on which were + a pile of meat and two great hunks of bread, while Hunting Dog brought two + tin pannikins of hot tea. + </p> + <p> + "That will make it more cheerful for you," Harry said, as he unfastened + the rope that tied the faggot to his shoulders. "Now, Hunting Dog, get a + good fire as soon as you can, and then come down again to us." + </p> + <p> + The fire was soon blazing merrily, and Tom and Sam sat down to enjoy their + meal. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you think one of us ought to keep watch, Sam?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit of it," Sam said. "The red-skins will never dare to enter that + caņon until after dark, and if they started now and made their way + straight on, they would not be here for another three or four hours. I + would bet my boots they don't come at all tonight; even if they were not + scared at us, they would be scared at coming near the river in the dark. + No, we will just take our meal comfortable and smoke a pipe, and then I + will take first watch and you shall take a sleep. We ain't closed an eye + since the night before last." + </p> + <p> + Tom, indeed, was nearly asleep before he had finished his pipe, and felt + that he really must get a nap. So saying to Sam, "Be sure and wake me in + two hours," he rolled himself in his robe and instantly fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to him that he had only just gone off when Sam roused him. He + leapt to his feet, however, rifle in hand. "Anything the matter, Sam?" + </p> + <p> + "Everything quiet," the miner replied. + </p> + <p> + "What did you wake me for then? I have not been asleep five minutes." + </p> + <p> + "According to my reckoning, mate, you have been asleep better'n five + hours. It was about half-past eight when you went off, and I reckon it is + two now, and will begin to get light in another hour. I would not have + waked you till daybreak, but I found myself dropping off." + </p> + <p> + "I am awfully sorry," Tom began. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you trouble, young un. By the time you have been as long in the + West as I have you won't think anything of two nights' watch. Now you keep + a sharp lookout. I don't think there is much chance of their coming, but I + don't want to be woke up with a red-skin coming right down on the top of + me." + </p> + <p> + "I see you have let the fire out, Sam," Tom said, with a little shiver. + </p> + <p> + "I put it out hours ago," Sam said, as he prepared to lie down. "It would + never have done to keep it all night, for a red-skin would see my head + over the top of the wall, while I should not get a sight of him till he + was within arm's-length." + </p> + <p> + Tom took up his post, and gazed earnestly into the darkness beyond the + wall. He felt that his sense of vision would be of no use whatever, and + therefore threw all his faculties into that of listening. Slight as was + the chance of the Indians coming, he yet felt somewhat nervous, and it was + a satisfaction to him to see beyond the mouth of the caņon the glow of the + fire, by which, as he knew, the others were hard at work. + </p> + <p> + In an hour the morning began to break, and as soon as he could see well up + the caņon he relighted the fire, jumping up to take a look over the wall + every minute or so. It was not long before he saw his uncle approaching + with a kettle. + </p> + <p> + "I saw your smoke, Tom, and guessed that you would be glad of a mug of hot + tea. You have seen no signs of Indians, I suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "We have heard nothing, uncle. As to seeing, up to half an hour ago there + was no possibility of making out anything. But I have not even been + listening; Sam went on guard directly we had finished supper, and I asked + him to call me in two hours, but he did not wake me until two o'clock." + </p> + <p> + "He is a good fellow," Harry said. "Well, don't wake him now. I can't + leave you the kettle, for we have to keep boiling water going, but you can + put his tin into the ashes and warm it up when he wakes. Here are a couple + of pieces of bread." + </p> + <p> + "Why do you have to keep the kettle boiling, uncle?" + </p> + <p> + "To bend the wood with. The piece we are working on is kept damp with + boiling water. We hold it for a time over the fire, pouring a little water + on as fast as it evaporates; that softens the wood, and we can bend it + much more evenly than we could if we did it by force. Besides, when it is + fastened into its position it remains, when it is dry, in that shape, and + throws no strain on to anything." + </p> + <p> + "Are you getting on well?" + </p> + <p> + "Capitally. We should have done both the frames by now, but we were + obliged to make them very strong so as to resist the bumps they are sure + to get against rocks. When they are finished you might almost let them + drop off the top of a house, they will be so strong and elastic. If the + Indians will but give us time we shall make a first-rate job of them." + </p> + <p> + Three hours later Harry came up again with the kettle and some cooked + meat. Sam had just woke up, and was quite angry with Tom for not rousing + him before. "The others have been working all night," he said, "and here + have I been asleep for five hours; a nice sort of mate they will think + me." + </p> + <p> + "Well, but you were watching five hours, Sam; and I would a deal rather + work all night than stand here for two hours in the dark, wondering all + the time whether the Indians are crawling up, and expecting at any moment + to hear a rush against the wall." + </p> + <p> + "I am going to take your place, Sam, when you have finished your + breakfast," Harry said, as he came up. "If the Utes found out last night + that we had gone, their scouts may be coming down before long. My rifle + shoots a bit straighter than yours does." + </p> + <p> + "It ain't the rifle, Harry," Sam said good-temperedly; "it is the eye that + is wrong, not the shooting-iron. I never had much practice with these long + guns, but when it comes to a six-shooter, I reckon I can do my share as + well as most. But they won't give me a chance with it." + </p> + <p> + "I hope they won't, Sam. I am sure they won't as long as there is light, + and I hope that before it gets dark they will conclude to leave us alone." + </p> + <p> + A vigilant watch was kept now. + </p> + <p> + "I think I saw a head look out from that corner," Tom exclaimed suddenly, + two hours after Sam had left them. + </p> + <p> + "I am quite sure I did, Tom. We must wait until he shows himself a bit + more. I reckon it is a good three hundred yards off, and a man's head is a + precious small mark at that distance. Stand a bit higher and lay your + rifle on the wall. Don't fire if he only puts his head out. They know we + can shoot, so there is not any occasion to give them another lesson. I + don't hold to killing, unless you have got to do it. Let him have a good + look at us. + </p> + <p> + "When he goes back and tells the tribe that there is a three hundred + yards' straight passage without shelter, and a strong wall across the end + of it, and two white men with rifles ready to shoot, I reckon they will + know a good deal better than to try to come up it, as long as there is + light. Besides, they won't think there is any occasion to hurry, for they + won't count on our taking to the river, and will know that we shall be + keeping watch at night. So it may very well be that they will reckon on + wearing us out, and that we may not hear of them for a week. There is the + fellow's head again!" + </p> + <p> + The head remained visible round the corner of the rock for two or three + minutes. + </p> + <p> + "He knows all about it now, Tom. You won't see any more of him to-day. I + will go down and lend them a hand below." + </p> + <p> + Tom asked no questions about the horses; he had thought of them a score of + times as he stood on guard, and the thought had occurred to him that it + was possible the shots he had heard while they were building the wall on + the previous afternoon, had been the death shots of the horses. It did not + occur to him when Sam was telling the story about the bear, that this was + a got-up tale, but when he came to think it over, he thought it probable + that it was so. Sam himself was not much of a shot, but Ben, although + inferior to Harry or either of the two Indians, shot as well as Jerry, and + would hardly have missed a bear three or four times running. Each time the + thought of the horses occurred to him he resolutely put it aside, and + concentrated his mind upon the probable perils of the passage down the + caņons and the wonderful gorges they would traverse, and the adventures + and excitement they were sure to pass through. He thought how fortunate it + was they had taken the precaution of sending their specimens of quartz + back to the fort; for were they in the canoes, the fruits of the journey + would be irrevocably lost were these to upset; for now the Indians had + twice discovered the presence of whites in the valley they would be sure + to watch it closely, and it would not be possible to go up to the mine + again unless in strong force. + </p> + <p> + The day passed quietly. Harry brought up Tom's meals, and late in the + afternoon all hands came up, and the wall of stones was raised four feet, + making it almost impregnable against a sudden attack. The two Indians took + post there with Tom, and watched alternately all night. The Utes, however, + remained perfectly quiet. They probably felt sure that the fugitives must + sooner or later be forced to surrender, and were disinclined to face the + loss that must occur before so strong a position, defended by seven men + armed with rifles and revolvers, could be carried. + </p> + <p> + At three o'clock on the following afternoon Hunting Dog came up. "Tom go + down and get dinner," he said, "Hunting Dog will watch." + </p> + <p> + Tom took his rifle and started down the caņon. + </p> + <p> + "Come on, lad," his uncle shouted. "We are pretty near ready for a start, + and have all had our dinner; so be quick about it. We want to get well + away from here before night." + </p> + <p> + Tom went to the fire and ate his meal. As he sat down he saw that the + stores, blankets, and robes had all been carried away. When he finished, + his uncle led him down to the river. Two canoes were floating in the + water, and the other men were standing beside them. + </p> + <p> + "There, Tom, what do you think of them?" + </p> + <p> + "They are splendid, uncle; it seems impossible that you can have built + them in two days." + </p> + <p> + "Five hands can do a lot of canoe-building in forty-eight hours' work, + Tom." + </p> + <p> + The canoes were indeed models of strength if not of beauty. They were each + about twenty feet long and five feet wide. Two strong pieces of pine two + inches square ran along the top of each side, and one of the same width + but an inch deeper formed the keel. The ribs, an inch wide and + three-quarters of an inch thick, were placed at intervals of eighteen + inches apart. The canoes were almost flat-bottomed. The ribs lay across + the keel, which was cut away to allow them to lie flush in it, a strong + nail being driven in at the point of junction—these being the only + nails used in the boat's construction. The ribs ran straight out to almost + the full width of the canoe, and were then turned sharp up, the ends being + lashed with thongs of hide to the upper stringers. + </p> + <p> + Outside the ribs were lashed longitudinal wattles of tough wood about an + inch wide. They were placed an inch apart, extending over the bottom and + halfway up the side. Over all was stretched the skin, five horses' hides + having been used for each boat. They were very strongly sewed together by + a double row of thongs, the overlaps having, before being sewed, been + smeared with melted fat. Cross-pieces of wood at the top kept the upper + framework in its place. The hair of the skin was outward, the inner + glistened with the fat that had been rubbed into it. + </p> + <p> + "They are strong indeed," Tom said. "They ought to stand anything, uncle." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I think they would stand a blow against any rock if it hadn't a + cutting edge. They would just bound off as a basket would. Of course they + are very heavy for canoes; but as they won't have to carry more than the + weight of four men each, they will draw little over a couple of inches or + so of water. + </p> + <p> + "That is why we made them so wide. We could not get strength without + weight; and as there is no saying what shallows there may be, and how + close in some places rocks may come up to the surface, we were obliged to + build them wide to get light draught. You see we have made ten paddles, so + as to have a spare one or two in case of breakage. We have two spare + hides, so that we shall have the means of repairing damages." + </p> + <p> + Tom said nothing about the horses. Manufactured into a boat, as the skins + were, there was not much to remind him of them; but he pressed his uncle's + hand and said, "Thank you very much, uncle; I don't mind so much now, but + I should not like to have seen them before." + </p> + <p> + "That is all right, Tom; it was a case of necessity. Sam and Ben shot them + directly we got here." + </p> + <p> + The stores were all laid by the boats, being divided between them so that + the cargoes were in all respects duplicates of each other. Before Tom came + down some had already been placed in each boat, with a blanket thrown over + them. + </p> + <p> + "You have got the gold, I suppose, uncle?" + </p> + <p> + "You may bet that we did not leave that behind. There is half in each + boat, and the bags are lashed to the timbers, so that if there is an upset + they cannot get lost." + </p> + <p> + "How are we going?" + </p> + <p> + "We have settled that you and I and the two Indians shall go together, and + the rest in the other boat. The Indians know nothing of canoeing, and + won't be of very much use. I know you were accustomed to boats, and I did + some rowing when I was a young man. I wish we had a couple of Canadian + Indians with us, or of half-breeds; they are up to this sort of work, and + with one in the stern of each canoe it would be a much less risky business + going down the rapids. However, no doubt we shall get handy with the + paddles before long." + </p> + <p> + When everything was ready Harry fired his rifle, and in a couple of + minutes Hunting Dog came running down. The others had already taken their + seats. He stepped into Harry's boat, and they at once pushed off. + </p> + <p> + The river was running smoothly here, and Harry said, "Directly we get down + a little way we will turn the boat's head up stream and practise for a + bit. It would never do to get down into rough water before we can use the + paddles fairly." + </p> + <p> + Tom sat in the bow of his boat, Hunting Dog was next to him, then came the + chief, and Harry sat in the stern. A paddle is a much easier implement to + manage for a beginner than is an oar, and it was not long before they + found that they could propel the boats at a fair rate. In a short time + they had passed the end of the shelf at the mouth of the caņon, and the + cliffs on that side rose as abruptly as they did on the other. The river + was some eighty yards wide. + </p> + <p> + "We will turn here," Harry said, "and paddle up. We sha'n't do more than + keep abreast of these rocks now, for the stream runs fast though it is so + smooth." + </p> + <p> + They found, indeed, that they had to work hard to hold their position. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Tom," Harry sang out, "it is you and I do the steering, you know. + When you want the head to go to the right you must work your paddle out + from the boat, when you want to go to the left you must dip it in the + water rather farther out and draw it towards the boat. Of course when you + have got the paddle the other side you must do just the contrary. You must + sing out right or left according as you see rocks ahead, and I shall steer + with my paddle behind. I have a good deal more power over the boat than + you have, and you must depend upon me for the steering, unless there is + occasion for a smart swerve." + </p> + <p> + At first the two boats shot backwards and forwards across the stream in a + very erratic way, but after an hour's practice the steersmen found the + amount of force required. An hour later Harry thought that they were + competent to make a start, and turning they shot rapidly past the cliffs. + In a couple of miles there was a break in the rocks to the left. + </p> + <p> + "We will land there," Harry said. "There are trees near the water and + bushes farther up. We will make a camp there. There is no saying how far + we may have to go before we get another opportunity. We have done with the + Utes for good, and can get a sound night's sleep. If you, chief, will + start with Hunting Dog as soon as we land, we will get the things ashore + and light the fire. Maybe you will be able to get a bear for us." + </p> + <p> + They did not trouble to haul up the canoes, but fastened them by the + head-ropes, which were made from lariats, to trees on the shore. Daylight + was beginning to fade as they lighted the fire. No time was lost before + mixing the dough, and it was in readiness by the time that there were + sufficient glowing embers to stand the pot in. The kettle was filled and + hung on a tripod over the fire. In a short time the Indians returned + empty-handed. + </p> + <p> + "No find bear," the chief said, "getting too dark to hunt. To-morrow + morning try." + </p> + <p> + Harry got up and went to the boats, and returned directly with a joint of + meat. Tom looked up in surprise. + </p> + <p> + "It is not from yours, Tom," Jerry said as he saw him looking at it. "We + took the hind-quarters of the four pack-ponies, but left the others alone. + It was no use bringing more, for it would not keep." + </p> + <p> + "So it is horseflesh!" Tom rather shrank from the idea of eating it, and + nothing would have induced him to touch it had he thought that it came + from his own favourite. Some steaks were cut and placed in the frying-pan, + while strips were hung over the fire for those who preferred the meat in + that way. Tom felt strongly inclined to refuse altogether, but when he saw + that the others took their meat as a matter of course, and proceeded to + eat with a good appetite, he did not like to do so. He hesitated, however, + before tasting it; but Harry said with a laugh, "Fire away, Tom. You can + hardly tell it from beef, and they say that in Paris lots of horseflesh is + sold as beef." + </p> + <p> + Thus encouraged, Tom took a mouthful, and found it by no means bad, for + from their long stay in the valley the animals were all in excellent + condition, and he acknowledged to himself that he would not have known the + flesh from beef. + </p> + <p> + "I call it mighty good for a change." Terry said. "Out on the plains, + where one can get buffalo, one would not take horse for choice, but as we + have been eating deer and bear meat for about a year, horse-meat ain't bad + by no means. What! You won't take another bit, Tom?" + </p> + <p> + "Not to-night, Jerry; next time I shall be all right. But it is my first + trial, you know, and though I can't say it is not good, it gives me a + queer feeling, so I will stick to the bread." + </p> + <p> + "Well, boys," Harry said presently, "we have made a first-rate start, and + have got out of a big scrape, easier than I ever looked for. We could not + have got two better canoes for our work if we had had them brought special + from Canada, and it seems to me that they ought to go down pretty near + anywhere without much damage. We shall get real handy with our paddles in + two or three days, and I hope we sha'n't meet with any big rapids until we + have got into the way of managing them well." + </p> + <p> + "You bet, Harry, we have got out well," said Jerry. "I tell you it looked + downright ugly, and I wouldn't have given a continental for our chances. + As for the rapids, I guess we shall generally find rocks one side or the + other where we can make our way along, and we can let down the canoes by + the ropes. Anyhow, we need not get skeery over them. After getting out of + that valley with our hair on, the thought of them does not trouble me a + cent." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI — AFLOAT IN CANOES + </h2> + <p> + The two Indians were off long before daylight, and just as the others were + having a wash at the edge of the river they heard the crack of a rifle + some distance up the cliff. + </p> + <p> + "Bear!" Jerry exclaimed; "and I reckon they have got it, else we should + have heard another shot directly afterwards. That will set us up in food + for some time. Get the fire made up, Tom, you won't have to eat horse + steak for breakfast unless you like." + </p> + <p> + The Indians returned half an hour later laden with as much bear-flesh as + they could carry. + </p> + <p> + "I vote we stop here for two days," Harry said. "We have got a lot of meat + now, but it won't keep for twenty-four hours in this heat, so I vote we + cut it up and dry it as the Indians do buffalo-meat; it will keep any + time. Besides, we deserve a couple of days' rest, and we can practise + paddling while the meat dries. We got on very well yesterday, but I do + want us to get quite at home in the boats before we get to a bad bit." + </p> + <p> + The proposal was agreed to, and as soon as breakfast was over the whole of + the meat was cut up into thin slices and hung up on cords fastened from + tree to tree. + </p> + <p> + "It ought to take three days to do it properly, and four is better," Harry + said. "Still, as we have cut it very thin, I should think two days in this + hot sun ought to be enough." + </p> + <p> + "Are there any fish in the river, uncle?" + </p> + <p> + "I have no doubt there are, Tom, grists of them, but we have got no + hooks." + </p> + <p> + "Jerry has got some, he told me he never travelled without them, and we + caught a lot of fish with them up in the mountains just after we started + before. I don't know about line, but one might unravel one of the ropes." + </p> + <p> + "I think you might do better than that, Tom. The next small animal we + shoot we might make some lines from the gut. They needn't be above five or + six feet long. Beyond that we could cut a strip of thirty or forty feet + long from one of the hides. However, we can do nothing at present in that + way. Now let us get into the canoes and have a couple of hours' paddling. + After dinner we will have another good spell at the work." + </p> + <p> + By evening there was a marked improvement in the paddling over that of the + previous day, and after having had another day's practice all felt + confident that they should get on very well. By nightfall on the second + day, the meat was found to be thoroughly dried, and was taken down and + packed in bundles, and the next morning they started as soon as it was + light. It was agreed that the boats should follow each other at a distance + of a hundred yards, so that the leader could signal to the one behind if + serious difficulties were made out ahead, and so enable it to row to the + bank in time. Were both drawn together into the suck of a dangerous rapid + they might find themselves without either boats or stores, whereas if only + one of the boats was broken up, there would be the other to fall back + upon. Harry's boat was to take the lead on the first day, and Tom, as he + knelt in the bows, felt his heart beat with excitement at the thought of + the unknown that lay before them, and that they were about to make their + way down passes probably unpenetrated by man. Passing between what had + seemed to them the entrance to a narrow caņon, they were surprised to rind + the river widen out. On their right a great sweep of hills bent round like + a vast amphitheatre, the resemblance being heightened by the ledges + running in regular lines along it, the cliff being far from perpendicular. + </p> + <p> + "I should think one could climb up there," Tom said, half-turning round to + his uncle. + </p> + <p> + "It looks like it, Tom, but there is no saying; some of those steps may be + a good deal steeper than they look. However, I have no doubt one could + find places where it would be possible to climb if there were any use in + doing so, but as we should only find ourselves up on bad lands we should + gain nothing by it." + </p> + <p> + "I don't mean we should want to climb up now, uncle; but it seemed a sort + of satisfaction to know that there are places where one could climb in + case we got the boats smashed up." + </p> + <p> + "If we had to make our way up, lad, it would be much better to go by one + of the lateral canons like the one we came down by. I can see at least + half a dozen of them going up there. We should certainly find water, and + we might find game, but up on the plateau we should find neither one nor + the other." + </p> + <p> + On the left-hand bank of the river the cliffs fell still farther back in + wide terraces, that rose one behind the other up to a perpendicular cliff + half a mile back from the river. There was a shade of green here and + there, and the chief pointed far up the hill and exclaimed "Deer!" + </p> + <p> + "That is good," Harry said. "There are sure to be more of these places, + and I should think we are not likely to starve anyhow. We can't spare time + to stop now; we want to have a long day's paddle to see what it is going + to be like, and we have got meat enough for the present. If we happen to + see a deer within rifle-shot, so that we can get at him without much loss + of time, we will stop, for after all fresh meat is better eating than + dry." + </p> + <p> + "I should think it would be, uncle," Tom said. "From the look of the stuff + I should think it would be quite as tough as shoe leather and as + tasteless." + </p> + <p> + "It needs a set of sharp teeth, Tom, but if you are hard set I have no + doubt you will be able to get through it, and at any rate it constitutes + the chief food of the Indians between the Missouri and the Rockies." + </p> + <p> + For the next three hours they paddled along on the quiet surface of the + river. The other canoe had drawn up, since it was evident that here at + least there was no reason why they should keep apart. + </p> + <p> + "I didn't expect we should find it as quiet as this, Harry," Jerry Curtis + said. "It is a regular water-party, and I should not mind how long I was + at it if it were all like this." + </p> + <p> + "We shall have rough water enough presently, Jerry, and I expect we shall + look back on this as the pleasantest part of the trip. It seems to me that + the hills close in more towards the end of this sweep. It has made a + regular horseshoe." + </p> + <p> + "I reckon it depends upon the nature of the rock," Ben put in. + </p> + <p> + "That is it, you may be sure, Ben. Wherever it is soft rock, in time it + crumbles away like this; where it is hard the weather don't affect it + much, and we get straight cliffs. I expect it is there we shall find the + rapids worst. Well, we shall soon make a trial of them, I fancy. It looks + like a wall ahead, but the road must go through somewhere." + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour later Harry said: "You had better drop back now, + Jerry, there is the gap right ahead. If you see me hold up my paddle you + row ashore. When we come to a bad rapid we had better all get out, and + make our way down on the rocks as far as we can, to see what it is like. + It will never do to go at it blind. Of course we may find places where the + water comes to the wall faces on both sides, and then there is nothing to + do but to take our chance, but I don't propose to run any risks that I can + avoid." + </p> + <p> + There was a perceptible increase in the rate of the current as they neared + the gorge, and when they came within a short distance of it Harry gave the + signal to the boat behind, and both canoes made for the shore. As they + stepped out on to the rocks the chief pointed to a ledge far above them. + "There will be time for Hunting Dog to shoot a deer," he said, "while we + go down to see caņon." + </p> + <p> + Tom in vain endeavoured to make out the object at which the Indian was + pointing. Hunting Dog had evidently noticed it before landing, and upon + Harry giving a nod of assent, started off with his rifle. The others + waited until Jerry and his companions joined them, and then started along + the rocks that had fallen at the foot of the cliffs. They were soon able + to obtain a far better view of the gorge than they had done from the + canoe. The river ran for a bit in a smooth glassy flood, but a short + distance down, it began to form into waves, and beyond that they could see + a mass of white foam and breakers. They made their way along the rocks for + nearly two miles. It seemed well-nigh impossible to Tom that the boats + could go down without being swamped, for the waves were eight or ten feet + high, with steep sides capped with white. At last the gorge widened again, + and although the cliff to the right rose perpendicularly, on the other + side it became less steep, and seemed lower down to assume the same + character as that above the gorge. + </p> + <p> + "It looks pretty bad," Harry said, speaking for almost the first time + since they had started, for the roar of the water against the rocks, + echoed and re-echoed by the cliffs, rendered conversation an + impossibility. "It looks bad, but as far as I can see there are no rocks + that come up near the surface, and the canoes ought to go through the + broken water safely enough." + </p> + <p> + "It is an all-fired nasty-looking place," Jerry said; "but I have heard + men who had been in the north talk about rapids they had gone through, and + from what they said about them they must have been worse than this. We + have got to keep as near the side as we can; the waves ain't as high there + as they are in the middle, and we have got to keep the boat's head + straight, and to paddle all we know. If we do that, I reckon the canoes + will go through." + </p> + <p> + They retraced their steps up the gorge. Hunting Dog was standing by the + boat with the dead deer at his feet. Jerry picked it up. "I had better + take this, I reckon, Harry. You have got one man more than we have;" and + he and his two companions went on to their boat. + </p> + <p> + "Now, what do you think, Tom?" his uncle said. "Can you trust your head to + keep cool? It will need a lot of nerve, I can tell you, and if her head + swerves in the slightest she will swing round, and over she will go, and + it would want some tall swimming to get out of that race. You paddle as + well as the chief,—better, I think,—but the chief's nerves are + like iron. He has not been practising steering as you have, but as there + seem to be no rocks about, that won't matter so much. I ought to be able + to keep her straight, if you three paddle hard. It may need a turn of the + paddle now and then in the bow, but that we can't tell. So it shall be + just as you like, lad. If you think your nerves can stand it you take your + usual place, but if you have doubts about it, it were best to let the + chief go there." + </p> + <p> + "I think I could stand it, uncle, for I have been out in wherries in some + precious rough seas at Spithead; but I think it would be best for the + chief to take my place this time, and then I shall see how I feel." + </p> + <p> + Harry said a few words to the chief in his own language, and Leaping Horse + without a word stepped into the bow, while Tom took the seat behind him. + </p> + <p> + "We sha'n't be long going down," Harry said, "I reckon the stream is + running ten miles an hour, and as we shall be paddling, it will take us + through in ten minutes. We had all better sit farther aft, so as to take + her bow right out of water. She will go through it ever so much easier + so." + </p> + <p> + They shifted their seats until daylight could be seen under the keel a + foot from the bow. + </p> + <p> + "I think that is about the right trim," Harry said. "Now paddle all." + </p> + <p> + The boat shot off from the shore. A minute later it darted into the gorge, + the Indian setting a long sweeping stroke. There were two or three long + heaves, and then they dashed into the race. Tom held his breath at the + first wall of water, but, buoyant and lightly laden as the canoe was, with + fully a foot of free board, she rose like a feather over it, and darted + down into the hollow beyond. Tom kept his eyes fixed on the back of the + chief's head, clinched his teeth tightly, and paddled away with all his + strength. He felt that were he to look round he should turn giddy at the + turmoil of water. Once or twice he was vaguely conscious of Harry's + shouts, "Keep her head inshore!" or "A little farther out!" but like a man + rowing a race he heeded the words but little. His faculties were + concentrated on his work, but he could see a slight swerve of the Indian's + body when he was obeying an order. + </p> + <p> + He was not conscious of any change of motion, either in the boat or in the + water round, when Harry shouted, "Easy all!" and even then it was the + chief's ceasing to paddle rather than Harry's shout which caused him to + stop. Then he looked round and saw that the race was passed, and that the + canoe was floating in comparatively quiet water. + </p> + <p> + "She is a daisy!" Harry shouted; "we could not do better if we had been + all Canadian half-breeds, chief. Now, we had better set to and bale her + out as quickly as we can." + </p> + <p> + Tom now for the first time perceived that he was kneeling in water, and + that the boat was nearly half-full. + </p> + <p> + Their tea pannikins had been laid by their sides in readiness, and Hunting + Dog touched him and passed forward his tin and the chief's, both of which + had been swept aft. The Seneca at once began to throw out the water, but + Tom for a minute or two was unable to follow his example. He felt as weak + as a child. A nervous quivering ran through his body, and his hand + trembled so that he could not grasp the handle of the tin. + </p> + <p> + "Feel bad, Tom?" his uncle asked cheerily from behind. "Brace up, lad; it + was a pretty warm ten minutes, and I am not surprised you feel it. Now it + is over I am a little shaky myself." + </p> + <p> + "I shall be all right presently, uncle." A look at the chief's back did + more to steady Tom's nerves than his own efforts. While he himself was + panting heavily, and was bathed in perspiration, the chief's breath came + so quietly that he could scarce see his shoulders rise and fall, as he + baled out the water with perfect unconcern. With an effort the boy took + hold of his dipper, and by the time the boat was empty his nerves were + gaining their steadiness, though his breath still came quickly. As he laid + down his tin he looked round. + </p> + <p> + "Heap water," Hunting Dog said with a smile; "run like herd of buffalo." + </p> + <p> + The other boat lay twenty yards behind them, and was also engaged in + baling. + </p> + <p> + "All right now, Tom?" + </p> + <p> + "All right, uncle; but it is lucky you put the chief in the bows. I should + have made a mess of it; for from the time we got into the waves it seemed + nothing but confusion, and though I heard your voice I did not seem to + understand what you said." + </p> + <p> + "It was a trial to the nerves, Tom, but we shall all get accustomed to it + before we get through. Well, thank God, we have made our first run safely. + Now paddle on, we will stop at the first likely place and have a meal." + </p> + <p> + A mile farther they saw a pile of drift-wood on the left bank, and Harry + at once headed the canoe to it, and drawing the boat carefully alongside + they got out. A minute later the other canoe joined them. + </p> + <p> + "Jee-hoshaphat, Harry!" Jerry exclaimed as he stepped out; "that was worse + nor a cyclone. I would rather sit on the back of the worst kind of bucker + than jump over those waves again. If we are going to have much of this I + should say let us find our way back and ask the Utes to finish us off." + </p> + <p> + "It was a rough bit, Jerry; but it might have been a deal worse if there + had been rocks in the stream. All we had to do was to keep her straight + and paddle." + </p> + <p> + "And a pretty big all, too," Jerry grumbled. "I felt skeered pretty nigh + out of my wits, and the other two allow they were just as bad. If it + hadn't been for your boat ahead I reckon we should never have gone through + it, but as long as you kept on straight, there didn't seem any reason why + we shouldn't. I tell you I feel so shaky that if there were a grizzly + twenty yards off I am blamed if I could keep the muzzle of my rifle on + it." + </p> + <p> + Tom had been feeling a good deal ashamed of his nervousness, and was much + relieved at hearing that these seasoned men had felt somewhat the same as + he had done. + </p> + <p> + "What do you say, boys," Harry asked when breakfast had been cooked and + eaten, "if we stop here for to-day? Likely enough we may get some game, + and if not it won't matter, for the deer will last us a couple of days." + </p> + <p> + "You bet," Ben Gulston said; "I think we have had enough of the water for + to-day. I don't feel quite sure now I ain't going round and round, and I + don't think any of us will feel right till we have had a night's sleep. + Besides, all the rugs and blankets are wet and want spreading out in the + sun for a bit, and the flour will want overhauling." + </p> + <p> + "That settles it, Ben; let us get all the outfit out of the boats at + once." + </p> + <p> + After the things had been laid out to dry the two Indians went off in + search of game; but none of the others felt any inclination to move, and + they spent the rest of the day lying about smoking and dozing. The Indians + brought back a big-horn, and the next morning the canoes dropped down the + stream again. For some miles the river flowed quietly along a wide valley. + At the end of that time it made an abrupt turn and entered the heart of + the mountains. As before, Harry's canoe went in advance. The caņon was + here a deep gloomy chasm, with almost perpendicular sides, and for some + distance the river ran swiftly and smoothly, then white water was seen + ahead, so the two boats rowed in to the rocks at the foot of the + precipice, and the occupants proceeded to explore the pass ahead. It was + of a different character to the last. Black rocks rose everywhere above + the surface, and among these the river flowed with extraordinary force and + rapidity, foaming and roaring. + </p> + <p> + All agreed that it was madness to think of descending here, and that a + portage was necessary. The contents of the boats were lifted out, and then + one of them was carried down over the rocks by the united strength of the + party. They had gone half a mile when they came to a spot where they could + go no farther, as the water rushed along against the rock wall itself. + Some fifty yards further down they could see that the ledge again began. + </p> + <p> + "We must go and fetch the other boat," Harry shouted above the din of the + water, "and let them down one by one. There is no other way to do it." + </p> + <p> + The second boat was brought down, and another journey was made to bring + down the stores. The lariats were then tied together. + </p> + <p> + "Let us sit down and smoke a pipe before we do anything more," Jerry said. + "Three times up and down them rocks is worse nor thirty miles on a level." + </p> + <p> + All were glad to adopt this suggestion, and for half an hour they sat + watching the rushing waters. As they did so they discussed how they had + better divide their forces, and agreed that Harry's boat should, as + before, go down first. Three men would be required to let the boat down, + and it would need at least four to check the second boat when it came + abreast of them. Although all felt certain that a single line of the + plaited hide would be sufficient, they determined to use two lines to + ensure themselves against risk. + </p> + <p> + "I should let them run out fast at first, Jerry, only keeping enough + strain on them to keep her head well up stream. Begin to check her + gradually, and let her down only inch by inch. When you see we are close + to the rocks, hold her there while we get her alongside, and don't leave + go till we lift her from the water. Directly we are out, fasten the ropes + to the bow of your canoe, then launch her carefully; and whatever you do, + don't let go of the rope. Launch her stern first close to the wall, then + two get in and get well towards the stern, while the other holds the rope + until the last moment. Then those two in the boat must begin to paddle as + hard as they can, while the last man jumps in and snatches up his paddle. + Keep her head close to the wall, for if the current catches it and takes + her round she would capsize in a moment against those rocks. Paddle all + you know; we shall haul in the rope as fast as you come down. When you + come abreast two of us will check her, and the others will be on the rocks + to catch hold of her side as she swings in." + </p> + <p> + The first canoe was launched stern foremost, the four men took their seats + in her and began to paddle against, the stream with all their strength, + while Jerry and his companions let the lines run through their fingers. + The boat glanced along by the side of the wall. The men above put on more + and more strain, giving a turn of the ropes round a smooth water-worn rock + they had before picked out as suitable for the purpose. The water surged + against the bow of the canoe, lifting it higher and higher as the full + strain of the rope came upon it. The chief was kneeling in the stern + facing the rocks below, and as the canoe came abreast of them he brought + her in alongside. Harry held up his paddle, the men above gave another + turn of the ropes round the rock, and the canoe remained stationary. + Hunting Dog sprang out on to the rocks, and taking hold of the blade of + the chief's paddle, brought the canoe in so close that the others were + able to step ashore without difficulty. The baggage was taken out, and the + canoe lifted from the water, turned upside down, and laid on the rocks. + </p> + <p> + Harry held up his hand to show that they were ready, having before he did + so chosen a stone round which to wind the lariats. The other boat was then + launched. Sam and Ben took their places astern and began to paddle against + the stream. As they were in the back-water below the ledge of rock they + were able to keep her stationary while Jerry took his place and got out + his paddle. When all were ready, they paddled her out from the back-water. + As soon as the current caught her she flew past the cliff like an arrow, + although the three men were now paddling at the top of their speed. Harry + and the chief pulled in the rope hand over hand, while Hunting Dog and Tom + went a short way down the rocks. + </p> + <p> + "Don't check her too suddenly, chief," Harry shouted. "Let the rope run + out easy at first and bring the strain on gradually." + </p> + <p> + "The ropes will hold," the chief said. "One stop buffalo in gallop, two + stop boat." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but you would pull the head out of the canoe; chief, if you stopped + her too suddenly." + </p> + <p> + The chief nodded. He had not thought of that. In spite of the efforts of + the oarsmen the canoe's head was swerving across the stream just as she + came abreast of them. A moment later she felt the check of the rope. + </p> + <p> + "Easy, chief, easy!" Harry shouted, as the water shot up high over the bow + of the canoe. "Wait till she gets a bit lower or we shall capsize her." + </p> + <p> + The check of the bow had caused the stern to swerve out, and when they + again checked her she was several lengths below them with her head + inclined to shore. More and more strain was put on the ropes, until they + were as taut as iron bars. A moment later Tom and Hunting Dog seized two + paddles held out to them, and the boat came gently in alongside. + </p> + <p> + "Gosh!" Ben exclaimed, as he stepped ashore, "it has taken as much out of + me as working a windlass for a day. I am blamed if I did not think the + hull boat was coming to pieces. I thought it was all over with us for + sure, Harry; when she first felt the rope, the water came in right over + the side." + </p> + <p> + "It was touch and go, Ben; but there was a rock just outside you, and if + we had not checked her a bit her head would have gone across it, and if it + had, I would not have given a red cent for your lives." + </p> + <p> + All day they toiled on foot, and by nightfall had made but four miles. + Then they camped for the night among the rocks. The next four days were + passed in similar labour. Two or three times they had to cross the torrent + in order to get on to fallen rocks on the other side to that which they + were following. These passages demanded the greatest caution. In each case + there were rocks showing above water in the middle of the channel. One of + these was chosen as most suited to their purpose, and by means of the + ropes a canoe was sheered out to it. Its occupants then took their places + on the rock, and in turn dropped the other boat down to the next suitable + point, the process being repeated, step by step, until the opposite bank + was reached. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the fourth day the geological formation changed. The rock + was softer, and the stream had worn a more even path for itself, and they + decided to take to the boats again. There was no occasion for paddling + now, it was only when a swell on the surface marked some hidden danger + below that a stroke or two of the paddle was needed to sweep them clear of + it. For four hours they were carried along at the rate of fully twelve + miles an hour, and at the end of that time they shot out from between the + overhanging walls into a comparatively broad valley. With a shout of + delight they headed the boats for shore, and leapt out on to a flat rock a + few inches above the water. + </p> + <p> + "If we could go on at that pace right down we should not be long before we + were out of the mountains," Tom said. + </p> + <p> + "We could do with a bit slower, Tom; that is too fast to be pleasant. Just + about half that would do—six miles an hour. Twelve hours a day would + take us out of the caņons in a fortnight or so. We might do that safely, + but we could not calculate on having such good luck as we have had to-day, + when going along at twelve miles an hour. The pace for the last four days + has been just as much too slow as this is too fast. Four miles a day + working from morning till night is heart-breaking. In spite of our run + to-day, we cannot have made much over a hundred miles since we started. + Well, there is one comfort, we are in no great hurry. We have got just the + boats for the work, and so far as we can see, we are likely to find plenty + of food. A job like this isn't to be reckoned child's play. So far I + consider we have had good luck; I shall be well content if it averages as + well all the way down. The fear is we may get to falls where we can + neither carry nor let the boats down. In that case we should have to get + out of the canon somewhere, pack as much flour as we could carry, and make + our way across country, though how far we might have to travel there is no + knowing. I hope it mayn't come to that; but at any rate I would rather go + through even worse places than that caņon above than have to quit the + boats." + </p> + <p> + "Right you are, Harry," Jerry agreed. "I would rather tote the canoe on my + back all the way down to Mexico, than have to try and make my way over the + bad lands to the hills. Besides, when we get a bit farther we shall be in + the Navahoe country, and the Utes ain't a sarcumstance to them. The Ute + ain't much of a fighter anyway. He will kill white men he finds up in his + hills, 'cause he don't want white men there, but he has to be five or six + to one before he will attack him. The Navahoe kills the white man 'cause + he is a white man, and 'cause he likes killing. He is a fighter, and don't + you forget it. If it had been Navahoes instead of Utes that had caught us + up in the hills, you may bet your bottom dollar our scalps would be drying + in their lodges now." + </p> + <p> + "That is so, Jerry," Ben put in. "Besides, the Navahoes and the Apaches + have got no fear of white men. They have been raiding Mexico for hundreds + of years, and man to man they can whip Mexikins out of their boots. I + don't say as they haven't a considerable respect for western hunters; they + have had a good many lessons that these can out-shoot them and out-fight + them; still they ain't scared of them as plain Indians are. They are a bad + lot, look at them which way you will, and I don't want to have to tramp + across their country noways. It was pretty hard work carrying that boat + along them rocks, but I would rather have to do so, right down to the + plains, then get into a muss with the Navahoes." + </p> + <p> + "How far does the Navahoe country come this way?" + </p> + <p> + "There ain't no fence, Tom, I expect. They reckon as it's their country + just as far as they like to come. They don't come up as far north as this, + but where they ends and where the Utes begin no one knows but themselves; + and I reckon it shifts according as the Navahoes are busy with the + Mexicans in the south, or have got a quiet spell, and take it into their + heads to hunt this way." + </p> + <p> + For many days they continued their journey, sometimes floating quietly + along a comparatively wide valley, sometimes carrying their boats past + dangerous rapids, sometimes rushing along at great speed on the black, + deep water, occasionally meeting with falls where everything had to be + taken out of the canoes, and the boats themselves allowed to shoot over + the falls with long ropes attached, by which they were drawn to shore + lower down. It was seldom that they were without meat, as several + big-horns and two bears were shot by the Indians. They had no doubt that + they could have caught fish, but as a rule they were too tired when they + arrived at their halting-place to do more than cook and eat their suppers + before they lay down to rest. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon it won't be very long before we come upon a Mexican village," + Harry said one day, after they had been six weeks on their downward + course. "I have heard there is one above the Grand Caņon." + </p> + <p> + The scenery had varied greatly. In some of the valleys groves of trees + bordered the river; sometimes not even a tuft of grass was to be seen. + Occasionally the cliffs ran in an even line for many miles, showing that + the country beyond was a level plateau, at other times rugged peaks and + pinnacles resembling ruined castles, lighthouses, and churches could be + seen. Frequently the cliffs rose three or four thousand feet in an almost + unbroken line, but more often there were rounded terraces, where it would + have been easy to ascend to the upper level. Everywhere the various strata + were of different colours: soft grays and browns, orange, vermilion, + purple, green, and yellow. They soon learned that when they passed through + soft strata, the river ran quietly; where the rocks were hard there were + falls and rapids; where the strata lay horizontal the stream ran smoothly, + though often with great rapidity; where they dipped up stream there were + dangerous rapids and falls. + </p> + <p> + Since the start the river had been largely swollen by the junctions of + other streams, and was much wider and deeper than it had been where they + embarked; and even where the rapids were fiercest they generally found + comparatively quiet water close to the bank on one side or the other. + Twice they had had upsets, both the boats having been capsized by striking + upon rocks but an inch or two below the surface of the water. Little harm + was done, for the guns and all other valuable articles were lashed to the + sides of the boats, while strips of hide, zigzagged across the ends of the + canoes at short distances apart, prevented the blankets and rugs and other + bulky articles from dropping out when the boat capsized. + </p> + <p> + Since the river had become wider and the dangers less frequent, the boats + always kept near each other. Upsets were therefore only the occasion for a + hearty laugh; for it took but a few minutes to right the canoe, bale it + out, and proceed on their way. Occasionally they had unpleasant visitors + at their camp, and altogether they killed ten or twelve rattle-snakes. In + some of the valleys they found the remains of the dwellings of a people + far anterior to the present Indian races. Some of these ruins appeared to + have been communal houses. At other points they saw cliff-dwellings in the + face of the rock, with rough sculptures and hieroglyphics. The canons + varied in length from ten to a hundred and fifty miles, the comparatively + flat country between them varying equally in point of appearance and in + the nature of the rocks. As they got lower they once or twice saw + roughly-made rafts, composed of three or four logs of wood, showing where + Indians had crossed the river. The journey so far had been much more + pleasant than they had expected, for as the river grew wider the dangers + were fewer and farther apart, and more easily avoided; and they looked + forward to the descent of the Grand Caņon, from which they knew they could + not be far distant, without much fear that it would prove impracticable. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII — THE GRAND CAŅON + </h2> + <p> + Passing from a short caņon, the boats emerged into a valley with flat + shores for some distance from the river. On the right was a wide side + caņon, which might afford a passage up into the hills. Half a mile lower + down there were trees and signs of cultivation; and a light smoke rose + among them. At this, the first sign of human life they had seen since they + took to the boats, all hands paddled rapidly. They were approaching the + shore, when Leaping Horse said to Harry: "No go close. Stop in river and + see, perhaps bad Indians. Leaping Horse not like smoke." + </p> + <p> + Harry called to the other canoe, and they bore out into the stream again. + The chief stood up in the boat, and after gazing at the shore silently for + a moment said: + </p> + <p> + "Village burnt. Burnt little time ago, post still burning." As he resumed + his seat Harry stood up in turn. + </p> + <p> + "That is so, chief. There have only been five or six huts; whether Indian + or white, one can't tell now." + </p> + <p> + Just at this moment an Indian appeared on the bank. As his eye fell on the + boats he started. A moment later he raised a war-yell. + </p> + <p> + "Navahoe," the chief said. "Navahoe war-party come down, kill people and + burn village. Must row hard." + </p> + <p> + The yell had been answered from the wood, and in two or three minutes as + many score of Indians appeared on the banks. They shouted to the boats to + come to shore, and as no attention was paid, some of them at once opened + fire. The river was about a quarter of a mile wide, and although the shots + splashed round them the boats were not long in reaching the farther bank, + but not unharmed, for Ben had dropped his paddle and fallen back in the + boat. + </p> + <p> + "Is he badly hurt?" Harry asked anxiously, as the canoes drew alongside + each other near the bank, and Sam turned round to look at his comrade. + </p> + <p> + "He has finished his journey," Sam said in a hoarse voice. "He has gone + down, and a better mate and a truer heart I never met. The ball has hit + him in the middle of the forehead. It were to be, I guess, for it could + only have been a chance shot at that distance." + </p> + <p> + Exclamations of sorrow and fury broke from the others, and for a few + minutes there was no thought of the Indians, whose bullets were still + falling in the water, for the most part short of the boats. A sharp tap on + the side of Harry's canoe, followed by a jet of water, roused them. + </p> + <p> + "We mustn't stop here," Harry said, as Hunting Dog plugged the hole with a + piece of dried meat, "or poor Ben won't be the only one." + </p> + <p> + "Let us have a shot first," Jerry said. "Young Tom, do you take a shot + with Plumb-centre. It is about four hundred and fifty yards as near as I + can reckon, and she will carry pretty true that distance." + </p> + <p> + "We will give them a shot all round," Harry said, as he took up his rifle. + </p> + <p> + Six shots were discharged almost at the same moment. One of the Indians + was seen to fall, the rest bounded away to a short distance from the bank. + Then Hunting Dog at a word from the chief stepped into the other canoe. + Keeping close under the bank they paddled down. The Indians had ceased + firing, and had disappeared at a run. + </p> + <p> + "What are they up to now, chief?" + </p> + <p> + "Going down to mouth of caņon, river sure to be narrow; get there before + us." + </p> + <p> + "Wait, Jerry," Harry shouted to the other boat, which was some twenty + yards ahead. "The chief thinks they have gone to cut us off at the head of + the caņon, which is likely enough. I don't suppose it is fifty yards wide + there, and they will riddle us if we try to get through in daylight. We + had better stop and have a meal and talk it over." + </p> + <p> + The boats were rowed ashore, and the men landed and proceeded to light a + fire as unconcernedly as if no danger threatened them. Ben's death had + cast a heavy gloom over them, and but few words were spoken, until the + meal was cooked and eaten. + </p> + <p> + "It is a dog-goned bad business," Jerry said. "I don't say at night as we + mayn't get past them without being hit, but to go rushing into one of + those caņons in the dark would be as bad as standing their fire, if not + wuss. The question is—could we leave the boats and strike across?" + </p> + <p> + "We could not strike across this side anyhow," Harry said. "There are no + settlements west of the Colorado. We know nothing of the country, and it + is a hundred to one we should all die of thirst even if we could carry + enough grub to last us. If we land at all it must be on the other side, + and then we could not reckon on striking a settlement short of two hundred + miles, and two hundred miles across a country like this would be almost + certain death." + </p> + <p> + "As the Navahoes must have ridden down, Harry, there must be water. I + reckon they came down that caņon opposite." + </p> + <p> + "Navahoe on track in morning," the chief said quietly. "When they see we + not go down river look for boat, find where we land and take up trail. + Caņon very plain road. Some go up there straight, take all our scalps." + </p> + <p> + No one spoke for a moment or two. What the Seneca said was so evident to + them that it was useless to argue. "Well, chief, what do you advise + yourself?" Harry asked at length. + </p> + <p> + "Not possible go on foot, Harry. Country all rocks and caņons; cannot get + through, cannot get water. Trouble with Navahoes too. Only chance get down + in boat to-night. Keep close under this bank; perhaps Indians not see us, + night dark." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think they can cross over to this side?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, got canoe. Two canoes in village, Leaping Horse saw them on bank. + When it gets dark, cross over." + </p> + <p> + "We will get a start of them," Harry said. "Directly it is dark we can be + off too. The shore is everywhere higher than our heads as we sit in the + canoes, and we can paddle in the shadow without being seen by them on the + other side, while they won't venture to cross till it is pitch dark. As + the stream runs something like three miles an hour, I reckon that they are + hardly likely to catch us. As for the rapids, they don't often begin until + you are some little distance in. At any rate we shall not have to go far, + for the red-skins will not dare to enter the caņon, so we can tie up till + morning as soon as we are a short distance in. We have got to run the + gauntlet of their fire, but after all that is better than taking our + chances by leaving the boats. If we lie down when we get near them they + may not see us at all; but if they do, a very few strokes will send us + past them. At any rate there seems less risk in that plan than in any + other." + </p> + <p> + The others agreed. + </p> + <p> + "Now, boys, let us dig a grave," he went on, as soon as the point was + settled. "It is a sort of clay here and we can manage it, and it is not + likely we shall find any place, when we are once in the caņon, where we + can do it." They had neither picks nor shovels with them, for their mining + tools had been left at the spot where they were at work, but with their + axes and knives they dug a shallow grave, laid Ben's body in it, covered + it up, and then rolled a number of boulders over it. + </p> + <p> + Ben's death affected Tom greatly. They had lived together and gone through + many perils and risks for nearly a year, and none had shown more + unflagging good-humour throughout than the man who had been killed. That + the boats might upset and all might perish together, was a thought that + had often occurred to him as they made their way down the river, but that + one should be cut off like this had never once been contemplated by him. + Their lives from the hour they met on the Big Wind River had seemed bound + up together, and this sudden loss of one of the party affected him + greatly. The others went about their work silently and sadly, but they had + been so accustomed to see life lost in sudden frays, and in one or other + of the many dangers that miners and hunters are exposed to, that it did + not affect them to the same extent as it did Tom. + </p> + <p> + Except two or three men who remained on watch on the opposite bank, though + carefully keeping out of rifle-range, they saw no signs of the Navahoes + during the day. As soon as it became so dark that they were sure their + movements could not be seen from the other side, they silently took their + places in the boats, and pushed off into the current. For a quarter of an + hour they lay in the canoes, then at a signal from Harry knelt up, took + their paddles and began to row very quietly and cautiously, the necessity + for dropping their paddles noiselessly into the water and for avoiding any + splashing having been impressed on all before starting. + </p> + <p> + "There is no occasion for haste," Harry said. "Long and gentle strokes of + the paddle will take us down as fast as we need go. If those fellows do + cross over, as I expect they will, they will find it difficult to travel + over the rocks in the dark as fast as we are going now, and there is no + fear whatever of their catching us if we go on steadily." + </p> + <p> + After an hour's rowing they could make out a dark mass rising like a wall + in front of them, and Harry passed the word back to the other canoe, which + was just behind them, that they should now cease paddling, only giving a + stroke occasionally to keep the head of the canoe straight, and to prevent + the boat from drifting out from under the shelter of the bank, in the + stillness of the night they could hear a low roaring, and knew that it was + caused by a rapid in the canon ahead. Higher and higher rose the wall of + rock, blotting out the stars in front of them till the darkness seemed to + spread half-way over the sky. + </p> + <p> + They could see that the boat was passing the shore more rapidly, as the + river accelerated its course before rushing into the gorge. Suddenly there + was a shout on the right, so close that Tom was startled, then there was a + rifle-shot, and a moment later a wild outburst of yells and a dozen other + shots. At the first shout the paddles dipped into the water, and at racing + speed the boats shot along. Eight or ten more rifle-shots were fired, each + farther behind them. + </p> + <p> + "Anyone hurt?" Harry asked. + </p> + <p> + There was a general negative. + </p> + <p> + "I don't believe they really saw us," Harry said. "The first fellow may + have caught sight of us, but I expect the others fired merely at random. + Now let us row in and fasten up, for judging from that roaring there must + be a big rapid close ahead." + </p> + <p> + The boats were soon fastened up against the rocks, and the chief stepped + ashore, saying: + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse and Hunting Dog will watch. Navahoes may come down here. + Don't think they will be brave enough to enter caņon, too dark to see. + Still, better watch." + </p> + <p> + "Just as you like, chief," Harry said, "but I have no belief that they + will come down here in the dark; it would be as much as they would dare do + in broad daylight. Besides, these rocks are steepish climbing anyway, and + I should not like myself to try to get over them, when it is so dark that + I can't see my own hand, except by putting it up between my eyes and the + stars." + </p> + <p> + "If it was not for that," Jerry said, "I would crawl along to the mouth + and see if I couldn't get a shot at them varmint on the other side." + </p> + <p> + "You would not find them there, Jerry. You may be sure that when they saw + us go through they would know it was of no use waiting there any longer. + They would flatter themselves that they had hit some of us, and even if + they hadn't, it would not seem to matter a cent to them, as the evil + spirit of the canon would surely swallow us up." + </p> + <p> + "Well, they have been wrong in their first supposition, uncle," Tom said, + "and I hope they will be equally wrong in the second." + </p> + <p> + "I hope so, Tom. Now we may as well go to sleep. As soon as there is any + light we must explore as far as we can go, for by the noise ahead it must + be either a fall or a desperately bad rapid." + </p> + <p> + When daylight broke, the whites found Hunting Dog sitting with his rifle + across his knees on a rock above them. + </p> + <p> + "Where is the chief?" Harry asked him. + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse went up the rocks to see if Navahoes have gone." + </p> + <p> + "Very well. Tell him when he comes back we have gone down to have a look + at the rapid. Tom, you may as well stay here. There is plenty of + drift-wood among those rocks, and we will breakfast before we start down. + I reckon we shall not have much time for anything of that sort after we + are once off." + </p> + <p> + Tom was by no means sorry to be saved a heavy climb. He collected some + wood and broke it up into suitable pieces, but at the suggestion of + Hunting Dog waited for the chief's return before lighting it. The chief + came down in a few minutes. "Navahoes all gone," he said briefly. + </p> + <p> + "Then I can light a fire, chief?" + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse nodded, and Tom took out the tightly-fitting tin box in + which he kept his matches. Each of the party carried a box, and to secure + against the possibility of the matches being injured by the water in case + of a capsize, the boxes were kept in deer's bladders tightly tied at the + mouth. The fire was just alight when the others returned. + </p> + <p> + "It is better ahead than we expected," Harry said; "the noise was caused + by the echo from the smooth faces of the rocks. It is lucky we hauled in + here last night, for these rocks end fifty yards on, and as far as we can + see down, the water washes the foot of the wall on both sides. We were + able to climb up from them on to a narrow ledge, parallel with the water, + and went on to the next turn, but there was no change in the character of + the river. So we shall make a fair start anyway." + </p> + <p> + More wood was put on the fire, and in a quarter of an hour the kettle was + boiling and slices of meat cooked. Half an hour later they took their + places in the canoes and started. The caņon was similar to the one they + had last passed; the walls were steep and high, but with irregular shelves + running along them. Above these were steep slopes, running up to the foot + of smooth perpendicular cliffs of limestone. The stream was very rapid, + and they calculated that in the first half-hour they must have run six + miles. Here the walls receded to a distance, and ledges of rock and hills + of considerable heights intervened between the river and the cliffs. They + checked the pace of their canoes just as they reached this opening, for a + deep roar told of danger ahead. Fortunately there were rocks where they + were able to disembark, and a short way below they found that a natural + dam extended across the river. + </p> + <p> + "There has been an eruption of trap here," Harry said, looking at the + black rock on either side. "There has been a fissure, I suppose, and the + lava was squeezed up through it. You see the river has cut a path for + itself some hundreds of feet deep. It must have taken countless ages, Tom, + to have done the work." + </p> + <p> + Over this dam the water flowed swiftly and smoothly, and then shot down in + a fall six feet high. Below for a distance of two or three hundred yards + was a furious rapid, the water running among black rocks. With + considerable difficulty they made a portage of the boats and stores to the + lower end of the rapid. This transit occupied several hours, and they then + proceeded on their way. Five more miles were passed; several times the + boats were brought to the bank in order that falls ahead might be + examined. These proved to be not too high to shoot, and the boats paddled + over them. When they had first taken to the river they would never have + dreamt of shooting such falls, but they had now become so expert in the + management of the boats, and so confident in their buoyancy, that the + dangers which would then have appalled them were now faced without + uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + They now came to a long rapid, presenting so many dangers that they deemed + it advisable to let down the boats by lines. Again embarking they found + that the wall of rocks closed in and they entered a narrow gorge, through + which the river ran with great swiftness, touching the walls on each side. + Great care was needed to prevent the boats being dashed against the rock, + but they succeeded in keeping them fairly in the middle of the stream. + After travelling four miles through this gorge it opened somewhat, and on + one side was a strip of sand. + </p> + <p> + "We will land there," Harry said. "It looks to me like granite ahead, and + if it is we are in for bad times, sure." + </p> + <p> + The boats were soon pulled up, and they proceeded to examine the cliffs + below. Hitherto the danger had been in almost exact proportion to the + hardness of the rock, and as they were entering a far harder rock than + they had before encountered, greater difficulties than those they had + surmounted were to be expected. + </p> + <p> + They could not see a long distance down, but what they saw was enough to + justify their worst anticipations. The caņon was narrower than any they + had traversed, and the current extremely swift. There seemed but few + broken rocks in the channel, but on either side the walls jutted out in + sharp angles far into the river, with crags and pinnacles. + </p> + <p> + "Waal, it is of no use looking at it," Jerry said after a pause. "It is + certain we can't get along the sides, so there is nothing to do but to go + straight at it; and the sooner it is over the better." + </p> + <p> + Accordingly they returned to the boats, and soon darted at the speed of an + arrow into the race. Bad as it was at starting it speedily became worse: + ledges, pinnacles, and towers of rock rose above the surface of the stream + breaking it into falls and whirlpools. Every moment it seemed to Tom that + the boat must inevitably be dashed to pieces against one of these + obstructions, for the light boats were whirled about like a feather on the + torrent, and the paddlers could do but little to guide their course. The + very strength of the torrent, however, saved them from destruction, the + whirl from the rocks sweeping the boat's head aside when within a few feet + of them, and driving it past the danger before they had time to realize + that they had escaped wreck. Half an hour of this, and a side caņon came + in. Down this a vast quantity of boulders had been swept, forming a dam + across the river, but they managed to paddle into an eddy at the side, and + to make a portage of the boats to the water below the dam, over which + there was a fall of from thirty to forty feet high. Three more similar + dams were met with. Over one the canoes were carried, but on the others + there was a break in the boulder wall, and they were able to shoot the + falls. + </p> + <p> + After three days of incessant labour, they heard, soon after starting from + their last halting-place, a roar even louder and more menacing than they + had yet experienced. Cautiously they got as close as possible to the side, + and paddling against the stream were able to effect a landing just above + the rapid. On examining it they found that it was nearly half a mile long, + and in this distance the water made a fall of some eighty feet, the stream + being broken everywhere with ledges and jagged rocks, among which the + waves lashed themselves into a white foam. It seemed madness to attempt + such a descent, and they agreed that at any rate they would halt for the + day. The rocks through which the caņon ran were fully a thousand feet + high, but they decided that, great as the labour might be, it would be + better to make a portage, if possible, rather than descend the cataract. + </p> + <p> + "There is a gulch here running up on to the hill," Tom said. "Hunting Dog + and I will start at once and see if it is possible to get up it, and if so + how far it is to a place where we can get down again." + </p> + <p> + Harry assented; Leaping Horse without a word joined the explorers, and + they set off up the gulch. It was found that the ravine was steep, but not + too steep to climb. When they were nearly at the top Hunting Dog pointed + to the hillside above them, and they saw a big-horn standing at the edge + of the rock. The three fired their rifles simultaneously, and the wild + sheep made a spring into the air and then came tumbling down the side of + the ravine. As fresh meat was beginning to run short this was a stroke of + good fortune, and after reloading their guns they proceeded up the ravine + until they reached the crest of the hill. The soil was disintegrated + granite, and tufts of short grass grew here and there. After walking about + a mile, parallel to the course of the river, they found that the ground + descended again, and without much difficulty made their way down until + they reached the foot of a little valley; following this they were soon + standing by the side of the river. Above, its surface was as closely + studded with rocks as was the upper cataract; below, there was another + fall that looked impracticable, except that it seemed possible to pass + along on the rocks by the side. It was getting dark by the time they + rejoined their comrades. + </p> + <p> + "Your report is not a very cheerful one," Harry said, "but at any rate + there seems nothing else to be done than to make the portage. The meat you + have got for us will re-stock our larder, and as it is up there we sha'n't + have the trouble of carrying it over." + </p> + <p> + The next day was a laborious one. One by one the canoes were carried over, + but the operation took them from daybreak till dark. The next morning + another journey was made to bring over the rugs and stores, and they were + able in addition to these to carry down the carcass of the sheep, after + first skinning it and cutting off the head with its great horns. Nothing + was done for the rest of the day beyond trying whether another portage + could be made. This was found to be impracticable, and there was nothing + for them but to attempt the descent. They breakfasted as soon as day + broke, carried the boats down over the boulder dam with which the rapids + commenced, and put them into the water. For some little distance they were + able to let them down by ropes, then the rocks at the foot of the cliffs + came to an end. Fortunately the seven lariats furnished them with a + considerable length of line, and in addition to these the two Indians had + on their way down plaited a considerable length of rope, with thongs cut + from the skins of the animals they had killed. + </p> + <p> + The total available amount of rope was now divided into two lengths, the + ends being fastened to each canoe. One of the boats with its crew on board + was lowered to a point where the men were able to get a foothold on a + ledge. As soon as they had done so the other boat dropped down to them, + and the ropes were played out until they were in turn enabled to get a + footing on a similar ledge or jutting rock, sometimes so narrow that but + one man was able to stand. So alternately the boats were let down. + Sometimes when no foothold could be obtained on the rock wall, the + pinnacles and ledges in the stream were utilized. All the work had to be + done by gesture, for the thunder of the waters was so tremendous that the + loudest shout could not be heard a few yards away. Hour passed after hour. + Their progress was extremely slow, as each step had to be closely + considered and carried out with the greatest care. + </p> + <p> + At last a terrible accident happened. Harry, Leaping Horse, and Tom were + on a ledge. Below them was a fall of three feet, and in the foaming stream + below it, rose several jagged rocks. Jerry's canoe was got safely down the + fall, but in spite of the efforts of the rowers was carried against the + outer side of one of these rocks. They made a great effort to turn the + boat's head into the eddy behind it, but as the line touched the rock its + sharp edge severed the rope like a knife, and the boat shot away down the + rapid. Those on the ledge watched it with breathless anxiety. Two or three + dangers were safely passed, then to their horror they saw the head of the + canoe rise suddenly as it ran up a sunken ledge just under the water. An + instant later the stern swept round, bringing her broadside on to the + stream, and she at once capsized. + </p> + <p> + "Quick!" Harry exclaimed, "we must go to their rescue. Keep close to the + wall, chief, till we see signs of them. It is safest close in." + </p> + <p> + In an instant they were in their places, and as they released the canoe + she shot in a moment over the fall. For a short distance they kept her + close to the side, but a projecting ledge threw the current sharply + outwards, and the canoe shot out into the full force of the rapid. The + chief knelt up in the bow paddle in hand, keeping a vigilant eye for rocks + and ledges ahead, and often with a sharp stroke of the paddle, seconded by + the effort of Harry in the stern, sweeping her aside just when Tom thought + her destruction inevitable. Now she went headlong down a fall, then was + caught by an eddy, and was whirled round and round three or four times + before the efforts of the paddlers could take her beyond its influence. + Suddenly a cry came to their ears. Just as they approached a rocky ledge + some thirty feet long, and showing a saw-like edge a foot above the water, + the chief gave a shout and struck his paddle into the water. + </p> + <p> + "Behind the rock, Tom, behind the rock!" Harry exclaimed as he swept the + stern round. Tom paddled with all his might, and the canoe headed up + stream. Quickly as the movement was done, the boat was some twelve yards + below the rock as she came round with her nose just in the lower edge of + the eddy behind it, while from either side the current closed in on her. + Straining every nerve the three paddlers worked as for life. At first Tom + thought that the glancing waters would sweep her down, but inch by inch + they gained, and drove the boat forward from the grasp of the current into + the back eddy, until suddenly, as if released from a vice, she sprang + forward. Never in his life had Tom exerted himself so greatly. His eyes + were fixed on the rock in front of him, where Hunting Dog was clinging + with one hand, while with the other he supported Jerry's head above water. + He gave a shout of joy as the chief swept the head of the canoe round, + just as it touched the rock, and laid her broadside to it. + </p> + <p> + "Stick your paddle between two points of the rock, Tom," Harry shouted, + "while the chief and I get them in. Sit well over on the other side of the + boat." + </p> + <p> + With considerable difficulty Jerry, who was insensible, was lifted into + the boat. As soon as he was laid down Hunting Dog made his way hand over + hand on the gunwale until close to the stern, where he swung himself into + the boat without difficulty. + </p> + <p> + "Have you seen Sam?" Harry asked. + </p> + <p> + The young Indian shook his head. "Sam one side of the boat," he said, + "Jerry and Hunting Dog the other. Boat went down that chute between those + rocks above. Only just room for it. Jerry was knocked off by rock. Hunting + Dog was near the stern, there was room for him. He caught Jerry's + hunting-shirt, but could not hold on to boat. When came down here made + jump at corner of rock. Could not hold on, but current swept him into + eddy. Then swam here and held on, and kept calling. Knew his brothers + would come down soon." + </p> + <p> + "Here is a spare paddle," Harry said, as he pulled one out from below the + network, "there is not a moment to lose. Keep your eyes open, chief." + Again the boat moved down the stream. With four paddles going the + steersman had somewhat more control over her, but as she flew down the + seething water, glanced past rocks and sprang over falls, Tom expected her + to capsize every moment. At last he saw below them a stretch of quiet + water, and two or three minutes later they were floating upon it, and as + if by a common impulse all ceased rowing. + </p> + <p> + "Thanks be to God for having preserved us," Harry said reverently. "We are + half-full of water; another five minutes of that work and it would have + been all over with us. Do you see any signs of the canoe, chief?" + </p> + <p> + The chief pointed to a ledge of rock extending out into the stream. "Canoe + there," he said. They paddled across to it. After what the young Indian + had said they had no hopes of finding Sam with it, but Harry gave a deep + sigh as he stepped out on to the ledge. + </p> + <p> + "Another gone," he said. "How many of us will get through this place + alive? Let us carry Jerry ashore." + </p> + <p> + There was a patch of sand swept up by the eddy below the rock, and here + Jerry was taken out and laid down. He moaned as they lifted him. + </p> + <p> + "Easy with him," Harry said. "Steady with that arm. I think he has a + shoulder broken, as well as this knock on the head that has stunned him." + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was laid down Harry cut open his shirt on the shoulder. + "Broken," he said shortly. "Now, chief, I know that you are a good hand at + this sort of thing. How had this better be bandaged?" + </p> + <p> + "Want something soft first." + </p> + <p> + Tom ran to the canoe, brought out the little canvas sack in which he + carried his spare flannel shirt, and brought it to the chief. The latter + tore off a piece of stuff and rolled it into a wad. "Want two pieces of + wood," he said, holding his hands about a foot apart to show the length he + required. Harry fetched a spare paddle, and split a strip off each side of + the blade. The chief nodded as he took them. "Good," he said. He tore off + two more strips of flannel and wrapped them round the splints, then with + Harry's aid he placed the shoulder in its natural position, laid the wad + of flannel on the top of it, and over this put the two splints. The whole + was kept in its place by flannel bandages, and the arm was fastened firmly + across the body, so that it could not be moved. Then the little keg of + brandy was brought out of the canoe, a spoonful poured into the pannikin, + with half as much water, and allowed to trickle between Jerry's lips, + while a wad of wet flannel was placed on his head. + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing more we can do for him at present," Harry said. "Now we + will right the other boat, and get all the things out to dry." + </p> + <p> + Three or four pounds of flour were found to be completely soaked with + water, but the main store was safe, as the bag was sewn up in bear-skin. + This was only opened occasionally to take out two or three days' supply, + and then carefully closed again. On landing, Hunting Dog had at once + started in search of drift-wood, and by this time a fire was blazing. A + piece of bear's fat was placed in the frying-pan, and the wetted flour was + at once fried into thin cakes, which were tough and tasteless; but the + supply was too precious to allow of an ounce being wasted. Some slices of + the flesh of the big-horn were cooked. + </p> + <p> + "What is my white brother going to do?" the chief asked Harry. + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing to do that I can see, chief, but to keep on pegging + away. We agreed that it would be almost impossible to find our way over + these barren mountains. That is not to be thought of, now that one of our + number cannot walk. There is no choice left, we have got to go on." + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse understand that," the chief said. "He meant would you take + both canoes? One is big enough to take five." + </p> + <p> + "Quite big enough, chief, but it would be deeper in the water, and the + heavier it is the harder it will bump against any rock it meets; the + lighter they are the better. You see, this other canoe, which I dare say + struck a dozen times on its way down, shows no sign of damage except the + two rents in the skin, that we can mend in a few minutes. Another thing + is, two boats are absolutely necessary for this work of letting down by + ropes, of which we may expect plenty more. If we had only one, we should + be obliged to run every rapid. The only extra trouble that it will give us + is at the portages. I think we had better stay here for two or three days, + so as to give Jerry a chance of coming round. No doubt we could carry him + over the portages just as we can carry the boats, but after such a knock + on the head as he has had, it is best that he should be kept quiet for a + bit. If his skull is not cracked he won't be long in getting round. He is + as hard as nails, and will pull round in the tenth of the time it would + take a man in the towns to get over such a knock. It is a pity the halt is + not in a better place. There is not a shadow of a chance of finding game + among these crags and bare rocks." + </p> + <p> + From time to time fresh water was applied to the wad of flannel round + Jerry's head. + </p> + <p> + "Is there any chance, do you think, of finding poor Sam's body?" + </p> + <p> + The chief shook his head. "No shores where it could be washed up, rocks + tear it to pieces; or if it get in an eddy, might be there for weeks. No + see Sam any more." + </p> + <p> + The fire was kept blazing all night, and they took it by turns to sit + beside Jerry and to pour occasionally a little brandy and water between + his lips. As the men were moving about preparing breakfast the next + morning Jerry suddenly opened his eyes. He looked at Tom, who was sitting + beside him. + </p> + <p> + "Time to get up?" he asked. "Why did you not wake me?" And he made an + effort to move. Tom put his hand on him. + </p> + <p> + "Lie still, Jerry. You have had a knock on the head, but you are all right + now." + </p> + <p> + The miner lay quiet. His eyes wandered confusedly over the figures of the + others, who had, when they heard his voice, gathered round him. + </p> + <p> + "What in thunder is the matter with me?" he asked. "What is this thing on + my head? What is the matter with my arm, I don't seem able to move it?" + </p> + <p> + "It is the knock you have had, Jerry," Harry said cheerfully. "You have + got a bump upon your head half as big as a cocoa-nut, and you have damaged + your shoulder. You have got a wet flannel on your head, and the chief has + bandaged your arm. I expect your head will be all right in a day or two, + but I reckon you won't be able to use your arm for a bit." + </p> + <p> + Jerry lay quiet without speaking for a few minutes, then he said: "Oh, I + remember now; we were capsized. I had hold of the canoe, and I remember + seeing a rock just ahead. I suppose I knocked against it." + </p> + <p> + "That was it, mate. Hunting Dog let go his hold and caught you, and + managed to get into an eddy and cling to the rocks till we came down and + took you on board." + </p> + <p> + Jerry held out his hand to the Indian. "Thankee," he said. "I owe you one, + Hunting Dog. If I ever get the chance you can reckon on me sure, whatever + it is. But where is Sam? Why ain't he here?" + </p> + <p> + "Sam has gone under, mate," Harry replied. "That chute you went down was + only just wide enough for the boat to go through, and no doubt he was + knocked off it at the same time as you were; but as the Indian was on your + side, he saw nothing of Sam. I reckon he sank at once, just as you would + have done if Hunting Dog hadn't been behind you." + </p> + <p> + Jerry made no reply, but as he lay still, with his eyes closed, some big + tears made their way through the lids and rolled down his bronzed face. + The others thought it best to leave him by himself, and continued their + preparations for breakfast. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII — BACK TO DENVER + </h2> + <p> + "When are you going to make a start again?" Jerry asked, after drinking a + pannikin of tea. + </p> + <p> + "We are not going on to-day; perhaps not to-morrow. It will depend on how + you get on." + </p> + <p> + "I shall be a nuisance to you anyway," the miner said, "and it would be a + dog-goned sight the best way to leave me here; but I know you won't do + that, so it ain't no use my asking you. I expect I shall be all right + to-morrow except for this shoulder, but just now my head is buzzing as if + there was a swarm of wild bees inside." + </p> + <p> + "You will be all the better when you have had a good sleep; I reckon we + could all do a bit that way. Young Tom and Hunting Dog are going to try a + bit of fishing with those hooks of yours. We talked about it when we + started, you know, but we have not done anything until now. We want a + change of food badly. We may be a month going down this caņon for anything + I know, and if it keeps on like this there ain't a chance of seeing a head + of game. It ought to be a good place for fish at the foot of the rapids—that + is, if there are any fish here, and I reckon there should be any amount of + them. If they do catch some, we will wait here till we can dry a good + stock. We have nothing now but the dried flesh and some of the big-horn. + There ain't above twenty pounds of flour left, and we could clear up all + there is in the boat in a week. So you need not worry that you are keeping + us." + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later Hunting Dog and Tom put out in one of the canoes, and + paddling to the foot of the rapids let the lines drop overboard, the hooks + being baited with meat. It was not many minutes before the Indian felt a + sharp pull. There was no occasion to play the fish, for the line was + strong enough to hold a shark, and a trout of six pounds weight was soon + laid in the bottom of the boat. + </p> + <p> + "My turn now," Tom said; and the Indian with a smile took the paddle from + his hand, and kept the boat up stream while Tom attended to the lines. + Fish after fish was brought up in rapid succession, and when about mid-day + a call from below told them that it was time for dinner, they had some + thirty fish averaging five pounds' weight at the bottom of the boat. + </p> + <p> + There was a shout of satisfaction from Harry as he looked down into the + canoe, and even the chief gave vent to a grunt that testified his + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + "Hand me up four of them, Tom; I did not know how much I wanted a change + of food till my eyes lit on those beauties. We saw you pulling them out, + but I did not expect it was going to be as good as this." + </p> + <p> + The fish were speedily split open, and laid on ramrods over the fire. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon you will want another one for me," Jerry, who had been asleep + since they started, remarked. "I don't know that I am good for one as big + as those, but I reckon I can pick a bit anyhow." + </p> + <p> + A small fish was put on with the others, and as soon as they were grilled, + all set to at what seemed to Tom the best meal he had ever eaten in his + life. He thought when he handed them to Harry that two would have been + amply sufficient for them all, but he found no difficulty whatever in + disposing of a whole one single-handed. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Tom, the chief and I will take our turn while you and Hunting Dog + prepare your catch. He will show you how to do it, it is simple enough. + Cut off the heads, split and clean them, run a skewer through to keep them + flat, and then lay them on that rock in the sun to dry. Or wait, I will + rig up a line between two of the rocks for you to hang them on. There is + not much wind, but what there is will dry them better than if they were + laid flat." + </p> + <p> + Jerry went off to sleep again as soon as the meal was finished, and the + bandages round his head re-wetted. The paddle from which the strips had + been cut furnished wood for the skewers, and in the course of half an hour + the fish were all hanging on a line. Twenty two more were brought in at + sunset. Some of these, after being treated like the others, were hung in + the smoke of the fire, while the rest were suspended like the first batch. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Jerry was able to move about, and the fishing went on all + day, and by night a quantity, considered sufficient, had been brought + ashore. + </p> + <p> + "There are over four hundred pounds altogether," Harry said, "though by + the time they are dried they won't be more than half that weight. Two + pounds of dried fish a man is enough to keep him going, and they will last + us twenty days at that rate, and it will be hard luck if we don't find + something to help it out as we go down." + </p> + <p> + They stopped another day to allow the drying to be completed. The fish + were taken down and packed on board that evening, and at daylight they + were afloat again. For the next ten days their labours were continuous. + They passed several rapids as bad as the one that had cost them so dear; + but as they gained experience they became more skilful in letting down the + boats. Some days only two or three miles were gained, on others they made + as much as twelve. At last they got out of the granite; beyond this the + task was much easier, and on the fifteenth day after leaving their + fishing-ground, they emerged from the caņon. + </p> + <p> + By this time Jerry had perfectly recovered, and was with great difficulty + persuaded to keep his arm bandaged. He had chafed terribly at first at his + helplessness, and at being unable to take any share in the heavy labours + of the others; but after the rapids were passed he was more contented, and + sat quietly at the bottom of the boat smoking, while Harry and Tom + paddled, the two Indians forming the crew of the other canoe. The diet of + fish had been varied by bear's flesh, Leaping Horse having shot a large + brown bear soon after they got through the rapids. A shout of joy was + raised by the three whites as they issued from the gorge into a quiet + valley, through which the river ran, a broad tranquil stream. Even the + Indians were stirred to wave their paddles above their heads and to give a + ringing whoop as their companions cheered. The boats were headed for the + shore, and the camp was formed near a large clump of bushes. + </p> + <p> + Their joy at their deliverance from the dangers of the caņon was dashed + only by the thought of the loss of their two comrades. The next day three + short caņons were passed through, but these presented no difficulties, and + in the afternoon they reached the mouth of the Rio Virgen, and continuing + their journey arrived five days later at Fort Mojarve. This was a rising + settlement, for it was here that the traders' route between Los Angeles + and Santa Fé crossed the Colorado. Their appearance passed almost + unnoticed, for a large caravan had arrived that afternoon and was starting + east the next morning. + </p> + <p> + "We had best hold our tongues about it altogether," Harry said, as soon as + he heard that the caravan was going on the next morning. "In the first + place they won't believe us, and that would be likely to lead to trouble; + and in the next place we should be worried out of our lives with + questions. Besides, we have got to get a fresh outfit, for we are pretty + near in rags, and to buy horses, food, and kit. We can leave the boats on + the shore, no one is likely to come near them." + </p> + <p> + "I will stop and look after them," Tom said. "There are the saddles, + buffalo-robes, blankets, and ammunition. This shirt is in rags, and the + last moccasins Hunting Dog made me are pretty nearly cut to pieces by the + rocks. I would rather stay here and look after the boats than go into the + village; besides, it will save you the trouble of carrying all these bags + of gold about with you." + </p> + <p> + Harry nodded, cut two of the little bags free from their lashings and + dropped them into his pocket, and then went up to the Fort with Jerry and + the Indians. Tom cut the other bags loose and put them on the ground + beside him, threw a buffalo-robe over them, and then sat for some hours + watching the quiet river and thinking over all they had gone through. It + was almost dark when the others returned. + </p> + <p> + "It has taken us some time, Tom," his uncle said as they threw some + bundles down beside him; "the stores and clothes were easy enough, but we + had a lot of trouble to find horses. However, we did not mind much what we + paid for them, and the traders were ready to sell a few at the prices we + offered. So we have got five riding horses and two pack-ponies, which will + be enough for us. That bundle is your lot, riding breeches and boots, + three pairs of stockings, two flannel shirts, a Mexican hat, and a silk + neck handkerchief. We may as well change at once and go up to the + village." + </p> + <p> + The change was soon effected. Harry and Jerry Curtis had clothes similar + to those they had bought for Tom, while the Indians wore over their shirts + new deer-skin embroidered hunting-shirts, and had fringed Mexican leggings + instead of breeches and boots. They, too, had procured Mexican sombreros. + Taking their rifles and pistols, and hiding their stock of ammunition, the + gold, and their buffalo-robes and blankets, they went up to the village. + It was by this time quite dark: the houses were all lit up, and the + drinking-shops crowded with the teamsters, who seemed bent on making a + night of it, this being the last village through which they would pass + until their arrival at Santa Fé. + </p> + <p> + They slept as usual, wrapped up in their buffalo-robes by the side of the + boats, as all agreed that this was preferable to a close room in a Mexican + house. + </p> + <p> + They were all a-foot as soon as daylight broke, and went up and + breakfasted at a fonda, Tom enjoying the Mexican cookery after the simple + diet he had been accustomed to. Then they went to the stable where the + horses, which were strong serviceable-looking animals, had been placed, + and put on their saddles and bridles. + </p> + <p> + The pack-horses were then laden with flour, tea, sugar, bacon, and other + necessaries. By the time all was ready the caravan was just starting. + Harry had spoken the afternoon before to two of its leaders, and said that + he and four companions would be glad to ride with them to Santa Fé. + Permission was readily granted, the traders being pleased at the accession + of five well-armed men; for although Indian raids were comparatively rare + along this trail, there was still a certain amount of danger involved in + the journey. Some hours were occupied in crossing the river in two heavy + ferry-boats, and the process would have been still longer had not half the + waggons been sent across on the previous afternoon. + </p> + <p> + The long journey was made without incident, and no Indians were met with. + A few deer were shot, but as it was now late in the autumn the scanty + herbage on the plains was all withered up, and the game had for the most + part moved away into deep valleys where they could obtain food. + </p> + <p> + The tale of their passage of the caņons was told more than once, but + although it was listened to with interest, Harry perceived that it was not + really believed. That they had been hunting, had been attacked by Indians, + had made canoes and passed through some of the caņons was credible enough, + but that they should have traversed the whole of the lower course of the + Colorado, seemed to the traders, who were all men experienced in the + country, simply incredible. The party stopped at Santa Fé a few days, and + then started north, travelling through the Mexican villages, and finally + striking across to Denver. At Santa Fé they had converted the contents of + their bags into money, which had been equally shared among them. The + Indians were not willing to accept more than the recognized monthly pay, + but Harry would not hear of it. + </p> + <p> + "This has been no ordinary business, Leaping Horse," he said warmly; "we + have all been as brothers together, and for weeks have looked death in the + face every hour, and we must share all round alike in the gold we have + brought back. Gold is just as useful to an Indian as it is to a white man, + and when you add this to the hoard you spoke of, you will have enough to + buy as many horses and blankets as you can use all your lifetime, and to + settle down in your wigwam and take a wife to yourself whenever you + choose. I fancy from what you said, Hunting Dog has his eye on one of the + maidens of your tribe. Well, he can buy her father's favour now. The time + is coming, chief, when the Indians of the plains will have to take to + white men's ways. The buffaloes are fast dying out, and in a few years it + will be impossible to live by hunting, and the Indians will have to keep + cattle and build houses and live as we do. With his money Hunting Dog + could buy a tidy ranche with a few hundred head of cattle. Of course, he + can hunt as much as he likes so long as there is any game left, but he + will find that as his cattle increase, he will have plenty to look after + at home." + </p> + <p> + "We will take the gold if my brother wishes it," the chief replied + gravely. "He is wise, and though now it seems to Leaping Horse that + red-skins have no need of gold, it may be that some day he and Hunting Dog + may be glad that they have done as their brother wished." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you, Leaping Horse. It will make my heart glad when I may be far + away from you across the great salt water to know that there will always + be comfort in my brother's wigwam." + </p> + <p> + On arriving at Denver they went straight to the Empire. As they entered + the saloon Pete Hoskings looked hard at them. + </p> + <p> + "Straight Harry, by thunder!" he shouted; "and Jerry Curtis, and young + Tom; though I would not have known him if he hadn't been with the others. + Well, this air a good sight for the eyes, and to-morrow Christmas-day. I + had begun to be afeard that something had gone wrong with you, I looked + for news from you nigh three months ago. I got the message you sent me in + the spring, and I have asked every old hand who came along east since the + end of August, if there had been any news of you, and I began to fear that + you had been rubbed out by the Utes." + </p> + <p> + "We have had a near escape of it, Pete; but it is a long story. Can you + put us all up? You know Leaping Horse, don't you? The other is his + nephew." + </p> + <p> + "I should think I do know Leaping Horse," Pete said warmly, and went + across and shook the Indian's hand heartily. + </p> + <p> + "I was looking at you three, and did not notice who you had with you. In + that letter the chap brought me, you said that the chief was going with + you, and Sam Hicks and Ben Gulston. I did not know them so well; that is, + I never worked with them, though they have stopped here many a time." + </p> + <p> + "They have gone under, Pete. Sam was drowned in the Colorado, Ben shot by + the Navahoes. We have all had some close calls, I can tell you. Well now, + can you put us up?" + </p> + <p> + "You need not ask such a question as that, Harry," Pete said in an + aggrieved tone, "when you know very well that if the place was chock-full, + I would clear the crowd out to make room for you. There are three beds in + the room over this that will do for you three; and there is a room beside + it as Leaping Horse and his nephew can have, though I reckon they won't + care to sleep on the beds." + </p> + <p> + "No more shall we, Pete. We have been fifteen months and more sleeping in + the open, and we would rather have our buffalo-robes and blankets than the + softest bed in the world." + </p> + <p> + "You must have had a cold time of it the last three months up in those Ute + hills, where you said you were going." + </p> + <p> + "We left there five months ago, Pete. We have been down as low as Fort + Mojarve, and then crossed with a caravan of traders to Santa Fé." + </p> + <p> + Pete began pouring out the liquor. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you won't take one, chief, nor the young brave. Yes; I remember you + do not touch the fire-water, and you may be sure I won't press you. Well, + luck to you all, and right glad I am to see you again. Ah! here is my + bartender. Now we will get a good fire lit in another room and hurry up + supper, and then we will talk it all over. You have put your horses up, I + suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; we knew you had no accommodation that way, Pete." + </p> + <p> + The room into which Pete now led them was not his own sanctum, but one + used occasionally when a party of miners coming in from the hills wanted + to have a feast by themselves, or when customers wished to talk over + private business. There was a table capable of seating some twelve people, + a great stove, and some benches. A negro soon lighted a large fire; then, + aided by a boy, laid the table, and it was not long before they sat down + to a good meal. When it was over, Pete said: + </p> + <p> + "Lend me a hand, Jerry, to push this table aside, then we will bring the + benches round the stove and hear all about it. I told the bar-tender that + I am not to be disturbed, and that if anyone wants to see me he is to say + that he has got to wait till to-morrow, for that I am engaged on important + business. Here are brandy and whisky, and tobacco and cigars, and coffee + for the chief and his nephew." + </p> + <p> + "I think you may say for all of us, Pete," Harry said. "After being a year + without spirits, Jerry, Tom, and I have agreed to keep without them. We + wouldn't say no to you when you asked us to take a drink, and we have not + sworn off, but Jerry and I have agreed that we have both been all the + better without them, and mean to keep to it; and as for Tom, he prefers + coffee." + </p> + <p> + "Do as you please," Pete said; "I am always glad to hear men say no. I + have made a lot of money out of it, but I have seen so many fellows ruined + by it that I am always pleased to see a man give up drink." + </p> + <p> + "There is one thing, Pete," Tom said, "before we begin. We left our + bundles of robes and blankets in the next room, if you don't mind I would + a deal rather spread them out here—and I am sure the chief and + Hunting Dog would—and squat down on them, instead of sitting on + these benches. It is a long story uncle will have to tell you." + </p> + <p> + "We will fetch ours too," Harry agreed. "Benches are all well enough for + sitting at the table to eat one's dinner, but why a man should sit on them + when he can sit on the ground is more than I can make out." + </p> + <p> + Pete nodded. "I will have my rocking-chair in," he said, "and then we + shall be fixed up for the evening." + </p> + <p> + The arrangements were soon made; pipes were lighted; the landlord sat in + his chair at some little distance back from the front of the stove; Tom + and the two Indians sat on their rugs on one side; Harry and Jerry Curtis + completed the semicircle on the other. + </p> + <p> + "Well, in the first place, Pete," Harry began, "you will be glad to hear + that we have struck it rich—the biggest thing I have ever seen. It + is up in the Ute country. We have staked out a claim for you next our own. + There are about five hundred pounds of samples lying at Fort Bridger, and + a bit of the rock we crushed, panned out five hundred ounces to the ton." + </p> + <p> + "You don't say!" Pete exclaimed. "If there is much of that stuff, Harry, + you have got a bonanza." + </p> + <p> + "There is a good bit of it anyhow, Pete. It is a true vein, and though it + is not all like that, it keeps good enough. Fifty feet back we found it + run twenty ounces. That is on the surface, we can't say how it goes down + in depth. Where we struck it on the face it was about fourteen feet high, + and the lode kept its width for that depth anyhow." + </p> + <p> + "That air good enough," the landlord said. "Now, what do you reckon on + doing?" + </p> + <p> + "The place is among the hills, Pete, and the Utes are hostile, and went + very nigh rubbing us all out. We reckon it ought to be worked by a party + of thirty men at least. They ought to be well armed, and must build a sort + of fort. I don't think the Utes would venture to attack them if they were + of that strength. There is a little stream runs close to the vein, and if + it were dammed up it would drive a couple of stamps, which, with a + concentrator and tables and blankets, would be quite enough for such stuff + as that. I reckon fifteen men will be quite enough to work, and to hold + the fort. The other fifteen men would include three or four hunters, and + the rest would go backwards and forwards to Bridger for supplies, and to + take the gold down. They would be seven or eight days away at a time; and + if there should be trouble with the red-skins they would always be back + before those at the fort were really pressed. But we should not be alone + long, the news that a rich thing had been struck would bring scores of + miners up in no time. + </p> + <p> + "We have taken up our own ten claims, which will include, of course, the + rich part. Then we have taken up the next eight or ten claims for our + friends. As I said, we put yours next to ours. We have not registered them + yet, but that will be the first job; and of course you and the others will + each have to put a man on your claims to hold them. The lode shows on the + other side of the creek, though not so rich; still plenty good enough to + work. But as we shall practically get all the water, the lode cannot be + worked by anyone but ourselves. Still the gravel is rich all down the + creek, as rich as anything I have seen in California, and will be sure to + be taken up by miners as soon as we are at work. So there will be no real + danger of trouble from the Indians then. What we propose is this. We don't + what to sell out, we think it is good enough to hold, but we want to get a + company to find the money for getting up the machinery, building a strong + block-house with a palisade, laying in stores, and working the place. + Jerry, Tom, and I would of course be in command, at any rate for the first + year or so, when the rich stuff was being worked." + </p> + <p> + "How much money do you think it will want, and what share do you think of + giving, Harry?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I should say fifty thousand dollars, though I believe half that + would be enough. Not a penny would be required after the first ton of rock + goes through the stamps. But we should have to take the stamps and + ironwork from the railway terminus to Bridger, and then down. We might + calculate on a month or six weeks in getting up the fort, making the leat + and water-wheel, putting up the machinery, and laying down the flumes. Say + two months from the time we leave Bridger to the time we begin to work. + There would be the pay of the men all that time, the cost of transporting + stores, and all that sort of thing; so it would be better to say fifty + thousand dollars. What share ought we to offer for that?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, if you could bring that five hundredweight of stuff here and get it + crushed up, and it turns out as good as you say, I could get you the money + in twenty-four hours. I would not mind going half of it myself, and I + should say that a quarter share would be more than good enough." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we thought of a third, Pete." + </p> + <p> + "Well, if you say a third you may consider that part of the business is + done. You won't be able to apply for claims in the names of Sam and Ben, + and if you did it would be no good, because they could not assign them + over to the company. There are eight claims without them, and the one you + have put down in my name is nine. Well, I can get say eleven men in this + place, who will give you an assignment of their claims for five dollars + apiece. That is done every day. I just say to them, I am registering a + share in your name in the Tom Cat Mine, write an assignment to me of it + and I am good for five dollars' worth of liquor, take it out as you like. + The thing is as easy as falling off a log. Well, what are you thinking of + doing next?" + </p> + <p> + "We shall buy a light waggon and team to-morrow or next day and drive + straight over to Bridger, then we shall go to Salt Lake City and register + our claims at the mining-office there. We need not give the locality very + precisely. Indeed, we could not describe it ourselves so that anyone could + find it, and nobody would go looking for it before spring comes and the + snow clears. Besides, there are scores of wild-cat claims registered every + year. Until they turn out good no one thinks anything of them. When we + have got that done we will go back to Bridger, and fetch the rock over + here. We will write to-morrow to Pittsburg for the mining outfit, for all + the ironwork of the stamps, the concentrator, and everything required, + with axes, picks, and shovels, blasting tools and powder, to be sent as + far as they have got the railway." + </p> + <p> + "But they will want the money with the order, Harry," Pete said in a tone + of surprise. + </p> + <p> + "They will have the money. We washed the gravel for a couple of months + before the Utes lit on us, and after buying horses and a fresh outfit for + us all at Fort Mojarve, we have between us got something like five + thousand dollars in gold and greenbacks." + </p> + <p> + "Jee-hoshaphat!" Pete exclaimed; "that was good indeed for two months' + work. Well, look here, there is no hurry for a few days about your + starting back to Bridger. Here we are now, nearly at the end of December. + It will take you a month to get there, say another fortnight to go on to + Salt Lake City and register your claim and get back to Bridger, then it + would be a month getting back here again; that would take you to the + middle of March. Well, you see it would be pretty nigh the end of April + before you were back at Bridger, then you would have to get your waggons + and your men, and that would be too late altogether. + </p> + <p> + "You have got to pick your miners carefully, I can tell you; and it is not + a job to be done in a hurry. When they see what gold there is in the rock + they will soon set to work washing the gravel, and the day they do they + will chuck up your work altogether. I will tell you what I would rather + do, and that is, pick up green hands from the east. There are scores of + them here now; men who have come as far as this, and can't start west till + the snows melt. You need not think anything more about the money. You tell + me what you crushed is a fair sample of that five hundred pounds, and that + is quite good enough for me, and the gravel being so rich is another proof + of what the lode was when the stream cut through it. I can put the + twenty-five thousand dollars down, and there are plenty of men here who + will take my word for the affair and plank their money down too. If there + weren't I would put a mortgage on my houses, so that matter is done. + To-morrow I will get the men whose names you are to give in for a claim + each; it will be time in another two months to begin to look about for + some steady chaps from the east, farmers' sons and such like. That is, if + you think that plan is a good one. I mean to see this thing through, and I + shall go with you myself, and we three can do the blasting." + </p> + <p> + "We shall be wanted to look after the stamps and pans," Harry said. "We + had best get three or four old hands for the rock." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that is best," Pete said. "Between us it is hard if we can't lay our + hands upon men we can trust, and who will give us their word to stay with + us if we offer them six dollars a day." + </p> + <p> + "We might offer them ten dollars," Harry said, "without hurting ourselves; + but we can say six dollars to begin with, and put some more on + afterwards." + </p> + <p> + "There is old Mat Morgan," Jerry put in. "I don't know whether he is about + here now. I would trust him. He is getting old for prospecting among the + hills now, but he is as good a miner as ever swung a sledge-hammer, and as + straight as they make them." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, he is a good man," Pete agreed. And after some talk they settled + upon three others, all of whom, Pete said, were either in the town or + would be coming in shortly. + </p> + <p> + "Now, you stop here for a week or two, or a month if you like, Harry, then + you can go to Salt Lake City as you propose, and then go back to Bridger. + If as you pass through you send me five-and-twenty pounds of that rock by + express, it will make it easier for me to arrange the money affair. When + you get back you might crush the rest up and send me word what it has + panned out, then later on you can go down again to Salt Lake City and buy + the waggons and flour and bacon, and take them back to Bridger. When March + comes in, I will start from here with some waggons. We want them to take + the machinery, and powder and tools, and the tea and coffee and things + like that, of which we will make a list, on to Bridger, with the four men + we pick out, if I can get them all; if not, some others in their place, + and a score of young emigrants. I shall have no difficulty in picking out + sober, steady chaps, for in a place like this I can find out about their + habits before I engage them. However, there will be plenty of time to + settle all those points. Now, let us hear all about your adventures. I + have not heard about you since Tom left, except that he wrote me a short + letter from Bridger saying that you had passed the winter up among the + mountains by the Big Wind River. That you had had troubles with the + Indians, and hadn't been able to do much trapping or looking for gold." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we will tell it between us," Harry said, "for it is a long yarn." + </p> + <p> + It was, indeed, past midnight before the story was all told. Long before + it was finished the two Indians had taken up their rugs and gone up to + their room, and although the other three had taken by turns to tell the + tale of their adventures, they were all hoarse with speaking by the time + they got through. Pete had often stopped them to ask question at various + points where the narrators had been inclined to cut the story short. + </p> + <p> + "That beats all," he said, when they brought it to an end. "Only to think + that you have gone down the Grand Caņon. I would not have minded being + with you when you were fighting the 'Rappahoes or the Utes, but I would + not try going down the caņons for all the gold in California. Well, look + here, boys, I know that what you tell me is gospel truth, and all the men + who know you well, will believe every word you say, but I would not tell + the tale to strangers, for they would look on you as the all-firedest + liars in creation." + </p> + <p> + "We have learnt that already, Pete," Harry laughed, "and we mean to keep + it to ourselves, at any rate till we have got the mine at work. People may + not believe the story of a man in a red shirt, and, mind you, I have heard + a good many powerful lies told round a miner's fire, but when it is known + we have got a wonderfully rich gold mine, I fancy it will be different. + The men would say, if fellows are sharp enough to find a bonanza, it + stands to reason they may be sharp enough to find their way down a caņon. + Now, let us be off to bed, for the heat of the stove has made me so sleepy + that for the last hour I have hardly been able to keep my eyes open, and + have scarcely heard a word of what Jerry and Tom have been saying." + </p> + <p> + They only remained a few days at Denver. After the life they had been + leading they were very speedily tired of that of the town, and at the end + of a week they started on horseback, with a light waggon drawn by a good + team, to carry their stores for the journey and to serve as a + sleeping-place. There had been no question about the Indians accompanying + them, this was regarded as a matter of course. It was by no means a + pleasant journey. They had frequent snow-storms and biting wind, and had + sometimes to work for hours to get the waggon out of deep snow, which had + filled up gullies and converted them into traps. After a stay of three + days at Fort Bridger to rest the animals, they went on to Utah, having + forwarded the sample of quartz to Pete Hoskings. + </p> + <p> + A fortnight was spent at Salt Lake City. Waggons, bullocks, and stores + were purchased, and Harry arranged with some teamsters to bring the + waggons out to Fort Bridger as soon as the snow cleared from the ground. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX — A FORTUNE + </h2> + <p> + On their return to Fort Bridger Harry and his companions pounded up the + quartz that had been left there, and found that its average equalled that + of the piece they had tried at the mine. The gold was packed in a box and + sent to Pete Hoskings. A letter came back in return from him, saying that + five of his friends had put in five thousand dollars each, and that he + should start with the stores and machinery as soon as the track was clear + of snow. The season was an early one, and in the middle of April he + arrived with four large waggons and twenty active-looking young emigrants, + and four miners, all of whom were known to Harry. There was a good deal of + talk at Bridger about the expedition, and many offered to take service in + it. But when Harry said that the lode they were going to prospect was in + the heart of the Ute country, and that he himself had been twice attacked + by the red-skins, the eagerness to accompany him abated considerably. + </p> + <p> + The fact, too, that it was a vein that would have to be worked by + machinery, was in itself sufficient to deter solitary miners from trying + to follow it up. Scarce a miner but had located a score of claims in + different parts of the country, and these being absolutely useless to + them, without capital to work them with, they would gladly have disposed + of them for a few dollars. It was not, therefore, worth while to risk a + perilous journey merely on the chance of being able to find another vein + in the neighbourhood of that worked by Harry and the men who had gone into + it with him. There was, however, some surprise among the old hands when + Pete Hoskings arrived with the waggons. + </p> + <p> + "What! Have you cut the saloon, Pete, and are you going in for mining + again?" one of them said as he alighted from his horse. + </p> + <p> + Pete gave a portentous wink. + </p> + <p> + "I guess I know what I am doing, Joe Radley. I am looking after the + interests of a few speculators at Denver, who have an idea that they are + going to get rich all of a sudden. I was sick of the city, and it just + suited me to take a run and to get out of the place for a few months." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think it is rich, Pete?" + </p> + <p> + "One never can say," Hoskings replied with a grin. "We are not greenhorns + any of us, and we know there is no saying how things are going to turn + out. Straight Harry has had a run of bad luck for the last two years, and + I am glad to give him a shoulder up, you know. I reckon he won't come + badly off any way it turns out." + </p> + <p> + It was not much, but it was quite enough to send a rumour round the fort + that Pete Hoskings had been puffing up a wild-cat mine in Denver for the + sake of getting Straight Harry appointed boss of the expedition to test + it. + </p> + <p> + Everything was ready at Bridger, and they delayed but twenty-four hours + there. The teams had arrived from Salt Lake City with the stores a week + before, and the eight waggons set off together. Pete, the three partners, + the two Indians, and the four miners were all mounted. There were eight + other horses ridden by as many of the young fellows Pete had brought with + him, the rest walked on foot. They marched directly for the mine, as with + such a force it was not necessary to make a detour over the bad lands. At + the first halting-place some long cases Pete had brought with him were + opened, and a musket handed to each of the emigrants, together with a + packet of ammunition. + </p> + <p> + "Now," Pete said, "if the Utes meddle with us we will give them fits. But + I reckon they will know better than to interfere with us." + </p> + <p> + The rate of progress with the heavy waggons was necessarily very much + slower than that at which the party had travelled on their previous + journey, and it was not until the afternoon of the eighth day after + starting, that they came down into the valley. A halt was made at the + former camping-place in the grove of trees, and the next morning Pete and + the miners went up with Harry and his friends to choose a spot for the + fort, and to examine the lode. As soon as the earth was scraped away from + the spot from which the rock had been taken, exclamations of astonishment + broke from the miners. They had been told by Pete that Harry had struck it + rich, but all were astonished at the numerous particles and flakes of gold + that protruded from the rock. Pete had forwarded early in the spring to + Harry the list of the claimants to the mine, and the latter and Tom had + ridden over to Salt Lake City a few days before the waggons came up from + there to register the claims at the mining-office, and the first step was + to stake out these claims upon the lode. + </p> + <p> + "It doesn't run like this far," Harry said to the miners, "and I reckon + that beyond our ground it doesn't run above two ounces to the ton, so I + don't think it is worth while your taking up claims beyond. Of course, you + can do so if you like, and we will allow you an hour off every few days + during the season to work your claims enough to keep possession, and of an + evening you can do a bit of washing down below. You will find it good-pay + dirt everywhere. At least we did as far as we tried it." + </p> + <p> + They now fixed on the site for the fort. It was upon the top of the bank, + some twenty yards above the lode, and it was settled there should be a + strong double palisade running down from it to the stream, so that in case + of siege they could fetch water without being exposed to the bullets of an + enemy taking post higher up the creek. Among the men from Denver were two + or three experienced carpenters, and a blacksmith, for whose use a + portable forge had been brought in the waggons. + </p> + <p> + The party returned to breakfast, and as soon as this was over the teams + were put in and the waggons were brought up and unloaded, the stores being + protected from wet by the canvas that formed the tilts. Some of the men + accustomed to the use of the axe had been left in the valley to fell + trees, and as soon as the waggons were unloaded they were sent down to + bring up timber. All worked hard, and at the end of the week a log-hut + fifty feet long and twenty-five feet wide had been erected. The walls were + five feet high, and the roof was formed of the trunks of young trees + squared, and laid side by side. + </p> + <p> + As rain fell seldom in that region it was not considered necessary to + place shingles over them, as this could, in case of need, be done later + on. The door opened out into the passage between the palisades down to the + water, and the windows were all placed on the same side, loopholes being + cut at short intervals round the other three sides. Another fortnight + completed the preparations for work. The stamps were erected, with the + water-wheel to work them; the stream dammed a hundred yards up, and a leat + constructed to bring the water down to the wheel. + </p> + <p> + The waggons were formed up in a square. In this the horses were shut every + night, four of the men by turns keeping guard there. During the last few + days the miners had been at work blasting the quartz, and as soon as the + stamps and machinery were in position they were ready to begin. The men + were all told off to various duties, some to carry the rock down to the + stamps, others to break it up into convenient sizes; two men fed the + stamps, others attended to the concentrator and blankets, supervised by + Harry. It was the duty of some to take the horses down to the valley and + guard them while they were feeding, and bring them back at night. Two men + were to bake and cook, Pete Hoskings taking this special department under + his care. Jerry worked with the miners, and Tom was his uncle's assistant. + </p> + <p> + The stamps were to be kept going night and day, and each could crush a ton + in twenty-four hours. To their great satisfaction each of the men was + allowed one day a week to himself, during which he could prospect for + other lodes or wash gravel as he pleased. The old cradle was found where + it had been left, and as five of the men were off duty each day, they + formed themselves into gangs and worked the cradle by turns, adding very + considerably to the liberal pay they received. The two Indians hunted, and + seldom returned without game of some sort or other. As the quicksilver in + the concentrator was squeezed by Harry or Tom, and the blankets washed by + them, none but themselves knew what the returns were. They and their + partners were, however, more than satisfied with the result, for although + the lode was found to pinch in as they got lower, it maintained for the + first six weeks the extraordinary average of that they had first crushed. + </p> + <p> + At the end of that time the Indians reported that they had seen traces of + the Utes having visited the valley. The number of men who went down with + the horses was at once doubled, one or other of the Indians staying down + with them, preceding them in the morning by half an hour to see that the + valley was clear. A week later the horses were seen coming back again a + quarter of an hour after they had started. The men caught up their guns, + which were always placed handy for them while at work, and ran out to meet + the returning party. + </p> + <p> + "What is it, Hunting Dog?" + </p> + <p> + "A large war-party," the Indian replied. "Three hundred or more." + </p> + <p> + The horses were driven into the inclosure, half the men took their places + among the waggons, and the others, clustered round the hut, prepared to + enter it as soon as the Indians made their appearance. + </p> + <p> + The partners had already arranged what course to take if the Indians + should come down on them, and were for all reasons most anxious that + hostilities should if possible be avoided. + </p> + <p> + Presently the Indians were seen approaching at a gallop. As soon as they + caught sight of the log-house and the inclosure of waggons they reined in + their horses. The men had been ordered to show themselves, and the sight + of some forty white men all armed with rifles brought the Indians to a + dead stand-still. + </p> + <p> + Pete Hoskings went forward a little and waved a white cloth, and then + Harry and the chief, leaving their rifles behind them stepped up to his + side and held their arms aloft. There was a short consultation among the + Indians, and then two chiefs dismounted, handed their rifles and spears to + their men, and in turn advanced. Harry and Leaping Horse went forward + until they met the chiefs halfway between the two parties. Harry began the + conversation. + </p> + <p> + "Why do my red brothers wish to fight?" he asked. "We are doing them no + harm. We are digging in the hills. Why should we not be friends?" + </p> + <p> + "The white men killed many of the Utes when they were here last year," one + of the chiefs replied. "Why do they come upon the Utes' land?" + </p> + <p> + "It was the fault of the Utes," Harry said. "The white men wished only to + work in peace. The Utes tried to take their scalps, and the white men were + forced against their will to fight. No one can be blamed for defending his + life. We wish for peace, but, as the Utes can see, we are quite ready to + defend ourselves. There are forty rifles loaded and ready, and, as you may + see, a strong house. We have no fear. Last time we were but few, but the + Utes found that it was not easy to kill us. Now we are many, and how many + of the Utes would die before they took our scalps? Nevertheless we wish + for peace. The land is the land of the Utes, and although we are strong + and could hold it if we chose, we do not wish to take it by force from our + red brothers. We are ready to pay for the right to live and work quietly. + Let the chiefs go back to their friends and talk together, and say how + many blankets and how many guns and what weight of ammunition and tobacco + they will be content with. Then if they do not ask too much, the white men + will, so long as they remain here, pay that amount each year in order that + they may live in peace with the Utes." + </p> + <p> + The two Indians glanced at each other. "My white brother is wise," one + said. "Why did he not tell the Utes so last year?" + </p> + <p> + "Because you never gave us time, chief. If you had done so we would have + said the same to you then, and your young men would be with you now; but + you came as enemies upon us, and when the rifle is speaking the voice is + silent." + </p> + <p> + "I will speak with my braves," the chief said gravely. And turning round + they walked back to their party, while Harry and the chief returned to the + huts. + </p> + <p> + "What do you think, chief? Will it be peace?" + </p> + <p> + Leaping Horse nodded. "Too many rifles," he said. "The Utes will know they + could never take block-house." + </p> + <p> + It was nearly two hours before the two Utes advanced as before, and Harry + and the Seneca went out to meet them. + </p> + <p> + "My white brother's words are good," the chief said. "The Utes are great + warriors, but they do not wish to fight against the white men who come as + friends. The chiefs have talked with their braves, and the hatchets will + be buried. This is what the Utes ask that the white men who have taken + their land shall pay them." + </p> + <p> + Harry had arranged that the chief, who spoke the Ute language more + perfectly than he did, should take charge of the bargaining. On the list + being given Leaping Horse assumed an expression of stolid indifference. + </p> + <p> + "The land must be very dear in the Ute country," he said. "Do my brothers + suppose that the white men are mad that they ask such terms? Peace would + be too dear if bought at such a price. They are willing to deal liberally + with the Utes, but not to give as much as would buy twenty hills. They + will give this." And he enumerated a list of articles, amounting to about + one quarter of the Indians' demands. + </p> + <p> + The bargaining now went on in earnest, and finally it was settled that a + quantity of goods, amounting to about half the Indians' first demand, + should be accepted, and both parties returned to their friends well + satisfied. + </p> + <p> + A certain amount of goods had been brought out with a view to such a + contingency, and half the amount claimed was handed over to the Utes. They + had, indeed, more than enough to satisfy the demands, but Leaping Horse + had suggested to Harry that only a portion should be given, as otherwise + the Indians might suppose that their wealth was boundless. It would be + better to promise to deliver the rest in three months' time. A dozen of + the principal men of the Utes came over. The goods were examined and + accepted, the calumet of peace was smoked and a solemn covenant of + friendship entered into, and by the next morning the Indians had + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + One end of the hut had been partitioned off for the use of the leaders of + the party, and the gold obtained each day was carried by them there and + deposited in a strong iron box, of which several had been brought by Pete + Hoskings from Denver. + </p> + <p> + The day after the Indians left, a waggon, was sent off under the escort of + eight mounted labourers to Bridger, and this continued to make the journey + backward and forward regularly with the boxes of gold, Jerry and Pete + Hoskings taking it by turns to command the escort. Harry and Pete had had + a talk with the officer in command at Bridger on the evening before they + had started on the expedition. + </p> + <p> + "You think you are going to send in a large quantity of gold?" the officer + asked. + </p> + <p> + "If the mines are such as we think, Major, we may be sending down two or + three hundredweight a month." + </p> + <p> + "Of course, the gold will be perfectly safe as long as it is in the fort, + but if it gets known how much there is, you will want a strong convoy to + take it across to the railway, and it would not be safe even then. Of + course, the bulk is nothing. I should say at any rate you had better get + it in here with as little fuss as possible." + </p> + <p> + "If you will keep it here for awhile," Pete said, "we will think over + afterwards how it is to be taken further." + </p> + <p> + The officer nodded. "It mayn't turn out as difficult a business as you + think," he said with a smile. "You are both old hands enough to know that + mines very seldom turn out as rich as they are expected to do." + </p> + <p> + "We both know that," Pete Hoskings agreed. "I dunno as I ever did hear of + a mine that turned out anything nigh as good as it ought to have done from + samples, but I reckon that this is going to be an exception." + </p> + <p> + When within a few miles of the fort the escort always placed their rifles + in the waggon and rode on some distance ahead of it, only one or two with + their leader remaining by it. The boxes, which were of no great size, were + covered by a sack or two thrown down in the corner of the waggon, and on + its arrival in the fort it was taken first to the store, where a + considerable quantity of provisions, flour, molasses, bacon, tea and + sugar, currants and raisins, and other articles were purchased and placed + in it. This was the ostensible purpose of the journey to the fort. Late in + the evening Jerry or Pete, whichever happened to be the leader, and one of + the men, carried the boxes across to the Major's quarters and stored them + in a cellar beneath it. + </p> + <p> + There was a real need of provisions at the mine, for the population of the + valley rapidly increased as the season went on. The upper part of the bed + of the stream had been staked out into claims, the miners and other men + each taking up one, but below them the ground was of course open to all, + and although not nearly so rich as the upper gravel it was good enough to + pay fairly for working. A stout palisading now surrounded the ground taken + up by the machinery and the mine itself, and no one except those engaged + by the company were allowed to enter here. Considerable surprise was felt + in the camp when the first two or three miners came up and staked out + claims on the stream. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder how they could have heard of it," Tom said to his uncle. + </p> + <p> + "The fact that we are remaining out here is enough to show that we are + doing something, anyhow. The men who go in are always strictly ordered to + say no word about what our luck is, but the mere fact that they hold their + tongues—and you may be sure they are questioned sharply—is + enough to excite curiosity, and these men have come to find out and see + what the country is like, and to prospect the hills round where we are + working. You will see a lot of them here before long." + </p> + <p> + As more came up it was determined to open a store. In the first place it + furnished an explanation for the waggon going down so often, and in the + second the fact that they were ready to sell provisions at cost prices + would deter others from coming and setting up stores. There was no liquor + kept on the mine, and Pete and Harry were very anxious that no places for + its sale should be opened in the valley. + </p> + <p> + During the winter and spring Tom had received several letters from his + sisters. They expressed themselves as very grateful for the money that he + and their uncle had sent on their return to Denver, but begged them to + send no more, as the school was flourishing and they were perfectly able + to meet all their expenses. "It is very good of you, Tom," Carry said. "Of + course, we are all very pleased to know that you have been able to send + the money, because it relieves our anxiety about you; but we really don't + want it, and it makes us afraid that you are stinting yourself. Besides, + even if you are not, it would be much better for you to keep the money, as + you may find some opportunity of using it to your advantage, while here it + would only lie in the bank and do no good. It would be different if we had + nothing to fall back upon in case of anything happening, such as some of + us getting ill, or our having a case of fever in the school, or anything + of that sort, but as we have only used fifty pounds of mother's money we + have plenty to go on with for a very long time; so that really we would + very much rather you did not send us any over. Now that we know your + address and can write to you at Fort Bridger, it seems to bring you close + to us. But we have had two very anxious times; especially the first, when + we did not hear of you for six months. The second time was not so bad, as + you had told us that it might be a long time before we should hear, and we + were prepared for it, but I do hope it will never be so long again." + </p> + <p> + There had been some discussion as to whether the mine should be shut down + in winter, but it was soon decided that work should go on regularly. Six + more stamps were ordered to be sent from the east, with a steam-engine + powerful enough to work the whole battery, and in September this and other + machinery had reached the mine. Fresh buildings had been erected—a + storehouse, a house for the officers, and a shed covering the whole of the + machinery and yard. By the time this was all ready and in place the valley + below was deserted, the gravel having been washed out to the bed-rock. No + other lodes of sufficient richness to work had been discovered by the + prospectors, and with winter at hand there was no inducement for them to + stay longer there. + </p> + <p> + Only two or three of the men at the mine wished to leave when their + engagement for the season terminated. All had been well paid, and had in + addition made money at gold-washing. Their food had been excellent, and + their comforts attended to in all ways. Accordingly, with these exceptions + all were ready to renew their engagements. + </p> + <p> + An arrangement was made with the Major at Fort Bridger for an escort under + a subaltern officer to proceed with two waggons with the treasure to + Denver. Pete Hoskings and Jerry were to remain as managers of the mine + throughout the winter. Harry and Tom had made up their minds to go to + England and to return in the spring. The ore was now very much poorer than + it had been at first. The lode had pinched out below and they had worked + some distance along it. The falling off, however, was only relative; the + mine was still an extraordinarily rich one, although it contained little + more than a tenth of the gold that had been extracted from the first + hundred and fifty tons crushed. + </p> + <p> + None but Harry, Pete Hoskings, Jerry, and Tom had any idea of the amount + of gold extracted in less than six months, although the miners were well + aware that the amount must be very large. It was so indeed, for after + repaying the amount expended in preliminary expenses, together with the + new machinery, the wages of the men, provisions, and all outgoings, they + calculated the treasure sent down to be worth one hundred and twenty-eight + thousand pounds, while the mine if sold would fetch at least double that + sum. After a hearty farewell to Pete and Jerry, Harry and Tom with the two + Indians rode with the last waggon down to Bridger. The iron boxes had all + been sewn up in deer-skins when they were sent down, and at night they + were placed in the waggons by Harry and his companions. Over them were + placed the provisions for the journey, as it was just as well that even + the soldiers should not suspect the amount of treasure they were + escorting. + </p> + <p> + They encountered some severe snow-storms by the way, but reached Denver + without incident. The place had wonderfully changed since Tom had arrived + there more than two years before. It had trebled in size; broad streets + and handsome houses had been erected, and the town had spread in all + directions. They drove straight to the bank, to which Pete Hoskings had + sent down a letter a fortnight before they had started, and the boxes were + taken out of the waggon and carried down into the vaults of the bank. A + handsome present was made to each of the soldiers of the escort, a brace + of revolvers was given by Harry to the subaltern, and the handsomest watch + and chain that could be purchased in Denver was sent by him to the Major, + with an inscription expressing the thanks of the company to him for his + kindness. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Tom, I am thankful that that is off my mind," Harry said. "I have + had a good many troubles in the course of my life, but this is the first + time that money has ever been a care to me. Well, we are rich men, Tom, + and we shall be richer, for the mine will run another two or three years + before it finishes up the lode as far as we have traced it, and as we have + now filed claims for a quarter of a mile farther back, it may be good for + aught I know for another ten years. Not so good as it has been this year, + but good enough to give handsome profits. Have you calculated what our + share is?" + </p> + <p> + "No, uncle. I know it must be a lot, but I have never thought about what + each share will be." + </p> + <p> + "Well, to begin with, a third of it goes to Pete Hoskings and his friends, + that leaves eighty-five thousand. The remainder is divided into seven + shares; I was to have two, the Indians three between them, you one, and + Jerry one. His share is then about twelve thousand, which leaves + seventy-three thousand between you and me. Of course, we shall divide + equally." + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed, uncle; that would be ridiculous. I have been of very little + use through it all, and I certainly ought not to have as much as Jerry. + You and the chief discovered it, and it was entirely owing to you that any + of the rest of us have a share of the profits, and of course your + arrangement with the two Indians is only because the chief is so fond of + you." + </p> + <p> + "Partly that, Tom; but chiefly because it is in accordance with red-skin + customs. They are hunters, fighters, and guides, but they are not miners, + and they never go in for shares in an enterprise of this sort. It went + very much against the grain for Leaping Horse to take that three or four + hundred pounds that came to him at the end of the last expedition, and he + would be seriously offended if I were to press upon him more than his + ordinary payment now; he would say that he has been simply hunting this + year, that he has run no risks, and has had nothing to do with the mine. + To-morrow morning we will go out to see what there is in the way of + horse-flesh in Denver, and will buy him and Hunting Dog the two best + horses in the town, whatever they may cost, with saddles, bridles, new + blankets, and so on. If I can get anything special in the way of rifles I + shall get a couple of them, and if not I shall get them in New York, and + send them to him at Bridger. These are presents he would value infinitely + more than all the gold we have stowed away in the bank to-day. He is going + back to his tribe for the winter, and he and Hunting Dog will be at the + mine before us next spring." + </p> + <p> + In the morning Harry was two hours at the bank, where he saw the gold + weighed out, and received a receipt for the value, which came to within a + hundred pounds of what they had calculated, as the dust had been very + carefully weighed each time it was sent off. In accordance with the + arrangement he had made with Pete Hoskings and Jerry the amount of their + respective shares was placed to their credit at the bank. Drawing a + thousand pounds in cash, he received a draft for the rest upon a firm at + New York, where he would be able to exchange it for one on London. He then + inquired at the hotel as to who was considered to possess the best horses + in the town, and as money was no object to him, he succeeded in persuading + the owners to sell two splendid animals; these with the saddles were sent + to the hotel. He then bought two finely finished Sharpe's rifles of long + range, and two brace of silver-mounted revolvers. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Tom," he said, "I shall give one of these outfits to the chief and + you give the other to Hunting Dog; he has been your special chum since we + started, and the presents will come better from you than from me. I expect + them here in half an hour; I told them I should be busy all the morning." + </p> + <p> + The two Indians were delighted with their presents, even the chief being + moved out of his usual impassive demeanour. "My white brothers are too + good. Leaping Horse knows that Straight Harry is his friend; he does not + want presents to show him that; but he will value them because he loves + his white brothers, even more than for themselves." As for Hunting Dog, he + was for a long time incredulous that the splendid horse, the rifle and + pistols could really be for him, and he was so exuberant in his delight + that it was not until Leaping Horse frowned at him severely that he + subsided into silent admiration of the gifts. + </p> + <p> + "Here are papers, chief, that you and Hunting Dog had better keep: they + are the receipts for the two horses, and two forms that I have had + witnessed by a lawyer, saying that we have given you the horses in token + of our gratitude for the services that you have rendered; possibly you may + find them useful. You may fall in with rough fellows who may make a + pretence that the horses have been stolen. Oh, yes! I know that you can + hold your own; still, it may avoid trouble." + </p> + <p> + They had now no further use for their horses, so these were sold for a few + pounds. They purchased a stock of clothes sufficient only for their + journey to England. + </p> + <p> + "You may as well put your revolver in your pocket, Tom," Harry said as + they prepared to start the next day. "I have sewn up the draft in the + lining of my coat, but sometimes a train gets held up and robbed, and as + we have six hundred pounds in gold and notes in our wallets, I certainly + should not give it up without a fight." + </p> + <p> + The Indians accompanied them to the station. "Now, chief, you take my + advice and look out for a nice wife before next spring. You are forty now, + and it is high time you thought of settling down." + </p> + <p> + "Leaping Horse will think over it," the Seneca said gravely. "It may be + that in the spring he will have a wigwam in the valley." + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later the train started east, and five days later they + reached New York. A steamer left the next day for England, and in this + they secured two first-class berths; and although Tom had managed very + well on his way out, he thoroughly enjoyed the vastly superior comfort of + the homeward trip. They went straight through to Southampton, for, as + Harry said, they could run up to London and get their clothes any day; and + he saw that Tom was in a fever of excitement to get home. Harriet came to + the door of the little house at Southsea when they knocked. She looked + surprised at seeing two gentlemen standing there. In the two years and a + half that had passed since Tom had left he had altered greatly. He had + gone through much toil and hardship, and the bronze of the previous + summer's sun was not yet off his cheeks; he had grown four or five inches, + and the man's work that he had been doing had made almost a man of him. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you know me, Harriet?" Tom said. + </p> + <p> + The girl at once recognized the voice, and with a loud cry of delight + threw her arms round his neck. The cry brought Carry out from the parlour. + "Why, Harriet," she exclaimed, "have you gone mad?" + </p> + <p> + "Don't you see it's Tom?" Harriet said, turning round, laughing and crying + together. + </p> + <p> + "It is Tom, sure enough, Carry; you need not look so incredulous; and this + is Uncle Harry." + </p> + <p> + There were a few minutes of wild joy, then they calmed down and assembled + in the sitting-room. + </p> + <p> + "It is lucky the girls have all gone home to dinner," Carry said, "or they + would certainly have carried the news to their friends that we were all + mad. It is a half-holiday too, nothing could be more fortunate. Now we + want to hear everything. Tom's letters were so short and unsatisfactory, + uncle, that he told us next to nothing, except that you had found a mine, + and that you were both working there, and that it was satisfactory." + </p> + <p> + "Well, my dears, that is the pith of the thing," Harry said. "The first + thing for you to do is to send round notes to the mothers of these + children saying that from unforeseen circumstances you have retired from + the profession, and that the school has finally closed from this + afternoon." + </p> + <p> + There was a general exclamation from the girls: + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean, uncle?" + </p> + <p> + "I mean what I say, girls. Tom and I have made our fortunes, and there is + no occasion for you to go on teaching any longer. We have not yet made any + plans for the future, but at any rate the first step is, that there is to + be no more teaching." + </p> + <p> + "But are you quite, quite sure, uncle?" Carry said doubtfully. "We are + getting on very nicely now, and it would be a pity to lose the + connection." + </p> + <p> + Harry and Tom both laughed. + </p> + <p> + "Well, my girl," the former said, "that is of course a point to be thought + of. But as Tom and I have over thirty-five thousand pounds apiece, and the + mine will bring us in a good round sum for some years to come, I think we + can afford to run the risk of the connection going." + </p> + <p> + After that it was a long while before they settled down to talk quietly + again. + </p> + <p> + A week later they all went up to London for a month, while what Harry + called "outfits" were purchased for the girls, as well as for him and Tom, + and all the sights of London visited. Before their story came to an end, + the grand consultation as to future plans had been held, and a handsome + house purchased at Blackheath. + </p> + <p> + Tom did not return to Utah in the spring; his uncle strongly advised him + not to do so. + </p> + <p> + "I shall go back myself, Tom; partly because I should feel like a fish out + of water with nothing to do here, partly because I promised the chief to + go back for a bit every year. I am beginning to feel dull already, and am + looking forward to the trip across the water, but it will certainly be + better for you to stay at home. You left school early, you see, and it + would be a good thing for you to get a man to come and read with you for + two or three hours a day for the next year or two. We have settled that + the three younger girls are to go to school; and I don't see why you, + Carry, and Janet, should not go, in the first place, for two or three + months on to the Continent. They have had a dull life since you have been + away, and the trip will be a treat for them, and perhaps do you some good + also. It will be time enough to settle down to reading when you come + back." + </p> + <p> + The mine returned large profits that year, the increased amount stamped + making up to some extent for the falling off in the value of the ore, and + the shares of the various proprietors were more than half what they had + been at the end of the first season's work. The third year it fell off + considerably. There was a further decrease the year after, and the fifth + year it barely paid its expenses, and it was decided to abandon it. Harry + Wade went over every season for many years, but spent only the first at + the mine. After that he went hunting expeditions with Leaping Horse, who, + to his amusement, had met him at his first return to the mine with a + pretty squaw, and Hunting Dog had also brought a wife with him. Two + wigwams were erected that year near the mine, but after that they returned + to their tribe, of which Leaping Horse became the leading chief. + </p> + <p> + Tom's sisters all in due time married, each being presented on her + wedding-day with a cheque for ten thousand pounds, as a joint present from + her uncle and brother. + </p> + <p> + Tom himself did not remain a bachelor, but six years after his return to + England took a wife to himself, and the house at Blackheath was none too + large for his family. Harry Wade's home is with Tom, and he is still hale + and hearty. Up to the last few years he paid occasional visits to America, + and stayed for a while with his red brother Leaping Horse, when they + lamented together over the disappearance of game and the extinction of the + buffalo. Hunting Dog had, at Harry's urgent advice, settled down in the + ways of civilization, taking up a ranche and breeding cattle, of which he + now owns a large herd. Jerry Curtis and Pete Hoskings made a journey + together to Europe after the closing of the mine. They stayed for a month + at Blackheath, and ten years later Tom received a lawyer's letter from + Denver saying that Peter Hoskings was dead, and that he had left his large + house and other property in Denver to Mr. Thomas Wade's children. Jerry + still lives at the age of seventy-five in that city. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's In the Heart of the Rockies, by G. A. 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