cold weather, most of the Indians who dwell in the country
adjacent to the Rocky Mountains, and especially those living on the
eastern side of them, wear buffalo robes with the fur next to their
bodies. These robes serve the double purpose of shirts or coats, and
a covering by night. The wearers make them fast around the waist, and,
in the heat of the day, they are allowed to fold over and hang down;
but, as the cool air of the evening comes on, they are wrapped around
the head and body, something after the Spanish fashion of wearing
a cloak. The Indians, frequently, for the purpose of decoying their
enemies into battle, go out on the prairies, and by turning the fur
side of these robes out, and covering their persons, having previously
assumed a half bent position, imitate the Simon Pure buffalo while in
the act of grazing. In order to keep up the ruse, they move about
with a rocking motion. When taken for the buffalo, which frequently
happens, they are enabled to gain an advantage in approaching a party
or village which they wish to attack. The Cheyenne Indians are very
partial to loose sack-coats which are made out of white blankets. To
these coats a hood is attached, which is thrown over the head at the
wearer's pleasure. In addition to this, during the winter season, they
also resort to the buffalo robe. The squaws of the various tribes
of Indians on the plains are well versed in the art of tanning and
dressing buffalo hides. They frequently ornament them with beads,
porcupine quills and rude paintings. In times long since gone
by, these robes could be purchased, or rather traded for, at good
bargains; but, the unlimited and increasing demand for them has
greatly enhanced their value. Now days they bring standard prices.

Being satisfied that the Indians were in pursuit of us, we carefully
guided our horses, at the same time using our spurs freely and keeping
them at their maximum speed. As the Indians drew nearer, we could
see distinctly that they were urging on their animals. Our safety,
therefore, depended entirely on outriding them. The race became most
exciting, and demanded the greatest caution, for we well knew, that
one misstep made by either of our horses, would prove fatal to the
rider. We had decided, on commencing the race, that neither of us
should fire a shot except as a last resort, and that we should do
it only on the principle of man for man. While putting our horses to
their speed, our weapons wer