.

Around the immense blaze sat a party, some of whom in shadow, others
in strong light, presented a group the strangest ever my eyes beheld.
Bronzed and bearded countenances, whose fierce expression glowed fiercer
in the ruddy glare of the fire, were set off by costumes the oddest
imaginable.

Many wore coats of undressed sheepskin, with tall caps of the same
material; others had ragged uniforms of different services. One or two
were dressed in "ponchos" of red-brown cloth, like Mexicans, and some,
again, had a kind of buff coat studded with copper ornaments,--a
costume often seen among the half-breeds. All agreed in one feature
of equipment, which was a broad leather belt or girdle, in which were
fastened various shining implements, of which a small pickaxe and a
hammer were alone distinguishable where I stood. Several muskets were
piled near them, and on the scorched boughs of the cedars hung a little
armory of cutlasses, pistols, and "bowies," from which I was able to
estimate the company at some twenty-eight or thirty in number. Packs and
knapsacks, with some rude cooking utensils, were strewn around; but
the great carcase of a deer which I saw in the flames, supported by a
chevaux-de-frise of ramrods, was the best evidence that the cares of
"cuisine" did not demand any unnecessary aid from "casseroles."

A couple of great earthen pitchers passed rapidly from hand to hand
round the circle, and, by the assistance of some blackhead, served to
beguile the time while the "roast" was being prepared.

Creeping noiselessly nearer, I gained a little clump of brushwood
scarcely more than half-a-dozen paces off, and then lay myself down to
listen what language they were speaking. At first the whole buzz seemed
one unmeaning jargon, more like the tongue of an Indian tribe than
anything else; but as I listened I could detect words of French,
Spanish, and German. Eager to make out some clew to what class they
might belong, I leaned forward on a bough and listened attentively. A
stray word, a chance phrase, could I but catch so much, would be enough;
and I bent my ear with the most watchful intensity. The spot I occupied
was the crest of the little ridge, or "Prairie roll," and gave me a
perfect view over the group, while the black smoke rolling upwards
effectually concealed me from _them_.

As I listened, I heard a deep husky voice say something in English.
It was only an oath, but it smacked of my country, and set my hear