did, for in a moment more, she had crawled in just as the hunters came
to the foot of the tree. They were foiled of their game, and after
consulting for a moment whether it was best to cut or burn down the
tree, they concluded to burn it, as the less laborious way to dislodge
the old bear. Accordingly, they dispersed in search of fire, leaving
half their number to guard the tree while away. I saw at once that we
were caught in a trap, and that nothing but coolness and strategy could
save us. The tree in which I was, being a little out from the one they
were watching, favored my escape, which I effected by noiselessly
descending, and edging away by darting from tree to tree, until I had
attained a safe position that overlooked the spot where I feared
Shognaw would meet his doom. The fire was soon kindled, and being fed
with dry brush, soon wound and crackled up the trunk, and began to
scorch and consume the branches and leaves of the tree. I began to
think I ought to face the whole band single handed, in an attempt to
rescue the poor fellow, when I saw him swing himself down from limb to
limb, and drop to the ground in the midst of the astonished Crows, and
take to flight. For a moment they were too surprised to comprehend that
it was really a man, and a foe; but they soon recovered from the panic,
and sounding their war cry, the whole band gave chase. Shognaw took to
a river half a mile distant, and plunging in, rose among some rushes
that skirted the bank, among which he hid himself till dark, when he
made his way in safety home, which he reached before I did, for I was
looking out for him the whole night, and returned when I made up my
mind that he had at last fallen into the hands of the Crows."

Chapter Twenty-First.

Departure of winter. Joy at the fact of knowing which way they were
travelling. Their encampment by the side of a beautiful lake. They
reach the first ranges of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Whirlwind offers
to go to Mr. Duncan's encampment and guide them through the forests. He
starts on that expedition accompanied by Cole. The children pursue
their journey. Discovery of gold. They experience great difficulties in
crossing the Sierra. Three of their horses dashed to pieces over a
precipice. Narrow escape of Jones. Discovery of singular ancient walls.
An engraved slab of granite. They reach the foot of the Sierra in
safety. Their route continued. They finally arrive at the residence of
a Spanis