r lives should we be discovered," said Yellow
Wolf, as we rode along; "and unless you can depend upon your legs, it
will be wise to remain with the horses."

I replied that my object was to see the way of approaching an enemy's
camp, and to get a sight of it, and that I felt sure I could run as fast
as he could. We accordingly continued on until we came upon the trail
which the scout had discovered. Yellow Wolf now proceeded more
cautiously, it being of the greatest importance that the enemy should
not discover us. At length he announced his belief that we had got near
the Coomanche camp. We therefore left our horses in charge of the three
Indians, and then continued in the direction we were before going on
foot. I observed that Yellow Wolf's eye ranged over the ground on
either side, as well as ahead. As I thought of the distance we had come
since we left our horses, I began to repent somewhat of the task I had
undertaken; however, I trusted to the sagacity of my companion, that we
should not be detected, and that we should be able to retreat as we had
advanced. Yellow Wolf led, and his brave followed, I bringing up the
rear. My companions frequently stopped, and, bending their ears to the
ground, listened for any sounds which might warn them they were reaching
the Coomanche camp. At first they walked upright, but now they bent
down, taking advantage of any cover which offered.

At length they stopped and whispered together, and Yellow Wolf told me
to be more careful than ever. Then again he and his companion moved on,
until he made a sign to me to keep under cover, while they crept forward
along the top of a bank, covered by bushes of wild roses. I saw them
eagerly stretching out their necks, so as to obtain a view beyond. I
crept after them, looking through the bushes, and could distinguish in
the plain below a considerable band of warriors, some engaged in
lighting fires, others in collecting wood, or preparing provisions,
while their horses ranged round near at hand.

It would have been a fine opportunity to take them by surprise, for a
mounted party could have swept down upon them before they had time to
catch their horses. I have no doubt the Yellow Wolf thought the same
thing, but neither he nor his companion uttered a word.

After satisfying my curiosity, I crept back as cautiously as I had
advanced; and the two Indians, who had surveyed the camp to their
satisfaction, came after me. We at once