her, which I was also fortunate
enough to kill. The rest of the herd made their escape. Satisfied with
the result of my hunt, I dismounted and took possession of the tongues
and marrow-bones, as well as some portions of the meat, intending to
send the Indians back for the remainder, should the carcases have
escaped the scent of the wolves. The buffalo meat was highly
appreciated; indeed we lived like fighting cocks, and had every reason
to expect to do so while we remained in that region. Pierre, however,
advised that we should proceed, as some bands of hostile Indians were
sure, before long, to find out that we were in the neighbourhood, and
would take an opportunity of cutting us off when separated from each
other should they not venture to attack our camp. Armitage and Jack
were, however, inclined to laugh at Pierre's warnings. Jack too, who
found his leg suffering from the bite that the little bear had given
him, was disinclined to take a long journey. Dick, who had warned him
from the first not to neglect the wound, took him under his care and
insisted on his remaining quietly in camp for two or three days until he
was well again. We employed the time in cleaning our arms, repairing
our harness and clothes, and performing several other tasks such as the
wear and tear of a hunter's life from time to time renders necessary.
We had long discussions in camp as to what course we should pursue,
Pierre advising that we should strike northward, and then take one of
the passes through the Rocky Mountains generally followed by the
emigrants to California.

Several days had passed away. Story was quite recovered, and we were
once more encamped, not much to Pierre's satisfaction, he declaring that
we were still in a dangerous region, frequently visited by Apaches and
other roving tribes, the deadly enemies of the pale-faces. Armitage and

Story only laughed at his warnings, and even Dick felt much inclined to
agree with them.

We had, as before, proceeded in three parties, one of the Indians having
accompanied Armitage, and Jack and three others going with Pierre, while
the rest remained with Dick and me in camp. Evening was approaching,
and none of our friends had returned. Dick had sent out one of the
Indians to see if they were coming, while he and I prepared the supper.
In a short time the scout returned with a long face. He had caught
sight, he said, of a large party of strange Redskins; who, not knowing