, consequently, just settled to accompany the lieutenant through
the pass, when another scout came in with the information that the
Arrapahas had taken possession of the pass itself, and that they had so
fortified themselves that they could not be driven out except by a
strong party, and at considerable loss of life.

This made it necessary for Uncle Jeff and Manley to change their plans.
They settled that we should proceed northwards with the Indians, while
they reconnoitred the pass; promising, should they find the account they
had received to be correct, to rejoin us, and perhaps attempt to cross
the mountains so as to reach the western plains. The mountains to the
northwards, however, were but little known, and even Winnemak confessed
that he had never wandered among them. He had heard, he said, that
there was a wonderful region in that direction, where the earth trembled
frequently; the fountains, instead of being cold, were hot, and that the
water was seen rushing upwards in huge jets; and that there were lakes
amid the mountains, and torrents, and waterfalls such as were nowhere
else to be seen.

"If the chiefs account is correct, it must be an interesting region to
visit," said Sergeant Custis. "For my own part, I hope we shall have
the chance of getting there."

While travelling on we kept in compact order, looking out, as usual, for
the approach of foes; but happily none appeared. Crossing the road
which led to the pass, we continued onwards until nightfall. We then
encamped in as strong a position as we could find. We knew it was of no
use to attempt concealing the route we had followed; for even had we
taken the greatest pains to do so, we should not have succeeded in
eluding the sharp eyes of our foes, had they wished to pursue us.

Soon after it grew dark, the sounds of horses' feet were heard. The
braves flew to arms. We stood ready with our rifles. Before we could
see any one, Uncle Jeff's voice was heard, and he and Manley rode into
camp. They had found that the report of the scouts was correct, and
that we could not hope to be able to get through in that direction.
Accordingly, the next morning we again started, and pushed on until we
reached a spot strongly guarded by rocks and trees, with a stream
flowing on one side. Here Winnemak, believing himself secure from his
foes, resolved to remain.

We now made preparations to separate from our Indian friends. None of
them were willing to e