ncied that I saw some objects in the distance; it
might have been Indians or deer, or perhaps even buffalo, although the
latter seldom came so close to the mountains.

We, of course, kept our arms ready for any emergency; and as but few of
the natives in those regions had at that time firearms, I knew that
Indians would be very wary how they approached within range of our
rifles.

The day was drawing to a close, and I was looking out for a convenient
spot for camping, when I saw in the far distance ahead of us, and just
on the summit of some rising ground, a couple of figures.

"Who can these be?" exclaimed the lieutenant, who saw them at the same
time.

"Unless I am greatly mistaken, they are your two deserters, Klitz and
Gillooly."

We dragged on the unwilling mules, in the endeavour to overtake them;
but I think the fellows must have seen us, for they moved forward at a
rapid rate. The fat little Irishman was ahead trundling the
wheel-barrow, while the tall German followed close at his heels carrying
a couple of muskets, one over each shoulder.

"Stay by the mules, Ralph; pray do!" exclaimed the lieutenant. "I will
gallop after the rascals, and bring them to a halt."

"There is a deep stream between us and them," I observed, "and you may
have some difficulty in crossing it alone; we will follow at our
leisure, for we are sure to catch them up before dark."

Just as I spoke, the ominous cry of an Indian war-whoop came from behind
us; and looking round, we saw nearly a dozen mounted warriors coming on
at full gallop. To throw ourselves from our horses, and to get our
rifles ready for firing, was the work of a moment.

The Indians had expected to see us take to flight, so on observing our
determined attitude they pulled rein. They stopped and watched us for
some time; and then, apparently considering that the risk they would run
of certainly losing two of their number, if not more, was not worth the
object to be attained, they wheeled round and galloped off in the
direction from whence they had come.

We continued watching them until they had disappeared in the distance;
and when we turned about and again looked for the runaways, they were
nowhere to be seen.

"Never fear," I observed; "we shall soon catch them up. But I would
rather that those Redskin fellows, if they are enemies, had not been in
the neighbourhood; for they may take it into their heads to pay us a
visit while we are encamped at night