ng conversations, tell stories, inquire about game and
trails, and discuss pretty much everything that men find worth
discussing.

I was naturally desirous of mastering this mysterious medium of speech,
and began my education in it with far more interest than I had given to
the "three R's" back at Salt Creek. My wagon-beds became splendid
playhouses for the Indian children from the villages, who are very much
like other children, despite their red skins.

I joined them in their games, and from them picked up a fair working
knowledge of the Sioux language. The acquaintance I formed here was to
save my scalp and life later, but I little suspected it then.

I spent the summer of '58 in and about Laramie. I was getting to be a
big, husky boy now, and felt that I had entered on what was to be my
career--as indeed I had.

In January, '59, Simpson was ordered back to Missouri as brigade
train-master of three wagon-trains, traveling a day apart. Because of
much travel the grass along the regular trail was eaten so close that
the feed for the bulls was scanty.

Instead of following the trail down the South Platte, therefore,
Simpson picked a new route along the North Platte. There was no road,
but the grass was still long, and forage for the cattle was necessary.

We had accomplished about half our journey with no sign of hostile
Indians. Then one day, as Simpson, George Woods and I were riding ahead
to overtake the lead train, a party of Sioux bore down on us, plainly
intent on mischief. There was little time to act. No cover of any kind
was to be had. For us three, even with our rifles, to have stood up
against the Sioux in the open would have been suicide. Simpson had been
trained to think quickly. Swinging the three mules so that they formed
a triangle, he drew his six-shooter and dropped them where they stood.

"Now there's a little cover, boys," he said, and we all made ready for
the attack.

Our plan of defense was now made for us. First rifles, then, at closer
quarters, revolvers. If it came to a hand-to-hand conflict we had our
knives as a last resort.

The Sioux drew up when they saw how quickly Simpson's wit had built a
barricade for us. Then the arrows began to fly and among them spattered
a few bullets. We were as sparing as possible with our shots. Most of
them told. I had already learned how to use a rifle, and was glad
indeed that I had. If ever a boy stood in need of that kind of
preparedness I did.