irst time
that I had experienced anything like pleasure after being captured by
the Indians. When I once more got my weapon into my hand, I resolved to
make good use of it, and hoped that the time would come when it would
assist me in making my escape.

"My Indian mother charged me to be very careful when she saw me setting
out, telling me that she was sure that old Wamegon would carry out his
threats should I fail to kill a deer.

"Withdrawing the charge, I carefully reloaded my gun, and started off.
I had been some hours in the prairie when I caught sight of a herd of
branch-horned antelopes, which I knew were likely to be attracted by the
device I intended to practise.

"Creeping on as I had seen the Indians do as far as I could venture, I
lay down on my back, and then slowly lifted my legs in a perpendicular
position, stretching them out so that I could watch the deer between
them, while I held my gun ready for instant use."

Robin made us all laugh by going down on his back as he spoke, and
putting himself in the curious attitude he described. He remained in it
while he continued his description:--

"The antelopes drew nearer and nearer. Every moment I was afraid that
they would grow suspicious and bound away, for they were far more
difficult to kill, on account of their speed, than other descriptions of
deer or the buffalo. They were evidently attracted, however, by the
unusual object they saw on the ground, and advanced towards me.

"They were soon within shot, and selecting a fine-looking buck which led
the way, I fired, and the animal rolled over. The instant I had pulled
the trigger I jumped up and began reloading my piece, being thus able to
send another shot after the herd, which at the report immediately took
to flight. Fortunately for me the shot took effect on another antelope,
and the animal dropped after going a few paces.

"I rushed forward, and with my hunting--knife quickly dispatched both of
them. I then took out their tongues, and having partially flayed them,
cut off a haunch from each, and loaded with meat I returned to the camp
in triumph.

"The Indians on seeing it could not doubt of my success, and a large
party instantly set out to bring in the remainder. After this I was
treated with much respect by the young men; but old Wamegon seemed still
to have a spite against me, and one morning he even went so far as to
drag me out by the hair of the head, and, beating me cruelly, th