y already exulted in the anticipation of a grand _coup_.

For all that, they were not rushing recklessly into battle. The Utah
chieftain was too skilled a soldier. I perceived that he was acting
upon a preconceived plan; and his strategy was soon made known to me.
It was that of the "surround." The band was to break up into four
divisions of nearly equal numerical strength. The first, under Wa-ka-ra
himself, was to go round by the bluffs; and, having worked its way into
the lower canon, would enter the plain from that direction. Should the
Arapahoes attempt to retreat towards the Arkansas, this party could
intercept them. A second division--also keeping above the bluffs--was
to make to a point nearly opposite the butte; where, by a ravine known
to the Indians, a descent could be made into the valley of the Huerfano.
A third was to seek its station upon the opposite side--where a similar
defile led down to the plain; while the remaining warriors were to move
forward by the upper canon, and halt at its mouth--until the other three
parties were known to have reached their respective places.

At a signal agreed upon, all four divisions were to move forward at a
rapid gallop, and close in upon the enemy. The first party was to give
the cue: as it had furthest to go; and, by the time it could reach its
destination, the others would be ready. A smoke was to be the signal
for charging forward. The plan was well conceived; and if it should
prove that the Arapahoes were still by the butte, a fight _a l'outrance_
might be looked for as the certain result. They would have no
alternative but fight.

The execution of the movement was soon entered upon. Near the place
where I had passed the last hours of the night, a side ravine--which, in
the darkness I had not observed--sloped up out of the gorge. By canons
and deep defiles the whole face of the country was cut up in this
_bi-pinnate_ fashion--every pass of it being well-known to the Utahs.
Hence their confidence in being able to effect the surround of their
enemies, who were less familiar with this region; and who must have been
tempted thither by the passage of the train.

Up the lateral ravine rode Wa-ka-ra with his dusky warriors; while the
second division, intended to take station on the bluff, defiled by the
same track, but more slowly. The rest of us kept on down the gorge.

On reaching the main canon, the party destined for the opposite bluff
separated from