the other; and proceeded circuitously by a branch ravine
that opened to the upper plain.

The fourth and last division rode direct down the bank of the river--
upon the path by which I had been pursued. This division was in charge
of the second chief; and to it was I myself assigned--with Peg-leg, also
a volunteer, as my immediate companion. The trapper had himself some
old scores to settle with the Arapahoes; and appeared as eager for the
fight as any Utah in the tribe.

Apprehensive of falling in with some straggling pursuers of the
preceding night, we moved forward with caution. The sub-chief was an
old warrior, whose scars and grizzled hair betokened experience of many
a hostile encounter, and no doubt many a cunning stratagem. Scouts were
sent in advance; and these, returning from time to time, signalled that
the path was clear. Advancing in this fashion, we at length reached the
embouchure of the canon, and halted within its gloomy shadow.

As yet not an Arapaho had been seen: but, on climbing to a ledge of
rocks, I had the satisfaction to perceive that these brigands were still
by the butte. I saw not them, but their horses--the _cavallada_ being
almost in the position in which I had left it! From this it was
evident, that they had returned from the pursuit: had abandoned it
altogether, and given their steeds to the grass. Only a few of the men
were in sight--moving about among the fires, that still burned upon the
plain; but the strength of the _cavallada_ told that the others were
there--no doubt, concealed from our view by the interposed mass of the
mound. I saw the waggon at its base--the white tilt conspicuous against
the dark-green foliage of the cedars. But my eyes dwelt not upon this.
In rapid glance, they were carried to the summit.

The crucifix was still there. I could trace its timbers--its upright
and horizontal beams--though not distinctly. I knew what was rendering
their outlines indistinct. There was a body upon the cross--the body of
a man. It was that which interrupted the regularity of the lines. The
timbers were between me and the body--for I viewed it from behind--and
at such a distance, I could not have told who was the crucified man,
even had he been facing me. Wingrove or Sure-shot--one or the other.
Of that much I was certain. I could make out that the man was naked--
just as I had been myself: I saw his white skin glistening along each
side of the upright post.

Whi