ere in bivouac, their horses grazing upon the plain. Long
rows of stakes and lines were erected, and upon these the buffalo meat
was hung in strips, and was fast blackening in the hot sun. Evidently a
few more hours would complete the process of its conversion into tasajo.
A number of fires were kindled near the base of the mountain, and around
these were grouped the Arrapahoe warriors, engaged in the usual Indian
pastime of eating. A more favorable opportunity for attack could not be
wished, provided we could approach near enough to take them by surprise;
but to effect that, promised to be difficult, as we would certainly be
seen the instant we passed the timber; and in that case, surprise would,
of course, be out of the question.

Our leaders, Stonhawon and Hissodecha, stood apart, apparently holding a
sort of "council of war." Their conference, however, was quickly ended;
the renegade made some proposition to which Stonhawon seemed to assent,
for he signed us to mount, and we instantly resumed our march. In a few
minutes I was able to fathom their design from the course taken.
Skirting the belt of timber, and screened by it from the views of the
Arrapahoes, we directed our course towards the lone peak. The timber
belt was perhaps two hundred yards in width, and filled with a dense
undergrowth. In its shadow the spies crept along its northern margin,
moving parallel to our course, and keeping a close watch upon the enemy.
The renegade's plan seemed to be to approach them as closely as possible
under cover of the forest, and then make a sudden dash, taking them by
surprise, and effecting their utter rout. As events showed, I had judged
correctly of the intentions of our leaders, or at least partially so;
but there was one detail of the plan, which I had not thought of, which
was presently put in execution. After riding slowly for about two hours
we reached the point, trended off to the north, and encircled the
mountain. Here Stonhawon halted the main body, but the band of
Hissodecha, which numbered about sixty warriors, was reinforced by
about the same number detailed from the chief's party and sent round the
mountain to attack the enemy in the rear. I was about running off with
this party, when Stonhawon beckoned to me, and on my riding up to him,
directed me to remain with him. I was quite surprised at this, and
looked towards Hissodecha, expecting that he would urge that I be
permitted to accompany him; but to my sti