ll greater surprise, he did not
seem to notice me at all, and with his band soon disappeared behind a
spur of the mountain. I had little opportunity, however, to reflect upon
this circumstance, for our party was quickly put in motion, and passing
through the wood, were soon ranged along its outer margin, sheltered
from view by the thicket, and awaiting the signal to charge upon the
foe.

[Illustration: Massacre of Whites on the Western Frontier.]

We were barely two hundred yards from their position, and could plainly
distinguish the varied hues and designs of the war paint upon their
persons. Their number was about equal to our own, and with the advantage
of a surprise, it seemed probable that we might utterly destroy them.

Like hounds held in the leash, we awaited the signal--at last it
came--the shrill notes of the war whistle pierced the air, and it was
instantly followed by the wild intonation of the Camanche war whoop as
we burst forth from the timber and charged with headlong fury upon the
foe. For a moment I thought that the surprise would be complete, for our
sudden appearance seemed likely to completely demoralize the enemy.

But the Arrapahoes, although greatly surprised and alarmed at our sudden
onslaught, showed no signs of panic, indeed, it is next to impossible to
really surprise an Indian. A few of those that were nearest to us were
ridden down, transfixed with lances, or brained by blows from our war
clubs and battle axes; but the larger number, hastily plucking up their
lances and seizing their other weapons, rushed for their horses, and
before we could reach them were mounted and forming to receive us.
Riding at a headlong pace, a few seconds brought us upon them, and we
closed at full speed. A confused and deadly _melee_ followed, the combat
being mainly hand to hand. Blows and lance thrusts were exchanged,
arrows whistled through the air, ghastly wounds were given and received;
the air resounded with the groans of wounded and dying men, and the wild
war cries of the contending warriors. Exactly what I did I hardly know,
so great was the excitement and confusion. I know that I gave and
received blows, and mechanically defended myself from the attacks made
upon me; but the incidents of that brief yet terrible struggle seem like
a dream to me now.

The impetus of our first charge had carried us entirely through the
enemies line. We then wheeled and charged them anew; and this
manoeuvre was repeat