ed many times.

Our adversaries seemed to be getting decidedly the worse of the
conflict, and we could see unmistakable signs of an inclination on their
part to take refuge in flight, when something seemed to suddenly change
their determination, and they again assaulted us with renewed fury. We
were not long in discovering the cause; during the fight we had many
times changed positions with our adversaries, and we were now facing
towards the mountain. Attracted by a noise in our rear, we glanced in
that direction, to behold a sight that filled us with dismay.

Approaching us at fall speed was a party of fully one hundred
Arrapahoes, evidently a detachment from the band we were fighting.
Coming from the north, they had got within a quarter of a mile of us
before we had discovered them, the tumult and confusion of the conflict
preventing us from perceiving them sooner.

As Hissodecha and his party, from some unaccountable delay, had not
arrived upon the ground, our position was a perilous one. In a moment,
the new enemies would be upon us, and without doubt we would be
overwhelmed. Instant action on our part was imperative, and our leader,
with ready perception of that fact, gave the signal to close in together
and charge upon our immediate opponents.

With a wild yell we rushed upon them, breaking through their line, and
retreating rapidly towards the base of the mountain. Here a number of
large rocks had fallen upon the plain from the cliffs above, and laid
in such positions as to form a sort of natural breastwork. Indeed, the
masses of rock, from their peculiar formation and grouping, had a
striking resemblance to the ruins of some vast building.

Behind these rocky bulwarks, we sheltered ourselves, and prepared to
receive the attack which we felt sure the Arrapahoes, strengthened by
their opportune reinforcement, would certainly make upon us. Indeed, we
could see that they were preparing to do so, and I, having by this time
had quite enough of fighting, was awaiting the assault with dread, when
I was suddenly called by Stonhawon. Hastening to his side, as he sat on
his horse, he directed me to accompany one of the young braves who was
standing by him, and had apparently received his instructions. These the
chief repeated for my benefit. We were to ascend the mountain, with all
possible speed, and send up from its summit a "signal smoke," to hasten
the arrival of Hissodecha and his party, still unaccountably delaye