my intense suffering, it was absolutely necessary to
push forward in my search. My thoughts were momentarily diverted by a
number of graceful animals that were advancing towards me; when within
about two hundred yards, they became affrighted and wheeling around
scampered away, running toward a clump of trees not far distant;
entering this grove, they disappeared from sight. I had heard many tales
about this graceful little animal, the antelope; and among other things
remembered, that to the weary and thirsty hunter traversing these
boundless plains, their presence was a sure indication that water was
not far distant; if these tales were true, why then there was every
probability that I might slake my burning thirst, which now had become
agonizing torture, from some rivulet within the recesses of that wood;
animated by this thought I limped on with renewed energy. What had
seemed so near to my vision was in reality quite distant, as I found in
my endeavor to reach it; for the sun had begun to decline behind the
horizon when I reached the belt of timber. Entering this leafy solitude,
I had not advanced many steps when my ears were gladdened by the sound
of running water. With an exclamation of joy I ran to the banks of the
arroyo (as by this name these little streams are called), and, falling
on my knees, was drinking with that intense eagerness that is known only
by those who, like myself, have felt the delirium of thirst.

I was about to rise refreshed, when my gaze was riveted by a reflected
image on the bosom of the creek that curdled the blood in my veins, and
paralyzed me with terror; it was the image of a hideous Indian, bending
over me with uplifted hand grasping a long, gleaming knife. I jumped up
with a terrified scream, only to find myself in the rough grasp of a
brawny savage, and completely at his mercy. With a malicious leer he
motioned me to accompany him. Feeling sick at heart, and drooping under
the weight of my new misfortune, I was led through the tangled
undergrowth, and after a walk of about fifteen minutes, we emerged into
a small clearing, where I found myself in the midst of a large party of
Indians. My advent created no little excitement, and I was soon the
centre of a circle of curious savages, who were more persistent than
pleasing in their attentions. I saw at once that I had again fallen into
the hands of the same party by whom I was first captured; for among
those who clustered around me, I r