an to go with one of the caravans, or start alone?"

"There is a lot going on to-morrow, and we shall join them. We may be of
some use, for the best part of them are no better than a flock of sheep,
and four good hands may keep them out of some mischief; but I expect we
shall have to push on by ourselves before the journey is over."

"I am intending to go on to-morrow also," Frank said, "and I hope you
won't mind giving me some instructions in the ways of the wilderness,
which are, I own, altogether new to me."

"All right, young fellow; we shall see you on the road, and if you likes
to chum up with us you may, for I likes yer looks, and you seems to be
one of the right sort."

Frank said that he would gladly chum with them if they would allow him,
and the next morning, at daybreak, having said adieu to Mr. Willcox, he
saddled his horse and loaded up his pony, and moved across to the spot
where his new acquaintances were encamped. They were preparing for a
start. All had good riding horses, while two baggage animals carried the
provisions for the party. The caravan which they intended to accompany
was already far out on the plain.

"They are off in good time," Frank said; "I did not think they would
manage to move till midday."

"No more they would," one of the hunters said; "but the chap as is
bossing the team moved them off yesterday evening, and got them a mile
out of camp, so they were able to start right off the first thing this
morning."

In a few minutes they were on horseback, and, riding at easy pace for
the sake of the baggage-horses, they overtook the caravan in two hours.
It consisted of fourteen waggons, and four or five light carts with
tilts over them. The waggons were all drawn by oxen, having six, eight,
or ten according to their size or weight. The men walked by the side of
their cattle; the greater part of the women and children trudged along
behind the waggons, while a few with babies were seated within them.
From time to time one of the men or boys would set up a song, and all
would join in the chorus. One of these was ringing out in the air when
the hunters joined them.

"Poor critturs!" the eldest of the hunters, who was called Abe by the
others, said, "they are as light-hearted as if they war a-going to a
camp meeting; they don't know what's afore them."

The party rode on to the head of the waggons, where the oxen were led by
the man who was regarded as the head of the party. He had at