the waggons
against even a resolute attack of the redskins. There was no occasion
for the hunters to set out in the pursuit of game for the first day or
two, as a supply of fresh meat had been brought from Omaha. They
therefore rode with the caravan, making the acquaintance of its various
members.

One of the women had volunteered to cook for them; and thus, when they
encamped on the banks of a small stream, they had only to attend to the
watering of their animals. While the meal was preparing they walked
about in the camp, and gave many hints to the women as to the best way
of preparing fires. These were gratefully received, for the emigrants
were wholly unaccustomed to cooking without the usual appliances, and
their efforts, in many cases, had been very clumsy and unsuccessful.
They were surprised to find that by digging a trench in the direction
from which the wind was blowing, and covering it over with sods, they
could get a draught to their fire equal to that which they could obtain
in a grate; while by building a low wall of sod close to leeward of the
fire, they prevented the flames from being driven away, and concentrated
them upon their pots and kettles.

"It does not matter for to-night," Abe said to the leader, "nor for a
good many nights to come; but if I was you I should begin to-morrow to
make 'em arrange the waggons in proper form, the same as if we was in
the Injin country. It ain't no more trouble, and there's nothing like
beginning the right way."

"You are right," the man said, "to-morrow night we will pitch them in
good form; but for a time there will be no occasion for the cattle to be
driven in every night, the longer they have to graze the better."

"That's so," Abe said; "they will want all their condition for the bad
country further on."

The following day the hunters left the camp early. There was little
chance of finding game anywhere near the line which they were following,
for the wild animals would have been scared away by the constantly
passing caravans. After riding for ten miles they began to keep a
watchful eye over the country, which, although flat to the eye, was
really slightly undulating. Proceeding at an easy pace, they rode on for
upwards of an hour. Then Dick, one of the hunters, suddenly drew rein.

"What is it, Dick?" Abe asked.

[Illustration: A DEER-HUNT ON THE PRAIRIE.]

"I saw a horn over there to the left, or I am mistaken," the hunter
said.

"We will see, anyh