eral direction of the valleys, and of any
little streams. All of these are things one goes by at first, but it
gets to come natural, what they call by instinct; one knows, somehow,
which is the way to go without looking for signs. You will get to it in
time, if you are long enough on the plains; but at present you watch the
forms of all the bushes and the lay of the grass, 'cause you see in
hunting we might get separated, and you might miss your way. If you
should do so, and ain't sure of your direction, fire your gun three
times, as quick as you can load it, and if we are in hearing we will
fire a gun in reply and come to you; but you will soon get to know the
signs of the country if you will pay attention and keep your eyes
skinned."

They arrived at the stream fixed upon for the camping-ground early in
the afternoon. The point at which the caravans would cross it was plain
enough, for the waggons all travelled by the same line, and the trail
was strongly marked by the ruts of wheels where the ground was soft, by
broken bushes, and trampled herbage. The saddles were taken off the
horses, and these were allowed to graze at will; those of the hunters
were too well-trained to wander far, and Frank's horse was certain to
keep with the others.

Late in the afternoon the waggons arrived; it had been a long march of
more than twenty miles, and men and beasts were alike tired. The women
and children had, during the latter part of the journey, ridden in the
waggons. There was a general feeling of satisfaction at the sight of the
hunters and their spoil, and at the blazing fire, over which a portion
of the meat was already roasting. The oxen were unharnessed and watered,
the waggons were ranged six on each side, and two across one end, the
other end being left open for convenience; across this the light carts
were to be drawn at night. The deer were skinned, cut up, and divided
among the various families in proportion to their numbers.

For two months the caravan moved forward without adventure. The hunters
kept it well provided with game, which was now very plentiful. Very
disquieting rumours were afloat along the road. These were brought down
by the express riders who carried the mails across the plains, and for
whose accommodation small stations were provided, twenty or thirty miles
apart; and as these were placed where water was procurable, they were
generally selected as camping-grounds by the emigrants.

The tales of