Indian forays, which had at first been little more than
rumours, were now confirmed. The express riders reported that the
Indians were out in large numbers, and that many attacks had been made
upon parties of emigrants, sometimes successfully, and involving the
massacre of every soul in them. The caravan was still some distance from
the scene of these attacks; but as the Indians ranged over the whole
plains, it could not be said that they were beyond the risk of assault.
Acting under the hunters' advice, the caravan now moved in much closer
order, the waggons advancing two abreast, so that they could be formed
in position for defence at the shortest notice; and the rifles were
always kept loaded, and strapped on the outsides of the waggons in
readiness for instant use.

Frank had by this time become an adept in hunting, and though still very
far behind his companions in skill with the rifle, was able to make a
fair contribution towards the provisioning of the camp. The hunters now
divided into two parties, three going out in search of game on one side
of the line of march, two on the other; they thus acted as scouts on
either side, and would be able to bring in word should any suspicious
signs be observed. Several small herds of buffalo had been met with, and
a sufficient number killed to provide the party with meat for some time
to come.

Frank had never passed a more enjoyable time than those two months of
travel. The air was clear, bright, and exhilarating; the long days spent
in the saddle, and the excitement of the chase, seemed to quicken his
pulse and to fill him with a new feeling of strength and life. His
appetite was prodigious, and he enjoyed the roughly cooked meals round
the blazing fire of an evening, as he had never enjoyed food before.
The country was, it is true, for the most part monotonous, with its long
low undulations, and the bare sweeps, unbroken by tree or bush; but
there was always something new and interesting to be seen,--for Frank
was fond of Natural History, and the habits and ways of the wild
creatures of the prairie were full of interest for him. His companions,
although taciturn when on horseback and engaged in scouting the country,
or in hunting, were full of anecdote as they sat round the fire of an
evening, and Frank heard many a story of wild adventure with the Indians
or in the chase.

When they returned early to the camp, there was plenty of amusement in
wandering about among the