great strength
and spirit. That was Basil's horse, and deservedly a favourite. His
name was "Black Hawk"--so called after the famous chief of the Sacs and
Foxes, who was a friend of the old Colonel, and who had once entertained
the latter when on a visit to these Indians. The second horse was a
very plain one, a bay, of the kind known as "cot." He was a modest,
sober animal, with nothing either of the hunter or warrior in his looks;
but sleek withal, and in good condition, like a well-fed citizen. Hence
his name, which was "Le Bourgeois." Of course he was ridden by the
quiet Lucien. The third horse might have been termed a pony--if size be
considered--as he was by far the smallest of the three. He was a horse,
however, both in shape and character--one of that small but fiery breed
taken by the Spanish conquerors to the New World, and now known
throughout the western country as "mustangs." As I shall have reason to
say more of these beautiful creatures by and by, I shall only state
here, that the one in question was spotted like a pard, and answered to
the name "Le Chat" (the cat)--particularly when Francois called him, for
he was Francois' horse.

A little apart from the horses was another animal, of a dirty slate
colour, with some white marks along the back and shoulders. That was a
true-bred Mexican mule, wiry and wicked as any of its race. It was a
she-mule, and was called Jeanette. Jeanette was tethered beyond kicking
distance of the horses; for between her and the mustang there existed no
friendly feeling. Jeanette was the owner of the odd-looking saddle--the
pack. Jeanette's duty was to carry the tent, the provisions, the
implements, and utensils.

But one other living object might be noticed in the glade--the dog
"Marengo." From his size and colour--which was tawny red--you might
have mistaken him for a panther--a cougar. His long black muzzle and
broad hanging ears gave him quite a different appearance, however; and
told you that he was a hound. He was, in fact, a blood-hound, with the
cross of a mastiff--a powerful animal. He was crouching near Francois,
watching for the offal of the birds.

Now, young reader, you have before you a "night-camp" of the Boy
hunters.

CHAPTER SIX.

A FOX-SQUIRREL IN A FIX.

Francois soon finished dressing his pigeons, and plunged them into the
boiling-water. A piece of dried meat was added, and then some salt and
pepper, drawn from the store-bag, fo