hat we were in total darkness. No snow fell on me, the air
felt comparatively warm, and I was conscious that there was something
above my head.

"`Stay,' said the Delaware, and I heard the click of his flint and
steel. The bright sparks came forth and he applied them to his tinder,
and I saw the glowing mass lowered to the ground; and the countenance of
the Indian lighted up as he blew against it till it grew larger and
larger, and a bright flame burst forth, and I found that we were in a
high arched cavern. How cheerful the fire looked as it burned up, and
sitting round it we warmed our numbed limbs, and felt that we had found
a shelter from the storm. The place had evidently constantly been used
for the same purpose. There was a good supply of wood on one side,
sufficient to light many a fire for some time to come. Farther up, the
floor of the cavern was strewed with the bones of animals, many of which
must have been of vast size, and have lived in bygone ages. We had
killed a deer not long before, so having warmed our hands we set to work
to toast some of the meat at the end of our ramrods. The food and
warmth once more wakened the Delaware's tongue, and he told me that in
five days, after leaving our present position, we should be able to
reach Fort Laramie.

"`When shall we be able to leave it?' I asked. `Is there not some
probability of our being snowed up?'

"`I cannot answer two questions in one breath,' answered the Delaware.
`As to when we can leave the cavern, depends on when the snow ceases
falling. It may be in three days, or it may fall for a week or more.
As to being snowed up, there is not much probability of that. Should it
by any chance drift against the mouth of the cavern, we must cut our
out. But do not fear. We are warm here, we have fire and food. Let us
be thankful for the blessings we enjoy.'

"I felt the truth and wisdom of his observations, and having piled up
more wood on the fire, we wrapped ourselves up in our buffalo robes, and
lay down with our feet towards it. The Indian was asleep in an instant.
Though I thought for a minute or so, I very quickly followed his
example. We both of us awoke at intervals and made up our fire, but
were instantly again asleep, and I do not think I ever enjoyed more
refreshing slumber. It was broad daylight when I awoke. I got up and
went to the mouth of the cavern; the snow fell as thickly and fast as
ever, but as it did not appear to b