siderable distance
beyond it and across the plain. They were still advancing, when, to
their consternation, they perceived that the prairie was on fire
directly ahead of them! The wind was rolling both smoke and flames
before it with the rapidity of a running horse; and it was with
difficulty they had escaped from it by galloping back to the chapparal.

And the steed--what had become of him? Had they seen nothing?

I did not put these questions in words--only in thought did I ask them;
and in thought only were they answered. Both the trackers were silent,
and that was an answer in the negative; yes, I read an ominous negative
in their looks of gloom.

We were compelled to halt; even the smoke rendered further progress
impossible; but we could hear the fire at no great distance--the culms
of the coarse reed-grass cracking like volleys of musketry.

Now and then, a scared deer broke through the bushes, passing us at full
speed. A band of antelopes dashed into the glade, and halted close
beside us--the frightened creatures not knowing where to run. At their
heels came a pack of prairie-wolves, but not in pursuit of them: these
also stopped near. A black bear and a cougar arrived next; and fierce
beasts of prey and gentle ruminants stood side by side, both terrified
out of their natural habits. Birds shrieked among the branches, eagles
screamed in the air, and black vultures could be seen hovering through
the smoke, with no thought of stooping upon a quarry!

The hunter man alone preserved his instincts. My followers were hungry.
Rifles were levelled--and the bear and one of the antelopes fell
victims to the deadly aim.

Both were soon stripped of their skins, and butchered. A fire was
kindled in the glade, and upon sword-blades and sapling spits the choice
morsels of venison and "bear-meat" were roasted, and eaten, with many a
jest about the "smoky kitchen."

I was myself hungered. I shared the repast, but not the merriment. At
that moment, no wit could have won from me a smile; the most luxurious
table could not have furnished me with cheer.

A worse appetite than hunger assailed my companions, and I felt it with
the rest--it was thirst: for hours all had been suffering from it; the
long hard ride had brought it on, and now the smoke and the dry hot
atmosphere increased the appetite till it had grown agonising, almost
unendurable. No water had been passed since the stream we had crossed
before day; t