tle _gully_ that led slantingly from the
level of the prairie down to the bed of the stream. Its counterpart I
perceived on the opposite side. The two indicated a ford or crossing
used by buffaloes, wild-horses, and other denizens of the prairie.

At first, I viewed it with apprehension; I feared it might uncover my
body to the eyes of the enemy; but on coming opposite, my fears were
allayed: the slope was abrupt, and the high ground screened me as
before. There would be no danger in passing the place.

As I was about moving on, an idea arrested me; and I paused to regard
the gully with a look of greater interest. I perceived an advantage in
it.

I had been troubled about the position in which I had left my horse.
Should I succeed in getting back, of course it would be under the
pressure of a hot pursuit, and my steed was not conveniently placed; his
back was below the level of the bank. He might easily be mounted, but
how should I get him out of the channel of the stream? Only by a
desperate leap might he reach the plain above: but he might fail in the
effort--time might be lost, when time and speed would be most wanted.

I had been troubled with this thought; it need trouble me no longer.
The "crossing" afforded easy access either to or from the bed of the
river--the very thing I wanted.

I was not slow to profit by the discovery. I turned back, and having
released the rein, led my horse gently up to the break.

Choosing a spot under the highest part of the bank, I fastened him as
before, and again left him.

I now moved with more ease and confidence, but with increased caution.
I was getting too near to risk making the slightest noise in the water;
a single plash might betray me.

It was my intention to keep within the channel, until I had passed the
point where the horses were staked; by so doing, I should avoid crossing
the line of the horse-guards, and, what was quite as important, that of
the horses themselves--for I was equally apprehensive of being
discovered by the latter. Once inside their circle, they would take no
notice of me--for doubtless there would be other Indians within sight;
and I trusted to my well-counterfeited semblance of savagery to deceive
the eyes of these equine sentinels.

I did not wish to go far beyond their line; that would bring me in front
of the camp itself--too near its fires and its idle groups.

I had noticed before starting that there was a broad belt between t