rcely be observed under such a light.

The spot where I had "landed" chanced to be one of the least conspicuous
in the whole area of the camp. I was just between two lights--the red
glare of the campfires, and the mellower beams of the moon; and the
atmospheric confusion occasioned by the meeting of the distinct kinds of
light favoured me, by producing a species of optical delusion. It was
but slight, and I could easily be seen from the centre of the camp--but
not with sufficient distinctness for my disguise to be penetrated by any
one; therefore, it was hardly probable that any of the savages would
approach or trouble their heads about me. I might pass for one of
themselves indulging in a solitary saunter, yielding himself to a moment
of abstraction or melancholy. I was well enough acquainted with Indian
life to know that there was nothing _outre_ or unlikely in this
behaviour; such conduct was perfectly _en regle_.

I did not remain long on that spot--only long enough to catch the
salient features of the scene.

I saw there were many fires, and around each was grouped number of human
forms--some squatted, some standing. The night was cold enough to make
them draw near to the burning logs; and for this reason, but few were
wandering about--a fortunate circumstance for me.

There was one fire larger than the rest; from its dimensions, it might
be termed a "bonfire," such as is made by the flattering and flunkeyish
peasantry of old-world lands, when they welcome home the squire and the
count. It was placed directly in front of the solitary tent, and not a
dozen paces from its entrance. Its blazing pile gave forth a flood of
red light that reached even to the spot where I stood, and flickered in
my face. I even fancied I could feel its glow upon my cheeks.

Around this fire were many forms of men--all of them standing up. I
could see the faces of those who were upon its farther side, but only
the figures of these on the nearer.

The former I could see with almost as much distinctness as if I had been
close beside them; I could trace the lineaments of their features--the
painted devices on their breasts and faces--the style of their
habiliments.

The sight of these last somewhat astonished me. I had expected to see
red-skinned warriors in leggings, moccasins, and breech-cloth, with
heads naked or plumed, and shoulders draped under brown robes of
buffalo-skin. Some such there were, but not all of them were