doubt they will trade with us. But where
are they? This question was drawn forth by the cibolero observing that
not a creature was to be seen about the lodges,--neither man, woman,
child, nor animal! And yet it could not be a deserted camp. Indians
would not abandon such lodges as these--at least they would not leave
behind the fine robes that covered them! No, the owners must be near:
no doubt, among the neighbouring hills, in pursuit of the buffalo.

The cibolero guessed aright. As he and his companion stood looking down
upon the encampment, a loud shouting reached their ears, and the next
moment a body of several hundred horsemen was seen approaching over a
swell of the prairie. They were riding slowly, but their panting
foaming horses showed that they had just left off harder work.
Presently another band, still more numerous, appeared in the rear.
These were horses and mules laden with huge brown masses, the
buffalo-meat packed up in the shaggy hides. This train was conducted by
the women and boys, and followed by troops of dogs and screaming
children.

As they came toward the encampment from an opposite direction, Carlos
and his companion were not for a while seen.

The Indians, however, had not been long among the lodges before the
quick eye of one caught sight of their two heads above the ridge. A
warning cry was uttered, and in a moment every one of the dismounted
hunters was back in his saddle and ready for action. One or two
galloped off towards the meat-train, which had not yet come into camp,
while others rode to and fro, exhibiting symptoms of alarm.

No doubt they were under apprehensions that the Panes, their mortal
foes, had stolen a march upon them.

Carlos soon relieved them from this apprehension. Spurring his horse to
the crest of the ridge, he drew up in full view of the Indians. A few
signs, which he well knew how to make, and the word "amigo!" shouted at
the top of his voice, restored their confidence; then a young fellow now
rode out in front, and advanced up the hill. When sufficiently near to
be heard, he halted; and a conversation, partly by signs, and partly by
means of a little Spanish, enabled him and Carlos to understand each
other. The Indian then galloped back, and, after a short interval,
returned again, and invited the cibolero and his companion to the
encampment.

Carlos of course accepted the courtesy, and a few minutes after, he and
Antonio were eating fresh buf