TIMELY DISCOVERY OF A FORD. 281 
Ride back towards my train, puzzled what 
course to pursue. An Indian gallops from amidst 
the trees, chasing two horses with a lasso, 
catches one, and proceeds rapidly down-stream. 
I follow quietly, about a half-mile; then he rides 
into the river, and, without wetting his horse’s 
sides, gets on the other side. . 
This isa grand discovery. Gallop to my train. 
Ride in triumph through the ford, followed by the 
bell-horse and mules, and bow impudently to the 
flabby old deceiver, staring at me wonderingly 
as I pass up the opposite side of the stream. 
Without stopping to rest, I push on over a 
swampy country, with little clumps of alder and 
cotton-wood-trees, like islands, here and there, for 
twenty-four miles; keep as close as possible to 
the edge of the river, until we reach a large 
morass, from which it heads. Here I camp. 
Although I have not seen the trace of an Indian 
since leaving the village, still I feel sure they will 
follow up my trail. 
Light fires as usual, and keep strict watch over 
the wearied and hungry mules. The men are 
tired and sleepy; but, jaded as I am in mind and 
body, contrive to keep them up to their sentry- 
duty. They get an alternate.sleep—lI get none. 
May 22nd. 
Passed a miserably cold night. 
