270 WILD SPORTS IN THE FAR WEST. 



deer, seized him by the jaw, and springing over his back, 

 brought him to the ground. I had now a good oppor- 

 tunity of cutting the deer's throat, but wished to give 

 the dog a little practice, and I watched the struggle 

 with the greatest interest. The buck was one of twelve 

 branches, and had the full use of the forepart of his 

 body. He strove to hit the dog with his sharp hoof, 

 and to run his horns into him ; but the dog cleverly 

 eluded all his attempts, and at last seizing him by the 

 throat, held him fast, while I ended his torments with 

 my knife. 



As Slowtrap had assured me that he would be ready 

 to make the long-expected journey in a few days, I 

 would not delay. I skinned the deer, packed the two 

 haunches in the skin, fed the dog, and trudged away 

 heavily laden up and down hill to Curly 's house. 



Slowtrap was not ready. It was quite out of his 

 character to be hurried. I saw no end of his awful 

 procrastination ; yet there was nothing left for it but 

 patience. On my arrival, he was busy making a sledge 

 to draw wood, that his wife might have enough for 

 several weeks ; this was no trifle, considering what 

 enormous logs wen; consumed in these fireplaces. 



The next day was a washing-day and a washing-day 

 in most places, and in Arkansas in particular, is an awful 

 thing to a man whether married or not. Curly 's 

 young wife and sister had volunteered to assist, and to 

 me was deputed the honor of escort ing them ; I 

 buckled a blanket on the horse, and rode over, but as 

 all three could not find room at once, I had to make 

 two trips. All the American women are good riders. 

 Curly 's wife jumped up lightly behind me, and held on 



