THE WOLF HUNTERS 



make a load of not far from three thousand 

 pounds for the animals. 



To this load I suggested that it would be a good 

 idea to add some interesting books to read at 

 night, and I told him that I purposed to subscribe 

 for some weekly papers which would give the 

 news of current events. 



Wild Bill's skill in plains travel was evident in 

 many things about the outfit we had bought. He 

 had fastened straps on the outside of the wagon- 

 box to carry the tent-pole, tripod, and stovepipe, 

 and on the opposite side to hold the axe, pick, and 

 shovel, so that when needed on the road or in 

 camp the tools would be at hand. 



On the plains one must be prepared to encounter 

 strong winds at any and all times, and often vio- 

 lent storms, and on this account we commended 

 Bill's judgment in having selected a Sibley in- 

 stead of a wall tent; for the Sibley is in many 

 respects a most serviceable tent. 



It is conical in shape, like the Indian lodge, 

 but in other respects it is far superior to the red 

 man's habitation. It requires but a single short 

 pole which rests on an iron tripod, by pushing 

 together or spreading apart the feet of which 

 the canvas is easily stretched tight or slackened. 

 The aperture at the top for the escape of smoke is 

 provided with a canvas cap which can be shifted 

 so as to keep its back to the wind, thus insuring 

 a clear exit for the smoke. Two opposite doors 



34 



