88 HUNTING SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



yielded to his weight, leaving the mark of a foot. While 

 examining it, we heard a noise in the canes. In an in- 

 stant our rifles were all directed to the spot ; but it was 

 only my horse sticking his head out of the canes, and 

 neighing at sight of us. My uncle now settled that, as 

 he was best acquainted with the cunning and tricks of 

 the Indians, he would seek the horses alone, and nothing 

 we urged could dissuade him from his purpose. IJe took 

 my father's bridle, and my horse, and was soon mounted, 

 slowly and cautiously following up the trail. Losing 

 sight of him, we went back to the camp to look after our 

 breakfast, which we had forgotten in the first excitement. 

 We remained constantly listening for the sound of the 

 bell, when we heard a shot, and directly afterwards three 

 more in quick succession. We were up in an instant, 

 started towards the sound, and soon heard the gallop of 

 a horse, and saw my uncle advancing a"t full speed. 

 When he reached us he pulled up short, so that the horse 

 reared. His eyes were glazed ; he was very pale, reeled 

 in his saddle, and fell into my arms, which I extended to 

 receive Jiim. It was well for us that the Indians had not 

 followed him, or we should have fallen an easy prey. 

 My uncle recovered after a short time, and told us, with 

 failing voice, that as he was following up the trail, he dis- 

 tinctly heard the bell again at a little distance, and rid- 

 ing cautiously forward, rather distrustful of the deep 

 silence, he saw my father's horse standing by a fallen* 

 tree. He rode up to him, keeping a sharp look-out all 

 round ; and just as he leaned over to take hold of the 

 bell-strap which was round his neck, an Indian appeared 

 not fifteen paces off, took aim, and fired ; feeling himself 



