SURVIVING A BLIZZARD. 105 



the greatest possible benefit from his bed, he had a 

 sleeping-bag made of his bedding. The blankets 

 were sewed together in the shape of a bag, and the 

 whole was covered with heavy canvas. This " poke" 

 excited the risibilities of his companions, but Dyche 

 had the satisfaction of getting rid of certain insects 

 which make very disagreeable sleeping companions. 

 The first night's camp was made in the open prairie, 

 and when the men saw how warmly Dyche slept 

 while they shivered with cold all night, each vowed 

 he would have a "sleeping-poke" as soon as pos- 

 sible. 



About four o'clock in the afternoon of the third day 

 a blizzard came upon them suddenly, while they were 

 on the open prairie and far from shelter. The blind- 

 ing storm soon prevented all travel, and they un- 

 hitched the horses, tying them on the leeward side 

 of the wagons, while the boxes and bags from the 

 load were piled up as a partial protection from the cut- 

 ting wind. Putting their blankets together, the three 

 white men lay down " spoon fashion" to keep warm. 

 The Indian found an old buffalo-wallow and spread 

 his blankets there in the high grass and weeds. 

 Dyche followed the example of the Indian and 

 crawled into his sleeping-bag, which he fastened 

 down by the canvas. He was soon fast asleep, and 

 did not awaken until he felt the Indian pulling at his 

 bedding next morning, to see if he was alive. 



The others were all alive, but were so cold and 

 worn out that they could barely stir. Driving to the 

 river a fire was started, and hot coffee and breakfast 

 soon put new life into the party. Pushing on they 



