IN THE OLD WEST 275 



parts, where, indeed, every man must make his 

 house a castle was loopholed on all sides, and 

 boasted a turf chimney of rather primitive con- 

 struction, but which answered the purpose of 

 drawing the smoke from the interior. Game was 

 plentiful all around; bands of buffalo were con- 

 stantly passing the Arkansa; and there were al- 

 ways deer and antelope within sight of the fort. 

 The pasture, too, was good and abundant being 

 the rich grama or buffalo grass, which, although 

 rather dry at this season, still retains its fatten- 

 ing qualities ; and the animals soon began to im- 

 prove wonderfully in condition and strength. 



Of the four hundred head of mules and horses 

 with which they had started from California, but 

 one-half reached the Arkansa. Many had been 

 killed for food (indeed, they had furnished the only 

 provisions during the journey), many had been 

 stolen by the Indians, or shot by them at night; 

 and many had strayed off and not been recovered. 

 We have omitted to mention that the Sonora girl 

 Juanita, and her spouse Ned Wooton, remained 

 behind at Roubideau's fort and rendezvous on the 

 Uintah, which our band had passed on the other 

 side of the mountains, whence they proceeded with 

 a party to Taos in New Mexico, and resided there 

 for some years, blessed with a fine family, &c., &c., 

 &c., as the novels end. 



As soon as the animals were fat and strong, 

 they were taken down the Arkansa to Bent's In- 



