22 LIFE IN THE FAE WEST 



knife to the hilt between his shoulders. With a gasp- 

 ing shudder the Eapaho fell dead upon the prostrate 

 body of his foe. 



The attack, however, lasted but a few seconds. The 

 dash at the animals had been entirely successful, and, 

 driving them before them, with loud cries, the Indians 

 disappeared quickly in the darkness. Without waiting 

 for daylight, two of the three trappers who alone were 

 to be seen, and who had been within the shanties at the 

 time of attack, without a moment's delay commenced 

 packing two horses, which having been fastened to the 

 shanties had escaped the Indians, and placing their 

 squaws upon them, showering curses and imprecations 

 on their enemies, left the camp, fearful of another onset, 

 and resolved to retreat and cache themselves until the 

 danger was over. Not so La Bonte, who, stout and 

 true, had done his best in the fight, and now sought 

 the body of his old comrade, from which, before he 

 could examine the wounds, he had first to remove the 

 corpse of the Indian he had slain. Killbuck still 

 breathed. He had been stunned ; but, revived by 

 the cold rain beating upon his face, he soon opened his 

 eyes, and recognised his trusty friend, who, sitting down, 

 lifted his head into his lap, and wiped away the blood 

 that streamed from the wounded scalp. 



" Is the top-knot gone, boy ?" asked Killbuck ; " for 

 my head feels queersome, I tell you." 



" Thar's the Injun as felt like lifting it," an- 

 swered the other, kicking the dead body with his 

 foot. 



