LIFE IN THE FAB WEST 85 



two experienced mountaineers, always heading the 

 advance. 



About noon they had crossed over to the left bank of 

 the fork, intending to camp on a large creek where 

 some fresh beaver " sign " had attracted the attention 

 of some of the trappers ; and as, on further examina- 

 tion, it appeared that two or thres lodges of that 

 animal were not far distant, it was determined to 

 remain here a day or two, and set their traps. 



Gonneville, old Luke, and La Bonte had started up 

 the creek, and were carefully examining the banks for 

 " sign ; " when the former, who was in front, suddenly 

 paused, and, looking intently up the stream, held up his 

 hand to his companions to signal them to stop. 



Luke and La Bonte" both followed the direction of the 

 trapper's intent and fixed gaze. The former uttered in 

 a suppressed tone the expressive exclamation, Wagh ! 

 the latter saw nothing but a wood-duck swimming 

 swiftly down the stream, followed by her downy 

 progeny. 



Gonneville turned his head, and, extending his arm 

 twice with a forward motion up the creek, whispered 

 " Les sauvages." 



" Injuns, sure, and Sioux at that," answered Luke. 



Still La Bonte looked, but nothing met his view but 

 the duck with her brood, now rapidly approaching; 

 and as he gazed, the bird suddenly took wing, and 

 flapping on the water, flew a short distance down the 

 stream and once more settled on it. 



" Injuns V he asked ; " where are they ?" 



