222 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 



zigzag course, in order not to present a steady mark to 

 their unerring rifles. The latter were too cautious to 

 discharge their pieces, but kept a steady front, with 

 rifle at shoulder. The Indians evidently disliked to 

 approach nearer; but the chief, an old grizzled man, 

 incited them by word and gesture running in advance 

 and calling upon the others to follow him. 



" Ho, boy ! " exclaimed Killbuck to his companion, 

 " that old coon must go under, or we'll get rubbed out 

 by these darned critturs." 



La Bonte understood him. Squatting on the 

 ground, he planted his wipirig-stick firmly at the 

 extent of his left arm, and resting the long barrel of his 

 rifle on his left hand, which was supported by the 

 stick, he took a steady aim and fired. The Indian, 

 throwing out his arms, staggered and let fall hi^ow 

 tried hard to recover himself, and then fell forward on 

 his face. The others, seeing the death of their chief, 

 turned and made again for the cover. " You darned 

 critturs," roared Killbuck, " take that ! " and fired his 

 rifle at the last one, tumbling him over as dead as a 

 stone. The camp had also been alarmed. Five of 

 them waded across the creek and took the Indians in 

 rear ; their rifles cracked within the timber, several more 

 Indians fell, and the rest quickly beat a retreat. The 

 venison, however, was not forgotten ; the two deer were 

 packed into camp, and did the duty of mule-meat that 

 night. 



This lesson had a seasonable effect upon the Diggers, 

 who made no attempt on the cavallada that night or 



