LIFE IN THE FAB WEST 223 



the next ; for the camp remained two days to recruit 

 the animals. 



We will not follow the party through all the 

 difficulties and perils of the desert route, nor detail 

 the various devilries of the Diggers, who constantly 

 sought opportunities to stampede the animals, or, 

 approaching them in the night as they grazed, fired 

 their arrows indiscriminately at the herd, trusting that 

 dead or disabled ones would be left behind, and afford 

 them a good supply of meat. In the month of December 

 the mountaineers crossed the great dividing ridge of the 

 Rocky Mountains, making their way through the snowy 

 barrier with the utmost difficulty, and losing many 

 mules and horses in the attempt. On passing the 

 ridge, they at once struck the head-springs of the 

 ArkaMft river, and turned into the Bayou Salade. 

 Here tney found a village of Arapah6s, and were in no, 

 little fear of leaving their cavallada with these dexte- 

 rous horse-thieves. Fortunately, the chief in command 

 was friendly to the whites, and restrained his young 

 men ; and a present of three horses insured his good 

 offices. Still, the near neighbourhood of these Indians 

 being hardly desirable, after a few days' halt the 

 Americans were again on their way, and halted finally 

 at the juncture of the Fontaine-qui-bout with the 

 Arkansa, where they determined to construct a winter 

 camp. They now considered themselves at home, and 

 at once set about building a log- shanty capable of 

 containing them all, and a large corral for securing the 

 animals at night, or in case of Indian alarms. This 



