274 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 



them with some smartish boys and girls, I tell you. 

 Their name's Brand." 



La Bonte looked up from the lock of his rifle, which 

 he was cleaning but either didn't hear, or, hearing, 

 didn't heed, for he continued his work. 



" And they are going to part company," continued 

 the stranger, "and put out alone for Platte and the 

 South Pass." 



" They'll lose their hair, I'm thinking," said Killbuck, 

 " if the Rapahos are out thar." 



" I hope not," continued the other, " for there's a girl 

 amongst them worth more than that." 



" Poor beaver ! " said La Bonte, looking up from his 

 work. " I'd hate to see any white gal in the hands of 

 Injuns, and of Rapahos worse than all. . Where does 

 she come from, stranger ? " 



" Down below St Louis, from Tennessee, I've heard 

 them say." 



" Tennessee," cried La Bonte, " hurrah for the old 



state ! What's her name, stran " At this moment 



Killbuck' s old mule pricked her ears and snuffed the air, 

 which action catching La Bonte's eye, he rose abruptly, 

 without waiting a reply to his question, and exclaimed, 

 " The old mule smells Injuns, or I'm a Spaniard ! " 



The hunter did the old mule justice, and she well 

 maintained her reputation as the best " guard " in the 

 mountains ; for in two minutes an Indian stalked into 

 the camp, dressed in a cloth capote, and in odds and 

 ends of civilised attire. 



" Rapaho," cried Killbuck, as soon as he saw him ; 



