LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 277 



rolling prairie, and towards the upland ridge of the 

 " divide," which, studded with dwarf pine and cedar 

 thicket, rose gradually before them. They travelled 

 with considerable caution, for already the quick eye 

 of Antoine had discovered recent Indian sign upon the 

 trail, and, with mountain quickness, had at once made 

 it out to be that of a war-party ; for there were no 

 horses with them, and, after one or two of the mocassin 

 tracks, the mark of a rope which trailed upon the 

 ground was sufficient to show him that the Indians 

 were provided with the usual lasso of skin, with which 

 to secure the horses stolen in the expedition. The men 

 of the party were consequently all mounted and 

 thoroughly armed, the waggons moved in a line abreast, 

 and a sharp look-out was kept on all sides. The 

 women and children were all consigned to the anterior 

 of the waggons ; and the latter had also guns in readi- 

 ness, to take their part in the defence, should an attack 

 be made. 



However, they had seen no Indians, and no fresh 

 sign, for two days after they left the Boiling Spring 

 River, and they began to think they were well out of 

 their neighbourhood. One evening they camped on a 

 creek called Black Horse, and, as usual, had corralled 

 the waggons, and forted as well as circumstances would 

 permit, when three or four Indians suddenly appeared 

 on a bluff at a little distance, and, making signals of 

 peaceable intentions, approached the camp. Most of 

 the men were absent at the time, attending to the 

 cattle or collecting fuel, and only old Brand and one of 



