CHAPTER VII. 



A solitary Elk A careless Sentinel Preparations for Departure A 

 phantom Horseman A striking Picture A narrow Escape a Con- 

 sultation Our Chances A new Sensation Precautions The Videttes 

 Safe at Fort Kiley. 



ALTHOUGH, while we remained in Camp Gibraltar, we 

 were on the direct line of the semi-annual migration of the 

 elk indeed, not very far from where, on a subsequent occa- 

 sion, when hunting with a party of Delawares, I saw a drove 

 of over three hundred of them only one was seen during 

 our stay, and that by the sentinel alone. 



About eleven o'clock one fine moonlight night the 

 sentinel, while lying in his form, heard a splashing in the 

 water to the rear of the camp ; and though he ought 

 certainly not to have left the unprotected side of our 

 position for a moment unwatched, in order to go to the 

 safe one, he did do so. The feeling that continual vigi- 

 lance is an unnecessary bore made him for the moment 

 careless. Peeping through a bush, he looked towards the 

 river, and saw near its opposite side, standing up to his 

 knees in it, and in the full moonlight, a large buck elk 

 pawing the water. Excitement banished all reflection 



