178 SPORTING ADVENTURES IN THE FAR WEST. 



ed spur of the hill, and there we halted to gaze on the 

 scene of devastation, which was visible for miles toward 

 the south. Houses were blazing or smoking in every di- 

 rection as far as the eye could see, and their lurid glare 

 illuminated the country for miles around. It was evident, 

 from the course of the flames, that the raiders were work- 

 ing toward the south, and burning and killing on their 

 way ; but why they left the main settlement undisturbed 

 was a mystery to many. The only cause that could be 

 adduced was that the settlers toward the south had larger 

 flocks and herds, and were also more widely scattered, so 

 that they could not rally in sufficient numbers to make a 

 stand of any consequence against the red fiends. 



We gazed on the scene for an hour or more with a 

 sort of fearful fascination ; and during that time deep and 

 vehement were the threats and execrations hurled at the 

 treacherous foes who had created such havoc among a 

 peaceable people. As we desired to be up at daybreak, 

 we concluded to have a short nap, if possible; so each 

 man picketed his horse and unloosed the saddle, but did 

 not take it off, and, rolling himself up in his woollen 

 blanket, was soon trying to woo gentle sleep. This was 

 rendered impossible, however, by the yelping of coyotes 

 and the melancholy howling of wolves, and, when we arose 

 about daylight, I doubt if one person had enjoyed ten 

 minutes of undisturbed repose. After a hasty breakfast, 

 it was decided to send ten men back to the cottage of my 

 host and let them watch the valley, while the remainder 

 tried to surprise the Indian encampment we had visited 

 the previous day. As soon as they started to return, the 

 party that I was with moved off at a brisk trot, with 

 scouts well advanced, and flankers stretching for a mile 

 or more toward the wooded hills, to prevent any sudden 

 assault from that direction. After proceeding about three 

 miles, we heard firing in front, and, galloping up as fast 

 as we could, found the scouts on foot, and skirmishing 

 with a party of young braves. Our line was deployed in 

 extended order at once, and each man advanced as he 



