78 IN THE OLD WEST 



in the hollow of his arm, and gathering up his 

 horse, ride steadily to meet them, as soon as he 

 observed they were but two ; two to one in moun- 

 tain calculation being scarcely considered odds, 

 if red skin to white. 



However, on nearing them, the stranger dis- 

 covered his mistake, and throwing his rifle across 

 the saddle once more reined in his horse and waited 

 their approach; for the spot where he then stood 

 presented an excellent camping-ground, with abun- 

 dance of dry wood and convenient water. 



" Where from, stranger ? " 



" The divide, and to the Bayou for meat ; and 

 you are from there, I see. Any buffalo come in 

 yet?" 



" Heap, and seal-fat at that. What's the sign 

 out on the plains ? " 



" War-party of Rapahos passed Squirrel at 

 sundown yesterday, and nearly raised my animals. 

 Sign, too, of more on left fork of Boiling Spring. 

 No buffalo between this and Bijou. Do you feel 

 like camping? " 



" Well, we do. But whar's your campan- 

 yeros ? " 



" I'm alone." 



" Alone? Wagh! how do you get your animals 

 along? " 



" I go ahead, and they follow the horse." 



" Well, that beats all ! That's a smart-looking 

 hoss, now; and runs some, I'm thinking." 



