200 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST. 



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 interior of the 

 waggons ; and the latter had also guns in readiness 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 neighbour- 

 hood. 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 his young grandchildren, about fourteen years old, 

 remained in camp. The Indians were hospitably re- 

 ceived, and regaled with a smoke, after which they began 

 to evince their curiosity by examining every article lying 

 about, and signifying their wishes that it should be given 

 to them. Finding their hints were not taken, they laid hold 

 of several things which took their fancies, and, amongst 

 others, of the pot which was boiling on the fire, and with 

 which one of them was about very coolly to walk off, when 

 old Brand, who up to this moment had retained possession 

 of his temper, seized it out of the Indian's hand and 

 knocked him down. One of the others instantly began to 

 draw the buckskin cover from his gun, and would no 

 doubt have taken summary vengeance for the insult offered 

 to his companion, when Mary Brand courageously stepped 

 up to him, and, placing her left hand upon the gun which 

 he was in the act of uncovering, with -the other pointed a 

 pistol at his breast. 



Whether daunted by the bold act of the girl, or admiring 



