60 IN THE OLD WEST 



of rocks which shut in the northern end of the 

 little valley or ravine, Killbuck withdrew his head 

 from its screen, crawled backwards on his stomach 

 from the edge of the bluff, and, rising from the 

 ground, shook and stretched himself; then gave 

 one cautious look around, and immediately pro- 

 ceeded to rejoin his companion. 



*^ Lave (get up), boy," said Killbuck, as soon 

 as he reached him. " Hyar's grainin' to do afore 

 long — and sun's about down, I'm thinking." 



" Ready, old boss," answered La Bonte, giving 

 himself a shake. " What's the sign like, and how 

 many's the lodge? " 



" Fresh, and five, boy. How do you feel? " 



" Half froze for hair. Wagh ! " 



" We'll have moon to-night, and as soon as 

 she gets up, we'll make 'em come." 



Killbuck then described to his companion what 

 he had seen, and detailed his plan. This was 

 simply to wait until the moon afforded sufficient 

 light, then to approach the Indian camp and 

 charge into it, '' lift " as much " hair " as they 

 could, recover their animals, and start at once to 

 the Bayou and join the friendly Yutas, warning 

 them of the coming danger. The risk of falling 

 in with either of the Rapaho bands was hardly 

 considered ; to avoid this they trusted to their 

 own foresight, and the legs of their mules, should 

 they encounter them. 



Between sundown and the rising of the moon 



