194 IN THE OLD WEST 



fully closed, so that he was unable to distinguish 

 the number of the inmates. At a little distance, 

 however, he observed two or three squaws gather- 

 ing wood, with the usual attendance of curs, whose 

 acuteness in detecting the scent of strangers was 

 much to be dreaded. 



Markhead was a rash and daring young fellow, 

 caring no more for Indians than he did for prairie 

 dogs, and acting ever on the spur of the moment, 

 and as his inclination dictated, regardless of con- 

 sequences. He at once determined to enter the 

 lodges, and attack the enemy should any be there ; 

 and the other trapper was fain to join him in the 

 enterprise. The lodges proved empty, but the 

 fires were still burning, and meat cooking upon 

 them, to which the hungry hunters did ample jus- 

 tice, besides helping themselves to whatever goods 

 and chattels, in the shape of leather and moc- 

 casins, took their fancy. 



Gathering their spoil into a bundle, they sought 

 their horses, which they had left tied under cover 

 of the timber on the banks of the creek ; and, 

 mounting, took the back trail, to pick up their 

 traps and remove from so dangerous a neighbor- 

 hood. They were approaching the spot where 

 the first trap was set, a thick growth of ash and 

 quaking-ash concealing the stream, when Mark- 

 head, who was riding ahead, observed the bushes 

 agitated, as if some animal was making its way 

 through them. He instantly stopped his horse, 



