LIFE IN THE FAR WEST. 49 



take ; 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 sun-down 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 companyeros ?" 



" I'm alone." 



" Alone I Wagh I how do you get your animals along ?" 



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



*' Well, that beats all I That's a smart-looking hos now ; and 

 runs some, I'm thinking." 



" Well, it does." 



'* Whar's them mules from ? They look like Californy." 



" Mexican country — away down south." 



" H — I Whar's yourself from ?" 



" There away, too." 



•' What's beaver worth in Taos ?" 



" Dollar." 



"In Saint Louiy ?" 



" Same." 



" H— I Any call for buckskin ?" 



*' A heap I The soldiers in Santa Fe are half-froze for leather ; 

 and moccasins fetch two dollars, easy." 



" Wagh I How's trade on Arkansa, and what's doin to the 

 Fort ?" 



C 



