130 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST. 



his moccasins, started off to kill a mountain sheep, a band of 

 which animals was visible, 



Markhead and his companion, the first couple on the list, fol- 

 lowed a creek, which entered that on which they had encamp- 

 ed, about ten miles distant. Beaver sign was abundant, and 

 they had set eight traps, when Markhead came suddenly upon 

 fresh Indian sign, where squaws had passed through the shrub- 

 bery on the banks of the stream to procure water, as he knew 

 from observing a large stone placed by them in the stream, on 

 which to stand to enable them to dip their kettles in the deepest 

 water. Beckoning to his companion to follow, and cocking his 

 rifle, he carefully pushed aside the bushes, and noiselessly proceed- 

 ed up the bank, when, creeping on hands and knees, he gained 

 the top, and, looking from his hiding-place descried three Indian 

 huts standing on a little plateau near the creek. Smoke curled 

 from the roofs of branches, but the skin doors were carefully closed, 

 so that he was unable to distinguish the number of the inmates. 

 At a little distance, however, he observed two or three squaws 

 gathering wood, with the usual attendance of curs whose acute- 

 ness 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 

 consequences. 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 justice, besides helping them- 

 selves to whatever goods and chattels, in the shape of leather and 

 moccasins, 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 



