Expedition to the Bad Lands 83 



cook had concluded that their precious scalps were 

 too valuable to risk. 



The Professor asked us whether we could carry 

 on the double work which their dishonorable con- 

 duct had made necessary, and we willingly under- 

 took to do so, even if it were to mean working our 

 ringers to the bone. 



Isaac took the seat, and we prepared to start on, 

 but misfortunes never come singly. Our four-year- 

 old colt, who had had a chance to rest during the 

 delay, suddenly decided that he too would try to 

 put a stop to the expedition. He balked, and when 

 the Professor went up to him to lead him along, he 

 struck out viciously with his fore feet. 



Now I imagine that the Professor had put up 

 with about all that he was willing to bear. The 

 cowardly desertion of our men, combined with the 

 discomforts of our situation, we had had nothing 

 to eat or drink since we left Dog Creek, and the 

 only spring on the route at which we could get good 

 water was miles away, left little mercy in his" 

 heart for this miserable, obstinate horse. He told 

 Isaac to unhitch the animal and tie him to a hind 

 wheel, while I got on top of the wagon, armed with 

 a club to prevent his trying to climb in. 



With the whip in one hand, butt end down, Cope 

 approached the horse with the other outstretched, 

 speaking gently to conciliate him. The horse, how* 



