ELDORADO 99 



they reached a small valley in the foothills where the 

 savages had entrapped the inexperienced emigrants. 

 Some had pushed on with the stolen animals, while 

 others had remained in ambush until the white men 

 had passed. As soon as they realized their dangerous 

 condition, they entrenched themselves among the rocks 

 and trees as best they could, and being well armed, 

 were making a gallant defense. The Indians, however, 

 were gradually closing in upon them by skulking from 

 one rock and tree to another. Dogs were barking, and 

 women and children shouting when Kit and his fol- 

 lowers dashed in with loud, ringing shouts, dealing 

 death with their well-aimed rifles and making a num- 

 ber of "good Indians." The village was soon cleared 

 of the remaining bucks, women and children, the ani- 

 mals recovered and brought back to camp, to the great 

 joy and relief of those dependent upon their teams to 

 pursue their journey. 



