PERPLEXING EVENT. 71 



At an early hour on the morrow I saddled my 

 mare, and leaving my mule, very much against his 

 will, to the tender mercies of the squaw, started across 

 the plain for the encampment of the traders. As 

 the weather was thick and threatening, I had but a 

 very limited view of the distance. However, I had 

 taken by compass the bearings of their position last 

 night, and had little fear of failing to fall across them 

 on their march, or to strike their trail. 



From the unusual disinclination which my mount 

 evinced to rapid progression, and the efforts she 

 would frequently make to halt, or turn round and 

 look backwards, I saw that she much regretted sepa- 

 ration from her old associate. I had probably pro- 

 ceeded about five miles when I heard a pattering of 

 hoofs in the rear. The mare pricked her ears, and I 

 turned hastily to the right about, not .without fear 

 that a brave of the Crow or Blackfeet tribes might 

 be behind me. But a glance back dissipated that 

 supposition, for I perceived my mule galloping as 

 fast as Tarn O'Shanter's good mare Meg did, on the 

 occasion of her celebrated trial of speed against the 

 witches and Cutty Sark at Alloway Brig. The poor 

 animal rattled along, with the lariat-lines and hide- 

 thongs, which had been employed for fastening on 

 his load, floating in rear like the pennants of a home- 

 ward-bound frigate. His flanks were heaving and 

 his nostrils distended, as, in a perfect lather of per- 

 spiration from fear and excitement, he rushed up to 

 his associate, and testified by manner and voice the 



