134 FEMALE GAMBLERS. 



ney " below Scot's Bluff, in its general outlines. It stands within a short 

 distance of the east bank of the Chugwater, and gives the creek its present 

 name.* 



Our arrival at the Fort dated the 26th of April. The boat being com- 

 pleted, all things, save the spring rise, were in readiness for the intended 

 voyage. 



This craft was put together in regular ship-shape, and finished in a 

 workman-like manner. She measured fifty feet keel by thirteen beam, and, 

 without her lading, drew but an inch and a half of water. Her intended 

 burthen was between two and three tons. While admiring her beauty 

 and symetry, little did I think of the sufferings in store for me with her 

 hardy crew. 



Several important changes had taken place during onr absence. The 

 Fort with its fixtures now claimed different owners, and was occupied by 

 the men of two companies besides our own. This swelled the present 

 number to some forty or fifty, and afforded quite a lively scene. 



Now was an interval of leisure to all hands, and the time, unemployed 

 in eating and sleeping, was passed in story-telling, ball-playing, foot-racing, 

 target-shooting, or other like amusements. 



Several, forming themselves into a club for forensic debate, secured a 

 prolific source of entertainment, for the time being. A partner in one of 

 the trading firms, whose men were now stationed at the Fort, made him- 

 self quite conspicuous as a participator in these discussions. 



He was very self-important and conceited, and not a little ignorant 

 withal, and with regard to temperance, being uniformly about " three 

 sheets in the wind," and the other JluUering, his spoutings were an ex- 

 haustless fund o^ laughter. 



At his request, in order to render the exercises more spirited, the merits 

 of the arguments presented were decided upon by a committee of three, 

 and the speakers decided against, sentenced to liqnorize the club. 



The treating, however, was always on one side ; for, as the whole busi- 

 ness was an aifair of sport, the committee of arbitration generally had this 

 primary object in view while pronouncing their decisions. When these 

 were averse to our orator, he of course paid the forfeit as an affair of debt ; 

 and when favorable to him, he was equally prompt in proferring a common 

 treat, exultatory upon his fancied success. 



My own part in this performance was that of a mere looker-on, but it 

 required of one more than my usual self-mastery, to retain his gravitv under 

 the potent influences of so ludicrous an exhibition. 



Other matters of interest, however, occurred at this time, and, as they 

 tend to throw some light upon Indian habits and customs, perhaps the 

 reader will not look upon it as altogether out of place for me to notice 

 them. 



* The word " Chug " implies chimney ; of the derivation of the term, however, I 

 am ignorant. 



