THE FRONTIERSMAN AT BAY. 407 



Soon after sunrise we took our way down the 

 river, intending to reach the Sydney farm on the fol- 

 lowing day, and there spend the necessary time in 

 preparing our specimens for immediate shipment 

 when we should arrive at Solomon City. The Pro- 

 fessor made desperate efforts to appear entirely 

 wrapped up in science, and his devotion to geology 

 was something wonderful. Hitherto he had been 

 inclined to urge us forward, but now he made a show 

 of holding us back. Did he do so with a knowledge 

 that our necessities for food and forage would be suf- 

 ficient spur, and was he simply shielding his weak 

 side from Sachem's attacks? 



We had proceeded but a few miles on our journey, 

 when the guide rode back, and reported fresh pony 

 tracks across the road ahead of us. This was an un- 

 questionable Indian sign, but as the trail seemed to 

 be leading north, we took no precaution ; our route 

 was over a high divide, where ambushing was im- 

 possible. 



Approaching Limestpne Creek, the road wound 

 down the face of a precipitous bluff, into the valley 

 below. We had just commenced the descent, when 

 the now familiar cry of " Injuns ! " came back from 

 the men in front, and following closely on the cry we 

 heard the echoing report of firearms. We looked in 

 the direction of the sound, and saw close to the trees 

 an emigrant wagon, while beyond it, but at fully one 

 hundred yards' distance, four or five Indians were 

 riding back and forth in semi-circles, and firing pis- 

 tols. The emigrant stood beside his oxen, with rifle 

 in readiness, but apparently reserving his fire. 



