WILDERNESS LIFE. 273 



day I expected to be able to set out. The appear- 

 ance of the sky denoted change as I turned in on the 

 last evening, but whether it was anticipation of the 

 good things to be obtained when civilization had 

 been reached, I know not, or an unaccountable con- 

 sciousness that danger was not far distant, I could 

 not sleep. First I tried one side and then the other, 

 but without effect. As it was not cold the fire had 

 gradually decayed till only a few embers remained, 

 making the surrounding darkness more intense. 

 While I was hesitating whether the rebuilding of the 

 fire or a fresh pipe would induce sleep, uneasiness 

 seemed to have taken possession of my animals. The 

 mule was as watchful as a dog, and as I knew he 

 would not leave his friend, I invariably left him un- 

 tied. Several times he uttered that short, quick 

 snort so peculiar to the species, and always indicative 

 of alarm, while the mare kept moving as far as her 

 lariat would permit her. It might be any thing, 

 from a deer to an Indian, so as my arms were at 

 hand, I quietly crawled out of my lair, taking special 

 caution that no momentary flicker from the fire 

 should disclose my movements, and by a short detour 

 got beside the nags, and soon had the soft, silky muz- 

 zle of Beckey in the palm of my hand. The great- 



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