TRAPPING IN NEBRASKA 1866-7. 113 
mingled among other tracks. Up over the bank we 
followed, when on a little island, shaded by a few big 
trees the proud beast was found stilled in death, 
As dark was creeping upon us, we concluded to build 
a fire and spend the night in carving up our game. The 
smell of blood again brought out the unmusical wolves, 
who whiled the tedious night hours away in a bedlam of 
discordant noises from the bluffs. 
A little Indian dog came timidly into our camp at mid- 
night. The wee stray was evidently now a consort of 
the coyotes, but being Jess timid or more hungry had 
ventured in on the chances of our pity and help or our 
inclination to destroy. He wagged his tail in glee, at 
our soft words accompanied by a chunk of meat, though 
the first streaks of light in the eastern sky found him 
trotting out with a full belly to join his less fortunate but 
noisier companions. 
As it was easier, under the circumstances, to move 
our camp to theelk, than the meat to the camp, we soon 
brought down our effects and made permanent camp 
near the junction of the creek with the Elkhorn. Here on 
a grassy raise of ground near a grove of willow, a com- 
fortable cabin was erected, for fall, and mayhap winter 
quarters. 
When everything was completed and the united voice 
said ‘‘well done,’’ we stored our wealth within the cabin 
and felt a concious security as the result of our work; 
but, alas! 
The chilly nights of October were upon us. The sur- 
rounding prairies were fast putting on their yellow coat, 
while trees were losing their leaves. Our trap line only 
brought in a moderate revenue. for here as, at the plum 
ahs Bis 
* 
