IN THE FAR WEST. 359 



killed two fine ewes; and while engaged in preparing them, 

 another flock suddenly appeared on the opposite side of a 

 chasm near which they were standing, and were preparing to 

 cross it when they were arrested by the foe in front. As they 

 stood still for a few moments, the hunters threw themselves on 

 the ground and fired ; but simultaneously with the reports of 

 their own rifles came others directly behind them, and several 

 bullets passed over their heads. Alarmed by this unexpected 

 fusillade, they jumped to their feet and leaped behind a crag 

 just in time to escape another shower. Looking up, they 

 saw a short distance above them a party of Indians, in all the 

 hideousness of war-paint, preparing to fire at them a second 

 time. Without waiting to see any more, they discharged 

 their rifles at the group and fled at their utmost speed down 

 the mountain side. The Indians followed in hot pursuit, 

 yelling like panthers, and sending either a bullet or an arrow 

 after them whenever a good opportunity presented itself. The 

 fugitives rarely gave them the chance, however, as they dodged 

 among the crags, and bowed low when they scurried through 

 or past any sheltering bushes. The chase lasted for a distance 

 of four miles, when they fortunately struck a canyon, and into 

 this they plunged with a suddenness that nearly carried them 

 to the bottom at one bound. Along this they ran with 

 renewed energy, and in fifteen minutes after entering it were 

 delighted to find that the Indians had lost their trail or had 

 been outrun. They reached their cabin late in the evening, 

 but, instead of resting, they mounted their mustangs and 

 went around among the miners, arousing them to the danger 

 that threatened them. Being always prepared for warfare, 

 those daring fellows were soon armed and assembled at a com- 

 mon rendezvous under the command of our guide. They 

 advanced against their foes the next morning, and, meeting 

 them at the base of the mountain, dispersed them after a few 

 volleys, which placed one-sixth of their number /tors <le couilat, 

 while they escaped scatheless themselves. This summary defeat 

 kept the treacherous red men away from that region ever after. 

 Thanking the raconteur for his story, we retired to our pallet 

 of hay, and early the next morning returned to the mining 



