ACROSS THE ROCKV 3I0ITNTAINS, ETC. 47 



throwing tlie earth over their heads ; in a few moments they 

 started in a slow, clumsy canter ; but as we neared them, they 

 quickened their pace to an astonishingly rapid gallop, and in a few 

 minutes were entirely beyond the reach of our guns, but were 

 still so near that their enormous horns, and long shaggy beards, 

 were very distinctly seen. Shortly after we encamped, our 

 hunters brought in the choice parts of five that they had killed. 



For the space of several days past, we have observed an 

 inclination in five or six of our men to leave our service. 

 Immediately as we encamp, we see them draw together in some 

 secluded spot, and engage in close and earnest conversation. 

 This has occured several times, and as we are determined, if 

 possible, to keep our horses, &c., for our own use, we have 

 stationed a sentry near their tent, whose orders are peremptory 

 to stop them at any hazard in case of an attempt on their part, to 

 appropriate our horses. The men we are willing to lose, as 

 they are of very little service, and we can do without them ; but 

 horses here are valuable, and we cannot afford to part with them 

 without a sufficient compensation. 



22d. — On walkincr into our tent last niarht at eleven o'clock, 

 after the expiration of the first watch, (in which I had served as 

 supernumerary, to'prevent the desertion of the men,) and stooping 

 to lay my gun in its usual situation near the head of my pallet, 

 I was startled by seeing a pair of eyes, wild and bright as those 

 of a tiger, gleaming from a dark corner of the lodge, and 

 evidently directed upon me. My first impression was, that a 

 wolf had been lurking around the camp, and had entered the 

 tent in the prospect of finding meat. My gun was at my 

 shoulder instinctively, my aim was directed between the eyes, 

 and my finger pressed the trigger. At that moment a tall Indian 

 sprang before me with a loud wah ! seized the gun, and elevated 

 the muzzle above my head ; in another instant, a second Indian 

 was by my side, and I saw his keen knife glitter as it left the 



