38 ME. PALLISER. AND HIS FRIENDS. 



provisions, and did not seem to be in sound condition. 

 "We waited with patience till the party came to the oppo- 

 site bank of the stream, when a salute was exchanged. 



" How are you friends ?" said the leader of the horse- 

 men, a tall, noble-looking man, handsomely dressed in 

 hunting costume. " This seems to be a good camping- 

 ground. Have you any objections to our stopping along- 

 side for the night ? 



" Of course not," I replied. " In fact we are rathei 

 glad that you -propose to do so, because the Arapahoes 

 are lurking among the mountains. Besides, the more 

 the merrier, this night, for we have heaped up the buffalo 

 to-day." 



"Very well," said the hunter who had accosted s 

 " We will cross a short distance above, picket our animals 

 where that bit of green is, and visit your camp. Come, 

 Bill !" The two last words were addressed to a huntei 

 at his side. 



The party crossed the stream, dismounted, tethered 

 their animals, carried their large packs within our picket- 

 ing, where, when piled up, they helped to form a breast- 

 work, and then brought a quantity of rare meat, biscuit, 

 and brandy, to extend the supper for the, whole party. 

 In the meantime, however, the hunter alluded to as Bill, 

 was left as a guard among the animals, a short distance 

 up the stream. 



