LEAVES THE ISLAND CAMP. 75 



the lake of fire. The flames had then spent their de- 

 structive force around me, as far as I could see. On all 

 sides desolation appeared. The mountains were covered 

 with blackness, while here and there a smoke and a blaze 

 upon them, were still visible. The level bottom was strewn 

 with ashes, among which could be seen, the half-burnt 

 carcasses of wolves and antelopes ; and there, too, a fierce 

 lord of the mountain an enormous grizzly bear, lay, 

 partly consumed by the side of a black -tailed deer. 



On the morning of the third day after encamping on 

 the prairie, I determined to advance northward. I first 

 walked a considerable distance upon the prairie, and as- 

 certained that the mules could travel without scorching 

 their feet then adjusting my packs, and left the " island 

 camp," as I had christened the spot of safety. My ob- 

 ject was to advance as rapidly as possible, in order to 

 reach pasture, as my muleS were beginning to weaken. I 

 believe if they had not obtained food within a short time, 

 they would have failed me entirely. I was fortunate. 

 About the middle of the afternoon, I reached the end of 

 the desolate tract, with all its gloomy horrors. It was 

 on the bank of a clear stream. At this point the wind 

 seemed to have slightly changed the direction of the 

 flames. Upon the other side I saw green grass, and 

 shady trees, and there I was happy to encamp. An an- 

 telope which I had picked out of a small herd near the 



