PURSUED BY INDIANS. 295 



pass over it in safety. During the journey of the first 

 day I saw no Indians ; and the only game I killed was a 

 black tailed-deer. On the third day after leaving Taos, 

 I came upon the trail of a party of Arapahoes, and was 

 compelled to strike off from the direct route to avoid 

 them. I reached Orphan's Creek without meeting with 

 any other traces to alarm me. Having encamped upon 

 the banks of this creek, I passed a pleasant night ; but the 

 next morning I was startled by the appearance of a large 

 party of Indians upon a ridge about a quarter of a mile 

 back upon my trail. To mount my horse and spur away 

 was the work of a moment. The Indians discovered me 

 about the same instant, and, as I started, the clattering of 

 their horses's hoofs, in pursuit, rang in my ears. Happily 

 my steed was a gallant one, of great endurance, although 

 not remarkably swift. I led them a long chase, during 

 which they gained somewhat upon me, but their horses 

 were at length completely exhausted, and as one of them 

 tumbled upon the plain, they gave up the pursuit. I in- 

 stantly checked the speed of my horse, and gave a shout 

 of triumph. But I knew I was not safe as long as the In- 

 dians were in my vicinity, and, therefore, continued my 

 ride at a trot all the morning. I then beleived myself 

 tolerably secure, and during the afternoon, my horse 

 travelled at his ease. That night was a restless one, as 

 it had been long since I had attempted to woo Morpheus, 



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