SQUIRRELS. 207 
that we could take but little interest in any thing except the 
means of keeping cool. 
Our larder had been most bountifully supplied for a few 
days past by a dragoon from Fort Belknap, who with a party, 
an escort to an invalid officer, had been spending a week with 
us, and discovered a colony of squirrels in a bottom on the 
' opposite side of the Clear Fork. They were a large species, 
tawny on the belly and legs, and grey on the back, and so 
numerous that he shot fifty-five in four days, (going out for an 
hour at a time before the heat of the day,) which made into 
a stew were deliciously delicate and juicy. 
_ August 25th.—Ke-tum-e-see disclosed his intention in 
remaining this morning. He walked up to the Quarter 
Master’s tent, and demanded more beef and corn, but was 
peremptorily refused, told that he must not expect any more, 
and must now look out for himself. He walked off very 
angry, and soon we saw his wives bustling round, preparing 
him to leave. 
Some of us went down to his bivouac, and found him 
seated, looking as black as a thunder cloud, and taking no 
notice of anything. 
The invalid was at the same time made ready, and when 
his slave had saddled and led up his horse, the women lifted 
him on and fastened him with great difficulty, every move- 
ment of the poor wretch being made with a groan. 
Ke-tum-e-see’s horse was then saddled and led up by his 
wives, when he mounted, and led the way across the prairie, 
