THE BLACK BEAR. 275 



crossed again— no fun in it this time, as the cold water 

 baptized us again nearly to our necks. 



Horse-flesh was not spared on the eight-mile ride up 

 the river, and in less than one hour and a quarter we were 

 in sight of our camp-fires. Phillips was in the lead, and as 

 he saw the cheerful blaze, shouted back: 



" I guess those negroes recollected what I told them this 

 morning, that if they did not have a rousing fire, and plenty 

 of coffee, hot as could be made, I would duck them in the 

 river until nearly drowned." 



It was a rousing fire, large enough to cook a whole ox, 

 and was made out of the best of seasoned hickory -trees. 

 We were nearly frozen before we got there. Our clothing 

 was a mass of ice, and long icicles were hanging from our 

 hats, while our beards were covered with ice. 



It took us but a moment to dismount and drink a quart 

 of strong coffee. Soon the negroes had stripped off our 

 clothing. By bathing in cold water, and by hard rubbing, 

 we were prepared for dressing and eating. The lunch I had 

 taken had been so saturated in crossing the river that I 

 threw it to the dogs — at the killing of the Bear. Now we 

 fell to, as if we had not eaten a mouthful for a week. 

 Never did I enjoy a meal more. After, the inner man was 

 thoroughly satisfied, and our pipes lighted, each had to 

 relate what he did and saw during the day. I must remark 

 that we were not unmindful .of our horses, that did us such 

 noble service all day. JSTo sooner had we dismounted than 

 a negro stripped each horse and rubbed him dry, walked 

 him back and forth that he might not be too suddenly 

 cooled, and then each was blanketed and tied near the huge 

 fire. The dogs that survived the chase were abundantly fed, 

 and given straw to lie on, near the fire; but old Kate was 

 permitted to occupy a bed by the side of her master. Five 

 dogs were missing — four killed by the Bear and one by 

 Taylor. 



After we had lain down, Phillips said he headed the 

 Bear before it got through the big thicket on the Little 

 Missouri, and had a chance to have killed it while fighting 



