creature. While thus perplexed, Crockett reflected sadly that he was
lost, alone and on foot, on the boundless prairie. He was, however, too
much accustomed to scenes of the wildest adventure to allow himself to
be much cast down. His appetite was not disturbed, and he began to feel
the cravings of hunger.

He took his rifle and stepped out in search of his breakfast. He had
gone but a short distance ere he saw a large flock of wild geese, on
the bank of the river. Selecting a large fat gander, he shot him, soon
stripped him of his feathers, built a fire, ran a stick through the
goose for a spit, and then, supporting it on two sticks with prongs,
roasted his savory viand in the most approved style. He had a little
tin cup with him, and a paper of ground coffee, with which he made a
cup of that most refreshing beverage. Thus he breakfasted sumptuously.

He was just preparing to depart, with his saddle upon his shoulder,
much perplexed as to the course he should pursue, when he was again
alarmed by one of those wild scenes ever occurring in the West. First
faintly, then louder and louder came the sound as of the trampling of
many horses on the full gallop. His first thought was that another
enormous herd of buffaloes was sweeping down upon him. But soon he saw,
in the distance, a band of about fifty Comanche Indians, well mounted,
painted, plumed, and bannered, the horse and rider apparently one
animal, coming down upon him, their horses being urged to the utmost
speed. It was a sublime and yet an appalling spectacle, as this band of
half-naked savages, their spears glittering in the morning sun, and
their long hair streaming behind, came rushing on.

Crockett was standing in full view upon the banks of the stream. The
column swept on, and, with military precision, as it approached,
divided into two semicircles, and in an instant the two ends of the
circle reached the river, and Crockett was surrounded. Three of the
savages performed the part of trumpeters, and with wonderful
resemblance, from their lips, emitted the pealing notes of the bugle.
Almost by instinct he grasped his rifle, but a flash of thought taught
him that, under the circumstances, any attempt at resistance would be
worse than unavailing.

The chief sprang from his horse, and advancing with proud strides
toward Crockett, was struck with admiration at sight of his magnificent
rifle. Such a weapon, with such rich ornamentation, had never before
been se