of water, with which we quenched our thirst; and the flesh
afforded us food for many days--partly eaten fresh, and partly dried in
the sun, and turned into a coarse description of pemmican. We were
hoping soon to strike another river, where we could obtain water. This
kept up our spirits; and we certainly needed something to do that, for
we were growing weary of our long tramp across the open country. As may
be supposed, too, we kept our eyes about us as we walked along; for
should we espy any suspicious horsemen, our best chance of escaping, we
agreed, would be to fall flat on the ground, where we might be hidden by
the grass.

The sun was already verging towards the west, when Pablo, who happened
at the moment to be looking eastward, exclaimed, "Here come Indians!
here come Indians! Down--down!"

We both dropped to the ground, hoping that we had not been seen, and
that they would pass by on one side or the other. I could catch sight,
as I lay, of their feather, metal, and shell ornaments glittering in the
sun, and of their spear-heads with long tufts waving in the wind. They
were pushing rapidly across the prairie; but at the distance they still
were from us I could not distinguish the tribe or nation to which they
belonged. They might be Apaches or Comanches, deadly foes; or a tribe
keeping up a friendly intercourse with the white men.

At first I was doubtful in what direction they were going, but I was
soon convinced that they were riding directly towards the spot where we
lay, and that our chance of escape from their eagle-eyes was small
indeed. I observed their leader at length stand up in his stirrups and
gaze around. From this I felt nearly sure that we had been seen, and
that he was looking for us.

"We are sure to be discovered," I whispered to Pablo. "Our wisest mode
of proceeding will be to stand up and face them boldly. It will be
better to die on our feet, than to be speared like skulking foxes."

"Do as you think best," answered Pablo.

I immediately rose, and, with outstretched hand, advanced towards the
Indians. Their leader galloped forward, then, greatly to my surprise,
threw himself from his horse as he got up to me, and putting out his own
hand, took mine.

"I have been searching for you! Don't you know me?" he exclaimed.

As he spoke I recognised Manilick, the young chief, Ashatea's lover.

"I happily met the friend of my tribe, Samson Micklan, who, with his
companions, are