u will be pleased to accept this in
return." And I offered him one of my small revolvers--a weapon that, at
that time and in that place, was worth its weight in pearls.

The mountain man knew this, and very gratefully accepted the proffered
gift; but much as he might have prized it, I saw that he was still more
gratified with a simple smile that he received from another quarter, and
I felt certain that the scarf would soon change owners, at any rate.

I watched the countenance of El Sol to see if he had noticed or approved
of this little by-play. I could perceive no unusual emotion upon it.
He was busy with my wounds, which he dressed in a manner that would have
done credit to a member of the R.C.S.

"Now," said he, when he had finished, "you will be ready for as much
more fighting in a couple of days at the furthest. You have a bad
bridle-arm, Monsieur Haller, but the best horse I ever saw. I do not
wonder at your refusing to sell him."

Most of the conversation had been carried on in English; and it was
spoken by the Coco chief with an accent and emphasis, to my ear, as good
as I had ever heard. He spoke French, too, like a Parisian; and it was
in this language that he usually conversed with Seguin. I wondered at
all this.

The men had remounted, with the intention of returning to the camp.
Extreme hunger was now prompting us, and we commenced riding back to
partake of the repast so unceremoniously interrupted.

At a short distance from the camp we dismounted, and, picketing our
horses upon the grass, walked forward to search for the stray steaks and
ribs we had lately seen in plenty. A new chagrin awaited us; not a
morsel of flesh remained! The coyotes had taken advantage of our
absence, and we could see nothing around us but naked bones. The thighs
and ribs of the buffaloes had been polished as if scraped with a knife.
Even the hideous carcass of the Digger had become a shining skeleton!

"Wagh!" exclaimed one of the hunters; "wolf now or nothing: hyar goes!"
and the man levelled his rifle.

"Hold!" exclaimed Seguin, seeing the act. "Are you mad, sir?"

"I reckon not, capt'n," replied the hunter, doggedly bringing down his
piece. "We must eat, I s'pose. I see nothin' but them about; an' how
are we goin' to get them 'ithout shootin'?"

Seguin made no reply, except by pointing to the bow which El Sol was
making ready.

"Eh-ho!" added the hunter; "yer right, capt'n. I asks pardon. I had
forgo