hey
rolled around and around among the rocks. Once in a while a head would
show itself, and then there would be more hissing. After ten minutes the
ball fell gradually apart, and then one snake crawled slowly away, more
dead than alive. The other snake proved to be dead, with both eyes torn
from its head."

"Didn't you kill the other snake?" asked Darry.

"I did. That's the first and only battle I ever saw between snakes, and
it was terrible while it lasted, I can tell you that."

Fishing over, they went into camp, and here rested until old Benson came
back.

"The colonel was tickled to death to receive so much deer meat," said
the old scout. "And he says you can stay until Saturday night if you
wish. His lady said she had been wanting some venison for several
weeks."

Captain Moore felt glad to think he could be out four days more.

"We'll have a grand time now," he said. "Benson, we can go right over
yonder mountain, can't we?"

"To be sure," answered the scout.

"Is the hunting good over there?" asked Joe.

"Yes, lad. There used to be some buffalo there."

"Good! Let us get a buffalo by all means!" cried Darry.

"You go slow about tackling a buffalo, especially a bull," said the
young captain. "If we do sight a buffalo you let Benson manage the whole
affair."

It was not long before the party were off once more, up a trail which
led directly to the mountain top. Here traveling was difficult, and both
riders and horses were glad to rest at frequent intervals.

When the top was gained the sun was just sinking in the far west. The
sight on every side was a glorious one, and as the captain had a small
field-glass with him, they could see for miles.

"There is the fort," said Joe, after looking through the glass. "I can
see the flag quite plainly."

In the west were more mountains, and between these the valley for which
they were bound. Timber and underbrush were dense in spots, while at
other points the mountain sides were covered with bold, blackish rocks,
with here and there luxuriant moss of several hues. Springs and brooks
were numerous, so there was no danger of a water famine.

"I can make out some game over yonder," said Darry, when he had the
glass adjusted to his sight.

"What is it?"

"I can't see very plainly."

"Hand over the glass," said old Benson, and took a careful look. But the
setting sun now cast a deep shadow between the mountains, and he was
unable to tell what it was.

"M