suddenly came in sight of several hundred Indians, who were making
their way up two sides of a knoll, on the crest of which the four scouts
had entrenched themselves among the rocks and trees and were coolly
awaiting the attack of their enemies.

The little party had run so suddenly into danger that they were
compelled to make a flying leap from their horses, in order to secure
a suitable shelter. The assailants had almost captured the abandoned
horses, when relief came. The two Delawares made a dash to recover their
animals, their companions shooting the foremost of the thieves. The
property was saved and then all fell back to their own camp.

As the aboriginal horse thieves were so numerous, Fremont kept up
an unremitting watch all through the night. Singular noises were
continually heard and there could be no doubt that the women and
children were retreating further into the mountains.

One of the Delawares on guard was sure he saw an Indian leap over a log,
and firing quickly, brought him to the ground; but it proved to be a
prowling wolf. None of their enemies appeared, and when morning came,
Fremont withdrew from his perilous position.

Sutter's Fort at last was safely reached, and the other party having
become lost, Carson was sent to find them. He succeeded with little
difficulty and the companies reunited.

Their course was now directed toward Monterey on the sea coast, where
they were confident of securing all they needed, but before reaching the
place, a messenger arrived from General Castro, the Mexican commander of
the territory, ordering the Americans to leave at once or they would be
driven out.

Fremont immediately intrenched himself and waited for the Mexicans to
carry out their threat. He waited three days, and then, as no attempt
was made, withdrew to the Sacramento, which stream was followed to
Lawson's Trading Post, where the commander hoped to purchase the outfit
for the journey homeward.

Moving northward toward the Columbia, they encountered an enormous force
of marauding Indians with whom a fierce battle was fought. The savages
were defeated and lost a large number of warriors.

While encamped near Klamath Lake, two horsemen galloped up with
despatches to Fremont from Washington, forwarded by Lieutenant
Gillespie, of the United States Marines. This officer was making his way
through the Indian country with six men as an escort, when his animals
began to succumb. Fearing he would not be