ften made when parties first arrive
in camp, and when every one's attention is preoccupied in the
arrangements therewith connected. In a country infested by hostile
Indians, the ground in the vicinity of which it is proposed to encamp
should be cautiously examined for tracks and other Indian _signs_
by making a circuit around the locality previous to unharnessing the
animals.

After Indians have succeeded in stampeding a herd of horses or mules,
and desire to drive them away, they are in the habit of pushing them
forward as rapidly as possible for the first few days, in order to
place a wide interval between themselves and any party that may be in
pursuit.

In running off stolen animals, the Indians are generally divided into
two parties, one for driving and the other to act as a rear guard.
Before they reach a place where they propose making a halt, they leave
a vidette upon some prominent point to watch for pursuers and give the
main party timely warning, enabling them to rally their animals and
push forward again.

TRACKING INDIANS.

When an Indian sentinel intends to watch for an enemy approaching from
the rear, he selects the highest position available, and places himself
near the summit in such an attitude that his entire body shall be
concealed from the observation of any one in the rear, his head only
being exposed above the top of the eminence. Here he awaits with great
patience so long as he thinks there is any possibility of danger, and
it will be difficult for an enemy to surprise him or to elude his keen
and scrutinizing vigilance. Meanwhile his horse is secured under the
screen of the hill, all ready when required. Hence it will be evident
that, in following Indian depredators, the utmost vigilance and caution
must be exercised to conceal from them the movements of their pursuers.
They are the best scouts in the world, proficient in all the artifices
and stratagems available in border warfare, and when hotly pursued by a
superior force, after exhausting all other means of evasion, they
scatter in different directions; and if, in a broken or mountainous
country, they can do no better, abandon their horses and baggage, and
take refuge in the rocks, gorges, or other hiding-places. This plan has
several times been resorted to by Indians in Texas when surprised, and,
notwithstanding their pursuers were directly upon them, the majority
made their escape, leaving behind all their animals and other property