vidently those of the Indians. To catch them was no easy
matter, for just at the moment we appeared they seemed to be seized by a
sudden panic, and began prancing and rearing in the strangest fashion.
We dashed forward, and, as they saw us coming, off they started across
the prairie at a rate which would have rendered pursuit utterly
hopeless.

We had now to settle what course to pursue. Should we return to the
camp and take possession of our property, or put as many miles as we
could between ourselves and the Indians?

On calculating, however, the quantity of liquor among our stores, we
arrived at the conclusion that there was enough to keep the Indians
drunk for another day or two, and that we should probably find them as
helpless as before. We accordingly kept our rifles ready for instant
service, and rode towards our camp. On our way we found our mules,
which according to their usual custom had not mixed with the horses.
Pierre mounted one of them, and led the rest. The loud snores and
perfect silence around where the Indians lay showed us that they had not
recovered from their debauch. While two of our party stood guard, ready
to deal with any who might come to their senses, the rest of us loaded
the mules with our goods, including two remaining bottles of spirits.

Folkard proposed leaving these to prevent the enemy from pursuing us.
"There is no fear of their doing that, for they have neither horses nor
arms," observed Dick. "They may consider themselves fortunate in
escaping with their lives." We could scarcely help laughing at the
thought of their astonishment when, on coming to themselves, they should
find how completely the tables had been turned: we hoped they would duly
appreciate the mercy shown to them. We now rode off, thankful for the
happy termination of our adventure.

We found that the old trapper had been very successful and wished to
turn his steps eastward.

"I should be glad of your company, friends," he said, "in the first
place; and in the second I don't think it would be safe for you to
remain in this region, as the rest of the tribe may consider themselves
insulted, and, ungrateful for the mercy shown their people, may
endeavour to cut you off. When the Redskins have made up their minds to
do a thing, they'll do it if they can, however long they may have to
wait."

We all agreed that, although not frightened by the Indians, we had had
enough of fighting and hunting for the pr