ustain the weight of his body by the upper part
of the bent arm. In this way, both his arms are at liberty, either to
use his bow or his spear. In his left hand he grasps a dozen arrows,
together with his bow, and is not compelled to apply his hand to his
quiver, which hangs with his shield at his back, while his long spear
being supported by the bend of the elbow he can use it at any moment.

Our allies, on this occasion, rendered us essential service by
distracting the attention of our active foes, thus preventing them from
shooting with as much accuracy as usual. Their arrows came flying about
us, many sticking in the trees behind our backs; but happily only two of
our people and one of our horses were slightly wounded, although one of
our Indian allies fell to the ground, and before any of his companions
could rescue him, a Coomanche, who had ridden up, leaning over his
horse, took his scalp and rejoined the main body.

The steady fire we kept up, prevented the Indians from coming close to
us; still they were evidently unwilling to abandon, the attempt, in
spite of the numbers they had already lost. As far as we could judge,
the party which had before attacked us had been increased by many fresh
warriors, eager to distinguish themselves. Could they obtain the white
men's scalps, they would be able to boast of their achievement to the
end of their days.

We had no intention, could we help it, of giving them this satisfaction.
One thing was remarkable--the regular way in which they came on and
retreated, like any civilised people engaging in warfare. Our allies,
after our first attack, had rejoined us, and waited close at hand to
dash forward again, should they see a favourable opportunity. At length
the Coomanches, having swept round out of rifle-shot, disappeared
behind, the wood from which they had emerged. No sooner had they gone,
than our allies threw themselves from their horses and dashed forward
towards the bodies of the slain. In vain Dick shouted to Pierre to tell
them to let the carcases alone. Never did I witness a more horrid
sight; with their scalp-knives in their hands, they sprang forward, and
in an instant had passed the sharp blades round the heads of two of
them. A third, though badly wounded, both by one of our bullets and an
arrow in his side, raised himself up, and fiercely regarding his
advancing foe, mocked and derided him as an ally of the whites.

The Indian advanced, and spring