pines scarcely visible. The marten was intent on taking its
enemy by surprise; and, stealing up, threw itself on the unsuspicious
porcupine before it had time even to raise its spines. The moment it
felt itself seized, it began to lash its tail about and throw out its
quills in all directions; but the marten, by its wonderful agility,
escaped the blows aimed at it. In a short time it gained the victory,
and was already sucking the blood of its victim when Story fired and hit
it in the head. As the skin was of considerable value, we quickly
flayed it, and with a couple of turkeys which we were fortunate enough
to shoot, returned to camp, where, to our surprise, we found old Folkard
seated smoking his pipe.

"I'm going along with you, boys," he said. "Good company isn't always
to be got, and it's not always safe, while the Redskins are on the
war-path, to travel through the country alone. You can help me and I
can help you, so that we shall be quits."

We, of course, told the trapper that we should be very happy to have the
benefit of his experience.

We passed the night quietly enough; but the next morning, to our
excessive disgust, half the mules were missing. In spite of their
hobbles, they had managed to get away. Peter and I with two men at once
set off in search of them; but it was not until late in the day that we
found the runaways. As soon as we had brought them back we started, but
of course could make but a short distance. On camping, with the
assistance of the old trapper we hobbled them more securely than on the
previous night, and by his advice a watch was set, we all taking the
duty in turns. Old Ben, however, excused himself from watching,
declaring that his mules never ran away and that as he should have to
keep wide awake during most nights by and by, he should prefer a sound
sleep while he could get it.

To this we made no objection. We placed the packs on one side of our
camp-fire, near which, having taken our suppers, the old trapper, Peter,
and Story lay down to sleep; while I, with my rifle in my hand, walked
off to look after the horses and mules. I kept walking up and down,
keeping my eyes open, and when any of the animals appeared inclined to
head off from the rest turned them back. The night was fine and the
stars shone out brightly, but it was otherwise somewhat dark. At last I
began to yawn and to wish heartily that Story would come and relieve me.
Once or twice I heard crie