were
starting they had caught sight of two figures in the distance, which
they had no doubt were Indians who had been watching them; they were
convinced, moreover, that should an opportunity occur, the savages would
attack our camp.

We pushed on accordingly as fast as we could move, until we got within
about a mile of the place where the emigrants' train had been destroyed.
It was the first spot suitable for camping. Situated in a slight
hollow, four or five hundred yards wide, a deep and pretty broad stream
flowing on the north side, with a small wood or copse to the east, while
to the west and south the ground sloped upwards and then fell again down
to the scene of the catastrophe. We lost no time in unyoking the oxen
and placing the waggons in a square, taking even more than usual
precautions against an attack. As there was plenty of grass round, we
tethered both the cattle and horses close outside the waggons, while
three men were told off to keep watch on the top of the ridge, whence we
could obtain a wide view over the country. We swept it again and again
with our telescopes but could discover no persons moving in the
distance. We both saw and heard, however, the horrible wolves, who only
waited for nightfall to rush in again on the emigrants' camp.

"I don't like the thought of allowing those poor fellows to be devoured
by the brutes," said Uncle Denis. "What do you say, Tidey? Will you
accompany me, and try to bury them decently? We will go on horseback,
and by keeping a bright look-out, there will be no risk of being
surprised by the redskins, should they venture to return. I should like
especially to pay all the respect we can to that poor lady."

"With all my heart," answered the Dominie, "and if the captain agrees,
we will take Martin and Dio."

"And I'll go too," I said, "if my father will allow me."

As he did not object, we immediately mounted our horses, Uncle Denis and
the Dominie each carrying a spade, and the two men a pickaxe a-piece,
while Boxer and Toby followed at our heels. As we galloped over the
ground, we were not long in reaching the scene of the massacre. Dio,
who had the sharpest eyes amongst us, was stationed to keep a look-out,
while we, securing our horses, at once set about our melancholy task.
We selected a spot under the branches of a wide-spreading oak for the
grave of the poor lady. As the ground was soft it was soon dug. We
then carried the body to it. We were