us: the Indians saw
them too. They approached, and as they did so opened their ranks to let
us pass through them, and then with a loud cheer, dashing forward, they
charged the enemy. The savages wheeled and fled, but before the
troopers could get up to them the recall was sounded. The commandant
evidently well knew the danger of pursuing so wily a foe, who only fled
that they might turn round at a favourable moment, or that they might
lead their pursuers into an ambush. Soon after the trumpet-call had
been heard and the cavalry had begun to retire, a far larger band than
those who had followed us appeared on the brow of a hill about half a
mile to the southward.

One of the men cried out that, from their dress and appearance, they
were Cheyennes and Arapahoes, first-rate horsemen. We could see them
clearly against the sky flourishing their spears, their chiefs riding
backwards and forwards in front of their ranks, evidently encouraging
them to come on and attack us. These "buffalo Indians," as they are
called, from spending their time in chase of the shaggy monsters of the
prairie, are accustomed to the saddle from their childhood. They use no
reins, but guide their horses by pressing their heels on whichever side
they wish them to turn, consequently both hands and arms are free to use
their weapons as may be requisite. They carry long spears and powerful
bows, which can shoot their arrows to a great distance, and in their
belts tomahawks, with which they can deal the most deadly blows in a
hand to hand combat. In battle they secure themselves to their saddles,
so that they can bend down on their horses' sides, and thus entirely
hide themselves from the view of their enemies, as they dash forward in
the fight, thus also avoiding the bullets aimed at them. Even when
wounded they are carried away off the field, unless their steeds are
shot down. Our small party of retreating cavalry did not at first
perceive the enemy gathering in their rear, until the trumpet again
sounded, when they halted and faced about. It was not a moment too
soon. Scarcely had they done so, than down swept the savages like a
whirlwind towards them, led by a tall chief with a plume of dark
feathers waving above his head, on a white horse, whooping and shrieking
in the most diabolical manner. We could see their faces through our
glasses, and fierce and terrible they looked, as they held their lances
poised, or their bows bent ready to s