e red warriors were knocked over,
but the rest came on, shooting their arrows, and fancying that they had
to attack men with empty firearms. The second shots were full in their
faces, telling therefore with great effect; while our people raised a
shout, which, if not as shrill, was almost as telling as that of the
Indian war-whoop. The first men who had fired were ramming away with
all their might to reload, and were able to deliver a second fire; while
those who had pistols discharged them directly afterwards.

The Indians, supposing that our party, although we had but few waggons,
must be far more numerous than they had expected, wheeled round without
attempting to break through the barricade, and galloped off at full
speed,--not even attempting to pick up those who had fallen.

The women and children, with Clarice, I should have said, had been
protected by a barricade of bales and chests; so that, although a number
of arrows had flown into our enclosure, not one of them was hurt.

On looking at my father, I saw that he was paler than usual; and what
was my dismay to find that an arrow had entered his side! It was
quickly cut out, although the operation caused him much suffering. He
declared, however, that it was only a flesh wound, and not worth taking
into consideration.

The Indians being still near us, we thought it only too probable that we
should again be attacked. And, indeed, our anticipations were soon
fully realised. In less than half an hour, after having apparently been
reinforced, they once more came on, but this time with; the intention of
attacking only one side.

We were looking about us, however, in every direction, to ascertain what
manoeuvres they might adopt, when we saw to the westward another body of
horsemen coming across the prairie.

"We are to have a fresh band of them upon us," cried some of our party.

"No, no," I shouted out; "they are white men! I see their rifle-barrels
glancing in the sun; and there are no plumes above their heads!"

I was right; and before many minutes were over the Indians had seen them
too, and, not liking their looks, had galloped off to the southward.

We received the strangers with cheers as they drew near; and they proved
to be a large body of traders.

"We heard your shots, and guessed that those Pawnee rascals were upon
you," said their leader, as he dismounted.

He came up to where my father was lying by the side of the waggon.

"I am sorry