itting before us, hinder us from succumbing to despair.

It was of the utmost importance, to prevent our animals from being swept
off; and to this end were our energies now directed. Three of us faced
towards them--leaving the fourth to watch the movements of the enemy on
the other side of the butte.

Once more the wild cry rings among the rocks, as the red horsemen gallop
around--rattling their shields, and waving their weapons high in the
air. These demonstrations are made to affright our animals, and cause
them to break from their fastenings. They have not the desired effect.
The mules prance and hinnie; the horses neigh and bound over the grass;
but the long boughs bend without breaking: and, acting as elastic
springs, give full play to the affrighted creatures. Not a rein snaps--
not a lazo breaks--not a loop slides from its hold! The first skurry is
over; and we are gratified to see the four quadrupeds still grouped
around the tree, and fast as ever to its branches. The _stampede_ has
proved a failure. Another swoop of the wild horsemen ends with like
result: and then another. And now closer and closer they come--
galloping in all directions, crossing and meeting, and wheeling and
circling--with shrill screams and violent gesticulations. As they pass
near, they shelter themselves behind the bodies of their horses. An arm
over the withers, a leg above the croup, are all of the riders we can
see. It is useless to fire at these. The horses we might tumble over
at pleasure; but the men offer no point to aim at. At intervals a red
face gleams through the tossing locks of the mane; but, ere we can take
sight upon it, it is jerked away. For a considerable time this play is
kept up, the Indians all the time yelling as if engaged in some terrible
conflict.

As to ourselves, we are too wary to waste our shots upon the horses; and
we reserve them in the hope of being able to "draw a bead" on some rider
more reckless than the rest. The opportunity soon offers. Two of the
savages exhibit a determination to succeed in snatching away the horses.
Knife in hand, they career around, evidently with the design of cutting
the bridles and lazoes. Cheered on by the shouts of their comrades,
they grow less careful of their skins, and at length make a dash towards
the group under the tree. When almost within head-reach of the
fastenings by which the mules are held, one of the latter slews suddenly
round, and sends her