ted long before night, from the peculiar complexion of the
atmosphere, I set out on your trail, in hopes of overtaking you before
the shades of evening set in; but darkness coming on, I could trace
you no farther than to this mound. In vain did I endeavour to
ascertain which direction you then travelled; but resolving not to
abandon the search, I continued cruising about the prairie until the
near approach of the fire forced me to retreat hither. It was when
urging my horse to his utmost speed that I beheld you and your
bear-hunter charging from another direction, and from the partial
view, as we were all under whip, (and knowing the Osages were not far
off,) I was instantly convinced that you were savages. Arriving first,
I made my sagacious horse lie down, and then concealed myself behind
his body."

"I am not only rejoiced that we were not the savages you supposed,
(for then Joe and I must have perished in the flames somewhere,) on
our own account, but for the sake of the only man who can possibly
extricate us from this dilemma," replied Glenn.

"You are somewhat wide of the mark as respects my jeopardy, my lad,"
said Boone; "for had you been hostile Osages, most assuredly ere this
you had both been killed."

"Good gracious!" exclaimed Joe, whose predicament suddenly flashed
upon his mind; "for Heaven's sake let us get home as fast as possible!
He says the Indians are about! Do let us go, Mr. Glenn; we can travel
now out yonder where the grass has all been burnt."

"Pshaw! You seem more alarmed now, Joe, than when there really was
danger. Are the Osages truly hostile?" continued Glenn, addressing
Boone.

"They are not at war with the whites, as a nation," replied Boone,
ever and anon looking towards the only point from which the fire now
approached; "but in thin settlements, where, they may easily be the
strongest party, as roving brigands, they may be considered extremely
dangerous. Your man's advice is not bad."

"There! Don't you hear that? Now, _do_ let's go home!" continued Joe,
with increased alarm.

Fortunately, that portion of the plain over which the scathing element
had spent its fury was the direction the party should pursue in
retracing their way homeward.

The light dry grass had been soon consumed, and the earth wore a
blackened appearance, and was as smooth as if vegetation had never
covered the surface. As the party rode briskly along, (and the pony
now kept in advance,) the horses' hoofs r