oo much of him to use him
on the trail and he was the especial pet of every one on the home ranch,
and for miles around.

I heard afterwards that the Indians persued me that night for quite a
distance, but I had too much the start and besides I had the fastest
horse the Indians owned. I have never since met any of my captors of
that time. As they knew better than to venture in our neighborhood
again. My wound healed nicely, thanks to the good attention the Indians
gave me. My captors took everything of value I had on me when captured.
My rifle which I especially prized for old associations sake; also my
forty fives, saddle and bridle, in fact my whole outfit leaving me only
the few clothes I had on at the time.

My comrades did not propose to let this bother me long, however, because
they all chipped in and bought me a new outfit, including the best rifle
and revolvers that could be secured, and I had my pick of the ranch
horses for another mount. During my short stay with the Indians I
learned a great deal about them, their ways of living, sports, dances,
and mode of warfare which proved of great benefit to me in after years.
The oblong shields they carried were made from tanned buffalo skins and
so tough were they made that an arrow would not pierce them although I
have seen them shoot an arrow clean through a buffalo. Neither will a
bullet pierce them unless the ball hits the shield square on, otherwise
it glances off.

All of them were exceedingly expert with the bow and arrow, and they
are proud of their skill and are always practicing in an effort to excel
each other. This rivalry extends even to the children who are seldom
without their bows and arrows.

They named me Buffalo Papoose, and we managed to make our wants known by
means of signs. As I was not with them a sufficient length of time to
learn their language, I learned from them that I had killed five of
their number and wounded three while they were chasing me and in the
subsequent fight with my empty gun. The wounded men were hit in many
places, but they were brought around all right, the same as I was. After
my escape and after I arrived home it was some time before I was again
called to active duty, as the boys would not hear of me doing anything
resembling work, until I was thoroughly well and rested up. But I soon
began to long for my saddle and the range.

And when orders were received at the ranch for 2000 head of cattle, to
be delivered at D