astonishment, for it was the largest
specimen upon which he had ever looked, and he had seen many of
enormous size. He stood for a few minutes, surveying the horrible
thing, a single bite from which would have been fatal to man or animal.

It would have been easy to clip off its head with a rifle shot from
where he stood, but he scorned to waste powder and ball upon its
species. Three stones, almost the size of his fist, did the work
effectually. When no semblance of life remained, Deerfoot approached
nigh enough to count the rattles. They were twenty-eight in number. The
time was near for serpents and bears to take to winter quarters, and
the fate of this extraordinary _crotalus_ forcibly illustrated the
truth that delays are often dangerous.

Several times on the road, Deerfoot met those of his own race.
Sometimes they were warriors riding their ponies, and again they were
on foot. The Indian seems to be migratory by nature, and many of these
families were shifting their homes, apparently in obedience to the
yearning for change which is not confined to uncivilized people alone.
It is worthy of note that the Shawanoe not once had any trouble with
these strangers. They were hospitable and made their meaning known by
the universal sign language. Whirlwind could not fail to draw much
admiration, and Deerfoot saw more than one envious eye cast on the
stallion. It may have been due to the Shawanoe's caution and tact that
no attempt was made to rob him of his treasure.

Winter was near, and, though only one or two flurries of snow were
encountered, the temperature often sank below the freezing point. Soon
after entering the foothills a driving storm of sleet set in which
stopped progress on the part of the Shawanoe and his horse. The youth
sought out the most sheltered nook he could find among the rocks and
kept a fire going. While he felt no discomfort himself, his companion
suffered considerably. He often slept on his feet, but now and then lay
down. Deerfoot compelled him to share his blanket, and this, with the
warmth of the blaze, did much to make the steed comfortable. It was
difficult at times for him to obtain grazing, and Deerfoot gave him
aid, as he did months before, when suffering from his lamed knee.

Several days later the youth left the side of the stallion and climbed
to the top of a rocky elevation, which commanded an extensive view in
every direction. His eye had roved over the expanse but a few minutes