ies. Hence on this occasion we had reached a distance
of nearly ten miles from the village, before we were able to collect
enough for our purpose. By this time we were considerably fatigued by
our exertions, and sat down at the base of the cliff to rest and partake
of such simple fare as we had brought with us.

While thus occupied, my attention was attracted by an animal which
suddenly appeared upon a ledge far above our heads. A singular animal it
was, and would naturally excite the curiosity of any one who beheld it
for the first time; to me, however, it was no stranger, as I had
frequently seen others of the same species upon the cliffs bordering the
valley, although I had never before had so favorable an opportunity for
a close examination. Commonly known as the "Big Horn" or "Rocky Mountain
Sheep," and found inhabiting all the mountain ranges which divide the
continent, it seems a sort of cross between goat and sheep, having much
of the appearance of the latter, with more of the habits of the former.

Standing upon a rocky ledge which jutted out from the face of the cliff,
it surveyed me with great apparent curiosity, and without any signs of
fear. As soon as I perceived it, I sprang to my feet, and seizing my
bow, in the use of which I had become quite expert, I quickly sent an
arrow through the unsuspecting animal, and it tumbled headlong from its
lofty perch and fell dead at my feet. Wakometkla, who had been rather
taken by surprise by the suddenness of my movements, now came up to me,
and praised my skill and quickness; he then condescended to assist me in
skinning and cutting up the carcass. We then packed in the skin, such
portions of the meat as we could carry with us, and hung the rest upon a
tree, high enough to be out of the reach of the wolves and coyotes, so
that we could return or send for it if we chose to do so.

I supposed that we were to return at once to the village, but my
companion directed me to remain, as he wished to proceed down the
valley a short distance, in search of a species of bark for which we had
been looking during our ramble, but had been unable to obtain. Telling
me that he would return in a few minutes, he started off and was soon
lost to view in the thicket.

Reclining upon the ground I filled my pipe with the "k'neck k'nick," or
Indian tobacco, and proceeded to make myself as comfortable as possible.
Wakometkla's absence was prolonged far beyond what I had expected, and I
w