_Coyotero_ sprang from a dense clump of willows near the spring,
and made for the opening. It chanced that I was directly in his path,
and he was rushing upon me with upraised knife. Strong as might be my
repugnance to taking human life, the instinct of self-preservation was
still stronger, and before he could reach me I had pierced him with an
arrow, and he fell dead almost at my feet. In an instant the warriors
had gathered around me, and I was being congratulated upon my bravery
and skill. Not feeling particularly proud of the achievement, I was
about to remount my horse, when Hissodecha reminded me that I had
neglected to scalp the fallen foe; so I was compelled to perform that
operation, which I did rather clumsily. A thorough search through the
thicket and over the prairie having satisfied my savage companions that
no more of the _Coyoteros_ had been present, we returned to the dead
buffaloes and began skinning and cutting them up.

Stonhawon soon arrived with the remainder of the band, and as it was
nearly sundown, we encamped upon the spot; the spring furnishing water,
and the grass of the prairie an abundance of rich food for the horses.
As for ourselves, we feasted in true savage fashion, finding the fresh
steaks, tongues, and hump ribs a decided improvement upon the tasajo
which had previously been our diet.

I was compelled to listen to many encomiums upon my courage and
dexterity, and some of the young braves ventured the opinion that
Tahteckadahair would soon be as great a warrior as Hissodecha.

Painfully impressed by the scene of slaughter in which I had been an
unwilling participant, I held myself aloof as much as possible from the
merry groups around the camp fires, and at an early hour wrapped myself
in my blanket, and wearied by the fatigue and excitement of the past two
days, I was soon buried in a heavy and dreamless sleep, which continued
until the dawn of another morning again compelled me to come forth; and
this time it was not as an inexperienced brave, but as an acknowledged
warrior; for I had slain an enemy and taken my first scalp. I cannot
say, however, that my increase of notoriety was a source of satisfaction
to me, but quite the contrary.

Somewhat to my surprise we remained by the _motte_ spring for three
days. This was necessary in order to convert the buffalo meat into
tasajo, as we had not a sufficient supply for our purpose.

On the evening of the third day, the meat being suffi