etween the feet, the point of the other is placed in the
hole made to receive it, and turning it between the palms with a
backward and forward motion, and pressing the point forcibly into the
lower stick, a fine powder is made, which runs through the groove and
falls on the ground. By constant and rapid motion the wood begins to
smoke, and at length the fine particles take fire; the spark is soon
nursed into a flame, and the brushwood ignited.

In this manner our fire was lighted, and heaping up the pine and hemlock
boughs, the surrounding atmosphere was one dense cloud of smoke.
Stealing to the very edge of the cliff, I peered over and anxiously
scanned the plain below. I could see Stonhawon's band fighting
desperately with their foes, who, by their superior numbers, were
overpowering the Camanches. Immediately behind the belt of timber, and
to the left of the contending factions, was the party comprising the
band under the leadership of Hissodecha. They were moving cautiously
around the timber, and had not as yet observed the signal. Once more the
signal was worked, this time sending up a denser cloud than before. It
was observed by the ambushed party; they drew rein, and after a hasty
consultation, turned and retraced their steps. The movement was not
executed any too soon, as the main party were retreating before the
successful assault of the enemy, and endeavoring to gain the friendly
cover of the wood. Hissodecha pressed rapidly forward, and emerging on
the plain, swooped down upon the flank of the victorious Arrapahoes.
This sudden movement entirely changed the aspect of affairs. The
Arrapahoes fell back precipitately in the direction of the ravine,
hoping by this means to gain shelter, and if the worst came to the
worst, disband and scatter over the mountain.

It was a thrilling scene, and I almost wished I was one among them.

Our mission was accomplished, and my companion intimated that we should
descend the mountain and join the war-party. As we descended, the
Camanche preceded me, pushing his way through the bushes with a rapidity
only acquired by long practice.

Suddenly the thought flashed across my mind that now, if ever, was my
golden opportunity. What would there be to prevent my braining the
Indian in his tracks and then escape? It was a savage and brutal
alternative, to be sure; but it was my only chance, and I might wait
years in vain before another opportunity would present itself. As I
revolved