time afterward.

The prairie was found so soft and slippery that they were compelled to
lie by until the sun had hardened it somewhat, when they once more
resumed their journey.

As they now had thousands of dollars in their possession, and as all
sorts of characters were found on the western plains, it may be said
that none of the company ever felt easy.

Baldy Bicknell, the trapper, from his extensive experience and
knowledge of the West, was the guide and authority on all matters
regarding their travels. He generally kept watch during the night,
obtaining what sleep he could through the day. The latter, however,
was generally very precarious, as at sight of every horseman or cloud
of smoke, they generally awakened him, so as to be sure and commit no
serious error.

As the steam man would in all probability attract an attention that
might prove exceedingly perilous to the gold in their possession, the
trapper concluded it prudent to avoid the regular emigrant routes.
Accordingly they turned well to the northward, it being their purpose
to strike the Missouri, where they would be pretty sure of
intercepting some steamer. Reaching such a place they would unjoint
and take apart the steam man, packing it up in such a manner that no
one could suspect its identity, and embark for St. Louis.

While this relieved them of the danger from their own race, it
increased the probability of an attack upon the Indians, who scarcely
ever seemed out of sight.

Their watchfulness, however, was constant, and it was due to this
fact, more than any other, that they escaped attack at night for the
greater part of their return journey.

Their position in the wagon was so cramped, that the party frequently
became excessively wearied, and springing out, trotted and walked for
miles alongside the tireless steam giant. Water was abundant, but
several times they were put to great inconvenience to obtain wood. On
three occasions they were compelled to halt for half a day in order to
obtain the necessary supply.

Once the steam man came to a dead standstill in the open prairie, and
narrowly escaped blowing up. A hasty examination upon the part of the
inventor, revealed the fact that a leak had occurred in the tank, and
every drop had run out..

This necessitated the greatest work of all, as water was carried the
better part of a mile, and nearly an entire day consumed before enough
steam could be raised to induce him to travel to the r