elves, and that, so far as he
could judge, they had succeeded completely.

It was the tightest fix in which he had ever been caught, and his
mind, fertile as it was in expedients at such crises, could see no way
of meeting the danger.

He knew the Indians had horses somewhere at command, while neither he
nor his comrades had a single one. The steam man would be unable to
pass that formidable wall, as it was not to be supposed that he had
been taught the art of leaping.

Whatever plan of escape was determined upon, it was evident that the
steamer would have to be abandoned; and this necessitated, as an
inevitable consequence, that the whites would have to depend upon
their legs. The Missouri river was at no great distance, and if left
undisturbed they could make it without difficulty, but there was a
prospect of anything sooner than that they would be allowed to depart
in peace, after leaving the steam man behind.

The trapper, as had been his invariable custom, had carefully noted
the contour of the surrounding prairie, before they had committed the
important act of encamping in the gorge or hollow. He remembered the
grove at some distance, and was satisfied that the barbarians had left
their horses there, while they had gathered behind the wall to wait
the critical moment.

By the time these thoughts had fairly taken shape in his brain it was
beginning to grow light, and with a premonitary yawn and kick he rose
to his feet and began stirring the fire. He was well aware that
although he and his companions were a fair target for the rifles of
their enemies, yet they would not fire. Their plan of action did not
comprehend that, though it would have settled everything in their
favor without delay.

'I declare I have been asleep!' exclaimed Brainerd, as he began
rubbing his eyes.

'Yes. You're a purty feller to make a sentinel of, ain't you?' replied
the trapper, in disgust.

'I hope nothing has happened.' answered Johnny, feeling that he
deserved all the blame that could be laid upon him.

'Not much, exceptin' while yer war snoozin' the reds have come down
and got us all in a nice box.'

The boy was certain he was jesting until he saw the expression of his
face.

'Surely, Baldy, it is not as bad as that?'

'Do you see that ar?' demanded the trapper, pointing toward the wall,
which the youngster could not help observing.

'How comes that to be there?'

'The red-skins put it thar. Can yer steam man walk o