CHAPTER TWO.
By the loss of our baggage, we were reduced to hard fare. We had nocoffee, no corn meal, no salt or pepper; but our greatest want waspowder. Should the ammunition in our pouches hold out, we hoped toobtain food enough to keep us from starving till we could reach thenearest settlement of Tillydrone. Before commencing our return journey,however, it would be necessary, we agreed, to obtain a supply of meat,as we should find but little game in the region we had to cross. Wemust push on through it, therefore, as fast as our horses could carryus; but after their hard gallop on the previous day, it would benecessary to give them several hours rest, and it was settled that weshould remain encamped where we were until the following morning. Thelocality had many advantages: it was high and dry, while, commanding asit did an extensive view over the prairie, we could see any hostileIndians approaching, and could defend ourselves should they venture toattack us.
As soon as breakfast was over, and we had rested from the fatigues ofthe morning, we again set out on foot with our guns. Charley and I, asbefore, kept together. The rest divided into two parties, each hopingto add a good supply of meat to the common stock. We had entered intoan agreement not to fire a shot, unless sure of our aim, as everycharge, to us, was worth its weight in gold. A spot had been fixed on,where we were to meet, about a couple of miles from the camp, in thecentre of the ridge. Charley and I had gone on for an hour or more, buthad met with no game, when what was our delight to see a herd of a dozenlarge deer feeding in a glade below us; and, although too far off torisk a shot, we hoped that by making a wide circuit we should be able tocreep up to them on the lee side.
Taking the proposed direction, we observed a large clump of rose-bushes,which grew in great profusion in that region. Near them also were twoor three trees, behind which we expected to be able to conceal ourselveswhile we took aim at the deer. Keeping as much under cover as possible,we reached the rose-bushes, when we began to creep along on hands andknees, trailing our guns after us. To our delight we found that thedeer were still feeding quietly, unsuspicious of danger. I managed toreach one of the trees, Charley another. The two nearest animals were astag and a doe. I agreed to shoot the former, Charley the latter.
He waited until I gave the signal, when our guns went off at the sameinstant. As the smoke cleared away, we saw that both our shot had takeneffect. It had been settled that, in case the animals should attempt toget up, we were to rush out and despatch them with our hunting-knives.I ran towards the stag, which made an effort to escape, but rolled overand died just as I reached it. Turning round to ascertain how it faredwith Charley, I saw the doe rise to her feet, though bleeding from awound in the neck. I instantly reloaded to be ready to fire, knowingthat under such circumstances even a doe might prove a dangerousantagonist. It was fortunate that I did so, for the animal, throwingherself upon her haunches, began to strike out fiercely with herfore-feet, a blow from which would have fractured my friend's skull.Seeing his hat fall to the ground, I was afraid that he had been struck.Holding his rifle, which he had unfortunately forgotten to reload,before him in the fashion of a single-stick, he attempted to defendhimself; but one of the animal's hoofs, striking his shoulder, broughthim to the ground, so that he was unable to spring back out of harm'sway. For a moment the deer retreated, but then again came on with herfore-feet in the air, intent on mischief. Now was the moment to fire,as the next Charley might be struck lifeless to the ground. I pulledthe trigger, aiming at the head of the doe; for, had I attempted toshoot her in the breast, I might have hit my companion. As the smokecleared away I saw the deer spring into the air and fall lifeless to theground. The bullet had struck her in the very spot I intended. Charleyrose to his feet, and I ran forward, anxious to ascertain if he wasinjured. Providentially, his ramrod alone was broken, and, except abruise on the shoulder which caused him some pain, he had escapedwithout damage.
We lost no time in skinning and cutting up the deer, which having done,we formed two packages of as much of the meat as we could carry, whilewe suspended the remainder to the bough of a neighbouring tree, toreturn for it before night-fall. Our companions were nearly assuccessful, each party having killed a deer, the whole of which theybrought into camp. We left them all employed in cutting the chiefportion into strips to dry in the sun, so that it could be transportedmore easily than in a fresh state. As we approached the spot where wehad left the venison, a loud yelping which reached our ears told us thatthe coyotes had found it out. The brutes were not worth powder andshot, so getting some thick sticks, we rushed in among them and drovethem off to a distance. They returned, however, as soon as we had gotdown the venison and were employed in packing it up, and we had to makeseveral onslaughts, during which we killed three or four of the wolves,who were instantly devoured by their companions. While they were thusemployed, we had time to pack up our game, but the rapacious creaturesfollowed howling at our heels until we reached the camp. All night longalso they continued their unpleasant chorus.
In the morning, having breakfasted on fresh venison, we started, eachman carrying a load of the dried meat. Our object was to push on asfast as possible, only halting when necessary to rest our horses, or tokill some buffalo or deer, should any be seen. Pierre especiallyadvised that we should otherwise make no delay, saying that he hadobserved the trails of Indians, who were probably out on the warpath,and that, at all events, it would be necessary to be on our guardagainst them.
We crossed the burnt prairie, our horses' hoofs stirring up the ashes aswe scampered along. Frequently we came upon the bodies of small animalswhich had failed to escape from the fire. We saw also numbers ofsnakes, some burnt to death, others only scorched and still managing tomake their way over the ground. We were thankful when, having crossed astream, we got into a more cheerful tract of country. Here Pierreadvised that we should be doubly on our guard, as in all probability theIndians themselves had fired the grass, either to burn us, or to depriveus of our beasts of burden, as they succeeded in doing, that we mightthe more easily fall into their hands, but that such was the case it wasdifficult to say. Perhaps, when they found us strongly posted, they hadconsidered it prudent not to attack us.
We had started before day-break, and proposed halting for a couple ofhours to breakfast and rest our beasts, when, just as the rich glowwhich ushers in the rising sun had suffused the sky, one of the Indians,addressing Pierre, pointed to the south-west.
"What is it he says?" I asked.
"Indians!" answered Pierre, "on foot and on horseback, and no smallnumber of them. We must be prepared for them, messieurs; for, if Imistake not, they are Coomanches, and they are difficult customers todeal with in the open. If we were within a stockade, we should quicklysend them to the right about, though, as they stand in awe of ourrifles, it is a question whether they will attack us as long as we showa bold front."
"It is of little use to show a bold front in the centre of a wildprairie, with a hundred howling savages galloping about one," I thoughtto myself.
However, none of our party were men to flinch. By Pierre's advice werode steadily forward. There was a slight elevation at some distance,with a small lake beyond it. Buntin, who took the lead, proposed thatwe should try to gain it, as it would give us an advantage over ournimble foes, as, while they were ascending its steep sides, we couldshoot them down without difficulty. On we rode therefore as fast as wecould venture to go, for it was important not to blow our horses, lestwe should have to come to an encounter with the Redskins.
We had got to within a quarter of a mile or so from the height, when wesaw that the Indians had divined our intention, a party of them, whomust have made a wide circuit, having already taken possession of it.
"Never mind, boys," said Dick in a cheery voice--"we can fight them ifthey are in a fighting mood just as well on the plains as on the top ofyonder hill. They probably think that all our powder is lost, andexpect to gain an easy victory."
"It will be wise to dismount,
messieurs," said Pierre. "Each man musttake post behind his horse, and when the savages come on we must waituntil they get near enough to afford us a sure mark."
"We will follow Pierre's advice," said Dick, "but we will wait toascertain whether they have hostile intentions or not. Our best plan isto proceed steadily on as if we were not conscious of their presence."
We continued, therefore, riding forward, so as to pass the hill aboutthe eighth of a mile on our right, keeping a careful watch on theRedskins. Suddenly there was a movement among them, and out dashedseveral horsemen. Sweeping around the hill, they approached us. Welost not a moment, and, placing ourselves as arranged, we stood with ourrifles ready to receive them. On they came, shrieking at the top oftheir voices and uttering their war-cries, until they got almost withinshot. Seeing this we presented our rifles, but, just at the moment thatwe were about to fire, the warriors threw themselves over on theopposite side of their horses, and, sweeping by like a whirlwind,discharged their guns.
Although it was a fine exhibition of horsemanship, the fellows,evidently afraid of us, had kept too far off for their object, and thebullets fell short. At the same moment Armitage, Story, and Pierrefired. Armitage's bullet struck the horse of the leading brave, whichhowever still galloped on. Story wounded the next warrior, who turningtail rejoined his companions, while the third--who had lifted up hishead to take better aim--got a bullet through it from Pierre's unerringrifle. He fell to the ground, along which he was dragged by his horse,which followed the one immediately before it.
Seeing what had befallen their leaders, the other Indians, who wereriding furiously towards us, reined in their steeds, consideringdiscretion the better part of valour.
"We must not trust to the fellows," cried Dick; "we must hold our grounduntil they move off."
It was fortunate we did so, for in a short time the whole troop, gainingcourage and hoping to frighten us with war-whoops, came sweeping downupon us. Fortunately but few had fire-arms, and their powder was noneof the best. Their arrows fell short, while their bullets, which struckour saddles, failed to pierce them. I got a slight graze on my cheek,and a piece of lead went through Charley's cap.
Our rifles in the meantime returned the salute in good earnest. Threeof us only fired at a time, and three Indians were hit--one of whom waskilled outright, though his companions managed to drag off his body.Still the odds were greatly against us. Had we been well supplied withammunition we should have had no fear as to the result of the encounter,but we dared not fire a shot more than was absolutely necessary.
Notwithstanding the way we had handled them, the Indians did not appearinclined to give up the contest, but, after wheeling out of reach of ourrifles, again halted.
"They have had enough of it, I should think," observed Story.
"I'm not so sure of that," answered Dick, "our scalps, our horses, andour fire-arms, are too tempting prizes to allow the rascals to let usescape if they fancy that they can get possession of them. See, herethey come again!"
As he spoke the whole troop, giving utterance to a terrific war-whoop,passed ahead of us, and then, wheeling round, dashed forward at fullspeed to attack us on the opposite side. As they got within range, halfour number, as before, fired. Three more of them appeared to be hit,and one, evidently a chief, fell from his saddle.
The Redskins had had enough of it, and the rest, crawling round thechief, bore him off. Away they went fleet as the wind. I felt verymuch inclined to follow. Dick advised us to remain where we were to seewhat they would do. At length we were satisfied that they had receiveda lesson by which they were likely to profit, and that they would notagain venture to attack us, unless they could take us by surprise. Wenow found the advantage of not having over-exhausted our horses.
"Mount, and push forward!" cried Dick. "But I say, lads, while thosefellows are watching us we'll move at a steady pace."
After we had ridden for a couple of miles or so, Dick advised that weshould put our horses to their full speed, so as to place as wide adistance between us and our enemies as possible, before we halted forbreakfast.
No sooner was the word given than away we went. Pierre proved anexcellent guide, and took us across the most easy country, so that bynoon it was considered that we might halt without fear of interruptionfrom the same band, though it would be necessary to keep a sharp lookout lest another troop of savages might be scouring the country insearch of us.
We were by this time desperately sharp set, and while our steeds croppedthe grass around, we quickly lighted our fire and put on our venison tocook. Pierre and the Indians did not wait for that operation, but atethe dried venison raw, and I was tempted to chew the end of a strip tostop the gnawings of hunger.
After a couple of hours' rest, which our horses absolutely required, weagain pushed on, anxious to find a safe camping-place for the night.Pierre led us to a spot which appeared as secure as we could desire, bythe side of a broad stream of sufficient depth to afford us protectionon that side, while a high knoll, with a bluff, would conceal our fireon the one side, and a thick wood on the other, leaving thus only oneside towards the prairie. Thus, at all events, we had all therequirements for camping--wood, water, and grass.
The night passed quietly, and the following day we did not fall in withany Indians, so that we ventured to camp at an earlier hour, on a spotvery similar to that we had chosen on the previous night. We weregetting somewhat tired of our dry venison, and Armitage proposing to goout in search of a deer, I volunteered to accompany him, hoping to findone coming down to drink at the stream. We accordingly kept along itsbanks, taking with us one of the spare horses, that we might bring homeany game we might shoot; but as I wished to give mine a rest I went onfoot.
Armitage was some little way in advance, I following close along theborders of the stream, when I heard him fire. Pushing forward I saw himbending over the body of a fine deer. I was making my way through thebushes to assist him, when what was my dismay to catch sight of a hugebear, which Armitage had not perceived, coming along the edge of thestream from the opposite direction.
I shouted to him, to warn him of his danger. He rose to his feet,holding the rein of his horse; for the animal, conscious of the presenceof the bear, showed a strong inclination to bolt. The bear, which had,apparently, not before perceived Armitage, came cantering slowly on,until within twenty paces of him. I shouted at the top of my voice forthe purpose of distracting the bear's attention; but Bruin, intent onmischief, took no notice. I was too far off to have any hope ofmortally wounding the bear should I fire, and the undergrowth was sothick that I could only slowly make my way through it. Already the bearwas scarcely more than a dozen paces off from Armitage, who with his gunlevelled stood ready to receive his formidable antagonist. The bearraised itself on its hind legs, giving a roaring grunt, and balancingitself, as bears are wont to do, before making its fatal spring. ShouldArmitage miss, it seemed impossible that he could escape with his life.I struggled desperately to make my way through the brushwood to go tohis assistance.
Again the bear roared, and stretched out its paws, evidently showingthat it was about to spring, when my friend fired.
Great was my relief when I saw the bear roll over, floundering about fora few seconds in a vain endeavour to rise and renew the combat; but thebullet had been surely aimed, and before I reached the scene of theencounter the animal's struggles were over.
We walked round and round the monster, surveying its vast proportions,and then set to work to remove its hide and cut off the most delicateportions of the meat. This occupied us some time. I suggested that theskin might be left behind, but, as the bear was of unusual size,Armitage declared his intention of preserving it if he could. At lengthwe succeeded in strapping it on the back of the horse, and set off toreturn to the camp.
We walked leisurely along, leading the horse, well satisfied with theresult of our short expedition; for bear's flesh, though not equal tovenison, is superior to that of the l
ean deer we often shot. We foundour friends anxious about us; for two of the Indians who had gone outscouting reported that they had fallen in with a suspicious trail, andthey warned us that we should very likely be again attacked before wecould reach the settlement.
"Let them come on then!" cried Dick, "we'll treat them as we did theothers."
I have said but little about the Indians accompanying Armitage. Theywere fine fellows, armed with spears and bows and arrows, as well aswith carbines, while they carried in their belts the usualscalping-knives and tomahawks, so that they were likely to proveformidable opponents to our foes.
Having set a double watch, one man to look after the horses, and anotherthe camp, we lay down to obtain the rest we so much needed.