LTHOUGH great uneasiness had been caused by the reports as to the Indians, the members of the caravan were in good spirits. So far the journey had been a success. The difficulties met with in crossing streams and bad bits of ground had been considerable, but were no greater than they had looked for. The animals had preserved their health and condition. The supply of fresh meat had been regular, and all were in excellent health. The rise of ground had been so gradual that it had scarcely been felt; but they were now at a considerable height above the sea, and the brisk clear air braced their nerves, and enabled even the feeblest to stand the fatigue without inconvenience.
One day when Frank was out alone with Dick on the north of the line of march, they came within sight of some buffalo grazing, and Frank was about to set spurs to his horse when his companion suddenly checked him.
"What is it?" Frank said in surprise. "They don't see us, and if we follow that hollow we shall be able to get close to them before they can catch sight of us."
"That's so," Dick said, "but just at present it air a question of something more serious than bufflars, it air a question of Injins."
"Indians!" Frank exclaimed, gazing round in every direction. "Where, Dick? I see no signs of them."
"No, and if you were to look round all day you wouldn't see 'em; they are at your feet."
Frank looked down in surprise.
"I can see nothing," he said, after a minute examination of the ground.
"It's thar, though," Dick said, throwing himself off his horse. "Look at this soft piece of ground; that is a hoof-print, and there is another and another."
Frank also dismounted and examined the ground.