“Count me in dar,” said Scip. “I’ve had ’nough o’ dem for once.”
The horses were caught and saddled, and once more they were moving. Vic rode a few yards in advance, and Wild Nat about the same distance in the rear. Sharp look-out was kept for enemies, but, fortunately, none were seen, and the rejoicing travelers kept on their way unmolested. It was no part of their programme to dally by the way, that the Indians might overtake them in case they were following, and they traveled steadily, only stopping two hours at noon to allow their tired horses to feed and rest. Meeting with no obstacles and encountering no foes, their progress was rapid, and sunset found them about seventy miles from Fort Laramie. Here they encamped for the night, selecting a sort of grotto in some rocks, where they would be sheltered from observation. No one felt disposed to sit up “star-gazing,” and as soon as it was dark they prepared to “turn in.” The most sheltered situation was chosen for Marion, and a rude couch formed by means of boughs and blankets. The men lay down beside the fire, one remaining up to keep guard, and occasionally changing with the others, that all might receive the sleep so much needed.
CHAPTER X.
AN UNWELCOME VISITOR.
Morning came clear and pleasant, and the travelers were early astir preparing breakfast, and getting ready to resume their journey.
“Grizzly ’round not long ’go,” said Vic, as he turned a huge dice of meat before the fire.
“Indeed!” exclaimed Kent. “Why do you think there was?”
“Seen his tracks,” replied Vic; “fresh, too.”
“I hope he is not near here now,” said Marion, involuntarily, as the tales of the grizzly bear’s ferocity she had heard flitted through her mind.
“Wal,” said Wild Nat, “I shouldn’t be s’prised ef he warn’t more’n a hundred miles off. A grizzly ain’t a very nice playthin’. I could tell some yarns about ’em thet would make ye open yer peepers. They are jist the all-firedest, meanest thing tew fight thet ever run. Take a big one an’ I’d ruther fight twenty Pawnees single-handed, unless I’d got the advantage of him. They’re jist the orneriest critters thet travels.”
“Thet’s a fact,” said Vic. “I hev an idee thet— Varmints, thar’s the ole fellow himself!”