He was too tired to keep awake long enough to get up and go in search of the animals. The thought of it, however, before he fell sound asleep caused him to dream fitfully all night.
He awoke very early and got up to reassure himself that all was well in camp. He could see no sign of any horse or mule, so he shook Omney, and the two ran in search of the strayed animals.
When the rest of the touring party woke up to find the sun shining into their eyes, no sign of guides or horses was seen. Mr. Gilroy began to prepare breakfast, and Mr. Vernon was sent to fish. The girls were each detailed on some work, and by the time the meal was ready, sounds of hoofs were heard along the trail.
“Dat Jolt, he makka all horse go way down trail. Omney an’ me fin’ dem miles down,” explained Tally, with a vindictive look at the mule. As if he fully understood the Indian, Jolt sent back an answering gleam from his wicked eyes and kicked up his hind legs in derision.
Mr. Vernon had caught more than enough fish in the overstocked lake, and when the fried mush, bacon, and fresh fish, bread, and fragrant coffee were served, the appetites displayed were such as would drive a New York boarding-house keeper distracted.
That day the scouts rode in forests where stately aromatic pines sheltered countless wild creatures, that peered from their cloistered haunts with wonderment at the strangers. Birds of every description sang from low-swinging branches, and lesser notes from unseen insects in the bushes and grass added music to this orchestra that rendered the grandest symphony ever heard.
That evening while seated about the camp supper, Julie said, “There’s one animal I’ve wanted to see in his natural haunts in the Rockies, and not one have we been able to glimpse.”
“What’s that?” asked Mr. Gilroy.
“The famous American buffalo of the plains,” returned she.
“Ah, it is the Captain’s fault that you girls were not able to see the bison at home,” retorted Mr. Gilroy. “Had she consented to your going with me to Yellowstone Park, you could have watched the animals grazing and wandering over their own fields.”