good enough for 'em. Boys hain't got no bizness on the plains, no how."

"Well, Jerry, I brought the boys with me, and I calculate to take care of
them, if possible," was my reply.

"All right, judge; you'll hev your hands full, I reckon. I'll help you so
fur's I'm able; but don't depend too much on me, fur boys hain't got no
bizness on the plains, no how."

We continued our search for some time, when Jerry's acute ear detected a
sound in the distance which he declared was made by the "squealin'
critters;" and we hastened in the direction of the noise, which each
moment grew more distinct. At length we came in sight of a large drove of
the animals, gathered beneath the branches of a small, scraggy oak.

As soon as Jerry saw them, he burst into a loud laugh, exclaiming, "Jest
as I 'spected, they're treed, for sartin."

"How do you know?" inquired I.

"Know! don't yer see 'em squattin' in that tree, thar?" said he, pointing
to a dark object in the branches of the oak; "that's them, for sartin."

As we approached I halloed loudly, in the hope of diverting the attention
of the hogs, if I did not succeed in letting the boys know' we were near
them; for the animals kept up such a squealing, that it was almost
impossible to hear the sound of our own voices.

My efforts certainly were successful, so far as attracting the attention
of the hogs; for a number started towards us, at a speed that was quite