they invented all sorts o' stories to account for 'em. Some said they
wos fairy-rings, but at last they comed to know they wos nothin' more
nor less than places where buffaloes wos used to waller in. It's often
seemed to me that if we knowed the _raisons_ o' things, we wouldn't be
so much puzzled wi' them as we are."

The truth of this last remark was so self-evident and incontrovertible
that it elicited no reply, and the three friends rode on for a
considerable time in silence.

It was now past noon, and they were thinking of calling a halt for a
short rest to the horses and a pipe to themselves, when Joe was heard
to give vent to one of those peculiar hisses that always accompanied
either a surprise or a caution. In the present case it indicated both.

"What now, Joe?"

"Injuns!" ejaculated Joe.

"Eh! fat you say? Ou is dey?"

Crusoe at this moment uttered a low growl. Ever since the day he
had been partially roasted he had maintained a rooted antipathy to
Red-men. Joe immediately dismounted, and placing his ear to the ground
listened intently. It is a curious fact that by placing the ear close
to the ground sounds can be heard distinctly which could not be heard
at all if the listener were to maintain an erect position.

"They're arter the buffalo," said Joe, rising, "an' I think it's
likely they're a band o' Pawnees. Listen an' ye'll hear their shouts