'Don't know whether the younker has fixed he engine so it'll run over'
the skunks, ef it doesn't run up hill.'

'It can be made to do that, I think,' laughed young Brainerd.

'Afore we stay hyar, I'll take a look round to make sure that thar's
some show for us.'

The trapper ascended the bank, and, while his companions were occupied
in their preparations for encamping, he examined the whole horizon and
intervening space, so far as the human eye was capable of doing it.
Finding nothing suspicious, he announced to his companions that they
would remain where they were until morning.

CHAPTER XIX. THE DOINGS OF A NIGHT.

IT WAS soon found that the camping ground possessed another advantage
which, during the discussion, had been altogether overlooked.

During the afternoon they had shot a fine-looking antelope, cooking a
portion at the time upon the prairie. A goodly portion was left, and
they now had an opportunity of kindling their fire without the
liability of its being seen, as would have been the case had they
encamped in any other place.

This being agreed to, the fire was speedily kindled, and the trapper
himself began the culinary performance. It was executed with the
characteristic excellence of the hunter, and a luscious meal was thus
provided for all. At its conclusion, all stretched themselves upon the