The sky was now clear and the moon, riding high and nearly full,
illumined the prairie for a considerable distance, and there was no
fear but that they could detect the approach of the most treacherous
savage, let him come in whatever disguise he chose.

The night wore gradually away, without any particular demonstration
upon the part of either the Indians or white men, although dropping
shots were occasionally exchanged, without any particular result on
either side.

Now and then a red-skin, creeping cautiously along, made his
appearance on the edge of the ravine; but there was too much light for
him to expose himself to the deadly rifle of the trapper, who took a
kind of savage pleasure in sending his leaden messengers after the
aborigines.

This species of sport was not without its attendant excitement and
danger; for the last creature to take a shot quietly is an American
Indian; and they kept popping away at the steam man and its train
whenever a good opportunity offered.

Owing to the size and peculiar appearance of the steamer, he was a
fair target for his enemies; and, indeed, so uncomfortably close did
some of the bullets come, that the boy almost continually kept his
head lowered, so as to be protected by the sides of the wagon.

Finally morning came, greatly to the relief of all our friends. As
soon as it was fairly light the Irishman and Yankee were notified that
a move was about to be made, by means of the steam-whistle. An