leggins; some of them wore brass spurs, but had no boots or moccasins on.  They seemed to understand the drill remarkably well for Indians.  The commands, of course, were given to them in their own language by Major North, who could talk it as well as any full-blooded Pawnee.  The Indians were well mounted and felt proud and elated because they had been made United States soldiers.  Major North, has had for years complete power over these Indians and can do more with them than any man living.  That evening after the parade was over the officers and quite a number of ladies visited a grand Indian dance given by the Pawnees, and of all the Indians I have seen, their dances excel those of any other tribe.

Next day the command started; when encamped, several days after, on the Republican river near the mouth of the Beaver, we heard the whoops of Indians, followed by shots in the vicinity of the mule herd, which had been taken down to water.  One of the herders came dashing into camp with an arrow sticking into him.  My horse was close at hand, and, mounting him bare-back, I at once dashed off after the mule herd, which had been stampeded.  I supposed certainly that I would be the first man on the ground.  I was mistaken, however, for the Pawnee Indians, unlike regular soldiers, had not waited to receive orders from their officers, but had jumped on their ponies without bridles or saddles, and placing ropes in their mouths, had dashed off in the direction whence the shots had come, and had got there ahead of me.  It proved to be a party of about fifty Sioux, who had endeavored to stampede our mules, and it took them by surprise to see their inveterate enemies—­the Pawnees—­coming at full gallop towards them.  They were not aware that the Pawnees were with the command, and as they knew that it would take regular soldiers sometime to turn out, they thought they would have ample opportunity to secure the herd before the troops could give chase.

We had a running fight of fifteen miles, and several of the enemy were killed.  During this chase I was mounted on an excellent horse, which Colonel Royal had picked out for me, and for the first mile or two I was in advance of the Pawnees.  Presently a Pawnee shot by me like an arrow and I could not help admiring the horse that he was riding.  Seeing that he possessed rare running qualities, I determined if possible to get possession of the animal in some way.  It was a large buckskin or yellow horse, and I took a careful view of him so that I would know him when I returned to camp.

After the chase was over I rode up to Major North and inquired about the buckskin horse.

“Oh yes,” said the Major, “that is one of our favorite steeds.”

“What chance is there to trade for him?” I asked.

“It is a government horse,” said he, “and the Indian who is riding him is very much attached to the animal.”

“I have fallen in love with the horse myself,” said I, “and I would like to know if you have any objections to my trading for him if I can arrange it satisfactorily with the Indian?”