The trail led us directly into the grove, where we were obliged to dismount, as the low, scraggy branches would not permit our riding beneath them.  Securing our animals, we followed the trail on foot for some distance, when Jerry called my attention to a number of fresh tracks in the earth.

“Antelope tracks,” said I.

“No they ain’t neither; you must guess again.  Them’s havilina tracks.”

“What are they?” inquired I.

“Them’s hogs,” replied Jerry; “wild Mexican hogs, and the darndest, ugliest critters on the plains, ef you git ’em riled.  I’d rather meet a dozen Comanches, as far as comfort’s concarned, any time, than a drove of them critters.  Yer see this’s their feedin’ ground, and I ’spect I know where ter find them boys.”

“Where?” inquired I.

“Up a tree,” replied Jerry.  I reckon they’re treed this time, sartin; an’ 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 as wonderful as it was alarming; for I had no idea before, that hogs could be as active or as ferocious as these appeared to be.

As they came towards us, Jerry exclaimed,—­

“Take keer! take keer! we’d better look out;” and, without further explanation, he began to climb a tree.

I followed suit, and we were soon safely perched among the thick branches of a post-oak.

We had hardly reached a secure position when they were upon us.  I must say that I never was more thankful for a place of refuge than when I saw the ferocious aspect of the gaunt, savage creatures.  They crowded beneath the trees, with erect bristles, small, bloodshot eyes, gleaming white tusks, and frothing mouths, filling the air with their shrill cries, and striking the trunks such sturdy blows with their long, sharp tusks, that the trees fairly shook at each fresh assault.