The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1878-03-22

LII we were permitted to get out ,of
this camp in peace, our chances
would be much better thereafter.
as we were now approaching near
to Powder river, beyond which the
road was comparatively we'll pro
tected by the military, and Indian
depredations were almost unknown
There was but one dangerous
spot between us and the Grand
Round valley, and that we would
have to pass the following day It
was a narrow lane or canyon lined
with steep bluffs and broken rocks,
behind which a thousand Indians,
perhaps, might secret themselves
and attack the train as it was pass
ing through. We had enough to
do, however, to think of our present
dangers without contemplating
those that were yet to come, and |
felt that if the Indians did not at
tack us before we reached the
dangerous point, they would hard
ly take the trouble to do it then.
Contrary to expectation we were
not molested, at any time during
the night, although we were con-
stantly reminded by the continuous
bowling Of the dreaded foe, that
sleepless eyes we're watching US
from the surrounding darkness.
When the sun once more appeared,
there was nothing to indicate the
presence of an Indian within a
hundred miles of us, and without
dreaming that there was the least
danger to be apprehended, [ took
my gun, and, followed by tie dog,
sauntered out to take look at the
surrounding country. In passing
down the road, [ was obliged to
pass point covered by a thick
growth of willows, about two hun
dred yards from the camp. As I
approached the spot, the dog ran
forward few steps, pricked up his
ears and gave long, deep growl.
At first [ thought the dog had
scented a rabbit or some other
species Of game, and was about to
walk on when 7 noticed peculiar
motion Of the willows, which I !
knew could not be caused by the
wind.
The dog continued growing, but
was not disposed to approach near
er the willows, and after watching
The latter few moments longer, he
:urned tail and started for camp on
he dead run. [ was about to fol
ow his example, when a violent
Of the willows, as if a
arge body Of men or animals we're
.bout to rush through, satisfied me
hat I had got into an ambuscade
# Indians, and that it was now too
ate to either 60 ahead or turn
Jack. The next best thing to do,
+ course, was to fall upon my )
ands and knees, but before | had ,
ven time to fully execute this
lo7ement, I was treated to T
erfect shower Of arrows from the :
ushes. Several Of the weapons !
hizzed uncomfortably close to my :
trs, and one took effect IN my left !,
g just above the knee, inaicting /
ight and not painful wound.
| thought I was in for it now,
IRE enough, and did not dare to
Use my head above the grass, but =
ith the rife cooked and held in
ont Of my nose, I waited as calm
as I could for the coming Of my
eaded toes. After what seemed
me a great length Of time, ] Y
injured to raise my head. There
9reno Indians in sight and the vii = =
VS. were undlsturbed. This was =
agreeable surprise, and I was tio
| long in taking advantage Of the ap
her suspicious opportunity to 81
> away and return to camp.
4 never seen Indians act il this - =
nner before, and did not feel r,
. until I was once more within to
/. CORRAL of,