108 WESTERN INCIDENTS.

of Indian fights and war-dances; adventures with the
Elkhorns; camping-out on the great plains almost in
sight of the Rocky Mountains; living on buffalo and
antelope meat; prairie-dog towns; fire on the prairies
in the night time, etc., etc.

DEPARTURE OF EXCURSIONISTS EASTWARD.

On the following morning the continuity of the party
was broken, after many hearty hand-shakings, and
affectionate adieus, by the departure of a large number
via the overland route, by stage and rail, for Chicago and
the East, under the charge of Mr. C. A. Lambard, one of
the managing Directors of the Union Pacific Railroad.
These were met at the western end of the railroad track
by the officers of the Chicago and Northwestern Rail-
road Company, and a delegation from the Elkhorn Club,
who accompanied them to Chicago, and entertained
them on the way in the most princely style.

The balance of the party remained at Omaha till Sun-
day morning, and then left by the steamer Denver for St.
Joseph, in charge of Mr. Hoxie and Mr. Simmonds.

Before starting, however, the crowd was called to the
land side of the boat by Mr. John V. Ayer of Chicago, and
invited to unite in three rousing Elkhorn cheers for Mr.
Durant, who was just retiring from the boat, after having
bid adieu to the excursionists. These were given with
a hearty good will, in loudly suppressed silence, thus:
H—sh ! H—sh!! H—sh!!! Tiger, H—sh!!!! and then the
steamer rounded to, and moved majestically down the
river.

Mr. Durant remained at Omaha, and on the line of the
road, several days after the departure of the excur-
sionists; during which time he received frequent dis-