WESTERN INCIDENTS. 87

the howling of the distant wolf, or the subdued mutter-
ings from the Indian camp, broke the stillness of this
first night on the plains.

A MORNING SERENADE.

Before daylight, however, the more timid of the party
were startled from their slumbers by the most unearthly
whoops and yells of the Indians, who were tramping
about among the camp fires in front of the tents; and
many disordered heads, with anxious and inquiring coun-
tenances, were to be seen protruding through the aper-
tures of the tents, to ascertain whether they were to be
immediately roasted alive, or allowed a short time in
which to say their prayers, and write a few parting words
to their distant friends.

All was soon explained however, when it became known
that Mr. Durant himself, assisted by General Dodge,
Secretary Paddock, and a partially standing, but more
generally reclining committee of Hlkhorns, had these
wild denizens of the plains, under the most complete con-
trol; and were only making them dance and perform this
most unique and savage morning serenade for their own
particular amusement.

Quiet was therefore soon restored, and, after a re-
freshing morning nap, the parly was invited to par-
take of a sumptuous breakfast before again starting
westward.

THE TOWN OF COLUMBUS.

This goodly town of Columbus should, however, have
more than a passing notice.

It is situated near the confluence of the Loup Fork
River with the Platte, and is surrounded by one of the
finest agricultural countries in the world. Being near