88 WESTERN INCIDENTS.

the centre of the Territory, it bids fair soon to become the
Capital of this embryo State. The large and valuable
Pawnee reservation is situated only a few miles from
the town, in the Valley of Loup Fork.

The Credit-Foncier of America has invested largely
in town and suburban property, and promises, through
its far-seeing and enterprising managers, to add much
to its future growth and prosperity.

The tents were soon struck, and the pioneer train wag
to be seen steaming far away in the distance; after
which, our excursionists leisurely resumed their places in
the cars, ready for new surprises and adventures.

Many of them little dreamed, however, that one, most
rare and novel in its character, was so soon to be realized.

SHAM INDIAN FIGHT.

The train halted upon a high embankment, in front of
the Indian encampment, near the east end of the beauti-
ful bridge which spans the Loup Fork river.

The Indians, fully dressed and adorned in the war
costume of the Pawnees, were in council, many of them
evidently in a high state of excitement, gesticulating,
whooping and yelling, in the most frantic and unearthly
manner. Twenty or thirty horses stood near, ready to
be mounted.

Soon a band of about thirty mounted Sioux warriors
were to be seen emerging stealthily from a thicket, some
distance down the river, and making their way cautiously
in a circuit, as if to surround the Pawnee camp.

Our Pawnees were instantly mounted, and following
their stalwart chief, with shrieks and cries of vengeance,
to the attack. The shock of meeting was grand and ter-
rific. Horses reared and plunged against each other.
Indian grappled Indian, and both fell to the ground in