However, on nearing them, the stranger discovered his mistake; and, throwing his rifle across the saddle once more, reined in his horse and waited their approach; for the spot where he then stood presented an excellent camping-ground, with abundance of dry wood and convenient water. "Where from, stranger?" "The divide, and to the bayou for meat; and you are from there, I see. Any buffalo come in yet?" "Heap, and seal-fat at that. What's the sign out on the plains?" "War-party of Rapahos passed Squirrel at sundown yesterday, and nearly raised my animals. Sign, too, of more on left fork of Boiling Spring. No buffalo between this and Bijou. Do you feel like camping?" "_Well_, we do. But whar's your companyeros?" "I'm alone." "Alone! Wagh! how do you get your animals along?" "I go ahead, and they follow the horse." "Well, that beats all! That's a smart-looking hos now; and runs some, I'm thinking." "Well, it does." "Whar's them mules from? They look like Californy." "Mexican country--away down south." "H----! Whar's yourself from?" "There away, too." "What's beaver worth in Taos?" "Dollar." "In Saint Louiy?" "Same." "H----! Any call for buckskin?" "A heap! The soldiers in Santa Fé are half froze for leather; and mocassins fetch two dollars, easy." "Wagh! How's trade on Arkansa, and what's doin to the Fort?" "Shians at Big Timber, and Bent's people trading smart. On North Fork, Jim Waters got a hundred pack right off, and Sioux making more." "Whar's Bill Williams?" "Gone under they say: the Diggers took his hair." "How's powder goin?" "Two dollars a pint." "Bacca?" "A plew a plug." "Got any about you?" "Have _so_." "Give us a chaw; and now let's camp."