My patrol duty led me along the trail of the emigrants proceeding westward; and even in the darkness, I was able to follow it without difficulty, riding most of the way at a trot. When the moon rose, I increased my pace to a gallop, and scarce halted until daybreak, when, perceiving a small stream that ran through the bottom of a narrow valley, I rode toward it. There dismounting, I gave my horse to the grass--which was growing so luxuriantly as to reach up to his knees. The horse was more fortunate than I: for the long night's ride had given me an appetite, which I had no means of satisfying. I was hungry and happy--happy, because I was free; and hungry for the same reason! A paradox, though a truth. There were birds warbling among the trees by the side of the stream. I could have shot some of them with my rifle, or revolver, and cooked them over a fire--for I had the means of making one. But I was not hungry enough to risk the report of a shot being heard; and after tethering my horse, to make secure against _his deserting me_, I lay down upon the long grass and fell fast asleep. I dreamt no end of dreams, though they might all have been reduced to one; and that was: that the world was my inheritance, and I was on my way to take possession of it. When I awoke, the sun was in the centre of the sky. My horse had satisfied his hunger; and, following the example of his master, had laid down to sleep. I did not hesitate to disturb his repose; and, having saddled and remounted him, I once more took to the emigrant trail, and continued on towards fortune and Lenore! Volume One, Chapter XVIII. OLD JOHNSON. I travelled along the trail all that afternoon and evening, until, just as twilight was darkening into night, I came in sight of some camp-fires. On seeing them, I paused to consider what was best to be done. To halt at the camp--if, as I supposed, it was a party of emigrants-- might lead to my being taken, in case of being pursued from the fort, for my dress, the U.S. brand on the horse, and the military saddle, all proved them the property of "Uncle Sam." This determined me to avoid showing myself--until I should have put a greater distance between myself and the fort. I dismounted on the spot where I had halted, tethered my horse, and tried to take some rest. I soon found that I could not sleep: hunger would not admit of it. Within sight of me were the camp-fires, surrounded by people, who would probably have relieved my wants; and yet I feared to go near them.