We had not gone far, however, before we came to a prairie-dog town; and the little animals, seeing us trespassing within their corporate limits, set up such a howling as to attract our attention. The little animals would run from one burrow to another, stand erect upon their hind feet, shake themselves, and dart into a hole in the earth, only to return and repeat the same performance. We had just bought several new six-shooters, and Doc.--a name given to my brother--thought that here would be a fine place to try them. I advised the boys that I thought they could not be hit, as I had often seen it _tried_, and never saw one killed; and after several fruitless attempts Doc. concluded they were too quick for powder. Turning to Will,--who sat upon the wagon during the skirmish, like a Roman senator at an amphitheater,--and resolved to save his credit as a marksman, he said: “Well, Will, what do you think about this?” “Oh,” said he, “I have shot lots of them in Nebraska.” As noon was nearing and the sun shining with unveiled splendor upon the sandy plain, the heat was intense; and seeing a small _adobe_ house in the distance we at once determined to go there, that we might procure some cool, fresh water, and stop for dinner. The road was smooth and the team fresh, and we glided merrily along and came to the little town of Las Animas just as the sun was tinging with gold the western horizon. There is a government fort here called Fort Lyon; and after conversing awhile with the soldiers we entered the town and at once proceeded to the post-office, expecting letters from our homes and eastern friends. But unfortunately the mail had not yet arrived, and we were compelled to stay the next day for the expected news. As this little town, consisting of about five hundred inhabitants, proved to be quite a lively place, we had no trouble in passing away the time. During the day we conversed with various citizens; and the boys were anxious to hear everything that could be learned about the country and inhabitants. These conversations proved to be very interesting and instructive. We were told that we were in Bent County, and that forty years ago Mr. Bent lived here alone among the little trees upon the river-bank, surrounded by wild beasts and savages. They told us of some of his daring exploits with the Indians, and pointed to the place where once stood his lonely hut, which is now mingled with the dust at the side of his grave. As he was the first white man there the county took his name.