But then the Beaver came up with some news that made Joses" eyes sparkle.
"There"s buffalo out on the far plain, captain," he said; "and I"ve seen sign of mountain sheep three days" journey up the canyon. Will the young chief Bart go?"
"That I will, Beaver," cried Bart. "To-morrow at daybreak."
"No; to-night," said the Beaver.
"That"s the way," growled Joses. "Say yes, Master Bart."
Bart did say yes, as he generally would upon hearing such news as this-- these excursions carrying him back to the old adventurous days, when, quite a lad, he joined in a hunt to find provision for the little camp.
Then Black Boy would be saddled, for the st.u.r.dy little cob never seemed to grow old, except that there were a few grey hairs in his black coat; provisions were prepared, ammunition packed, good-byes said, and for a few days Bart and his friends would be off into the wilderness, away from the bustle and toil always in progress now at the silver canyon.
THE END.