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74 1858 Across the Plains our homes, and our future prospects. The Indian became pretty mellow very early, and while he was drunk, he would occasionally put his ear to the ground, jump up excited and snatch his gun, and made signs to us that there were Indians close by, the first time he done so, we were on the alert, and stood ready to meet our foe with a warm reception. Finding that his alarm was groundless, he relapsed into his "happy state," sang Indian ditties, and accompanied with beating time on a pack saddle. It was late when we retired. Snow very heavy during the night. Nov 11th Thursday.--The guide left us this morning with the traps we had given him, as per agreement, showing before he left the trail we were to take, and assured us that we could reach the Mountain Fort of the unclear in three days. We kept the trail for a while noting its course at the time, in case we should loose it, which we soon did, and traveled on the course we had noted. The snow is about six inches deep. Hunters went out for buffalo in the morning but returned without a victim. Character of the country very rough, and principally prairie. Traveled about seven miles and camped near a willow thicket and lake. feed good. 7 Nov 12th Friday.--The guide came back much to our surprise at noon, and intimated his desire to keep on with with us, which we readily and gladly asserted. Passes several lakes. Guide brought us on the trail again. See plenty of buffalo, elk and deer. Camped near a lake and willow grove. Weather mild and cloudy. Traveled about ten miles. 10