and hands in the stream, combed her long auburn hair through her
fingers, and looked sweeter than on the previous night--at least, so
thought Fearless Frank.

"The day promises to be delightful, does it not?" she remarked, as she
seated herself to partake of the repast.

"Exactly. Autumn months are ever enjoyable in the West."

The meal dispatched, no delay was made in leaving the place.

Fearless Frank strode along beside his horse and its fair rider,
chatting pleasantly, and at the same time making a close observation
of his surroundings. He knew he was in parts frequented by both red
and white savages, and it would do no harm to keep on one's guard.

They traveled all day and reached Sage creek at sunset.

Here they remained over night, taking an early start on the succeeding
morning.

That day they made good progress, in consequence of Frank's purchase
of a horse at Sage creek from some friendly Crow Indians, and darkness
overtook them at the mouth of Red Canyon, where they went into camp.

By steady pushing they reached Rapid creek the next night, for no halt
was made at Custer City, and for the first time since leaving the
torture-ground, camped with a miner's family. As yet no cabins or
shanties had been erected here, canvas tents serving in the stead;
to-day there are between fifty and a hundred wooden structures.