As a good horse is not very apt to jump over a bank, if left to guide himself, I let mine pick his own way.

I was now proceeding as quietly as possible, for I was in the vicinity of a band of Indians who had recently camped in that locality.

I thought that I had passed somewhat above the spot, having made a little circuit to the west with that intention; but as bad luck would have it this time, when I came up near the creek I suddenly rode in among a herd of horses.

The animals became frightened and ran off in every direction.
I knew at once that I was among Indian horses, and had walked into the wrong pew; so without waiting to apologize, I backed out as quickly as possible.

At this moment a dog, not fifty yards away, set up a howl, and then I heard some Indians engaged in conversation;--they were guarding the horses, and had been sleeping.