I was entirely unacquainted with the section of the country through which I was to ride.

I therefore traveled all night and remained in seclusion in the daytime.

I had too many plans for the future to risk a shot from a hostile redskin who might be hunting white men along my way.
At daylight I unsaddled my mount and made a hearty breakfast of bacon and hardtack.

Then I lighted my pipe, and, making a pillow of my saddle, lay down to rest.
The smoke and the fatigue of the night's journey soon made me drowsy, and before I knew it I was fast asleep.

Suddenly I was awakened by a loud rumbling noise.