CHAPTER XXVII.
Alarming Sounds--Danger of the Scouts--Fremont Goes to Their Rescue--Arrival at Sutter's Fort--Ordered out of California by the Mexican Governor--Fremont's Refusal--Withdrawal to Sacramento River--Arrival of Despatches from Washington--War with Mexico--Meeting with Lieutenant Gillespie--Night Attack by Klamath Indians.
While preparing to go into camp, the explorers were mystified by hearing a number of peculiar sounds like the barking of dogs.

Attentive listening, however, satisfied them that it came from an Indian village close by, whose women and children were calling out and lamenting.

This constituted positive proof that the friends in advance were in trouble with the red men and there was not a minute to lose in going to their rescue.
A half mile further, the explorers galloped over a slight ridge, when they suddenly came in sight of several hundred Indians, who were making their way up two sides of a knoll, on the crest of which the four scouts had entrenched themselves among the rocks and trees and were coolly awaiting the attack of their enemies.
The little party had run so suddenly into danger that they were compelled to make a flying leap from their horses, in order to secure a suitable shelter.

The assailants had almost captured the abandoned horses, when relief came.

The two Delawares made a dash to recover their animals, their companions shooting the foremost of the thieves.