The rifles were carefully examined, that every one might be loaded, primed, and in perfect order.
The band then cautiously pressed forward, led by their boy captain, till they came to the entrance of a wild but lovely glen, where at the distance of perhaps a mile, they saw these savage warriors, enjoying all the luxury of a barbaric encampment.

A mountain stream, rippled through the valley.
The horses were grazing in the rich pasture.

The thieves had killed six of the fat young horses, and having cooked them and feasted to utter repletion, were lounging around, basking in the sun, in the fullness of savage felicity.

Little were they aware of the tempest of destruction and death about to burst upon them.
The Indians could not have chosen a more delightful spot for their encampment and their feast.

Neither could they have selected a spot more favorable for the unseen approach of the pursuers.