CHAPTER XXX.
A Plentiful Hunting Camp.-Shoshonie Hunters--Hoback's River -- Mad River--Encampment Near the Pilot Knobs .-- A Consultation .-- Preparations for a Perilous Voyage.
FIVE days were passed by Mr.Hunt and his companions in the fresh meadows watered by the bright little mountain stream.

The hunters made great havoc among the buffaloes, and brought in quantities of meat; the voyageurs busied themselves about the fires, roasting and stewing for present purposes, or drying provisions for the journey; the pack-horses, eased of their burdens, rolled on the grass, or grazed at large about the ample pasture; those of the party who had no call upon their services, indulged in the luxury of perfect relaxation, and the camp presented a picture of rude feasting and revelry, of mingled bustle and repose, characteristic of a halt in a fine hunting country.

In the course of one of their excursions, some of the men came in sight of a small party of Indians, who instantly fled in great apparent consternation.

They immediately retreated to camp with the intelligence: upon which Mr.Hunt and four others flung themselves upon their horses, and sallied forth to reconnoitre.

After riding for about eight miles, they came upon a wild mountain scene.