About noon
Each grasped me cordially by the hand , and expressed their willingness to `` see me through ; '' and after a few moments more spent in consultation , we agreed on the following plan : To push on at once and as speedily as possible for the Indian village , secrete ourselves in the adjacent mountains until nightfall , and then leaving the horses concealed in the bushes that fringe the base of the mountain , advance on foot to the chief 's lodge . Once within its portal , it would be the work of a moment to seek out my wife , apprise her of what was transpiring , and quietly leading her out , hasten to our animals , mount , and ride away . This plan seemed feasible , and as moments were precious , we resumed the march . About noon we debouched through the mountain pass into a country of `` openings ; '' small prairies bounded by jungly forests , and interspersed with timber islands . These prairies were covered with tall grass ; and buffalo signs appeared as we rode into them . We saw their `` roads , '' `` chips , '' and `` wallows . '' These signs filled us with pleasurable anticipations ; as who has not longed for the delicious `` hump ribs , '' which , when once tasted in all their juicy richness , are never to be forgotten .