A heavy storm was approaching from the west, and the party went into camp on the summit of the hill. "A thousand Sioux were in the vast amphitheatre just east of Scottsbluff." They were breaking camp in great excitement, having determined to cross the river before the storm came upon them. The braves were galloping about, the dogs and children were scurrying to and fro, and the women with hurried system were packing their belongings on the poles dragged by ponies ; and away they went, crossing the river with great shouting and splashing. Cooke says, as he sits at the door of his tent :

"This Scott's Bluff is a wonderful mountain. We are miles off, yet to the last moment of light there was some chamaleon change of color, and the sentinels are still standing."

The storm had passed, and Castle Rock was described as the "Pillar of Pale Rock," and Scottsbluff "resembled Sterling Castle." Cooke looked back over the trail he had come, and saw the black wreck of the receding storm passing on to the east, and "lo ! Chimney Rock stood alone like a pillar of fire struck by the setting sun."

Then my eye fell upon these words : "The sun set in the clouds ; but the glorious day, Parts not in gloom ; the thick veil is riven --

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

The river and the sky in lovely array

Are radiant now, with the light of Heaven.

"Like an aurora, or the flashing trace, Of Angel's flight to the utmost north,