As evening approached we made our way towards the spot fixed on for the encampment.  Before nightfall the main body usually arrived, and the waggons were arranged in a circle, so as to form a sort of fortification in case of attack from the Indians: though we had no great reason to apprehend such an event at that period of our journey.  No time was lost in commencing supper; and as soon as it was over the women and children went to rest inside the waggons, while the men not on guard lay down either under them or in the neighbourhood of the fires.  A spot was always chosen--either by the side of a stream or near some pool--where the cattle could find water and good grass.  They were then turned out to graze, under charge of a few armed men.  Of course, we all kept our rifles by our sides, so that we might be ready to defend ourselves at a moment's notice.