unite to form the most intrepid and perhaps the most skilful horsemen in
the world.
    Notwithstanding this sudden occupation of his animal the Pawnee discovered
no hasty wish to depart. More at his ease, and possibly more independant now he
found himself secure of the means of retreat, he rode back and forth, eyeing the
different individuals of the party with far greater freedom than before. But, at
each extremity of his ride, just as the sagacious trapper, expected to see him
profit by his advantage and fly, he would turn his horse and pass over the same
ground, sometimes with the rapidity of the flying antelope, and at others more
slowly, and with greater dignity of mien and movement. Anxious to ascertain such
facts as might have an influence on his future proceedings the old man,
determined to invite him to a renewal of their conference. He therefore made a
gesture expressive at the same time of his wish to resume the interrupted
discourse and of his own pacific intentions. The quick eye of the stranger was
not slow to note the action, but it was not until a sufficient time had passed
to allow him to debate the prudence of the measure in his own mind, that he
seem'd willing to trust himself, again, so near a party that was so much
superior to himself in physical power, and consequently one that was able, at
any instant, to command his life, or controul his personal liberty. When he did
approach nigh enough to converse with facility it was with a singular mixture of
haughtiness and of distrust.
    »It is far to the village of the Loups,« he said, stretching his arm in a
direction contrary to that in which the trapper well knew that the tribe dwelt,
»and the road is very crooked - what has the Big-Knife to say?«
    »Ay crooked enough!« muttered the old man in English, »if you are to set out
on your journey by that path, but not half so winding as the cunning of an
Indian's mind. Say, my Brother; do the chiefs of the Pawnees love to see strange
faces in their lodges?«
    The young warrior bent his body gracefully, though but slightly, over the
saddle bow, as he replied -
    »When have my people forgotten to give food to the stranger!«
    »If I lead my daughters to the doors of the Loups, will the women take them
by the hand and will the warriors smoke with my young men?«
    »The country of the Pale faces is behind them. Why do they journey so far
towards the