, when he found that all his skill in
the requisites of a brave could detect no blemish, »this is a leaping panther!
Does my son speak with the tongue of a Teton?«
    The intelligence which lighted the eyes of the captive, betrayed how well he
understood the question, but still he was far too haughty to communicate his
ideas, through the medium of a language that belonged to a hostile people. Some
of the surrounding warriors explained to the old chief, that the captive was a
Pawnee-Loup.
    »My son opened his eyes on the waters of the wolves,« said Le Balafré in the
language of that nation; »but he will shut them in the bend of the river with a
troubled stream. He was born a Pawnee, but he will die a Dahcotah. Look at me. I
am a sycamore that once covered many with my shadow. The leaves are fallen and
the branches begin to drop. But a single succor is springing from my roots. It
is a little vine and it winds itself about a tree that is green. I have long
look'd for one, fit to grow by my side. Now have I found him. Le Balafré is no
longer without a son; his name will not be forgotten when he is gone! Men of the
Tetons, I take this youth, into my lodge.«
    No one was bold enough to dispute a right, that had so often been exercised,
by warriors far inferior to the present speaker, and the adoption was listened
to, in grave and respectful silence. Le Balafré, took his intended son by the
arm, and leading him into the very centre of the circle, he stepped aside, with
an air of triumph, in order that the spectators might approve of his choice.
Mahtoree betrayed no evidence of his intentions, but rather seemed to await a
moment better suited to the crafty policy of his character. The more experienced
and sagacious chiefs distinctly foresaw the utter impossibility of two partisans
so renowned, so hostile, and who had so long been rivals in fame, as their
prisoner and their native leader, existing amicably in the same tribe. Still the
character of Le Balafré was so imposing, and the custom to which he had resorted
so sacred, that none dared to lift a voice in opposition to the measure. They
watched the result with increasing interest, but with a coldness of demeanor
that concealed the nature of their inquietude. From this state of embarrassment,
and, as it might readily have proved, of disorganisation, the tribe was
unexpectedly relieved by the decision of