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which still lingered at the spot where it had first halted, as if to discover
the characters of those who composed it, he plainly saw that Ishmael
contemplated immediate hostilities. The result of a conflict on the open
prairie, between a dozen resolute border-men, and the half-armed natives, even
though seconded by their white allies, was in his experienced judgment a point
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of great uncertainty, and though far from reluctant to engage in the struggle
on account of himself, the aged trapper thought it far more worthy of his
years and his character to avoid than to court the contest. His feelings were
for obvious reasons in accordance with those of Paul and Middleton, who had
lives still more precious than their own to watch over and protect. In this
dilemma the three consulted on the means of escaping the frightful
consequences, which might immediately follow a single act of hostility on the
part of the borderers, the old man taking care that their communication
should, in the eyes of those who noted the expression of their countenances
with jealous watchfulness, bear the appearance of explanations as to the
reason, why such a party of travellers was met so far in the deserts.
I know that the Dahcotahs are a wise and great people, at length the
trapper commenced, again addressing himself to the chief; but does not their
partisan know a single brother who is base?
The eye of Mahtoree wandered proudly around his band, but rested a moment
reluctantly on Weucha, as he answered--
The Master of Life has made chiefs, and warriors, and women; conceiving
that he thus embraced all the gradations of human excellence from the highest
to the lowest.
And he has also made Pale-faces, who are wicked. Such are they whom my
brother sees yonder.
Do they go on foot to do wrong? demanded the Teton, with a wild gleam from
his eyes, that sufficiently betrayed how well he knew the reason why they were
reduced to so humble an expedient.
Their beasts are gone. But their powder, and their lead, and their blankets
still remain.
Do they carry their riches in their hands like miserable Konzas? or are they
brave, and leave them with the women, as men should do, who know where to find
what they lose.
My brother sees the spot of blue across the prairie; look, the sun has
touched it for the last time to day.
Mahtoree is not a mole.
It is a rock, and on it are the goods of the Big-knives.
An expression of savage joy shot into the dark countenance of the Teton as he
listened; turning to the old man he seemed to read his soul for an instant, as
if to assure himself he was not deceived. Then he bent his look on the party
of Ishmael and counted its number.
One warrior is wanting, he said.
Does my brother see the buzzards? there is his grave. Did he find blood on
the prairie? it was his.
Enough! Mahtoree is a wise chief. Put your women on the horses of the
Dahcotahs; we shall see, for our eyes are open very wide.
The trapper wasted no unnecessary words in further explanations. Familiar
with the brevity and promptitude of the natives, he immediately communicated
the result to his companions. Paul was mounted in an instant, with Ellen at
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his back. A few more moments were necessary to assure Middleton of the
security and ease of Inez. While he was thus engaged Mahtoree advanced to the
side of the beast he had allotted to this service, which was his own, and
manifested an intention to occupy his customary place on its back. The young
soldier seized the reins of the animal, and glances of sudden anger and lofty
pride were exchanged between them.
No man takes this seat but myself, said Middleton, sternly, in English.
Mahtoree is a great chief! retorted the savage; neither comprehending the
meaning of the other s words.
The Dahcotah will be too late, whispered the old man at his elbow, see;
the Big-knives are afraid and they will soon run.
The Teton chief instantly abandoned his claim, and threw himself on another
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