OSAGES. 43 



prosperous in their enterprise, and feeling themselves secure from the 

 attack of enemies on their route homeward, they were induced to 

 barter most of their guns, ammunition, and a few of their horses, of 

 which the Comanches stood much in need. They then took their 

 departure homeward. At the Wichetaw village they halted for a few 

 days to recruit. An Osage, sojourning with the Wichetaws, seeing 

 the large amount of skins in the possession of the Pawnees, and learn- 

 ing their' defenceless situation, immediately mounted his horse, pro- 

 ceeded homeward, and informed Black Dog of the facts. Knowing the 

 trail the Pawnees would take on their route, he immediately started 

 with a war-party for the point they were expected to pass, on the 

 head waters of Canadian River, where they lay in wait for them. 

 Several days elapsed, during which time they sent out runners in 

 every direction to give notice of the approach of the Pawnees. They 

 were at last espied, wending their way leisurely along, unconscious 

 of their close proximity to their deadliest enemies — their horses 

 laden with the fruits of months of fatigue and hardship, destined for 

 the white trader in exchange for guns, ammunition, and blankets. 

 The Osages were in active preparation for the attack. They secreted 

 themselves and awaited the approach of the Pawnees, when they 

 suddenly fell upon and massacred the whole party, securing all 

 their peltries, horses, &c. They departed for their town in savage 

 exultation at the death of their enemies; happy undoubtedly in the 

 belief that they had done their people good service, and enriched 

 themselves without toil. 



63. 



SHU-ME-CUSS, OR WOLF. 



(Painted 1843.) 



A nephew of Black Dog, and a warrior of distinction among his 

 people. 



64. 



CROW-SUN-TAII, OR BIG SOLDIER. 



(Painted 1843.) 



An Osage Chief and Brave ; is about seventy years of age, vigor- 

 ous and active. He, together with a number of his tribe, were taken 

 to France some years since by an American citizen for the purpose 

 of ffiving exhibitions of their various dances. After bavins made a 



