40 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 



scouts, mounted on the fastest horses, despatched in 

 every direction to procure intelligence of the enemy. 



The two whites, after watering their mules and 

 picketing them in some good grass near the village, 

 drew near the council fire, without, however, joining 

 in the "talk," until they were invited to take their 

 seats by the eldest chief. Then Killbuck was called 

 upon to give his opinion as to the direction in which 

 he judged the Kapahos to be approaching, which he 

 delivered in their own language, with which he was 

 well acquainted. In a short time the council broke 

 up; and without noise or confusion, a band of one 

 hundred chosen warriors left the village, immediately 

 after one of the scouts had galloped in and communi- 

 cated some intelligence to the chiefs. Killbuck and La 

 Bonte volunteered to accompany the war-party, weak 

 and exhausted as they were ; but this was negatived 

 by the chiefs, who left their white brothers to the care 

 of the women, who tended their wounds, now stiff and 

 painful : and spreading their buffalo robes in a warm 

 and roomy lodge, left them to the repose they so much 

 needed. 



