OLD ACQUAINTANCES. 79 



his gold watch and chain changed into the badge and 

 totem of his tribe and office. Truly the contrast was most 

 striking between the gorgeous savage before us and our 

 recollection of the middle-aged swell, dressed with quiet 

 fastidiousness, we had but lately parted with. It was like 

 the transfiguration of a pantomime. We jumped down at 

 once, shook our friend cordially by the hand, and received 

 a most pressing invitation to become his guests for a few 

 days. He said he had a long story to tell, and there 

 would be much of interest for us to see. He was only 

 waiting the arrival of a delegation of his own tribe to 

 properly celebrate in ancient form a great victory recently 

 achieved over his enemies. As he said this he straightened 

 himself, and waved his hand towards the standard spears, 

 which we then observed had many fresh scalps swinging 

 from them. He further said he much wanted an account of 

 our adventures ; he had heard of our having gone buffalo 

 hunting, and had had great misgivings that he should never 

 see our faces again, but, beholding them, was made happy 

 once more. 



An invitation of such a nature was absolutely irresistible, 

 and having immediately accepted it, a place of honour near 

 the council lodge, whereon to pitch our tent, was assigned to 

 us, and we encamped forthwith, turning our stock over to the 

 charge of a young Delaware, who had received his chief's 

 orders to take good care of them. 



At sunset my comrade and I joined Captain Connor's 

 mess, of which we were expected to remain members until 

 our departure. We found it undeniably excellent, as 

 indeed was to be expected, considering our host's 



