68 IN THE OLD WEST 



Sioux, and Shians.* However, to the first of 

 these it may be said now to belong, since their 

 " big village " has wintered there for many suc- 

 cessive years ; whilst the Rapahos seldom visit it 

 unless on war expeditions against the Yutas. 



Judging, from the direction the Rapahos were 

 taking, that the friendly tribe of Yutas were there 

 already, the trappers had resolved to join them 

 as soon as possible; and therefore, without rest- 

 ing, pushed on through the uplands, and, towards 

 the middle of the day, had the satisfaction of 

 descrying the conical lodges of the village, situ- 

 ated on a large level plateau, through which ran 

 a mountain stream. A numerous band of mules 

 and horses were scattered over the pasture, and 

 round them several mounted Indians kept guard. 

 As the trappers descended the bluffs into the 

 plain, some straggling Indians caught sight of 

 them ; and instantly one of them, lassoing a horse 

 from the herd, mounted it, barebacked, and flew 

 like wind to the village to spread the news. Soon 

 the lodges disgorged their inmates ; first the women 

 and children rushed to the side of the strangers' 

 approach ; then the younger Indians, unable to 

 restrain their curiosity, mounted their horses, and 

 galloped forth to meet them. The old chiefs, 

 enveloped in buffalo-robes (softly and delicately 

 dressed as the Yutas alone know how), and with 

 tomahawk held in one hand and resting in the 



* Utahs, Arapahoes, Sioux, and Cheyennes. (Ed.) 



