222 



squaw to be too bold) and doubtless 

 contributing to the honour that the 

 future held. The braves were seated 

 cross-legged in a wide circle around 

 the fire. Plenty Coups in the seat 

 of honour opposite the door, the 

 chiefs next in standing were on each 

 side of him and so on till the circle 

 was completed by the paleface 

 visitors. In groups back of the coun- 

 cillours stood squaws, children, 

 youths and various disqualifieds. I 

 was the only woman seated, the 

 Chief having graciously motioned 

 me to do so. No English was used, 

 not a syllable; in fact, hardly any 

 Absaroka, the whole ceremony was 

 performed in the sign language, of 

 which Nimrod knew a good deal and 

 I a smattering. 



By gesture Chief Plenty Coups 

 said that he was pleased to welcome 

 the distinguished stranger who loved 

 the animals and understood the wild 

 things, and pleased to greet his 

 squaw. 



Then Nimrod arose. He ex- 

 pressed himself that for three sleeps 

 we had travelled to make the 

 acquaintance of the distinguished 



