IN THE OLD WEST 69 



hollow of the other arm, sallied last of all from 

 their lodges ; and, squatting in a row on a sunny 

 bank outside the village, awaited, with dignified 

 composure, the arrival of the whites. Killbuck 

 was well known to most of them, having trapped 

 in their country and traded with them years be- 

 fore at Roubideau's fort at the head waters of 

 the Rio Grande. After shaking hands with all 

 who presented themselves, he at once gave them to 

 understand that their enemies, the Rapahos, were 

 at hand, with a hundred warriors at least, elated 

 by the coup they had just struck against the 

 whites, bringing, moreover, four white scalps to 

 incite them to brave deeds. 



At this news the whole village was speedily in 

 commotion: the war-shout was taken up from 

 lodge to lodge ; the squaws began to lament and 

 tear their hair ; the warriors to paint and arm 

 themselves. The elder chiefs immediately met in 

 council, and, over the medicine-pipe, debated as to 

 the best course to pursue — whether to wait the 

 attack, or sally out and meet the enemy. In the 

 meantime, the braves were collected together by 

 the chiefs of their respective bands ; and 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 vil- 

 lage, drew near the council fire, without, however, 

 joining in the " talk," until they were invited to 



