LIFE IN THE FAR WEST. 29 



warriors at least, elated by the ccmp 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 commo- 

 tion : the war-shout was taken up from lodge to lodge ; 

 the squaws began to lament and tear their hair ; the war- 

 riors 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 mean 

 time, 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 picket- 

 ing 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 Rapahos 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 communicated 

 some intelligence to the chiefs. Killbuck and La Bonte 

 volunteered to accompany the war-party, weak and ex- 

 hausted 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. 



