126 HIGH GAMING. 



One day, several Indians had betted largely upon a "game of hand;"* 

 this called forth from the old man the following story: 



" When a young man I delighted in war, and seldom did a party of our 

 people visit the enemy that included me not with its number. These 

 scars tell where I stood when arrows flew thick — hastening to spill the 

 blood of the brave. 



" Rarely did we return empty-handed from the foeman's land — without 

 horses to ride or scalps to dance. Yet, at times we came back like fools, 

 and were ashamed to appear at the soldiers' feasts. 



" One of these times I well recollect, and I will tell of it to my white 

 children, that they also may remember it. 



" We were proceeding against the Crows, and, like experienced warri- 

 ors, had sent our spy in advance to look for the enemy. Hurrying on, in 

 momentary expectation of a conflict, the stout hearts of our braves were 

 appalled by his return without robe or arms, and scalpless— and with a 

 face suffused in blood. 



" This was his story : The enemy, aware of our approach, were awaiting 

 us in great numbers. Encountering their scouts, he had been robbed and 

 scalped, and left f jr dead. In this situation he lay till darkness shut down 

 upon the mountain and the night-breeze gave him strength to meet us and 

 advise our speedy return. 



" Believing the strange tale, we hastened to revisit our lodges, and be 

 laughed at. 



" Three moons sped, and we again penetrated the land of the foemen. 

 The scalpless warrior, far in advance of the main party, once more dis- 

 charged the duties of a spy. 



" This time a whoop of triumph announced the result of his mission, 

 a,8 he made his appearance wath the scalps of two, waving from his spear. 



" He tarried not to relate his adventure, but urged us instantly onward. 

 Following him, we were led to the enemy ; — we fought and were victo- ■ 

 rious. 



" Among the slain was one whose scalp was wanting. Who has done 

 this ? asked the wondering braves. But none answered. Our spy, smi- 

 ling, at length broke silence : 



"'Behind yon hill,' said he, ' a fountain chants melody fit for warriors' 

 ears, — let's to it, that we may drink.' 



" Following his direction, he led to a silvery spring overhung by crags 

 and shaded by cottonwoods. 



" ' Drink, warriors,' he exclaimed ; when, withdrawing abruptly, he soon 

 returned, and with the arms and robe which were his own in other days. 

 J " Warriors,' resumed the spy : ' you wondered at my mishap, and 

 lamented my hard lot when last we visited the Crowman's country ; — you 

 wondered at the condition of one among the recent slain, and asked for a 

 reason; — and, doubtless, you wonder still more that I now stand before 



* This is a common game with the mountain Indians. It is commenced by one of the 

 players who encloses a gravel-slone or a huUel in the curve of his two hands by pla- 

 cing the palms together, then, after sundry tosls and evolutions, suddenly parting 

 them. If" the opposing parly is shrewd enough to guess in which liand the stone in 

 retained, he wins; if not not, he losses. Lartje amounts are often wagered u}kj!i tli« 

 result of this play. 



