354 TEAVEL, ADVENTURE, AND SPORT. 



almost without breaking their ranks, they swam their 

 steeds across. Meanwhile the pirate stood upon the 

 shore, watching their approach with the most uncon- 

 trolled fury depicted on his countenance. 



"Had we but ten good marksmen," muttered he to 

 the lieutenant. 



" Pardon, capitaine, they are not Oconees, but 

 those devils of Comanches. I made their acquaint- 

 ance in my Mexican campaigns." 



The little squadron had now reached the creek. 

 Swinging their legs over their horses, they sprang 

 upon shore, drew the animals after them, and again 

 flung themselves upon their backs with a swiftness 

 and dexterity that recalled the fable of the centaur. 

 The foremost of the strangers had arrived within a 

 few paces of the Oconees, who, with the Miko at 

 their head, were assembled in front of the council- 

 house, when the circle opened, and Tokeah stepped 

 forward, his hand outstretched. 



" The great chief of the mighty Comanches, and of 

 the Pawnees of the Toyask, is welcome," said he, 

 gravely. 



The young Indian, to whom these words were 

 addressed halted and listened attentively, and with 

 head reverently bowed, to the greeting. When the 

 old chief had spoken, he sprang from his horse and 

 advanced towards him, his right hand extended. 

 Coming close up to Tokeah, he again bowed himself, 

 took the Miko's hand, and placed it upon his own 



