46 FROM FORT KEARNY TO FORT LARAMIE. 



image of despair, — very quiet, but tlie expression of his countenance 

 showing that he had made up his mind that he must die. To add 

 to his despondence, a young man from the next lodge had just been 

 carried out and buried. The doctor examined him closely, and 

 then requested the interpreter to tell him that the worst was past, 

 and that, with care and attention, he would soon entirely recover. 

 Never did I behold any thing like the change which, in an instant, 

 came over the expressive countenance of this poor savage. His 

 face flushed, the fire came into his eyes, and a radiant smile of 

 confidence and hope, which was beautiful to behold, broke through 

 the previous gloom. He raised his eyes, till now sternly fixed 

 upon the ground, gently smote his hands together, turned his head 

 toward his squaw, who w^as standing behind him, and in a low and 

 silvery tone communicated to her the joyful news. It was to him 

 a perfect resurrection from the dead ; for he seemed now to enter- 

 tain no doubt of his recovery, but received the assurance of the 

 doctor as if it had been the fiat of fate. It was a moving sight, 

 and although we could not understand a single word that passed, 

 the whole scene was perfectly intelligible. After administering to 

 all who stood in need, a quantity of medicine was left with Mr. 

 Bissonette, with the necessary directions. 



The whole village was much revived by this visit from the 

 ''medicine-man," and expressed much thankfulness, and a strong 

 desire that he should remain among them. As this was obviously 

 impossible, we continued our journey, accompanied for several 

 miles by the people of both villages. The whole scene was unique 

 in the highest degree. The road was strewn for miles with the 

 most motley assemblage I ever beheld, each lodge moving oif from 

 the village as soon as its inhabitants were ready, without waiting 

 for the others. The means of transportation were horses, mules, 

 and dogs. Four or five lodge-poles are fastened on each side of 

 the animal, the ends of which trail on the ground behind, like the 

 shafts of a truck or dray. On these, behind the horse, is fastened a 

 light framework, the outside of which consists of a strong hoop bent 

 into an oval form, and interlaced with a sort of network of rawhide. 

 Most of these are surmounted by a light wicker canopy, very like 

 our covers for children's wagons, except that it extends the whole 

 length, and is open only at one side. Over the canopy is spread 

 a blanket, shawl, or buffalo-robe, so as to form a protection from 

 the sun or rain. Upon this light but strong trellice-work, they 

 place the lighter articles, such as clothing, robes, &c., and then. 



