254 INDIAN LANGUAGE OP SIGNS. 



although it was then very nearly dark. With a spy-glass, also, 

 they were very much pleased, and through it watched the erection 

 of their lodges with great wonder and interest. A Colt's revolver, 

 when explained to them, excited many remarks, and evidently in- 

 creased their respect for the strength of our little party. 



There was one circumstance, however, that attracted my attention 

 in this interview with these untutored sons of the forest more than 

 any other ; and that was the perfection and precision to which they 

 appear to have reduced a system of purely arbitrary and conven- 

 tional signs, by which, all over this vast region, intercourse, though 

 of a limited character, may be held between tribes who are perfect 

 strangers to each other's tongue. After partaking of such food as 

 could be hastily prepared for them, the principal men seated them- 

 selves on the ground, in a circle around the camp-fire in front of 

 the tent, and the pipe of peace was filled and duly circulated in 

 regular succession. Our esteemed friend and experienced moun- 

 taineer. Major Bridger, who was personally known to many of our 

 visitors, and to all of them by the repute of his numerous exploits, 

 was seated among us. Although intimately acquainted with the 

 languages of the Crows, Blackfeet, and most of the tribes west and 

 north-west of the Rocky Mountain chain, he was unable to speak 

 to either the Sioux or Cheyennes in their own tongue, or that of 

 any tribe which they could understand. Notwithstanding this, he 

 held the whole circle, for more than an hour, perfectly enchained 

 and evidently most deeply interested in a conversation and narra- 

 tive, the whole of which was carried on without the utterance of a 

 single word. The simultaneous exclamations of surprise or interest, 

 and the occasional bursts of hearty laughter, showed that the whole 

 party perfectly understood not only the theme, but the minutiae of 

 the pantomime exhibited before them. I looked on with close at- 

 tention, but the signs to me were for the most part altogether unin- 

 telligible. Upon after inquiry, I found that this language of signs 

 is universally understood by all the tribes. 



At sundown the whole band left for their village ; previous to 

 which, a venerable old Indian traversed the camp, haranguing the 

 young men in an elevated and monotonous tone, the purport of his 

 exhortation being, as I was told, a warning to them not to touch 

 or meddle with any of our property. But the old man's advice was 

 of little avail ; for we ascertained, soon after their departure, that 

 a couple of axes, a blanket, and an excellent rifle had mysteriously 

 disappeared. 



