Rocky Mountains. 22? 



thought proper to give no reason for this severe punishment, 

 it seemed to be the result of caprice. 



One inferior but distinguished chief called Little Bozv, at 

 length opposed his power. This man was a warrior of high 

 renown, and so popular in the nation, that it was remarked 

 of him, that he enjoyed the confidence and best wishes of 

 the people, whilst his rival reigned in terror. Such an op- 

 ponent could not be brooked, and the Black Bird endeavour- 

 ed to destroy him. 



On one occasion the Little Bow returned to his lodge, af- 

 ter the absence of a few days on an • excursion. His wife 

 placed before him his accustomed food; but the wariness of 

 the Indian character, led him to observe some peculiarity in 

 her behaviour, which assured him that all was not right; he 

 questioned her concerning the food she had set before him, 

 and the appearance of her countenance, and her replies, so 

 much increased his suspicions, that he compelled her to eat 

 the contents of the bowl. She then confessed, that the Black 

 Bird had induced her to mingle with the food a portion of 

 his terrible medicine, in order to destroy him. She fell a 

 victim to the machination of the Black Bird, who was thus 

 disappointed of his object. 



With a band of nearly two hundred followers, the Little 

 Bow finally seceded from the nation, and established a sepa- 

 rate village on the Missouri, where they remained until the 

 death of the tyrant. 



On one occasion, the Black Bird seems to have been touched 

 by remorse, or perhaps by penitence, in his career of enormi- 

 ty. One of his squaws having been guilty of some trifling 

 offence, he drew his knife in a paroxysm of rage, and stabbed 

 her to the heart. After viewing her dead body a few mo- 

 ments, he seated himself near it, and covering his face with 

 his robe, he remained immoveable for three days, without 

 taking any nourishment. His people vainly petitioned that 

 he would " have pity on them," and unveil his face ; he was 



