100 THE BED MOUNTAIN OF ALASXA. 
river was reached in due time, and the raft swung heavily 
round in the swift current. All were occupied in keeping 
it clear of the rocks, when a loud exclamation from Lok- 
lok caused them to look up from their work. The chief 
was standing at his full height, his blanket drawn around 
his shoulders, and an expression of patriotic pride on his 
wrinkled face, as he majestically pointed ahead. 
A glance showed the reason for this sudden change in 
Loklok's demeanor. On the right bank of the river, about 
an eighth of a mile below them, a long line of Indians 
was drawn up, with faces turned eagerly toward the raft. 
Others ran wildly up and down the shore, gesticulating 
and screaming frantically. Mr. Button involuntarily 
tightened his grasp upon his rifle, while the boys clustered 
in the bows of the raft to gaze at the strange scene. 
Loklok alone was unmoved, save by pride in the array 
before him. A rope was now carried ashore, and every 
Ayan rushed for it, including women and children, pull- 
ing away until the raft grounded with a bump. 
The moment it was made fast, the line of Indians com- 
menced a low, monotonous noise, which was evidently 
intended for singing. At the same time they placed their 
arms akimbo, and swayed from side to side in a kind of 
dance, their long hair swinging to and fro. 
At a word from The Bear " the dance ceased, and 
the travellers were conducted — all save Joe and Jim, 
who absolutely refused to leave the raft — to the clump 
of eight or ten houses which composed the village. 
