far above their heads. This
completed the wonder and awe of the natives, who again prostrated
themselves, with every symptom of worship, before the boys. These
again raised them, and by signs intimated their intention of
accompanying them.

With lively demonstrations of gladness and welcome, the Indians
turned to go, pointing to the west as the place where their abode
lay.

"We may as well leave our bows and arrows," Ned said. "Their bows
are so immensely superior to ours that it will make us sink in
their estimation, if they see that our workmanship is so inferior
to their own."

The Indians, who were all very tall, splendidly made men, stepped
out so rapidly that the lads had the greatest difficulty in keeping
up with them, and were sometimes obliged to break into a half trot;
seeing which the chief said a word to his followers, and they then
proceeded at a more reasonable rate. It was late in the evening
before they reached the village, which lay in a wooded hollow at
the foot of some lofty hills. The natives gave a loud cry, which at
once brought out the entire population, who ran up and gazed,
astonished at the newcomers. The chief said a few words, when, with
every mark of awe and surprise, all prostrated themselves as the
men had before done.

The village was composed of huts, made of sticks closely
intertwined, and covered with the skins of animals. The chief led
them to a large one, evidently his own, and invited them to enter.
They found that it was also lined with skins, and others were laid
upon the floor. A pile of skin served as a mat and bed. The chief
made signs that he placed this at their disposal, and soon left
them to themselves.

In a short time he again drew aside the skin which hung across the
entrance, and a squaw advanced, evidently in deep terror, bearing
some raw meat. Ned received it graciously, and then said to Tom:

"Now we will light a fire, and astonish them again."

So saying, the boys went outside, picked up a dry stick or two, and
motioned to the Indians who were gathered round that they needed
more. The whole population at once scattered through the grove, and
soon a huge pile of dead wood was collected.

The boys now made a little heap of dried leaves, placed a few
grains of powder in a hollow at the top and, the flint and steel
being put into requisition, the flame soon leaped up, amid a cry of
astonishment and awe from the women and children. Wood was now laid
on, and