oned his claim, and threw himself on
another horse, directing one of his young men to furnish a similar
accommodation for the trapper. The warriors who were dismounted, got up
behind as many of their companions. Doctor Battius bestrode Asinus; and,
notwithstanding the brief interruption, in half the time we have taken
to relate it, the whole party was prepared to move.

When he saw that all were ready, Mahtoree gave the signal to advance.
A few of the best mounted of the warriors, the chief himself included,
moved a little in front, and made a threatening demonstration, as if
they intended to attack the strangers. The squatter, who was in truth
slowly retiring, instantly halted his party, and showed a willing front.
Instead, however, of coming within reach of the dangerous aim of the
western rifle, the subtle savages kept wheeling about the strangers,
until they had made a half circuit, keeping the latter in constant
expectation of an assault. Then, perfectly secure of their object, the
Tetons raised a loud shout, and darted across the prairie in a line for
the distant rock, with the directness and nearly with the velocity of
the arrow, that has just been shot from its bow.

CHAPTER XXI

Dally not with the gods, but get thee gone.
--Shakspeare.

Mahtoree had scarcely given the first intimation of his real design,
before a general discharge from the borderers proved how well they
understood it. The distance, and the rapidity of the flight, however,
rendered the fire harmless. As a proof how little he regarded the
hostility of their party, the Dahcotah chieftain answered the report
with a yell; and, flourishing his carabine above his head, he made a
circuit on the plain, followed by his chosen warriors, in scorn of the
impotent attempt of his enemies. As the main body continued the direct
course, this little band of the elite, in returning from its wild
exhibition of savage contempt, took its place in the rear, with a
dexterity and a concert of action that showed the manoeuvre had been
contemplated.

Volley swiftly succeeded volley, until the enraged squatter was
reluctantly compelled to abandon the idea of injuring his enemies by
means so feeble. Relinquishing his fruitless attempt, he commenced a
rapid pursuit, occasionally discharging a rifle in order to give the
alarm to the garrison, which he had prudently left under the command of
the redoub