on expressed a desire that he should become an
interpreter of his words into the English language; "speak, my young men
listen. Now, captain, and you too, friend bee-hunter, prepare yourselves
to meet the deviltries of this savage, with the stout hearts of white
warriors. If you find yourselves giving way under his threats, just turn
your eyes on that noble-looking Pawnee, whose time is measured with a
hand as niggardly, as that with which a trader in the towns gives
forth the fruits of the Lord, inch by inch, in order to satisfy
his covetousness. A single look at the boy will set you both up in
resolution."

"My brother has turned his eyes on the wrong path," interrupted
Mahtoree, with a complacency that betrayed how unwilling he was to
offend his intended interpreter.

"The Dahcotah will speak to my young men?"

"After he has sung in the ear of the flower of the Pale-faces."

"The Lord forgive the desperate villain!" exclaimed the old man in
English. "There are none so tender, or so young, or so innocent, as to
escape his ravenous wishes. But hard words and cold looks will profit
nothing; therefore it will be wise to speak him fair. Let Mahtoree open
his mouth."

"Would my father cry out, that the women and children should hear the
wisdom of chiefs! We will go into the lodge and whisper."

As the Teton ended, he pointed significantly towards a tent, vividly
emblazoned with the history of one of his own boldest and most commended
exploits, and which stood a little apart from the rest, as if to denote
it was the residence of some privileged individual of the band. The
shield and quiver at its entrance were richer than common, and the high
distinction of a fusee, attested the importance of its proprietor. In
every other particular it was rather distinguished by signs of poverty
than of wealth. The domestic utensils were fewer in number and simpler
in their forms, than those to be seen about the openings of the meanest
lodges, nor was there a single one of those high-prized articles of
civilised life, which were occasionally bought of the traders, in
bargains that bore so hard on the ignorant natives. All these had been
bestowed, as they had been acquired, by the generous chief, on his
subordinates, to purchase an influence that might render him the master
of their lives and persons; a species of wealth that was certainly more
noble in itself, and far dearer to his ambition.

The old man well knew this to be the l