opposite shore told the humbled Tetons the whole
extent of the triumph of their adversaries.

CHAPTER XXIX

If that shepherd be not in hand-fast, let him fly; the curses he
shall have, the tortures he shall feel, will break the back of
man, the heart of monster.
--Shakspeare.

It will readily be seen that the event just related was attended by an
extraordinary sensation among the Siouxes. In leading the hunters of
the band back to the encampment, their chief had neglected none of the
customary precautions of Indian prudence, in order that his trail might
escape the eyes of his enemies. It would seem, however, that the Pawnees
had not only made the dangerous discovery, but had managed with great
art to draw nigh the place, by the only side on which it was thought
unnecessary to guard the approaches with the usual line of sentinels.
The latter, who were scattered along the different little eminences,
which lay in the rear of the lodges, were among the last to be apprized
of the danger.

In such a crisis there was little time for deliberation. It was by
exhibiting the force of his character in scenes of similar difficulty,
that Mahtoree had obtained and strengthened his ascendency among his
people, nor did he seem likely to lose it by the manifestation of any
indecision on the present occasion. In the midst of the screams of the
young, the shrieks of the women, and the wild howlings of the crones,
which were sufficient of themselves to have created a chaos in the
thoughts of one less accustomed to act in emergencies, he promptly
asserted his authority, issuing his orders with the coolness of a
veteran.

While the warriors were arming, the boys were despatched to the bottom
for the horses. The tents were hastily struck by the women, and disposed
of on such of the beasts are were not deemed fit to be trusted in
combat. The infants were cast upon the backs of their mothers, and those
children, who were of a size to march, were driven to the rear, like a
herd of less reasoning animals. Though these several movements were made
amid outcries, and a clamour, that likened the place to another Babel,
they were executed with incredible alacrity and intelligence.

In the mean time, Mahtoree neglected no duty that belonged to his
responsible station. From the elevation, on which he stood, he could
command a perfect view of the force and evolutions of the hostile
p