that brought them
to the level of the village of the Loups. The sun was beginning to fall,
and a sheet of golden light was spread over the placid plain, lending
to its even surface those glorious tints and hues, that, the human
imagination is apt to conceive, forms the embellishment of still more
imposing scenes. The verdure of the year yet remained, and herds of
horses and mules were grazing peacefully in the vast natural pasture,
under the keeping of vigilant Pawnee boys. Paul pointed out among
them, the well-known form of Asinus, sleek, fat, and luxuriating in the
fulness of content, as he stood with reclining ears and closed eye-lids,
seemingly musing on the exquisite nature of his present indolent
enjoyment.

The route of the party led them at no great distance from one of those
watchful youths, who was charged with a trust heavy as the principal
wealth of his tribe. He heard the trampling of the horses, and cast
his eye aside, but instead of manifesting curiosity or alarm, his look
instantly returned whence it had been withdrawn, to the spot where the
village was known to stand.

"There is something remarkable in all this," muttered Middleton, half
offended at what he conceived to be not only a slight to his rank, but
offensive to himself, personally; "yonder boy has heard of our approach,
or he would not fail to notify his tribe; and yet he scarcely deigns to
favour us with a glance. Look to your arms, men; it may be necessary to
let these savages feel our strength."

"Therein, Captain, I think you're in an error," returned Paul, "if
honesty is to be met on the prairies at all, you will find it in our old
friend Hard-Heart; neither is an Indian to be judged of by the rules of
a white. See! we are not altogether slighted, for here comes a party at
last to meet us, though it is a little pitiful as to show and numbers."

Paul was right in both particulars. A group of horsemen were at length
seen wheeling round a little copse, and advancing across the plain
directly towards them. The advance of this party was slow and dignified.
As it drew nigh, the partisan of the Loups was seen at its head,
followed by a dozen younger warriors of his tribe. They were all
unarmed, nor did they even wear any of those ornaments or feathers,
which are considered testimonials of respect to the guest an Indian
receives, as well as evidence of his own importance.

The meeting was friendly, though a little restrained on both sides.