Middleton, jealous of his own consideration no less than of the
authority of his government, suspected some undue influence on the part
of the agents of the Canadas; and, as he was determined to maintain
the authority of which he was the representative, he felt himself
constrained to manifest a hauteur, that he was far from feeling. It was
not so easy to penetrate the motives of the Pawnees. Calm, dignified,
and yet far from repulsive, they set an example of courtesy, blended
with reserve, that many a diplomatist of the most polished court might
have strove in vain to imitate.

In this manner the two parties continued their course to the town.
Middleton had time, during the remainder of the ride, to revolve in his
mind, all the probable reasons which his ingenuity could suggest
for this strange reception. Although he was accompanied by a regular
interpreter, the chiefs made their salutations in a manner that
dispensed with his services. Twenty times the Captain turned his glance
on his former friend, endeavouring to read the expression of his rigid
features. But every effort and all conjectures proved equally futile.
The eye of Hard-Heart was fixed, composed, and a little anxious; but
as to every other emotion, impenetrable. He neither spoke himself, nor
seemed willing to invite discourse in his visiters; it was therefore
necessary for Middleton to adopt the patient manners of his companions,
and to await the issue for the explanation.

When they entered the town, its inhabitants were seen collected in an
open space, where they were arranged with the customary deference to age
and rank. The whole formed a large circle, in the centre of which, were
perhaps a dozen of the principal chiefs. Hard-Heart waved his hand as he
approached, and, as the mass of bodies opened, he rode through, followed
by his companions. Here they dismounted; and as the beasts were led
apart, the strangers found themselves environed by a thousand, grave,
composed, but solicitous faces.

Middleton gazed about him, in growing concern, for no cry, no song, no
shout welcomed him among a people, from whom he had so lately parted
with regret. His uneasiness, not to say apprehensions, was shared by all
his followers. Determination and stern resolution began to assume the
place of anxiety in every eye, as each man silently felt for his arms,
and assured himself, that his several weapons were in a state for
service. But there was no answering symptom of h