Here is _pinole_, and a little broiled goat's flesh. I am sorry I
did not bring some of the wild sheep. It is most excellent; but in my
haste I did not think of it. Bread I cannot give you: we never have it
here."

"I have been accustomed to ruder fare than this," said I, accepting the
proffered viands, and without further ceremony, seating myself to
discuss them.

There was an interval of silence, during which I continued eating. Once
or twice, my hostess went out, returning again to see if anything was
wanted. The warlike preparations going on outside appeared greatly to
interest her; and I thought she regarded them with impatience, or as if
anxious about the event.

Who or what was the object of this solicitude? Wa-ka-ra? In what
relationship stood she to the chief? A captive she could scarcely be:
else would she not have been permitted to stray so far from the
encampment? His wife? The separate tent, as also the style used by the
Utah in addressing her, negatived the idea. What then? I longed to
hear the history of this wild huntress; but the opportunity had not yet
arrived.

"Ah!" said she, returning once more within the tent, "I fear they will
be too late. The red post is only just now erected; and the war-dance
may last for an hour. It is a useless ceremony--only a superstition.
The chief himself does not believe in it; but his braves will not go to
battle without performing it. Hark! they are commencing the chaunt!"

I caught the low monotone of many voices, gradually rising and swelling
into a prolonged chorus. At intervals, one was heard speaking in solo:
as if proclaiming some distinguished deed, to incite the warriors to
emulation. Then followed a clangour of yells, and loud whoops,
breathing menace and revenge.

"It is the war-song that accompanies their dance," added she. "You may
rest till it is finished. Then you must be ready: they will ride off as
soon as the ceremony is over."

She flung herself on one of the buffalo-robes that covered the floor of
the tent; and half seated, half reclining, appeared to reflect. The
attitude displayed a feminine form of magnificent outlines; and with a
face dazzlingly beautiful, this singular woman presented a picture
something more than attractive.

"Wa-ka-ra must love her?" thought I.

As I made this reflection, I again observed the melancholy expression
upon her countenance; and once more the resemblance to her of whom I was
thinkin