when it rested on an Indian village that lay a dozen miles to the
northeast. Adjusting the spyglass he carefully studied the collection
of tepees, which numbered about a hundred, scattered over several
acres. At the rear stretched a forest, and in front flowed a large,
winding stream that eventually found its outlet in some of the
tributaries of the Missouri.

The question with the Shawanoe was whether or not this was the village
he was seeking. Since he had never seen it before, and since it was the
custom of all Indian tribes to locate near running water, he could not
make certain on that point from the description given by Mul-tal-la.

The glass was an excellent one, and through its aid he could discern
the figures of people moving aimlessly hither and thither. He saw two
men enter a canoe, formed from a hollowed log, and paddle to the other
side of the stream, where they stepped out and advanced into a rocky
wood. He thought one of these warriors carried a gun and the other a
bow, but could not assure himself on that point. At the rear of the
village, in a large open space, fully a score of boys and girls were
playing with as much vigor as if they were civilized. They seemed to
have a ball that was knocked to and fro and chased by the happy
contestants, who often tumbled over one another and again were piled up
like so many foot-ball players.

Knowing he might gaze and speculate for hours without gaining any
certain knowledge, Deerfoot was about to lower his instrument when he
observed three horsemen emerging from the settlement and riding in
Indian file toward him. He decided to go forward and meet them, for
they could give the information he was so anxious to obtain.

Within the following hour the Shawanoe, riding Whirlwind, came face to
face with the horsemen, whom he recognized from their dress and general
appearance as Blackfeet. He saluted and addressed them in their own
tongue, causing manifest surprise. They replied to his signs and
expressions of good-will and checked their animals to hear what he had
to say. Let us interpret the conversation with more than usual freedom.

"Do my brothers belong to the Blackfoot tribe of red men?" asked
Deerfoot.

"We are of that tribe," replied the one who acted as leader.

"I come from the Shawanoes, who live a long way toward the rising sun."

"Why does the Shawanoe travel so far from the lodges of his people?"

"I am seeking friends who are with the Blackfeet