corners by upright poles, the rock serving as the remaining
support. The fire was always kindled against the base of this mass of
stone, an opening just above serving as an outlet for the smoke.

When the visitors arrived Taggarak was alone, seated at one side of the
large apartment, with a small fire burning in its usual place. His
royal consort and two children were excluded from the conference.

The war chief was about forty years of age, and his face showed him to
be a man of exceptional ability and mental strength. It was easy to
understand the iron will with which he ruled the turbulent and warlike
Blackfeet. He had thrown aside his blanket and sat in a close-fitting
shirt of deerskin, with girdle at the waist, and with leggings and
moccasins.

Taggarak was not a handsome Indian, but he was of striking mien. His
long black hair, without ornament of any kind, dangled about his
shoulders; his mouth was broad; his nose well formed; his eyes black
and piercing, rather small, and seemed to glitter with fire from under
his eyebrows. His cheek-bones were prominent, the chin square and firm,
and the expression of the countenance stern to the last degree.
Wrinkles already showed in his low, wide forehead and at the corners of
his eyes. There were two scars on one cheek, and his arms and body, had
they been uncovered, would have revealed many more, for Taggarak was a
mighty warrior, who had beaten down many foes in single combat, and had
eagerly risked his life in resisting the desperate raids made against
his tribe, or in pushing invasions among others of his own race. Unlike
many of his own people, he never was vain enough to wear the
scalp-lock, nor did he disfigure his face with paint. When he went upon
the warpath his enemies speedily found it out, without any such
childish notices.

Mul-tal-la led the way into the imperial wigwam, the brothers closely
following. The three respectfully saluted the chief, who looked keenly
at them as they entered, and, without returning their greeting, pointed
to a pile of furs on the farther side of the lodge, where the callers
seated themselves, removed their caps, and awaited the pleasure of the
great man.

[Illustration: An Ominous Interview.]

You will be better pleased with a free translation of the conversation,
remembering that Mul-tal-la acted as the mouthpiece of the chief and
the boys, though the latter had picked up enough knowledge of the
tongue to catch the meaning