of a good many of the words spoken by
Taggarak, who, of course, knew nothing of English.

"My sons have come a long way from the land of the rising sun. Why did
they leave their friends to make so long a journey?"

"We loved Mul-tal-la, and wished to look upon the great and good
chieftain Taggarak, of whom Mul-tal-la said many words of praise."

This reply was made by Victor, and was duly filtrated through the
interpreter, who was pleased with the words so flattering to himself.
It must be admitted that when Victor tried his hand he showed himself a
promising student of diplomacy.

George thought it well to add his answer:

"Hunters told us of the great land that lay toward the setting sun, and
we longed to look upon it, as Mul-tal-la and his friend longed to look
upon the country where we make our home."

"When do my sons go back to their dwelling place?"

"The snows will be deep in the mountains for many moons; the palefaces
will perish if they try to labor through them. They will wait till the
sun melts the snows, and the buds come on the trees and the singing of
the birds trembles in the air. They will be glad to do this if the
great Taggarak is not displeased to have them stay among his people."

This had the sound of a hint for an invitation. Being such, however, it
failed of its purpose, for the chieftain ignored it. Perhaps he did not
think it worth the trouble to tell the youths they were welcome; that
was to be assumed from the hospitality already shown them.

"Taggarak has heard of a wonderful warrior who came from the land of
the rising sun. Where is he?"

"He has a horse that he loved, which was lost, and he is searching for
him."

"There are many horses among the Blackfeet; he could have one of them."

"But there is none like the black stallion of Deerfoot."

"Where did the warrior get him!"

"The stallion was the leader of a drove of wild horses. Deerfoot sought
him out and conquered him without saddle or bridle or the help of
anyone."

This statement seemed so incredible that Mul-tal-la felt it necessary
to add his own statement that the words of the pale-faced lad were
true, for he had seen the exploit of the Shawanoe with his own eyes.
Even then it is to be feared the chieftain refused to believe the
story.

"Are all the Shawanoes like this warrior!"

"There is none like him," was the reply of Victor Shelton, whose full
answer was faithfully translated to Chief Taggarak. "The Shaw