e wonder what there could be in a simple pipe-head,
to have caused all this sudden and mysterious effect. I will tell you
in as few words as possible.

You have no doubt heard of the celebrated Shawano chief Tecumseh--
perhaps the greatest Indian warrior that ever lived, as well as the most
remarkable of Indian statesmen. You may have heard, too, that during
the last war between England and the United States, Tecumseh, taking
advantage of the difference between these nations, endeavoured to excite
the Indians to a general rising, for the purpose of driving all white
men from the soil of America. Tecumseh had a brother, Elswatawa, better
known by the name of "the Prophet." This brother was to the full as
enthusiastic as the chief himself in the wish to carry out their great
design; and for this purpose he undertook a crusade to every tribe of
Indians in the western parts of America. He was a man of great talents
and eloquence, and was received with friendship wherever he went. The
cause which he advocated was dear to all Indians; and of course he was
listened to, and smoked the _calumet_ with the men of every tribe. Now
this very calumet, which had been used by the Prophet throughout all his
wanderings, was the identical one which Basil carried, and which, by its
strange carvings and hieroglyphics, was at once recognised by these
Indians, who were of the Osage tribe,--one of those which the Prophet
had visited.

But you will ask, how this calumet came into the possession of Basil's
father, and why its possession insured such mysterious protection to our
adventurers. That I can also explain. Tecumseh was killed in the war
with the Americans; but the Prophet lived for many years afterwards.
Shortly after having emigrated to America, during one of his excursions
near Saint Louis, the Colonel--the father of our boy hunters--met with
this strange Indian; and, through some circumstances which happened, the
Frenchman and he became fast friends. Presents were exchanged between
them, and that which was received by the latter was the _red calumet_.
The Prophet, on giving it, told the Colonel, that if ever he should have
occasion to wander among the Indian tribes, it might prove useful to
him; and at the same time initiated him into certain signs which he was
to make use of in such time of need. In these signs the Colonel had
instructed Basil, and we have already witnessed their effect. The
Indian who had best understo