od them, and in whom they had produced the
strongest emotions, happened to be a Shawano himself--one of that very
tribe to which both the Prophet and Tecumseh belonged; and which is now
but a remnant--most of its warlike sons being either dead, or scattered
among the nomad bands that roam over the great western prairies. Such,
then, was the history of the red calumet, which had proved the protector
of our adventurous hunters.

In a short time they were enabled to communicate with the Indians by
signs; for no people can understand such language better than Indians.
The boys informed the Shawano who they were, and for what purpose they
had ventured upon the prairies. On learning the nature of their
expedition, the Indians were filled with astonishment as well as
admiration for the courage of these young hunters. They told the
latter, in return, that they themselves were out hunting the buffaloes--
that they were now on the skirts of the great herd, and they believed
that one or two _white_ buffaloes had been seen. Furthermore, they
added, that if the boys would remain, and hunt for a few days in company
with them, no pains should be spared to kill or capture one of these
animals, which should be placed at the disposal of their young guests.
Of course, this invitation was cheerfully accepted.

I might narrate many more adventures that befell our _Boy Hunters_; but
I fear, young reader, you are already tired of the prairies. Suffice
it, then, to say, that after some days spent in hunting with the
Indians, a _white buffalo_ was at length killed, his skin taken off in
the proper manner, and, after being saturated with a _preserving_
ointment, which Lucien had brought along with him, was carefully packed
upon the back of the mule Jeanette. Our adventurers now bade farewell
to their Indian friends, and set out on their return homewards. They
were accompanied to the confines of Louisiana by the Shawano and several
other Indians, who there took leave of them. In due time they safely
reached the old house at Point Coupee; where I need not tell you they
met with a joyous and affectionate welcome, both from their father and
the _ex-chasseur_, Hugot. The old naturalist had gained what he wished
for, and was as happy as man could be. He was prouder than ever of his
_boy-men_--his "young Nimrods," as he now called them--and on many a
winter's night by the cheerful log-fire, did he take pleasure in
listening to the story of t