d in, and weapons are examined and
repaired. The chief, arrayed in full dress, leads on his band. They
march with silence and rapidity, and encamp with great caution,
appointing sentinels in every necessary direction. Thus, lurking,
skulking and marching, they reach the place of their destination.
Another war council is held, to decide on the mode of attack; and
then, with rifles, war-clubs, scalping-knives and bows and poisoned
arrows, they fall upon their unsuspecting foes.

_Brian._ It is very sad to fight with such weapons as poisoned arrows.

_Hunter._ It is sad to fight with any kind of weapons; but, when once
anger enters the heart, and the desire to shed blood is called forth,
no mode is thought too cruel that will assist in obtaining a victory.
The continual warfare that is carried on between Indian tribes must be
afflictive to every humane and Christian spirit. None but the God of
peace can destroy the love of war in the hearts of either red or white
men.

Indians fight in a way very different from civilized people; for they
depend more on cunning, stratagem and surprise, than on skill and
courage. Almost all their attacks are made under cover of night, or
when least expected. A war-party will frequently go a great distance,
to fall upon a village or an encampment on a quarter most accessible.
To effect their object, they will hide for any length of time in the
forest, sleep in the long grass, lurk in the ravine, and skulk at
nightfall around the place to be attacked.

_Austin._ Did you ever go out with the Indians to fight?

_Hunter._ Yes. For some time I was treated very hospitably among the
Crows, near the Rocky Mountains; and as they had determined to go on
one of their war-parties, which I could not prevent, I resolved to go
along with them, to watch their way of proceeding.

_Austin._ Do tell us all about it.

_Hunter._ It was a thoughtless and foolish affair, when I was young
and rash; but I wished to be a spectator of all their customs. It was,
as I said, one of those foolish undertakings into which the ardour of
my disposition led me, and for which I was very near paying the price
of my life. A council was held, wherein it was decided to send a
strong war-party on foot to surprise a Blackfoot village. Every
stratagem had been used to lull the enemy into security.

_Brian._ Ay; that is just like the Indians.

_Hunter._ The red pipe was sent through the tribe, for the warriors to
smoke with i