n the
case; but in a savage state, men from their childhood are trained up
to peril. They may lie down to slumber on their couches of skins, but
their weapons are near at hand; and though it be the midnight hour
when an attack is made on them, and though, awakened by the confusion,
they hear nothing but the war-cry of their enemy, they spring to their
feet, seize their arms, and rush on to meet their foes. It was thus
with the Blackfoot braves. Hand to hand, and foot to foot, they met
their assailants; brave was opposed to brave; and the horrid clash of
the war-club and the murderous death-grapple succeeded each other.
Even if I could describe the horrors of such a scene, it would not be
right to do so. As I was gazing on the conflict, I suddenly received a
blow that struck me bleeding to the ground. You may see the scar on my
temple still. The confusion was at its height, or else my scalp would
have been taken.

_Brian._ How did you get away?

_Hunter._ Stunned as I was, I recovered my senses before a retreat
took place, and was just able to effect my escape. The Crows
slaughtered many of their enemies; but the Blackfoot warriors and
braves were at last too strong for them. Then was heard the shrill
whistle that sounded a retreat. With a dozen scalps in their
possession, the Crows sought the shelter of the forest, and afterwards
regained their own village.

_Austin._ Are the Crow tribe or the Blackfoot tribe the strongest?

_Hunter._ The Crow Indians, as I told you, are taller and more elegant
men than the Blackfeet; but the latter have broader chests and
shoulders. The Blackfeet, some think, take their name from the
circumstance of their wearing black, or very dark brown leggings and
mocassins. Whether, as a people, the Crows or the Blackfeet are the
strongest, there is a diversity of opinion. The Blackfeet are almost
always at war with the Crows.

_Austin._ What battling there must be among them!

_Hunter._ Their war-parties are very numerous, and their encampments
are very large: and, whether seen in the day, in the midst of their
lodges; or at night, wrapped in their robes, with their arms in their
hands, ready to leap up if attacked by an enemy; they form a striking
spectacle. Sometimes, in a night encampment, a false alarm takes
place. A prowling bear, or a stray horse, is taken for a foe; and
sometimes a real alarm is occasioned by spies crawling on their hands
and knees up to their very encampment to as