certain their strength. On
these occasions the shrill whistle is heard, every man springs up
armed and rushes forth, ready to resist his assailing enemy. I have
seen war-parties among the Crows and Blackfeet, the Mandans and Sioux,
the Shawanees, Poncas, Pawnees and Seminoles. But a Camanchee
war-party, mounted on wild horses, with their shields, bows and
lances, which I once witnessed, was the most imposing spectacle of the
kind I ever saw. The chief was mounted on a beautiful war-horse, wild
as the winds, and yet he appeared to manage him with ease. He was in
full dress, and seemed to have as much fire in his disposition as the
chafed animal on which he rode. In his bridle-hand, he clutched his
bow and several arrows; with his other hand, he wielded his long
lance; while his quiver and shield were slung at his back, and his
rifle across his thigh.

_Austin._ I think I can see him. But what colour was his war-horse?

_Hunter._ Black as a raven; but the white foam lay in thick flakes on
his neck and breast, for his rider at every few paces stuck the sharp
rowels of his Spanish spurs into his sides. He had a long flowing mane
and tail, and his full and fiery eyes seemed ready to start out of his
head. The whole Camanchee band was ready to rush into any danger. At
one time, they were flying over the prairie in single file; and at
another, drawn up all abreast of each other. The Camanchees and the
Osages used to have cruel battles one with another. The Mandans and
the Riccarees, too, were relentless enemies.

_Brian._ And the Sacs and Foxes were great fighters, for Black Hawk
was a famous fellow.

_Hunter._ Yes, he was. But I have never told you, I believe, how the
medicine man, or mystery man, conducts himself when called unto a
wounded warrior.

_Austin._ Not a word of it. Please to tell us every particular.

_Hunter._ In some cases cures are certainly performed; in others, the
wounded get well of themselves: but, in most instances, the mystery
man is a mere juggler.

_Basil._ Now we shall hear of the mystery man.

_Hunter._ The Crow war-party that I had joined brought away two of
their wounded warriors when they retreated from the Blackfoot village,
but there seemed to be no hope of saving their lives. However, a
mystery man was called on to use his skill.

_Austin._ Ay; I want to know how the mystery man cures his patients.

_Hunter._ If ever you should require a doctor, I hope you will have
one more skilf