Mahtoree had drawn his person many yards from the spot, in his slow
progress towards the cluster of objects which pointed out the centre
of the position, before he again stopped. He made another pause, and
looked back at the solitary little dwelling he had left, as if
doubtful whether he should not return. But the chevaux-de-frise of
branches now lay within reach of his arm, and the very appearance of
precaution it presented, as it announced the value of the effects it
encircled, tempted his cupidity, and induced him to proceed.
The passage of the savage, through the tender and brittle limbs of the
cotton-wood, could be likened only to the sinuous and noiseless
winding of the reptiles which he imitated. When he had effected his
object, and had taken an instant to become acquainted with the nature
of the localities within the enclosure, the Teton used the precaution
to open a way through which he might make a swift retreat. Then
raising himself on his feet, he stalked through the encampment, like
the master of evil, seeking whom and what he should first devote to
his fell purposes.
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