The squatter, who was in truth
slowly retiring, instantly halted his party, and showed a willing
front. Instead, however, of coming within reach of the dangerous aim
of the western rifle, the subtle savages kept wheeling about the
strangers, until they had made a half circuit, keeping the latter in
constant expectation of an assault. Then, perfectly secure of their
object, the Tetons raised a loud shout, and darted across the prairie
in a line for the distant rock, with the directness and nearly with
the velocity of the arrow, that has just been shot from its bow.
CHAPTER XXI
Dally not with the gods, but get thee gone.
--Shakspeare.
Mahtoree had scarcely given the first intimation of his real design,
before a general discharge from the borderers proved how well they
understood it. The distance, and the rapidity of the flight, however,
rendered the fire harmless. As a proof how little he regarded the
hostility of their party, the Dahcotah chieftain answered the report
with a yell; and, flourishing his carabine above his head, he made a
circuit on the plain, followed by his chosen warriors, in scorn of the
impotent attempt of his enemies.
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