The incident, however, created a confusion in
the whole of the Dahcotah band, who appeared to await the intention of
their leader, before they renewed their efforts to reach the shore. In
the mean time the vessel of skin had reached the land, and the
fugitives were once more united on the margin of the river.
The savages were now swimming about in indecision, as a flock of
pigeons is often seen to hover in confusion after receiving a heavy
discharge into its leading column, apparently hesitating on the risk
of storming a bank so formidably defended. The well-known precaution
of Indian warfare prevailed, and Mahtoree, admonished by his recent
adventure, led his warriors back to the shore from which they had
come, in order to relieve their beasts, which were already becoming
unruly.
"Now mount you, with the tender ones, and ride for yonder hillock,"
said the trapper; "beyond it, you will find another stream, into which
you must enter, and turning to the sun, follow its bed for a mile,
until you reach a high and sandy plain; there will I meet you.
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