Go, a Dahcotah is generous."
The singular coolness, with which the Teton concluded this audacious
proposal, confounded even the practised trapper. He stared after the
retiring form of the Indian, with an astonishment he did not care to
conceal, nor did he renew his attempt at interpretation. until the
person of Mahtoree was blended with the cluster of warriors, who had
so long, and with so characteristic patience, awaited his return.
"The Teton chief has spoken very plainly," the old man continued; "he
will not give you the lady, to whom the Lord in heaven knows you have
no claim, unless it be such as the wolf has to the lamb. He will not
give you the child, you call your niece; and therein I acknowledge
that I am far from certain he has the same justice on his side.
Moreover, neighbour squatter, he flatly denies your demand for me,
miserable and worthless as I am; nor do I think he has been unwise in
so doing, seeing that I should have many reasons against journeying
far in your company. But he makes you an offer, which it is right and
convenient you should know.
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