To the former the look, though stern,
was not threatening, while it seemed to tell the latter all the
hazards they incurred, in daring to brave the resentment of one so
powerful.
Still, in the midst of so much hauteur and confidence, the sagacity
and cunning of the Teton did not desert him. When he had thrown the
gauntlet, as it were, to the whole tribe, and sufficiently asserted
his claim to superiority, his mien became more affable and his eye
less angry. Then it was that he raised his voice, in the midst of a
death-like stillness, varying its tones to suit the changing character
of his images, and of his eloquence.
"What is a Sioux?" the chief sagaciously began; "he is ruler of the
prairies, and master of its beasts. The fishes in the 'river of
troubled waters' know him, and come at his call. He is a fox in
counsel; an eagle in sight; a grizzly bear in combat. A Dahcotah is a
man!" After waiting for the low murmur of approbation, which followed
this flattering portrait of his people, to subside, the Teton
continued--"What is a Pawnee? A thief, who only steals from women; a
Red-skin, who is not brave; a hunter, that begs for his venison.
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