But he evidently reserved himself for the chiefs, and for
those moments of extreme anguish, when the loftiness of his spirit
might evince itself in a manner better becoming his high and
untarnished reputation.
The eyes of the trapper, followed every movement of the tomahawk, with
the interest of a real father, until at length, unable to command his
indignation, he exclaimed--
"My son has forgotten his cunning. This is a low-minded Indian, and
one easily hurried into folly. I cannot do the thing myself, for my
traditions forbid a dying warrior to revile his persecutors, but the
gifts of a Red-skin are different. Let the Pawnee say the bitter words
and purchase an easy death. I will answer for his success, provided he
speaks before the grave men set their wisdom to back the folly of this
fool."
The savage Sioux, who heard his words without comprehending their
meaning, turned to the speaker and menaced him with death, for his
temerity.
"Ay, work your will," said the unflinching old man; "I am as ready now
as I shall be to-morrow.
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