It might be deemed the omen of defeat. In this
dilemma he motioned to a superannuated warrior, to whom he had
confided the charge of the non-combatants, and leading him apart, he
placed a finger significantly on his shoulder, as he said, in a tone,
in which authority was tempered by confidence--
"When my young men are striking the Pawnees, give the women knives.
Enough; my father is very old; he does not want to hear wisdom from a
boy."
The grim old savage returned a look of ferocious assent, and then the
mind of the chief appeared to be at rest on this important subject.
From that moment he bestowed all his care on the achievement of his
revenge, and the maintenance of his martial character. Throwing
himself on his horse, he made a sign, with the air of a prince to his
followers, to imitate his example, interrupting, without ceremony, the
war songs and solemn rites by which many among them were stimulating
their spirits to deeds of daring. When all were in order, the whole
moved with great steadiness and silence towards the margin of the
river.
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