He changed his plans, accordingly, and
withdrew from the bank, as has been already explained through the
mouth of the trapper, in order to invite the more numerous host of the
Siouxes to cross. The challenge was not accepted, and the Loups were
compelled to frame some other method to attain their end.
Instead of any longer throwing away the precious moments, in fruitless
endeavours to induce his foe to cross the stream, the young partisan
of the Pawnees led his troops, at a swift gallop, along its margin, in
quest of some favourable spot, where by a sudden push he might throw
his own band without loss to the opposite shore. The instant his
object was discovered, each mounted Teton received a footman behind
him, and Mahtoree was still enabled to concentrate his whole force
against the effort. Perceiving that his design was anticipated, and
unwilling to blow his horses by a race that would disqualify them for
service, even after they had succeeded in outstripping the more
heavily-burdened cattle of the Siouxes, Hard-Heart drew up, and came
to a dead halt on the very margin of the water-course.
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