The route of the party led them at no great distance from one of those
watchful youths, who was charged with a trust heavy as the principal
wealth of his tribe. He heard the trampling of the horses, and cast
his eye aside, but instead of manifesting curiosity or alarm, his look
instantly returned whence it had been withdrawn, to the spot where the
village was known to stand.
"There is something remarkable in all this," muttered Middleton, half
offended at what he conceived to be not only a slight to his rank, but
offensive to himself, personally; "yonder boy has heard of our
approach, or he would not fail to notify his tribe; and yet he
scarcely deigns to favour us with a glance. Look to your arms, men; it
may be necessary to let these savages feel our strength."
"Therein, Captain, I think you're in an error," returned Paul, "if
honesty is to be met on the prairies at all, you will find it in our
old friend Hard-Heart; neither is an Indian to be judged of by the
rules of a white. See! we are not altogether slighted, for here comes
a party at last to meet us, though it is a little pitiful as to show
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