"
Paul was right in both particulars. A group of horsemen were at length
seen wheeling round a little copse, and advancing across the plain
directly towards them. The advance of this party was slow and
dignified. As it drew nigh, the partisan of the Loups was seen at its
head, followed by a dozen younger warriors of his tribe. They were all
unarmed, nor did they even wear any of those ornaments or feathers,
which are considered testimonials of respect to the guest an Indian
receives, as well as evidence of his own importance.
The meeting was friendly, though a little restrained on both sides.
Middleton, jealous of his own consideration no less than of the
authority of his government, suspected some undue influence on the
part of the agents of the Canadas; and, as he was determined to
maintain the authority of which he was the representative, he felt
himself constrained to manifest a hauteur, that he was far from
feeling. It was not so easy to penetrate the motives of the Pawnees.
Calm, dignified, and yet far from repulsive, they set an example of
courtesy, blended with reserve, that many a diplomatist of the most
polished court might have strove in vain to imitate.
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