The whole formed a large circle, in the centre of which,
were perhaps a dozen of the principal chiefs. Hard-Heart waved his
hand as he approached, and, as the mass of bodies opened, he rode
through, followed by his companions. Here they dismounted; and as the
beasts were led apart, the strangers found themselves environed by a
thousand, grave, composed, but solicitous faces.
Middleton gazed about him, in growing concern, for no cry, no song, no
shout welcomed him among a people, from whom he had so lately parted
with regret. His uneasiness, not to say apprehensions, was shared by
all his followers. Determination and stern resolution began to assume
the place of anxiety in every eye, as each man silently felt for his
arms, and assured himself, that his several weapons were in a state
for service. But there was no answering symptom of hostility on the
part of their hosts. Hard-Heart beckoned for Middleton and Paul to
follow, leading the way towards the cluster of forms, that occupied
the centre of the circle.
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