ion. The party of Indians was a small one, and no chief of any
importance was attached to it. Suffice it to say that the pacific
overtures made by Joe were well received, the trifling gifts made
thereafter were still better received, and they separated with mutual
expressions of good will.

Several other bands which were afterwards met with were equally
friendly, and only one war-party was seen. Joe's quick eye observed it
in time to enable them to retire unseen behind the shelter of some
trees, where they remained until the Indian warriors were out of sight.

The next party they met with, however, were more difficult to manage,
and, unfortunately, blood was shed on both sides before our travellers
escaped.

It was at the close of a beautiful day that a war-party of Blackfeet
were seen riding along a ridge on the horizon. It chanced that the
prairie at this place was almost destitute of trees or shrubs large
enough to conceal the horses. By dashing down the grassy wave into the
hollow between the two undulations, and dismounting, Joe hoped to elude
the savages, so he gave the word,--but at the same moment a shout from
the Indians told that they were discovered.

"Look sharp, lads, throw down the packs on the highest point of the
ridge," cried Joe, undoing the lashings, seizing one of the bales of
goods, and hurrying to the top of the undulation with it; "we must keep
them at arm's length, boys--be alive. War-parties are not to be
trusted."

Dick and Henri seconded Joe's efforts so ably, that in the course of two
minutes the horses were unloaded, the packs piled in the form of a wall
in front of a broken piece of ground, the horses picketted close beside
them, and our three travellers peeping over the edge, with their rifles
cocked, while the savages--about thirty in number--came sweeping down
towards them.

"I'll try to git them to palaver," said Joe Blunt, "but keep yer eye on
'em, Dick, an' if they behave ill, shoot the _horse_ o' the leadin'
chief. I'll throw up my left hand as a signal. Mind, lad, don't hit
human flesh till my second signal is given, and see that Henri don't
draw till I git back to ye."

So saying, Joe sprang lightly over the slight parapet of their little
fortress, and ran swiftly out, unarmed, towards the Indians. In a few
seconds he was close up with them, and in another moment was surrounded.
At first the savages brandished their spears and rode round the
solitary man, yelling