hungry. They therefore encamped in a
rich meadow, by a rippling stream. Two of the Indians returned to their
village. One remained with the strangers. The next morning they went
forward, and were conducted by their Indian companion to the cabin of
the chief. They were received with very unusual courtly etiquette.

About a third of a mile from the village there was a very large
building, which we should call the town house, or the city hall. It was
constructed as the place for the gathering of all their great public
assemblages. The floor was very neatly carpeted with finely woven mats.
A very imposing procession was formed to escort the strangers from the
cabin of the chief to this council house.

First in the procession came all the men of the village, venerable in
character and age. They were richly dressed, in very tasteful
picturesque garments, of softly tanned deer-skin. These robes and
leggins and scarfs were of different colors, of brilliant hue, and were
profusely decorated with fringes and embroidered with shells. They wore
plumes of colored feathers upon their heads, which waved gracefully in
the gentle breeze. In their hands they held javelins, or bows, with
quivers of arrows suspended on their shoulders.

On each side of the ancients, who were twelve in number, there were
files of warriors, as if for their protection. They were all young men
of admirable figure, painted and dressed, and armed as if on the
war-path. The procession being thus formed in front of the chief's
cabin, and the whole population of the village, many hundred in number,
men, women and children, gathered around to witness the spectacle, M.
Joutel and his attendants, led by the chief, were brought out to be
received by the ancients and conducted to the council house.

These venerable men greeted them with much formality. Each one raised
his right hand to his head, and then performed a peculiar series of
bows. They then embraced each one, gently throwing their arms around
the neck. This ceremony was followed by the presentation of the pipe of
friendship, each one taking but a few whiffs.

The cortege advanced to the council house. The guests were seated on
couches in the centre. The ancients, silently and with much dignity of
movement, took seats around them. A large multitude crowded the vacant
spaces. They were feasted with the choicest viands of the Indians,
boiled corn meal, cakes baked in the ashes, and truly delicious steaks
of