s, or "Smellers," by seizing the nose with the thumb and
fore-finger.

The Sioux, or "Cut-throats," by drawing the hand across the throat.

The Pawnees, or "Wolves," by placing a hand on each side of the
forehead, with two fingers pointing to the front, to represent the
narrow, sharp ears of the wolf.

The Crows, by imitating the flapping of the bird's wings with the palms
of the hands.

When Indians meet a party of strangers, and are disposed to be
friendly, the chiefs, after the usual salutations have been exchanged,
generally ride out and accompany the commander of the party some
distance, holding a friendly talk, and, at the same time, indulging
their curiosity by learning the news, etc. Phlegmatic and indifferent
as they appear to be, they are very inquisitive and observing, and, at
the same time, exceedingly circumspect and cautious about disclosing
their own purposes.

They are always desirous of procuring, from whomsoever they meet,
testimonials of their good behavior, which they preserve with great
care, and exhibit upon all occasions to strangers as a guarantee of
future good conduct.

On meeting with a chief of the Southern Comanches in 1849, after going
through the usual ceremony of embracing, and assuring me that he was
the best friend the Americans ever had among the Indians, he exhibited
numerous certificates from the different white men he had met with,
testifying to his friendly disposition. Among these was one that he
desired me to read with special attention, as he said he was of the
opinion that perhaps it might not be so complimentary in its character
as some of the others. It was in these words:

"The bearer of this says he is a Comanche chief, named Senaco;
that he is the biggest Indian and best friend the whites ever
had; in fact, that he is a first-rate fellow; but I believe he
is a d----d rascal, _so look out for him_."

I smiled on reading the paper, and, looking up, found the chief's eyes
intently fixed upon mine with an expression of the most earnest
inquiry. I told him the paper was not as good as it might be, whereupon
he destroyed it.

Five years after this interview I met Senaco again near the same place.
He recognized me at once, and, much to my surprise, pronounced my name
quite distinctly.

A circumstance which happened in my interview with this Indian shows
their character for diplomatic policy.

I was about locating and surveying a reservation of land