d_," answered the Indian, looking the half-breed
straight in the face. "If so, those who heard must know what I said."

"Nay, they did indeed hear, but they did not understand, for they know
not your language; but they know the language of signs, and, by the
looks and gestures of the warriors, they guessed what was said and
planned."

"Is it likely," asked the Indian in a low voice, "that Okematan would
return to your camp alone, and put himself in your power, if an attack
was intended?"

"True, true," returned Dechamp with a hearty air; "and, to say truth, I
myself did not--do not--believe you false. If you tell me the truth,
Okematan, and give me your word that this report is a mistaken one, I
will believe you and trust you."

The Indian seemed pleased with the assurance thus heartily given, but
still maintained his dignified gravity, as he said--

"Okematan _always_ tells the truth. He had hoped that the folly of some
young braves of his tribe should never have been known to any one; but
since it has been found out, he will tell all he knows to his pale-faced
brother."

Hereupon he related all that had transpired at the council of war, and
the final success of his own speech, with that of the old warrior, in
producing a peaceful solution.

"But are you sure they will follow your advice?" asked Dechamp.

"Yes, Okematan is quite sure."

"Well, then, as I said, I will trust you," returned Dechamp, extending
his hand, which the Indian gravely grasped; "and I will give you
undeniable proof, by giving my young men orders to start after the
buffalo at once--without further delay."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.

THE BUFFALO-HUNT.

In accordance with the assurance given to Okematan Antoine Dechamp at
once gave orders to make preparation for an immediate start after the
buffalo--much to the satisfaction of the hunters, especially the young
ones.

Buffaloes--or, to speak more correctly, bisons--roamed over the North
American prairies at the time we write of in countless thousands; for
the Indians, although extremely wasteful of animal life, could not keep
their numbers down, and the aggressive white-man, with his deadly gun
and rifle, had only just begun to depopulate the plains. Therefore the
hunters had not to travel far before coming up with their quarry.

In a very brief space of time they were all drawn up in line under
command of their chosen leader, who, at least up to the moment of giving
the signal for