spot named by the Blackfoot to make any
mistake, and he went directly to it. A few rods beyond the rocks where
Mul-tal-la and Deerfoot had caught sight of each other after their long
separation was a comparatively clear and level space that covered a
fourth of an acre or less. A glance showed it to be an ideal spot for a
meeting such as was at hand.

Deerfoot looked hastily around for Taggarak. He was not in sight. In
truth, the Shawanoe was considerably ahead of time, and the chief was
not a moment late when, after awhile, he strode into view from the
other side of the arena.

This famous chieftain has already been described. No one could look
upon him without a certain admiration, and it was easy to believe the
many stories of his prowess. He was spare of frame, nearly six feet
tall, and his mien and manner showed perfect fearlessness. He wore no
head dress, his abundant hair, in which there was not the first
streaking of gray, falling loosely over his shoulders, almost to his
waist. The upper part of his body was encased in a shirt of deerskin,
and the buckskin breeches were fringed down the legs. Deerfoot noticed
that he had on a new pair of moccasins, stained several bright colors.
He must have thought the occasion warranted something in the nature of
display. There was no skirt to the jacket-like garment, the thighs
being inclosed with the buckskin which formed the leggings, after the
manner of the modern style of trousers. The handle of his knife--the
weapon that many a time had done frightful work--could be seen
protruding from the girdle that encircled his waist.

With a dignified step the chief strode forward until within a dozen
paces of Deerfoot, when he paused and scowled at him.

Following his policy of tantalism, Deerfoot made a mock bow and said:

"Blackfoot, the Shawanoe is glad to see you come at last. But why does
the Blackfoot tremble when he finds himself in front of a warrior
instead of a squaw who knows not how to fight?"

The chief had never been addressed in this audacious fashion, and his
eyes seemed to scintillate from under his scowling brows. Could it be
he heard aright?

"When the Shawanoe learned that the Blackfoot who calls himself chief
and pretends to be a brave man wished to meet him in fight by this
rock, the heart of the Shawanoe was glad and he hurried to come; but
the Blackfoot is backward. He hoped the Shawanoe would not come, but he
is here and eager to fight him."

And