a scalp remaining to carry
off as a trophy; besides which, a large portion of the property
contained in the tent had been destroyed. There was still enough,
however, to be looked upon as a valuable prize by the red-skins, and I
accordingly begged them to appropriate it. This they, without any show
of reluctance, did, and immediately set to work to hollow out a large
hole under the snow where they might bury it. How thankful I felt that
my hand had refrained from slaughtering those poor wretches when they
lay in my power.

As I considered the subject, I had no doubt of the cause of the
catastrophe. After the savages had consumed the cask of spirits they
had fallen on the barrel of gunpowder, probably hoping that it might
contain more of their favourite fire-water. They were very likely
smoking at the time, and perhaps all bending round the cask in their
eagerness to get some of its contents. A spark from one of their pipes
must in an instant have finished their business. I cannot say that I
indulged in any sentimental grief at what had occurred. It was
vexatious to lose so many things which might have been of use, but the
most serious loss was that of the gunpowder. Fortunately, however, I
had a good supply, which would last for some time. I never was addicted
to burning gunpowder uselessly.

The warriors proposed to await the arrival of the rest of the party
where we were, but I entreated them to return to meet their friends. I
pointed out to them that perhaps other bands of Pawnees might be moving
about--probably, as I found was the case, suffering from hunger; and
that first their wives and those with them, and then we ourselves, might
be overpowered. John Pipestick translated what I said, and finally they
were persuaded to follow my advice. They laughed very much when I
proposed to bury the remains of the dead men, and replied that it would
be just as well to let the wolves perform that office, which in the
course of another night they certainly would do. They found quite
enough labour, indeed, in concealing the remains of my property. After
they had dug the hole they deposited all the articles within, and then
built up a pile of logs over it, which even an inquisitive bear would
have had some difficulty in pulling to pieces.

My chief anxiety was now about Obed. I got the Ottoes to describe to me
exactly the position of their village, about a hundred miles to the
south-east of where we then were.