understand something having reference to the mountains beyond, for he
pointed repeatedly towards them.

"It seems to me that he would have us understand," said Tom, "that the
road lies before us, and the sooner we take ourselves off the better."

Ned shook his head. "I don't think that likely; he seems rather to wish
us to remain; more than once he has pointed to his tent, and beckoned us
to enter."

"Perhaps the old fellow wants us to become members of his tribe,"
suggested Tom. "Evidently he cannot lead his braves on the war-path as
he was wont to do, and he wishes to make you chief in his room. What
think you? Shall we remain? The blue coat would suit you admirably."

During this colloquy the old savage looked from one speaker to another
with great eagerness, as if trying to comprehend what they said, then,
renewing his gesticulations, he succeeded at last in convincing the
travellers that he wished them not to pursue their journey any further,
in the direction in which they were going. This was a request with
which they did not, however, feel disposed to comply; but seeing that he
was particularly anxious that they should accept of his hospitality,
they dismounted, and, fastening their horses to a tree close beside the
opening of the chief's hut, they entered.

The inside of this curious bee-hive of a dwelling was dirty and dark,
besides being half-full of smoke, created by the pipe of a squaw--the
old man's wife--who regaled herself there with the soothing weed. There
were several dogs there also, and two particularly small infants in
wooden cradles, who were tied up like mummies, and did nothing but stare
right before them into space.

"What's that?" inquired Tom, pointing to a basketful of smoking water.

"It looks like a basket," replied Ned.

"It _is_ a basket," remarked Tom, examining the article in question,
"and, as I live, superb soup in it."

"Tom," said Ned Sinton, solemnly, "have a care; if it is soup, depend
upon it, dogs or rats form the basis of its composition."

"Ned," said Tom, with equal solemnity, "eat, and ask no questions."

Tom followed his own advice by accepting a dish of soup, with a large
lump of meat in it, which was at that moment offered to him by the old
chief who also urged Ned Sinton to partake; but he declined, and,
lighting his pipe, proceeded to enjoy a smoke, at the same time handing
the old man a plug of tobacco, which he accepted promptly, and began to
use f