for the war-path. Soon comes the
desired dream or prophecy or vision to favor their departure.

Our young men presently received their sign, and for a few days all was
hurry and excitement. On the appointed morning we heard the songs of the
warriors and the wailing of the women, by which they bade adieu to
each other, and the eligible braves, headed by an experienced man--old
Hotanka or Loud-Voiced Raven--set out for the Gros Ventre country.

Our older heads, to be sure, had expressed some disapproval of the
undertaking, for the country in which we were roaming was not our own,
and we were likely at any time to be taken to task by its rightful
owners. The plain truth of the matter was that we were intruders. Hence
the more thoughtful among us preferred to be at home, and to achieve
what renown they could get by defending their homes and families. The
young men, however, were so eager for action and excitement that they
must needs go off in search of it.

From the early morning when these braves left us, led by the old
war-priest, Loud-Voiced Raven, the anxious mothers, sisters and
sweethearts counted the days. Old Smoky Day would occasionally get up
early in the morning, and sing a "strong-heart" song for his absent
grandson. I still seem to hear the hoarse, cracked voice of the ancient
singer as it resounded among the woods. For a long time our roving
community enjoyed unbroken peace, and we were spared any trouble or
disturbance. Our hunters often brought in a deer or elk or bear for
fresh meat. The beautiful lakes furnished us with fish and wild-fowl
for variety. Their placid waters, as the autumn advanced, reflected the
variegated colors of the changing foliage.

It is my recollection that we were at this time encamped in the vicinity
of the "Turtle Mountain's Heart." It is to the highest cone-shaped peak
that the Indians aptly give this appellation. Our camping-ground for two
months was within a short distance of the peak, and the men made it a
point to often send one of their number to the top. It was understood
between them and the war party that we were to remain near this spot;
and on their return trip the latter were to give the "smoke sign," which
we would answer from the top of the hill.

One day, as we were camping on the shore of a large lake with several
islands, signs of moose were discovered, and the men went off to them on
rafts, carrying their flint-lock guns in anticipation of finding two or
thr