d, would have thought it only some
wandering deer or antelope. But the Indians, glancing at the moving
object, have already recognized it as a horseman coming straight
toward the camp.

Some messenger it is, doubtless, from the Bannocks. Once the whole
camp would have rushed to arms at the approach of a rider from that
direction, for the two tribes had been at bitter enmity; but of late
the peace-pipe has been smoked between them, and the old feud is at an
end. Still, the sight arouses considerable curiosity and much
speculation as to the object of the visitor.

He is a good rider, his horse is fleet, and in less time than would
have been thought possible reaches the camp. He gallops up, stops near
the lodges that are farthest out, and springs lightly to the ground.
He does not go on into the camp, but stands beside his horse till
advances are made on the other side.

The dogs bark at him; his steed, a fiery black, tosses its head and
paws the ground; he stands beside it immovably, and to all appearance
is ready so to stand till sunset. Some of the warriors recognize him
as one of the bravest of the Bannocks. He looks like a daring,
resolute man, yet wary and self-contained.

After a while one of the Cayuse warriors (for this was a camp of the
Cayuses) advanced toward him, and a grave salutation was exchanged.
Then the Bannock said that he wanted to see the Cayuse chief,
Snoqualmie, in the council-lodge, for the chief of the Bannocks had
sent a "talk" to the Cayuses.

The warrior left him to speak with Snoqualmie. In a short time he
returned, saying that the chief and the warriors had gone to the
council-lodge and were ready to hear the "talk" that their brother,
the chief of the Bannocks, had sent them. The messenger tied his horse
by its lariat, or long hair-rope, to a bush, and followed the brave to
the lodge.

It was a large wigwam in the centre of the village. A crowd of old
men, women, and children had already gathered around the door. Within,
on one side of the room, sat in three rows a semi-circle of braves,
facing the chief, who sat on the opposite side. Near the door was a
clear space where the messenger was to stand while speaking.

He entered, and the doorway behind him was immediately blocked up by
the motley crowd excluded from the interior. Not a warrior in the
council looked at him; even the chief, Snoqualmie, did not turn his
head. The messenger advanced a few paces into the room, stopped, and