Miller changed countenance as he regarded them.  “We are in trouble,” said he, “these are some of the rascally Arapahays that robbed me last year.”  Not a word was uttered by the rest of the party, but they silently slung their powder horns and ball pouches, and prepared for battle.  M’Lellan, who had taken his gun to pieces the evening before, put it together in all haste.  He proposed that they should break out the clay from between the logs, so as to be able to fire upon the enemy.

“Not yet,” replied Stuart; “it will not do to show fear or distrust; we must first hold a parley.  Some one must go out and meet them as a friend.”

Who was to undertake the task!  It was full of peril, as the envoy might be shot down at the threshold.

“The leader of a party,” said Miller, “always takes the advance.”

“Good!” replied Stuart; “I am ready.”  He immediately went forth; one of the Canadians followed him; the rest of the party remained in the garrison, to keep the savages in check.

Stuart advanced holding his rifle in one hand, and extending the other to the savage that appeared to be the chief.  The latter stepped forward and took it; his men followed his example, and all shook hands with Stuart, in token of friendship.  They now explained their errand.  They were a war party of Arapahay braves.  Their village lay on a stream several days’ journey to the eastward.  It had been attacked and ravaged during their absence, by a band of Crows, who had carried off several of their women, and most of their horses.  They were in quest of vengeance.  For sixteen days they had been tracking the Crows about the mountains, but had not yet come upon them.  In the meantime, they had met with scarcely any game, and were half famished.  About two days previously, they had heard the report of fire-arms among the mountains, and on searching in the direction of the sound, had come to a place where a deer had been killed.  They had immediately put themselves upon the track of the hunters, and by following it up, had arrived at the cabin.

Mr. Stuart now invited the chief and another, who appeared to be his lieutenant, into the hut, but made signs that no one else was to enter.  The rest halted at the door; others came straggling up, until the whole party, to the number of twenty-three, were gathered before the hut.  They were armed with bows and arrows, tomahawks and scalping knives, and some few with guns.  All were painted and dressed for war, and had a wild and fierce appearance.  Mr. Miller recognized among them some of the very fellows who had robbed him in the preceding year; and put his comrades upon their guard.  Every man stood ready to resist the first act of hostility; the savages, however, conducted themselves peaceably, and showed none of that swaggering arrogance which a war party is apt to assume.