BOURGEOIS - Toronto Public Library

THE MISSISSOURI INDIANS 361
the Arriquira Indian, of the sentence of the chiefs and the inability
of the Mandan Indians to do it justice, at the same time
insinuating a wish that he should favor them with his services
on the occasion. He understood their drift and replied: "Is it
" true that the Mandans have not courage enough in their tribe
" to manage a bad (log, and must my handsbe ever stained with
" the blood of their enemies! But since the safety of my friellds
" the Mandans depends upon the strength of my arm and the
" boldness of my heart, this bad dog shall not see another (lay".
At this, he started from his seat., laid hold of his battle axe an d
desired two of his young men to follow him.
Arrived at the Mandan village, he immediately entered the
tent of the Arriquira Indian; they talked familial'ly together
until the accused, perceiving the evening approach, got up and
sai.d it was time for him to look out for his horses.
The Enasa got up also and accompanied him, attended by his
two young men, to the outside of the village, where there was a
remarkably large stone. "Look here! comrade ", said the Chief,
"I dreamed last night that this stone was stained with yOUl'
"blood, and my dream must b:; fulfilled tllis evening. Go,
" however, go for your horses and pass here on your return; do
. " not.disappoint me, you know I can always fitltl you, even in
" the center of your own nation". "If I should not pass here
" this evening with my horses", said the Ardquira " It will not
"be through the apprehension of danger from YOLL, my frien(1 ",
and he went his way. Tht" Chief itlsLructed his young men,
and each took his station. When the Arl'iquira Indiatl, on his
return, came to the fatal slone, lhe Chief gave the signal and
the young men shot the guilty Indian thl'ough the heart. The
body was left to the wolves. Tile Great Chief returned home
loaded with presents and praise.