Volume 1

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RECEPTION BY LE BORGNE HIMSELF. 379
in the rear. Our position was between two heights, much
more elevated than the eminence on which we stood, arid
as our line was of great length, it
extended on both wings
to the very tops of those heights, which overlooked the
camp.
Immediately upon our halting, the Schians and Sioux
left us, and rode full speed down the hill to the camp. I
wished to accompany them, but was prevented by the
Big
Bellies, who would allow no one to leave the ranks. Our
stay here, however, was but short; during that time a
terrible singing and shouting was kept up by our party,
and the horses appeared to join in chorus, making as much
noise as their riders. As Le Borgne's brother and Two
Crows rode off toward the camp, we attempted to leave
the ranks and follow them, but were called back by the
Chief of the Wolves, who desired us to keep our station
the center of the line. But in a few moments orders were
issued for us to file off in small parties toward the camp
and having almost reached it, we were met by a young
man on horseback coming at full speed into our ranks in
search of us. Desiring us to follow him, he wheeled about
and rode off. We were not slow to follow him, being
heartily tired of such ceremonious proceedings. We entered
the camp, and rode on to the further end after our
conductor, who stopped at a large tent, before the
in
door of
which the flag was flying.
Here we were met by Le Borgne himself, who came out
to receive us, and having shaken us very kindly by the
hand, desired us to enter, whilst his women unsaddled
our
horses and took in our baggage. He appeared highly
pleased to see
us, and instantly ordered his women to prepare
something for us to eat, which was soon done, there
being plenty of fresh meat. This man is upward of six feet
high, and stout in proportion, but not in the least inclined
to corpulency ;
he has lost the sight of his right eye, a thick
white coat entirely covering the sight ;
but the penetrating
look from his left eye, the great size of his aquiline nose,