Volume 1

INOPPORTUNE ARRIVAL OF ASSINIBOINES. 385
tent to tent. But the numerous women of our party had
overstocked the market, and many were obliged to keep
half what they had brought, for want of buyers.
Just as the sun was going down, a number of Schians,
Big Bellies, Mandanes, and others suddenly mounted on
horseback, armed cap a pie, and rushed toward the
rivulet
N. of the encampment. There a large group soon collected,
some on foot, others on horseback, and showed by their
actions there was some misunderstanding which threatened
hostilities. Everything was now in commotion and
confusion—the men arming and saddling their horses ;
the
women of our party collecting their horses and preparing
for immediate departure, without any of the howling and
bawling which is so common amongst them when danger
threatens. Everyone exerted herself in sullen silence,
though dismay was painted on every face ; and in a few
moments all were ready to start, should matters appear
more alarming. Le Borgne's wives advised us to saddle
also, and keep ourselves ready to move, in case of necessity.
We accordingly did so, and stood awaiting the event of an
affair which we suspected would end in a fight.
After remaining thus in suspense for some time, we were
informed that the uproar proceeded from the presence of 12
Assiniboines, who, having arrived at the village just after
we had left, and learned that the Big Bellies and Mandanes
were more numerous than the Schians and Sioux, had followed
our tracks to this camp. The Schians were fully
determined to kill them, as these people are inveterate enemies.
But as they came upon our road, and in a manner
under the protection of our party, the latter were resolved
to defend them, let the consequences be what they would.
Le Borgne was one of the first to be informed of their
approach and,
; suspecting what might happen, he instantly
ran out to meet them with his battle-ax in his hand. He
took the chief, old Crane, by the hand, telling him that he
might advance into the camp without fear of danger. The
Schians soon surrounded them, and wished to strike