At This There Was A Grin On Every Countenance In The
Rapacious Crowd; Their Eyes Began To Glitter, And Long Thin Arms Were
Eagerly Stretched Toward Us On All Sides To Receive The Gifts.
The Arapahoes set great value upon their shields, which they transmit
carefully from father to son.
I wished to get one of them; and
displaying a large piece of scarlet cloth, together with some tobacco
and a knife, I offered them to any one who would bring me what I
wanted. After some delay a tolerable shield was produced. They were
very anxious to know what we meant to do with it, and Henry told them
that we were going to fight their enemies, the Pawnees. This
instantly produced a visible impression in our favor, which was
increased by the distribution of the presents. Among these was a
large paper of awls, a gift appropriate to the women; and as we were
anxious to see the beauties of the Arapahoe village Henry requested
that they might be called to receive them. A warrior gave a shout as
if he were calling a pack of dogs together. The squaws, young and
old, hags of eighty and girls of sixteen, came running with screams
and laughter out of the lodges; and as the men gave way for them they
gathered round us and stretched out their arms, grinning with
delight, their native ugliness considerably enhanced by the
excitement of the moment.
Mounting our horses, which during the whole interview we had held
close to us, we prepared to leave the Arapahoes.
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