Our camp-equipage and other articles were all safely disposed of, and nothing conducive to our pleasure or comfort was left unattended to. During our entire stay, we were beset with invitations to feasts which were prepared expressly for us by these hospitable villagers, who appeared displeased whenever we declined their acceptance.
The old chief brought forward his little grandson to shake hands with us — remarking, that he would teach his children like himself to love the Americans.
A small sack filled with papers was then laid before me for perusal. They consisted of recommendations, speaking in very flattering terms of the bearer, Red Eagle, and belauding his kindness and liberality. Most willingly would I have complied with his request, and made "the paper talk" for him, but the means were not at hand.
The kind-hearted old man presented us each a pair of moccasins and urged our stay till the next morning, —adding: "Some of my men are bad, and my heart is sick for them. Should you go before sleep, they might follow and rob you. When the morrow's sun has newly risen above the prairie, they will have left their foot-prints in the homeward trail, and my white brothers may pass unmolested. But, if you will not rest beneath the shade of the Red Eagle, wait till the day-king is low, then ride fast till the night is old, and thus may you avoid the evil ones who would injure you."
This advice seemed so reasonable, we consented to remain till late in the afternoon, when, driving up our animals, we made preparations to start.
Every article belonging to us was faithfully returned by the old man, who ordered for us a present of buffalo meat. Several large pieces were accordingly brought by different individuals, of excellent quality, and in quantity more than we could well carry.
This was all a free gift, —no one even hinted at a compensation. Where will you find among civilized man generosity and hospitality equal to this?
Willing to reward such exemplary conduct, we presented the liberal donors with a small supply of sugar, coffee, and tobacco; and, to our host, we gave a knife and some other trifling articles, all of which he received with evident gratification.
Bidding the noble chieftain adieu, we pursued our course in accordance with his direction, —travelling nearly all night.
Early the next morning we struck the Platte, and, in the afternoon, reached the point at which myself and others had abandoned our boats.
On visiting the cache made at that time, not a thing remained;—it had been robbed by the Pawnees, in all probability, as the island was covered with the tracks of men and horses. But what afforded still more conclusive evidence, was the site of a recent Pawnee encampment within some four hundred yards of the place.
The next morning brought us to the buffalo range, and our fare was one of continued feasting from that onward.
Three days subsequently we came to the forks of the Platte, and continued up the south branch, with the design of proceeding to New Mexico by way of Fort Lancaster.
