"Tell them to say to their chiefs that we will hold a council to-morrow morning, near the villages."
On the way up, Reuben Fields, who had been hunting, horseback, returned afoot and signalled to be taken aboard. He said that some Indians had stolen his horse while he was dressing an elk.
"Oui," chirped Drouillard. "Dose Tetons haf bad hearts. We best look sharp or dey take scalps, too."
"We mustn't let them have the idea they can plunder us," spoke Captain Lewis, reddening. "This leaves us without horses."
"Aren't those several Indians, on the bank ahead?" presently queried Captain Clark.
Captain Lewis peered through his spy-glass.
"Five of them. We'll stop and hail them, and hear what they have to say."
"Do you think they're the fellows who stole your horse, Fields?" asked Captain Clark.
"I can't tell, sir," answered Reuben. "I had only a glimpse of the thieves, and these Injuns mainly look alike, sir, till you get to know 'em."
The five Indians on the bank stolidly waited, while the barge hove to, opposite.
"Are they Tetons, Drouillard?" inquired Captain Lewis.
"Oui," nodded Drouillard. "Dey Tetons. Eh, Cruzatte?"
"Mais, oui," confirmed One-eyed Cruzatte. "Beeg rascals."
