ingratiating tail, and the boy for loneliness called the sorry creature to him and patted him, at which the dog, surprised as delighted with such uncommon kindness, licked his hand and curled up against his body.
Slowly the sun neared the western slope of the hill and the heat diminished, and David thought of food. The council yet continued and the gathering near by was larger than before, with many squaws standing about the fringe. Finding John, David made known his desire for food, and then seated himself in the shade of the lodge to await the arrival of the old crone. And while he sat there there came a stirring in the village and a youth shouted shrilly, and the cry was taken up by others. Then an Indian drum began to sound, and David, having arisen to look, saw a dozen or more of the younger men stepping about in a wide circle in ridiculous postures while the older men stood by applauding with shouts and gestures. But the women had hurried to their houses, and now David saw them dragging their goods outside the doors. The drum went on monotonously and the boys, prancing and chanting in high voices, formed in line and went weaving in and out between the
