were on the road, our hunters killed five buffalo, more than 3oo antelope, and some deer, bighorn and elk. Our rustic tables were abundantly supplied each day, and our good savages never ceased to do honor to the fare.
As we went, we passed by the tombs of two braves, killed in the war and placed on scaffolds. My band halted an instant to pay them homage, smoke the calumet and sing in memory of their illustrious companions. To fight like a brave and die covered with wounds is to them the Ne plus ultra of glory. Here are their words: " Thou hast pre
ceded us to the land of souls. To-day at thy tomb we admire
thy lofty deeds. Thy death has been avenged by thy brothers in arms. Repose in peace, illustrious warrior! " Women's melodious voices, mingling with the lugubrious tones of the men, rendered the funeral chant really imposing. If time permits, I will speak later in detail of their
manners and customs when traveling. I have taken pleasure in making notes upon this subject during my long horseback ride.
June 9th. After six days' journey, having found no trace of the hostile camps, we sent out four scouts from our escort - Le Soliveau, Red Cloud, Little Dog and Sitting Crow - to beat up the country in search of the enemy. We had agreed upon a direction to be followed and upon camp
ing places for several days in advance. Each of them was
bearer of a small charge of tobacco. I should mention that sending tobacco is the same thing as a formal invitation, or the announcement of a desire to meet to confer upon important affairs. If the tobacco is accepted, it is a sure sign that you will be admitted among them; if on the contrary it is refused, you may understand that all communication is forbidden, and govern yourself accordingly.
June 16th. We were camped at the sources of the Beaver river, a tributary of the Little Missouri' of the Grosventres.
5 Now the only stream called by this name. In Father De Smet's time the Teton or Bad river, which enters the Missouri at Fort Pierre, was also called Little Missouri.