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Monsieur Violet by Frederick Marryat
page 65 of 491 (13%)
the coming of the white men, on the shores of the Buona Ventura? They
had no country of their own, for one part of it had been taken by the
Black-feet, and the other by the Arrapahoes and the Shoshones. Then the
Crows were like doves hunted by the hawks of the mountains. They would
lie concealed in deep fissures of the earth, and never stir but during
night, so afraid were they of encountering a Shoshone. But the white men
assembled the Shoshones around their settlements, and taught them to
remain at peace with their neighbours. They had been so for four years;
the Crows had had time to build other wigwams. Why did they act like
wolves, biting their benefactors, instead of showing to them their
gratitude?"

The Prince, though an old man, had much mettle in him, especially when
his blood was up. He had become a Shoshone in all except ferocity; he
heartily despised the rascally Crows. As to the chief, he firmly grasped
the handle of his tomahawk, so much did he feel the bitter taunts of his
captive. Suddenly, a rustling was heard, then the sharp report of a
rifle, and one of the Crows, leaping high in the air, fell down
a corpse.

"The chief hath spoken too loud," said the Prince; "I hear the step of a
Shoshone; the Crows had better run away to the mountains, or their flesh
will fatten the dogs of our village."

An expression of rage and deep hatred shot across the features of the
chief, but he stood motionless, as did all his men, trying to catch the
sounds, to ascertain in which direction they should fly from the danger.

"Fear has turned the Crows into stones," resumed the Prince, "what has
become of their light feet? I see the Shoshones."
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