The effect of such a spectacle was instantaneous and powerful. The man
in front of the emigrants came to a stand, and remained gazing at the
mysterious object, with a dull interest, that soon quickened into
superstitious awe. His sons, so soon as the first emotions of surprise
had a little abated, drew slowly around him, and, as they who governed
the teams gradually followed their example, the whole party was soon
condensed in one, silent, and wondering group. Notwithstanding the
impression of a supernatural agency was very general among the
travellers, the ticking of gun-locks was heard, and one or two of the
bolder youths cast their rifles forward, in readiness for service.

"Send the boys off to the right," exclaimed the resolute wife and
mother, in a sharp, dissonant voice; "I warrant me, Asa, or Abner will
give some account of the creature!"

"It may be well enough, to try the rifle," muttered a dull looking
man, whose features, both in outline and expression, bore no small
resemblance to the first speaker, and who loosened the stock of his
piece and brought it dexterously to the front, while delivering this
opinion; "the Pawnee Loups are said to be hunting by hundreds in the
plains; if so, they'll never miss a single man from their tribe."

"Stay!" exclaimed a soft toned, but alarmed female voice, which was
easily to be traced to the trembling lips of the younger of the two
women; "we are not altogether; it may be a friend!"

"Who is scouting, now?" demanded the father, scanning, at the same
time, the cluster of his stout sons, with a displeased and sullen eye.
"Put by the piece, put by the piece;" he continued, diverting the
other's aim, with the finger of a giant, and with the air of one it