without trouble over the snow. The Blackfeet had reason to fear
some such demonstration, and they hurried off with such speed that
they were not overtaken until fifty miles from camp.

The situation was a novel one. The Indians had come to a halt and
the horses were grazing on the side of a hill where the wind had
blown away the snow. The Blackfeet had on snowshoes which gave
them an advantage over the trappers. The latter galloped in the
direction of their horses, the moment they caught sight of them. The
Blackfeet fired at the trappers, who returned a scattering volley
but no one was hurt on either side. Then followed skirmishing and
manoeuvering for several minutes, without either party gaining
advantage. Finally the Blackfeet asked for a parley to which the
trappers assented.

In accordance with the usual custom, one of the Indians advanced
to a point midway between the two parties and halted. At the same
time, one of the trappers went forward, the rest of the whites and
red men keeping their distance and watching them.

The Blackfoot opened business by what might be termed an apology
which was no more genuine than many made by his civilized brethren
under somewhat similar circumstances. He expressed great surprise to
learn that the horses belonged to their good friends the trappers.
They had supposed all along that they were the property of the Snake
Indians whom the Blackfeet considered it their duty to despoil on
every suitable occasion.

This glaring misrepresentation did not deceive the man who was
acting as spokesman for his side. By way of reply, he asked that