Then, the mysterious office of his priesthood done, he lifted his rifle, tossed the heavy piece lightly to his shoulder, and strode toward me.
I shook the sleeping Oneidas, and, as they sprang to their feet, I pointed out their posts to them, laid my rifle on my sack, and dropped where I stood like a lump of lead.
I was aroused toward nine by the Mohican, and sat up as wide awake as a disturbed tree-cat, instantly ready for trouble.
"An Oneida on the Ouleout," he said.
"Where ?" "Yonder--just across." "Friendly ?" "He has made the sign." "An ambassador ?" "A runner, not a belt-bearer." "Bring him to me." Strung along the banks of the Ouleout, each behind a tree, I saw my Indians crouching, rifles ready.

Then, on the farther bank, at the water's shallow edge, I saw the strange Indian--a tall, spare young fellow, absolutely naked except clout, ankle moccasins, hatchet-girdle, and pouch; and wearing no paint except a white disc on his forehead the size of a shilling.

A single ragged frond hung from his scalp lock.
Answering the signal of the Mohican, he sprang lightly into the stream and crossed the shallow water.

My Oneidas seemed to know him, for they accosted him smilingly, and Tahoontowhee turned and accompanied him back toward the spot where I was standing, naively exhibiting to the stranger his first scalp.

Which seemed to please the dusty and brier-torn runner, for he was all smiles and animation until he caught sight of me.