Anxious to ascertain such facts as might have an influence on his future movements, the old man determined to invite him to a renewal of their conference.
He therefore made a gesture expressive at the same time of his wish to resume the interrupted discourse, and of his own pacific intentions.

The quick eye of the stranger was not slow to note the action, but it was not until a sufficient time had passed to allow him to debate the prudence of the measure in his own mind, that he seemed willing to trust himself again, so near a party that was so much superior to himself in physical power, and consequently one that was able, at any instant, to command his life, or control his personal liberty.

When he did approach nigh enough to converse with facility, it was with a singular mixture of haughtiness and of distrust.
"It is far to the village of the Loups," he said, stretching his arm in a direction contrary to that in which, the trapper well knew, the tribe dwelt, "and the road is crooked.

What has the Big-knife to say ?" "Ay, crooked enough!" muttered the old man in English, "if you are to set out on your journey by that path, but not half so winding as the cunning of an Indian's mind.

Say, my brother; do the chiefs of the Pawnees love to see strange faces in their lodges ?" The young warrior bent his body gracefully, though but slightly, over the saddle-bow, as he replied-- "When have my people forgotten to give food to the stranger ?" "If I lead my daughters to the doors of the Loups, will the women take them by the hand; and will the warriors smoke with my young men ?" "The country of the Pale-faces is behind them.