He will never see a Pawnee become a Sioux!" There was a suddenness, and yet a calmness in the manner of delivering this decision, which assured most of the auditors that it was unalterable.

The heart of Le Balafre, however, was yearning towards the youth, and the fondness of age was not so readily repulsed.

Reproving the burst of admiration and triumph, to which the boldness of the declaration, and the freshened hopes of revenge had given rise, by turning his gleaming eye around the band, the veteran again addressed his adopted child, as if his purpose was not to be denied.
"It is well," he said; "such are the words a brave should use, that the warriors may see his heart.

The day has been when the voice of Le Balafre was loudest among the lodges of the Konzas.

But the root of a white hair is wisdom.