All at once there was a fearful foreboding; they remembered why they were there, and they determined to venture near enough to find out what was the nature of the object on which the rays of the sun seemed to rest as if to attract their notice.
A few more steps and they were relieved from their terrible suspense, but their worst fears were realized.
The Dahcotahs recently killed had been skinned by the Chippeways, while their bodies were yet warm with life, and the skins were stretched upon poles; while on separate poles the hands were placed, with one finger of each hand pointing to the Dahcotah country.

The savages were in a fearful rage.

They had to endure a twofold insult.
There were the bodies of their friends, treated as if they were but beasts, and evidently put there to be seen by the Dahcotahs.

And besides, the hands pointing to the country of the Dahcotahs--did it not plainly say to the spies, go back to your country and say to your warriors, that the Chippeways despise them, that they are not worthy to be treated as men?
The spies returned as cautiously as they had ventured near the fatal spot, and it was not until they were out of reach of danger from their foes, that they gave vent to their indignation.

Then their smothered rage burst forth.