In a few seconds he was close up with them, and in another moment was surrounded.

At first the savages brandished their spears and rode round the solitary man, yelling like fiends, as if they wished to intimidate him; but as Joe stood like a statue, with his arms crossed, and a grave expression of contempt on his countenance, they quickly desisted, and, drawing near, asked him where he came from, and what he was doing there.
Joe's story was soon told; but instead of replying, they began to shout vociferously, and evidently meant mischief.
"If the Blackfeet are afraid to speak to the Pale-face, he will go back to his braves," said Joe, passing suddenly between two of the warriors and taking a few steps towards the camp.
Instantly every bow was bent, and it seemed as if our bold hunter were about to be pierced by a score of arrows, when he turned round and cried,--"The Blackfeet must not advance a single step.

The first that moves his _horse_ shall die.

The second that moves _himself_ shall die." To this the Blackfeet chief replied scornfully, "The Pale-face talks with a big mouth.

We do not believe his words.