In an instant his gun was leveled and his hand upon the lock.

The Indian drew his bow still further, but forbore to launch the shaft.

Mr.Bradbury, with admirable presence of mind, reflected that the savage, if hostile in his intents, would have shot him without giving him a chance of defense; he paused, therefore, and held out his hand.
The other took it in sign of friendship, and demanded in the Osage language whether he was a Big Knife, or American.

He answered in the affirmative, and inquired whether the other were a Sioux.

To his great relief he found that he was a Ponca.