Here the arms were all examined and put in order.

The swivel and howitzers were then loaded with powder and discharged, to let the savages know by the report how formidably they were provided.

The noise echoed along the shores of the river, and must have startled the warriors who were only accustomed to sharp reports of rifles.

The same pieces were then loaded with as many bullets as they would probably bear; after which the whole party embarked, and pulled across the river.

The Indians remained watching them in silence, their painted forms and visages glaring in the sun, and their feathers fluttering in the breeze.