I knew, however, it was probable there were some great chiefs among that company; and I marked especially two, one with long white hair, and a tall, slender, rather young fellow, having two wide streaks of yellow down either cheek.
The Indians sat motionless, gazing intently at us; and I swept the entire dark circle of scowling faces, vainly endeavoring to find one hopeful glance, one friendly eye.

Open hatred, undisguised distrust, implacable enmity, were stamped on every feature.

Whatever our plea might be, I felt convinced that the chiefs were here only to carry out their own purposes and make mock of every offering of peace.
After several moments of this painful silence, the chief with the long white hair deliberately lighted a large pipe drawn from his belt.

It was curiously and grotesquely fashioned, the huge bowl carved to resemble the head of a bear.

He drew from the stem a single thick volume of smoke, breathed it out into the air, and solemnly passed the pipe to the warrior seated upon his right.