The cause which he advocated was dear to all Indians; and of course he was listened to, and smoked the _calumet_ with the men of every tribe.

Now this very calumet, which had been used by the Prophet throughout all his wanderings, was the identical one which Basil carried, and which, by its strange carvings and hieroglyphics, was at once recognised by these Indians, who were of the Osage tribe,--one of those which the Prophet had visited.
But you will ask, how this calumet came into the possession of Basil's father, and why its possession insured such mysterious protection to our adventurers.

That I can also explain.

Tecumseh was killed in the war with the Americans; but the Prophet lived for many years afterwards.
Shortly after having emigrated to America, during one of his excursions near Saint Louis, the Colonel--the father of our boy hunters--met with this strange Indian; and, through some circumstances which happened, the Frenchman and he became fast friends.

Presents were exchanged between them, and that which was received by the latter was the _red calumet_.
The Prophet, on giving it, told the Colonel, that if ever he should have occasion to wander among the Indian tribes, it might prove useful to him; and at the same time initiated him into certain signs which he was to make use of in such time of need.