Thus precarious is the supply of food among the Red-men, who on one day are starving, and the next are revelling in superabundance.
But to return to our story.

At one end of this village the creek sprang over a ledge of rock in a low cascade and opened out into a beautiful lake, the bosom of which was studded with small islands.
Here were thousands of those smaller species of wild water-fowl which were either too brave or too foolish to be scared away by the noise of the camp.

And here, too, dozens of children were sporting on the beach, or paddling about in their light bark canoes.
"Isn't it strange," remarked Dick to Henri, as they passed among the tents towards the centre of the village--"isn't it strange that them Injuns should be so fond o' fightin', when they've got all they can want--a fine country, lots o' buffalo, an', as far as I can see, happy homes ?" "Oui, it is remarkaibel, vraiment.

Bot dey do more love war to peace.
Dey loves to be excit-ed, I s'pose." "Humph! One would think the hunt we seed a little agone would be excitement enough.

But, I say, that must he the chiefs tent, by the look o't." Dick was right.