Their reliance under heaven, was their tact in managing the savages, and their own goodly rifles and strong arms.

The Sioux were among the latter class, and with them it was destined that the lot of Harvey Richter and his wife should be cast.
The Indian village was reached in the course of a couple of hours.

It was found to be much larger than Richter could have anticipated.

The missionary soon made known his character and wishes.

This secured an audience with the leading chief, when Harvey explained his mission, and asked permission for himself and companions to settle among them.
With the ludicrous dignity so characteristic of his people, the chief deferred his reply until the following day, at which time he gave consent, his manner being such as to indicate that he was rather unwilling than otherwise.
That same afternoon, the missionary collected the dusky children of the forest together and preached to them, as best he could, through the assistance of a rude interpreter.