CHAPTER XVII.
THE STAFF OF LIFE.
Lifting the blind over the entrance, Ambrose dived inside the teepee, Simon Grampierre at his heels.

In the center a small fire burned on the ground, and behind it sat five dark-skinned figures in a semicircle.
Not one of the five faces changed a muscle at their entrance.

The principal man with a grave inclination of the head, waved them a blanket which had been placed for them opposite him.
It was like an old-time Indian council, but the picturesqueness was a good deal spoiled by the gingham shirts they wore, and the ill-fitting coats and trousers from the store.
Moreover, the red men's pipes, instead of the graceful calumets were English briars with showy silver bands.

The bowl of Watusk's pipe, of which he appeared to be inordinately proud, was roughly carved into the likeness of a death's head.
Watusk was an extraordinary figure.

Ambrose was reminded of a quack doctor in poor circumstances.