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 father. I should like your answer." And he sat down.

Chief Charakterik dropped his buffalo-robe from his shoulders, to stand and speak.

"We hear your words," he said. "We thank you for the presents. We wish to ask where you are going from here?"

"We are going on, to explore the country and to smoke peace with the Ietans," replied Chief Pike.

"We knew that you were coming," spoke White Wolf. "The Spanish chief who was here said that you were coming. He said that the Americans were a small nation but greedy, and that soon they would stretch out even to the Pawnee, and claim the country. Now we see how truly the Spanish chief saw ahead, for here you are. We do not wish you to go on. We turned the Spanish back, until they should come again to live with us. We will turn you back. It is impossible for you to go on. You are few and you do not know the country. The Padoucah (Comanches) are many and powerful. They are our enemies and the friends of the Spanish and will kill you all. You must go back by the road that you came on."

The young Chief Mungo-Meri Pike stood up straighter still, and answered with ringing voice.

"I have been sent out by our great father to