He would also give a dozen good rifles, a dozen broadcloth blankets, five kegs of fire water, five pounds of powder, two hundred pipes, a barrel of tobacco, a big box full of colored glass beads, and enough earrings and finger rings of the best brass to supply the whole tribe.
“An’ de rigimintals, Massa Cody,” said the watchful Congo, when the other had ended this enumeration of tempting gifts; “put in de rigimintals, for de Injuns t’ink an orful sight of dem.”
Yes, it was well thought of. Two military suits, with epaulets, were added to the list—these also being sketched by Buffalo Bill’s facile pencil—one of them being for the great chief and the other for the great brave, Black Panther.
“An’ one for Bully Boy,” whispered Congo.
No. Buffalo Bill did not wish to make these coveted articles too common, and, but for the fear of offending the chief, he would have offered only one, making it a special prize for Black Panther, whose extensive influence he was especially anxious to secure.
The savages listened with an amazed and puzzled look to this catalogue of treasures, but, much to the disappointment of Buffalo Bill, who watched their countenance closely, they showed no sign of being particularly pleased.
After conversing gruffly, and with seeming anger, in their own language, the chief took up the pictured paper, and said:
“My brother is not wise. These things are not for men—they are for children.”
“No good! No shoot!” added Bulboo.
“Why, Massa Cody,” added Joe, “I’m blamed if dey don’t t’ink it’s de paper horses an’ guns you’se offerin’ dem. Ha! ha! What a pair of ninnyhammers!”