The old Indian made a funny gesture with his open hand. "No more fight," he said, at the same time turning round and striking the ground sharply with his moccasined feet.
Something was so amusing in the old man's expression that George half smiled, and Carter, getting up, brushed the dirt from his knees and elbows.
THE PIPE OF PEACE.
"Let's smoke the 'Pipe of Peace,'" he said.
The old Indian seemed to understand him, for soon he sat upon the ground, and motioned the boys to join him.
The four seated themselves in a circle.
Old Adam gravely drew three puffs and made a guttural exclamation, at the same time passing the short clay pipe to George, who took a whiff. It made him cough, and the tears came into his eyes as he passed it on to Carter, who, still breathless, put it to his lips, and inhaled a little of the smoke. He immediately fell to coughing also, but handed the pipe to William, whose left eye was fast closing. William drew a long inhalation, and almost exploded, the smoke coming from his nose, and the tears running down his grimy face.
Contrary to what is supposed to be the usual custom of the Indian, Adam Bent Knee laughed aloud. "Great chiefs," he said.
Quickly, however, he recovered his composure, and passed the pipe again.