Flags flew
from the centre poles of each hut; but the flags were the scalps of
enemies slain. In the centre of the village was a larger hut. This
was the "medicine lodge," or council hall, of the chiefs, used only for
ceremonies of religion and war and treaties of peace. Thither De la
Verendrye was conducted. Here the Mandan chiefs sat on buffalo robes
in a circle round the fire, smoking the calumet, which was handed to
the white man. The explorer then told the Indians of his search for
the Western Sea. Of a Western Sea they could tell him nothing
definite. They knew a people far west who grew corn and tobacco and
who lived on the shores of water that was bitter for drinking. The
people were white. They dressed in armor and lived in houses of stone.
Their country was full of mountains. More of the Western Sea, De la
Verendrye could not learn.
Meanwhile, six hundred Assiniboine visitors were a tax on the
hospitality of the Mandans, who at once spread a rumor of a Sioux raid.
This gave speed to the Assiniboines' departure. Among the Assiniboines
who ran off in precipitate fright was De la Verendrye's interpreter.
It was useless to wait longer. The French were short of provisions,
and the Missouri Indians could not be expected to support fifty white
men. Though it was the bitter cold of midwinter, De la Verendrye
departed for Fort de la Reine. Two Frenchmen were left to learn the
Missouri dialects. A French flag in a leaden box with the arms of
France inscribed was presented to the Mandan chief; and De la Verendrye
marched from the village on the 8th of December.
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