86 WESTERN INCIDENTS. substantials and luxuries, which might well have vied with those found upon the tables of our Eastern hotels, The irrepressible Elkhorns were seen and heard every- where, adding life and exhilaration to the Scene; and thus an hour or two were passed in social intercourse until the evening’s entertainment was announced. INDIAN WAR-DANCE. This entertainment consisted of a war-dance, at a short distance from the encampment, executed by a large delegation of Pawnee braves, under the immediate super- vision of that celebrated Jndianist, Professor Taylor, who had most kindly volunteered his valuable services for the occasion ; and of all the wild and hideous yells, grotesque shapes and contortions that have ever been witnessed by a civilized assemblage in the night-time upon the plains this was most certainly the climax. The light of the moon, aided slightly by that of a dim camp fire, was barely sufficient to enable the spectators to distinguish the features and grotesque costumes of the savage per- formers ; and the congregation of lady and gentlemen spectators were only too glad to know that the Indians were entirely friendly, and catering only for the amuse- ment of the company, instead of being enemies, dancing and gloating over their scalpless bodies. This amuse- ment being ended, the waning moon and camp fires admonished the excursionists that the hour for retire- ment and rest had arrived. Each individual, family, and party, found comfortable tents allotted to them, well stored with soft hay mattres- ses, buffalo robes, and blankets. Without the least dis- order or confusion, therefore, all were soon dreaming of the wondrous novelty of the situation ; and nothing but