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SKETCH OF KEOKUK.
dashing into the Sioux encampment alone, while their warriors were engaged in the war-dance. Swiftly riding into the midst of their lodges when all was excitement, he demanded to see their chief, saying: "I have come to let you know that there are traitors in your camp. They have told me that you are preparing to attack my village. I know they told me lies, for you could not, after smoking the pipe of peace, be so base as to murder my women and children in my absence. None but cowards would be guilty of such conduct." The first sensation of amazement had by this time somewhat subsided among the Sioux, and they began to surround him, when in a loud voice he added: "I suppose they told me lies, but if what I have heard is true, then the Sacs are ready for you." Then, just as they were ready to seize him, he dashed from their midst, and though several of their guns were discharged after him he reached his little party of braves in safety. All hastily returned to their village and made preperations to protect it, but the Sioux, finding that their design had been discovered, abandoned the contemplated attack, and retraced their steps.
In the contest between the United States and Black Hawk, Keokuk with a majority of the Sacs and Foxes, declined to take any part, although every possible effort was made by Black Hawk to induce them to do so. Emissaries were sent among Keokuk's adherents to influence them to join in the war, and at one time it seemed almost impossible for Keokuk to restrain them. Black Hawk's messenger spoke of the blood that had been shed; of the injustice of the whites in driving them from their hunting-grounds, and of the injuries repeatedly inflicted upon
