The Ottawa chief sat at the near extremity of the room,
and immediately facing the governor. A profound silence
was observed for some minutes after the Indians had seated
themselves, during which they proceeded to fill their
pipes. The handle of that of the Ottawa chief was
decorated with numerous feathers fancifully disposed.

"This is well," at length observed the governor. "It is
long since the great chiefs of the nations have smoked
the sweet grass in the council hall of the Saganaw. What
have they to say, that their young men may have peace to
hunt the beaver, and to leave the print of their mocassins
in the country of the Buffalo?--What says the Ottawa
chief?"

"The Ottawa chief is a great warrior," returned the other,
haughtily; and again repudiating, in the indomitableness
of his pride, the very views that a more artful policy
had first led him to avow. "He has already said that,
within a single moon, nine of the strong holds of the
Saganaw have fallen into his hands, and that the scalps
of the white men fill the tents of his warriors. If the
red skins wish for peace, it is because they are sick
with spilling the blood of their enemies. Does my father
hear?"

"The Ottawa has been cunning, like the fox," calmly
returned the governor. "He went with deceit upon his
lips, and said to the great chiefs of the strong holds
of the Saganaw,--'You have no more forts upon the lakes;