they have all fallen before the red skins: they gave
themselves into our hands; and we spared their lives,
and sent them down to the great towns near the salt lake.'
But this was false: the chiefs of the Saganaw, believing
what was said to them, gave up their strong holds; but
their lives were not spared, and the grass of the Canadas
is yet moist with their blood. Does the Ottawa hear?"

Amazement and stupefaction sat for a moment on the features
of the Indians. The fact was as had been stated; and yet,
so completely had the several forts been cut off from
all communication, it was deemed almost impossible one
could have received tidings of the fate of the other,
unless conveyed through the Indians themselves.

"The spies of the Saganaw have been very quick to escape
the vigilance of the red skins," at length replied the
Ottawa; "yet they have returned with a lie upon their
lips. I swear by the Great Spirit, that nine of the strong
holds of the Saganaw have been destroyed. How could the
Ottawa go with deceit upon his lips, when his words were
truth?"

"When the red skins said so to the warriors of the last
forts they took, they said true; but when they went to
the first, and said that all the rest had fallen, they
used deceit. A great nation should overcome their enemies
like warriors, and not seek to beguile them with their
tongues under the edge of the scalping knife!"