clue been given to enable them to arrive even at a well
founded apprehension of the motives which had given birth
to the vindictiveness of purpose, so universally ascribed
to him even by the savages themselves.

The chiefs also availed themselves of this pause in the
conversation of the principals, to sustain a low and
animated discussion. Those of the Shawanee and Delaware
nations were especially earnest; and, as they spoke across
the Ottawa, betrayed, by their vehemence of gesture, the
action of some strong feeling upon their minds, the
precise nature of which could not be ascertained from
their speech at the opposite extremity of the room. The
Ottawa did not deign to join in their conversation, but
sat smoking his pipe in all the calm and forbidding
dignity of a proud Indian warrior conscious of his own
importance.

"Does the great chief of the Ottawas, then, seek for
peace in his heart at length?" resumed the governor; "or
is he come to the strong hold of Detroit, as he went to
the other strong holds, with deceit on his lips?"

The Indian slowly removed his pipe from his mouth, fixed
his keen eye searchingly on that of the questioner for
nearly a minute, and then briefly and haughtily said,
"The Ottawa chief has spoken."

"And do the great chiefs of the Shawanees, and the great
chiefs of the Delawares, and the great chiefs of the