more numerous perhaps, but not
more warlike. They lived along the rivers Miami and Maumee and were
subdivided into three clans, the Twigtees, the Weas, and the
Piankeshaws. Chiefs of all three clans were present, and they could
control many hundreds of warriors.

The Wyandots, who lived to the eastward in Ohio, held themselves back
modestly. They were a small tribe, but the others often called them "The
Nation-That-Never-Knew-a-Coward," and there was no reason for them to
push themselves forward. When the time came for a Wyandot chief to speak
the time would come for the others to listen. They did speak, and
throughout that morning the great question was argued back and forth.
Girty and Blackstaffe, the second of the renegades in influence,
sometimes participated, and they were listened to with varying degrees
of respect, according to the character of the advice they gave. These
white men, with their cunning and knowledge of their own people, were of
value, but once or twice when they spoke the lips of some of the younger
chiefs, always including Timmendiquas, curled with scorn.

At noon they came forth from the council house, and Timmendiquas,
accompanied by Heno, went to the lodge in which Henry was confined. Heno
carried particularly tempting food to Henry. Besides venison and turkey,
he brought maple sugar and hominy with a dressing of bear's oil and
sugar.

Henry had become used to Indian food long since, and he ate with relish.
Timmendiquas stood by, regarding him attentively.

"You are a strong and valiant foe, Ware," he said at length. "I fight
against the white people, but I do not dislike you. I wish, then, that
you would come forth and see the great council of the allied tribes in
the meadow. The council of the chiefs was held this morning. This
afternoon we lay the matter before all the warriors."

"I'll come gladly," said Henry.

CHAPTER VI

THE GANTLET

Timmendiquas and Heno left the lodge, but in about ten minutes Heno
returned, bringing with him Hainteroh.

"Well, how's your arm, Raccoon?" said Henry, wishing to be friendly.

Raccoon did not know his English words, but he understood Henry's
glance, and he smiled and touched his arm. Then he said something in
Wyandot.

"He say arm soon be well," said old Heno. "Now you come out and see
council, great talk, me on one side of you, Hainteroh on the other."

"Yes, I know you've got to guard me," said Henry, "but I won't try to
run."