ed the crest of a low hill, and he caught sight of lodges, a
hundred perhaps in number, set in a warm valley, by the side of the
small clear river that he had surmised was near. The lodges of buffalo
or deerskin stood in a cluster, and, as it was a full quarter mile on
every side to the woods, there was no chance for a lurking foe to lie in
ambush. Henry noticed at once that there were no fields for maize or
beans, and he was confirmed in his opinion that the village was
temporary. He noticed, too, that the site of the place was chosen with
great judgment. It lay in the angle of the river, which formed an elbow
here, flowing between high banks, and on the other two sides rows of
fallen logs formed an admirable defense in forest warfare.

The band paused a few moments at the crest of the hill, and began to
chant more loudly. In front of the village was a concourse of warriors,
women, and children, who joined in the song, and who opened out to
receive the victors as they came marching on.

The chant swelled in volume, and its joyous note was now marked. But not
one of the marching warriors relaxed a particle from his dignity. White
Lightning strode majestically, a magnificent figure of savage man, and
led the way to a war pole in the center of the village, in front of a
council house built of poles. Near the foot of this pole a fire was
burning.

Henry stepped from the line when they came to the war pole, and the
warriors, secretly admiring their splendid trophy, closed in about him,
cutting off all chance of escape, should he try it. But he had no
thought of making such an attempt. His attention was centered now on the
ceremonies.

The war band formed in a group, the war pole in the center. Then two
warriors fastened two blocks of wood on a kind of rude ark that lay near
the war pole. This wooden ark, carved like a totem, was the most sacred
of all objects to the Wyandots.

All the returned warriors sat down upon the ground, and the great young
chief, Timmendiquas, inquired gravely whether his lodge was ready for
him. An old man replied that it had been swept clean and prepared by the
women, and Timmendiquas and his warriors, rising from the ground,
uttered a tremendous whoop. Then they marched gravely in a circle about
the pole, after which they took up the ark and carried it solemnly to
the council house. When they entered the council house, bearing the ark
with them, they closed the door behind them.

The whole