among the lodges; but none departed. Here and there
a warrior was examining his arms, with an attention that is rarely
bestowed on the implements, when no other enemy than the beasts of the
forest is expected to be encountered. And occasionally, the eyes of a
whole group were turned simultaneously toward a large and silent lodge
in the center of the village, as if it contained the subject of their
common thoughts.

During the existence of this scene, a man suddenly appeared at the
furthest extremity of a platform of rock which formed the level of the
village. He was without arms, and his paint tended rather to soften than
increase the natural sternness of his austere countenance. When in
full view of the Delawares he stopped, and made a gesture of amity,
by throwing his arm upward toward heaven, and then letting it fall
impressively on his breast. The inhabitants of the village answered
his salute by a low murmur of welcome, and encouraged him to advance by
similar indications of friendship. Fortified by these assurances, the
dark figure left the brow of the natural rocky terrace, where it had
stood a moment, drawn in a strong outline against the blushing morning
sky, and moved with dignity into the very center of the huts. As he
approached, nothing was audible but the rattling of the light silver
ornaments that loaded his arms and neck, and the tinkling of the little
bells that fringed his deerskin moccasins. He made, as he advanced, many
courteous signs of greeting to the men he passed, neglecting to notice
the women, however, like one who deemed their favor, in the present
enterprise, of no importance. When he had reached the group in which it
was evident, by the haughtiness of their common mien, that the principal
chiefs were collected, the stranger paused, and then the Delawares saw
that the active and erect form that stood before them was that of the
well-known Huron chief, Le Renard Subtil.

His reception was grave, silent, and wary. The warriors in front stepped
aside, opening the way to their most approved orator by the action; one
who spoke all those languages that were cultivated among the northern
aborigines.

"The wise Huron is welcome," said the Delaware, in the language of the
Maquas; "he is come to eat his 'succotash'*, with his brothers of the
lakes."

* A dish composed of cracked corn and beans. It is much used
also by the whites. By corn is meant maise.

"He is come," repeated Magua,