d the
palefaces, for her words have saved their lives. He is also glad that
the friends of the palefaces came, for they have taught him wisdom.
They have shown him that he was going to act in haste; they have told
him that the Great Spirit orders all events here, and the Great Spirit
himself has proved the truth of what they said; for, when Bearpaw
refused to believe the palefaces, He sent Rising Sun to confirm their
words, and to convince Bearpaw that he was wrong."

Again the chief paused, and looked round upon his men, some of whom
appeared to dissent from what he said in condemnation of himself by
slightly shaking their heads.

"Bethuck warriors," continued the chief, "have often told Bearpaw that
he is wise. Bearpaw now tells his warriors that they are fools--fools
for telling their chief that he is wise! If he had been wise he would
not have come so near to shedding the blood of innocent men; but the
Great Spirit prevented him. If the Great Spirit had not prevented him,
still that would have been right, for the Great Spirit cannot do wrong,
and He is not bound to give explanations to his creatures; though,
doubtless, we will do it in the end. The heart of Bearpaw is grateful
to his paleface brothers, and he would be glad if they will stay to hunt
over his lands and palaver in his wigwam during the winter; but if they
prefer to go, they may do as they please. Waugh! Bearpaw has spoken."

The chief sat down with emphasis, as if he felt that he had done his
duty, and his men uttered a decided "Ho!" of approval.

Then Hendrick rose, and, looking round the circle with that grave
dignity of countenance and manner which was not less natural to himself
than characteristic of his Indian friends, delivered himself as
follows:--

"I and my friends are glad that Bearpaw recognises the hand of the Great
Spirit in all that has occurred, for we rejoice to believe that He is
the great First Cause of all things, and that men are only second
causes, gifted, however, with the mysterious power to do evil.

"In thanking my Bethuck brother and his warriors for their kind
invitation--I speak for all my party--we are all grateful, and we would
greatly like to spend the winter here, and enjoy the hospitality of our
red brothers. Especially would my friend Paul Burns rejoice to read
more to you from his wonderful writing, and explain it; but we cannot
stay. My paleface brothers wish to return with me to Crooked Lake,
where