"The Grey-head," the Chief continued, "knew that Monkey-face was cheating him; but the territory suited him, and he calculated on the strength of his arms to hold his own." "That is probable." "Conquered by evidence, and recognizing too late that he acted inconsiderately, he fancied he could recover all difficulties by offering us a few more bales of merchandize. Whenever did the Palefaces have a straight and honest tongue?" "Thank you," the hunter said, laughingly. "I do not speak of my brother's nation; I never had to complain of them, and I only refer to the Long knives of the West. Does my brother still think that I was wrong in throwing down the bloody arrows?" "Perhaps, in that circumstance, Chief, you were a little too quick, and allowed your passion to carry you away, but you have so many reasons for hating the Americans that I dare not blame you." "Then, I can still count on my brother's assistance?" "Why should I refuse it to you, Chief? Your cause is still as it was, that is to say, just; it is my duty to help you, and I will do so, whatever may happen." "Och! I thank my brother; his rifle will be useful to us." "Here we are; it is time to form a determination with reference to Monkey-face." "It is formed," the Chief answered, laconically. At this moment, they entered a vast clearing, in the centre of which several fires were burning. Five hundred Indian warriors, painted and armed for war, were lying about in the grass, while their horses, all harnessed, and ready for mounting, were hobbled, and eating their provender of climbing peas. Round the principal fire several Chiefs were crouching and smoking silently. The newcomers dismounted, and proceeded rapidly toward this fire, before which Monkey-face was walking up and down in considerable agitation. The two men took their places by the side of the other Chiefs, and lit their calumets; although every one expected their arrival impatiently, no one addressed a word to them, Indian etiquette prohibiting a Chief from speaking, before the calumet was completely smoked out. When Black-deer had finished his calumet, he shook out the ashes, passed it through his belt, and said:-- "The orders of the Sachems are accomplished; the bloody arrows have been delivered to the Palefaces." The Chiefs bowed their heads in sign of satisfaction at these news. Monkey-face walked up. "Has my brother Black-deer seen Grey-head?" he asked. "Yes," the Chief answered, drily. "What does my brother think?" Monkey-face pressed him. Black-deer gave him an equivocal glance. "What matters the thought of a Chief at this moment," he answered, "since the Council of the Sachems has resolved on war?" "The nights are long," Blue-fox then said, "will my brothers remain here smoking?" Tranquil remarked in his turn-- "The Long knives are on their guard, they are watching at this moment, my brothers will remount their horses, and withdraw, for the hour is not propitious."