“The past is gone; the present is before us; the future is in the hands of the Great Spirit. My children, we have made mistakes. Now let us bury them forever; and with them our sorrows, our disappointments, and our regrets. If ever again I transfer my power—my sign—to another, it will be to one who can use it. And you will obey the orders of that one, as you would obey my words. Hold fast to what I say. Listen! Again I have talked with the Great Spirit. He has sent me to you with a message of good cheer. He allowed you to suffer defeat to try your courage—to test your loyalty. You have suffered much—you shall rejoice more. You have groaned at your failure—you shall shout in triumph. You hunger to-day—you shall feast to-morrow. Hear what the Great Spirit says through me, his prophet. All that Tecumseh, my brother, has told you is true. All that you desire shall be yours. You have been scorched by the fire of death—you shall be healed by the water of life. I am your father—you are my children. The Great Spirit has told me all these things.” He stopped speaking. A faint murmur of approbation started with those immediately in front. It grew and swelled into a thunderous roar of applause. “The Open Door! The Open Door!” they yelled until their faces were purple and their lips dripped foam. Many of them fell to the ground and raised their arms supplicatingly. Silencing them with a wave of his hand, Tenskwatawa proceeded: “Listen, my children—and heed what I say! Your acts, your words, your thoughts, are known to the Great Spirit—and through him are known to me. You have cursed your prophet; you have planned to depose Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa—to choose others to lead and advise you. The Great Spirit understood all. But all is forgiven; for you were mad with defeat and shame.” Again he paused. Closely he scanned their faces for the effect of his words. The stillness of death reigned on all sides. The ringleaders in the revolt bowed their heads and glanced furtively at the dread being before them. Suddenly the Prophet’s whole attitude and manner changed. Every sinuosity of his graceful body became a hard, straight line. Rigidly erect, his brows lowering, his face contorted, his one sinister eye flashing—he was an avenging demon. “Listen!” he shouted in thunder tones. “My children, you have displeased the Great Spirit. Another word—another thought—of the kind, and he will desert your cause and ally himself with the Seventeen Fires. If there be one among you that doubts my words, let him stand forth; and through the power the Great Spirit has bestowed upon me, I will slay him with a look. With a motion of my hand I can smite you blind. Do you still doubt? You have seen what I did with the noble Winnemac. Is not White Loon as brave and strong? Is not Stone Eater as valiant and bold? Look then!”