In the meantime one of the Shawnees had motioned for the prisoner to seat himself upon the wide platform of poles that extended along the side of the room. Then they bound his ankles, and withdrew.
Left to himself, Spotted Deer began to study the lodge. It was similar in plan and structure to the Delaware lodges. The walls and roof were made of slabs of bark fitted between two rows of poles, and held in place by splints and ropes made of twisted strands of bark. Each slab was punctured at the ends and securely tied in position with bark fibers. The roof, which was somewhat arched, was braced with many small poles and had an opening in the center as an exit for the smoke from the camp fire. The lodge was about five bow-lengths wide and four bow-lengths long. A wide platform of poles extended along each side of the room. The floor was packed earth. There was a shallow fire pit in the center. The lodge was without furnishings, and appeared deserted. Spotted Deer wondered how the old woman had chanced to be there. As there was nothing to indicate that she had been cooking, he believed that she had entered the lodge to burn incense and conduct some mysterious medicine rite. The thought stirred his imagination. He realized that she might be one of the strange Medicine Women. In that event he feared that she might exert a powerful influence against him.
His meditations were interrupted by a noisy commotion outside. He heard people talking excitedly before the entrance to the lodge. He wondered if the Shawnees were about to attack him. Then, above the confused clamor, he recognized the shrill cackling voice of the mysterious old woman. It was evident that she was still talking against him. A few moments later he saw her peering into the lodge. Many faces appeared behind her. She pointed a long, crooked finger at Spotted Deer, and launched forth into a violent tirade. Her face wore a diabolical expression. She appeared beside herself with rage. Spotted Deer believed she would lead the Shawnees into the lodge to kill him. He was at a loss to understand why the vicious old creature showed such animosity toward him. However, neither she nor the people with her attempted to enter the lodge. In a few moments they withdrew, and Spotted Deer heard them moving toward another part of the camp.
He was left alone until the end of the day. Then the robe was raised from the doorway and several warriors entered the lodge. One was the haughty leader whom Spotted Deer had learned to hate. An old woman followed behind them. She carried a portion of roasted meat and a wooden bowl. For a moment Spotted Deer mistook her for the violent creature who had annoyed him. As she came nearer, he was relieved to learn that she was not that ill-tempered individual. She placed the meat and a bowl of water beside him and hurried away. Then one of the warriors freed him. Spotted Deer again found his arms powerless.
"Come, Delaware, eat some meat so that you will be strong when we come to kill you," the Shawnee leader said, threateningly.
"A Delaware is always strong," Spotted Deer replied, boastfully.
"Well, we will see about it," laughed the Shawnee. "There is an old woman out there who is talking bad against you. She is a Mystery Woman. No one knows how she came here. She has been here a long time. She has done some big things. My people will listen to her words. She says the Delawares killed her people. Her heart is black against you. She wants to see you die. It is good."
Spotted Deer remained silent. The threat made little impression upon him. He had already anticipated the fate which the Shawnee prophesied.
"Well, how do you feel about it?" inquired the Shawnee.
The Delaware refused to reply. He was endeavoring to secure the meat and water before his foe became impatient and took them away. After several torturing attempts, he succeeded. The Shawnees jested laughingly. He knew they were rejoicing at his discomfort. He strove heroically to conceal it, but his arms were stiff and swollen and he found great difficulty in raising the food to his month.