At this council meeting Big Gate, one of the great Potawatomi chiefs, spoke for the entire tribe, saying they were ready to sign a peace treaty with the Long-Knives. When the treaty was signed, Colonel Clark and his staff rose to leave. Suddenly Chief Minnemung barred his path.
“Big Long-Knife, chief of all the Long-Knives,” Minnemung began, nodding toward Jim, “this boy ran away from our clan. I planned to adopt him as my own son.”
Jim began to tremble when Colonel Clark turned to him, all the while pretending he had never known of Minnemung’s plan. “Jim,” he said sternly, “is this true?”
“Yes, sir,” Jim stammered, “but I didn’t want——”
Chief Minnemung gestured impatiently, as he interrupted Jim. “Big Long-Knife, I say Chief Minnemung no longer wants to adopt this boy. He not make good Potawatomi. He is Jim Long-Knife. Chief Minnemung is no longer interested in him. He now belongs to Big Long-Knife Clark.”
Jim sighed in relief as Clark said gravely, “So be it, Chief Minnemung. I accept this boy as Jim Long-Knife.” He extended his hand to the Potawatomi chief to seal their bargain.
Chief Minnemung shook hands with Clark without glancing at Jim. Then he walked proudly to his clan.
George Rogers Clark could be stern no longer. As he looked at Jim for a moment, his hazel eyes twinkled in fun. “I guess this makes you safe, Jim. You are now under my control and a real Long-Knife. Chief Minnemung has decreed it. Jim Long-Knife. That’s a fine name for you.”
Jim smiled. “Oh, sir, thank you. I’m so glad Chief Minnemung doesn’t want me. I saw him sitting with the other Indians today, and I was afraid he might have his men take me prisoner again sometime.”
