"My father's wishes are orders for his children; never, so long as the powerful confederation of the Papazos exists, shall an insult be offered to the palefaces whom he loves. Our father can die in peace; all his wishes will be religiously carried out by his children."
A flash of joy sparkled in the sachem's eye at this promise, which he knew would be strictly kept. The Peccary continued—
"The Papazos chiefs are sad; their hearts are swollen by the thought of losing their father: they fear lest his death may be the cause of great disorder in their confederation, and injure the success of the war which had scarce begun."
"I belong to my sons till the last moment of my existence; what can I do for them?"
"My father can do a great deal," the chief answered.
"My ears are open; I am waiting for my son to explain himself."
"The chiefs," continued Peccary, "and the great braves of the confederation, assembled at sunrise round the council fire: they desire, in order that no discord may spring up among them, that our father, the great sachem, should himself appoint his successor; for they feel persuaded that our father's choice will fall on a brave and wise chief, worthy to command men."
The sachem reflected for a moment.
"Be it so," he said at length; "the determination of the sachems is wise, and I approve of it. Sparrowhawk will command in my place when I am called away by the Great Spirit; no one is more worthy to be the first sachem of the nation."
Sparrowhawk quitted the ranks, stepped forward, and bowed respectfully to the dying man.