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?"