It is no pleasure to kill a dog—a coward!
Coward! ejaculated Cahoonshee.
Yes—a faint hearted woman, afraid to meet death like your fathers. You were about to meet death by throwing yourself from the rocks to save being tortured by fire.
Cahoonshee keenly felt the reproach.
I rely on the Great Spirit, he said. If it is His will the fire will not burn.
Did the Great Spirit kindle the fire that roasted my people?
Yes, through my agency he sent fire from the skies and consumed the Salamanques. Do your worst. I have had my revenge. Years ago you destroyed my tribe. Their bodies lay mouldering in yonder hill, and their scalps hang in your lodges. I alone am left. Many suns have I seen rise.
You will see it rise but once more. At sun rise to-morrow, the Skull Rock will be lit up, and Cahoonshee will die a coward at the stake.
Cahoonshee remained silent.
Is the great warrior dumb? asked the Chief.