For a few minutes his voice was heard in the feeble chanting of an incantation, and then it invited the presence of the Peacemaker. Upon this Miantinomo stepped forth without hesitation and entered the lodge, vanishing from sight beyond its heavy curtain of double deer-skins. The light of the interior was so dim that for a moment he could see nothing; then he made out the form of its solitary occupant standing before him, and holding the belt that he believed was to confirm him in his assumed position. The old man, leaning on his stick, was still enveloped in the long robe that covered him from head to foot.
Gazing steadfastly at Miantinomo, he said, sternly,—
"Why dost thou come here? I summoned Longfeather the Peacemaker."
"He is dead," replied the other, "and I——"
"Then should his son Nahma have come in his place," interrupted the old man.
"He, too, is dead," said Miantinomo; "that is," he added, hastily, "he is dead to this people, for he is a traitor and dwells in the lodges of their enemies."
"Thou, then, art authorized to fill his place?"
"I am so authorized by Canonicus, my father, and will seek to wipe out the shame cast upon the name of Longfeather by his unworthy son."
"Why, then, dost thou not wear the Peacemaker's badge of authority, the great Belt of Seven Totems?"