Oluski declined the latter, but lighted one of the pipes, and for some time watched, as if in reverie, the circling of the smoke.
The silence that ensued upon the old chief’s entrance continued for several minutes. At length a young warrior, opposite to him, rose and spoke—
“Will our chief tell his brothers why they are called together, and what is it that makes him thoughtful and silent? We will hear and advise—let Oluski speak!”
After this brief address, the young man resumed his seat, while those around the circle murmured their assent to what he had said.
Thus solicited, Oluski arose, and spoke as follows:—
“It is not unknown to many of our warriors now present that I was deputed by the elder brothers and themselves many years since to go to the pale-faces in Georgia to settle some old disputes about lands sold by our people to them, and about which wicked men of both races had caused quarrels and bloodshed. I departed on my errand, went to the great town where their council-house stands, spoke truth, and made new treaties with them. All this I did, and our people were pleased!”
A chorus of voices ratified the chief’s statement.
“It may be remembered that I made new friends with some of the pale-faces, and concluded treaties, founded on justice, which gave to our people property they needed in exchange for lands which we did not require.”
Renewed signals of assent.
“To one pale-face more than to others I was under bonds of gratitude. He did me great service when I required it, and I promised to repay him. An Indian chief never breaks his word. I gave to that man some of the lands left to me by my fathers. These are the lands upon which the white settlement now stands. The pale-face I speak of was Elias Rody!”