The voices of the assembled warriors were silent. An eager look of expectancy was all the answer Oluski received at mention of Rody’s name.
The old chief continued.
“To-day Elias Rody came here and talked with me. He told me that the hour had arrived when I could do him a great service, and again prove myself grateful for the aid he had afforded me. I told him to speak out. He did so. I listened. He said the colony he had founded was prosperous, but there was one thing he still desired; and that was the favour he came to ask. Twice before he had spoken of it. This time he required a final answer. His demand was more than I could of myself grant. I told him so. For this reason have I called you into council. I will lay his wish before you. It is for you to decide.”
Oluski paused to give opportunity for any one who chose to make a remark.
None was made, but the listeners looked around them, as if trying to read each other’s thoughts.
The chief proceeded.
“What the white man wants is to buy from us this hill upon which our habitations are built.”
A chorus of angry, dissentient voices greeted the proposal.
“Hear me out,” continued Oluski, “and then decide.”
Silence ensued as sudden as the noisy interruption.