I said, in as good Oneida as I could muster:
"Young Oneida warrior, I have listened to what you have had to say. I have heard you patiently, oh Tahioni, my brother of the great Oneida nation who wears an Onondaga name!" For Tahioni means The Wolf in Onondaga dialect.
There was a silence, broken by Nick's low voice from somewhere behind me: "Shall I shoot the Onondaga dog?"
"Will you mind your business?" I retorted sharply.
The Oneida had smiled slightly at my sarcasm concerning his name; his eyes rested on the rock behind which I lay snug, stock against cheek.
"I am Tahioni," he repeated simply. "My mother's clan is the Onondaga Tortoise."
Which explained his clan and name, of course, if his father was Oneida.
"I continue to listen," said I warily.
"Tahioni has spoken," he said; and calmly seated himself.
For a moment I remained silent, yet still dared not show myself.