Besha having duly translated this address, was desired by the old chief (whose astonishment was scarcely exceeded by his delight) to bestow the highest praise that he could express upon the young Delaware’s skill and courage; to which effusion of complimentary eloquence he replied: “My father, Wingenund has not seen many summers; he has no skill in speech, nor experience in council; but he knows that the Great Spirit loves a single tongue, and a true heart. Mahéga was cunning as a wolf, swift as a deer, strong as a bison–bull; but there was poison in his heart, and lies dwelt under his tongue, like snakes under a smooth stone. What is the end? The mountain–buzzards pick his bones; and when his children ask,—where is the grave of Mahéga? there shall be none to answer. My father, when the sun has risen, the treaty shall be made, the pipe of peace shall be smoked, and the Medicine of the white tent shall bring many good things to the Upsaroka.”
Having thus spoken, Wingenund retired to the lodge of Besha; and the captive Black–feet having been placed under a guard, White–bull remained in consultation with his father, while the other warriors soon forgot in sleep the fatigues of the past eventful day.
CHAPTER X.
WINGENUND AND HIS FRIENDS RETURN TOWARDS THEIR CAMP.—A SERIOUS ADVENTURE AND A SERIOUS ARGUMENT OCCUR BY THE WAY.—SHOWING, ALSO, HOW THE EXTREMES OF GRIEF, SURPRISE, AND JOY MAY BE CROWDED INTO THE SPACE OF A FEW MINUTES.
The result of the consultation between White–bull and his father was, that the terms of the treaty made with Wingenund should be strictly observed; but lest the ingenuous reader should be misled into the belief that this resolution was influenced by any considerations of good faith or honesty, it may be as well to inform him that the advantages and disadvantages of the two opposite courses were discussed with the most deliberate calculation, and the path of honour was at length selected upon the following grounds:—
First. It was expedient to make friends with the allied band, inasmuch as the latter were formidable enemies, from their courage, skill, and equipment.
Secondly. They had many bales of cloth, blankets, and other goods, of which they would probably make liberal presents to their friends: and,