"Gone!" repeated the other; "you probably did not know that he had escaped from me. But it matters not," added he, indifferently.
"The Miko knew," replied the old man in a firm tone, "that his young brother had escaped from the chief of the Salt Lake. My brother ought not to have made him prisoner."
"What! would not the Miko of the Oconees seize the Yankee who came as a spy into his wigwam?"
"And was my young brother a Yankee?" inquired Tokeah, with a penetrating glance.
"Not exactly; but an enemy"—
"My brother," interrupted the Miko, "has too many enemies—the Yankees, and the warriors of the great father of the Canadas."
The man bit his lips. "Pshaw!" said he; "you have the Americans on the wrong side of your heart, and I have both. That's all the difference."
"The Miko," said the old chief, "lifts the war-hatchet to protect his people against the palefaces, and to avenge his slain brethren. But my brother has lifted the tomahawk against every one, and, like a thief, steals women and children."
A burning crimson overspread the countenance of Tokeah's visitor, and his teeth chattered with rage. "Truly, Miko," said he, "you say things which I can hardly stomach;" and with gleaming eye he measured the old man from head to foot. Suddenly, however, resuming his former smile—"Nonsense," said he; "we won't quarrel about trifles. Let every man do what he likes, and answer for what he does."
"When the Miko of the Oconees gave his right hand to the chief of the Salt Lake, and welcomed him to his wigwam, he held him for a friend and a brother, who had declared war against the Yengheese. Had he known that he was a thief"——