Hitherto the consultations had merely been preliminary, with a design
that each chief might discover the number of supporters his particular
views would be likely to obtain, when the important subject should
come before a more solemn council of the tribe. The moment for the
latter had now arrived, and the preparations were made with a dignity
and solemnity suited to the momentous interests of the occasion.
With a refinement in cruelty, that none but an Indian would have
imagined, the place, selected for this grave deliberation, was
immediately about the post to which the most important of its subjects
was attached. Middleton and Paul were brought in their bonds, and laid
at the feet of the Pawnee; then the men began to take their places,
according to their several claims to distinction. As warrior after
warrior approached, he seated himself in the wide circle, with a mien
as composed and thoughtful, as if his mind were actually in a
condition to deal out justice, tempered, as it should be, with the
heavenly quality of mercy.
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