He took his
seat, with the studied simplicity of a demagogue; though the keen and
flashing glance, that he immediately threw around the silent assembly,
betrayed the more predominant temper of a tyrant.
When all were present, an aged warrior lighted the great pipe of his
people, and blew the smoke towards the four quarters of the heavens.
So soon as this propitiatory offering was made, he tendered it to
Mahtoree, who, in affected humility, passed it to a grey-headed chief
by his side. After the influence of the soothing weed had been courted
by all, a grave silence succeeded, as if each was not only qualified
to, but actually did, think more deeply on the matters before them.
Then an old Indian arose, and spoke as follows:--
"The eagle, at the falls of the endless river, was in its egg, many
snows after my hand had struck a Pawnee. What my tongue says, my eyes
have seen. Bohrecheena is very old. The hills have stood longer in
their places, than he has been in his tribe, and the rivers were full
and empty, before he was born; but where is the Sioux that knows it
besides himself? What he says, they will hear.
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