Father Chaumonot extended his
hands toward them reassuringly; and they followed his every gesture
with questioning eyes. Corn Planter, the Seneca chief, began to
harangue. Since when had the Onondaga brother taken it upon himself to
meddle with the affairs of the Senecas? Was not the law written
plainly? Did the Onondaga wish to defy the law of their forefathers?
The prisoners were theirs by right of their cunning. Let the Senecas
proceed with their captives, as their villages were yet very far away,
and they had spent much time in loitering.
"We will buy," said Father Chaumonot, knowing the savage's cupidity.
"Two belts of wampum."
The Corn Planter made a negative sign.
"Ten beaver skins," said the priest.
"The daughters of Onontio are worth a thousand beaver skins."
"Well, then," said leather Chaumonot, reaching down and taking a musket
from the ground, "this with powder and ball to go with it."
The Corn Planter wavered. He took the gun and inspected it, turned it
over to his companions that they might also pass judgment upon it; and
they whispered among themselves for a space.
"Corn Planter accepts the thunderer for himself and ten beaver skins
for his brave warriors," and the barter was consummated.
Pages:
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477