"Let us raise two thousand warriors, invade California, and sweep the coast/' said Spokane Garry.
"Let us send Ellice down to see if the Oregon whites will interfere," said the Nez Perce Chief Joseph.
"The Americans are responsible. An American killed Elijah. Let us cut off the Americans," cried the Snakes.
"Blood for blood. A chief for a chief. Let us take Dr. Whitman," hissed the Cayuse Tamahas.
All looked toward Yellow Serpent. Afar off, strange, and mournful sounded the old chief's words.
"Dr. Whitman is our friend. Let him not be injured. My voice is as the voice of a pine-tree full of snow. I say no more."
At that moment, leaping from their fleet horses, Dr. Whitman, Mr. Spalding, and Chief Trader McKinley walked into the dimly lighted council lodge. For a moment there was tumult, but the three white men stood firm and fearless.
"What has the Great Medicine to say?" inquired Yellow Serpent, looking at Dr. Whitman. The doctor stepped forward and the Indians all craned their necks to listen.
"Chief, you have lost your noble son. We all mourn with you. I hear you want me to go away. When I came among you, you had no farms, no gardens. I have taught you to read and to work, and to live like white folks. Now I can go. I am getting old. You must tell me at once. If a majority wish me to leave I will go in three weeks' time. If you want me to stay, say so. I cannot change when I am old."
"Go! go! "cried Tamahas.
"Go! go! "brayed Tiloukaikt, in that voice like a brazen trumpet. But the other chiefs bade them be silent.
