"My son is silent," said Tamenund, endeavouring to read the expression of the face that the youth turned from him, in sorrow.
"It is so," was the low and brief reply.
A short and impressive pause succeeded, during which it was very apparent with what reluctance the multitude admitted the justice of the Mingo's claim. At length the sage, on whom alone the decision depended, said, in a firm voice—
"Huron, depart."
"As he came, just Tamenund," demanded the wily Magua; "or with hands filled with the faith of the Delawares? The wigwam of le Renard Subtil is empty. Make him strong with his own."
The aged man mused with himself for a time, and then bending his head towards one of his venerable companions, he asked—
"Are my ears open?"
"It is true."
"Is this Mingo a chief?"
"The first in his nation."
"Girl, what wouldst thou! A great warrior takes thee to wife. Go, thy race will not end."
