That class, which had gained its influence by a moral ascendency was extremely limited.

They were uniformly to be distinguished by the quick and lively expression of their eyes, by the air of distrust that marked their movements, and occasionally by the vehemence of their utterance in those sudden outbreakings of the mind, by which their present consultations were, from time to time, distinguished.
In the very centre of a ring, formed by these chosen counsellors, was to be seen the person of the disquieted, but seemingly calm, Mahtoree.
There was a conjunction of all the several qualities of the others in his person and character.

Mind as well as matter had contributed to establish his authority.

His scars were as numerous and deep as those of the whitest head in his nation; his limbs were in their greatest vigour; his courage at its fullest height.

Endowed with this rare combination of moral and physical influence, the keenest eye in all that assembly was wont to lower before his threatening glance.