CHAPTER XXVIII.
The witch, in Smithfield, shall be burned to ashes, And you three shall be strangled on the gallows.
-- Shakspeare.
The Siouxes had awaited the issue of the foregoing dialogue with commendable patience.

Most of the band were restrained, by the secret awe with which they regarded the mysterious character of Obed; while a few of the more intelligent chiefs gladly profited by the opportunity, to arrange their thoughts for the struggle that was plainly foreseen.
Mahtoree, influenced by neither of these feelings, was content to show the trapper how much he conceded to his pleasure; and when the old man discontinued the discourse, he received from the chief a glance, that was intended to remind him of the patience, with which he had awaited his movements.

A profound and motionless silence succeeded the short interruption.

Then Mahtoree arose, evidently prepared to speak.

First placing himself in an attitude of dignity, he turned a steady and severe look on the whole assembly.