But the wary savages were not thus to be drawn to certain death.

They retired to their camp, which as we have said was distant about a mile from the fort, but which was in perfect view.
Here they evidently held a general council of war.

There probably was some diversity of opinion, as many speeches were made and the council was protracted for several hours.

There was manifestly no enthusiasm on the occasion, and no exultant shouts were heard.

At the conclusion of the council, the whole band divided into two parties and, in divergent directions, disappeared from view.