Yet I but tell to you, Tayoga, what Tandakora has told to me.

He says that you three attacked him and peaceful warriors back there in a gorge of the river, and slew some of his comrades." "Tandakora lies," repeated Tayoga in calm and measured tones.

"It is true that warriors who were with them fell beneath our bullets, but they came swimming in the night, seeking to murder us while we slept, and while there is yet no war between us.

An Onondaga or a Mohawk or any warrior of the Hodenosaunee hates and despises a snake." The words, quiet though they were, were fairly filled with concentrated loathing.

The eyes of the huge Ojibway flashed and his clutch on the handle of his tomahawk tightened convulsively, but the fixed gaze of the hunter seemed to draw him at that moment.