At the conclusion of the speeches, which were in an unknown tongue to Isaac, Cornplanter handed a war-club to Half Town.

This chief got up, walked to the end of the circle, and there brought the club down on the ground with a resounding thud.

Then he passed the club to Big Tree.

In a solemn and dignified manner every chief duplicated Half Town's performance with the club.
Isaac watched the ceremony as if fascinated.

He had seen a war-club used in the councils of the Hurons and knew that striking it on the ground signified war and death.
"White man, you are a killer of Indians," said Cornplanter in good English.