This being done, they lashed the canoes together, fastened them to a rock at a small distance from the shore, and there awaited the menaced attack.
They had not been long posted in this manner, when they saw a canoe approaching.

It contained the war-chief of the tribe, and three of his principal warriors.

He drew near, and made a long harangue, in which he informed them that they had killed one and wounded another of his nation; that the relations of the slain cried out for vengeance, and he had been compelled to lead them to fight.

Still he wished to spare unnecessary bloodshed; he proposed, therefore, that Mr.Reed, who, he observed, was little better than a dead man, might be given up to be sacrificed to the manes of the deceased warrior.

This would appease the fury of his friends; the hatchet would then be buried, and all thenceforward would be friends.