"His words are full of eloquence, but Gomo hears nothing that calls for answer.

The White Chief says not why he has come and demanded council of the Pottawattomies." A low murmur, expressive of approval, swept down the observant line; but no man among them stirred a muscle.
"I came for this, Gomo," said Heald, speaking now rapidly, and with an evident determination to trust all in a sentence and have it over with, for it was clear the savages were in no mood for diplomatic evasion: "to ask your guidance and protection on our march eastward on the morrow.

I come to the Pottawattomies as friends; for I fear we may meet with trouble on the way, from roving bands of Wyandots and Miamis, and we are greatly burdened by our women and children.

It is to ask this that I and the Long Knife are here." "You say the White Father is strong, and will drive the red-coats into the sea: did he at Mackinac ?" "There was treachery there." "Ugh! Why, if White Father so strong, you leave Fort and go way off ?" "Because just now I can serve him better elsewhere; but we shall come again." "My young men have rumor that Detroit go like Mackinac." "It is untrue; your young men bring false news." Gomo turned and looked about him upon the expectant warriors; and, as if the glance was an invitation to free speech, one sitting half-way across the circle asked gruffly: "Why you pour out rum, if you love Pottawattomie ?" "Because I am only the White Chief at Dearborn," returned Heald, facing the questioner, "and, like Peesotum who asks, have higher chiefs elsewhere whom I must obey.

What they tell me I have to do." "White Chief lies!" was the short, stern answer.