The most profound silence reigned.

Tyope remained with his head bowed and his face covered with both hands.

Topanashka sat rigidly immovable, his cold piercing gaze fastened on the tapop.

The representative of the Water clan made a very wry face and looked at the fire.
The tapop had yet to perform one duty ere discussion could begin.

He turned to the Hotshanyi and addressed him,-- "Sa umo, you and your brethren the shaykatze and the uishtyaka, I address; what do you say to what Shyuamo is asking?
Speak, yaya; we are your children; we listen.