Oluski's entrance into the council-house was the signal for all eyes to
turn towards him.
Slowly and with dignity he traversed the space between the door and the
seat reserved for him, at the upper end of the hall.
Once there he turned around, bowed gravely to the assembled warriors,
and then took his seat.
Pipes were now lighted, and gourds filled with honey and water handed
around.
Oluski declined the latter, but lighted one of the pipes, and for some
time watched, as if in reverie, the circling of the smoke.
The silence that ensued upon the old chief's entrance continued for
several minutes. At length a young warrior, opposite to him, rose and
spoke--
"Will our chief tell his brothers why they are called together, and what
is it that makes him thoughtful and silent? We will hear and advise--
let Oluski speak!"
After this brief address, the young man resumed his seat, while those
around the circle murmured their assent to what he had said.