Then drawing his uncle away from the contemplation of the painful sight,
he conducted him to a neighbouring grove of oaks; the tribe halting near
the spot.
A council of the chief men was instantly called, and a plan of action
resolved on.
Oluski and Wacora were commissioned to visit the white settlement, and
demand the reason of this scandalous usurpation.
The Indians proceeded no farther.
That night they encamped upon the spot where they had halted, and early
the next morning the two chiefs departed on their mission.
As they approached the hill another surprise awaited them.
Surrounding it was a strong wooden stockade, with substantially built
block-houses at regular distances from each other. Behind the
palisading men were seen, as if watching the approach, and ready to
receive them in a hostile manner.
"See!" cried Wacora, "they are prepared for our reception. The robbers
have determined to maintain themselves in their stolen possession."
"Yes, yes! I see. But let us not act rashly. We will first make an
appeal in the name of justice. If they refuse that, then we must prove
ourselves worthy the blood in our veins! worthy of our ancestors! Oh, I
would rather be lying among them in yonder graveyard than that this
should have arisen! The fault has been mine, and upon me let fall the
punishment. Come on!"
They reached the central block-house, and were summoned to a halt by one
of the settlers, who, gun in hand, stood by the entrance.
"Who are you? What do you want?"