the Long House, and it was deepest on the women's benches, where
sat many matrons of the Iroquois, some of whom were chiefs-a
woman could be a chief among the Iroquois.

The candidates were adjudged acceptable by the other chiefs, and
Thayendanegea addressed them on their duties, while they listened
in grave silence. With his address the sacred part of the rite
was concluded. Nothing remained now but the great banquet
outside - although that was much - and they poured forth to it
joyously, Thayendanegea, the Mohawk, and Timmendiquas, the
Wyandot, walking side by side, the finest two red chiefs on all
the American continent.




CHAPTER VI

THE EVIL SPIRIT'S WORK


Henry slipped forth with the crowd from the Long House, stooping
somewhat and shrinking into the smallest possible dimensions.
But there was little danger now that any one would notice him, as
long as he behaved with prudence, because all grief and solemnity
were thrown aside, and a thousand red souls intended to rejoice.
A vast banquet was arranged. Great fires leaped up all through
the village. At every fire the Indian women, both young and old,
were already far forward with the cooking. Deer, bear, squirrel,
rabbit, fish, and every other variety of game with which the