 | CHAPTER V. The wigwam and the cabin |  |
5. CHAPTER V.
The consultation that followed was close and earnest. There
was scarcely any doubt in the minds of the chiefs that Conattee
was slain by his companion. He had brought back with him the
arms and all the clothes of the hunter. He was covered with his
blood, as they thought; and the grief which filled his heart and
depressed his countenance, looked, in their eyes, rather like the
expression of guilt than suffering. For a long while did they
consult together. Selonee had friends who were disposed to save
him; but he had enemies also, as merit must have always, and
these were glad of the chance afforded them to put out of their
reach, a rival of whom they were jealous, and a warrior whom
they feared. Unfortunately for Selonee, the laws of the nation
but too well helped the malice of his foes. These laws, as peremptory
as those of the Medes and Persians, held him liable in his
own life for that of the missing hunter; and the only indulgence
that could be accorded to Selonee, and which was obtained for
him, was, that he might be allowed a single moon in which to find
Conattee, and bring him home to his people.
“Will Selonee go seek Conattee—the windy moon is for Selonee—let
him bring Conattee home to his people.” Thus said the
chiefs, when the young warrior was again brought before them.
“Selonee would die to find Conattee,” was the reply.
“He will die if he finds him not!” answered the chief
Emathla.
“It is well!” calmly spoke the young warrior. “Is Selonee
free to go?”
“The windy moon is for Selonee. Will he return to the lodges
if he finds not Conattee?” was the inquiry of Emathla.
“Is Selonee a dog, to fly!” indignantly demanded the warrior.
“Let Emathla send a young warrior on the right and on the left
of Selonee, if he trusts not what is spoken by Selonee.”
“Selonee will go alone, and bring back Conattee.”
| CHAPTER V. The wigwam and the cabin | |