ejudices old as the mountains were not
to be removed by the exhortations or arguments of an obscure youth;
and although the old men listened, and some few approved, yet the
young men scoffed and burned to distinguish themselves after the
manner of their ancestors. It was fortunate for the young man that
opportunities had occurred to test his courage, and that he had never
hesitated when others flinched. His tribe therefore ascribed his
conduct to no want of bravery, but to a delusion sent by his guardian
genius. Hence, though his influence was impaired, it was not entirely
destroyed.

Thus things continued for some time, till one day the Sachem again
addressed Wampum-hair.

"Does the heart of Magisaunikwa still beat softly, like the heart of a
deer!"

"It beats like a man's," said the young hunter, "and not like that of
a vile wild beast. The Indian should imitate the Good Spirit in his
actions, and not destroy his brothers and sisters"

"Yes," said the Sachem, "his heart is a man's, though it is soft. Does
Wampum-hair still love Leelinau?"

"The breath of Thequan is not more welcome to the wood-flower which it
wakes up to life, or the song of the bird dearer to its mate, than the
sight of Leelinau to Magisaunikwa."

"What would Wampum-hair do to obtain her love?"

"He would climb the sky, or dive to the bottom of the salt lake; all
that the Great Spirit could ask would he do."

"A chief cannot compel the affection of his daughter, but he can
give his own consent, and the young bird listens to the voice of its
parent."

"Let the great chief say what he would have, and the arm of
Wampum-hair shall be strong to do his will. For the sake of Leelinau
he would please her father."

The Sachem paused, and gazed with pleasure on the kindling features
of the young man. He was a wise chief, and desired the good of his
people. In those days the panthers, driven from the north by a severe
winter, infested the country in great numbers, and threatened to
destroy the game, on which the Indians depended for subsistence.
Although many had been killed, there still remained enough to ravage
the land and do serious injury; and they had become so cunning by
being frequently hunted that they almost uniformly succeeded in
eluding the chase. It would be a public service, though a difficult
undertaking, to exterminate the ravenous animals. He therefore said:--

"Let Magisaunikwa bring me a conaus made of the scalps of panthers,