he same source, but the father of them, having once upon a
time been caught stealing a beaver-trap, he become so terrified that he
lost his original colour and never regained it, and his children remain
with the same pale cheeks to this day.

Brothers, I have told you no lie.

NOTE.

* * * * *

(1) _Never stole a beaver-trap._--p. 76.

Thieving is considered disreputable among the Indians; that is, it is
highly criminal and infamous to steal from each other. Thieves are
compelled to restore what they have stolen, or to make satisfactory
amends to the injured party; in their default, their nearest relations
are obliged to make up the loss. If the thief, after sufficient warning,
continues his bad practices, he is disowned by his nation, and any one
may put him to death the next time he is caught in the act of stealing,
or that a theft can be clearly proved to have been committed by him. "I
once," says Heckewelder, "knew an Indian chief who had a son of a
vicious disposition, addicted to stealing, and would take no advice. His
father, tired and unable to satisfy all the demands which were made upon
him for the restitution of articles stolen by his son, at last issued
his orders for shooting him, the next time be should be guilty of a
similar act"--_Heckew_., 328.

Theft is always looked upon as a blot which dishonours a family, and
every one has a right to wash away the stain with the blood of the
delinquent. "Father Breboeuf," says Charlevoix, (vol. ii. p. 28) "one
day saw a young Huron who was killing a woman with a club; he ran to
him to prevent him, and asked him why he committed such violence. 'She
is my sister,' replied the savage; 'she is guilty of theft, and I will
expiate by her death the disgrace she has brought upon me and all my
family.'"

THE FALL OF THE LENAPE

The Delawares are the grandfather of nations, the parent stock from
which have proceeded the many tribes who roam over the woods of this
vast island. From them are descended the red men of the east and the
west, of the shores of the Great Sea and of the northern lakes. Among
these the Mengwe was a favoured grandchild. In the days that are gone,
the Delawares fought his battles, his war was theirs; and the hostile
shout that woke in his woods was answered by the defiance of the sons of
the Leni Lenape.

But the Mengwe was ungrateful, and forgot these benefits; he was
treacherous, and raised his hand