voice that I heard
when I was a happy man."

As he uttered the last word, he staggered back with great emotion, and
saw Little Moccasin staring strangely into his face.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE BROTHERS' LAST INTERVIEW.

Meanwhile Wayne was advancing with that caution and intrepidity which
had rendered him famous in wars prior to the one in which he was then
engaged. His spies brought him hourly reports of the movements of the
enemy, and he knew where the decisive conflict would be fought.

The allied tribes had selected as their battle ground the forest of
Presqu'-Isle, a place on the left bank of the Maumee, and almost within
reach of the guns of the British Fort Miami.

During the night preceding the battle, the chiefs of the different
nations assembled in council, and it was proposed by some to go up and
attack Wayne in his encampment. The proposition was opposed, and the
council did not determine to attack him that night!

A great deal of responsibility rested upon this nocturnal council, at
which the Girtys were present. Simon did not say much in the council,
but held private talks with the prominent chiefs. He approved the plan
of attacking the Americans in their camp, and his plan was ably seconded
by Little Turtle and others.

The fate of the tribes of the Northwestern Territory hung upon the
decision of the council.

"We have beaten the enemy twice under separate commanders,"[E] said the
Turtle in the council. "We cannot expect the same good fortune always to
attend us."

[E] Harmar and St. Clair.

"The Americans are now led by a chief who never sleeps. The night and
day are alike to him, and during all the time he has been marching upon
our villages, notwithstanding the wakefulness of our young men, we have
not been able to surprise him. Think well of it. There is something
whispers to me that it would be prudent to listen to his offers of
peace."[F]

[F] Historical.

To this speech James Girty was the first to reply. His voice was for war
to the knife. He scouted at ideas of peace, when the seven tribes had
sworn to stand side by side and oppose the Americans. He accused of
cowardice all who talked of submission, and cast scornful glances at his
brother Simon and the Turtle. Clad in the war dress which he usually
wore on such occasions, and with the fitful flashes of the council fire
in his face, he seemed a very demon of war and blood.

His voice went afar into the night, and st