e Lightning. He himself had owed him his life on another and more
distant occasion, and he was not ungrateful. So there was warmth in his
tone when he spoke.

"Let us meet at the edge of the solid ground," said Timmendiquas, "I
have things to say that are important and that you will be glad to
hear."

Henry walked without hesitation to the edge of the swamp, and the
young chief, coming forward, met him. Henry held out his hand in white
fashion, and the young chief took it. There was no sound either from the
swamp or from those who lay behind the logs on the island, but some of
the eyes of those hidden in the swamps watched both with burning hatred.

"I wish to tell you, Ware," said Timmendiquas, speaking with the dignity
becoming a great chief, "that it was not I who led the pursuit of the
white men's women and children. I, and the Wyandots who came with me,
fought as best we could in the great battle, and I will slay my enemies
when I can. We are warriors, and we are ready to face each other in
battle, but we do not seek to kill the squaw in the tepee or the papoose
in its birch-bark cradle."

The face of the great chief seemed stirred by some deep emotion, which
impressed Henry all the more because the countenance of Timmendiquas was
usually a mask.

"I believe that you tell the truth," said Henry gravely.

"I and my Wyandots," continued the chief, "followed a trail through
the woods. We found that others, Senecas and Mohawks, led by Wyatt and
Blackstaffe, who are of your race, had gone before, and when we came up
there had just been a battle. The Mohawks and Senecas had been driven
back. It was then we learned that the trail was made by women and little
children, save you and your comrades who stayed to fight and protect
them."

"You speak true words, Timmendiquas," said Henry.

"The Wyandots have remained in the East to fight men, not to kill squaws
and papooses," continued Timmendiquas. "So I say to you, go on with
those who flee across the mountains. Our warriors shall not pursue you
any longer. We will turn back to the valley from which we come, and
those of your race, Blackstaffe and Wyatt, shall go with us."

The great chief spoke quietly, but there was an edge to his tone that
told that every word was meant. Henry felt a glow of admiration. The
true greatness of Timmendiquas spoke.

"And the Iroquois?" he said, "will they go back with you?"

"They will. They have killed too much. Today all the whi