The great white chief has made many
wigwams desolate: let there be mourning in the house of the white
chief. Have I spoken well?"
The acclamations which followed this speech were so loud and
general that the party of the Raven was silenced, and the council
at once broke up.
A cry of exultation broke from the women when they heard the
decision, and all prepared for the work of vengeance before them.
At a signal from the Stag two of the young Indians went to the hut
and summoned Ethel to accompany them. She guessed at once that her
death was decided upon and, pale as marble, but uttering no cry or
entreaty, which she knew would be useless, she walked between them.
For a moment she glanced at the women around her, to see if there
was one look of pity or interest; but faces distorted with hate and
exultation met her eyes, and threats and imprecations assailed her
ears. The sight, though it appalled, yet nerved her with courage. A
pitying look would have melted her--this rage against one so
helpless as herself nerved her; and, with her eyes turned upward
and her lips moving in prayer, she kept along.
The Indians led her to a tree opposite the center of the village,
bound her securely to it, and then retired.
There was a pause before the tragedy was to begin.
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