131 



to be sure, very probable that, if I had such 

 intention, I would communicate it to him. 

 Another man came to me, and told me a 

 story of his having lived on the south branch 

 of Potowmac, in Virginia , and, having 

 three brothers there, he pretended he want- 

 ed to get away, but I suspected his de- 

 sign : nevertheless, he reported that I had 

 consented to go. In the mean time I was 

 not tied, and could have escaped ; but, hav- 

 ing nothing to put on my feet, I waited 

 some time longer to provide for this. 



" I was invited every night to the war- 

 dances, which they usually continued until 

 almost day. I could not comply with their 

 desire, believing these things to be the ser- 

 vice of the devil. 



" The council lasted fifteen days ; from 

 fifty to one hundred warriors being usually 

 in council, and sometimes more. Every 

 warrior is admitted to these councils ; but 

 only the chiefs, or head-warriors, have the 

 privilege of speaking. The head -warriors 

 K 2 



