202 THE COUNCIL. [1763, April. 



wild Ojibwas, with quivers slung at their backs, 

 and light war-clubs resting in the hollow of their 

 arms ; Ottawas, wrapped close in their gaudy 

 blankets ; Wyandots, fluttering in painted shirts, 

 their heads adorned with feathers, and their leggins 

 garnished with bells. All were soon seated in a 

 wide circle upon the grass, row within row, a grave 

 and silent assembly. Each savage countenance 

 seemed carved in wood, and none could have 

 detected the ferocious passions hidden beneatli 

 that immovable mask. Pipes with ornamented 

 stems were lighted, and passed from hand to hand. 



Then Pontiac rose, and walked forward into the 

 midst of the council. According to Canadian tra- 

 dition, he was not above the middle height, though 

 his muscular figure was cast in a mould of remark- 

 able symmetry and vigor. His complexion was 

 darker than is usual with his race, and his features, 

 though by no means regular, had a bold and stern 

 expression ; while his habitual bearing was impe- 

 rious and peremptory, like that of a man accus- 

 tomed to sweep away all opposition by the force 

 of his impetuous will. His ordinary attire was that 

 of the primitive savage, — a scanty cincture girt 

 about his loins, and his long, black hair flowing 

 loosely at his back ; but on occasions like this 

 he was wont to appear as befitted his power 

 and character, and he stood doubtless before the 

 council plumed and painted in the full costume 

 of war. 



Looking round upon his wild auditors he began 

 to speak, with fierce gesture, and a loud, impas- 



