THE AMERICANS AND THE ABORIGINES. 343 



"The Miko," said the old chief, "lifts the war- 

 hatchet to protect his people against the pale-faces, 

 and to avenge his slain brethren. But my brother 

 has lifted the tomahawk against every one, and, like 

 a thief, steals women and children." 



A burning crimson overspread the countenance of 

 Tokeah's visitor, and his teeth chattered with rage. 

 "Truly, Miko," said he, "you say things which I 

 can hardly stomach ; " and with gleaming eye he 

 measured the old man from head to foot. Suddenly, 

 however, resuming his former smile " Nonsense ! " 

 said he ; " we won't quarrel about trifles. Let every 

 man do what he likes, and answer for what he does." 



"When the Miko of the Oconees gave his right 

 hand to the chief of the Salt Lake, and welcomed 

 him to his wigwam, he held him for a friend and a 

 brother, who had declared war against the Yengheese. 

 Had he known that he was a thief 



" Monsieur Miko ! " interrupted the pirate, threaten- 

 ingly. 



" He would not have taken him for his friend. 

 Tokeah," continued the Indian with dignity, " lifted 

 the tomahawk against the pale-faces as the Miko of 

 his people, but the chief of the Salt Lake has made 

 him a robber. What shall he, the chief of the 

 Oconees, say to the Yengheese warriors when he 

 falls into their snares? They will hang him on a 

 tree." 



The truth, thus fearlessly and decidedly spoken, 



