THE AMERICANS AND THE ABORIGINES. 357 



" My brother is thrice welcome," repeated the Miko 

 after a pause, during which his eyes dwelt with 

 an expression of the purest satisfaction upon his 

 stately guest and his companions. "Has the great 

 El Sol reflected on the words which Tokeah sent him 

 through his runners 1 " 



" His ears are open and his heart large," replied the 

 young chief gravely. "Are the words of the great 

 Miko for El Sol alone, or may the warriors of the 

 Comanches and Pawnees also hear them 1 " 



"The chiefs and warriors of the Comanches and 

 Pawnees are welcome in the council wigwam of the 

 Oconees. They are their brothers." 



When the Miko had spoken these words, the four 

 Comanches and a like number of Pawnees dismounted 

 from their horses, and followed the chiefs to the 

 council wigwam. The others also dismounted, and 

 forming a semicircle, stood leaning against their 

 horses' shoulders. Nearer to the council-house were 

 ranged the Oconee warriors, armed only with their 

 long scalping-knives ; and behind them, at a respect- 

 ful distance, the young men of the village had 

 stationed themselves, also in a half -circle. Again, 

 far behind these, were the squaws and children, to 

 whom the strict rules of Indian etiquette did not 

 allow a nearer approach. The village had gradually 

 assumed the appearance of a little camp, with various 

 corps of troops formed up in it. On the shore stood 

 the four pirates leaning on their muskets, whilst their 



