One thousand Cayugas, among other prisoners, have taken eight Comanches;
they have eaten four of them, they would have eaten them all, but the
braves escaped; they are here. Now, is an impure Cayuga a fit tomb for
the body of a Comanche warrior? No! I read the answer in your burning
eyes. What then shall we do? Shall we chastise them and give their
carcases to the crows and wolves? What say my warriors; let them speak?
speak? I hear?"
All were silent, though it was evident that their feelings had been
violently agitated. At last, an old chief rose and addressed Opishka:--
"Great chief," said he, "why askest thou? Can a Comanche and warrior
think in any way but one? Look at them! See you not into their hearts?
Perceive you not how fast the blood runs into their veins? Why ask? I
say; thou knowest well their hearts' voice is but the echo of thine own.
Say but a word, say, 'Let us go the Cayugas!' Thy warriors will answer:
'We are ready, show us the path!' Chief of a mighty nation, thou hast
heard my voice, and in my voice are heard the thousand voices of thy
thousand warriors."
Opishka Koaki rose again. "I knew it, but I wanted to hear it, for it
does my heart good; it makes me proud to command so many brave warriors.
Then to-morrow we start, and we will hunt the Cayugas even to the
deepest of their burrows.
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