There we
were sumptuously entertained by all the principal chiefs and warriors of
the tribe, after which they conducted us to a new tent, which they had
erected for us in the middle of their principal square. There we found
also six magnificent horses, well caparisoned, tied to the posts of the
tent; they were the presents of the chiefs. At a few steps from the door
was an immense shield, suspended upon four posts, and on which a beaver,
the head of an eagle, and the claws of a bear were admirably
painted--the first totem for me, the second for Gabriel, and the third
for Roche. We gratefully thanked our hospitable hosts, and retired to
rest in our rich and elegant dwelling.
The next morning we awoke just in time to witness the ceremony of
departure; a war party, already on horseback, was waiting for their
chief. At the foot of our shield were one hundred lances, whose owners
belonged to the family and kindred of the Indians whom we had rescued
from the Cayugas. A few minutes afterwards, the owners of the weapons
appeared in the square, well mounted and armed, to place themselves at
our entire disposal. We could not put our authority to a better use than
by joining our friends in their expedition, so when the chief arrived,
surrounded by the elders of the tribe, Gabriel advanced towards him.
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