“The Siwanois Sagamore will believe that his new brother, Loskiel, meant no offense.” And I saw that the compliment had told.

“Mayaro has heard,” he said, without the slightest emphasis of resentment. Then, proudly and delicately yielding me reason, and drawing his superb figure to its full and stately height: “When a Mohican Sagamore listens, all Algonquins listen, and the Siwanois clan grow silent in the still places. When a real man speaks, real men listen with respect. Only the Canienga continue to chirp and chatter; only the Long House is full of squirrel sounds and the noise of jays.” His lip curled contemptuously. “Let the echoes of the Long House answer the Kanonsis. Mayaro’s ears are open.”

Boyd, with a triumphant glance at me, said eagerly: