And then the chiefs rose in reply. The Hurons spoke first, and though
they hedged their meaning by look and word I could feel the sentiment
swaying toward our side. They brought up many minor points and gave
belts in confirmation. Kondiaronk's clan were openly friendly, openly
touched by Cadillac's speech, and when one of the Baron's band took the
cue and gave a wampum necklace, "to deter the French brothers from
unkind thoughts," I felt that the worst of the day was over, and
welcomed the Ottawa speakers with a relaxation of the tension that had
held me, for I had been upon the rack. Mind and ear had been taxed to
miss no word or intonation, for a slighted syllable might lose our
cause. The speeches had droned like flies at midday, but all the
verbiage had been heavy with significance. I spoke French, Huron, and
Ottawa in turn, and through it all I listened, listened for the opening
of the door.
For Cadillac had told me that Madame de Montlivet had asked if she
might come in for a moment and listen to the council, and he had
referred the matter to me. It had seemed a strange request, but I
could see no reason for refusing it. The woman had seen Indians in
camp and field; it was perhaps no wonder that she wished to see the
machinery of their politics.
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