So I felt now. In
looking at the issue I saw that meaning and vitality had gone from my
spirit, but I had kept equity. I parceled the spoil among the tribes,
and did it without doubt of my judgment or care for its acceptance. I
remembered Outchipouac's plea for his people, and found it just. The
Malhominis had sent the largest force in proportion to the strength of
their tribe, and their position on the bay was strategical. So I gave
them their choice of a third of the captives. To the remaining tribes
I gave the rest of the captives and the confiscated weapons. Then I
passed the calumet among them.
I had spoken coldly, as an onlooker. Perhaps my air of detachment gave
me authority. The chiefs smoked the calumet and ratified my words.
That part of the council was over.
And then to the future. Cadillac rose. His eloquence painted the
prospect till it shimmered like a dream landscape, rose-tinted,
iridescent, with sparkling vistas full of music and bugle calls and the
tramp of marching men with the sun in their faces. We, French and
Indians, were a united people. Our young men were brave and full of
vigor. We should sweep all before us. We should crush the Iroquois
and drive the English far away over seas.
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