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Chapter 10
ForthoughtheFrenchcommanderboreahighcharacterforcourageandenterprise,hewasalsothoughttobeexpertinthosepoliticalpractices,whichdonotalwaysrespectthenicerobligationsofmorality,andwhichsogenerallydisgracedtheEuropeandiplomacyofthatperiod.
Allthosebusyandingeniousspeculationswerenowannihilatedbytheconductofhiscaptors.ThatportionofthebandwhohadfollowedthehugewarriortooktheroutetowardsthefootoftheHorican,andnootherexpectationwasleftforhimselfandcompanions,thanthattheyweretoberetainedashopelesscaptivesbytheirsavageconquerors.Anxioustoknowtheworst,andwilling,insuchanemergency,totrythepotencyofgold,heovercamehisreluctancetospeaktoMagua.Addressinghimselftohisformerguide,whohadnowassumedtheauthorityandmannerofonewhowastodirectthefuturemovementsoftheparty,hesaid,intonesasfriendlyandconfidingashecouldassume—
"IwouldspeaktoMagua,whatisfitonlyforsogreatachieftohear."
TheIndianturnedhiseyesontheyoungsoldierscornfully,asheanswered—
"Speak;treeshavenoears!"
"ButtheredHuronsarenotdeaf;andcounselthatisfitforthegreatmenofanationwouldmaketheyoungwarriorsdrunk.IfMaguawillnotlisten,theofficerofthekingknowshowtobesilent."
