The force of the descending body was like that of a sudden

storm

;

and hardly had Hiawqtha paused, when an immense

bkd, with long distended wings, came down, with a swoop, and crushed the daughter to the earth. The very semblance of a

human being was destroyed in tne remains of the girl, and the

THE INDIAN TRIBES

head and neck of the bird were buried in the ground from the* force of the fall.

Hiawatha was inconsolable for several days

;

but at length

took his place in the council and the deliberations opened.

The

of the ablest subject of the invasion was discussed by several the counselors, and various plans proposed to foil enemy. Hia debate, and at its conclusion bade the warriors depart until the next day when he would unfold his plan, which he felt' confident would ensure safety.

watha

listened to

the

The council again met ; and with even more than ordinary attention the people listened to the words of their great chief. Hiawatha counseled them, that " to oppose

these

hordes of

northern tribes singly and alone, would prove certain destruc " tion ; that to oppose them successfully, the tribes must unite in ".one common band of brothers," must have one voice,

one fire, one pipe, and one war club. In the confederacy which he proposed should be formed, the several tribes were assigned the position they were to thereafter occupy ; and, in conclusion,

he urged them to weigh well his words ; that if they should unite in the bond he had proposed, the Great Spirit would smile