[Footnote: For this part of Kenton's adventures compare the "Last of the Mohicans."] Keeping his wits about him he suddenly turned to one side and darted off with the whole tribe after him.

His wonderful speed and activity enabled him to keep ahead, and to dodge those who got in his way, and by a sudden double he rushed through an opening in the crowd, and reached the council-house, having been struck but three or four blows.
He was not further molested that evening.

Next morning a council was held to decide whether he should be immediately burnt at the stake, or should first be led round to the different villages.

The warriors sat in a ring to pass judgment, passing the war club from one to another; those who passed it in silence thereby voted in favor of sparing the prisoner for the moment, while those who struck it violently on the ground thus indicated their belief that he should be immediately put to death.

The former prevailed, and Kenton was led from town to town.