He continued to look straight at the council fire, and the tense silence came again.

Big Fox was conscious that the air in the Council House was heavy, and that all were watching him with black, glittering eyes.
"The Shawnees would destroy the white villages, and would seek the help of all the tribes that know them," continued Gray Beaver.
Then Big Fox spoke.
"It is true," he said gravely and slowly, "that the Shawnees would wish the white settlements destroyed, every house burned, and every warrior, squaw, and child killed, that the forest might grow again where they live, and the deer roam again unafraid." Big Fox paused, and for the first time looked away from the council fire.
His piercing gaze swept the circle of the Miamis, and every man among them drew a deep breath.

There was something extraordinary in this belt bearer, a majesty and magnetism that all of them felt, and they hung upon his words, listening intently.
"The Shawnees are warriors," resumed Big Fox, "and they do not fear battle.

They went last year against the white settlements, and they went alone.

The Miamis know that." There was a deep murmur of assent.
"The Shawnees are wise as well as brave," resumed Big Fox.