The Onondaga staggered, but recovered himself, and gazed steadily into the eyes of the Ojibway.
"You have struck a bound captive, O Tandakora," he said.

"It is contrary to the customs of your nation and of mine, and for it I shall have your life.

It is now written that you shall fall by my hand." His calm tones, and the fearless gaze with which he met that of Tandakora, gave him all the aspect of a prophet.

The huge Ojibway flinched for a moment, and then he laughed.
"If it is written that I am to die by your hand it is written falsely," he said, "because before another sun has set all chance for it will be gone." "I have said that you will die by my hand, and I say it again.

It is written," repeated Tayoga firmly.
Though he showed no emotion there was much mortification in the soul of the young Onondaga.