At this point of the argument, Messieurs Split-log, Round-head, and Walk-in-the-Water, having finished their kinni-kinnick, and imbibed a due quantum of whiskey:  possibly, moreover, not much entertained by the conversation that was carried on in a language neither of them understood but imperfectly, rose to take their leave.  They successively shook hands with the British leaders, then advancing last to Major Montgomerie, with a guttural “ugh,” so accentuated as to express good will and satisfaction, tendered their dark palms to that officer also, muttering as they did so something about “good Chemocomon.”  They then with becoming dignity withdrew, followed by Colonel D’Egville, who had risen to conduct them to the door.

The conversation, thus temporarily interrupted, was resumed on that officer’s return.

“Admitting the truth of your position, Major Montgomerie,” remarked the Commodore, “that the Government of the United States is justified, both by expediency and example, in the course it has pursued, it will not at least be denied, that Tecumseh is, on the very same principle, borne out in the hatred and spirit of hostility, evinced by him towards the oppressors of his country.”

“Granted,” returned the Major, “but this point has no reference to my argument, which tends to maintain, that in all we have done, we have been justified by necessity and example.”

“The fact is, however, that this condition of things is one unavoidably growing out of the clashing of adverse interests—­the Indians being anxious to check, we to extend our dominion and power as a people; and the causes existing now, were in being nearly a century ago, and will, in all probability, continue until all vestige of Indian existence shall have passed utterly away.  When the French were in the occupancy of the Canadas, having nothing to gain from them, they cultivated the alliance and friendship of the several nations, and by fostering, their fierce hostility against the English Colonists, rendered them subservient to their views.  To-day the English stand precisely where the French did.  Having little to expect from the Indians, but assistance in a case of need, they behold, and have for years beheld, with any thing but indifference, the struggle continued by the United States, which was commenced by themselves.  I hope I shall not be understood as expressing my own opinion, when I add, that, in the United States, the same covert influence is attributed to the Commanders of the British fortresses that was imputed to the French.  Indeed, it is a general belief, among the lower classes particularly, that, in all the wars undertaken against the American out-posts and settlements, the Indians have been instigated to the outrage by liberal distributions of money, and presents from the British Government.”

“It will hardly be necessary to deny the justice of such an imputation to Major Montgomerie,” remarked the General, with a smile; “especially after having disavowed the opinion as his own.  The charge is too absurd for serious contradiction—­yet, we are not altogether ignorant that such an impression has gone abroad.”