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Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander), 1862-1919

"The Scouts of the Valley"


Third in rank were the Senecas, and among their chiefs were
Kanokarih (The Threatened) and Kanyadariyo (Beautiful Lake).
These three, the Onondagas, Mohawks, and Senecas, were esteemed
the three senior nations. After them, in order of precedence,
came the chiefs of the three junior nations, the Oneidas,
Cayugas, and Tuscaroras. All of the great chiefs had assistant
chiefs, usually relatives, who, in case of death, often succeeded
to their places. But these assistants now remained in the crowd
with other minor chiefs and the mass of the warriors. A little
apart stood Timmendiquas and his Wyandots. He, too, was absorbed
in the ceremony so sacred to him, an Indian, and he did not
notice the tall figure of the strange Shawnee lingering in the
deepest of the shadows.
The head chiefs, walking solemnly and never speaking, marched
across the clearing, and then through the woods to a glen, where
two young warriors had kindled a little fire of sticks as a
signal of welcome. The chiefs gathered around the fire and spoke
together in low tones. This was Deyuhnyon Kwarakda, which means
"The Reception at the Edge of the Wood."
Henry and some others followed, as it was not forbidden to see,
and his interest increased.


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