[Edward Manning Ruttenber (1872)] heard, and instantly all eyes were turned upward, where a com pact mass of cloudy darkness appeared, which gathered size and velocity as it approached, and appeared to be directed inevitably to fall in the midst of the assembly. Every one fled but Hiawatha and his daughter, who calmly awaited the issue. The force of the descending body was like that of a sudden storm; and hardly had Hiawqtha paused, when an immense bkd, with long distended wings, came down, with a swoop, and crushed the daughter to the earth. The very semblance of a human being was destroyed in tne remains of the girl, and the 38 THE INDIAN TRIBES head and neck of the bird were buried in the ground from the* force of the fall. Hiawatha was inconsolable for several days; but at length took his place in the council and the deliberations opened. The subject of the invasion was discussed by several of the ablest counselors, and various plans proposed to foil the enemy. Hia watha listened to the debate, and at its conclusion bade the warriors depart until the next day when he would unfold his plan, which he felt' confident would ensure safety.