noon
Among these latter -- conspicuous above all for his beautiful and graceful form , his dignified manner , and look of intelligence , to whom all eyes turned with seeming deference -- was the celebrated Shawanoe chief , Catahecassa , -LRB- Black Hoof -RRB- whose name occupies no inferior place on the historic page of the present day , as being at first the inveterate foe , and afterward the warm friend of the whites . In stature he was small , being only about five feet eight inches , lightly made , but strongly put together , with a countenance marked and manly , and one that would be pleasing to a friend , but the reverse to an enemy . He was a great orator , a keen , cunning and sagacious warrior , and one who held the confidence and love of his tribe . At the period referred to , he was far past what is usually termed the middle age ; though , as subsequent events have proved , only in his noon of life -- for at his death he numbered one hundred and ten years . Upon the ground , within the circle , and near the old chief in the center , were seated Algernon and Younker -- the latter having recovered consciousness -- both haggard and bloody from their recent brutal treatment . They were sad spectacles to behold , truly , and would have moved to pity any hearts less obdurate than those by which they were surrounded . Their faces bore those expressions of dejection and wan despair , which may sometimes be perceived in the look of a criminal , when , loth to die , he is assured all hope of pardon is past .