midnight
Tell him that I and my braves are going to pay a visit to his nation , to take a few scalps . I let him know this piece of good news because he will never know it from his friends , as he shall be food for dog very soon . '' On this being translated , the face of Maximus assumed an expression of deep gravity mingled with sadness . His mind flew to the far north , and he thought of the midnight assault and the death-cry of women and children . The nature of the Esquimau was too noble and generous to be easily ruffled by the contemptuous tone of such a man as Meestagoosh ; but his heart sank within him when he thought of the power as well as the will that the Indian had to put his threat into execution . `` Tell him , '' said Maximus quietly , `` that I have no wish to talk with him , but remind him that Indians are not gods ; they are men . '' `` Yes , he says truly , '' retorted Meestagoosh , `` the Indians are men , but Esquimaux are dogs . ''