in close and hostile collision, and the scene for the
moment promised to be one of the most tragic character;
but before either could find an assailable point on which
to rest his formidable weapon, Ponteac himself had thrown
his person between them, and in a voice of thunder
commanded the instant abandonment of their purpose.
Exasperated even as they now mutually were, the influence
of that authority, for which the great chief of the
Ottawas was well known, was not without due effect on
the combatants. His anger was principally directed against
the assailant, on whom the tones of his reproving voice
produced a change the intimidation of his powerful opponent
could never have effected. The young chief dropped the
point of his tomahawk, bowed his head in submission, and
then resuming his seat, sat during the remainder of the
night with his arms folded, and his head bent in silence
over his chest.

"Our brother has done well," said Ponteac, glancing
approvingly at him who had exhibited the reeking trophy,
and whom he evidently favoured. "He is a great chief,
and his words are truth. We heard the report of his rifle,
and we also heard the cry that told he had borne away
the scalp of an enemy. But we will think of this to-morrow.
Let us now commence our talk."

Our readers will readily imagine the feelings of Captain
de Haldimar during this short but exciting scene. From
the account given by the warrior, there could be no doubt
the murdered man was the unhappy Donellan; who, probably,