their example. They emptied the ashes from the bowls of
their pipe-tomahawks, replaced them carefully at their
side, rose, and retired to their respective tents. Ponteac
and the tall warrior alone remained. For a time they
conversed earnestly together. The former listened
attentively to some observations made to him by his
companion, in the course of which, the words "chief of
the Saganaw--fort--spy--enemy," and two or three others
equally unconnected, were alone audible to the ear of
him who so attentively sought to catch the slightest
sound. He then thrust his hand under his hunting-coat,
and, as if in confirmation of what he had been stating,
exhibited a coil of rope and the glossy boot of an English
officer. Ponteac uttered one of his sharp ejaculating
"ughs!" and then rising quickly from his seat, followed
by his companion, soon disappeared in the heart of the
encampment.




CHAPTER VIII.

How shall we attempt to paint all that passed through
the mind of Captain de Haldimar during this important
conference of the fierce chiefs?--where find language to
convey the cold and thrilling horror with which he listened
to the calm discussion of a plan, the object of which
was the massacre, not only of a host of beings endeared
to him by long communionship of service, but of those