at intervals could see the towering form of that vast
warrior bounding, with incredible speed, up the sloping
ground that led from the town towards the forest. A ravine
lay before him; but this he cleared, with a prodigious
effort, at a single leap; and then, continuing his way
up the slope, amid the low guttural acclamations of the
warriors at his extraordinary dexterity and strength,
finally gained the side of Ponteac, then leaning carelessly
against a tree at a short distance from the prisoner.

A low and animated conversation now ensued between these
two important personages, which at moments assumed the
character of violent discussion. From what Captain de
Haldimar could collect, the Ottawa chief was severely
reproving his friend for the inconsiderate ardour which
had led him that morning into collision with those whom
it was their object to lull into security by a careful
avoidance of hostility, and urging the possibility of
their plan being defeated in consequence. He moreover
obstinately refused the pressing request of Wacousta, in
regard to some present enterprise which the latter had
just suggested, the precise nature of which, however,
Captain de Haldimar could not learn. Meanwhile, the rapid
flitting of numerous forms to and from the encampment,
arrayed in all the fierce panoply of savage warfare,
while low exclamations of excitement occasionally caught
his ear, led the officer to infer, strange and unusual
as such an occurrence was, that either the detachment
already engaged, or a second, was advancing on their
position. Still, this offered little chance of security