was completely enveloped. His right arm was uplifted,
and the blade of a scalping knife glittered in his hand.
A cold shudder ran through the veins of the young officer,
and he closed his eyes, that he might not see the blow
which he felt was about to be directed at his heart. The
Indian glanced hurriedly yet cautiously around, to see
if he was observed; and then, with the rapidity of thought,
divided, first the thongs that secured the legs, and then
those which confined the arms of the defenceless captive.
When Captain de Haldimar, full of astonishment at finding
himself once more at liberty, again unclosed his eyes,
they fell on the not unhandsome features of the young
chief, the brother of Oucanasta.

"The Saganaw is the prisoner of Wacousta," said the Indian
hastily; "and Wacousta is the enemy of the young Ottawa
chief. The warriors of the pale faces are there" (and he
pointed directly before him). "If the Saganaw has a bold
heart and a swift foot, he may save his life:" and, with
this intimation, he hurried away in the same cautious
manner, and was in the next instant seen making a circuit
to arrive at the point at which the principal strength
of the Indians was collected.

The position of Captain de Haldimar had now attained its
acme of interest; for on his own exertions alone depended
every thing that remained to be accomplished. With
wonderful presence of mind he surveyed all the difficulties
of his course, while he availed himself at the same moment
of whatever advantages were within his grasp. On the