possessed of, yet which they had so long and so
unsuccessfully attempted to subdue. As they advanced into
the square, they looked around, expecting to behold the
full array of their enemies; but, to their astonishment,
not a soldier was to be seen. A few women and children
only, in whom curiosity had overcome a natural loathing
and repugnance to the savages, were peeping from the
windows of the block houses. Even at a moment like the
present, the fierce instinct of these latter was not to
be controlled. One of the children, terrified at the wild
appearance of the warriors, screamed violently, and clung
to the bosom of its mother for protection. Fired at the
sound, a young chief raised his hand to his lips, and
was about to peal forth his terrible war whoop in the
very centre of the fort, when the eye of the Ottawa
suddenly arrested him.




CHAPTER IV.

There were few forms of courtesy observed by the warriors
towards the English officers on entering the council
room. Ponteac, who had collected all his native haughtiness
into one proud expression of look and figure, strode in
without taking the slightest notice even of the governor.
The other chiefs imitated his example, and all took their
seats upon the matting in the order prescribed by their
rank among the tribes, and their experience in council.