anticipate evil, Charles, you have overlooked one important
fact. Ponteac distinctly stated that his ruffian friend
was still lying deprived of consciousness and speech
within his tent, and yet two days had elapsed since the
encounter was said to have taken place. Surely we have
every reason then to infer they were beyond all reach of
pursuit, even admitting, what is by no means probable
the recovery of the wretch immediately after the return
of the chiefs from the council."

A gleam of satisfaction, but so transient as to be scarcely
noticeable, passed over the pale features of the youthful
De Haldimar. He looked his thanks to the kind officer
who was thus solicitous to tender him consolation; and
was about to reply, when the attention of both was diverted
by the report of a musket from the rear of the fort.
Presently afterwards, the word was passed along the chain
of sentinels, upon the ramparts, that the Indians were
issuing in force from the forest upon the common near
the bomb-proof. Then was heard, as the sentinel at the
gate delivered the password, the heavy roll of the drum
summoning to arms.

"Ha! here already!" said Captain Blessington, as, glancing
towards the forest, he beheld the skirt of the wood now
alive with dusky human forms: "Ponteac's visit is earlier
than we had been taught to expect; but we are as well
prepared to receive him now, as later; and, in fact, the
sooner the interview is terminated, the sooner we shall
know what we have to depend upon. Come, Charles, we must