appeared to be deliberating among themselves, but evidently
in a more energetic and serious manner. At length they
separated, when Ponteac, accompanied by the chiefs who
had attended him on the former day, once more led in the
direction of the fort. The moment of his advance was the
signal for the commencement of the principal game. In an
instant those of the warriors who lay reclining on the
sward sprang to their feet, while the wrestlers and racers
resumed their hurdles, and prepared themselves for the
trial of mingled skill and swiftness. At first they formed
a dense group in the centre of the common; and then,
diverging in two equal files both to the right and to
the left of the immediate centre, where the large ball
was placed, formed an open chain, extending from the
skirt of the forest to the commencement of the village.
On the one side were ranged the Delawares and the Shawanees,
and on the other the more numerous nation of the Ottawas.
The women of these several tribes, apparently much
interested in the issue of an amusement in which the
manliness and activity of their respective friends were
staked, had gradually and imperceptibly gained the front
of the fort, where they were now huddled in groups at
about twenty paces from the drawbridge, and bending
eagerly forward to command the movements of the
ball-players.

In his circuit round the walls, Ponteac was seen to remark
the confiding appearance of the unarmed soldiery with a
satisfaction that was not sought to be disguised; and
from the manner in which he threw his glance along each