nor was this impression at all weakened by the subsequent
discourse of the parties in the Indian tongue, with which
it was well known most of the Canadians, both male and
female, were more or less conversant. The subject of that
short, low, and hurried conference was, indeed, one that
well warranted the singular intrusion; and, in the
declaration of Halloway, we have already seen the importance
and anxiety attached by the young officer to the
communication. Without waiting to repeat the motives
assigned for his departure, and the prayers and
expostulations to which he had recourse to overcome the
determination and sense of duty of the unfortunate
sentinel, let us pass at once to the moment when, after
having cleared the ditch, conjointly with his faithful
follower, in the manner already shown, Captain de Haldimar
first stood side by side with his midnight visitant.

The night, it has elsewhere been observed, was clear and
starry, so that objects upon the common, such as the rude
stump that here and there raised its dark low head above
the surface, might be dimly seen in the distance. To
obviate the danger of discovery by the sentinels, appeared
to be the first study of the female; for, when Captain
de Haldimar, followed by his servant, had reached the
spot on which she stood, she put the forefinger of one
hand to her lips, and with the other pointed to his booted
foot. A corresponding signal showed that the lightness
of the material offered little risk of betrayal. Donellan,
however, was made to doff his heavy ammunition shoes;
and, with this precaution, they all stole hastily along,