The Project Gutenberg EBook of Wacousta, by John Richardson
#4 in our series by John Richardson

Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the
copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing
this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook.

This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project
Gutenberg file.  Please do not remove it.  Do not change or edit the
header without written permission.

Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the
eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file.  Included is
important information about your specific rights and restrictions in
how the file may be used.  You can also find out about how to make a
donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved.


**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts**

**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971**

*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!*****


Title: Wacousta
       or The Prophecy

Author: John Richardson

Release Date: January, 2004 [EBook #4912]
[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
[This file was first posted on March 25, 2002]

Edition: 10

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WACOUSTA ***




This etext was produced by Gardner Buchanan with help from
Charles Franks and the distributed proofers.





WACOUSTA;
   or,
THE PROPHECY.



Volume One of Three


Preface

It is well known to every man conversant with the earlier
history of this country that, shortly subsequent to the
cession of the Canadas to England by France, Ponteac,
the great head of the Indian race of that period, had
formed a federation of the various tribes, threatening
extermin ation to the British posts established along
the Western frontier. These were nine in number, and the
following stratagem was resorted to by the artful chief
to effect their reduction. Investing one fort with his
warriors, so as to cut off all communication with the
others, and to leave no hope of succor, his practice was
to offer terms of surrender, which never were kept in
the honorable spirit in which the far more noble and
generous Tecumseh always acted with his enemies, and
thus, in turn, seven of these outposts fell victims to
their confidence in his truth.

Detroit and Michilimaclcinac, or Mackinaw as it is now
called, remained, and all the ingenuity of the chieftain
was directed to the possession of these strongholds. The
following plan, well worthy of his invention, was at
length determined upon. During a temporary truce, and
while Ponteac was holding forth proposals for an ultimate
and durable peace, a game of lacrosse was arranged by
him to take place simultaneously on the common or clearing
on which rested the forts of Michilimackinac and Detroit.
The better to accomplish their object, the guns of the
warriors had been cut short and given to their women,
who were instructed to conceal them under their blankets,
and during the game, and seemingly without design, to
approach the drawbridge of the fort. This precaution
taken, the players were to approach and throw over their
ball, permission to regain which they presumed would not
be denied. On approaching the drawbridge they were with
fierce yells to make a general rush, and, securing the
arms concealed by the women, to massacre the unprepared
garrison.

The day was fixed; the game commenced, and was proceeded
with in the manner previously arranged. The ball was
dexterously hurled into the fort, and permission asked
to recover it. It was granted. The drawbridge was lowered,
and the Indians dashed forward for the accomplishment of
their work of blood. How different the results in the
two garrisons! At Detroit, Ponteac and his warriors had
scarcely crossed the drawbridge when, to their astonishment
and disappointment, they beheld the guns of the ramparts
depressed--the artillerymen with lighted matches at their
posts and covering the little garrison, composed of a
few companies of the 42nd Highlanders, who were also
under arms, and so distributed as to take the enemy most
at an advantage. Suddenly they withdrew and without other
indication of their purpose than what had been expressed
in their manner, and carried off the missing ball. Their
design had been discovered and made known by means of
significant warnings to the Governor by an Indian woman
who owed a debt of gratitude to his family, and was
resolved, at all hazards, to save them.

On the same day the same artifice was resorted to at
Michilimackinac, and with the most complete success.
There was no guardian angel there to warn them of danger,
and all fell beneath the rifle, the tomahawk, the war-club,
and the knife, one or two of the traders--a Mr. Henry
among the rest--alone excepted.

It was not long after this event when the head of the
military authorities in the Colony, apprised of the fate
of these captured posts, and made acquainted with the
perilous condition of Fort Detroit, which was then reduced
to the last extremity, sought an officer who would
volunteer the charge of supplies from Albany to Buffalo,
and thence across the lake to Detroit, which, if possible,
he was to relieve. That volunteer was promptly found in
my maternal grandfather, Mr. Erskine, from Strabane, in
the North of Ireland, then an officer in the Commissariat
Department. The difficulty of the undertaking will be
obvious to those who understand the danger attending a
journey through the Western wilderness, beset as it was
by the warriors of Ponteac, ever on the lookout to prevent
succor to the garrison, and yet the duty was successfully
accomplished. He left Albany with provisions and ammunition
sufficient to fill several Schnectady boats--I think
seven--and yet conducted his charge with such prudence
and foresight, that notwithstanding the vigilance of
Ponteac, he finally and after long watching succeeded,
under cover of a dark and stormy night, in throwing into
the fort. the supplies of which the remnant of the gallant
"Black Watch," as the 42nd was originally named, and a
company of whom, while out reconnoitering, had been
massacred at a spot in the vicinity of the town, thereafter
called the Bloody Run, stood so greatly in need. This
important service rendered, Mr. Erskine, in compliance
with the instructions he had received, returned to Albany,
where he reported the success of the expedition.

The colonial authorities were not regardless of his
interests. When the Ponteac confederacy had been dissolved,
and quiet and security restored in that remote region,
large tracts of land were granted to Mr. Erskine, and
other privileges accorded which eventually gave him the
command of nearly a hundred thousand dollars--enormous
sum to have been realized at that early period of the
country. But it was not destined that he should retain
this. The great bulk of his capital was expended on almost
the first commercial shipping that ever skimmed the
surface of Lakes Huron and Erie. Shortly prior to the
Revolution, he was possessed of seven vessels of different
tonnage, and the trade in which he had embarked, and of
which he was the head, was rapidly increasing his already
large fortune, when one of those autumnal hurricanes,
which even to this day continue to desolate the waters
of the treacherous lake last named, suddenly arose and
buried beneath its engulfing waves not less than six of
these schooners laden with such riches, chiefly furs, of
the West as then were most an object of barter.

Mr. Erskine, who had married the daughter of one of the
earliest settlers from France, and of a family well known
in history, a lady who had been in Detroit during the
siege of the British garrison by Ponteac, now abandoned
speculation, and contenting himself with the remnant of
his fortune, established himself near the banks of the
river, within a short distance of the Bloody Run. Here
he continued throughout the Revolution. Early, however,
in the present century, he quitted Detroit and repaired
to the Canadian shore, where on a property nearly opposite,
which he obtained in exchange, and which in honor of his
native country he named Strabane--known as such to this
day--he passed the autumn of his days. The last time I
beheld him was a day or two subsequent to the affair of
the Thames, when General Harrison and Colonel Johnson
were temporary inmates of his dwelling.

My father, of a younger branch of the Annandale family,
the head of which was attainted in the Scottish rebellion
of 1745, was an officer of Simcoe's well-known Rangers,
in which regiment, and about the same period, the present
Lord Hardinge commenced his services in this country.
Being quartered at Fort Erie, he met and married at the
house of one of the earliest Canadian merchants a daughter
of Mr. Erskine, then on a visit to her sister, and by
her had eight children, of whom I am the oldest and only
survivor. Having a few years after his marriage been
ordered to St. Joseph's, near Michilimackinac, my father
thought it expedient to leave me with Mr. Erskine at
Detroit, where I received the first rudiments of my
education. But here I did not remain long, for it was
during the period of the stay of the detachment of Simcoe's
Rangers at St. Joseph that Mr. Erskine repaired with his
family to the Canadian shore, where on the more elevated
and conspicuous part of his grounds which are situated
nearly opposite the foot of Hog Island, so repeatedly
alluded to in "Wacousta," he had caused a flag-staff to
be erected, from which each Sabbath day proudly floated
the colors under which he had served, and which he never
could bring himself to disown.

It was at Strabane that the old lady, with whom I was a
great favorite, used to enchain my young interest by
detailing various facts connected with the seige she so
well remembered, and infused into me a longing to grow
up to manhood that I might write a book about it. The
details of the Ponteac plan for the capture of the two
forts were what she most enlarged upon, and although a
long lapse of years of absence from the scene, and ten
thousand incidents of a higher and more immediate importance
might have been supposed to weaken the recollections of
so early a period of life, the impression has ever vividly
remained. Hence the first appearance of "Wacousta" in
London in 1832, more than a quarter of a century later.
The story is founded solely on the artifice of Ponteac
to possess himself of those two last British forts. All
else is imaginary.

It is not a little curious that I, only a few years
subsequent to the narration by old Mrs. Erskine of the
daring and cunning feats of Ponteac, and his vain attempt
to secure the fort of Detroit, should myself have entered
it in arms. But it was so. I had ever hated school with
a most bitter hatred, and I gladly availed myself of an
offer from General Brock to obtain for me a commission
in the King's service. Meanwhile I did duty as a cadet
with the gallant 41st regiment, to which the English
edition of "Wacousta" was inscribed, and was one of the
guard of honor who took possession of the fort. The duty
of a sentinel over the British colors, which had just
been hoisted was assigned to me, and I certainly felt
not a little proud of the distinction.

Five times within half a century had the flag of that
fortress been changed. First the lily of France, then
the red cross of England, and next the stars and stripes
of America had floated over its ramparts; and then again
the red cross, and lastly the stars. On my return to this
country a few years since, I visited those scenes of
stirring excitement in which my boyhood had been passed,
but I looked in vain for the ancient fortifications which
had given a classical interest to that region. The
unsparing hand of utilitarianism had passed over them,
destroying almost every vestige of the past. Where had
risen the only fortress in America at all worthy to give
antiquity to the scene, streets had been laid out and
made, and houses had been built, leaving not a trace of
its existence save the well that formerly supplied the
closely beseiged garrison with water; and this, half
imbedded in the herbage of an enclosure of a dwelling
house of mean appearance, was rather to be guessed at
than seen; while at the opposite extremity of the city,
where had been conspicuous for years the Bloody Run,
cultivation and improvement had nearly obliterated every
trace of the past.

Two objections have been urged against "Wacousta" as a
consistent tale--the one as involving an improbability,
the other a geographical error. It has been assumed that
the startling feat accomplished by that man of deep
revenge, who is not alone in his bitter hatred and contempt
for the base among those who, like spaniels, crawl and
kiss the dust at the instigation of their superiors, and
yet arrogate to themselves a claim to be considered
gentlemen and men of honor and independence--it has, I
repeat, been assumed that the feat attributed to him in
connection with the flag-staff of the fort was impossible.
No one who has ever seen these erections on the small
forts of that day would pronounce the same criticism.
Never very lofty, they were ascended at least one-third
of their height by means of small projections nailed to
them for footholds for the artillerymen, frequently
compelled to clear the flag lines entangled at the truck;
therefore a strong and active man, such as Wacousta is
described to have been, might very well have been supposed,
in his strong anxiety for revenge and escape with his
victim, to have doubled his strength and activity on so
important an occasion, rendering that easy of attainment
by himself which an ordinary and unexcited man might deem
impossible. I myself have knocked down a gate, almost
without feeling the resistance, in order to escape the
stilettos of assassins.

The second objection is to the narrowness attributed in
the tale to the river St. Clair. This was done in the
license usually accorded to a writer of fiction, in order
to give greater effect to the scene represented as having
occurred there, and, of course, in no way intended as a
geographical description of the river, nor was it necessary.
In the same spirit and for the same purpose it has been
continued.

It will be seen that at the termination of the tragedy
enacted at the bridge, by which the Bloody Run was in
those days crossed, that the wretched wife of the condemned
soldier pronounced a curse that could not, of course,
well be fulfilled in the course of the tale. Some few
years ago I published in Canada--I might as well have
done so in Kamschatka--the continuation, which was to
have been dedicated to the last King of England, but
which, after the death of that monarch, was inscribed to
Sir John Harvey, whose letter, as making honorable mention
of a gallant and beloved brother, I feel it a duty to
the memory of the latter to subjoin.

   GOVERNMENT HOUSE, FREDERICTON, N.B.,

   Major Richardson, Montreal.

   November 26th, 1839.

   "Dear Sir;--I am favored with your very interesting
   communication of the 2nd instant, by which I learn
   that you are the brother of two youths whose gallantry
   and merits--and with regard to one of them, his
   suferings--during the late war, excited my warmest
   admiration and sympathy. I beg you to believe that I
   am far from insensible to the affecting proofs which
   you have made known to me of this grateful recollection
   of any little service I may have had it in my power
   to render them; and I will add that the desire which
   I felt to serve the father will be found to extend
   itself to the son, if your nephew should ever find
   himself under circumstances to require from me any
   service which it may be within my power to render him."

   "With regard to your very flattering proposition to
   inscribe your present work to me, I can only say that,
   independent of the respect to which the author of so
   very charming a production as 'Wacousta' is entitled,
   the interesting facts and circumstances so unexpectedly
   brought to my knowledge and recollection would ensure
   a ready acquiescence on my part."

   "I remain, dear sir your very faithful servant"

   "(Signed)   J. HARVEY. "

The "Prophecy Fulfilled," which, however, has never been
seen out of the small country in which it appeared--Detroit,
perhaps, alone excepted--embraces and indeed is intimately
connected with the Beauchamp tragedy, which took place
at or near Weisiger's Hotel, in Frankfort, Kentucky,
where I had been many years before confined as a prisoner
of war. While connecting it with the "Prophecy Fulfilled,"
and making it subservient to the end I had in view, I
had not read or even heard of the existence of a work of
the same character, which had already appeared from the
pen of an American author. Indeed, I have reason to
believe that the "Prophecy Fulfilled," although not
published until after a lapse of years, was the first
written. No similarity of treatment of the subject exists
between the two versions, and this, be it remembered, I
remark without in the slightest degree impugning the
merit of the production of my fellow-laborer in the same
field.

THE AUTHOR.

New York City, January 1st, 1851.




CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTORY

As we are about to introduce our readers to scenes with
which the European is little familiarised, some few
cursory remarks, illustrative of the general features of
the country into which we have shifted our labours, may
not be deemed misplaced at the opening of this volume.

Without entering into minute geographical detail, it may
be necessary merely to point out the outline of such
portions of the vast continent of America as still
acknowledge allegiance to the English crown, in order
that the reader, understanding the localities, may enter
with deeper interest into the incidents of a tale connected
with a ground hitherto untouched by the wand of the modern
novelist.

All who have ever taken the trouble to inform themselves
of the features of a country so little interesting to
the majority of Englishmen in their individual character
must be aware,--and for the information of those who are
not, we state,--that that portion of the northern continent
of America which is known as the United States is divided
from the Canadas by a continuous chain of lakes and
rivers, commencing at the ocean into which they empty
themselves, and extending in a north-western direction
to the remotest parts of these wild regions, which have
never yet been pressed by other footsteps than those of
the native hunters of the soil. First we have the
magnificent St. Lawrence, fed from the lesser and tributary
streams, rolling her sweet and silver waters into the
foggy seas of the Newfoundland.--But perhaps it will
better tend to impress our readers with a panoramic
picture of the country in which our scene of action is
more immediately laid, by commencing at those extreme
and remote points of our Canadian possessions to which
their attention will be especially directed in the course
of our narrative.

The most distant of the north-western settlements of
America is Michilimackinac, a name given by the Indians,
and preserved by the Americans, who possess the fort even
to this hour. It is situated at the head of the Lakes
Michigan and Huron, and adjacent to the Island of St.
Joseph's, where, since the existence of the United States
as an independent republic, an English garrison has been
maintained, with a view of keeping the original fortress
in check. From the lakes above mentioned we descend into
the River Sinclair, which, in turn, disembogues itself
into the lake of the same name. This again renders tribute
to the Detroit, a broad majestic river, not less than a
mile in breadth at its source, and progressively widening
towards its mouth until it is finally lost in the beautiful
Lake Erie, computed at about one hundred and sixty miles
in circumference. From the embouchure of this latter lake
commences the Chippawa, better known in Europe from the
celebrity of its stupendous falls of Niagara, which form
an impassable barrier to the seaman, and, for a short
space, sever the otherwise uninterrupted chain connecting
the remote fortresses we have described with the Atlantic.
At a distance of a few miles from the falls, the Chippawa
finally empties itself into the Ontario, the most splendid
of the gorgeous American lakes, on the bright bosom of
which, during the late war, frigates, seventy-fours, and
even a ship of one hundred and twelve guns, manned by a
crew of one thousand men, reflected the proud pennants
of England! At the opposite extremity of this magnificent
and sea-like lake, which is upwards of two hundred miles
in circumference, the far-famed St. Lawrence takes her
source; and after passing through a vast tract of country,
whose elevated banks bear every trace of fertility and
cultivation, connects itself with the Lake Champlain,
celebrated, as well as Erie, for a signal defeat of our
flotilla during the late contest with the Americans.
Pushing her bold waters through this somewhat inferior
lake, the St. Lawrence pursues her course seaward with
impetuosity, until arrested near La Chine by rock-studded
shallows, which produce those strong currents and eddies,
the dangers of which are so beautifully expressed in the
Canadian Boat Song,--a composition that has rendered the
"rapids" almost as familiar to the imagination of the
European as the falls of Niagara themselves. Beyond La
Chine the St. Lawrence gradually unfolds herself into
greater majesty and expanse, and rolling past the busy
commercial town of Montreal, is once more increased in
volume by the insignificant lake of St. Peter's, nearly
opposite to the settlement of Three Rivers, midway between
Montreal and Quebec. From thence she pursues her course
unfed, except by a few inferior streams, and gradually
widens as she rolls past the capital of the Canadas,
whose tall and precipitous battlements, bristled with
cannon, and frowning defiance from the clouds in which
they appear half imbedded, might be taken by the imaginative
enthusiast for the strong tower of the Spirit of those
stupendous scenes. From this point the St. Lawrence
increases in expanse, until, at length, after traversing
a country where the traces of civilisation become gradually
less and less visible, she finally merges in the gulf,
from the centre of which the shores on either hand are
often invisible to the naked eye; and in this manner is
it imperceptibly lost in that misty ocean, so dangerous
to mariners from its deceptive and almost perpetual fogs.

In following the links of this extensive chain of lakes
and rivers, it must be borne in recollection, that,
proceeding seaward from Michilimackinac and its contiguous
district, all that tract of country which lies to the
right constitutes what is now known as the United States
of America, and all on the left the two provinces of
Upper and Lower Canada, tributary to the English government,
subject to the English laws, and garrisoned by English
troops. The several forts and harbours established along
the left bank of the St. Lawrence, and throughout that
portion of our possessions which is known as Lower Canada,
are necessarily, from the improved condition and more
numerous population of that province, on a larger scale
and of better appointment; but in Upper Canada, where
the traces of civilisation are less evident throughout,
and become gradually more faint as we advance westward,
the fortresses and harbours bear the same proportion In
strength and extent to the scantiness of the population
they are erected to protect. Even at the present day,
along that line of remote country we have selected for
the theatre of our labours, the garrisons are both few
in number and weak in strength, and evidence of cultivation
is seldom to be found at any distance in the interior;
so that all beyond a certain extent of clearing, continued
along the banks of the lakes and rivers, is thick,
impervious, rayless forest, the limits of which have
never yet been explored, perhaps, by the natives themselves.

Such being the general features of the country even at
the present day, it will readily be comprehended how much
more wild and desolate was the character they exhibited
as far back as the middle of the last century, about
which period our story commences. At that epoch, it will
be borne in mind, what we have described as being the
United States were then the British colonies of America
dependent on the mother-country; while the Canadas, on
the contrary, were, or had very recently been, under the
dominion of France, from whom they had been wrested after
a long struggle, greatly advanced in favour of England
by the glorious battle fought on the plains of Abraham,
near Quebec, and celebrated for the defeat of Montcalm
and the death of Wolfe.

The several attempts made to repossess themselves of the
strong hold of Quebec having, in every instance, been
met by discomfiture and disappointment, the French, in
despair, relinquished the contest, and, by treaty, ceded
their claims to the Canadas,--an event that was hastened
by the capitulation of the garrison of Montreal, commanded
by the Marquis de Vaudreuil, to the victorious arms of
General Amherst. Still, though conquered as a people,
many of the leading men in the country, actuated by that
jealousy for which they were remarkable, contrived to
oppose obstacles to the quiet possession of a conquest
by those whom they seemed to look upon as their hereditary
enemies; and in furtherance of this object, paid agents,
men of artful and intriguing character, were dispersed
among the numerous tribes of savages, with a view of
exciting them to acts of hostility against their conquerors.
The long and uninterrupted possession, by the French, of
those countries immediately bordering on the hunting
grounds and haunts of the natives, with whom they carried
on an extensive traffic in furs, had established a
communionship of interest between themselves and those
savage and warlike people, which failed not to turn to
account the vindictive views of the former. The whole of
the province of Upper Canada at that time possessed but
a scanty population, protected in its most flourishing
and defensive points by stockade forts; the chief object
of which was to secure the garrisons, consisting each of
a few companies, from any sudden surprise on the part of
the natives, who, although apparently inclining to
acknowledge the change of neighbours, and professing
amity, were, it was well known, too much in the interest
of their old friends the French, and even the French
Canadians themselves, not to be regarded with the most
cautious distrust.

These stockade forts were never, at any one period, nearer
to each other than from one hundred and fifty to two
hundred miles, so that, in the event of surprise or alarm,
there was little prospect of obtaining assistance from
without. Each garrison, therefore, was almost wholly
dependent on its own resources; and, when surrounded
unexpectedly by numerous bands of hostile Indians, had
no other alternative than to hold out to the death.
Capitulation was out of the question; for, although the
wile and artifice of the natives might induce them to
promise mercy, the moment their enemies were in their
power promises and treaties were alike broken, and
indiscriminate massacre ensued. Communication by water
was, except during a period of profound peace, almost
impracticable; for, although of late years the lakes of
Canada have been covered with vessels of war, many of
them, as we have already remarked, of vast magnitude,
and been the theatres of conflicts that would not have
disgraced the salt waters of ocean itself, at the period
to which our story refers the flag of England was seen
to wave only on the solitary mast of some ill-armed and
ill-manned gunboat, employed rather for the purpose of
conveying despatches from fort to fort, than with any
serious view to acts either of aggression or defence.

In proportion as the colonies of America, now the United
States, pushed their course of civilisation westward, in
the same degree did the numerous tribes of Indians, who
had hitherto dwelt more seaward, retire upon those of
their own countrymen, who, buried in vast and impenetrable
forests, had seldom yet seen the face of the European
stranger; so that, in the end, all the more central parts
of those stupendous wilds became doubly peopled. Hitherto,
however, that civilisation had not been carried beyond
the state of New York; and all those countries which
have, since the American revolution, been added to the
Union under the names of Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri,
Michigan, &c., were, at the period embraced by our story,
inhospitable and unproductive woods, subject only to the
dominion of the native, and as yet unshorn by the axe of
the cultivator. A few portions only of the opposite shores
of Michigan were occupied by emigrants from the Canadas,
who, finding no one to oppose or molest them, selected
the most fertile spots along the banks of the river; and
of the existence of these infant settlements, the English
colonists, who had never ventured so far, were not even
aware until after the conquest of Canada by the mother-
country. This particular district was the centre around
which the numerous warriors, who had been driven westward
by the colonists, had finally assembled; and rude villages
and encampments rose far and near for a circuit of many
miles around this infant settlement and fort of the
Canadians, to both of which they had given the name of
Detroit, after the river on whose elevated banks they
stood. Proceeding westward from this point, and along
the tract of country that diverged from the banks of the
Lakes Huron, Sinclair, and Michigan, all traces of that
partial civilisation were again lost in impervious wilds,
tenanted only by the fiercest of the Indian tribes, whose
homes were principally along the banks of that greatest
of American waters, the Lake Superior, and in the country
surrounding the isolated fort of Michilimackinac, the
last and most remote of the European fortresses in Canada.

When at a later period the Canadas were ceded to us by
France, those parts of the opposite frontier which we
have just described became also tributary to the English
crown, and were, by the peculiar difficulties that existed
to communication with the more central and populous
districts, rendered especially favourable to the exercise
of hostile intrigue by the numerous active French emissaries
every where dispersed among the Indian tribes. During
the first few years of the conquest, the inhabitants of
Canada, who were all either European French, or immediate
descendants of that nation, were, as might naturally be
expected, more than restive under their new governors,
and many of the most impatient spirits of the country
sought every opportunity of sowing the seeds of distrust
and jealousy in the hearts of the natives. By these people
it was artfully suggested to the Indians, that their new
oppressors were of the race of those who had driven them
from the sea, and were progressively advancing on their
territories until scarce a hunting ground or a village
would be left to them. They described them, moreover, as
being the hereditary enemies of their great father, the
King of France, with whose governors they had buried the
hatchet for ever, and smoked the calumet of perpetual
peace. Fired by these wily suggestions, the high and
jealous spirit of the Indian chiefs took the alarm, and
they beheld with impatience the "Red Coat," or "Saganaw,"
[Footnote: This word thus pronounced by themselves, in
reference to the English soldiery, is, in all probability,
derived from the original English settlers in Saganaw
Bay.] usurping, as they deemed it, those possessions
which had so recently acknowledged the supremacy of the
pale flag of their ancient ally. The cause of the Indians,
and that of the Canadians, became, in some degree,
identified as one, and each felt it was the interest,
and it may be said the natural instinct, of both, to hold
communionship of purpose, and to indulge the same jealousies
and fears. Such was the state of things in 1763, the
period at which our story commences,--an epoch fruitful
in designs of hostility and treachery on the part of the
Indians, who, too crafty and too politic to manifest
their feelings by overt acts declaratory of the hatred
carefully instilled into their breasts, sought every
opportunity to compass the destruction of the English,
wherever they were most vulnerable to the effects of
stratagem. Several inferior forts situated on the Ohio
had already fallen into their hands, when they summoned
all their address and cunning to accomplish the fall of
the two important though remote posts of Detroit and
Michilimackinac. For a length of time they were baffled
by the activity and vigilance of the respective governors
of these forts, who had had too much fatal experience in
the fate of their companions not to be perpetually on
the alert against their guile; but when they had at
length, in some degree, succeeded in lulling the suspicions
of the English, they determined on a scheme, suggested
by a leading chief, a man of more than ordinary character,
which promised fair to rid them altogether of a race they
so cordially detested. We will not, however, mar the
interest of our tale, by anticipating, at this early
stage, either the nature or the success of a stratagem
which forms the essential groundwork of our story.

While giving, for the information of the many, what, we
trust, will not be considered a too compendious outline
of the Canadas, and the events connected with them, we
are led to remark, that, powerful as was the feeling of
hostility cherished by the French Canadians towards the
English when the yoke of early conquest yet hung heavily
on them, this feeling eventually died away under the mild
influence of a government that preserved to them the
exercise of all their customary privileges, and abolished
all invidious distinctions between the descendants of
France and those of the mother-country. So universally,
too, has this system of conciliation been pursued, we
believe we may with safety aver, of all the numerous
colonies that have succumbed to the genius and power of
England, there are none whose inhabitants entertain
stronger feelings of attachment and loyalty to her than
those of Canada; and whatever may be the transient
differences,--differences growing entirely out of
circumstances and interests of a local character, and in
no way tending to impeach the acknowledged fidelity of
the mass of French Canadians,--whatever, we repeat, may
be the ephemeral differences that occasionally spring up
between the governors of those provinces and individual
members of the Houses of Assembly, they must, in no way,
be construed into a general feeling of disaffection
towards the English crown.

In proportion also as the Canadians have felt and
acknowledged the beneficent effects arising from a change
of rulers, so have the Indian tribes been gradually weaned
from their first fierce principle of hostility, until
they have subsequently become as much distinguished by
their attachment to, as they were three quarters of a
century ago remarkable for their untameable aversion for,
every thing that bore the English name, or assumed the
English character. Indeed, the hatred which they bore
to the original colonists has been continued to their
descendants, the subjects of the United States; and the
same spirit of union subsisted between the natives and
British troops, and people of Canada, during the late
American war, that at an earlier period of the history
of that country prevailed so powerfully to the disadvantage
of England.

And now we have explained a course of events which were
in some measure necessary to the full understanding of
the country by the majority of our readers, we shall, in
furtherance of the same object, proceed to sketch a few
of the most prominent scenes more immediately before us.

The fort of Detroit, as it was originally constructed by
the French, stands in the middle of a common, or description
of small prairie, bounded by woods, which, though now
partially thinned in their outskirts, were at that period
untouched by the hand of civilisation. Erected at a
distance of about half a mile from the banks of the river,
which at that particular point are high and precipitous,
it stood then just far enough from the woods that swept
round it in a semicircular form to be secure from the
rifle of the Indian; while from its batteries it commanded
a range of country on every hand, which no enemy unsupported
by cannon could traverse with impunity. Immediately in
the rear, and on the skirt of the wood, the French had
constructed a sort of bomb-proof, possibly intended to
serve as a cover to the workmen originally employed in
clearing the woods, but long since suffered to fall into
decay. Without the fortification rose a strong and triple
line of pickets, each of about two feet and a half in
circumference, and so fitted into each other as to leave
no other interstices than those which were perforated
for the discharge of musketry. They were formed of the
hardest and most knotted pines that could be procured;
the sharp points of which were seasoned by fire until
they acquired nearly the durability and consistency of
iron. Beyond these firmly imbedded pickets was a ditch,
encircling the fort, of about twenty feet in width, and
of proportionate depth, the only communication over which
to and from the garrison was by means of a drawbridge,
protected by a strong chevaux-de-frise. The only gate
with which the fortress was provided faced the river; on
the more immediate banks of which, and to the left of
the fort, rose the yet infant and straggling village that
bore the name of both. Numerous farm-houses, however,
almost joining each other, contributed to form a continuity
of many miles along the borders of the river, both on
the right and on the left; while the opposite shores of
Canada, distinctly seen in the distance, presented, as
far as the eye could reach, the same enlivening character
of fertility. The banks, covered with verdure on either
shore, were more or less undulating at intervals; but in
general they were high without being abrupt, and picturesque
without being bold, presenting, in their partial
cultivation, a striking contrast to the dark, tall, and
frowning forests bounding every point of the perspective.

At a distance of about five miles on the left of the town
the course of the river was interrupted by a small and
thickly wooded island, along whose sandy beach occasionally
rose the low cabin or wigwam which the birch canoe,
carefully upturned and left to dry upon the sands, attested
to be the temporary habitation of the wandering Indian.
That branch of the river which swept by the shores of
Canada was (as at this day) the only navigable one for
vessels of burden, while that on the opposite coast
abounded in shallows and bars, affording passage merely
to the light barks of the natives, which seemed literally
to skim the very surface of its waves. Midway, between
that point of the continent which immediately faced the
eastern extremity of the island we have just named and
the town of Detroit, flowed a small tributary river, the
approaches to which, on either hand, were over a slightly
sloping ground, the view of which could be entirely
commanded from the fort. The depth of this river, now
nearly dried up, at that period varied from three to ten
or twelve feet; and over this, at a distance of about
twenty yards from the Detroit, into which it emptied
itself, rose, communicating with the high road, a bridge,
which will more than once be noticed in the course of
our tale. Even to the present hour it retains the name
given to it during these disastrous times; and there are
few modern Canadians, or even Americans, who traverse
the "Bloody Bridge," especially at the still hours of
advanced night, without recalling to memory the tragic
events of those days, (handed down as they have been by
their fathers, who were eye-witnesses of the transaction,)
and peopling the surrounding gloom with the shades of
those whose life-blood erst crimsoned the once pure waters
of that now nearly exhausted stream; and whose mangled
and headless corpses were slowly borne by its tranquil
current into the bosom of the parent river, where all
traces of them finally disappeared.

These are the minuter features of the scene we have
brought more immediately under the province of our pen.
What Detroit was in 1763 it nearly is at the present day,
with this difference, however, that many of those points
which were then in a great degree isolated and rude are
now redolent with the beneficent effects of improved
cultivation; and in the immediate vicinity of that
memorable bridge, where formerly stood merely the occasional
encampment of the Indian warrior, are now to be seen
flourishing farms and crops, and other marks of agricultural
industry. Of the fort of Detroit itself we will give the
following brief history:--It was, as we have already
stated, erected by the French while in the occupancy of
the country by which it is more immediately environed;
subsequently, and at the final cession of the Canadas,
it was delivered over to England, with whom it remained
until the acknowledgement of the independence of the
colonists by the mother-country, when it hoisted the
colours of the republic; the British garrison marching
out, and crossing over into Canada, followed by such of
the loyalists as still retained their attachment to the
English crown. At the commencement of the late war with
America it was the first and more immediate theatre of
conflict, and was remarkable, as well as Michilimackinac,
for being one of the first posts of the Americans that
fell into our hands. The gallant daring, and promptness
of decision, for which the lamented general, Sir Isaac
Brock, was so eminently distinguished, achieved the
conquest almost as soon as the American declaration of
war had been made known in Canada; and on this occasion
we ourselves had the good fortune to be selected as part
of the guard of honour, whose duty it was to lower the
flag of America, and substitute that of England in its
place. On the approach, however, of an overwhelming army
of the enemy in the autumn of the ensuing year it was
abandoned by our troops, after having been dismantled
and reduced, in its more combustible parts, to ashes.
The Americans, who have erected new fortifications on
the site of the old, still retain possession of a post
to which they attach considerable importance, from the
circumstance of its being a key to the more western
portions of the Union.




CHAPTER II.

It was during the midnight watch, late in September,
1763, that the English garrison of Detroit, in North
America, was thrown into the utmost consternation by the
sudden and mysterious introduction of a stranger within
its walls. The circumstance at this moment was particularly
remarkable; for the period was so fearful and pregnant
with events of danger, the fort being assailed on every
side by a powerful and vindictive foe, that a caution
and vigilance of no common kind were unceasingly exercised
by the prudent governor for the safety of those committed
to his charge. A long series of hostilities had been
pursued by the North-American Indians against the subjects
of England, within the few years that had succeeded to
the final subjection of the Canadas to her victorious
arms; and many and sanguinary were the conflicts in which
the devoted soldiery were made to succumb to the cunning
and numbers of their savage enemies. In those lone regions,
both officers and men, in their respective ranks, were,
by a communionship of suffering, isolation, and peculiarity
of duty, drawn towards each other with feelings of almost
fraternal affection; and the fates of those who fell were
lamented with sincerity of soul, and avenged, when
opportunity offered, with a determination prompted equally
by indignation and despair. This sentiment of union,
existing even between men and officers of different corps,
was, with occasional exceptions, of course doubly
strengthened among those who fought under the same colours,
and acknowledged the same head; and, as it often happened
in Canada, during this interesting period, that a single
regiment was distributed into two or three fortresses,
each so far removed from the other that communication
could with the utmost facility be cut off, the anxiety
and uncertainty of these detachments became proportioned
to the danger with which they knew themselves to be more
immediately beset. The garrison of Detroit, at the date
above named, consisted of a third of the ---- regiment,
the remainder of which occupied the forts of
Michilimackinac and Niagara, and to each division of
this regiment was attached an officer's command of
artillery. It is true that no immediate overt act of
hostility had for some time been perpetrated by the
Indians, who were assembled in force around the former
garrison; but the experienced officer to whom the command
had been intrusted was too sensible of the craftiness of
the surrounding hordes to be deceived, by any outward
semblance of amity, into neglect of those measures of
precaution which were so indispensable to the surety of
his trust.

In this he pursued a line of policy happily adapted to
the delicate nature of his position. Unwilling to excite
the anger or wound the pride of the chiefs, by any outward
manifestation of distrust, he affected to confide in the
sincerity of their professions, and, by inducing his
officers to mix occasionally in their councils, and his
men in the amusements of the inferior warriors, contrived
to impress the conviction that he reposed altogether on
their faith. But, although these acts were in some degree
coerced by the necessity of the times, and a perfect
knowledge of all the misery that must accrue to them in
the event of their provoking the Indians into acts of
open hostility, the prudent governor took such precautions
as were deemed efficient to defeat any treacherous attempt
at violation of the tacit treaty on the part of the
natives. The officers never ventured out, unless escorted
by a portion of their men, who, although appearing to be
dispersed among the warriors, still kept sufficiently
together to be enabled, in a moment of emergency, to
afford succour not only to each other but to their
superiors. On these occasions, as a further security
against surprise, the troops left within were instructed
to be in readiness, at a moment's warning, to render
assistance, if necessary, to their companions, who seldom,
on any occasion, ventured out of reach of the cannon of
the fort, the gate of which was hermetically closed,
while numerous supernumerary sentinels were posted along
the ramparts, with a view to give the alarm if any thing
extraordinary was observed to occur without.

Painful and harassing as were the precautions it was
found necessary to adopt on these occasions, and little
desirous as were the garrison to mingle with the natives
on such terms, still the plan was pursued by the Governor
from the policy already named: nay, it was absolutely
essential to the future interests of England that the
Indians should be won over by acts of confidence and
kindness; and so little disposition had hitherto been
manifested by the English to conciliate, that every thing
was to be apprehended from the untameable rancour with
which these people were but too well disposed to repay
a neglect at once galling to their pride and injurious
to their interests.

Such, for a term of many months, had been the trying and
painful duty that had devolved on the governor of Detroit;
when, in the summer of 1763, the whole of the western
tribes of Indians, as if actuated by one common impulse,
suddenly threw off the mask, and commenced a series of
the most savage trespasses upon the English settlers in
the vicinity of the several garrisons, who were cut off
in detail, without mercy, and without reference to either
age or sex. On the first alarm the weak bodies of troops,
as a last measure of security, shut themselves up in
their respective forts, where they were as incapable of
rendering assistance to others as of receiving it
themselves. In this emergency the prudence and forethought
of the governor of Detroit were eminently conspicuous;
for, having long foreseen the possibility of such a
crisis, he had caused a plentiful supply of all that was
necessary to the subsistence and defence of the garrison
to be provided at an earlier period, so that, if foiled
in their attempts at stratagem, there was little chance
that the Indians would speedily reduce them by famine.
To guard against the former, a vigilant watch was constantly
kept by the garrison both day and night, while the
sentinels, doubled in number, were constantly on the
alert. Strict attention, moreover, was paid to such parts
of the ramparts as were considered most assailable by a
cunning and midnight enemy; and, in order to prevent any
imprudence on the part of the garrison, all egress or
ingress was prohibited that had not the immediate sanction
of the chief. With this view the keys of the gate were
given in trust to the officer of the guard; to whom,
however, it was interdicted to use them unless by direct
and positive order of the Governor. In addition to this
precaution, the sentinels on duty at the gate had strict
private instructions not to suffer any one to pass either
in or out unless conducted by the governor in person;
and this restriction extended even to the officer of the
guard.

Such being the cautious discipline established in the
fort, the appearance of a stranger within its walls at
the still hour of midnight could not fail to be regarded
as an extraordinary event, and to excite an apprehension
which could scarcely have been surpassed had a numerous
and armed band of savages suddenly appeared among them.
The first intimation of this fact was given by the violent
ringing of an alarm bell; a rope communicating with which
was suspended in the Governor's apartments, for the
purpose of arousing the slumbering soldiers in any case
of pressing emergency. Soon afterwards the Governor
himself was seen to issue from his rooms into the open
area of the parade, clad in his dressing-gown, and bearing
a lamp in one hand and a naked sword in the other. His
countenance was pale; and his features, violently agitated,
betrayed a source of alarm which those who were familiar
with his usual haughtiness of manner were ill able to
comprehend.

"Which way did he go?--why stand ye here?--follow--pursue
him quickly--let him not escape, on your lives!"

These sentences, hurriedly and impatiently uttered, were
addressed to the two sentinels who, stationed in front
of his apartments, had, on the first sound of alarm from
the portentous bell, lowered their muskets to the charge,
and now stood immovable in that position.

"Who does your honour mane?" replied one of the men,
startled, yet bringing his arms to the recover, in
salutation of his chief.

"Why, the man--the stranger--the fellow who has just
passed you."

"Not a living soul has passed us since our watch commenced,
your honour," observed the second sentinel; "and we have
now been here upwards of an hour."

"Impossible, sirs: ye have been asleep on your posts, or
ye must have seen him. He passed this way, and could not
have escaped your observation had ye been attentive to
your duty."

"Well, sure, and your honour knows bist," rejoined the
first sentinel; "but so hilp me St. Patrick, as I have
sirved man and boy in your honour's rigimint this twilve
years, not even the fitch of a man has passed me this
blissed night. And here's my comrade, Jack Halford, who
will take his Bible oath to the same, with all due
difirince to your honour."

The pithy reply to this eloquent attempt at exculpation
was a brief "Silence, sirrah, walk about!"

The men brought their muskets once more, and in silence,
to the shoulder, and, in obedience to the command of
their chief, resumed the limited walk allotted to them;
crossing each other at regular intervals in the semicircular
course that enfiladed, as it were, the only entrance to
the Governor's apartments.

Meanwhile every thing was bustle and commotion among the
garrison, who, roused from sleep by the appalling sound
of the alarm bell at that late hour, were hastily arming.
Throughout the obscurity might be seen the flitting forms
of men, whose already fully accoutred persons proclaimed
them to be of the guard; while in the lofty barracks,
numerous lights flashing to and fro, and moving with
rapidity, attested the alacrity with which the troops
off duty were equipping themselves for some service of
more than ordinary interest. So noiseless, too, was this
preparation, as far as speech was concerned, that the
occasional opening and shutting of pans, and ringing of
ramrods to ascertain the efficiency of the muskets, might
be heard distinctly in the stillness of the night at a
distance of many furlongs.

HE, however, who had touched the secret spring of all
this picturesque movement, whatever might be his
gratification and approval of the promptitude with which
the summons to arms had been answered by his brave troops,
was far from being wholly satisfied with the scene he
had conjured up. Recovered from the first and irrepressible
agitation which had driven him to sound the tocsin of
alarm, he felt how derogatory to his military dignity
and proverbial coolness of character it might be considered,
to have awakened a whole garrison from their slumbers,
when a few files of the guard would have answered his
purpose equally well. Besides, so much time had been
suffered to elapse, that the stranger might have escaped;
and if so, how many might be disposed to ridicule his
alarm, and consider it as emanating from an imagination
disturbed by sleep, rather than caused by the actual
presence of one endowed like themselves with the faculties
of speech and motion. For a moment he hesitated whether
he should not countermand the summons to arms which had
been so precipitately given; but when he recollected the
harrowing threat that had been breathed in his ear by
his midnight visiter,--when he reflected, moreover, that
even now it was probable he was lurking within the
precincts of the fort with a view to the destruction of
all that it contained,--when, in short, he thought of
the imminent danger that must attend them should he be
suffered to escape,--he felt the necessity of precaution,
and determined on his measures, even at the risk of
manifesting a prudence which might be construed
unfavourably. On re-entering his apartments, he found
his orderly, who, roused by the midnight tumult, stood
waiting to receive the commands of his chief.

"Desire Major Blackwater to come to me immediately."

The mandate was quickly obeyed. In a few seconds a short,
thick-set, and elderly officer made his appearance in a
grey military undress frock.

"Blackwater, we have traitors within the fort. Let diligent
search be made in every part of the barracks for a
stranger, an enemy, who has managed to procure admittance
among us: let every nook and cranny, every empty cask,
be examined forthwith; and cause a number of additional
sentinels to be stationed along the ramparts, in order
to intercept his escape."

"Good Heaven, is it possible?" said the Major, wiping
the perspiration from his brows, though the night was
unusually chilly for the season of the year:--" how could
he contrive to enter a place so vigilantly guarded?"

"Ask me not HOW, Blackwater," returned the Governor
seriously; "let it suffice that he has been in this very
room, and that ten minutes since he stood where you now
stand."

The Major looked aghast.--"God bless me, how singular!
How could the savage contrive to obtain admission? or
was he in reality an Indian?"

"No more questions, MAJOR Blackwater. Hasten to distribute
the men, and let diligent search be made every where;
and recollect, neither officer nor man courts his pillow
until dawn."

The "Major" emphatically prefixed to his name was a
sufficient hint to the stout officer that the doubts thus
familiarly expressed were here to cease, and that he was
now addressed in the language of authority by his superior,
who expected a direct and prompt compliance with his
orders. He therefore slightly touched his hat in salutation,
and withdrew to make the dispositions that had been
enjoined by his Colonel.

On regaining the parade, he caused the men, already
forming into companies and answering to the roll-call of
their respective non-commissioned officers, to be wheeled
into square, and then in a low but distinct voice stated
the cause of alarm; and, having communicated the orders
of the Governor, finished by recommending to each the
exercise of the most scrutinising vigilance; as on the
discovery of the individual in question, and the means
by which he had contrived to procure admission, the safety
of the whole garrison, it was evident, must depend.

The soldiers now dispersed in small parties throughout
the interior of the fort, while a select body were
conducted to the ramparts by the officers themselves,
and distributed between the sentinels already posted
there, in such numbers, and at such distances, that it
appeared impossible any thing wearing the human form
could pass them unperceived, even in the obscurity that
reigned around.

When this duty was accomplished, the officers proceeded
to the posts of the several sentinels who had been planted
since the last relief, to ascertain if any or either of
them had observed aught to justify the belief that an
enemy had succeeded in scaling the works. To all their
enquiries, however, they received a negative reply,
accompanied by a declaration, more or less positive with
each, that such had been their vigilance during the watch,
had any person come within their beat, detection must
have been inevitable. The first question was put to the
sentinel stationed at the gate of the fort, at which
point the whole of the officers of the garrison were,
with one or two exceptions, now assembled. The man at
first evinced a good deal of confusion; but this might
arise from the singular fact of the alarm that had been
given, and the equally singular circumstance of his being
thus closely interrogated by the collective body of his
officers: he, however, persisted in declaring that he
had been in no wise inattentive to his duty, and that no
cause for alarm or suspicion had occurred near his post.
The officers then, in order to save time, separated into
two parties, pursuing opposite circuits, and arranging
to meet at that point of the ramparts which was immediately
in the rear, and overlooking the centre of the semicircular
sweep of wild forest we have described as circumventing
the fort.

"Well, Blessington, I know not what you think of this
sort of work," observed Sir Everard Valletort, a young
lieutenant of the ---- regiment, recently arrived from
England, and one of the party who now traversed the
rampart to the right; "but confound me if I would not
rather be a barber's apprentice in London, upon nothing,
and find myself, than continue a life of this kind much
longer. It positively quite knocks me up; for what with
early risings, and watchings (I had almost added prayings),
I am but the shadow of my former self."

"Hist, Valletort, hist! speak lower," said Captain
Blessington, the senior officer present, "or our search
must be in vain. Poor fellow!" he pursued, laughing low
and good humouredly at the picture of miseries thus
solemnly enumerated by his subaltern;--"how much, in
truth, are you to be pitied, who have so recently basked
in all the sunshine of enjoyment at home. For our parts,
we have lived so long amid these savage scenes, that we
have almost forgotten what luxury, or even comfort, means.
Doubt not, my friend, that in time you will, like us, be
reconciled to the change."

"Confound me for an idiot, then, if I give myself time,"
replied Sir Everard affectedly. "It was only five minutes
before that cursed alarm bell was sounded in my ears,
that I had made up my mind fully to resign or exchange
the instant I could do so with credit to myself; and, I
am sure, to be called out of a warm bed at this unseasonable
hour offers little inducement for me to change my opinion."

"Resign or exchange with credit to yourself!" sullenly
observed a stout tall officer of about fifty, whose spleen
might well be accounted for in his rank of "Ensign" Delme.
"Methinks there can be little credit in exchanging or
resigning, when one's companions are left behind, and in
a post of danger."

"By Jasus, and ye may say that with your own pritty
mouth," remarked another veteran, who answered to the
name of Lieutenant Murphy; "for it isn't now, while we
are surrounded and bediviled by the savages, that any
man of the ---- rigimint should be after talking of bating
a retrate."

"I scarcely understand you, gentlemen," warmly and quickly
retorted Sir Everard, who, with all his dandyism and
effeminacy of manner, was of a high and resolute spirit.
"Do either of you fancy that I want courage to face a
positive danger, because I may not happen to have any
particular vulgar predilection for early rising?"

"Nonsense, Valletort, nonsense," interrupted, in accents
of almost feminine sweetness, his friend Lieutenant
Charles de Haldimar, the youngest son of the Governor:
"Murphy is an eternal echo of the opinions of those who
look forward to promotion; and as for Delme--do you not
see the drift of his observation? Should you retire, as
you have threatened, of course another lieutenant will
be appointed in your stead; but, should you chance to
lose your scalp during the struggle with the savages,
the step goes in the regiment, and he, being the senior
ensign, obtains promotion in consequence."

"Ah!" observed Captain Blessington, "this is indeed the
greatest curse attached to the profession of a soldier.
Even among those who most esteem, and are drawn towards
each other as well by fellowship in pleasure as
companionship in danger, this vile and debasing principle
--this insatiable desire for personal advancement--is
certain to intrude itself; since we feel that over the
mangled bodies of our dearest friends and companions, we
can alone hope to attain preferment and distinction."

A moment or two of silence ensued, in the course of which
each individual appeared to be bringing home to his own
heart the application of the remark just uttered; and
which, however they might seek to disguise the truth from
themselves, was too forcible to find contradiction from
the secret monitor within. And yet of those assembled
there was not one, perhaps, who would not, in the hour
of glory and of danger, have generously interposed his
own frame between that of his companion and the steel or
bullet of an enemy. Such are the contradictory elements
which compose a soldier's life.

This conversation, interrupted only by occasional
questioning of the sentinels whom they passed in their
circuit, was carried on in an audible whisper, which the
close approximation of the parties to each other, and
the profound stillness of the night, enabled them to hear
with distinctness.

"Nay, nay, De Haldimar," at length observed Sir Everard,
in reply to the observation of his friend, "do not imagine
I intend to gratify Mr. Delme by any such exhibition as
that of a scalpless head; but, if such be his hope, I
trust that the hour which sees my love-locks dangling at
the top of an Indian pole may also let daylight into his
own carcass from a rifle bullet or a tomahawk."

"And yit, Captin, it sames to me," observed Lieutenant
Murphy, in allusion to the remark of Blessington rather
than in reply to the last speaker,--"it sames to me, I
say, that promotion in ony way is all fair and honourable
in times of hardship like thase; and though we may drop
a tare over our suparior when the luck of war, in the
shape of a tommyhawk, knocks him over, still there can
be no rason why we shouldn't stip into his shoes the viry
nixt instant; and it's that, we all know, that we fight
for. And the divil a bitter chance any man of us all has
of promotion thin yoursilf, Captin: for it'll be mighty
strange if our fat Major doesn't git riddlid like a
cullinder through and through with the bullits from the
Ingians' rifles before we have quite done with this
business, and thin you will have the rigimintal majority,
Captin; and it may be that one Liftinint Murphy, who is
now the sanior of his rank, may come in for the vacant
captincy."

"And Delme for the lieutenancy," said Charles de Haldimar
significantly. "Well, Murphy, I am happy to find that
you, at least, have hit on another than Sir Everard
Valletort: one, in fact, who will render the promotion
more general than it would otherwise have been. Seriously,
I should be sorry if any thing happened to our worthy
Major, who, with all his bustling and grotesque manner,
is as good an officer and as brave a soldier as any his
Majesty's army in Canada can boast. For my part, I say,
perish all promotion for ever, if it is only to be obtained
over the dead bodies of those with whom I have lived so
long and shared so many dangers!"

"Nobly uttered, Charles," said Captain Blessington: "the
sentiment is, indeed, one well worthy of our present
position; and God knows we are few enough in number
already, without looking forward to each other's death
as a means of our own more immediate personal advancement.
With you, therefore, I repeat, perish all my hopes of
promotion, if it is only to be obtained over the corpses
of my companions! And let those who are most sanguine in
their expectations beware lest they prove the first to
be cut off, and that even before they have yet enjoyed
the advantages of the promotion they so eagerly covet."

This observation, uttered without acrimony, had yet enough
of delicate reproach in it to satisfy Lieutenant Murphy
that the speaker was far from approving the expression
of such selfish anticipations at a moment like the present,
when danger, in its most mysterious guise, lurked around,
and threatened the safety of all most dear to them.

The conversation now dropped, and the party pursued their
course in silence. They had just passed the last sentinel
posted in their line of circuit, and were within a few
yards of the immediate rear of the fortress, when a sharp
"Hist!" and sudden halt of their leader, Captain
Blessington, threw them all into an attitude of the most
profound attention.

"Did you hear?" he asked in a subdued whisper, after a
few seconds of silence, in which he had vainly sought to
catch a repetition of the sound.

"Assuredly," he pursued, finding that no one answered,
"I distinctly heard a human groan."

"Where?--in what direction?" asked Sir Everard and De
Haldimar in the same breath.

"Immediately opposite to us on the common. But see, here
are the remainder of the party stationary, and listening
also."

They now stole gently forward a few paces, and were soon
at the side of their companions, all of whom were straining
their necks and bending their heads in the attitude of
men listening attentively.

"Have you heard any thing, Erskine?" asked Captain
Blessington in the same low whisper, and addressing the
officer who led the opposite party.

"Not a sound ourselves, but here is Sir Everard's black
servant, Sambo, who has just riveted our attention, by
declaring that he distinctly heard a groan towards the
skirt of the common."

"He is right," hastily rejoined Blessington; "I heard it
also."

Again a death-like silence ensued, during which the eyes
of the party were strained eagerly in the direction of
the common. The night was clear and starry, yet the dark
shadow of the broad belt of forest threw all that part
of the waste which came within its immediate range into
impenetrable obscurity.

"Do you see any thing?" whispered Valletort to his friend,
who stood next him: "look--look!" and he pointed with
his finger.

"Nothing," returned De Haldimar, after an anxious gaze
of a minute, "but that dilapidated old bomb-proof."

"See you not something dark, and slightly moving immediately
in a line with the left angle of the bomb-proof?"

De Haldimar looked again.--"I do begin to fancy I see
something," he replied; "but so confusedly and indistinctly,
that I know not whether it be not merely an illusion of
my imagination. Perhaps it is a stray Indian dog devouring
the carcass of the wolf you shot yesterday."

"Be it dog or devil, here is for a trial of his
vulnerability.--Sambo, quick, my rifle."

The young negro handed to his master one of those long
heavy rifles, which the Indians usually make choice of
for killing the buffalo, elk, and other animals whose
wildness renders them difficult of approach. He then,
unbidden, and as if tutored to the task, placed himself
in a stiff upright position in front of his master, with
every nerve and muscle braced to the most inflexible
steadiness. The young officer next threw the rifle on
the right shoulder of the boy for a rest, and prepared
to take his aim on the object that had first attracted
his attention.

"Make haste, massa,--him go directly,--Sambo see him
get up."

All was breathless attention among the group of officers;
and when the sharp ticking sound produced by the cocking
of the rifle of their companion fell on their ears, they
bent their gaze upon the point towards which the murderous
weapon was levelled with the most aching and intense
interest.

"Quick, quick, massa,--him quite up," again whispered
the boy.

The words had scarcely passed his lips, when the crack
of the rifle, followed by a bright blaze of light, sounded
throughout the stillness of the night with exciting
sharpness. For an instant all was hushed; but scarcely
had the distant woods ceased to reverberate the
spirit-stirring echoes, when the anxious group of officers
were surprised and startled by a sudden flash, the report
of a second rifle from the common, and the whizzing of
a bullet past their ears. This was instantly succeeded
by a fierce, wild, and prolonged cry, expressive at once
of triumph and revenge. It was that peculiar cry which
an Indian utters when the reeking scalp has been wrested
from his murdered victim.

"Missed him, as I am a sinner," exclaimed Sir Everard,
springing to his feet, and knocking the butt of his rifle
on the ground with a movement of impatience. "Sambo, you
young scoundrel, it was all your fault,--you moved your
shoulder as I pulled the trigger. Thank Heaven, however,
the aim of the Indian appears to have been no better,
although the sharp whistling of his ball proves his piece
to have been well levelled for a random shot."

"His aim has been too true," faintly pronounced the voice
of one somewhat in the rear of his companions. "The ball
of the villain has found a lodgment in my breast. God
bless ye all, my boys; may your fates be more lucky than
mine!" While he yet spoke, Lieutenant Murphy sank into
the arms of Blessington and De Haldimar, who had flown
to him at the first intimation of his wound, and was in
the next instant a corpse.




CHAPTER III.

"To your companies, gentlemen, to your companies on the
instant. There is treason in the fort, and we had need
of all our diligence and caution. Captain de Haldimar is
missing, and the gate has been found unlocked. Quick,
gentlemen, quick; even now the savages may be around us,
though unseen."

"Captain de Haldimar missing!--the gate unlocked!"
exclaimed a number of voices. "Impossible!--surely we
are not betrayed by our own men."

"The sentinel has been relieved, and is now in irons,"
resumed the communicator of this startling piece of
intelligence. It was the adjutant of the regiment.

"Away, gentlemen, to your posts immediately," said Captain
Blessington, who, aided by De Haldimar, hastened to
deposit the stiffening body of the unfortunate Murphy,
which they still supported, upon the rampart. Then
addressing the adjutant, "Mr. Lawson, let a couple of
files be sent immediately to remove the body of their
officer."

"That shot which I heard from the common, as I approached,
was not fired at random, then, I find," observed the
adjutant, as they all now hastily descended to join their
men.--"Who has fallen?"

"Murphy, of the grenadiers," was the reply of one near
him.

"Poor fellow! our work commences badly," resumed Mr.
Lawson: "Murphy killed, and Captain de Haldimar missing.
We had few officers enough to spare before, and their
loss will be severely felt; I greatly fear, too, these
casualties may have a tendency to discourage the men."

"Nothing more easy than to supply their place, by promoting
some of our oldest sergeants," observed Ensign Delme,
who, as well as the ill-fated Murphy, had risen from the
ranks. "If they behave themselves well, the King will
confirm their appointments."

"But my poor brother, what of him, Lawson? what have you
learnt connected with his disappearance?" asked Charles
de Haldimar with deep emotion.

"Nothing satisfactory, I am sorry to say," returned the
adjutant; "in fact, the whole affair is a mystery which
no one can unravel; even at this moment the sentinel,
Frank Halloway, who is strongly suspected of being privy
to his disappearance, is undergoing a private examination
by your father the governor."

"Frank Halloway!" repeated the youth with a start of
astonishment; "surely Halloway could never prove a
traitor,--and especially to my brother, whose life he
once saved at the peril of his own."

The officers had now gained the parade, when the "Fall
in, gentlemen, fall in," quickly pronounced by Major
Blackwater, prevented all further questioning on the part
of the younger De Haldimar.

The scene, though circumscribed in limit, was picturesque
in effect, and might have been happily illustrated by
the pencil of the painter. The immediate area of the
parade was filled with armed men, distributed into three
divisions, and forming, with their respective ranks facing
outwards, as many sides of a hollow square, the mode of
defence invariably adopted by the Governor in all cases
of sudden alarm. The vacant space, which communicated
with the powder magazine, was left open to the movements
of three three-pounders, which were to support each face
in the event of its being broken by numbers. Close to
these, and within the square, stood the number of gunners
necessary to the duty of the field-pieces, each of which
was commanded by a bombardier. At the foot of the ramparts,
outside the square, and immediately opposite to their
several embrasures, were stationed the gunners required
for the batteries, under a non-commissioned officer also,
and the whole under the direction of a superior officer
of that arm, who now walked to and fro, conversing in a
low voice with Major Blackwater. One gunner at each of
these divisions of the artillery held in his hand a
blazing torch, reflecting with picturesque yet gloomy
effect the bright bayonets and equipment of the soldiers,
and the anxious countenances of the women and invalids,
who, bending eagerly through the windows of the surrounding
barracks, appeared to await the issue of these preparations
with an anxiety increased by the very consciousness of
having no other parts than those of spectators to play
in the scene that was momentarily expected.

In a few minutes from the falling in of the officers with
their respective companies, the clank of irons was heard
in the direction of the guard-room, and several forms
were seen slowly advancing into the area already occupied
as we have described. This party was preceded by the
Adjutant Lawson, who, advancing towards Major Blackwater,
communicated a message, that was followed by the command
of the latter officer for the three divisions to face
inwards. The officer of artillery also gave the word to
his men to form lines of single files immediately in the
rear of their respective guns, leaving space enough for
the entrance of the approaching party, which consisted
of half a dozen files of the guard, under a non-commissioned
officer, and one whose manacled limbs, rather than his
unaccoutred uniform, attested him to be not merely a
prisoner, but a prisoner confined for some serious and
flagrant offence.

This party now advanced through the vacant quarter of
the square, and took their stations immediately in the
centre. Here the countenances of each, and particularly
that of the prisoner, who was, if we may so term it, the
centre of that centre, were thrown into strong relief by
the bright glare of the torches as they were occasionally
waved in air, to disencumber them of their dross, so that
the features of the prisoner stood revealed to those
around as plainly as if it had been noonday. Not a sound,
not a murmur, escaped from the ranks: but, though the
etiquette and strict laws of military discipline chained
all speech, the workings of the inward mind remained
unchecked; and as they recognised in the prisoner Frank
Halloway, one of the bravest and boldest in the field,
and, as all had hitherto imagined, one of the most devoted
to his duty, an irrepressible thrill of amazement and
dismay crept throughout the frames, and for a moment
blanched the cheeks of those especially who belonged to
the same company. On being summoned from their fruitless
search after the stranger, to fall in without delay, it
had been whispered among the men that treason had crept
into the fort, and a traitor, partly detected in his
crime, had been arrested and thrown into irons; but the
idea of Frank Halloway being that traitor was the last
that could have entered into their thoughts, and yet they
now beheld him covered with every mark of ignominy, and
about to answer his high offence, in all human probability,
with his life.

With the officers the reputation of Halloway for courage
and fidelity stood no less high; but, while they secretly
lamented the circumstance of his defalcation, they could
not disguise from themselves the almost certainty of his
guilt, for each, as he now gazed upon the prisoner,
recollected the confusion and hesitation of manner he
had evinced when questioned by them preparatory to their
ascending to the ramparts.

Once more the suspense of the moment was interrupted by
the entrance of other forms into the area. They were
those of the Adjutant, followed by a drummer, bearing
his instrument, and the Governor's orderly, charged with
pens, ink, paper, and a book which, from its peculiar
form and colour, every one present knew to be a copy of
the Articles of War. A variety of contending emotions
passed through the breasts of many, as they witnessed
the silent progress of these preparations, rendered
painfully interesting by the peculiarity of their position,
and the wildness of the hour at which they thus found
themselves assembled together. The prisoner himself was
unmoved: he stood proud, calm, and fearless amid the
guard, of whom he had so recently formed one; and though
his countenance was pale, as much, perhaps, from a sense
of the ignominious character in which he appeared as from
more private considerations, still there was nothing to
denote either the abjectness of fear or the consciousness
of merited disgrace. Once or twice a low sobbing, that
proceeded at intervals from one of the barrack windows,
caught his ear, and he turned his glance in that direction
with a restless anxiety, which he exerted himself in the
instant afterwards to repress; but this was the only mark
of emotion he betrayed.

The above dispositions having been hastily made, the
adjutant and his assistants once more retired. After the
lapse of a minute, a tall martial-looking man, habited
in a blue military frock, and of handsome, though stern,
haughty, and inflexible features, entered the area. He
was followed by Major Blackwater, the captain of artillery,
and Adjutant Lawson.

"Are the garrison all present, Mr. Lawson? are the officers
all present? "

"All except those of the guard, sir," replied the Adjutant,
touching his hat with a submission that was scrupulously
exacted on all occasions of duty by his superior.

The Governor passed his hand for a moment over his brows.
It seemed to those around him as if the mention of that
guard had called up recollections which gave him pain;
and it might be so, for his eldest son, Captain Frederick
de Haldimar, had commanded the guard. Whither he had
disappeared, or in what manner, no one knew.

"Are the artillery all present, Captain Wentworth?" again
demanded the Governor, after a moment of silence, and in
his wonted firm authoritative voice.

"All present, sir," rejoined the officer, following the
example of the Adjutant, and saluting his chief.

"Then let a drum-head court-martial be assembled
immediately, Mr. Lawson, and without reference to the
roster let the senior officers be selected."

The Adjutant went round to the respective divisions, and
in a low voice warned Captain Blessington, and the four
senior subalterns, for that duty. One by one the officers,
as they were severally called upon, left their places in
the square, and sheathing their swords, stepped into that
part of the area appointed as their temporary court. They
were now all assembled, and Captain Blessington, the
senior of his rank in the garrison, was preparing to
administer the customary oaths, when the prisoner Halloway
advanced a pace or two in front of his escort, and removing
his cap, in a clear, firm, but respectful voice, thus
addressed the Governor:--

"Colonel de Haldimar, that I am no traitor, as I have
already told you, the Almighty God, before whom I swore
allegiance to his Majesty, can bear me witness. Appearances,
I own, are against me; but, so far from being a traitor,
I would have shed my last drop of blood in defence of
the garrison and your family.--Colonel de Haldimar," he
pursued, after a momentary pause, in which he seemed to
be struggling to subdue the emotion which rose, despite
of himself, to his throat, "I repeat, I am no traitor,
and I scorn the imputation--but here is my best answer
to the charge. This wound, (and he unbuttoned his jacket,
opened his shirt, and disclosed a deep scar upon his
white chest,) this wound I received in defence of my
captain's life at Quebec. Had I not loved him, I should
not so have exposed myself, neither but for that should
I now stand in the situation of shame and danger, in
which my comrades behold me."

Every heart was touched by this appeal--this bold and
manly appeal to the consideration of the Governor. The
officers, especially, who were fully conversant with the
general merit of Halloway, were deeply affected, and
Charles de Haldimar--the young, the generous, the feeling
Charles de Haldimar,--even shed tears.

"What mean you, prisoner?" interrogated the Governor,
after a short pause, during which he appeared to be
weighing and deducing inferences from the expressions
just uttered. "What mean you, by stating, but for that
(alluding to your regard for Captain de Haldimar) you
would not now be in this situation of shame and danger?"

The prisoner hesitated a moment; and then rejoined, but
in a tone that had less of firmness in it than
before,--"Colonel de Haldimar, I am not at liberty to
state my meaning; for, though a private soldier, I respect
my word, and have pledged myself to secrecy."

"You respect your word, and have pledged yourself to
secrecy! What mean you, man, by this rhodomontade? To
whom can you have pledged yourself, and for what, unless
it be to some secret enemy without the walls? Gentlemen,
proceed to your duty: it is evident that the man is a
traitor, even from his own admission.--On my life," he
pursued, more hurriedly, and speaking in an under tone,
as if to himself, "the fellow has been bribed by, and is
connected with--." The name escaped not his lips; for,
aware of the emotion he was betraying, he suddenly checked
himself, and assumed his wonted stern and authoritative
bearing.

Once more the prisoner addressed the Governor in the same
clear firm voice in which he had opened his appeal.

"Colonel de Haldimar, I have no connection with any living
soul without the fort; and again I repeat, I am no traitor,
but a true and loyal British soldier, as my services in
this war, and my comrades, can well attest. Still, I seek
not to shun that death which I have braved a dozen times
at least in the ---- regiment. All that I ask is, that
I may not be tried--that I may not have the shame of
hearing sentence pronounced against me YET; but if nothing
should occur before eight o'clock to vindicate my character
from this disgrace, I will offer up no further prayer
for mercy. In the name of that life, therefore, which I
once preserved to Captain de Haldimar, at the price of
my own blood, I entreat a respite from trial until then."

"In the name of God and all his angels, let mercy reach
your soul, and grant his prayer!"

Every ear was startled--every heart touched by the
plaintive, melancholy, silver tones of the voice that
faintly pronounced the last appeal, and all recognised
it for that of the young, interesting, and attached wife
of the prisoner. Again the latter turned his gaze towards
the window whence the sounds proceeded, and by the glare
of the torches a tear was distinctly seen by many coursing
down his manly cheek. The weakness was momentary. In the
next instant he closed his shirt and coat, and resuming
his cap, stepped back once more amid his guard, where he
remained stationary, with the air of one who, having
nothing further to hope, has resolved to endure the worst
that can happen with resignation and fortitude.

After the lapse of a few moments, again devoted to much
apparent deep thought and conjecture, the Governor once
more, and rather hurriedly, resumed,--

"In the event, prisoner, of this delay in your trial
being granted, will you pledge yourself to disclose the
secret to which you have alluded? Recollect, there is
nothing but that which can save your memory from being
consigned to infamy for ever; for who, among your comrades,
will believe the idle denial of your treachery, when
there is the most direct proof against you? If your secret
die with you, moreover, every honest man will consider
it as having been one so infamous and injurious to your
character, that you were ashamed to reveal it."

These suggestions of the Colonel were not without their
effect; for, in the sudden swelling of the prisoner's
chest, as allusion was made to the disgrace that would
attach to his memory, there was evidence of a high and
generous spirit, to whom obloquy was far more hateful
than even death itself.

"I do promise," he at length replied, stepping forward,
and uncovering himself as before,--"if no one appear to
justify my conduct at the hour I have named, a full
disclosure of all I know touching this affair shall be
made. And may God, of his infinite mercy, grant, for
Captain de Haldimar's sake, as well as mine, I may not
then be wholly deserted!"

There was something so peculiarly solemn and impressive
in the manner in which the unhappy man now expressed
himself, that a feeling of the utmost awe crept into the
bosoms of the surrounding throng; and more than one
veteran of the grenadiers, the company to which Halloway
belonged, was heard to relieve his chest of the long
pent-up sigh that struggled for release.

"Enough, prisoner," rejoined the Governor; "on this
condition do I grant your request; but recollect,--your
disclosure ensures no hope of pardon, unless, indeed,
you have the fullest proof to offer in your defence. Do
you perfectly understand me? "

"I do," replied the soldier firmly; and again he placed
his cap on his head, and retired a step or two back among
the guard.

"Mr. Lawson, let the prisoner be removed, and conducted
to one of the private cells. Who is the subaltern of
the guard?"

"Ensign Fortescue," was the answer.

"Then let Ensign Fortescue keep the key of the cell
himself. Tell him, moreover, I shall hold him individually
responsible for his charge."

Once more the prisoner was marched out of the area; and,
as the clanking sound of his chains became gradually
fainter in the distance, the same voice that had before
interrupted the proceedings, pronounced a "God be praised!--
God be praised!" with such melody of sorrow in its
intonations that no one could listen to it unmoved. Both
officers and men were more or less affected, and all
hoped--they scarcely knew why or what--but all hoped
something favourable would occur to save the life of the
brave and unhappy Frank Halloway.

Of the first interruption by the wife of the prisoner
the Governor had taken no notice; but on this repetition
of the expression of her feelings he briefly summoned,
in the absence of the Adjutant, the sergeant-major of
the regiment to his side.

"Sergeant-major Bletson, I desire that, in future, on
all occasions of this kind, the women of the regiment
may be kept out of the way. Look to it, sir!"

The sergeant-major, who had stood erect as his own halbert,
which he held before him in a saluting position, during
this brief admonition of his colonel, acknowledged, by
a certain air of deferential respect and dropping of the
eyes, unaccompanied by speech of any kind, that he felt
the reproof, and would, in future, take care to avoid
all similar cause for complaint. He then stalked stiffly
away, and resumed, in a few hasty strides, his position
in rear of the troops.

"Hard-hearted man!" pursued the same voice: "if my prayers
of gratitude to Heaven give offence, may the hour never
come when my lips shall pronounce their bitterest curse
upon your severity!"

There was something so painfully wild--so solemnly
prophetic--in these sounds of sorrow as they fell faintly
upon the ear, and especially under the extraordinary
circumstances of the night, that they might have been
taken for the warnings of some supernatural agency. During
their utterance, not even the breathing of human life
was to be heard in the ranks. In the next instant, however,
Sergeant-major Bletson was seen repairing, with long and
hasty strides, to the barrack whence the voice proceeded,
and the interruption was heard no more.

Meanwhile the officers, who had been summoned from the
ranks for the purpose of forming the court-martial, still
lingered in the centre of the square, apparently waiting
for the order of their superior, before they should resume
their respective stations. As the quick and comprehensive
glance of Colonel de Haldimar now embraced the group, he
at once became sensible of the absence of one of the
seniors, all of whom he had desired should be selected
for the court-martial.

"Mr. Lawson," he remarked, somewhat sternly, as the
Adjutant now returned from delivering over his prisoner
to Ensign Fortescue, "I thought I understood from your
report the officers were all present!"

"I believe, sir, my report will be found perfectly
correct," returned the Adjutant, in a tone which, without
being disrespectful, marked his offended sense of the
implication.

"And Lieutenant Murphy--"

"Is here, sir," said the Adjutant, pointing to a couple
of files of the guard, who were bearing a heavy burden,
and following into the square. "Lieutenant Murphy," he
pursued, "has been shot on the ramparts; and I have, as
directed by Captain Blessington, caused the body to be
brought here, that I may receive your orders respecting
the interment." As he spoke, he removed a long military
grey cloak, which completely enshrouded the corpse, and
disclosed, by the light of the still brightly flaming
torches of the gunners, the features of the unfortunate
Murphy.

"How did he meet his death?" enquired the governor;
without, however, manifesting the slightest surprise, or
appearing at all moved at the discovery.

"By a rifle shot fired from the common, near the old bomb
proof," observed Captain Blessington, as the adjutant
looked to him for the particular explanation he could
not render himself.

"Ah! this reminds me," pursued the austere
commandant,--"there was a shot fired also from the
ramparts. By whom, and at what?"

"By me, sir," said Lieutenant Valletort, coming forward
from the ranks, "and at what I conceived to be an Indian,
lurking as a spy upon the common."

"Then, Lieutenant Sir Everard Valletort, no repetition
of these firings, if you please; and let it be borne in
mind by all, that although, from the peculiar nature of
the service in which we are engaged, I so far depart from
the established regulations of the army as to permit my
officers to arm themselves with rifles, they are to be
used only as occasion may require in the hour of conflict,
and not for the purpose of throwing a whole garrison into
alarm by trials of skill and dexterity upon shadows at
this unseasonable hour."

"I was not aware, sir," returned Sir Everard proudly,
and secretly galled at being thus addressed before the
men, "it could be deemed a military crime to destroy an
enemy at whatever hour he might present himself, and
especially on such an occasion as the present. As for my
firing at a shadow, those who heard the yell that followed
the second shot, can determine that it came from no
shadow, but from a fierce and vindictive enemy. The cry
denoted even something more than the ordinary defiance
of an Indian: it seemed to express a fiendish sentiment
of personal triumph and revenge."

The governor started involuntarily. "Do you imagine, Sir
Everard Valletort, the aim of your rifle was true--that
you hit him?"

This question was asked so hurriedly, and in a tone so
different from that in which he had hitherto spoken, that
the officers around simultaneously raised their eyes to
those of their colonel with an expression of undissembled
surprise. He observed it, and instantly resumed his
habitual sternness of look and manner.

"I rather fear not, sir," replied Sir Everard, who had
principally remarked the emotion; "but may I hope (and
this was said with emphasis), in the evident disappointment
you experience at my want of success, my offence may be
overlooked?"

The governor fixed his penetrating eyes on the speaker,
as if he would have read his inmost mind; and then calmly,
and even impressively, observed,--

"Sir Everard Valletort, I do overlook the offence, and
hope you may as easily forgive yourself. It were well,
however, that your indiscretion, which can only find its
excuse in your being so young an officer, had not been
altogether without some good result. Had you killed or
disabled the--the savage, there might have been a decent
palliative offered; but what must be your feelings, sir,
when you reflect, the death of yon officer," and he
pointed to the corpse of the unhappy Murphy, "is, in a
great degree, attributable to yourself? Had you not
provoked the anger of the savage, and given a direction
to his aim by the impotent and wanton discharge of your
own rifle, this accident would never have happened."

This severe reproving of an officer, who had acted from
the most praiseworthy of motives, and who could not
possibly have anticipated the unfortunate catastrophe
that had occurred, was considered especially harsh and
unkind by every one present; and a low and almost inaudible
murmur passed through the company to which Sir Everard
was attached. For a minute or two that officer also
appeared deeply pained, not more from the reproof itself
than from the new light in which the observation of his
chief had taught him to view, for the first time, the
causes that had led to the fall of Murphy. Finding,
however, that the governor had no further remark to
address to him, he once more returned to his station in
the ranks.

"Mr. Lawson," resumed the commandant, turning to the
adjutant, "let this victim be carried to the spot on
which he fell, and there interred. I know no better grave
for a soldier than beneath the sod that has been moistened
with his blood. Recollect," he continued, as the adjutant
once more led the party out of the area,--"no firing,
Mr. Lawson. The duty must be silently performed, and
without the risk of provoking a forest of arrows, or a
shower of bullets from the savages. Major Blackwater,"
he pursued, as soon as the corpse had been removed, "let
the men pile their arms even as they now stand, and remain
ready to fall in at a minute's notice. Should any thing
extraordinary happen before the morning, you will, of
course, apprise me." He then strode out of the area with
the same haughty and measured step that had characterised
his entrance.

"Our colonel does not appear to be in one of his most
amiable moods to-night," observed Captain Blessington,
as the officers, after having disposed of their respective
companies, now proceeded along the ramparts to assist at
the last funeral offices of their unhappy associate.
"He was disposed to be severe, and must have put you, in
some measure, out of conceit with your favourite rifle,
Valletort."

"True," rejoined the Baronet, who had already rallied
from the momentary depression of his spirits, "he hit me
devilish hard, I confess, and was disposed to display
more of the commanding officer than quite suits my ideas
of the service. His words were as caustic as his looks;
and could both have pierced me to the quick, there was
no inclination on his part wanting. By my soul I could.
...but I forgive him. He is the father of my friend:
and for that reason will I chew the cud of my mortification,
nor suffer, if possible, a sense of his unkindness to
rankle at my heart. At all events, Blessington, my mind
is made up, and resign or exchange I certainly shall the
instant I can find a decent loop-hole to creep out of."

Sir Everard fancied the ear of his captain was alone
listening to these expressions of his feeling, or in all
probability he would not have uttered them. As he concluded
the last sentence, however, he felt his arm gently grasped
by one who walked a pace or two silently in their rear.
He turned, and recognised Charles de Haldimar.

"I am sure, Valletort, you will believe how much pained
I have been at the severity of my father; but, indeed,
there was nothing personally offensive intended. Blessington
can tell you as well as myself it is his manner altogether.
Nay, that although he is the first in seniority after
Blackwater, the governor treats him with the same distance
and hauteur he would use towards the youngest ensign in
the service. Such are the effects of his long military
habits, and his ideas of the absolutism of command. Am
I not right, Blessington?"

"Quite right, Charles. Sir Everard may satisfy himself
his is no solitary instance of the stern severity of your
father. Still, I confess, notwithstanding the rigidity
of manner which he seems, on all occasions, to think so
indispensable to the maintenance of authority in a
commanding officer, I never knew him so inclined to find
fault as he is to-night."

"Perhaps," observed Valletort, good humouredly, "his
conscience is rather restless; and he is willing to get
rid of it and his spleen together. I would wager my rifle
against the worthless scalp of the rascal I fired at
to-night, that this same stranger, whose asserted appearance
has called us from our comfortable beds, is but the
creation of his disturbed dreams. Indeed, how is it
possible any thing formed of flesh and blood could have
escaped us with the vigilant watch that has been kept on
the ramparts? The old gentleman certainly had that illusion
strongly impressed on his mind when he so sapiently spoke
of my firing at a shadow."

"But the gate," interrupted Charles de Haldimar, with
something of mild reproach in his tones,--"you forget,
Valletort, the gate was found unlocked, and that my
brother is missing. HE, at least, was flesh and blood,
as you say, and yet he has disappeared. What more probable,
therefore, than that this stranger is at once the cause
and the agent of his abduction?"

"Impossible, Charles," observed Captain Blessington;
"Frederick was in the midst of his guard. How, therefore,
could he be conveyed away without the alarm being given?
Numbers only could have succeeded in so desperate an
enterprise; and yet there is no evidence, or even suspicion,
of more than one individual having been here."

"It is a singular affair altogether," returned Sir Everard,
musingly. "Of two things, however, I am satisfied. The
first is, that the stranger, whoever he may be, and if
he really has been here, is no Indian; the second, that
he is personally known to the governor, who has been, or
I mistake much, more alarmed at his individual presence
than if Ponteac and his whole band had suddenly broken
in upon us. Did you remark his emotion, when I dwelt on
the peculiar character of personal triumph and revenge
which the cry of the lurking villain outside seemed to
express? and did you notice the eagerness with which he
enquired if I thought I had hit him? Depend upon it,
there is more in all this than is dreamt of in our
philosophy."

"And it was your undisguised perception of that emotion,"
remarked Captain Blessington, "that drew down his severity
upon your own head. It was, however, too palpable not to
be noticed by all; and I dare say conjecture is as busily
and as vaguely at work among our companions as it is with
us. The clue to the mystery, in a great degree, now dwells
with Frank Halloway; and to him we must look for its
elucidation. His disclosure will be one, I apprehend,
full of ignominy to himself, but of the highest interest
and importance to us all. And yet I know not how to
believe the man the traitor he appears."

"Did you remark that last harrowing exclamation of his
wife?" observed Charles de Haldimar, in a tone of
unspeakable melancholy. "How fearfully prophetic it
sounded in my ears. I know not how it is," he pursued,
"but I wish I had not heard those sounds; for since that
moment I have had a sad strange presentiment of evil at
my heart. Heaven grant my poor brother may make his
appearance, as I still trust he will, at the hour Halloway
seems to expect, for if not, the latter most assuredly
dies. I know my father well; and, if convicted by a court
martial, no human power can alter the destiny that awaits
Frank Halloway."

"Rally, my dear Charles, rally," said Sir Everard,
affecting a confidence he did not feel himself; "indulge
not in these idle and superstitious fancies. I pity
Halloway from my soul, and feel the deepest interest in
his pretty and unhappy wife; but that is no reason why
one should attach importance to the incoherent expressions
wrung from her in the agony of grief."

"It is kind of you, Valletort, to endeavour to cheer my
spirits, when, if the truth were confessed, you acknowledge
the influence of the same feelings. I thank you for the
attempt, but time alone can show how far I shall have
reason, or otherwise, to lament the occurrences of this
night."

They had now reached that part of the ramparts whence
the shot from Sir Everard's rifle had been fired. Several
men were occupied in digging a grave in the precise spot
on which the unfortunate Murphy had stood when he received
his death-wound; and into this, when completed, the body,
enshrouded in the cloak already alluded to, was deposited
by his companions.




CHAPTER IV.

While the adjutant was yet reading, in a low and solemn
voice, the service for the dead, a fierce and distant
yell, as if from a legion of devils, burst suddenly from
the forest, and brought the hands of the startled officers
instinctively to their swords. This appalling cry lasted,
without interruption, for many minutes, and was then as
abruptly checked as it had been unexpectedly delivered.
A considerable pause succeeded, and then again it rose
with even more startling vehemence than before. By one
unaccustomed to those devilish sounds, no distinction
could have been made in the two several yells that had
been thus savagely pealed forth; but those to whom practice
and long experience in the warlike habits and customs of
the Indians had rendered their shouts familiar, at once
divined, or fancied they divined, the cause. The first
was, to their conception, a yell expressive at once of
vengeance and disappointment in pursuit,--perhaps of some
prisoner who had escaped from their toils; the second,
of triumph and success,--in all probability, indicative
of the recapture of that prisoner. For many minutes
afterwards the officers continued to listen, with the
most aching attention, for a repetition of the cry, or
even fainter sounds, that might denote either a nearer
approach to the fort, or the final departure of the
Indians. After the second yell, however, the woods, in
the heart of which it appeared to have been uttered, were
buried in as profound a silence as if they had never yet
echoed back the voice of man; and all at length became
satisfied that the Indians, having accomplished some
particular purpose, had retired once more to their distant
encampments for the night. Captain Erskine was the first
who broke the almost breathless silence that prevailed
among themselves.

"On my life De Haldimar is a prisoner with the Indians.
He has been attempting his escape,--has been
detected,--followed, and again fallen into their hands.
I know their infernal yells but too well. The last
expressed their savage joy at the capture of a prisoner;
and there is no one of us missing but De Haldimar."

"Not a doubt of it," said Captain Blessington; "the cry
was certainly what you describe it, and Heaven only knows
what will be the fate of our poor friend."

No other officer spoke, for all were oppressed by the
weight of their own feelings, and sought rather to give
indulgence to speculation in secret, than to share their
impressions with their companions. Charles de Haldimar
stood a little in the rear, leaning his head upon his
hand against the box of the sentry, (who was silently,
though anxiously, pacing his walk,) and in an attitude
expressive of the deepest dejection and sorrow.

"I suppose I must finish Lawson's work, although I am
but a poor hand at this sort of thing," resumed Captain
Erskine, taking up the prayer book the adjutant had, in
hastening on the first alarm to get the men under arms,
carelessly thrown on the grave of the now unconscious
Murphy.

He then commenced the service at the point where Mr.
Lawson had so abruptly broken off, and went through the
remainder of the prayers. A very few minutes sufficed
for the performance of this solemn duty, which was effected
by the faint dim light of the at length dawning day, and
the men in attendance proceeded to fill up the grave of
their officer.

Gradually the mists, that had fallen during the latter
hours of the night, began to ascend from the common, and
disperse themselves in air, conveying the appearance of
a rolling sheet of vapour retiring Back upon itself, and
disclosing objects in succession, until the eye could
embrace all that came within its extent of vision. As
the officers yet lingered near the rude grave of their
companion, watching with abstracted air the languid and
almost mechanical action of their jaded men, as they
emptied shovel after shovel of the damp earth over the
body of its new tenant, they were suddenly startled by
an expression of exultation from Sir Everard Valletort.

"By Jupiter, I have pinked him," he exclaimed triumphantly.
"I knew my rifle could not err; and as for my sight, I
have carried away too many prizes in target-shooting to
have been deceived in that. How delighted the old governor
will be, Charles, to hear this. No more lecturing, I am
sure, for the next six months at least;" and the young
officer rubbed his hands together, at the success of his
shot, with as much satisfaction and unconcern for the
future, as if he had been in his own native England; in
the midst of a prize-ring.

Roused by the observation of his friend, De Haldimar
quitted his position near the sentry box, and advanced
to the outer edge of the rampart. To him, as to his
companions, the outline of the old bomb proof was now
distinctly visible, but it was sometime before they could
discover, in the direction in which Valletort pointed,
a dark speck upon the common; and this so indistinctly,
they could scarcely distinguish it with the naked eye.

"Your sight is quite equal to your aim, Sir Everard,"
remarked Lieutenant Johnstone, one of Erskine's subalterns,
"and both are decidedly superior to mine; yet I used to
be thought a good rifleman too, and have credit for an
eye no less keen than that of an Indian. You have the
advantage of me, however; for I honestly admit I never
could have picked off yon fellow in the dark as you have
done."

As the dawn increased, the dark shadow of a human form,
stretched at its length upon the ground, became perceptible;
and the officers, with one unanimous voice, bore loud
testimony to the skill and dexterity of him who had,
under such extreme disadvantages, accomplished the death
of their skulking enemy.

"Bravo, Valletort," said Charles de Haldimar, recovering
his spirits, as much from the idea, now occurring to him,
that this might indeed be the stranger whose appearance
had so greatly disturbed his father, as from the
gratification he felt in the praises bestowed on his
friend. "Bravo, my dear fellow;" then approaching, and
in a half whisper, "when next I write to Clara, I shall
request her, with my cousin's assistance, to prepare a
chaplet of bays, wherewith I shall myself crown you as
their proxy. But what is the matter now, Valletort? Why
stand you there gazing upon the common, as if the victim
of your murderous aim was rising from his bloody couch,
to reproach you with his death? Tell me, shall I write
to Clara for the prize, or will you receive it from her
own hands?"

"Bid her rather pour her curses on my head; and to those,
De Haldimar, add your own," exclaimed Sir Everard, at
length raising himself from the statue-like position he
had assumed. "Almighty God," he pursued, in the same tone
of deep agony, "what have I done? Where, where shall I
hide myself?"

As he spoke he turned away from his companions, and
covering his eyes with his hand, with quick and unequal
steps, even like those of a drunken man, walked, or rather
ran, along the rampart, as if fearful of being overtaken.

The whole group of officers, and Charles de Haldimar in
particular, were struck with dismay at the language and
action of Sir Everard; and for a moment they fancied that
fatigue, and watching, and excitement, had partially
affected his brain. But when, after the lapse of a minute
or two, they again looked out upon the common, the secret
of his agitation was too faithfully and too painfully
explained.

What had at first the dusky and dingy hue of a half-naked
Indian, was now perceived, by the bright beams of light
just gathering in the east, to be the gay and striking
uniform of a British officer. Doubt as to who that officer
was there could be none, for the white sword-belt suspended
over the right shoulder, and thrown into strong relief
by the field of scarlet on which it reposed, denoted the
wearer of this distinguishing badge of duty to be one of
the guard.

To comprehend effectually the feelings of the officers,
it would be necessary that one should have been not merely
a soldier, but a soldier under the same circumstances.
Surrounded on every hand by a fierce and cruel
enemy--prepared at every moment to witness scenes of
barbarity and bloodshed in their most appalling
shapes--isolated from all society beyond the gates of
their own fortress, and by consequence reposing on and
regarding each other as vital links in the chain of their
wild and adventurous existence,--it can easily be understood
with what sincere and unaffected grief they lamented the
sudden cutting off even of those who least assimilated
in spirit and character with themselves. Such, in a great
degree, had been the case in the instance of the officer
over whose grave they were now met to render the last
offices of companionship, if not of friendship. Indeed
Murphy--a rude, vulgar, and illiterate, though brave
Irishman--having risen from the ranks, the coarseness of
which he had never been able to shake off, was little
calculated, either by habits or education, to awaken
feelings, except of the most ordinary description, in
his favour; and he and Ensign Delme were the only exceptions
to those disinterested and tacit friendships that had
grown up out of circumstances in common among the majority.
If, therefore, they could regret the loss of such a
companion as Murphy, how deep and heartfelt must have
been the sorrow they experienced when they beheld the
brave, generous, manly, amiable, and highly-talented
Frederick de Haldimar--the pride of the garrison, and
the idol of his family--lying extended, a cold, senseless
corpse, slain by the hand of the bosom friend of his own
brother!--Notwithstanding the stern severity and distance
of the governor, whom few circumstances, however critical
or exciting, could surprise into relaxation of his habitual
stateliness, it would have been difficult to name two
young men more universally liked and esteemed by their
brother officers than were the De Haldimars--the first
for the qualities already named--the second, for those
retiring, mild, winning manners, and gentle affections,
added to extreme and almost feminine beauty of countenance
for which he was remarkable. Alas, what a gloomy picture
was now exhibited to the minds of all!--Frederick de
Haldimar a corpse, and slain by the hand of Sir Everard
Valletort! What but disunion could follow this melancholy
catastrophe? and how could Charles de Haldimar, even if
his bland nature should survive the shock, ever bear to
look again upon the man who had, however innocently or
unintentionally, deprived him of a brother whom he adored?

These were the impressions that passed through the minds
of the compassionating officers, as they directed their
glance alternately from the common to the pale and
marble-like features of the younger De Haldimar, who,
with parted lips and stupid gaze, continued to fix his
eyes upon the inanimate form of his ill-fated brother,
as if the very faculty of life itself had been for a
period suspended. At length, however, while his companions
watched in silence the mining workings of that grief
which they feared to interrupt by ill-timed observations,
even of condolence, the death-like hue, which had hitherto
suffused the usually blooming cheek of the young officer,
was succeeded by a flush of the deepest dye, while his
eyes, swollen by the tide of blood now rushing violently
to his face, appeared to be bursting from their sockets.
The shock was more than his delicate frame, exhausted as
it was by watching and fatigue, could bear. He tottered,
reeled, pressed his hand upon his head, and before any
one could render him assistance, fell senseless on the
ramparts.

During the interval between Sir Everard Valletort's
exclamation, and the fall of Charles de Haldimar, the
men employed at the grave had performed their duty, and
were gazing with mingled astonishment and concern, both
on the body of their murdered officer, and on the dumb
scene acting around them. Two of these were now despatched
for a litter, with which they speedily re-appeared. On
this Charles de Haldimar, already delirious with the
fever of intense excitement, was carefully placed, and,
followed by Captain Blessington and Lieutenant Johnstone,
borne to his apartment in the small range of buildings
constituting the officers' barracks. Captain Erskine
undertook the disagreeable office of communicating these
distressing events to the governor; and the remainder of
the officers once more hastened to join or linger near
their respective companies, in readiness for the order
which it was expected would be given to despatch a numerous
party of the garrison to secure the body of Captain de
Haldimar.




CHAPTER V.

The sun was just rising above the horizon, in all that
peculiar softness of splendour which characterises the
early days of autumn in America, as Captain Erskine led
his company across the drawbridge that communicated with
the fort. It was the first time it had been lowered since
the investment of the garrison by the Indians; and as
the dull and rusty chains performed their service with
a harsh and grating sound, it seemed as if an earnest
were given of melancholy boding. Although the distance
to be traversed was small, the risk the party incurred
was great; for it was probable the savages, ever on the
alert, would not suffer them to effect their object
unmolested. It was perhaps singular, and certainly
contradictory, that an officer of the acknowledged prudence
and forethought ascribed to the governor--qualities
which in a great degree neutralised his excessive severity
in the eyes of his troops--should have hazarded the
chance of having his garrison enfeebled by the destruction
of a part, if not of the whole, of the company appointed
to this dangerous duty; but with all his severity, Colonel
de Haldimar was not without strong affection for his
children. The feelings of the father, therefore, in a
great degree triumphed over the prudence of the commander;
and to shield the corpse of his son from the indignities
which he well knew would be inflicted on it by Indian
barbarity, he had been induced to accede to the earnest
prayer of Captain Erskine, that he might be permitted to
lead out his company for the purpose of securing the
body. Every means were, however, taken to cover the
advance, and ensure the retreat of the detachment. The
remainder of the troops were distributed along the rear of
the ramparts, with instructions to lie flat on their
faces until summoned by their officers from that position;
which was to be done only in the event of close pursuit
from the savages. Artillerymen were also stationed at
the several guns that flanked the rear of the fort, and
necessarily commanded both the common and the outskirt
of the forest, with orders to fire with grape-shot at a
given signal. Captain Erskine's instructions were,
moreover, if attacked, to retreat back under the guns of
the fort slowly and in good order, and without turning
his back upon the enemy.

Thus confident of support, the party, after traversing
the drawbridge with fixed bayonets, inclined to the right,
and following the winding of the ditch by which it was
surrounded, made the semi-circuit of the rampart until
they gained the immediate centre of the rear, and in a
direct line with the bomb-proof. Here their mode of
advance was altered, to guard more effectually against
the enemy with whom they might possibly have to contend.
The front and rear ranks of the company, consisting in
all of ninety men, were so placed as to leave space in
the event of attack, of a portion of each wheeling inwards
so as to present in an instant three equal faces of a
square. As the rear was sufficiently covered by the
cannon of the fort to defeat any attempt to turn their
flanks, the manoeuvre was one that enabled them to present
a fuller front in whatever other quarter they might be
attacked; and had this additional advantage, that in the
advance by single files a narrower front was given to
the aim of the Indians, who, unless they fired in an
oblique direction, could only, of necessity, bring down
two men (the leading files) at a time.

In this order, and anxiously overlooked by their comrades,
whose eyes alone peered from above the surface of the
rampart on which they lay prostrate, the detachment
crossed the common; one rank headed by Captain Erskine,
the other by Lieutenant Johnstone. They had now approached
within a few yards of the unfortunate victim, when Captain
Erskine commanded a halt of his party; and two files were
detached from the rear of each rank, to place the body
on a litter with which they had provided themselves. He
and Johnstone also moved in the same direction in advance
of the men, prepared to render assistance if required.
The corpse lay on its face, and in no way despoiled of
any of its glittering habiliments; a circumstance that
too well confirmed the fact of De Haldimar's death having
been accomplished by the ball from Sir Everard Valletort's
rifle. It appeared, however, the ill-fated officer had
struggled much in the agonies of death; for the left leg
was drawn Up into an unnatural state of contraction, and
the right hand, closely compressed, grasped a quantity
of grass and soil, which had evidently been torn up in
a paroxysm of suffering and despair.

The men placed the litter at the side of the body, which
they now proceeded to raise. As they were in the act of
depositing it on this temporary bier, the plumed hat fell
from the head, and disclosed, to the astonishment of all,
the scalpless crown completely saturated in its own
clotted blood and oozing brains.

An exclamation of horror and disgust escaped at the same
moment from the lips of the two officers, and the men
started back from their charge as if a basilisk had
suddenly appeared before them. Captain Erskine pursued:--
"What the devil is the meaning of all this, Johnstone?"

"What, indeed!" rejoined his lieutenant, with a shrug of
the shoulders, that was intended to express his inability
to form any opinion on the subject

"Unless it should prove," continued Erskine, "as I
sincerely trust it may, that poor Valletort is not, after
all, the murderer of his friend. It must be so. De
Haldimar has been slain by the same Indian who killed
Murphy.--Do you recollect his scalp cry? He was in the
act of despoiling his victim of this trophy of success,
when Sir Everard fired. Examine the body well, Mitchell,
and discover where the wound lies."

The old soldier to whom this order was addressed now
prepared, with the assistance of his comrades, to turn
the body upon its back, when suddenly the air was rent
with terrific yells, that seemed to be uttered in their
very ears, and in the next instant more than a hundred
dark and hideous savages sprang simultaneously to their
feet within the bomb-proof, while every tree along the
skirt of the forest gave back the towering form of a
warrior. Each of these, in addition to his rifle, was
armed with all those destructive implements of warfare
which render the Indians of America so formidable and so
terrible an enemy.

"Stand to your arms, men," shouted Captain Erskine,
recovering from his first and unavoidable, though but
momentary, surprise. "First and fourth sections, on your
right and left backwards wheel:--Quick, men, within the
square, for your lives." As he spoke, he and Lieutenant
Johnstone sprang hastily back, and in time to obtain
admittance within the troops, who had rapidly executed
the manoeuvre commanded. Not so with Mitchell and his
companions. On the first alarm they had quitted the body
of the mutilated officer, and flown to secure their arms,
but even while in the act of stooping to take them up,
they had been grappled by a powerful and vindictive foe;
and the first thing they beheld on regaining their upright
position was a dusky Indian at the side, and a gleaming
tomahawk flashing rapidly round the head of each.

"Fire not, on your lives," exclaimed Captain Erskine
hastily, as he saw several of the men in front levelling,
in the excitement of the moment, their muskets at the
threatening savages. "Prepare for attack," he pursued;
and in the next instant each man dropped on his right
knee, and a barrier of bristling bayonets seemed to rise
from the very bowels of the earth. Attracted by the
novelty of the sight, the bold and daring warriors,
although still retaining their firm grasp of the unhappy
soldiers, were for a moment diverted from their bloody
purpose, and temporarily suspended the quick and rotatory
motion of their weapons. Captain Erskine took advantage
of this pause to seize the halbert of one of his sergeants,
to the extreme point of which he hastily attached a white
pocket handkerchief, that was loosely thrust into the
breast of his uniform; this he waved on high three several
times, and then relinquishing the halbert, dropped also
on his knee within the square.

"The dog of a Saganaw asks for mercy," said a voice from
within the bomb-proof, and speaking in the dialect of
the Ottawas. "His pale flag bespeaks the quailing of his
heart, and his attitude denotes the timidity of the hind.
His warriors are like himself, and even now upon their
knees they call upon their Manitou to preserve them from
the vengeance of the red-skins. But mercy is not for dogs
like these. Now is the time to make our tomahawks warm
in their blood; and every head that we count shall be a
scalp upon our war poles."

As he ceased, one universal and portentous yell burst
from the fiend-like band; and again the weapons of death
were fiercely brandished around the heads of the stupified
soldiers who had fallen into their power.

"What can they be about?" anxiously exclaimed Captain
Erskine, in the midst of this deafening clamour, to his
subaltern.--"Quiet, man; damn you, quiet, or I'll cut
you down," he pursued, addressing one of his soldiers,
whose impatience caused him to bring his musket half up
to the shoulder. And again he turned his head in the
direction of the fort:--"Thank God, here it comes at
last,--I feared my signal had not been noticed."

While he yet spoke, the loud roaring of a cannon from
the ramparts was heard, and a shower of grape-shot passed
over the heads of the detachment, and was seen tearing
up the earth around the bomb-proof, and scattering
fragments of stone and wood into the air. The men
simultaneously and unbidden gave three cheers.

In an instant the scene was changed. As if moved by some
mechanical impulse, the fierce band that lined the
bomb-proof sank below the surface, and were no longer
visible, while the warriors in the forest again sought
shelter behind the trees. The captured soldiers were also
liberated without injury, so sudden and startling had
been the terror produced in the savages by the lightning
flash that announced its heavy messengers of destruction.
Discharge after discharge succeeded without intermission;
but the guns had been levelled so high, to prevent injury
to their own men, they had little other effect than to
keep the Indians from the attack. The rush of bullets
through the close forest, and the crashing of trees and
branches as they fell with startling force upon each
other, were, with the peals of artillery, the only noises
now to be heard; for not a yell, not a word was uttered
by the Indians after the first discharge; and but for
the certainty that existed in every mind, it might have
been supposed the whole of them had retired.

"Now is your time," cried Captain Erskine; "bring in the
litter to the rear, and stoop as much as possible to
avoid the shot."

The poor half-strangled fellows, however, instead of
obeying the order of their captain, looked round in every
direction for the enemy by whom they had been so rudely
handled, and who had glided from them almost as
imperceptibly and swiftly as they had first approached.
It seemed as if they apprehended that any attempt to
remove the body would be visited by those fierce devils
with the same appalling and ferocious threatenings.

"Why stand ye there, ye dolts," continued their captain,
"looking around as if ye were bewitched? Bring the litter
in to the rear.--Mitchell, you old fool, are you grown
a coward in your age? Are you not ashamed to set such an
example to your comrades?"

The doubt thus implied of the courage of his men, who,
in fact, were merely stupified with the scene they had
gone through, had, as Captain Erskine expected, the
desired effect. They now bent themselves to the litter,
on which they had previously deposited their muskets,
and with a self-possession that contrasted singularly
with their recent air of wild astonishment, bore it to
the rear at the risk of being cut in two at every moment
by the fire from the fort.

One fierce yell, instinctively proffered by several of
the lurking band in the forest, marked their disappointment
and rage at the escape of their victims; but all attempt
at uncovering themselves, so as to be enabled to fire,
was prevented by the additional showers of grape which
that yell immediately brought upon them.

The position in which Captain Erskine now found himself
was highly critical. Before him, and on either flank,
was a multitude of savages, who only awaited the cessation
of the fire from the fort to commence their fierce and
impetuous attack. That that fire could not long be
sustained was evident, since ammunition could ill be
spared for the present inefficient purpose, where supplies
of all kinds were so difficult to be obtained; and, if
he should attempt a retreat, the upright position of his
men exposed them to the risk of being swept away by the
ponderous metal, that already fanned their cheeks with
the air it so rapidly divided. Suddenly, however, the
fire from the batteries was discontinued, and this he
knew to be a signal for himself. He gave an order in a
low voice, and the detachment quitted their recumbent
and defensive position, still remaining formed in square.
At the same instant, a gun flashed from the fort; but
not as before was heard the rushing sound of the destructive
shot crushing the trees in its resistless course. The
Indians took courage at this circumstance, for they deemed
the bullets of their enemies were expended; and that they
were merely discharging their powder to keep up the
apprehension originally produced. Again they showed
themselves, like so many demons, from behind their lurking
places; and yells and shouts of the most terrific and
threatening character once more rent the air, and echoed
through the woods. Their cries of anticipated triumph
were, however, but of short duration. Presently, a
hissing noise was heard in the air; and close to the
bomb-proof, and at the very skirt of the forest, they
beheld a huge globe of iron fall perpendicularly to the
earth, to the outer part of which was attached what they
supposed to be a reed, that spat forth innumerable sparks
of fire, without however, seeming to threaten the slightest
injury. Attracted by the novel sight, a dozen warriors
sprang to the spot, and fastened their gaze upon it with
all the childish wonder and curiosity of men in a savage
state. One, more eager and restless than his fellows,
stooped over it to feel with his hand of what it was
composed. At that moment it burst, and limbs, and head,
and entrails, were seen flying in the air, with the
fragments of the shell, and prostrate and struggling
forms lay writhing on every hand in the last, fierce
agonies of death.

A yell of despair and a shout of triumph burst at the
same moment from the adverse parties. Taking advantage
of the terror produced, by this catastrophe, in the
savages, Captain Erskine caused the men bearing the corpse
to retreat, with all possible expedition, under the
ramparts of the fort. He waited until they got nearly
half way, and then threw forward the wheeling sections,
that had covered this movement, once more into single
file, in which order he commenced his retreat. Step by
step, and almost imperceptibly, the men paced backwards,
ready, at a moment's notice, to reform the square. Partly
recovered from the terror and surprise produced by the
bursting of the shell, the Indians were quick in perceiving
this movement: filled with rage at having been so long
baulked of their aim, they threw themselves once more
impetuously from their cover; and, with stimulating yells,
at length opened their fire. Several of Captain Erskine's
men were wounded by this discharge; when, again, and
furiously the cannon opened from the fort. It was then
that the superiority of the artillery was made manifest.
Both right and left of the retreating files the ponderous
shot flew heavily past, carrying death and terror to the
Indians; while not a man of those who intervened was
scathed or touched in its progress. The warriors in the
forest were once more compelled to shelter themselves
behind the trees; but in the bomb-proof, where they were
more secure, they were also more bold. From this a
galling fire, mingled with the most hideous yells, was
now kept up; and the detachment, in their slow retreat,
suffered considerably. Several men had been killed; and,
about twenty, including Lieutenant Johnstone, wounded,
when again, one of those murderous globes fell, hissing
in the very centre of the bomb-proof. In an instant, the
Indian fire was discontinued; and their dark and pliant
forms were seen hurrying with almost incredible rapidity
over the dilapidated walls, and flying into the very
heart of the forest, so that when the shell exploded, a
few seconds afterwards, not a warrior was to be seen.
From this moment the attack was not renewed, and Captain
Erskine made good his retreat without farther molestation.

"Well, old buffers!" exclaimed one of the leading files,
as the detachment, preceded by its dead and wounded, now
moved along the moat in the direction of the draw-bridge,
"how did you like the grip of them black savages?--I say,
Mitchell, old Nick will scarcely know the face of you,
it's so much altered by fright.--Did you see," turning
to the man in his rear, "how harum-scarum he looked, when
the captain called out to him to come off?"

"Hold your clapper, you spooney, and be damned to you!"
exclaimed the angry veteran.--"Had the Ingian fastened
his paw upon your ugly neck as he did upon mine, all the
pitiful life your mother ever put into you would have
been spirited away from very fear; so you needn't brag."

"Sure, and if any of ye had a grain of spunk, ye would
have fired, and freed a fellow from the clutch of them
hell thieves," muttered another of the men at the litter.
"All the time, the devil had me by the throat, swinging
his tommyhawk about my head, I saw ye dancing up and down
in the heavens, instead of being on your marrow bones on
the common."

"And didn't I want to do it?" rejoined the first speaker.
"Ask Tom Winkler here, if the captain didn't swear he'd
cut the soul out of my body if I even offered so much as
to touch the trigger of my musket."

"Faith, and lucky he did," replied his covering man (for
the ranks had again joined), "since but for that, there
wouldn't be at this moment so much as a hair of the scalp
of one of you left."

"And how so, Mr. Wiseacre?" rejoined his comrade.

"How so! Because the first shot that we fired would have
set the devils upon them in right earnest--and then their
top-knots wouldn't have been worth a brass farthing.
They would have been scalped before they could say Jack
Robinson."

"It was a hell of a risk," resumed another of the litter
men, "to give four men a chance of having their skull
pieces cracked open like so many egg-shells, and all to
get possession of a dead officer."

"And sure, you beast," remarked a different voice in a
tone of anger, "the dead body of the brave captain was
worth a dozen such rotten carcasses with all the life in
them. What matter would it be if ye had all been scalped?"
Then with a significant half glance to the rear, which
was brought up by their commander, on whose arm leaned
the slightly wounded Johnstone, "Take care the captain
doesn't hear ye prating after that fashion, Will Burford."

"By Jasus," said a good-humoured, quaint looking Irishman,
who had been fixing his eyes on the litter during this
pithy and characteristic colloquy; "it sames to me, my
boys, that ye have caught the wrong cow by the horns,
and that all your pains has been for nothing at all, at
all. By the holy pope, ye are all wrong; it's like bringing
salt butter to Cork, or coals to your Newcastle, as ye
call it. Who the divil ever heard of the officer wearing
ammunition shoes?"

The men all turned their gaze on that part of the vestment
of the corpse to which their attention had been directed
by this remark, when it was at once perceived, although
it had hitherto escaped the observation even of the
officers, that, not only the shoes were those usually
worn by the soldiers, and termed ammunition or store
shoes, but also, the trowsers were of the description of
coarse grey, peculiar to that class.

"By the piper that played before Moses, and ye're right,
Dick Doherty," exclaimed another Irishman; "sure, and it
isn't the officer at all! Just look at the great black
fist of him too, and never call me Phil Shehan, if it
ever was made for the handling of an officer's spit."

"Well said, Shehan," observed the man who had so warmly
reproved Will Burford, and who had formerly been servant
to De Haldimar; "the captain's hand is as white and as
soft as my cross-belt, or, what's saying a great deal
more, as Miss Clara's herself, heaven bless her sweet
countenance! and Lieutenant Valletort's nigger's couldn't
well be much blacker nor this."

"What a set of hignoramuses ye must be," grunted old
Mitchell, "not to see that the captain's hand is only
covered with dirt; and as for the ammunition shoes and
trowsers, why you know our officers wear any thing since
we have been cooped up in this here fort."

"Yes, by the holy poker," (and here we must beg to refer
the reader to the soldier's vocabulary for any terms that
may be, in the course of this dialogue, incomprehensible
to him or her,)--"Yes, by the holy poker, off duty, if
they like it," returned Phil Shehan; "but it isn't even
the colonel's own born son that dare to do so while
officer of the guard."

"Ye are right, comrade," said Burford; "there would soon
be hell and tommy to pay if he did."

At this point of their conversation, one of the leading
men at the litter, in turning to look at its subject,
stumbled over the root of a stump that lay in his way,
and fell violently forward. The sudden action destroyed
the equilibrium of the corpse, which rolled off its
temporary bier upon the earth, and disclosed, for the
first time, a face begrimmed with masses of clotted blood,
which had streamed forth from the scalped brain during
the night.

"It's the divil himself," said Phil Shehan, making the
sign of the cross, half in jest, half in earnest: "for
it isn't the captin at all, and who but the divil could
have managed to clap on his rigimintals?"

"No, it's an Ingian," remarked Dick Burford, sagaciously;
"it's an Ingian that has killed the captain, and dressed
himself in his clothes. I thought he smelt strong, when
I helped to pick him up."

"And that's the reason why the bloody heathens wouldn't
let us carry him off," said another of the litter men.
"I thought they wouldn't ha' made such a rout about the
officer, when they had his scalp already in their
pouch-belts."

"What a set of prating fools ye are," interrupted the
leading sergeant; "who ever saw an Ingian with light
hair? and sure this hair in the neck is that of a
Christian."

At that moment Captain Erskine, attracted by the sudden
halt produced by the falling of the body, came quickly
up to the front.

"What is the meaning of all this, Cassidy?" he sternly
demanded of the sergeant; "why is this halt without my
orders, and how comes the body here?"

"Carter stumbled against a root, sir, and the body rolled
over upon the ground."

"And was the body to roll back again?" angrily rejoined
his captain.--"What mean ye, fellows, by standing there;
quick, replace it upon the litter, and mind this does
not occur again."

"They say, sir," said the sergeant, respectfully, as the
men proceeded to their duty, "that it is not Captain de
Haldimar after all, but an Ingian."

"Not Captain de Haldimar! are ye all mad? and have the
Indians, in reality, turned your brains with fear?"

What, however, was his own surprise, and that of Lieutenant
Johnstone, when, on a closer examination of the corpse,
which the men had now placed with its face uppermost,
they discovered the bewildering fact that it was not,
indeed, Captain de Haldimar who lay before them, but a
stranger, dressed in the uniform of that officer.

There was no time to solve, or even to dwell on the
singular mystery; for the Indians, though now retired,
might be expected to rally and renew the attack. Once
more, therefore, the detachment moved forward; the officers
dropping as before to the rear, to watch any movements
of the enemy should he re-appear. Nothing, however,
occurred to interrupt their march; and in a few minutes
the heavy clanking sound of the chains of the drawbridge,
as it was again raised by its strong pullies, and the
dull creaking sound of the rusty bolts and locks that
secured the ponderous gate, announced the detachment was
once more safely within the fort.

While the wounded men were being conveyed to the hospital,
a group, comprising almost all the officers of the
garrison, hastened to meet Captain Erskine and Lieutenant
Johnstone. Congratulations on the escape of the one,
and compliments, rather than condolences, on the accident
of the other, which the arm en echarpe denoted to be
slight, were hastily and warmly proffered. These
felicitations were the genuine ebullitions of the hearts
of men who really felt a pride, unmixed with jealousy,
in the conduct of their fellows; and so cool and excellent
had been the manner in which Captain Erskine had
accomplished his object, that it had claimed the undivided
admiration of all who had been spectators of the affair,
and had, with the aid of their telescopes, been enabled
to follow the minutest movements of the detachment.

"By heaven!" he at length replied, his chest swelling
with gratified pride at the warm and generous approval
of his companions, "this more than repays me for every
risk. Yet, to be sincere, the credit is not mine, but
Wentworth's. But for you, my dear fellow," grasping and
shaking the hand of that officer, "we should have rendered
but a Flemish account of ourselves. How beautifully those
guns covered our retreat! and the first mortar that sent
the howling devils flying in air like so many
Will-o'the-wisps, who placed that, Wentworth?"

"I did," replied the officer, with a quickness that
denoted a natural feeling of exultation; "but Bombardier
Kitson's was the most effective. It was his shell that
drove the Indians finally out of the bomb-proof, and left
the coast clear for your retreat."

"Then Kitson, and his gunners also, merit our best thanks,"
pursued Captain Erskine, whose spirits, now that his
detachment was in safety, were more than usually exhilarated
by the exciting events of the last hour; "and what will
be more acceptable, perhaps, they shall each have a glass
of my best old Jamaica before they sleep,--and such stuff
is not to be met with every day in this wilderness of a
country. But, confound my stupid head! where are Charles
de Haldimar and Sir Everard Valletort?"

"Poor Charles is in a high fever, and confined to his
bed," remarked Captain Blessington, who now came up adding
his congratulations in a low tone, that marked the
despondency of his heart; "and Sir Everard I have just
left on the rampart with the company, looking, as he well
may, the very image of despair."

"Run to them, Sumners, my dear boy," said Erskine, hastily
addressing himself to a young ensign who stood near him;
"run quickly, and relieve them of their error. Say it is
not De Haldimar who has been killed, therefore they need
not make themselves any longer uneasy on that score."

The officers gave a start of surprise. Sumners, however,
hastened to acquit himself of the pleasing task assigned
him, without waiting to hear the explanation of the
singular declaration.

"Not De Haldimar!" eagerly and anxiously exclaimed Captain
Blessington; "who then have you brought to us in his
uniform, which I clearly distinguished from the rampart
as you passed? Surely you would not tamper with us at
such a moment, Erskine?"

"Who it is, I know not more than Adam," rejoined the
other; "unless, indeed, it be the devil himself. All I
do know, is, it is not our friend De Haldimar; although,
as you observe, he most certainly wears his uniform.
But you shall see and judge for yourselves, gentlemen.
Sergeant Cassidy," he enquired of that individual, who
now came to ask if the detachment was to be dismissed,
"where have you placed the litter?"

"Under the piazza of the guard-room, Sir," answered the
sergeant.

These words had scarcely been uttered, when a general
and hasty movement of the officers, anxious to satisfy
themselves by personal observation it was not indeed De
Haldimar who had fallen, took place in the direction
alluded to, and in the next moment they were at the side
of the litter.

A blanket had been thrown upon the corpse to conceal the
loathsome disfigurement of the face, over which masses
of thick coagulated blood were laid in patches and streaks,
that set all recognition at defiance. The formation of
the head alone, which was round and short, denoted it to
be not De Haldimar's. Not a feature was left undefiled;
and even the eyes were so covered, it was impossible to
say whether their lids were closed or open. More than
one officer's cheek paled with the sickness that rose to
his heart as he gazed on the hideous spectacle; yet, as
the curiosity of all was strongly excited to know who
the murdered man really was who had been so unaccountably
inducted in the uniform of their lost companion, they
were resolved to satisfy themselves without further delay.
A basin of warm water and a sponge were procured from
the guard-room of Ensign Fortescue, who now joined them,
and with these Captain Blessington proceeded to remove
the disguise.

In the course of this lavation, it was discovered the
extraordinary flow of blood and brains had been produced
by the infliction of a deep wound on the back of the
head, by the sharp and ponderous tomahawk of an Indian.
It was the only blow that had been given; and the
circumstance of the deceased having been found lying on
his face, accounted for the quantity of gore, that,
trickling downwards, had so completely disguised every
feature. As the coat of thick encrusted matter gave way
beneath the frequent application of the moistening sponge,
the pallid hue of the countenance denoted the murdered
man to be a white. All doubt, however, was soon at an
end. The ammunition shoes, the grey trowsers, the coarse
linen, and the stiff leathern stock encircling the neck,
attested the sufferer to be a soldier of the garrison;
but it was not until the face had been completely denuded
of its unsightly covering, and every feature fully exposed,
that that soldier was at length recognised to be Harry
Donellan, the trusty and attached servant of Captain de
Haldimar.

While yet the officers stood apart, gazing at the corpse,
and forming a variety of conjectures, as vague as they
were unsatisfactory, in regard to their new mystery, Sir
Everard Valletort, pale and breathless with the speed he
had used, suddenly appeared among them.

"God of heaven! can it be true--and is it really not De
Haldimar whom I have shot?" wildly asked the agitated
young man. "Who is this, Erskine?" he continued, glancing
at the litter. "Explain, for pity's sake, and quickly."

"Compose yourself, my dear Valletort," replied the officer
addressed. "You see this is not De Haldimar, but his
servant Donellan. Neither has the latter met his death
from your rifle; there is no mark of a bullet about him.
It was an Indian tomahawk that did his business; and I
will stake my head against a hickory nut the blow came
from the same rascal at whom you fired, and who gave back
the shot and the scalp halloo."

This opinion was unanimously expressed by the remainder
of the officers. Sir Everard was almost as much overpowered
by his joy, as he had previously been overwhelmed by his
despair, and he grasped and shook the hand of Captain
Erskine, who had thus been the means of relieving his
conscience, with an energy of gratitude and feeling that
almost drew tears from the eyes of that blunt but gallant
officer.

"Thank God, thank God!" he fervently exclaimed: "I have
not then even the death of poor Donellan to answer for;"
and hastening from the guard-room, he pursued his course
hurriedly and delightedly to the barrack-room of his
friend.




CHAPTER VI.

The hour fixed for the trial of the prisoner Halloway
had now arrived, and the officers composing the court
were all met in the mess-room of the garrison, surrounding
a long table covered with green cloth, over which were
distributed pens, ink, and paper for taking minutes of
the evidence, and such notes of the proceedings as the
several members might deem necessary in the course of
the trial. Captain Blessington presided; and next him,
on either hand, were the first in seniority, the two
junior occupying the lowest places. The demeanour of the
several officers, serious and befitting the duty they
were met to perform, was rendered more especially solemn
from the presence of the governor, who sat a little to
the right of the president, and without the circle,
remained covered, and with his arms folded across his
chest. At a signal given by the president to the orderly
in waiting, that individual disappeared from the room,
and soon afterwards Frank Halloway, strongly ironed, as
on the preceding night, was ushered in by several files
of the guard, under Ensign Fortescue himself.

The prisoner having been stationed a few paces on the
left of the president, that officer stood up to administer
the customary oath. His example was followed by the rest
of the court, who now rose, and extending each his right
hand upon the prayer book, repeated, after the president,
the form of words prescribed by military law. They then,
after successively touching the sacred volume with their
lips, once more resumed their seats at the table.

The prosecutor was the Adjutant Lawson, who now handed
over to the president a paper, from which the latter
officer read, in a clear and distinct voice, the following
charges, viz.--

"1st. For having on the night of the --th September 1763,
while on duty at the gate of the Fortress of Detroit,
either admitted a stranger into the garrison himself, or
suffered him to obtain admission, without giving the
alarm, or using the means necessary to ensure his
apprehension, such conduct being treasonable, and in
breach of the articles of war.

"2d. For having been accessary to the abduction of Captain
Frederick de Haldimar and private Harry Donellan, the
disappearance of whom from the garrison can only be
attributed to a secret understanding existing between
the prisoner and the enemy without the walls, such conduct
being treasonable, and in breach of the articles of war."

"Private Frank Halloway," continued Captain Blessington,
after having perused these two short but important charges,
"you have heard what has been preferred against you; what
say you, therefore? Are you guilty, or not guilty?"

"Not guilty," firmly and somewhat exultingly replied the
prisoner, laying his hand at the same time on his swelling
heart.

"Stay, sir," sternly observed the governor, addressing
the president; "you have not read ALL the charges."

Captain Blessington took up the paper from the table, on
which he had carelessly thrown it, after reading the
accusations above detailed, and perceived, for the first
time, that a portion had been doubled back. His eye now
glanced over a third charge, which had previously escaped
his attention.

"Prisoner," he pursued, after the lapse of a minute,
"there is a third charge against you, viz. for having,
on the night of the --th Sept. 1763, suffered Captain
De Haldimar to unclose the gate of the fortress, and,
accompanied by his servant, private Harry Donellan, to
pass your post without the sanction of the governor, such
conduct being in direct violation of a standing order of
the garrison, and punishable with death."

The prisoner started. "What!" he exclaimed, his cheek
paling for the first time with momentary apprehension;
"is this voluntary confession of my own to be turned into
a charge that threatens my life? Colonel de Haldimar, is
the explanation which I gave you only this very hour,
and in private, to be made the public instrument of my
condemnation? Am I to die because I had not firmness to
resist the prayer of my captain and of your son, Colonel
de Haldimar?"

The president looked towards the governor, but a significant
motion of the head was the only reply; he proceeded,--

"Prisoner Halloway, what plead you to this charge? Guilty,
or not guilty?"

"I see plainly," said Halloway, after the pause of a
minute, during which he appeared to be summoning all his
energies to his aid; "I see plainly that it is useless
to strive against my fate. Captain de Haldimar is not
here, and I must die. Still I shall not have the disgrace
of dying as a traitor, though I own I have violated the
orders of the garrison."

"Prisoner," interrupted Captain Blessington, "whatever
you may have to urge, you had better reserve for your
defence. Meanwhile, what answer do you make to the last
charge preferred?--Are you guilty, or not guilty?"

"Guilty," said Halloway, in a tone of mingled pride and
sorrow, "guilty of having listened to the earnest prayer
of my captain, and suffered him, in violation of my
orders, to pass my post. Of the other charges I am
innocent."

The court listened with the most profound attention and
interest to the words of the prisoner, and they glanced
at each other in a manner that marked their sense of the
truth they attached to his declaration.

"Halloway, prisoner," resumed Captain Blessington, mildly,
yet impressively; "recollect the severe penalty which
the third charge, no less than the others, entails, and
recall your admission. Be advised by me," he pursued,
observing his hesitation. "Withdraw your plea, then, and
substitute that of not guilty to the whole."

"Captain Blessington," returned the prisoner with deep
emotion, "I feel all the kindness of your motive; and if
any thing can console me in my present situation, it is
the circumstance of having presiding at my trial an
officer so universally beloved by the whole corps. Still,"
and again his voice acquired its wonted firmness, and
his cheek glowed with honest pride, "still, I say, I
scorn to retract my words. Of the two first charges I am
as innocent as the babe unborn. To the last I plead
guilty; and vain would it be to say otherwise, since the
gate was found open while I was on duty, and I know the
penalty attached to the disobedience of orders."

After some further but ineffectual remonstrance on the
part of the president, the pleas of the prisoner were
recorded, and the examination commenced. Governor de
Haldimar was the first witness.

That officer, having been sworn, stated, that on the
preceding night he had been intruded upon in his apartment
by a stranger, who could have obtained admission only
through the gate of the fortress, by which also he must
have made good his escape. That it was evident the prisoner
had been in correspondence with their enemies; since, on
proceeding to examine the gate it had been found unlocked,
while the confusion manifested by him on being accused,
satisfied all who were present of the enormity of his
guilt. Search had been made every where for the keys,
but without success.

The second charge was supported by presumptive evidence
alone; for although the governor swore to the disappearance
of his son, and the murder of his servant, and dwelt
emphatically on the fact of their having been forcibly
carried off with the connivance of the prisoner, still
there was no other proof of this, than the deductions
drawn from the circumstances already detailed. To meet
this difficulty, however, the third charge had been
framed.

In proof of this the governor stated, that the prisoner,
on being interrogated by him immediately subsequent to
his being relieved from his post, had evinced such
confusion and hesitation, as to leave no doubt whatever
of his guilt; that, influenced by the half promise of
communication, which the court had heard as well as
himself, he had suffered the trial of the prisoner to be
delayed until the present hour, strongly hoping he might
then be induced to reveal the share he had borne in these
unworthy and treasonable practices; that, with a view to
obtain this disclosure, so essential to the safety of
the garrison, he had, conjointly with Major Blackwater,
visited the cell of the prisoner, to whom he related the
fact of the murder of Donellan, in the disguise of his
master's uniform, conjuring him, at the same time, if he
regarded his own life, and the safety of those who were
most dear to him, to give a clue to the solution of this
mysterious circumstance, and disclose the nature and
extent of his connection with the enemy without; that
the prisoner however resolutely denied, as before, the
guilt imputed to him, but having had time to concoct a
plausible story, stated, (doubtless with a view to shield
himself from the severe punishment he well knew to be
attached to his offence,) that Captain de Haldimar himself
had removed the keys from the guard-room, opened the gate
of the fortress, and accompanied by his servant, dressed
in a coloured coat, had sallied forth upon the common.
"And this," emphatically pursued the governor, "the prisoner
admits he permitted, although well aware that, by an
order of long standing for the security of the garrison,
such a fragrant dereliction of his duty subjected him to
the punishment of death."

Major Blackwater was the next witness examined. His
testimony went to prove the fact of the gate having been
found open, and the confusion manifested by the prisoner.
It also substantiated that part of the governor's evidence
on the third charge, which related to the confession
recently made by Halloway, on which that charge had been
framed.

The sergeant of the guard, and the governor's orderly
having severally corroborated the first portions of Major
Blackwater's evidence, the examination on the part of
the prosecution terminated; when the president called on
the prisoner Halloway for his defence. The latter, in a
clear, firm, and collected tone, and in terms that
surprised his auditory, thus addressed the Court:--

"Mr. President, and gentlemen,--Although, standing before
you in the capacity of a private soldier, and, oh! bitter
and humiliating reflection, in that most wretched and
disgraceful of all situations, a suspected traitor, I am
not indeed what I seem to be. It is not for me here to
enter into the history of my past life; neither will I
tarnish the hitherto unsullied reputation of my family
by disclosing my true name. Suffice it to observe, I am
a gentleman by birth; and although, of late years, I have
known all the hardships and privations attendant on my
fallen fortunes, I was once used to bask in the luxuries
of affluence, and to look upon those who now preside in
judgment over me as my equals. A marriage of affection,--a
marriage with one who had nothing but her own virtues
and her own beauty to recommend her, drew upon me the
displeasure of my family, and the little I possessed,
independently of the pleasure of my relations, was soon
dissipated. My proud soul scorned all thought of
supplication to those who had originally spurned my wife
from their presence; and yet my heart bled for the
privations of her who, alike respectable in family, was,
both from sex and the natural delicacy, of her frame, so
far less constituted to bear up against the frowns of
adversity than myself. Our extremity had now become
great,--too great for human endurance; when, through the
medium of the public prints, I became acquainted with
the glorious action that had been fought in this country
by the army under General Wolfe. A new light burst suddenly
upon my mind, and visions of after prosperity constantly
presented themselves to my view. The field of honour was
open before me, and there was a probability I might, by
good conduct, so far merit the approbation of my superiors,
as to obtain, in course of time, that rank among themselves
to which by birth and education I was so justly entitled
to aspire. Without waiting to consult my Ellen, whose
opposition I feared to encounter until opposition would
be fruitless, I hastened to Lieutenant Walgrave, the
recruiting officer of the regiment,--tendered my
services,--was accepted and approved,--received the bounty
money,--and became definitively a soldier, under the
assumed name of Frank Halloway.

"It would be tedious and impertinent, gentlemen," resumed
the prisoner, after a short pause, "to dwell on the
humiliations of spirit to which both my wife and myself
were subjected at our first introduction to our new
associates, who, although invariably kind to us, were,
nevertheless, ill suited, both by education and habit,
to awaken any thing like congeniality of feeling or
similarity of pursuit. Still we endeavoured, as much as
possible, to lessen the distance that existed between
us; and from the first moment of our joining the regiment,
determined to adopt the phraseology and manners of those
with whom an adverse destiny had so singularly connected
us. In this we succeeded; for no one, up to the present
moment, has imagined either my wife or myself to be other
than the simple and unpretending Frank and Ellen Halloway.

"On joining the regiment in this country," pursued the
prisoner, after another pause, marked by much emotion,
"I had the good fortune to be appointed to the grenadier
company. Gentlemen, you all know the amiable qualities
of Captain de Haldimar. But although, unlike yourselves,
I have learnt to admire that officer only at a distance,
my devotion to his interests has been proportioned to
the kindness with which I have ever been treated by him;
and may I not add, after this avowal of my former condition,
my most fervent desire has all along been to seize the
first favourable opportunity of performing some action
that would eventually elevate me to a position in which
I might, without blushing for the absence of the ennobling
qualities of birth and condition, avow myself his friend,
and solicit that distinction from my equal which was
partially extended to me by my superior? The opportunity
I sought was not long wanting. At the memorable affair
with the French general, Levi, at Quebec, in which our
regiment bore so conspicuous a part, I had the good
fortune to save the life of my captain. A band of Indians,
as you all, gentlemen, must recollect, had approached
our right flank unperceived, and while busily engaged
with the French in front, we were compelled to divide
our fire between them and our new and fierce assailants.
The leader of that band was a French officer, who seemed
particularly to direct his attempts against the life of
Captain de Haldimar. He was a man of powerful proportions
and gigantic stature--"

"Hold!" said the governor, starting suddenly from the
seat in which he had listened with evident impatience to
this long outline of the prisoner's history. "Gentlemen,"
addressing the court, "that is the very stranger who was
in my apartment last night,--the being with whom the
prisoner is evidently in treacherous correspondence, and
all this absurd tale is but a blind to deceive your
judgment, and mitigate his own punishment. Who is there
to prove the man he has just described was the same who
aimed at Captain de Haldimar's life at Quebec?"

A flush of deep indignation overspread the features of
the prisoner, whose high spirit, now he had avowed his
true origin, could ill brook the affront thus put upon
his veracity.

"Colonel de Haldimar!" he proudly replied, while his
chains clanked with the energy and force with which he
drew up his person into an attitude of striking dignity;
"for once I sink the private soldier, and address you in
the character of the gentleman and your equal. I have
a soul, Sir, notwithstanding my fallen fortunes, as keenly
alive to honour as your own; and not even to save my
wretched life, would I be guilty of the baseness you now
attribute to me. You have asked," he pursued, in a more
solemn tone, "what proof I have to show this individual
to be the same who attempted the life of Captain de
Haldimar. To Captain de Haldimar himself, should Providence
have spared his days, I shall leave the melancholy task
of bearing witness to all I here advance, when I shall
be no more. Nay, Sir," and his look partook at once of
mingled scorn and despondency, "well do I know the fate
that awaits me; for in these proceedings--in that third
charge--I plainly read my death-warrant. But what, save
my poor and wretched wife, have I to regret? Colonel de
Haldimar," he continued, with a vehemence meant to check
the growing weakness which the thought of his unfortunate
companion called up to his heart, "I saved the life of
your son, even by your own admission, no matter whose
the arm that threatened his existence; and in every other
action in which I have been engaged, honourable mention
has ever been made of my conduct. Now, Sir, I ask what
has been my reward? So far from attending to the repeated
recommendations of my captain for promotion, even in a
subordinate rank, have you once deemed it necessary to
acknowledge my services by even a recognition of them in
any way whatever?"

"Mr. President, Captain Blessington," interrupted the
governor, haughtily, "are we met here to listen to such
language from a private soldier? You will do well, Sir,
to exercise your prerogative, and stay such impertinent
matter, which can have no reference whatever to the
defence of the prisoner."

"Prisoner," resumed the president, who, as well as the
other members of the court, had listened with the most
profound and absorbing interest to the singular disclosure
of him whom they still only knew as Frank Halloway, "this
language cannot be permitted; you must confine yourself
to your defence."

"Pardon me, gentlemen," returned Halloway, in his usual
firm but respectful tone of voice; "pardon me, if, standing
on the brink of the grave as I do, I have so far forgotten
the rules of military discipline as to sink for a moment
the soldier in the gentleman; but to be taxed with an
unworthy fabrication, and to be treated with contumely
when avowing the secret of my condition, was more than
human pride and human feeling could tolerate."

"Confine yourself, prisoner, to your defence," again
remarked Captain Blessington, perceiving the restlessness
with which the governor listened to these bold and
additional observations of Halloway.

Again the governor interposed:--"What possible connexion
can there be between this man's life, and the crime with
which he stands charged? Captain Blessington, this is
trifling with the court, who are assembled to try the
prisoner for his treason, and not to waste their time in
listening to a history utterly foreign to the subject."

"The history of my past life--Colonel de Haldimar,"
proudly returned the prisoner, "although tedious and
uninteresting to you, is of the utmost importance to
myself; for on that do I ground the most essential part
of my defence. There is nothing but circumstantial evidence
against me on the two first charges; and as those alone
can reflect dishonour on my memory, it is for the wisdom
of this court to determine whether that evidence is to
be credited in opposition to the solemn declaration of
him, who, in admitting one charge, equally affecting his
life with the others, repudiates as foul those only which
would attaint his honour. Gentlemen," he pursued, addressing
the court, "it is for you to determine whether my defence
is to be continued or not; yet, whatever be my fate, I
would fain remove all injurious impression from the minds
of my judges; and this can only be done by a simple detail
of circumstances, which may, by the unprejudiced, be as
simply believed."

Here the prisoner paused: when, after some low and earnest
conversation among the members of the court, two or three
slips of written paper were passed to the President. He
glanced his eye hurriedly over them, and then directed
Halloway to proceed with his defence.

"I have stated," pursued the interesting soldier, "that
the officer who led the band of Indians was a man of
gigantic stature, and of apparently great strength. My
attention was particularly directed to him from this
circumstance, and as I was on the extreme flank of the
grenadiers, and close to Captain de Haldimar, had every
opportunity of observing his movements principally pointed
at that officer. He first discharged a carbine, the ball
of which killed a man of the company at his (Captain de
Haldimar's) side; and then, with evident rage at having
been defeated in his aim, he took a pistol from his belt,
and advancing with rapid strides to within a few paces
of his intended victim, presented it in the most deliberate
manner. At that moment, gentlemen, (and it was but the
work of a moment,) a thousand confused and almost
inexplicable feelings rose to my heart. The occasion I
had long sought was at length within my reach; but even
the personal considerations, which had hitherto influenced
my mind, were sunk in the anxious desire I entertained
to preserve the life of an officer so universally beloved,
and so every way worthy of the sacrifice. While yet the
pistol remained levelled, I sprang before Captain de
Haldimar, received the ball in my breast, and had just
strength sufficient to fire my musket at this formidable
enemy when I sank senseless to the earth.

"It will not be difficult for you, gentlemen, who have
feeling minds, to understand the pleasurable pride with
which, on being conveyed to Captain de Haldimar's own
apartments in Quebec, I found myself almost overwhelmed
by the touching marks of gratitude showered on me by his
amiable relatives. Miss Clara de Haldimar, in particular,
like a ministering angel, visited my couch of suffering
at almost every hour, and always provided with some little
delicacy, suitable to my condition, of which I had long
since tutored myself to forget even the use. But what
principally afforded me pleasure, was to remark the
consolations which she tendered to my poor drooping Ellen,
who, already more than half subdued by the melancholy
change in our condition in life, frequently spent hours
together in silent grief at the side of my couch, and
watching every change in my countenance with all the
intense anxiety of one who feels the last stay on earth
is about to be severed for ever. Ah! how I then longed
to disclose to this kind and compassionating being the
true position of her on whom she lavished her attention,
and to make her known, not as the inferior honored by
her notice, but as the equal alike worthy of her friendship
and deserving of her esteem; but the wide, wide barrier
that divided the wife of the private soldier from the
daughter and sister of the commissioned officer sealed
my lips, and our true condition continued unrevealed.

"Gentlemen," resumed Halloway, after a short pause, "if
I dwell on these circumstances, it is with a view to show
how vile are the charges preferred against me. Is it
likely, with all the incentives to good conduct I have
named, I should have proved a traitor to my country? And,
even if so, what to gain, I would ask; and by what means
was a correspondence with the enemy to be maintained by
one in my humble station? As for the second charge, how
infamous, how injurious is it to my reputation, how
unworthy to be entertained! From the moment of my recovery
from that severe wound, every mark of favour that could
be bestowed on persons in our situation had been extended
to my wife and myself, by the family of Colonel de
Haldimar; and my captain, knowing me merely as the simple
and low born Frank Halloway, although still the preserver
of his life, has been unceasing in his exertions to obtain
such promotion as he thought my conduct generally,
independently of my devotedness to his person, might
claim. How these applications were met, gentlemen, I have
already stated; but notwithstanding Colonel de Haldimar
has never deemed me worthy of the promotion solicited,
that circumstance could in no way weaken my regard and
attachment for him who had so often demanded it. How
then, in the name of heaven, can a charge so improbable,
so extravagant, as that of having been instrumental in
the abduction of Captain de Haldimar, be entertained?
and who is there among you, gentlemen, who will for one
moment believe I could harbour a thought so absurd as
that of lending myself to the destruction of one for whom
I once cheerfully offered up the sacrifice of my blood?
And now," pursued the prisoner, after another short pause,
"I come to the third charge,--that charge which most
affects my life, but impugns neither my honour nor my
fidelity. That God, before whom I know I shall shortly
appear, can attest the sincerity of my statement, and
before him do I now solemnly declare what I am about to
relate is true.

"Soon after the commencement of my watch last night, I
heard a voice distinctly on the outside of the rampart,
near my post, calling in a low and subdued tone on the
name of Captain de Haldimar. The accents, hastily and
anxiously uttered, were apparently those of a female.
For a moment I continued irresolute how to act, and
hesitated whether or not I should alarm the garrison;
but, at length, presuming it was some young female of
the village with whom my captain was acquainted, it
occurred to me the most prudent course would be to apprize
that officer himself. While I yet hesitated whether to
leave my post for a moment for the purpose, a man crossed
the parade a few yards in my front; it was Captain de
Haldimar's servant, Donellan, then in the act of carrying
some things from his master's apartment to the guard-room.
I called to him, to say the sentinel at the gate wished
to see the captain of the guard immediately. In the course
of a few minutes he came up to my post, when I told him
what I had heard. At that moment, the voice again repeated
his name, when he abruptly left me and turned to the left
of the gate, evidently on his way to the rampart. Soon
afterwards I heard Captain de Haldimar immediately above
me, sharply calling out 'Hist, hist!' as if the person
on the outside, despairing of success, was in the act of
retreating. A moment or two of silence succeeded, when
a low conversation ensued between the parties. The distance
was so great I could only distinguish inarticulate sounds;
yet it seemed to me as if they spoke not in English, but
in the language of the Ottawa Indians, a tongue with
which, as you are well aware, gentlemen, Captain de
Haldimar is familiar. This had continued about ten minutes,
when I again heard footsteps hastily descending the
rampart, and moving in the direction of the guard-house.
Soon afterwards Captain de Haldimar re-appeared at my
post, accompanied by his servant Donellan; the former
had the keys of the gate in his hand, and he told me that
he must pass to the skirt of the forest on some business
of the last importance to the safety of the garrison.

"At first I peremptorily refused, stating the severe
penalty attached to the infringement of an order, the
observation of which had so especially been insisted upon
by the governor, whose permission, however, I ventured
respectfully to urge might, without difficulty, be
obtained, if the business was really of the importance
he described it. Captain de Haldimar, however, declared
he well knew the governor would not accord that permission,
unless he was positively acquainted with the nature and
extent of the danger to be apprehended; and of these, he
said, he was not himself sufficiently aware. All argument
of this nature proving ineffectual, he attempted to
enforce his authority, not only in his capacity of officer
of the guard, but also as my captain, ordering me, on
pain of confinement, not to interfere with or attempt to
impede his departure. This, however, produced no better
result; for I knew that, in this instance, I was amenable
to the order of the governor alone, and I again firmly
refused to violate my duty.

"Finding himself thwarted in his attempt to enforce my
obedience, Captain de Haldimar, who seemed much agitated
and annoyed by what he termed my obstinacy, now descended
to entreaty; and in the name of that life which I had
preserved to him, and of that deep gratitude which he
had ever since borne to me, conjured me not to prevent
his departure. 'Halloway,' he urged, 'your life, my
life, my father's life,--the life of my sister Clara
perhaps, who nursed you in illness, and who has ever
treated your wife with attention and kindness,--all these
depend upon your compliance with my request. 'Hear me,'
he pursued, following up the impression which he clearly
perceived he had produced in me by this singular and
touching language: 'I promise to be back within the hour;
there is no danger attending my departure, and here will
I be before you are relieved from your post; no one can
know I have been absent, and your secret will remain with
Donellan and myself. Do you think,' he concluded, 'I
would encourage a soldier of my regiment to disobey a
standing order of the garrison, unless there was some
very extraordinary reason for my so doing? But there is
no time to be lost in parley. Halloway! I entreat you
to offer no further opposition to my departure. I pledge
myself to be back before you are relieved.'"

"Gentlemen," impressively continued the prisoner, after
a pause, during which each member of the court seemed to
breathe for the first time, so deeply had the attention
of all been riveted by the latter part of this singular
declaration, "how, under these circumstances, could I be
expected to act? Assured by Captain de Haldimar, in the
most solemn manner, that the existence of those most dear
to his heart hung on my compliance with his request, how
could I refuse to him, whose life I had saved, and whose
character I so much esteemed, a boon so earnestly, nay,
so imploringly solicited? I acceded to his prayer,
intimating, at the same time, if he returned not before
another sentinel should relieve me, the discovery of my
breach of duty must be made, and my punishment inevitable.
His last words, however, were to assure me he should
return at the hour he had named, and when I closed the
gate upon him it was under the firm impression his absence
would only prove of the temporary nature he had
stated.--Gentlemen," abruptly concluded Halloway, "I have
nothing further to add; if I have failed in my duty as
a soldier, I have, at least, fulfilled that of a man;
and although the violation of the first entail upon me
the punishment of death, the motives which impelled me
to that violation will not, I trust, be utterly lost
sight of by those by whom my punishment is to be awarded."

The candid, fearless, and manly tone in which Halloway
had delivered this long and singular statement, however
little the governor appeared to be affected by it,
evidently made a deep impression on the court, who had
listened with undiverted attention to the close. Some
conversation again ensued, in a low tone, among several
members, when two slips of written paper were passed up,
as before, to the president. These elicited the following
interrogatories:--

"You have stated, prisoner, that Captain de Haldimar left
the fort accompanied by his servant Donellan. How were
they respectively dressed?"

"Captain de Haldimar in his uniform; Donellan, as far as
I could observe, in his regimental clothing also, with
this difference, that he wore his servant's round glazed
hat and his grey great coat."

"How then do you account for the extraordinary circumstance
of Donellan having been found murdered in his master's
clothes? Was any allusion made to a change of dress before
they left the fort?"

"Not the slightest," returned the prisoner; "nor can I
in any way account for this mysterious fact. When they
quitted the garrison, each wore the dress I have described."

"In what manner did Captain de Haldimar and Donellan
effect their passage across the ditch?" continued the
president, after glancing at the second slip of paper.
"The draw-bridge was evidently not lowered, and there
were no other means at hand to enable him to effect his
object with promptitude. How do you explain this, prisoner?"

When this question was put, the whole body of officers,
and the governor especially, turned their eyes
simultaneously on Halloway, for on his hesitation or
promptness in replying seemed to attach much of the credit
they were disposed to accord his statement. Halloway
observed it, and coloured. His reply, however, was free,
unfaltering, and unstudied.

"A rope with which Donellan had provided himself, was
secured to one of the iron hooks that support the pullies
immediately above the gate. With this they swung themselves
in succession to the opposite bank."

The members of the court looked at each other, apparently
glad that an answer so confirmatory of the truth of the
prisoner's statement, had been thus readily given.

"Were they to have returned in the same manner?" pursued
the president, framing his interrogatory from the contents
of another slip of paper, which, at the suggestion of
the governor, had been passed to him by the prosecutor,
Mr. Lawson.

"They were," firmly replied the prisoner. "At least I
presumed they were, for, I believe in the hurry of Captain
de Haldimar's departure, he never once made any direct
allusion to the manner of his return; nor did it occur
to me until this moment how they were to regain possession
of the rope, without assistance from within."

"Of course," observed Colonel de Haldimar, addressing
the president, "the rope still remains. Mr. Lawson,
examine the gate, and report accordingly."

The adjutant hastened to acquit himself of this laconic
order, and soon afterwards returned, stating not only
that there was no rope, but that the hook alluded to had
disappeared altogether.

For a moment the cheek of the prisoner paled; but it was
evidently less from any fear connected with his individual
existence, than from the shame he felt at having been
detected in a supposed falsehood. He however speedily
recovered his self-possession, and exhibited the same
character of unconcern by which his general bearing
throughout the trial had been distinguished.

On this announcement of the adjutant, the governor betrayed
a movement of impatience, that was meant to convey his
utter disbelief of the whole of the prisoner's statement,
and his look seemed to express to the court it should
also arrive, and without hesitation, at the same conclusion.
Even all authoritative as he was, however, he felt that
military etiquette and strict discipline prevented his
interfering further in this advanced state of the
proceedings.

"Prisoner," again remarked Captain Blessington, "your
statement in regard to the means employed by Captain de
Haldimar in effecting his departure, is, you must admit,
unsupported by appearances. How happens it the rope is
no longer where you say it was placed? No one could have
removed it but yourself. Have you done so? and if so,
can you produce it, or say where it is to be found?"

"Captain Blessington," replied Halloway, proudly, yet
respectfully, "I have already invoked that great Being,
before whose tribunal I am so shortly to appear, in
testimony of the truth of my assertion; and again, in
his presence, do I repeat, every word I have uttered is
true. I did not remove the rope, neither do I know what
is become of it. I admit its disappearance is extraordinary,
but a moment's reflection must satisfy the court I would
not have devised a tale, the falsehood of which could at
once have been detected on an examination such as that
which has just been instituted. When Mr. Lawson left this
room just now, I fully expected he would have found the
rope lying as it had been left. What has become of it,
I repeat, I know not; but in the manner I have stated
did Captain de Haldimar and Donellan cross the ditch. I
have nothing further to add," he concluded once more,
drawing up his fine tall person, the native elegance of
which could not be wholly disguised even in the dress of
a private soldier; "nothing further to disclose. Yet do
I repel with scorn the injurious insinuation against my
fidelity, suggested in these doubts. I am prepared to
meet my death as best may become a soldier, and, let me
add, as best may become a proud and well born gentleman;
but humanity and common justice should at least be accorded
to my memory. I am an unfortunate man, but no traitor."

The members were visibly impressed by the last sentences
of the prisoner. No further question however was asked,
and he was again removed by the escort, who had been
wondering spectators of the scene, to the cell he had so
recently occupied. The room was then cleared of the
witnesses and strangers, the latter comprising nearly
the whole of the officers off duty, when the court
proceeded to deliberate on the evidence, and pass sentence
on the accused.




CHAPTER VII.

Although the young and sensitive De Haldimar had found
physical relief in the summary means resorted to by the
surgeon, the moral wound at his heart not only remained
unsoothed, but was rendered more acutely painful by the
wretched reflections, which, now that he had full leisure
to review the past, and anticipate the future in all the
gloom attached to both, so violently assailed him. From
the moment when his brother's strange and mysterious
disappearance had been communicated by the adjutant in
the manner we have already seen, his spirits had been
deeply and fearfully depressed. Still he had every reason
to expect, from the well-known character of Halloway,
the strong hope expressed by the latter might be realised;
and that, at the hour appointed for trial, his brother
would be present to explain the cause of his mysterious
absence, justify the conduct of his subordinate, and
exonerate him from the treachery with which he now stood
charged. Yet, powerful as this hope was, it was unavoidably
qualified by dispiriting doubt; for a nature affectionate
and bland, as that of Charles de Haldimar, could not but
harbour distrust, while a shadow of uncertainty, in regard
to the fate of a brother so tenderly loved, remained. He
had forced himself to believe as much as possible what
he wished, and the effort had, to a certain extent
succeeded; but there had been something so solemn and so
impressive in the scene that had passed when the prisoner
was first brought up for trial, something so fearfully
prophetic in the wild language of his unhappy wife, he
had found it impossible to resist the influence of the
almost superstitious awe they had awakened in his heart.

What the feelings of the young officer were subsequently,
when in the person of the murdered man on the common,
the victim of Sir Everard Valletort's aim, he recognised
that brother, whose disappearance had occasioned him so
much inquietude, we shall not attempt to describe: their
nature is best shown in the effect they produced--the
almost overwhelming agony of body and mind, which had
borne him, like a stricken plant, unresisting to the
earth. But now that, in the calm and solitude of his
chamber, he had leisure to review the fearful events
conspiring to produce this extremity, his anguish of
spirit was even deeper than when the first rude shock of
conviction had flashed upon his understanding. A tide of
suffering, that overpowered, without rendering him sensible
of its positive and abstract character, had, in the first
instance, oppressed his faculties, and obscured his
perception; but now, slow, sure, stinging, and gradually
succeeding each other, came every bitter thought and
reflection of which that tide was composed; and the
generous heart of Charles de Haldimar was a prey to
feelings that would have wrung the soul, and wounded the
sensibilities of one far less gentle and susceptible than
himself.

Between Sir Everard Valletort and Charles de Haldimar,
who, it has already been remarked, were lieutenants in
Captain Blessington's company, a sentiment of friendship
had been suffered to spring up almost from the moment of
Sir Everard's joining. The young men were nearly of the
same age; and although the one was all gentleness, the
other all spirit and vivacity, not a shade of disunion
had at any period intervened to interrupt the almost
brotherly attachment subsisting between them, and each
felt the disposition of the other was the one most
assimilated to his own. In fact, Sir Everard was far from
being the ephemeral character he was often willing to
appear. Under a semblance of affectation, and much assumed
levity of manner, never, however, personally offensive,
he concealed a brave, generous, warm, and manly heart,
and talents becoming the rank he held in society, such
as would not have reflected discredit on one numbering
twice his years. He had entered the army, as most young
men of rank usually did at that period, rather for the
agremens it held forth, than with any serious view to
advancement in it as a profession. Still he entertained
the praiseworthy desire of being something more than what
is, among military men, emphatically termed a feather-bed
soldier; and, contrary to the wishes of his fashionable
mother, who would have preferred seeing him exhibit his
uniform in the drawing-rooms of London, had purchased
the step into his present corps from a cavalry regiment
at home. Not that we mean, however, to assert he was not
a feather-bed soldier in its more literal sense: no man
that ever glittered in gold and scarlet was fonder of a
feather-bed than the young baronet; and, in fact, his
own observations, recorded in the early part of this
volume, sufficiently prove his predilection for an
indulgence which, we take it, in no way impugned his
character as a soldier. Sir Everard would have fought
twenty battles in the course of the month, if necessary,
and yet not complained of the fatigue or severity of his
service, provided only he had been suffered to press his
downy couch to what is termed a decent hour in the day.
But he had an innate and, perhaps, it may be, an instinctive
horror of drills and early rising; a pastime in which
the martinets and disciplinarians of the last century
were very much given to indulge. He frequently upheld an
opinion that must have been little less than treason in
the eyes of a commander so strict as Colonel de Haldimar,
that an officer who rose at eight, with all his faculties
refreshed and invigorated, might evince as much of the
true bearing of the soldier in the field, as he who,
having quitted his couch at dawn, naturally felt the
necessity of repose at a moment when activity and exertion
were most required.

We need scarcely state, Sir Everard's theories on this
important subject were seldom reduced to practice; for,
even long before the Indians had broken out into open
acts of hostility, when such precautions were rendered
indispensable, Colonel de Haldimar had never suffered
either officer or man to linger on his pillow after the
first faint dawn had appeared. This was a system to which
Sir Everard could never reconcile himself. He had quitted
England with a view to active service abroad, it is true,
but he had never taken "active service" in its present
literal sense, and, as he frequently declared to his
companions, he preferred giving an Indian warrior a chance
for his scalp any hour after breakfast, to rising at
daybreak, when, from very stupefaction, he seldom knew
whether he stood on his head or his heels. "If the men
must be drilled," he urged, "with a view to their health
and discipline, why not place them under the direction
of the adjutant or the officer of the day, whoever he
might chance to be, and not unnecessarily disturb a body
of gentlemen from their comfortable slumbers at that
unconscionable hour?" Poor Sir Everard! this was the
only grievance of which he complained, and he complained
bitterly. Scarcely a morning passed without his inveighing
loudly against the barbarity of such a custom; threatening
at the same time, amid the laughter of his companions,
to quit the service in disgust at what he called so
ungentlemanly and gothic a habit. All he waited for, he
protested, was to have an opportunity of bearing away
the spoils of some Indian chief, that, on his return to
England, he might afford his lady mother an opportunity
of judging with her own eyes of the sort of enemy he had
relinquished the comforts of home to contend against,
and exhibiting to her very dear friends the barbarous
proofs of the prowess of her son. Though these observations
were usually made half in jest half in earnest, there
was no reason to doubt the young and lively baronet was,
in truth, heartily tired of a service which seemed to
offer nothing but privations and annoyances, unmixed with
even the chances of obtaining those trophies to which he
alluded; and, but for two motives, there is every
probability he would have seriously availed himself of
the earliest opportunity of retiring. The first of these
was his growing friendship for the amiable and gentle
Charles de Haldimar; the second the secret, and scarcely
to himself acknowledged, interest which had been created
in his heart for his sister Clara; whom he only knew from
the glowing descriptions of his friend, and the strong
resemblance she was said to bear to him by the other
officers.

Clara de Haldimar was the constant theme of her younger
brother's praise. Her image was ever uppermost in his
thoughts--her name ever hovering on his lips; and when
alone with his friend Valletort, it was his delight to
dwell on the worth and accomplishments of his amiable
and beloved sister. Then, indeed, would his usually calm
blue eye sparkle with the animation of his subject, while
his colouring cheek marked all the warmth and sincerity
with which he bore attestation to her gentleness and her
goodness. The heart of Charles de Haldimar, soldier as
he was, was pure, generous, and unsophisticated as that
of the sister whom he so constantly eulogized; and, while
listening to his eloquent praises, Sir Everard learnt to
feel an interest in a being whom all had declared to be
the counterpart of her brother, as well in personal
attraction as in singleness of nature. With all his
affected levity, and notwithstanding his early initiation
into fashionable life--that matter-of-fact life which
strikes at the existence of our earlier and dearer
illusions--there was a dash of romance in the character
of the young baronet which tended much to increase the
pleasure he always took in the warm descriptions of his
friend. The very circumstance of her being personally
unknown to him, was, with Sir Everard, an additional
motive for interest in Miss de Haldimar.

Imagination and mystery generally work their way together;
and as there was a shade of mystery attached to Sir
Everard's very ignorance of the person of one whom he
admired and esteemed from report alone, imagination was
not slow to improve the opportunity, and to endow the
object with characteristics, which perhaps a more intimate
knowledge of the party might have led him to qualify. In
this manner, in early youth, are the silken and willing
fetters of the generous and the enthusiastic forged. We
invest some object, whose praises, whispered secretly in
the ear, have glided imperceptibly to the heart, with
all the attributes supplied by our own vivid and readily
according imaginations; and so accustomed do we become
to linger on the picture, we adore the semblance with an
ardour which the original often fails to excite. When,
however, the high standard of our fancy's fair creation
is attained, we worship as something sacred that which
was to our hearts a source of pure and absorbing interest,
hallowed by the very secresy in which such interest was
indulged. Even where it fails, so unwilling are we to
lose sight of the illusion to which our thoughts have
fondly clung, so loth to destroy the identity of the
semblance with its original, that we throw a veil over
that reason which is then so little in unison with our
wishes, and forgive much in consideration of the very
mystery which first gave a direction to our interest,
and subsequently chained our preference. How is it to
be lamented, that illusions so dear, and images so
fanciful, should find their level with time; or that
intercourse with the world, which should be the means
rather of promoting than marring human happiness, should
leave on the heart so little vestige of those impressions
which characterize the fervency of youth; and which,
dispassionately considered, constitute the only true
felicity of riper life! It is then that man, in all the
vigour and capacity of his intellectual nature, feels
the sentiment of love upon him in all its ennobling force.
It is then that his impetuous feelings, untinged by the
romance which imposes its check upon the more youthful,
like the wild flow of the mighty torrent, seeks a channel
wherein they may empty themselves; and were he to follow
the guidance of those feelings, of which in that riper
life he seems ashamed as of a weakness unworthy his sex,
in the warm and glowing bosom of Nature's divinity--
WOMAN--would he pour forth the swollen tide of his
affection; and acknowledge, in the fullness of his expanding
heart, the vast bounty of Providence, who had bestowed
on him so invaluable--so unspeakably invaluable, a
blessing.--But no; in the pursuit of ambition, in the
acquisition of wealth, in the thirst after power, and
the craving after distinction, nay, nineteen times out
of twenty, in the most frivolous occupations, the most
unsatisfactory amusements, do the great mass of the
maturer man sink those feelings; divested of which, we
become mere plodders on the earth, mere creatures of
materialism: nor is it until after age and infirmity have
overtaken them, they look back with regret to that real
and substantial, but unenjoyed happiness, which the
occupied heart and the soul's communion alone can bestow.
Then indeed, when too late, are they ready to acknowledge
the futility of those pursuits, the inadequacy of those
mere ephemeral pleasures, to which in the full meridian
of their manhood they sacrificed, as a thing unworthy of
their dignity, the mysterious charm of woman's influence
and woman's beauty.

We do not mean to say Clara de Haldimar would have fallen
short of the high estimate formed of her worth by the
friend of her brother; neither is it to be understood,
Sir Everard suffered this fair vision of his fancy to
lead him into the wild and labyrinthian paths of boyish
romance; but certain it is, the floating illusions,
conjured up by his imagination, exercised a mysterious
influence over his heart, that hourly acquired a deeper
and less equivocal character. It might have been curiosity
in the first instance, or that mere repose of the fancy
upon an object of its own creation, which was natural to
a young man placed like himself for the moment out of
the pale of all female society. It has been remarked,
and justly, there is nothing so dangerous to the peace
of the human heart as solitude. It is in solitude, our
thoughts, taking their colouring from our feelings, invest
themselves with the power of multiplying ideal beauty,
until we become in a measure tenants of a world of our
own creation, from which we never descend, without loathing
and disgust, into the dull and matter-of-fact routine of
actual existence. Hence the misery of the imaginative
man!--hence his little sympathy with the mass, who, tame
and soulless, look upon life and the things of life, not
through the refining medium of ideality, but through the
grossly magnifying optics of mere sense and materialism.

But, though we could, and perhaps may, at some future
period, write volumes on this subject, we return for the
present from a digression into which we have been insensibly
led by the temporary excitement of our own feelings.

Whatever were the impressions of the young baronet, and
however he might have been inclined to suffer the fair
image of the gentle Clara, such as he was perhaps wont
to paint it, to exercise its spell upon his fancy, certain
it is, he never expressed to her brother more than that
esteem and interest which it was but natural he should
accord to the sister of his friend. Neither had Charles
de Haldimar, even amid all his warmth of commendation,
ever made the slightest allusion to his sister, that
could be construed into a desire she should awaken any
unusual or extraordinary sentiment of preference. Much
and fervently as he desired such an event, there was an
innate sense of decorum, and it may be secret pride, that
caused him to abstain from any observation having the
remotest tendency to compromise the spotless delicacy of
his adored sister; and such he would have considered any
expression of his own hopes and wishes, where no declaration
of preference had been previously made. There was another
motive for this reserve on the part of the young officer.
The baronet was an only child, and would, on attaining
his majority, of which he wanted only a few months, become
the possessor of a large fortune. His sister Clara, on
the contrary, had little beyond her own fair fame and
the beauty transmitted to her by the mother she had lost.
Colonel de Haldimar was a younger son, and had made his
way through life with his sword, and an unblemished
reputation alone,--advantages he had shared with his
children, for the two eldest of whom his interest and
long services had procured commissions in his own regiment.

But even while Charles de Haldimar abstained from all
expression of his hopes, he had fully made up his mind
that Sir Everard and his sister were so formed for each
other, it was next to an impossibility they could meet
without loving. In one of his letters to the latter, he
had alluded to his friend in terms of so high and earnest
panegyric, that Clara had acknowledged, in reply, she
was prepared to find in the young baronet one whom she
should regard with partiality, if it were only on account
of the friendship subsisting between him and her brother.
This admission, however, was communicated in confidence,
and the young officer had religiously preserved his
sister's secret.

These and fifty other recollections now crowded on the
mind of the sufferer, only to render the intensity of
his anguish more complete; among the bitterest of which
was the certainty that the mysterious events of the past
night had raised up an insuperable barrier to this union;
for how could Clara de Haldimar become the wife of him
whose hands were, however innocently, stained with the
life-blood of her brother! To dwell on this, and the loss
of that brother, was little short of madness, and yet De
Haldimar could think of nothing else; nor for a period
could the loud booming of the cannon from the ramparts,
every report of which shook his chamber to its very
foundations, call off his attention from a subject which,
while it pained, engrossed every faculty and absorbed
every thought. At length, towards the close, he called
faintly to the old and faithful soldier, who, at the foot
of the bed, stood watching every change of his master's
countenance, to know the cause of the cannonade. On being
informed the batteries in the rear were covering the
retreat of Captain Erskine, who, in his attempt to obtain
the body, had been surprised by the Indians, a new
direction was temporarily given to his thoughts, and he
now manifested the utmost impatience to know the result.

In a few minutes Morrison, who, in defiance of the
surgeon's strict order not on any account to quit the
room, had flown to obtain some intelligence which he
trusted might remove the anxiety of his suffering master,
again made his appearance, stating the corpse was already
secured, and close under the guns of the fort, beneath
which the detachment, though hotly assailed from the
forest, were also fast retreating.

"And is it really my brother, Morrison? Are you quite
certain that it is Captain de Haldimar?" asked the young
officer, in the eager accents of one who, with the fullest
conviction on his mind, yet grasps at the faintest shadow
of a consoling doubt. "Tell me that it is not my brother,
and half of what I possess in the world shall be yours."

The old soldier brushed a tear from his eye. "God bless
you, Mr. de Haldimar, I would give half my grey hairs to
be able to do so; but it is, indeed, too truly the captain
who has been killed. I saw the very wings of his regimentals
as he lay on his face on the litter."

Charles de Haldimar groaned aloud. "Oh God! oh God! would
I had never lived to see this day." Then springing suddenly
up in his bed.--"Morrison, where are my clothes? I insist
on seeing my slaughtered brother myself."

"Good Heaven, sir, consider," said the old man approaching
the bed, and attempting to replace the covering which
had been spurned to its very foot,--"consider you are in
a burning fever, and the slightest cold may kill you
altogether. The doctor's orders are, you were on no
account to get up."

The effort made by the unfortunate youth was momentary.
Faint from the blood he had lost, and giddy from the
excitement of his feelings, he sank back exhausted on
his pillow, and wept like a child.

Old Morrison shed tears also; for his heart bled for the
sufferings of one whom he had nursed and played with even
in early infancy, and whom, although his master, he regarded
with the affection he would have borne to his own child. As
he had justly observed, he would have willingly given half
his remaining years to be able to remove the source of the
sorrow which so deeply oppressed him.

When this violent paroxysm had somewhat subsided, De
Haldimar became more composed; but his was rather that
composure which grows out of the apathy produced by
overwhelming grief, than the result of any relief afforded
to his suffering heart by the tears he had shed. He had
continued some time in this faint and apparently tranquil
state, when confused sounds in the barrack-yard, followed
by the raising of the heavy drawbridge, announced the
return of the detachment. Again he started up in his bed
and demanded his clothes, declaring his intention to go
out and receive the corpse of his murdered brother. All
opposition on the part of the faithful Morrison was now
likely to prove fruitless, when suddenly the door opened,
and an officer burst hurriedly into the room.

"Courage! courage! my dear De Haldimar; I am the bearer
of good news. Your brother is not the person who has been
slain."

Again De Haldimar sank back upon his pillow, overcome by
a variety of conflicting emotions. A moment afterwards,
and he exclaimed reproachfully, yet almost gasping with
the eagerness of his manner,--

"For God's sake, Sumners--in the name of common humanity,
do not trifle with my feelings. If you would seek to
lull me with false hopes, you are wrong. I am prepared
to hear and bear the worst at present; but to be undeceived
again would break my heart."

"I swear to you by every thing I have been taught to
revere as sacred," solemnly returned Ensign Sumners,
deeply touched by the affliction he witnessed, "what I
state is strictly true. Captain Erskine himself sent me
to tell you."

"What, is he only wounded then?" and a glow of mingled
hope and satisfaction was visible even through the flush
of previous excitement on the cheek of the sufferer.
"Quick, Morrison, give me my clothes.--Where is my brother,
Sumners?" and again he raised up his debilitated frame
with the intention of quitting his couch.

"De Haldimar, my dear De Haldimar, compose yourself, and
listen to me. Your brother is still missing, and we are
as much in the dark about his fate as ever. All that is
certain is, we have no positive knowledge of his death;
but surely that is a thousand times preferable to the
horrid apprehensions under which we have all hitherto
laboured."

"What mean you, Sumners? or am I so bewildered by my
sufferings as not to comprehend you clearly?--Nay, nay,
forgive me; but I am almost heart-broken at this loss,
and scarcely know what I say. But what is it you mean?
I saw my unhappy brother lying on the common with my own
eyes. Poor Valletort, himself--" here a rush of bitter
recollections flashed on the memory of the young man,
and the tears coursed each other rapidly down his cheek.
His emotion lasted for a few moments, and he pursued,--"Poor
Valletort himself saw him, for he was nearly as much
overwhelmed with affliction as I was; and even Morrison
beheld him also, not ten minutes since, under the very
walls of the fort; nay, distinguished the wings of his
uniform: and yet you would persuade me my brother, instead
of being brought in a corpse, is still missing and alive.
This is little better than trifling with my wretchedness,
Sumners," and again he sank back exhausted on his pillow.

"I can easily forgive your doubts, De Haldimar," returned
the sympathizing Sumners, taking the hand of his companion,
and pressing it gently in his own; "for, in truth, there
is a great deal of mystery attached to the whole affair.
I have not seen the body myself; but I distinctly heard
Captain Erskine state it certainly was not your brother,
and he requested me to apprise both Sir Everard Valletort
and yourself of the fact."

"Who is the murdered man, then? and how comes he to be
clad in the uniform of one of our officers? Pshaw! it is
too absurd to be credited. Erskine is mistaken--he must
be mistaken--it can be no other than my poor brother
Frederick. Sumners, I am sick, faint, with this cruel
uncertainty: go, my dear fellow, at once, and examine
the body; then return to me, and satisfy my doubts, if
possible."

"Most willingly, if you desire it," returned Sumners,
moving towards the door; "but believe me, De Haldimar,
you may make your mind tranquil on the subject;--Erskine
spoke with certainty."

"Have you seen Valletort?" asked De Haldimar, while an
involuntary shudder pervaded his fame.

"I have. He flew on the instant to make further enquiries;
and was in the act of going to examine the body of the
murdered man when I came here.--But here he is himself,
and his countenance is the harbinger of any thing but a
denial of my intelligence."

"Oh, Charles, what a weight of misery has been removed
from my heart!" exclaimed that officer, now rushing to
the bedside of his friend, and seizing his extended
hand,--"Your brother, let us hope, still lives."

"Almighty God, I thank thee!" fervently ejaculated De
Haldimar; and then, overcome with joy, surprise, and
gratitude, he again sank back upon his pillow, sobbing
and weeping violently.

Sumners had, with delicate tact, retired the moment Sir
Everard made his appearance; for he, as well as the whole
body of officers, was aware of the close friendship that
subsisted between the young men, and he felt, at such a
moment, the presence of a third person must be a sort of
violation of the sacredness of their interview.

For some minutes the young baronet stood watching in
silence, and with his friend's hand closely clasped in
his own, the course of those tears which seemed to afford
so much relief to the overcharged heart of the sufferer.
At length they passed gradually away; and a smile,
expressive of the altered state of his feelings, for the
first time animated the flushed but handsome features of
the younger De Haldimar.

We shall not attempt to paint all that passed between
the friends during the first interesting moments of an
interview which neither had expected to enjoy again, or
the delight and satisfaction with which they congratulated
themselves on the futility of those fears, which, if
realised, must have embittered every future moment of
their lives with the most harrowing recollections. Sir
Everard, particularly, felt, and was not slow to express,
his joy on this occasion; for, as he gazed upon the
countenance of his friend, he was more than ever inclined
to confess an interest in the sister he was said so much
to resemble.

With that facility with which in youth the generous and
susceptible are prone to exchange their tears for smiles,
as some powerful motive for the reaction may prompt, the
invalid had already, and for the moment, lost sight of
the painful past in the pleasurable present, so that his
actual excitement was strongly in contrast with the
melancholy he had so recently exhibited. Never had Charles
de Haldimar appeared so eminently handsome; and yet his
beauty resembled that of a frail and delicate woman,
rather than that of one called to the manly and arduous
profession of a soldier. It was that delicate and Medor-like
beauty which might have won the heart and fascinated the
sense of a second Angelica. The light brown hair flowing
in thick and natural waves over a high white forehead;
the rich bloom of the transparent and downy cheek; the
large, blue, long, dark-lashed eye, in which a shade of
languor harmonised with the soft but animated expression
of the whole countenance,--the dimpled mouth,--the small,
clear, and even teeth,--all these now characterised
Charles de Haldimar; and if to these we add a voice rich,
full, and melodious, and a smile sweet and fascinating,
we shall be at no loss to account for the readiness with
which Sir Everard suffered his imagination to draw on
the brother for those attributes he ascribed to the
sister.

It was while this impression was strong upon his fancy,
he took occasion to remark, in reply to an observation
of De Haldimar's, alluding to the despair with which his
sister would have been seized, had she known one brother
had fallen by the hand of the friend of the other.

"The grief of my own heart, Charles, on this occasion,
would have been little inferior to her own. The truth
is, my feelings during the last three hours have let me
into a secret, of the existence of which I was, in a
great degree, ignorant until then: I scarcely know how
to express myself, for the communication is so truly
absurd and romantic you will not credit it." He paused,
hesitated, and then, as if determined to anticipate the
ridicule he seemed to feel would be attached to his
confession, with a forced half laugh pursued: "The fact
is, Charles, I have been so much used to listen to your
warm and eloquent praises of your sister, I have absolutely,
I will not say fallen in love with (that would be going
too far), but conceived so strong an interest in her,
that my most ardent desire would be to find favour in
her eyes. What say you, my friend? are you inclined to
forward my suit; and if so, is there any chance for me,
think you, with herself?"

The breast of Charles de Haldimar, who had listened with
deep and increasing attention to this avowal, swelled
high with pleasurable excitement, and raising himself up
in his bed with one hand, while he grasped one of Sir
Everard's with the other, he exclaimed with a transport
of affection too forcible to be controlled,--

"Oh, Valletort, Valletort! this is, indeed, all that
was wanting to complete my happiness. My sister Clara
I adore with all the affection of my nature; I love her
better than my own life, which is wrapped up in hers.
She is an angel in disposition,--all that is dear, tender,
and affectionate,--all that is gentle and lovely in woman;
one whose welfare is dearer far to me than my own, and
without whose presence I could not live. Valletort, that
prize,--that treasure, that dearer half of myself, is
yours,--yours for ever. I have long wished you should
love, each other, and I felt, when you met, you would.
If I have hitherto forborne from expressing this fondest
wish of my heart, it has been from delicacy--from a
natural fear of compromising the purity of my adored
Clara. Now, however, you have confessed yourself interested,
by a description that falls far short of the true peril
of that dear girl, I can no longer disguise my gratification
and delight. Valletort," he concluded, impressively,
"there is no other man on earth to whom I would say so
much; but you were formed for each other, and you will,
you must, be the husband of my sister."

If the youthful and affectionate De Haldimar was happy,
Sir Everard was no less so; for already, with the enthusiasm
of a young man of twenty, he painted to himself the entire
fruition of those dreams of happiness that had so long
been familiarised to his imagination. One doubt alone
crossed his mind.

"But if your sister should have decided differently,
Charles," he at length remarked, as he gently quitted
the embrace of his friend: "who knows if her heart may
not already throb for another; and even if not, it is
possible she may judge me far less flatteringly than you
do."

"Valletort, your fears are groundless. Having admitted
thus far, I will even go farther, and add, you have been
the subject of one of my letters to Clara, who, in her
turn, 'confesses a strong interest in one of whom she
has heard so much.' She writes playfully, of course, but
it is quite evident to me she is prepared to like you."

"Indeed! But, Charles, liking is many degrees removed
you know from loving; besides, I understand there are
two or three handsome and accomplished fellows among the
garrison of Michilimackinac, and your sister's visit to
her cousin may not have been paid altogether with impunity."

"Think not thus meanly of Clara's understanding, Valletort.
There must be something more than mere beauty and
accomplishment to fix the heart of my sister. The dark
eyed and elegant Baynton, and the musical and sonnetteering
Middleton, to whom you, doubtless, allude, are very
excellent fellows in their way; but handsome and
accomplished as they are, they are not exactly the men
to please Clara de Haldimar."

"But, my dear Charles, you forget also any little merit
of my own is doubly enhanced in your eyes, by the sincerity
of the friendship subsisting between us; your sister may
think very differently."

"Psha, Valletort! these difficulties are all of your own
creation," returned his friend, impatiently; "I know the
heart of Clara is disengaged. What would you more?"

"Enough, De Haldimar; I will no longer doubt my own
prospects. If she but approve me, my whole life shall be
devoted to the happiness of your sister."

A single knock was now heard at the door of the apartment;
it was opened, and a sergeant appeared at the entrance.

"The company are under arms for punishment parade,
Lieutenant Valletort," said the man, touching his cap.

In an instant, the visionary prospects of the young men
gave place to the stern realities connected with that
announcement of punishment. The treason of Halloway,--the
absence of Frederick de Haldimar,--the dangers by which
they were beset,--and the little present probability of
a re-union with those who were most dear to them,--all
these recollections now flashed across their minds with
the rapidity of thought; and the conversation that had
so recently passed between them seemed to leave no other
impression than what is produced from some visionary
speculation of the moment.




CHAPTER VIII.

As the bells of the fort tolled the tenth hour of morning,
the groups of dispersed soldiery, warned by the rolling
of the assembly drum, once more fell into their respective
ranks in the order described in the opening of this
volume, Soon afterwards the prisoner Halloway was
reconducted into the square by a strong escort, who took
their stations as before in the immediate centre, where
the former stood principally conspicuous to the observation
of his comrades. His countenance was paler, and had less,
perhaps, of the indifference he had previously manifested;
but to supply this there was a certain subdued air of
calm dignity, and a composure that sprang, doubtless,
from the consciousness of the new character in which he
now appeared before his superiors. Colonel de Haldimar
almost immediately followed, and with him were the
principal staff of the garrison, all of whom, with the
exception of the sick and wounded and their attendants,
were present to a man. The former took from the hands of
the governor, Lawson, a large packet, consisting of
several sheets of folded paper closely written upon.
These were the proceedings of the court martial.

After enumerating the several charges, and detailing the
evidence of the witnesses examined, the adjutant came at
length to the finding and sentence of the court, which
were as follows:--

"The court having duly considered the evidence adduced
against the prisoner private Frank Halloway, together
with what he has urged in his defence, are of opinion,--"

"That with regard to the first charge, it is not proved."

"That with regard to the second charge, it is not proved."

"That with regard to the third charge, even by his own
voluntary confession, the prisoner is guilty."

"The court having found the prisoner private Frank Halloway
guilty of the third charge preferred against him, which
is hi direct violation of a standing order of the garrison,
entailing capital punishment, do hereby sentence him,
the said prisoner, private Frank Halloway, to be shot to
death at such time and place as the officer commanding
may deem fit to appoint."

Although the utmost order pervaded the ranks, every breath
had been suspended, every ear stretched during the reading
of the sentence; and now that it came arrayed in terror
and in blood, every glance was turned in pity on its
unhappy victim. But Halloway heard it with the ears of
one who has made up his mind to suffer; and the faint
half smile that played upon his lip spoke more in scorn
than in sorrow. Colonel de Haldimar pursued:--

"The court having found it imperatively incumbent on them
to award the punishment of death to the prisoner, private
Frank Halloway, at the same time gladly avail themselves
of their privilege by strongly recommending him to mercy.
The court cannot, in justice to the character of the
prisoner, refrain from expressing their unanimous
conviction, that notwithstanding the mysterious
circumstances which have led to his confinement and trial,
he is entirely innocent of the treachery ascribed to him.
The court have founded this conviction on the excellent
character, both on duty and in the field, hitherto borne
by the prisoner,--his well-known attachment to the officer
with whose abduction be stands charged,--and the manly,
open, and (as the court are satisfied) correct history
given of his former life. It is, moreover, the impression
of the court, that, as stated by the prisoner, his guilt
on the third charge has been the result only of his
attachment for Captain de Haldimar. And for this, and
the reasons above assigned, do they strongly recommend
the prisoner to mercy."

   (Signed)

   NOEL BLESSINGTON,
      Captain and President.

   Sentence approved and confirmed.

   CHARLES DE HALDIMAR,
      Colonel Commandant.

While these concluding remarks of the court were being
read, the prisoner manifested the deepest emotion. If a
smile of scorn had previously played upon his lip, it
was because he fancied the court, before whom he had
sought to vindicate his fame, had judged him with a
severity not inferior to his colonel's; but now that, in
the presence of his companions, he heard the flattering
attestation of his services, coupled even as it was with
the sentence that condemned him to die, tears of gratitude
and pleasure rose despite of himself to his eyes; and it
required all his self-command to enable him to abstain
from giving expression to his feelings towards those who
had so generously interpreted the motives of his dereliction
from duty. But when the melancholy and startling fact of
the approval and confirmation of the sentence met his
ear, without the slightest allusion to that mercy which
had been so urgently recommended, he again overcame his
weakness, and exhibited his wonted air of calm and
unconcern.

"Let the prisoner be removed, Mr. Lawson," ordered the
governor, whose stern and somewhat dissatisfied expression
of countenance was the only comment on the recommendation
for mercy.

The order was promptly executed. Once more Halloway left
the square, and was reconducted to the cell he had occupied
since the preceding night.

"Major Blackwater," pursued the governor, "let a detachment
consisting of one half the garrison be got in readiness
to leave the fort within the hour. Captain Wentworth,
three pieces of field artillery will be required. Let
them be got ready also." He then retired from the area
with the forbidding dignity and stately haughtiness of
manner that was habitual to him; while the officers, who
had just received his commands, prepared to fulfil the
respective duties assigned them.

Since the first alarm of the garrison no opportunity had
hitherto been afforded the officers to snatch the slightest
refreshment. Advantage was now taken of the short interval
allowed by the governor, and they all repaired to the
mess-room, where their breakfast had long since been
provided.

"Well, Blessington," remarked Captain Erskine, as he
filled his plate for the third time from a large haunch
of smoke-dried venison, for which his recent skirmish
with the Indians had given him an unusual relish, "so it
appears your recommendation of poor Halloway to mercy is
little likely to be attended to. Did you remark how
displeased the colonel looked as he bungled through it?
One might almost be tempted to think he had an interest
in the man's death, so determined does he appear to carry
his point."

Although several of his companions, perhaps, felt and
thought the same, still there was no one who would have
ventured to avow his real sentiments in so unqualified
a manner. Indeed such an observation proceeding from
the lips of any other officer would have excited the
utmost surprise; but Captain Erskine, a brave, bold,
frank, and somewhat thoughtless soldier, was one of those
beings who are privileged to say any thing. His opinions
were usually expressed without ceremony; and his speech
was not the most circumspect NOW, as since his return to
the fort he had swallowed, fasting, two or three glasses
of a favourite spirit, which, without intoxicating, had
greatly excited him.

"I remarked enough," said Captain Blessington, who sat
leaning his head on one hand, while with the other he
occasionally, and almost mechanically, raised a cup filled
with a liquid of a pale blood colour to his lips,--"quite
enough to make me regret from my very soul I should have
been his principal judge. Poor Halloway, I pity him much;
for, on my honour, I believe him to be the gentleman he
represents himself."

"A finer fellow does not live," remarked the last remaining
officer of the grenadiers. "But surely Colonel de Haldimar
cannot mean to carry the sentence into effect. The
recommendation of a court, couched in such terms as these,
ought alone to have some weight with him."

"It is quite clear, from the fact of his having been
remanded to his cell, the execution of the poor fellow
will be deferred at least," observed one of Captain
Erskine's subalterns." If the governor had intended he
should suffer immediately, he would have had him shot
the moment after his sentence was read. But what is the
meaning and object of this new sortie? and whither are
we now going? Do you know, Captain Erskine, our company
is again ordered for this duty?"

"Know it, Leslie! of course I do; and for that reason am
I paying my court to the more substantial part of the
breakfast. Come, Blessington, my dear fellow, you have
quite lost your appetite, and we may have sharp work
before we get back. Follow my example: throw that nasty
blood-thickening sassafras away, and lay a foundation
from this venison. None sweeter is to be found in the
forests of America. A few slices of that, and then a
glass each of my best Jamaica, and we shall have strength
to go through the expedition, if its object be the capture
of the bold Ponteac himself."

"I presume the object is rather to seek for Captain de
Haldimar," said Lieutenant Boyce, the officer of grenadiers;
"but in that case why not send out his own company?"

"Because the Colonel prefers trusting to cooler heads
and more experienced arms," good-humouredly observed
Captain Erskine. "Blessington is our senior, and his
men are all old stagers. My lads, too, have had their
mettle up already this morning, and there is nothing like
that to prepare men for a dash of enterprise. It is with
them as with blood horses, the more you put them on their
speed the less anxious are they to quit the course.
Well, Johnstone, my brave Scot, ready for another skirmish?"
he asked, as that officer now entered to satisfy the
cravings of an appetite little inferior to that of his
captain.

"With 'Nunquam non paratus' for my motto," gaily returned
the young man, "it were odd, indeed, if a mere scratch
like this should prevent me from establishing my claim
to it by following wherever my gallant captain leads."

"Most courteously spoken, and little in the spirit of a
man yet smarting under the infliction of a rifle wound,
it must be confessed," remarked Lieutenant Leslie. "But,
Johnstone, you should bear in mind a too close adherence
to that motto has been, in some degree, fatal to your
family."

"No reflections, Leslie, if you please," returned his
brother subaltern, slightly reddening. "If the head of
our family was unfortunate enough to be considered a
traitor to England, he was not so, at least, to Scotland;
and Scotland was the land of his birth. But let his
political errors be forgotten. Though the winged spur no
longer adorn the booted heel of an Earl of Annandale,
the time may not be far distant when some liberal and
popular monarch of England shall restore a title forfeited
neither through cowardice nor dishonour, but from an
erroneous sense of duty."

"That is to say," muttered Ensign Delme, looking round
for approval as he spoke, "that our present king is
neither liberal nor popular. Well, Mr. Johnstone, were
such an observation to reach the ears of Colonel de
Haldimar you would stand a very fair chance of being
brought to a court martial."

"That is to say nothing of the kind, sir," somewhat
fiercely retorted the young Scot; "but any thing I do
say you are at liberty to repeat to Colonel de Haldimar,
or whom you will. I cannot understand, Leslie, why you
should have made any allusion to the misfortunes of my
family at this particular moment, and in this public
manner. I trust it was not with a view to offend me;"
and he fixed his large black eyes upon his brother
subaltern, as if he would have read every thought of his
mind.

"Upon my honour, Johnstone, I meant nothing of the kind,"
frankly returned Leslie. "I merely meant to hint that
as you had had your share of service this morning, you
might, at least, have suffered me to borrow your spurs,
while you reposed for the present on your laurels."

"There are my gay and gallant Scots," exclaimed Captain
Erskine, as he swallowed off a glass of the old Jamaica
which lay before him, and with which he usually neutralised
the acidities of a meat breakfast, "Settled like gentlemen
and lads of spirit as ye are," he pursued, as the young
men cordially shook each other's hand across the table.
"What an enviable command is mine, to have a company of
brave fellows who would face the devil himself were it
necessary; and two hot and impatient subs., who are ready
to cut each other's throat for the pleasure of accompanying
me against a set of savages that are little better than
so many devils. Come, Johnstone, you know the Colonel
allows us but one sub. at a time, in consequence of our
scarcity of officers, therefore it is but fair Leslie
should have his turn. It will not be long, I dare say,
before we shall have another brush with the rascals."

"In my opinion," observed Captain Blessington, who had
been a silent and thoughtful witness of what was passing
around him, "neither Leslie nor Johnstone would evince
so much anxiety, were they aware of the true-nature of
the duty for which our companies have been ordered. Depend
upon it, it is no search after Captain de Haldimar in
which we are about to be engaged; for much as the colonel
loves his son, he would on no account compromise the
safety of the garrison, by sending a party into the
forest, where poor De Haldimar, if alive, is at all likely
to be found."

"Faith you are right, Blessington; the governor is not
one to run these sort of risks on every occasion. My
chief surprise, indeed, is, that he suffered me to venture
even upon the common; but if we are not designed for some
hostile expedition, why leave the fort at all?"

"The question will need no answer, if Halloway be found
to accompany us."

"Psha! why should Halloway be taken out for the purpose?
If he be shot at all, he will be shot on the ramparts,
in the presence of, and as an example to, the whole
garrison. Still, on reflection, I cannot but think it
impossible the sentence should be carried into full
effect, after the strong, nay, the almost unprecedented
recommendation to mercy recorded on the face of the
proceedings."

Captain Blessington shook his head despondingly. "What
think you, Erskine, of the policy of making an example,
which may be witnessed by the enemy as well as the
garrison? It is evident, from his demeanour throughout,
nothing will convince the colonel that Halloway is not
a traitor, and he may think it advisable to strike terror
in the minds of the savages, by an execution which will
have the effect of showing the treason of the soldier to
have been discovered."

In this opinion many of the officers now concurred; and
as the fate of the unfortunate Halloway began to assume
a character of almost certainty, even the spirit of the
gallant Erskine, the least subdued by the recent distressing
events, was overclouded; and all sank, as if by one
consent, into silent communion with their thoughts, as
they almost mechanically completed the meal, at which
habit rather than appetite still continued them. Before
any of them had yet risen from the table, a loud and
piercing scream met their ears from without; and so quick
and universal was the movement it produced, that its echo
had scarcely yet died away in distance, when the whole
of the breakfast party had issued from the room, and were
already spectators of the cause.

The barracks of the officers, consisting of a range of
low buildings, occupied the two contiguous sides of a
square, and in the front of these ran a narrow and covered
piazza, somewhat similar to those attached to the
guardhouses in England, which description of building
the barracks themselves most resembled. On the other
two faces of the square stood several block-houses, a
style of structure which, from their adaptation to purposes
of defence as well as of accommodation, were every where
at that period in use in America, and are even now
continued along the more exposed parts of the frontier.
These, capable of containing each a company of men, were,
as their name implies, formed of huge masses of
roughly-shapen timber, fitted into each other at the
extremities by rude incisions from the axe, and filled
in with smaller wedges of wood. The upper part of these
block-houses projected on every side several feet beyond
the ground floor, and over the whole was a sheathing of
planks, which, as well as those covering the barracks of
the officers, were painted of a brick-red colour. Unlike
the latter, they rose considerably above the surface of
the ramparts; and, in addition to the small window to be
seen on each side of each story of the block-house, were
numerous smaller square holes, perforated for the discharge
of musketry. Between both these barracks and the ramparts
there was just space sufficient to admit of the passage
of artillery of a heavy calibre; and at each of the four
angles, composing the lines of the fort, was an opening
of several feet in extent, not only to afford the gunners
room to work their batteries, but to enable them to reach
their posts with greater expedition in the event of any
sudden emergency. On the right, on entering the fort
over the drawbridge, were the block-houses of the men;
and immediately in front, and on the left, the barracks
of the officers, terminated at the outer extremity by
the guard-house, and at the inner by the quarters of the
commanding officer.

As the officers now issued from the mess-room nearly
opposite to the gate, they observed, at that part of the
barracks which ran at right angles with it, and immediately
in front of the apartment of the younger De Haldimar,
whence he had apparently just issued, the governor,
struggling, though gently, to disengage himself from a
female, who, with disordered hair and dress, lay almost
prostrate upon the piazza, and clasping his booted leg
with an energy evidently borrowed from the most rooted
despair. The quick eye of the haughty man had already
rested on the group of officers drawn by the scream of
the supplicant. Numbers, too, of the men, attracted by
the same cause, were collected in front of their respective
block-houses, and looking from the windows of the rooms
in which they were also breakfasting, preparatory to the
expedition. Vexed and irritated beyond measure, at being
thus made a conspicuous object of observation to his
inferiors, the unbending governor made a violent and
successful effort to disengage his leg; and then, without
uttering a word, or otherwise noticing the unhappy being
who lay extended at his feet, he stalked across the parade
to his apartments at the opposite angle, without appearing
to manifest the slightest consciousness of the scene that
had awakened such universal attention.

Several of the officers, among whom was Captain Blessington,
now hastened to the assistance of the female, whom all
had recognised, from the first, to be the interesting
and unhappy wife of Halloway. Many of the comrades of
the latter, who had been pained and pitying spectators
of the scene, also advanced for the same purpose; but,
on perceiving their object anticipated by their superiors,
they withdrew to the blocks-houses, whence they had
issued. Never was grief more forcibly depicted, than in
the whole appearance of this unfortunate woman; never
did anguish assume a character more fitted to touch the
soul, or to command respect. Her long fair hair, that
had hitherto been hid under the coarse mob-cap, usually
worn by the wives of the soldiers, was now divested of
all fastening, and lay shadowing a white and polished
bosom, which, in her violent struggles to detain the
governor, had burst from its rude but modest confinement,
and was now displayed in all the dazzling delicacy of
youth and sex. If the officers gazed for a moment with
excited look upon charms that had long been strangers to
their sight, and of an order they had little deemed to
find in Ellen Halloway, it was but the involuntary tribute
rendered by nature unto beauty. The depth and sacredness
of that sorrow, which had left the wretched woman
unconscious of her exposure, in the instant afterwards
imposed a check upon admiration, which each felt to be
a violation of the first principles of human delicacy,
and the feeling was repressed almost in the moment that
gave it birth.

They were immediately in front of the room occupied by
Charles de Haldimar, in the piazza of which were a few
old chairs, on which the officers were in the habit of
throwing themselves during the heat of the day. On one
of these Captain Blessington, assisted by the officer of
grenadiers, now seated the suffering and sobbing wife of
Halloway. His first care was to repair the disorder of
her dress; and never was the same office performed by
man with greater delicacy, or absence of levity by those
who witnessed it. This was the first moment of her
consciousness. The inviolability of modesty for a moment
rose paramount even to the desolation of her heart, and
putting rudely aside the hand that reposed unavoidably
upon her person, the poor woman started from her seat,
and looked wildly about her, as if endeavouring to identify
those by whom she was surrounded. But when she observed
the pitying gaze of the officers fixed upon her, in
earnestness and commiseration, and heard the benevolent
accents of the ever kind Blessington exhorting her to
composure, her weeping became more violent, and her sobs
more convulsive. Captain Blessington threw an arm round
her waist to prevent her from falling; and then motioning
to two or three women of the company to which her husband
was attached, who stood at a little distance, in front
of one of the block-houses, prepared to deliver her over
to their charge.

"No, no, not yet!" burst at length from the lips of the
agonised woman, as she shrank from the rude but
well-intentioned touch of the sympathising assistants,
who had promptly answered the signal; then, as if obeying
some new direction of her feelings, some new impulse of
her grief, she liberated herself from the slight grasp
of Captain Blessington, turned suddenly round, and, before
any one could anticipate the movement, entered an opening
on the piazza, raised the latch of a door situated at
its extremity, and was, in the next instant, in the
apartment of the younger De Haldimar.

The scene that met the eyes of the officers, who now
followed close after her, was one well calculated to make
an impression on the hearts even of the most insensible.
In the despair and recklessness of her extreme sorrow,
the young wife of Halloway had already thrown herself
upon her knees at the bedside of the sick officer; and,
with her hands upraised and firmly clasped together, was
now supplicating him in tones, contrasting singularly in
their gentleness with the depth of the sorrow that had
rendered her thus regardless of appearances, and insensible
to observation.

"Oh, Mr. de Haldimar!" she implored, "in the name of God
and of our blessed Saviour, if you would save me from
madness, intercede for my unhappy husband, and preserve
him from the horrid fate that awaits him. You are too
good, too gentle, too amiable, to reject the prayer of
a heart-broken woman. Moreover, Mr. de Haldimar," she
proceeded, with deeper energy, while she caught and
pressed, between her own white and bloodless hands, one
nearly as delicate that lay extended near her, "consider
all my dear but unfortunate husband has done for your
family. Think of the blood he once spilt in the defence
of your brother's life; that brother, through whom alone,
oh God! he is now condemned to die. Call to mind the days
and nights of anguish I passed near his couch of suffering,
when yet writhing beneath the wound aimed at the life of
Captain de Haldimar. Almighty Providence!" she pursued,
in the same impassioned yet plaintive voice, "why is not
Miss Clara here to plead the cause of the innocent, and
to touch the stubborn heart of her merciless father? She
would, indeed, move heaven and earth to save the life of
him to whom she so often vowed eternal gratitude and
acknowledgment. Ah, she little dreams of his danger now;
or, if prayer and intercession could avail, my husband
should yet live, and this terrible struggle at my heart
would be no more."

Overcome by her emotion, the unfortunate woman suffered
her aching head to droop upon the edge of the bed, and
her sobbing became so painfully violent, that all who
heard her expected, at every moment, some fatal termination
to her immoderate grief. Charles de Haldimar was little
less affected; and his sorrow was the more bitter, as he
had just proved the utter inefficacy of any thing in the
shape of appeal to his inflexible father.

"Mrs. Halloway, my dear Mrs. Halloway, compose yourself,"
said Captain Blessington, now approaching, and endeavouring
to raise her gently from the floor, on which she still
knelt, while her hands even more firmly grasped that of
De Haldimar. "You are ill, very ill, and the consequences
of this dreadful excitement may be fatal. Be advised by
me, and retire. I have desired my room to be prepared
for you, and Sergeant Wilmot's wife shall remain with
you as long as you may require it."

"No, no, no!" she again exclaimed with energy; "what care
I for my own wretched life--my beloved and unhappy husband
is to die. Oh God! to die without guilt--to be cut off
in his youth--to be shot as a traitor--and that simply
for obeying the wishes of the officer whom he loved!--the
son of the man who now spurns all supplication from his
presence. It is inhuman--it is unjust--and Heaven will
punish the hard-hearted man who murders him--yes, murders
him! for such a punishment for such an offence is nothing
less than murder." Again she wept bitterly, and as Captain
Blessington still essayed to soothe and raise her:--"No,
no! I will not leave this spot," she continued; "I will
not quit the side of Mr. de Haldimar, until he pledges
himself to intercede for my poor husband. It is his duty
to save the life of him who saved his brother's life;
and God and human justice are with my appeal. Oh, tell
me, then, Mr. de Haldimar,--if you would save my wretched
heart from breaking,--tell me you will intercede for,
and obtain the pardon of, my husband!"

As she concluded this last sentence in passionate appeal,
she had risen from her knees; and, conscious only of the
importance of the boon solicited, now threw herself upon
the breast of the highly pained and agitated young officer.
Her long and beautiful hair fell floating over his face,
and mingled with his own, while her arms were wildly
clasped around him, in all the energy of frantic and
hopeless adjuration.

"Almighty God!" exclaimed the agitated young man, as he
made a feeble and fruitless effort to raise the form of
the unhappy woman; "what shall I say to impart comfort
to this suffering being? Oh, Mrs. Halloway," he pursued,
"I would willingly give all I possess in this world to
be the means of saving your unfortunate husband,--and as
much for his own sake as for yours would I do this; but,
alas! I have not the power. Do not think I speak without
conviction. My father has just been with me, and I have
pleaded the cause of your husband with an earnestness I
should scarcely have used had my own life been at stake.
But all my entreaties have been in vain. He is obstinate
in the belief my brother's strange absence, and Donellan's
death, are attributable only to the treason of Halloway.
Still there is a hope. A detachment is to leave the fort
within the hour, and Halloway is to accompany them. It
may be, my father intends this measure only with a view
to terrify him into a confession of guilt; and that he
deems it politic to make him undergo all the fearful
preliminaries without carrying the sentence itself into
effect."

The unfortunate woman said no more. When she raised her
heaving chest from that of the young officer, her eyes,
though red and shrunk to half their usual size with
weeping, were tearless; but on her countenance there was
an expression of wild woe, infinitely more distressing
to behold, in consequence of the almost unnatural check
so suddenly imposed upon her feelings. She tottered,
rather than walked, through the group of officers, who
gave way on either hand to let her pass; and rejecting
all assistance from the women who had followed into the
room, and who now, in obedience to another signal from
Captain Blessington, hastened to her support, finally
gained the door, and quitted the apartment.




CHAPTER IX.

The sun was high in the meridian, as the second detachment,
commanded by Colonel de Haldimar in person, issued from
the fort of Detroit. It was that soft and hazy season,
peculiar to the bland and beautiful autumns of Canada,
when the golden light of Heaven seems as if transmitted
through a veil of tissue, and all of animate and inanimate
nature, expanding and fructifying beneath its fostering
influence, breathes the most delicious languor and
voluptuous repose. It was one of those still, calm, warm,
and genial days, which in those regions come under the
vulgar designation of the Indian summer; a season that
is ever hailed by the Canadian with a satisfaction
proportioned to the extreme sultriness of the summer,
and the equally oppressive rigour of the winter, by which
it is immediately preceded and followed. It is then that
Nature, who seems from the creation to have bestowed all
of grandeur and sublimity on the stupendous Americas,
looks gladly and complacently on her work; and, staying
the course of parching suns and desolating frosts, loves
to luxuriate for a period in the broad and teeming bosom
of her gigantic offspring. It is then that the
forest-leaves, alike free from the influence of the
howling hurricane of summer, and the paralysing and
unfathomable snows of winter, cleave, tame and stirless
in their varying tints, to the parent branch; while the
broad rivers and majestic lakes exhibit a surface resembling
rather the incrustation of the polished mirror than the
resistless, viewless particles of which the golden element
is composed. It is then that, casting its satisfied
glance across those magnificent rivers, the eye beholds,
as if reflected from a mirror (so similar in production
and appearance are the contiguous shores), both the
fertility of cultivated and the rudeness of uncultivated
nature, that every where surround and diversify the view.
The tall and sloping banks, covered with verdure to the
very sands, that unite with the waters lying motionless
at their base; the continuous chain of neat farm-houses
(we speak principally of Detroit and its opposite shores);
the luxuriant and bending orchards, teeming with fruits
of every kind and of every colour; the ripe and yellow
corn vying in hue with the soft atmosphere, which reflects
and gives full effect to its abundance and its
richness,--these, with the intervening waters unruffled,
save by the lazy skiff, or the light bark canoe urged
with the rapidity of thought along its surface by the
slight and elegantly ornamented paddle of the Indian; or
by the sudden leaping of the large salmon, the unwieldly
sturgeon, the bearded cat-fish, or the delicately flavoured
maskinonge, and fifty other tenants of their bosom;--all
these contribute to form the foreground of a picture
bounded in perspective by no less interesting, though
perhaps ruder marks of the magnificence of that great
architect--Nature, on which the eye never lingers without
calm; while feelings, at once voluptuous and tender,
creep insensibly over the heart, and raise the mind in
adoration to the one great and sole Cause by which the
stupendous whole has been produced.

Such a day as that we have just described was the ----
of September, 1763, when the chief portion of the English
garrison of Detroit issued forth from the fortifications
in which they had so long been cooped up, and in the
presumed execution of a duty undeniably the most trying
and painful that ever fell to the lot of soldier to
perform. The heavy dull movement of the guns, as they
traversed the drawbridge resembled in that confined
atmosphere the rumbling of low and distant thunder; and
as they shook the rude and hollow sounding planks, over
which they were slowly dragged, called up to every heart
the sad recollection of the service for which they had
been required. Even the tramp of the men, as they moved
heavily and measuredly across the yielding bridge, seemed
to wear the character of the reluctance with which they
proceeded on so hateful a duty; and more than one
individual, as he momentarily turned his eye upon the
ramparts, where many of his comrades were grouped together
watching the departure of the detachment, testified by
the significant and mournful movement of his head how
much he envied their exemption from the task.

The direct military road runs in a straight line from
the fort to the banks of the Detroit, and the eastern
extremity of the town. Here it is intersected by the
highway running parallel with the river, and branching
off at right angles on either hand; the right, leading
in the direction of the more populous states; the left,
through the town, and thence towards the more remote and
western parts, where European influence has yet been but
partially extended. The only difference between its
present and former character is, that what is now a
flourishing commercial town was then a mere village;
while the adjacent country, at present teeming with every
mark of vegetation, bore no other evidence of fertility
than what was afforded by a few scattered farm-houses,
many of which skirted various parts of the forest. Along
this road the detachment now wended its slow and solemn
course, and with a mournful pageantry of preparation that
gave fearful earnest of the tragedy expected to be enacted.

In front, and dragged by the hands of the gunners, moved
two of the three three-pounders, that had been ordered
for the duty. Behind these came Captain Blessington's
company, and in their rear, the prisoner Halloway, divested
of his uniform, and clad in a white cotton jacket, and
cap of the same material. Six rank and file of the
grenadiers followed, under the command of a corporal,
and behind these again, came eight men of the same company;
four of whom bore on their shoulders a coffin, covered
with a coarse black pall that had perhaps already assisted
at fifty interments; while the other four carried, in
addition to their own, the muskets of their burdened
comrades. After these, marched a solitary drummer-boy;
whose tall bear-skin cap attested him to be of the
grenadiers also, while his muffled instrument marked the
duty for which he had been selected. Like his comrades,
none of whom exhibited their scarlet uniforms, he wore
the collar of his great coat closely buttoned beneath
his chin, which was only partially visible above the
stiff leathern stock that encircled his neck. Although
his features were half buried in his huge cap and the
high collar of his coat, there was an air of delicacy
about his person that seemed to render him unsuited to
such an office; and more than once was Captain Erskine,
who followed immediately behind him at the head of his
company, compelled to call sharply to the urchin,
threatening him with a week's drill unless he mended his
feeble and unequal pace, and kept from under the feet of
his men. The remaining gun brought up the rear of the
detachment, who marched with fixed bayonets and two balls
in each musket; the whole presenting a front of sections,
that completely filled up the road along which they
passed. Colonel de Haldimar, Captain Wentworth, and the
Adjutant Lawson followed in the extreme rear.

An event so singular as that of the appearance of the
English without their fort, beset as they were by a host
of fierce and dangerous enemies, was not likely to pass
unnoticed by a single individual in the little village
of Detroit. We have already observed, that most of the
colonist settlers had been cruelly massacred at the very
onset of hostilities. Not so, however, with the Canadians,
who, from their anterior relations with the natives, and
the mutual and tacit good understanding that subsisted
between both parties, were suffered to continue in quiet
and unmolested possession of their homes, where they
preserved an avowed neutrality, never otherwise infringed
than by the assistance secretly and occasionally rendered
to the English troops, whose gold they were glad to
receive in exchange for the necessaries of life.

Every dwelling of the infant town had commenced giving
up its tenants, from the moment when the head of the
detachment was seen traversing the drawbridge; so that,
by the time it reached the highway, and took its direction
to the left, the whole population of Detroit were already
assembled in groups, and giving expression to their
several conjectures, with a vivacity of language and
energy of gesticulation that would not have disgraced
the parent land itself. As the troops drew nearer, however,
they all sank at once into a silence, as much the result
of certain unacknowledged and undefined fears, as of the
respect the English had ever been accustomed to exact.
The men removed their short dingy clay pipes from their
mouths with one hand, and uncovered themselves with the
other, while the women made their hasty reverence with
the air of people who seek to propitiate by an act of
civility; even the very children scraped and bowed, as
if they feared the omission might be fatal to them, and,
clinging to the hands and dress of their parents, looked
up occasionally to their countenances to discover whether
the apprehensions of their own fluttering and timid hearts
were likely to be realised. Still there was sufficient
of curiosity with all to render them attentive spectators
of the passing troop. Hitherto, it had been imagined,
the object of the English was an attack on the encampments
of their enemies; but when the gaze of each adult inhabitant
fell on the unaccoutred form of the lone soldier, who,
calm though pale, now moved among his comrades in the
ignominious garb of death, they could no longer doubt
its true destination.

The aged made the sign of the cross, and mumbled over a
short prayer for the repose of his soul, while the more
youthful indulged in half-breathed ejaculations of pity
and concern that so fine and interesting a man should be
doomed to so dreadful a fate.

At the farther extremity of the town, and at a bend in
the road, which branched off more immediately towards
the river, stood a small public house, whose creaking
sign bore three ill executed fleurs-de-lis, apologetic
emblems of the arms of France. The building itself was
little more than a rude log hut, along the front of which
ran a plank, supported by two stumps of trees, and serving
as a temporary accommodation both for the traveller and
the inmate. On this bench three persons, apparently
attracted by the beauty of the day and the mildness of
the autumnal sun, were now seated, two of whom were
leisurely puffing their pipes, while the third, a female,
was employed in carding wool, a quantity of which lay in
a basket at her feet, while she warbled, in a low tone,
one of the simple airs of her native land. The elder of
the two men, whose age might be about fifty, offered
nothing particularly remarkable in his appearance: he
was dressed in one of those thick coats made of the common
white blanket, which, even to this day, are so generally
worn by the Canadians, while his hair, cut square upon
the forehead, and tied into a club of nearly a foot long,
fell into the cape, or hood, attached to it: his face
was ruddy and shining as that of any rival Boniface among
the race of the hereditary enemies of his forefathers;
and his thick short neck, and round fat person, attested
he was no more an enemy to the good things of this world
than themselves, while he was as little oppressed by its
cares: his nether garments were of a coarse blue homespun,
and his feet were protected by that rudest of all rude
coverings, the Canadian shoe-pack. This was composed of
a single piece of stiff brown leather, curved and puckered
round the sides and front, where it was met by a tongue
of softer material, which helped to confine it in that
position, and to form the shoe. A bandana handkerchief
fell from his neck upon his chest; the covering of which
was so imperfectly drawn, as to disclose a quantitity of
long, coarse, black, and grisly hair.

His companion was habited in a still more extraordinary
manner. His lower limbs were cased, up to the mid-thigh,
in leathern leggings, the seam of which was on the outside,
leaving a margin, or border, of about an inch wide, which
had been slit into innumerable small fringes, giving them
an air of elegance and lightness: a garter of leather,
curiously wrought, with the stained quills of the porcupine,
encircled each leg, immediately under the knee, where it
was tied in a bow, and then suffered to hang pendant half
way down the limb; to the fringes of the leggings,
moreover, were attached numerous dark-coloured horny
substances, emitting, as they rattled against each other,
at the slightest movement of the wearer, a tinkling sound,
resembling that produced by a number of small thin delicate
brass bells; these were the tender hoofs of the wild
deer, dried, scraped, and otherwise prepared for this
ornamental purpose. Upon his large feet he wore mocassins,
made of the same pliant material with his leggings, and
differing in shape from the foot-gear of his companion
in this particular only, that they had no tongue introduced
into the front: they were puckered together by a strong
sinew of the deer, until they met along the instep in a
seam concealed by the same ornamental quill-work that
decorated the garters: a sort of flap, fringed like the
leggings, was folded back from the ankle, upon the sides
of the foot, and the whole was confined by a strong though
neat leathern thong, made of smoked deer-skin also, which,
after passing once or twice under the foot, was then
tightly drawn several times round the ankle, where it
was finally secured. Two strips of leather, about an inch
and a half in width, attached to the outer side of each
legging, were made fast at their opposite extremities to
a strong girdle, encircling the loins, and supporting a
piece of coarse blue cloth, which, after passing completely
under the body, fell in short flaps both before and
behind. The remainder of the dress consisted of a cotton
shirt, figured and sprigged on a dark ground, that fell
unconfined over the person; a close deer-skin hunting-coat,
fringed also at its edges; and a coarse common felt hat,
in the string of which (for there was no band) were
twisted a number of variegated feathers, furnished by
the most beautiful and rare of the American autumnal
birds. Outside this hunting-coat, and across the right
shoulder, was flung an ornamented belt, to which were
appended, on the left side, and in a line with the elbow,
a shot-pouch, made of the untanned hide of some wild
animal, and a flask for powder, formed of the horn of
the buffalo; on which, highly polished for this purpose,
were inscribed, with singular accuracy of proportion, a
variety of figures, both of men, and birds, and beasts,
and fishes; two or three small horn measures for powder,
and a long thin wire, intended to serve as a pricker for
the rifle that reclined against the outside of the hut,
were also attached to this belt by strips of deer-skin
of about six inches in length. Into another broad leathern
belt, that confined the hunting coat, was thrust a
tomahawk, the glittering head of which was uppermost,
and unsheathed: while at the opposite side, and half
supporting the powder-horn, the huge handle of a knife,
whose blade was buried in a strong leathern sheath, was
distinctly visible.

The form and face of this individual were in perfect
keeping with the style of his costume, and the formidable
character of his equipment. His stature was considerably
beyond that of the ordinary race of men, and his athletic
and muscular limbs united the extremes of strength and
activity in a singular degree. His features, marked and
prominent, wore a cast of habitual thought, strangely
tinctured with ferocity; and the general expression of
his otherwise not unhandsome countenance was repellent
and disdainful. At the first glance he might have been
taken for one of the swarthy natives of the soil; but
though time and constant exposure to scorching suns had
given to his complexion a dusky hue, still there were
wanting the quick, black, penetrating eye; the high
cheek-bone; the straight, coarse, shining, black hair;
the small bony hand and foot; and the placidly proud and
serious air, by which the former is distinguished. His
own eye was of a deep bluish grey; his hair short, dark,
and wavy; his hands large and muscular; and so far from
exhibiting any of the self-command of the Indian, the
constant play of his features betrayed each passing
thought with the same rapidity with which it was conceived.
But if any doubt could have existed in the mind of him
who beheld this strangely accoutred figure, it would have
been instantly dispelled by a glance at his lower limbs.
We have already stated the upper part of his leggings
terminated about mid-thigh; from this to the hip, that
portion of the limb was completely bare, and disclosed,
at each movement of the garment that was suffered to fall
loosely over it, not the swarthy and copper-coloured
flesh of the Indian, but the pale though sun-burnt skin
of one of a more temperate clime. His age might be about
forty-five.

At the moment when the English detachment approached the
bend in the road, these two individuals were conversing
earnestly together, pausing only to puff at intervals
thick and wreathing volumes of smoke from their pipes,
which were filled with a mixture of tobacco and odoriferous
herbs. Presently, however, sounds that appeared familiar
to his ear arrested the attention of the wildly accoutred
being we have last described. It was the heavy roll of
the artillery carriages already advancing along the road,
and somewhat in the rear of the hut. To dash his pipe to
the ground, seize and cock and raise his rifle to his
shoulder, and throw himself forward in the eager attitude
of one waiting until the object of his aim should appear
in sight, was but the work of a moment. Startled by the
suddenness of the action, his male companion moved a few
paces also from his. seat, to discover the cause of this
singular movement. The female, on the contrary, stirred
not, but ceasing for a moment the occupation in which
she had been engaged, fixed her dark and brilliant eyes
upon the tall and picturesque form of the rifleman, whose
active and athletic limbs, thrown into powerful relief
by the distention of each nerve and muscle, appeared to
engross her whole admiration and interest, without any
reference to the cause that had produced this abrupt and
hostile change in his movements. It was evident that,
unlike the other inhabitants of the town, this group had
been taken by surprise, and were utterly unprepared to
expect any thing in the shape of interruption.

For upwards of a minute, during which the march of the
men became audible even to the ears of the female, the
formidable warrior, for such his garb denoted him to be,
continued motionless in the attitude he had at first
assumed--his right cheek reposing on the ornamented stock
of his rifle, and his quick and steady eye fixed in one
undeviating line with the sight near the breech, and that
which surmounted the extreme end of the deadly weapon.
No sooner, however, had the head of the advancing column
come within sight, than the trigger was pulled, and the
small and ragged bullet sped hissing from the grooved
and delicate barrel. A triumphant cry was next pealed
from the lips of the warrior,--a cry produced by the
quickly repeated application and removal of one hand to
and from the mouth, while the other suffered the butt
end of the now harmless weapon to fall loosely upon the
earth. He then slowly and deliberately withdrew within
the cover of the hut.

This daring action, which had been viewed by the leading
troops with astonishment not unmingled with alarm,
occasioned a temporary confusion in the ranks, for all
believed they had fallen into an ambuscade of the Indians.
A halt was instantly commanded by Captain Blessington,
in order to give time to the governor to come up from
the rear, while he proceeded with one of the leading
sections to reconnoitre the front of the hut. To his
infinite surprise, however, he found neither enemy, nor
evidence that an enemy had been there. The only individuals
visible were the Canadian already alluded to, and the
dark-eyed female. Both were seated on the bench;--the
one smoking his pipe with a well assumed appearance of
unconcern--the other carding her wool, but with a hand
that by a close observer might be seen to tremble in its
office, and a cheek that was paler considerably than at
the moment when we first placed her before the imagination
of the reader. Both, however, started with unaffected
surprise on seeing Captain Blessington and his little
force turn the corner of the house from the main road;
and certain looks of recognition passed between all
parties, that proved them to be no strangers to each
other.

"Ah, monsieur," said the Canadian, in a mingled dialect,
neither French nor English, but partaking in some degree
of the idiom of both, while he attempted an ease and
freedom of manner that was too miserably affected to pass
current with the mild but observant officer whom he
addressed, "how much surprise I am, and glad to see you.
It is a long times since you came out of de fort. I hope
de governeur and de officir be all very well. I was
tinking to go to-day to see if you want any ting. I have
got some nice rum of the Jamaique for Capitaine Erskine.
Will you please to try some?" While speaking, the voluble
host of the Fleur de lis had risen from his seat, laid
aside his pipe, and now stood with his hands thrust into
the pockets of his blanket coat

"It is, indeed, a long time since we have been here,
master Francois," somewhat sarcastically and drily replied
Captain Blessington; "and you have not visited us quite
so often latterly yourself, though well aware we were in
want of fresh provisions. I give you all due credit,
however, for your intention of coming to-day, but you
see we have anticipated you. Still this is not the point.
Where is the Indian who fired at us just now? and how is
it we find you leagued with our enemies?"

"What, sir, is it you say?" asked the Canadian, holding
up his hands with feigned astonishment "Me league myself
with de savage. Upon my honour I did not see nobody fire,
or I should tell you. I love de English too well to do
dem harms."

"Come, come, Francois, no nonsense. If I cannot make you
confess, there is one not far from me who will. You know
Colonel de Haldimar too well to imagine he will be trifled
with in this manner: if he detects you in a falsehood,
he will certainly cause you to be hanged up at the first
tree. Take my advice, therefore, and say where you have
secreted this Indian; and recollect, if we fall into an
ambuscade, your life will be forfeited at the first shot
we hear fired."

At this moment the governor, followed by his adjutant,
came rapidly up to the spot. Captain Blessington
communicated the ill success of his queries, when the
former cast on the terrified Canadian one of those severe
and searching looks which he so well knew how to assume.

"Where is the rascal who fired at us, sirrah? tell me
instantly, or you have not five minutes to live."

The heart of mine host of the Fleur de lis quailed within
him at this formidable threat; and the usually ruddy hue
of his countenance had now given place to an ashy paleness.
Still, as he had positively denied all knowledge of the
matter on which he was questioned, he appeared to feel
his safety lay in adhering to his original statement.
Again, therefore, he assured the governor, on his honour
(laying his hand upon his heart as he spoke), that what
he had already stated was the fact.

"Your honour--you pitiful trading scoundrel--how dare
you talk to me of your honour? Come, sir, confess at once
where you have secreted this fellow, or prepare to die."

"If I may be so bold, your Honour," said one of Captain
Blessington's men, "the Frenchman lies. When the Ingian
fired among us, this fellow was peeping under his shoulder
and watching us also. If I had not seen him too often at
the fort to be mistaken in his person, I should have
known him, at all events, by his blanket coat and red
handkerchief."

This blunt statement of the soldier, confirmed as it was
the instant afterwards by one of his comrades, was damning
proof against the Canadian, even if the fact of the rifle
being discharged from the front of the hut had not already
satisfied all parties of the falsehood of his assertion.

"Come forward, a couple of files, and seize this villain,"
resumed the governor with his wonted sternness of manner.
"Mr. Lawson, see if his hut does not afford a rope strong
enough to hang the traitor from one of his own apple
trees."

Both parties proceeded at the same moment to execute the
two distinct orders of their chief. The Canadian was
now firmly secured in the grasp of the two men who had
given evidence against him, when, seeing all the horror
of the summary and dreadful fate that awaited him, he
confessed the individual who had fired had been sitting
with him the instant previously, but that he knew no more
of him than of any other savage occasionally calling at
the Fleur de lis. He added, that on discharging the rifle
he had bounded across the palings of the orchard, and
fled in the direction of the forest. He denied, on
interrogation, all knowledge or belief of an enemy waiting
in ambush; stating, moreover, even the individual in
question had not been aware of the sortie of the detachment
until apprised of their near approach by the heavy sound
of the gun-carriages.

"Here are undeniable proofs of the man's villany, sir,"
said the adjutant, returning from the hut and exhibiting
objects of new and fearful interest to the governor.
"This hat and rope I found secreted in one of the bed-rooms
of the auberge. The first is evidently Donellan's; and
from the hook attached to the latter, I apprehend it to
be the same stated to have been used by Captain de Haldimar
in crossing the ditch."

The governor took the hat and rope from the hands of his
subordinate, examined them attentively, and after a few
moments of deep musing, during which his countenance
underwent several rapid though scarcely perceptible
changes, turned suddenly and eagerly to the soldier who
had first convicted the Canadian in his falsehood, and
demanded if he had seen enough of the man who had fired
to be able to give even a general description of his
person.

"Why yes, your Honour, I think I can; for the fellow
stood long enough after firing his piece, for a painter
to have taken him off from head to foot. He was a taller
and larger man by far than our biggest grenadier, and
that is poor Harry Donellan, as your Honour knows. But
as for his dress, though I could see it all, I scarcely
can tell how to describe it. All I know is, he was covered
with smoked deer-skin, in some such fashion as the great
chief Ponteac, only, instead of having his head bare and
shaved, he wore a strange outlandish sort of a hat,
covered over with wild birds' feathers in front."

"Enough," interrupted the governor, motioning the man to
silence; then, in an undertone to himself,--"By Heaven,
the very same." A shade of disappointment, not unmingled
with suppressed alarm, passed rapidly across his brow;
it was but momentary. "Captain Blessington," he ordered
quickly and impatiently, "search the hut and grounds for
this lurking Indian, who is, no doubt, secreted in the
neighbourhood. Quick, quick, sir; there is no time to be
lost." Then in an angry and intimidating tone to the
Canadian, who had already dropped on his knees, supplicating
mercy, and vociferating his innocence in the same breath,
--"So, you infernal scoundrel, this is the manner in
which you have repaid our confidence. Where is my son,
sir? or have you already murdered him, as you did his
servant? Tell me, you villain, what have you to say to
these proofs of your treachery? But stay, I shall take
another and fitter opportunity to question you. Mr.
Lawson, secure this traitor properly, and let him be
conveyed to the centre of the detachment."

The mandate was promptly obeyed; and, in despite of his
own unceasing prayers and protestations of innocence,
and the tears and entreaties of his dark-eyed daughter
Babette, who had thrown herself on her knees at his side,
the stout arms of mine host of the Fleur de lis were soon
firmly secured behind his back with the strong rope that
had been found under such suspicious circumstances in
his possession. Before he was marched off, however, two
of the men who had been sent in pursuit, returned from
the orchard, stating that further search was now fruitless.
They had penetrated through a small thicket at the
extremity of the grounds, and had distinctly seen a man
answering the description given by their comrades, in
full flight towards the forest skirting the heights in
front.

The governor was evidently far from being satisfied with
the result of a search too late instituted to leave even
a prospect of success. "Where are the Indians principally
encamped, sirrah?" he sternly demanded of his captive;
"answer me truly, or I will carry off this wench as well,
and if a single hair of a man of mine be even singed by
a shot from a skulking enemy, you may expect to see her
bayoneted before your eyes."

"Ah, my God! Monsieur le Gouverneur," exclaimed the
affrighted aubergiste, "as I am an honest man, I shall
tell de truth, but spare my child. They are all in de
forest, and half a mile from de little river dat runs
between dis and de Pork Island."

"Hog Island, I suppose you mean."

"Yes sir, de Hog Island is de one I means."

"Conduct him to the centre, and let him be confronted
with the prisoner," directed the governor, addressing
his adjutant; "Captain Blessington, your men may resume
their stations in the ranks."

The order was obeyed; and notwithstanding the tears and
supplications of the now highly excited Babette, who
flung herself upon his neck, and was only removed by
force, the terrified Canadian was borne off from his
premises by the troops.




CHAPTER X.

While this scene was enacting in front of the Fleur de
lis, one of a far more touching and painful nature was
passing in the very heart of the detachment itself. At
the moment when the halt was ordered by Captain Blessington,
a rumour ran through the ranks that they had reached the
spot destined for the execution of their ill-fated comrade.
Those only in the immediate front were aware of the true
cause; but although the report of the rifle had been
distinctly heard by all, it had been attributed by those
in the rear to the accidental discharge of one of their
own muskets. A low murmur, expressive of the opinion
generally entertained, passed gradually from rear to
front, until it at length reached the ears of the delicate
drummer boy who marched behind the coffin. His face was
still buried in the collar of his coat; and what was left
uncovered of his features by the cap, was in some degree
hidden by the forward drooping of his head upon his chest.
Hitherto he had moved almost mechanically along, tottering
and embarrassing himself at every step under the cumbrous
drum that was suspended from a belt round his neck over
the left thigh; but now there was a certain indescribable
drawing up of the frame, and tension of the whole person,
denoting a concentration of all the moral and physical
energies,--a sudden working up, as it were, of the
intellectual and corporeal being to some determined and
momentous purpose.

At the first halt of the detachment, the weary supporters
of the coffin had deposited their rude and sombre burden
upon the earth, preparatory to its being resumed by those
appointed to relieve them. The dull sound emitted by the
hollow fabric, as it touched the ground, caught the ear
of him for whom it was destined, and he turned to gaze
upon the sad and lonely tenement so shortly to become
his final resting place. There was an air of calm composure
and dignified sorrow upon his brow, that infused respect
into the hearts of all who beheld him; and even the men
selected to do the duty of executioners sought to evade
his glance, as his steady eye wandered from right to left
of the fatal rank. His attention, however, was principally
directed towards the coffin, which lay before him; on
this he gazed fixedly for upwards of a minute. He then
turned his eyes in the direction of the fort, shuddered,
heaved a profound sigh, and looking up to heaven with
the apparent fervour that became his situation, seemed
to pray for a moment or two inwardly and devoutly. The
thick and almost suffocating breathing of one immediately
beyond the coffin, was now distinctly heard by all.
Halloway started from his attitude of devotion, gazed
earnestly on the form whence it proceeded, and then wildly
extending his arms, suffered a smile of satisfaction to
illumine his pale features. All eyes were now turned upon
the drummer boy, who, evidently labouring under convulsive
excitement of feeling, suddenly dashed his cap and
instrument to the earth, and flew as fast as his tottering
and uncertain steps would admit across the coffin, and
into the arms extended to receive him.

"My Ellen! oh, my own devoted, but too unhappy Ellen!"
passionately exclaimed the soldier, as he clasped the
slight and agitated form of his disguised wife to his
throbbing heart. "This, this, indeed, is joy even in
death. I thought I could have died more happily without
you, but nature tugs powerfully at my heart; and to see
you once more, to feel you once more HERE" (and he pressed
her wildly to his chest) "is indeed a bliss that robs my
approaching fate of half its terror."

"Oh Reginald! my dearly beloved Reginald! my murdered
husband!" shrieked the unhappy woman; "your Ellen will
not survive you. Her heart is already broken, though she
cannot weep; but the same grave shall contain us both.
Reginald, do you believe me? I swear it; the same grave
shall contain us both."

Exhausted with the fatigue and excitement she had undergone,
the faithful and affectionate creature now lay, without
sense or motion, in the arms of her wretched husband.
Halloway bore her, unopposed, a pace or two in advance,
and deposited her unconscious form on the fatal coffin.

No language of ours can render justice to the trying
character of the scene. All who witnessed it were painfully
affected, and over the bronzed cheek of many a veteran
coursed a tear, that, like that of Sterne's recording
angel, might have blotted out a catalogue of sins. Although
each was prepared to expect a reprimand from the governor,
for suffering the prisoner to quit his station in the
ranks, humanity and nature pleaded too powerfully in his
behalf, and neither officer nor man attempted to interfere,
unless with a view to render assistance. Captain Erskine,
in particular, was deeply pained, and would have given
any thing to recall the harsh language he had used towards
the supposed idle and inattentive drummer boy. Taking
from a pocket in his uniform a small flask of brandy,
which he had provided against casualties, the
compassionating officer slightly raised the head of the
pale and unconscious woman with one hand, while with the
other he introduced a few drops between her parted lips.
Halloway knelt at the opposite side of the coffin; one
hand searching, but in vain, the suspended pulse of his
inanimate wife; the other, unbuttoning the breast of the
drum-boy's jacket, which, with every other part of the
equipment, she wore beneath the loose great coat so
effectually accomplishing her disguise.

Such was the position of the chief actors in this truly
distressing drama, at the moment when Colonel de Haldimar
came up with his new prisoner, to mark what effect would
be produced on Halloway by his unexpected appearance.
His own surprise and disappointment may be easily conceived,
when, in the form of the recumbent being who seemed to
engross universal attention, he recognised, by the fair
and streaming hair, and half exposed bosom, the unfortunate
being whom, only two hours previously, he had spurned
from his feet in the costume of her own sex, and reduced,
by the violence of her grief, to almost infantine debility.
Question succeeded question to those around, but without
eliciting any clue to the means by which this mysterious
disguise had been effected. No one had been aware, until
the truth was so singularly and suddenly revealed, the
supposed drummer was any other than one of the lads
attached to the grenadiers; and as for the other facts,
they spoke too plainly to the comprehension of the governor
to need explanation. Once more, however, the detachment
was called to order. Halloway struck his hand violently
upon his brow, kissed the wan lips of his still unconscious
wife, breathing, as he did so, a half murmured hope she
might indeed be the corpse she appeared. He then raised
himself from the earth with a light and elastic vet firm
movement, and resumed the place he had previously occupied,
where, to his surprise, he beheld a second victim bound,
and, apparently, devoted to the same death. When the eyes
of the two unhappy men met, the governor closely watched
the expression of the countenance of each; but although
the Canadian started on beholding the soldier, it might
be merely because he saw the latter arrayed in the garb
of death, and followed by the most unequivocal
demonstrations of a doom to which he himself was, in all
probability, devoted. As for Halloway, his look betrayed
neither consciousness nor recognition; and though too
proud to express complaint or to give vent to the feelings
of his heart, his whole soul appeared to be absorbed in
the unhappy partner of his luckless destiny. Presently
he saw her borne, and in the same state of insensibility,
in the arms of Captain Erskine and Lieutenant Leslie,
towards the hut of his fellow prisoner, and he heard the
former officer enjoin the weeping girl, Babette, to whose
charge they delivered her over, to pay every attention
to her her situation might require. The detachment then
proceeded.

The narrow but deep and rapid river alluded to by the
Canadian, as running midway between the town and Hog
Island, derived its source far within the forest, and
formed the bed of one of those wild, dark, and thickly
wooded ravines so common in America. As it neared the
Detroit, however, the abruptness of its banks was so
considerably lessened, as to render the approach to it
on the town side over an almost imperceptible slope.
Within a few yards of its mouth, as we have already
observed in our introductory chapter, a rude but strong
wooden bridge, over which lay the high road, had been
constructed by the French; and from the centre of this,
all the circuit of intermediate clearing, even to the
very skirt of the forest, was distinctly commanded by
the naked eye. To the right, on approaching it from the
town, lay the adjacent shores of Canada, washed by the
broad waters of the Detroit, on which it was thrown into
strong relief, and which, at the distance of about a mile
in front, was seen to diverge into two distinct channels,
pursuing each a separate course, until they again met at
the western extremity of Hog Island. On the left, and in
the front, rose a succession of slightly undulating hills,
which, at a distance of little more than half a mile,
terminated in an elevation considerably above the immediate
level of the Detroit side of the ravine. That, again,
was crowned with thick and overhanging forest, taking
its circular sweep, as we have elsewhere shown, around
the fort. The intermediate ground was studded over with
rude stumps of trees, and bore, in various directions,
distinct proofs of the spoliation wrought among the infant
possessions of the murdered English settlers. The view
to the rear was less open; the town being partially hidden
by the fruit-laden orchards that lined the intervening
high road, and hung principally on its left. This was
not the case with the fort. Between these orchards and
the distant forest lay a line of open country, fully
commanded by its cannon, even to the ravine we have
described, and in a sweep that embraced every thing from
the bridge itself to the forest, in which all traces of
its source was lost.

When the detachment had arrived within twenty yards of
the bridge, they were made to file off to the left, until
the last gun had come up. They were then fronted; the
rear section of Captain Erskine's company resting on the
road, and the left flank, covered by the two first guns
pointed obliquely, both in front and rear, to guard
against surprise, in the event of any of the Indians
stealing round to the cover of the orchards. The route
by which they had approached this spot was upwards of
two miles in extent; but, as they now filed off into the
open ground, the leading sections observed, in a direct
line over the cleared country, and at the distance of
little more than three quarters of a mile, the dark
ramparts of the fortress that contained their comrades,
and could even distinguish the uniforms of the officers
and men drawn up in line along the works, where they were
evidently assembled to witness the execution of the
sentence on Halloway.

Such a sight as that of the English so far from their
fort, was not likely to escape the notice of the Indians.
Their encampment, as the Canadian had truly stated, lay
within the forest, and beyond the elevated ground already
alluded to; and to have crossed the ravine, or ventured
out of reach of the cannon of the fort, would have been
to have sealed the destruction of the detachment. But
the officer to whom their security was entrusted, although
he had his own particular views for venturing thus far,
knew also at what point to stop; and such was the confidence
of his men in his skill and prudence, they would have
fearlessly followed wherever he might have chosen to
lead. Still, even amid all the solemnity of preparation
attendant on the duty they were out to perform, there
was a natural and secret apprehensiveness about each,
that caused him to cast his eyes frequently and fixedly
on that part of the forest which was known to afford
cover to their merciless foes. At times they fancied they
beheld the dark and flitting forms of men gliding from
tree to tree along the skirt of the wood; but when they
gazed again, nothing of the kind was to be seen, and the
illusion was at once ascribed to the heavy state of the
atmosphere, and the action of their own precautionary
instincts.

Meanwhile the solemn tragedy of death was preparing in
mournful silence. On the centre of the bridge, and visible
to those even within the fort, was placed the coffin of
Halloway, and at twelve paces in front were drawn up the
six rank and file on whom had devolved, by lot, the cruel
duty of the day. With calm and fearless eye the prisoner
surveyed the preparations for his approaching end; and
whatever might be the inward workings of his mind, there
was not among the assembled soldiery one individual whose
countenance betrayed so little of sorrow and emotion as
his own. With a firm step, when summoned, he moved towards
the fatal coffin, dashing his cap to the earth as he
advanced, and baring his chest with the characteristic
contempt of death of the soldier. When he had reached
the centre of the bridge, he turned facing his comrades,
and knelt upon the coffin. Captain Blessington, who,
permitted by the governor, had followed him with a sad
heart and heavy step, now drew a Prayer-book from his
pocket, and read from it in a low voice. He then closed
the volume, listened to something the prisoner earnestly
communicated to him, received a small packet which he
drew from the bosom of his shirt, shook him long and
cordially by the hand, and then hastily resumed his post
at the head of the detachment.

The principal inhabitants of the village, led by curiosity,
had followed at a distance to witness the execution of
the condemned soldier: and above the heads of the line,
and crowning the slope, were collected groups of both
sexes and of all ages, that gave a still more imposing
character to the scene. Every eye was now turned upon
the firing party, who only awaited the signal to execute
their melancholy office, when suddenly, in the direction
of the forest, and upon the extreme height, there burst
the tremendous and deafening yells of upwards of a thousand
savages. For an instant Halloway was forgotten in the
instinctive sense of individual danger, and all gazed
eagerly to ascertain the movements of their enemy.
Presently a man, naked to the waist, his body and face
besmeared with streaks of black and red paint, and his
whole attitude expressing despair and horror, was seen
flying down the height with a rapidity proportioned to
the extreme peril in which he stood. At about fifty paces
in his rear followed a dozen bounding, screaming Indians,
armed with uplifted tomahawks, whose anxiety in pursuit
lent them a speed that even surpassed the efforts of
flight itself. It was evident the object of the pursued
was to reach the detachment, that of the pursuers to
prevent him. The struggle was maintained for a few moments
with equality, but in the end the latter were triumphant,
and at each step the distance that separated them became
less. At the first alarm, the detachment, with the
exception of the firing party, who still occupied their
ground, had been thrown into square, and, with a gun
planted in each angle, awaited the attack momentarily
expected. But although the heights were now alive with
the dusky forms of naked warriors, who, from the skirt
of the forest, watched the exertions of their fellows,
the pursuit of the wretched fugitive was confined to
these alone. Foremost of the latter, and distinguished
by his violent exertions and fiendish cries, was the tall
and wildly attired warrior of the Fleur de lis. At every
bound he took he increased the space that divided him
from his companions, and lessened that which kept him
from his panting and nearly exhausted victim. Already
were they descending the nearest of the undulating hills,
and both now became conspicuous objects to all around;
but principally the pursuer, whose gigantic frame and
extraordinary speed riveted every eye, even while the
interest of all was excited for the wretched fugitive
alone.

At that moment Halloway, who had been gazing on the scene
with an astonishment little inferior to that of his
comrades, sprang suddenly to his feet upon the coffin,
and waving his hand in the direction of the pursuing
enemy, shouted aloud in a voice of mingled joy and
triumph,--

"Ha! Almighty God, I thank thee! Here, here comes one
who alone has the power to snatch me from my impending
doom."

"By Heaven, the traitor confesses, and presumes to triumph
in his guilt," exclaimed the voice of one, who, while
closely attending to every movement of the Indians, was
also vigilantly watching the effect likely to be produced
on the prisoner by this unexpected interruption. "Corporal,
do your duty."

"Stay, stay--one moment stay!" implored Halloway with
uplifted hands.

"Do your duty, sir," fiercely repeated the governor.

"Oh stop--for God's sake, stop! Another moment and he
will be here, and I--"

He said no more--a dozen bullets penetrated his body--one
passed directly through his heart. He leaped several feet
in the air, and then fell heavily, a lifeless bleeding
corpse, across the coffin.

Meanwhile the pursuit of the fugitive was continued,
but by the warrior of the Fleur de lis alone. Aware of
their inefficiency to keep pace with this singular being,
his companions had relinquished the chace, and now stood
resting on the brow of the hill where the wretched Halloway
had first recognised his supposed deliverer, watching
eagerly, though within musket shot of the detachment,
the result of a race on which so much apparently depended.
Neither party, however, attempted to interfere with the
other, for all eyes were now turned on the flying man
and his pursuer with an interest that denoted the
extraordinary efforts of the one to evade and the other
to attain the accomplishment of his object. Although the
exertions of the former had been stupendous, such was
the eagerness and determination of the latter, that at
each step he gained perceptibly on his victim. The
immediate course taken was in a direct line for the
ravine, which it evidently was the object of the fugitive
to clear at its nearest point. Already had he approached
within a few paces of its brink, and every eye was fastened
on the point where it was expected the doubtful leap
would be taken, when suddenly, as if despairing to
accomplish it at a bound, he turned to the left, and
winding along its bank, renewed his efforts in the
direction of the bridge. This movement occasioned a change
in the position of the parties which was favourable to
the pursued. Hitherto they had been so immediately on a
line with each other, it was impossible for the detachment
to bring a musket to bear upon the warrior, without
endangering him whose life they were anxious to preserve.
For a moment or two his body was fairly exposed, and a
dozen muskets were discharged at intervals from the
square, but all without success. Recovering his lost
ground, he soon brought the pursued again in a line
between himself and the detachment, edging rapidly nearer
to him as he advanced, and uttering terrific yells, that
were echoed back from his companions on the brow of the
hill. It was evident, however, his object was the recapture,
not the destruction, of the flying man, for more than
once did he brandish his menacing tomahawk in rapid sweeps
around his head, as if preparing to dart it, and as often
did he check the movement. The scene at each succeeding
moment became more critical and intensely interesting.
The strength of the pursued was now nearly exhausted,
while that of his formidable enemy seemed to suffer no
diminution. Leap after leap he took with fearful
superiority, sideling as he advanced. Already had he
closed upon his victim, while with a springing effort a
large and bony hand was extended to secure his shoulder
in his grasp. The effort was fatal to him; for in reaching
too far he lost his balance, and fell heavily upon the
sward. A shout of exultation burst from the English
troops, and numerous voices now encouraged the pursued
to renew his exertions. The advice was not lost; and
although only a few seconds had elapsed between the fall
and recovery of his pursuer, the wretched fugitive had
already greatly increased the distance that separated
them. A cry of savage rage and disappointment burst from
the lips of the gigantic warrior; and concentrating all
his remaining strength and speed into one final effort,
he bounded and leapt like a deer of the forest whence he
came. The opportunity for recapture, however, had been
lost in his fall, for already the pursued was within a
few feet of the high road, and on the point of turning
the extremity of the bridge. One only resource was now
left: the warrior suddenly checked himself in his course,
and remained stationary; then raising and dropping his
glittering weapon several times in a balancing position,
he waited until the pursued had gained the highest point
of the open bridge. At that moment the glittering steel,
aimed with singular accuracy and precision, ran whistling
through the air, and with such velocity of movement as
to be almost invisible to the eyes of those who attempted
to follow it in its threatening course. All expected to
see it enter into the brain against which it had been
directed; but the fugitive had marked the movement in
time to save himself by stooping low to the earth, while
the weapon, passing over him, entered with a deadly and
crashing sound into the brain of the weltering corpse.
This danger passed, he sprang once more to his feet, nor
paused again in his flight, until, faint and exhausted,
he sank without motion under the very bayonets of the
firing party.

A new direction was now given to the interest of the
assembled and distinct crowds that had witnessed these
startling incidents. Scarcely had the wretched man gained
the protection of the soldiery, when a shriek divided
the air, so wild, so piercing, and so unearthly, that
even the warrior of the Fleur de lis seemed to lose sight
of his victim, in the harrowing interest produced by that
dreadful scream. All turned their eyes for a moment in
the quarter whence it proceeded; when presently, from
behind the groups of Canadians crowning the slope, was
seen flying, with the rapidity of thought, one who
resembled rather a spectre than a being of earth;--it
was the wife of Halloway. Her long fair hair was wild
and streaming--her feet, and legs, and arms were naked--and
one solitary and scanty garment displayed rather than
concealed the symmetry of her delicate person. She flew
to the fatal bridge, threw herself on the body of her
bleeding husband, and imprinting her warm kisses on his
bloody lips, for a moment or two presented the image of
one whose reason has fled for ever. Suddenly she started
from the earth; her face, her hands, and her garment so
saturated with the blood of her husband, that a feeling
of horror crept throughout the veins of all who beheld
her. She stood upon the coffin, and across the
corpse--raised her eyes and hands imploringly to Heaven--and
then, in accents wilder even than her words, uttered an
imprecation that sounded like the prophetic warning of
some unholy spirit.

"Inhuman murderer!" she exclaimed, in tones that almost
paralysed the ears on which it fell, "if there be a God
of justice and of truth, he will avenge this devilish
deed. Yes, Colonel de Haldimar, a prophetic voice whispers
to my soul, that even as I have seen perish before my
eyes all I loved on earth, without mercy and without
hope, so even shall you witness the destruction of your
accursed race. Here--here--here," and she pointed
downwards, with singular energy of action, to the corpse
of her husband, "here shall their blood flow till every
vestige of his own is washed away; and oh, if there be
spared one branch of thy detested family, may it only be
that they may be reserved for some death too horrible to
be conceived!"

Overcome by the frantic energy with which she had uttered
these appalling words, she sank backwards, and fell,
uttering another shriek, into the arms of the warrior of
the Fleur de lis.

"Hear you this, Colonel de Haldimar?" shouted the latter
in a fierce and powerful voice, and in the purest English
accent; "hear you the curse and prophecy of this
heart-broken woman? You have slain her husband, but she
has found another. Ay, she shall be my bride, if only
for her detestation of yourself. When next you see us
here," he thundered, "tremble for your race. Ha, ha, ha!
no doubt this is another victim of your cold and calculating
guile; but it shall be the last. By Heaven, my very
heart leaps upward in anticipation of thy coming hour.
Woman, thy hatred to this man has made me love thee; yes,
thou shall be my bride, and with my plans of vengeance
will I woo thee. By this kiss I swear it."

As he spoke, he bent his face over that of the pale and
inanimate woman, and pressed his lips to hers, yet red
and moist with blood spots from the wounds of her husband.
Then wresting, with a violent effort, his reeking tomahawk
from the cranched brain of the unfortunate soldier, and
before any one could recover sufficiently from the effect
of the scene altogether to think even of interfering, he
bore off his prize in triumph, and fled, with nearly the
same expedition he had previously manifested, in the
direction of the forest.




END OF THE FIRST VOLUME.






WACOUSTA;
  or
THE PROPHECY.

Volume Two of Three




CHAPTER I.

It was on the evening of that day, so fertile in melancholy
incident, to which our first volume has been devoted,
that the drawbridge of Detroit was, for the third time
since the investment of the garrison, lowered; not, as
previously, with a disregard of the intimation that might
be given to those without by the sullen and echoing rattle
of its ponderous chains, but with a caution attesting
how much secrecy of purpose was sought to be preserved.
There was, however, no array of armed men within the
walls, that denoted an expedition of a hostile character.
Overcome with the harassing duties of the day, the chief
portion of the troops had retired to rest, and a few
groups of the guard alone were to be seen walking up and
down in front of their post, apparently with a view to
check the influence of midnight drowsiness, but, in
reality, to witness the result of certain preparations
going on by torchlight in the centre of the barrack
square.

In the midst of an anxious group of officers, comprising
nearly all of that rank within the fort, stood two
individuals, attired in a costume having nothing in common
with the gay and martial habiliments of the former. They
were tall, handsome young men, whose native elegance of
carriage was but imperfectly hidden under an equipment
evidently adopted for, and otherwise fully answering,
the purpose of disguise. A blue cotton shell jacket,
closely fitting to the person, trowsers of the same
material, a pair of strong deer-skin mocassins, and a
coloured handkerchief tied loosely round the collar of
a checked shirt, the whole surmounted by one of those
rough blanket coats, elsewhere described, formed the
principal portion of their garb. Each, moreover, wore a
false queue of about nine inches in length, the effect
of which was completely to change the character of the
countenance, and lend to the features a Canadian-like
expression. A red worsted cap, resembling a bonnet de
nuit, was thrown carelessly over the side of the head,
which could, at any moment, when deeper disguise should
be deemed necessary, command the additional protection
of the rude hood that fell back upon the shoulders from
the collar of the coat to which it was attached. They
were both well armed. Into a broad belt, that encircled
the jacket of each, were thrust a brace of pistols and
a strong dagger; the whole so disposed, however, as to
be invisible when the outer garment was closed: this,
again, was confined by a rude sash of worsted of different
colours, not unlike, in texture and quality, what is worn
by our sergeants at the present day. They were otherwise
armed, however, and in a less secret manner. Across the
right shoulder of each was thrown a belt of worsted also,
to which were attached a rude powder horn and shot pouch,
with a few straggling bullets, placed there as if rather
by accident than design. Each held carelessly in his left
hand, and with its butt resting on the earth, a long gun;
completing an appearance, the attainment of which had,
in all probability, been sedulously sought,--that of a
Canadian duck-hunter.

A metamorphosis so ludicrously operated in the usually
elegant costume of two young English officers,--for such
they were,--might have been expected to afford scope to
the pleasantry of their companions, and to call forth
those sallies which the intimacy of friendship and the
freemasonry of the profession would have fully justified.
But the events that had occurred in such rapid succession,
since the preceding midnight, were still painfully
impressed on the recollection of all, and some there were
who looked as if they never would smile again; neither
laugh nor jeering, therefore, escaped the lips of one of
the surrounding group. Every countenance wore a cast of
thought,--a character of abstraction, ill suited to the
indulgence of levity; and the little conversation that
passed between them was in a low and serious tone. It
was evident some powerful and absorbing dread existed in
the mind of each, inducing him rather to indulge in
communion with his own thoughts and impressions, than to
communicate them to others. Even the governor himself
had, for a moment, put off the dignity and distance of
his usually unapproachable nature, to assume an air of
unfeigned concern, and it might be dejection, contrasting
strongly with his habitual haughtiness. Hitherto he had
been walking to and fro, a little apart from the group,
and with a hurriedness and indecision of movement that
betrayed to all the extreme agitation of his mind. For
once, however, he appeared to be insensible to observation,
or, if not insensible, indifferent to whatever comments
might be formed or expressed by those who witnessed his
undissembled emotion. He was at length interrupted by
the adjutant, who communicated something in a low voice.

"Let him be brought up, Mr. Lawson," was the reply. Then
advancing into the heart of the group, and addressing
the two adventurers, he enquired, in a tone that startled
from its singular mildness, "if they were provided with
every thing they required."

An affirmative reply was given, when the governor, taking
the taller of the young men aside, conversed with him
earnestly, and in a tone of affection strangely blended
with despondency. The interview, however, was short, for
Mr. Lawson now made his appearance, conducting an individual
who has already been introduced to our readers. It was
the Canadian of the Fleur de lis. The adjutant placed a
small wooden crucifix in the hands of the governor.

"Francois," said the latter, impressively, "you know the
terms on which I have consented to spare your life. Swear,
then, by this cross; that you will be faithful to your
trust; that neither treachery nor evasion shall be
practised; and that you will, to the utmost of your power,
aid in conveying these gentlemen to their destination.
Kneel and swear it."

"I do swear it!" fervently repeated the aubergiste,
kneeling and imprinting his lips with becoming reverence
on the symbol of martyrdom. "I swear to do dat I shall
engage, and may de bon Dieu have mercy to my soul as I
shall fulfil my oat."

"Amen," pronounced the governor, "and may Heaven deal by
you even as you deal by us. Bear in mind, moreover, that
as your treachery will be punished, so also shall your
fidelity be rewarded. But the night wears apace, and ye
have much to do." Then turning to the young officers who
were to be his companions,--"God bless you both; may your
enterprise be successful! I fear," offering his hand to
the younger, "I have spoken harshly to you, but at a
moment like the present you will no longer cherish a
recollection of the unpleasant past."

The only answer was a cordial return of his own pressure.
The Canadian in his turn now announced the necessity for
instant departure, when the young men, following his
example, threw their long guns carelessly over the left
shoulder. Low, rapid, and fervent adieus were uttered on
both sides; and although the hands of the separating
parties met only in a short and hurried grasp, there was
an expression in the touch of each that spoke to their
several hearts long after the separation had actually
taken place.

"Stay one moment!" exclaimed a voice, as the little party
now moved towards the gateway; "ye are both gallantly
enough provided without, but have forgotten there is
something quite as necessary to sustain the inward man.
Duck shooting, you know, is wet work. The last lips that
were moistened from this," he proceeded, as the younger
of the disguised men threw the strap of the proffered
canteen over his shoulder, "were those of poor Ellen
Halloway."

The mention of that name, so heedlessly pronounced by
the brave but inconsiderate Erskine, produced a startling
effect on the taller of the departing officers. He struck
his brow violently with his hand, uttered a faint groan,
and bending his head upon his chest, stood in an attitude
expressive of the deep suffering of his mind. The governor,
too, appeared agitated; and sounds like those of suppressed
sobs came from one who lingered at the side of him who
had accepted the offer of the canteen. The remainder of
the officers preserved a deep and mournful silence.

"It is times dat we should start," again observed the
Canadian, "or we shall be taken by de daylight before we
can clear de river."

This intimation once more aroused the slumbering energies
of the taller officer. Again he drew up his commanding
figure, extended his hand to the governor in silence,
and turning abruptly round, hastened to follow close in
the footsteps of his conductor.

"You will not forget all I have said to you," whispered
the voice of one who had reserved his parting for the
last, and who now held the hand of the younger adventurer
closely clasped in his own. "Think, oh, think how much
depends on the event of your dangerous enterprise."

"When you behold me again," was the reply, "it will be
with smiles on my lip and gladness in my heart; for if
we fail, there is that within me, which whispers I shall
never see you more. But keep up your spirits, and hope
for the best. We embark under cheerless auspices, it is
true; but let us trust to Providence for success in so
good a cause,--God bless you!"

In the next minute he had joined his companions; who,
with light and noiseless tread, were already pursuing
their way along the military road that led to the eastern
extremity of the town. Soon afterwards, the heavy chains
of the drawbridge were heard grating on the ear, in
despite of the evident caution used in restoring it to
its wonted position, and all again was still.

It had at first been suggested their course should be
held in an angular direction across the cleared country
alluded to in our last chapter, in order to avoid all
chance of recognition in the town; but as this might have
led them into more dangerous contact with some of the
outlying parties of Indians, who were known to prowl
around the fort at night, this plan had been abandoned
for the more circuitous and safe passage by the village.
Through this our little party now pursued their way, and
without encountering aught to impede their progress. The
simple mannered inhabitants had long since retired to
rest, and neither light nor sound denoted the existence
of man or beast within its precincts. At length they
reached that part of the road which turned off abruptly
in the direction of the Fleur de lis. The rude hut threw
its dark shadows across their path, but all was still
and deathlike as in the village they had just quitted.
Presently, however, as they drew nearer, they beheld,
reflected from one of the upper windows, a faint light
that fell upon the ground immediately in front of the
auberge; and, at intervals, the figure of a human being
approaching and receding from it as if in the act of
pacing the apartment.

An instinctive feeling of danger rose at the same moment
to the hearts of the young officers; and each, obeying
the same impulse, unfastened one of the large horn buttons
of his blanket coat, and thrust his right hand into the
opening.

"Francois, recollect your oath," hastily aspirated the
elder, as he grasped the hand of their conductor rather
in supplication than in threat; "if there be aught to
harm us here, your own life will most assuredly pay the
forfeit of your faith."

"It is noting but a womans," calmly returned the Canadian;
"it is my Babette who is sorry at my loss. But I shall
come and tell you directly."

He then stole gently round the corner of the hut, leaving
his anxious companions in the rear of the little building,
and completely veiled in the obscurity produced by the
mingling shadows of the hut itself, and a few tall pear
trees that overhung the paling of the orchard at some
yards from the spot on which they stood.

They waited some minutes to hear the result of the
Canadian's admittance into his dwelling; but although
each with suppressed breathing sought to catch those
sounds of welcome with which a daughter might be supposed
to greet a parent so unexpectedly restored, they listened
in vain. At length, however, while the ears of both were
on the rack to drink in the tones of a human voice, a
faint scream floated on the hushed air, and all again
was still.

"Good!" whispered the elder of the officers; "that scream
is sweeter to my ear than the softest accents of woman's
love. It is evident the ordinary tones of speech cannot
find their way to us here from the front of the hut. The
faintness of yon cry, which was unquestionably that of
a female, is a convincing proof of it."

"Hist!" urged his companion, in the same almost inaudible
whisper, "what sound was that?"

Both again listened attentively, when the noise was
repeated. It came from the orchard, and resembled the
sound produced by the faint crash of rotten sticks and
leaves under the cautious but unavoidably rending tread
of a human foot. At intervals it ceased, as if the person
treading, alarmed at his own noise, was apprehensive of
betraying his approach; and then recommenced, only to be
checked in the same manner. Finally it ceased altogether.

For upwards of five minutes the young men continued to
listen for a renewal of the sound, but nothing was now
audible, save the short and fitful gusts of a rising wind
among the trees of the orchard.

"It must have been some wild animal in search of its
prey," again whispered the younger officer; "had it been
a man, we should have heard him leap the paling before
this."

"By Heaven, we are betrayed,--here he is," quickly rejoined
the other, in the same low tone. "Keep close to the hut,
and stand behind me. If my dagger fail, you must try
your own. But fire not, on your life, unless there be
more than two, for the report of a pistol will be the
destruction of ourselves and all that are dear to us."

Each with uplifted arm now stood ready to strike, even
while his heart throbbed with a sense of danger, that
had far more than the mere dread of personal suffering
or death to stimulate to exertion in self-defence.
Footsteps were now distinctly heard stealing round that
part of the hut which bordered on the road; and the young
men turned from the orchard, to which their attention
had previously been directed, towards the new quarter
whence they were intruded upon.

It was fortunate this mode of approach had been selected.
That part of the hut which rested on the road was so
exposed as to throw the outline of objects into strong
relief, whereas in the direction of the thickly wooded
orchard all was impenetrable gloom. Had the intruder
stolen unannounced upon the alarmed but determined officers
by the latter route, the dagger of the first would in
all probability have been plunged to its hilt in his
bosom. As it was, each had sufficient presence of mind
to distinguish, as it now doubled the corner of the hut,
and reposed upon the road, the stout square-set figure
of the Canadian. The daggers were instantly restored to
their sheaths, and each, for the first time since the
departure of their companion, respired freely.

"It is quite well," whispered the latter as he approached.
"It was my poor Babette, who tought I was gone to be
kill. She scream so loud, as if she had seen my ghost.
But we must wait a few minute in de house, and you shall
see how glad my girl is to see me once again."

"Why this delay, Francois? why not start directly?" urged
the taller officer; "we shall never clear the river in
time; and if the dawn catches us in the waters of the
Detroit, we are lost for ever."

"But you see I am not quite prepare yet," was the answer.
"I have many tings to get ready for de canoe, which I
have not use for a long times. But you shall not wait
ten minute, if you do not like. Dere is a good fire, and
Babette shall give you some ting to eat while I get it
all ready."

The young men hesitated. The delay of the Canadian, who
had so repeatedly urged the necessity for expedition
while in the fort, had, to say the least of it, an
appearance of incongruity. Still it was evident, if
disposed to harm them, he had full opportunity to do so
without much risk of effectual opposition from themselves.
Under all circumstances, therefore, it was advisable
rather to appear to confide implicitly in his truth,
than, by manifesting suspicion, to pique his self-love,
and neutralize whatever favourable intentions he might
cherish in their behalf. In this mode of conduct they
were confirmed, by a recollection of the sacredness
attached by the religion of their conductor to the oath
so solemnly pledged on the symbol of the cross, and by
a conviction of the danger of observation to which they
stood exposed, if, as they had apprehended, it was actually
a human footstep they had heard in the orchard. This
last recollection suggested a remark.

"We heard a strange sound within the orchard, while
waiting here for your return," said the taller officer;
"it was like the footstep of a man treading cautiously
over rotten leaves and branches. How do you account for
it?"

"Oh, it was my pigs," replied the Canadian, without
manifesting the slightest uneasiness at the information.
"They run about in de orchard for de apples what blows
down wid de wind."

"It could not be a pig we heard," pursued his questioner;
"but another thing, Francois, before we consent to enter
the hut,--how will you account to your daughter for our
presence? and what suspicion may she not form at seeing
two armed strangers in company with you at this unseasonable
hour."

"I have tell her," replied the Canadian, "dat I have
bring two friends, who go wid me in de canoe to shoot de
ducks for two tree days. You know, sir, I go always in
de fall to kill de ducks wid my friends, and she will
not tink it strange."

"You have managed well, my brave fellow; and now we follow
you in confidence. But in the name of Heaven, use all
possible despatch, and if money will lend a spur to your
actions, you shall have plenty of it when our enterprise
has been accomplished."

Our adventurers followed their conductor in the track by
which he had so recently rejoined them. As they turned
the corner of the hut, the younger, who brought up the
rear, fancied he again heard a sound in the direction of
the orchard, resembling that of one lightly leaping to
the ground. A gust of wind, however, passing rapidly at
the moment through the dense foliage, led him to believe
it might have been produced by the sullen fall of one of
the heavy fruits it had detached in its course. Unwilling
to excite new and unnecessary suspicion in his companion,
he confined the circumstance to his own breast, and
followed into the hut.

After ascending a flight of about a dozen rude steps,
they found themselves in a small room, furnished with no
other ceiling than the sloping roof itself, and lighted
by an unwieldy iron lamp, placed on a heavy oak table,
near the only window with which the apartment was provided.
This latter had suffered much from the influence of time
and tempest; and owing to the difficulty of procuring
glass in so remote a region, had been patched with slips
of paper in various parts. The two corner and lower panes
of the bottom sash were out altogether, and pine shingles,
such as are used even at the present day for covering
the roofs of dwelling houses, had been fitted into the
squares, excluding air and light at the same time. The
centre pane of this tier was, however, clear and free
from flaw of every description. Opposite to the window
blazed a cheerful wood fire, recently supplied with fuel;
and at one of the inner corners of the room was placed
a low uncurtained bed, that exhibited marks of having
been lain in since it was last made. On a chair at its
side were heaped a few dark-looking garments, the precise
nature of which were not distinguishable at a cursory
and distant glance.

Such were the more remarkable features of the apartment
into which our adventurers were now ushered. Both looked
cautiously around on entering, as if expecting to find
it tenanted by spirits as daring as their own; but, with
the exception of the daughter of their conductor, whose
moist black eyes expressed, as much by tears as by smiles,
the joy she felt at this unexpected return of her parent,
no living object met their enquiring glance. The Canadian
placed a couple of rush-bottomed chairs near the fire,
invited his companions to seat themselves until he had
completed his preparation for departure, and then, desiring
Babette to hasten supper for the young hunters, quitted
the room and descended the stairs.




CHAPTER II.

The position of the young men was one of embarrassment;
for while the daughter, who was busied in executing the
command of her father, remained in the room, it was
impossible they could converse together without betraying
the secret of their country, and, as a result of this,
the falsehood of the character under which they appeared.
Long residence in the country had, it is true, rendered
the patois of that class of people whom they personated
familiar to one, but the other spoke only the pure and
native language of which it was a corruption. It might
have occurred to them at a cooler moment, and under less
critical circumstances, that, even if their disguise had
been penetrated, it was unlikely a female, manifesting
so much lively affection for her parent, would have done
aught to injure those with whom he had evidently connected
himself. But the importance attached to their entire
security from danger left them but little room for
reflections of a calming character, while a doubt of that
security remained.

One singularity struck them both. They had expected the
young woman, urged by a natural curiosity, would have
commenced a conversation, even if they did not; and he
who spoke the patois was prepared to sustain it as well
as his anxious and overcharged spirit would enable him;
and as he was aware the morning had furnished sufficient
incident of fearful interest, he had naturally looked
for a verbal re-enactment of the harrowing and dreadful
scene. To their surprise, however, they both remarked
that, far from evincing a desire to enter into conversation,
the young woman scarcely ever looked at them, but lingered
constantly near the table, and facing the window. Still,
to avoid an appearance of singularity on their own parts
as far as possible, the elder of the officers motioned
to his companion, who, following his example, took a
small pipe and some tobacco from a compartment in his
shot pouch, and commenced puffing the wreathing smoke
from his lips,--an occupation, more than any other,
seeming to justify their silence.

The elder officer sat with his back to the window, and
immediately in front of the fire; his companion, at a
corner of the rude hearth, and in such a manner that,
without turning his head, he could command every part of
the room at a glance. In the corner facing him stood the
bed already described. A faint ray of the fire-light fell
on some minute object glittering in the chair, the contents
of which were heaped up in disorder. Urged by that wayward
curiosity, which is sometimes excited, even under
circumstances of the greatest danger and otherwise
absorbing interest, the young man kicked the hickory log
that lay nearest to it with his mocassined foot, and
produced a bright crackling flame, the reflection of
which was thrown entirely upon the object of his gaze;
it was a large metal button, on which the number of his
regiment was distinctly visible. Unable to check his
desire to know further, he left his seat, to examine the
contents of the chair. As he moved across the room, he
fancied he heard a light sound from without; his companion,
also, seemed to manifest a similar impression by an almost
imperceptible start; but the noise was so momentary, and
so fanciful, neither felt it worth his while to pause
upon the circumstance. The young officer now raised the
garments from the chair: they consisted of a small grey
great-coat, and trowsers, a waistcoat of coarse white
cloth, a pair of worsted stockings, and the half-boots
of a boy; the whole forming the drum-boy's equipment,
worn by the wretched wife of Halloway when borne senseless
into the hut on that fatal morning. Hastily quitting a
dress that called up so many dreadful recollections, and
turning to his companion with a look that denoted
apprehension, lest he too should have beheld these
melancholy remembrances of the harrowing scene, the young
officer hastened to resume his seat. In the act of so
doing, his eye fell upon the window, at which the female
still lingered. Had a blast from Heaven struck his sight,
the terror of his soul could not have been greater. He
felt his cheek to pale, and his hair to bristle beneath
his cap, while the checked blood crept slowly and coldly,
as if its very function had been paralysed; still he had
presence of mind sufficient not to falter in his step,
or to betray, by any extraordinary movement, that his
eye had rested on any thing hateful to behold.

His companion had emptied his first pipe, and was in the
act of refilling it, when he resumed his seat. He was
evidently impatient at the delay of the Canadian, and
already were his lips opening to give utterance to his
disappointment, when he felt his foot significantly
pressed by that of his friend. An instinctive sense of
something fearful that was to ensue, but still demanding
caution on his part, prevented him from turning hastily
round to know the cause. Satisfied, however, there was
danger, though not of an instantaneous character, he put
his pipe gently by, and stealing his hand under his coat,
again grasped the hilt of his dagger. At length he slowly
and partially turned his head, while his eyes inquiringly
demanded of his friend the cause of his alarm.

Partly to aid in concealing his increasing paleness, and
partly with a view to render it a medium for the conveyance
of subdued sound, the hand of the latter was raised to
his face in such a manner that the motion of his lips
could not be distinguished from behind.

"We are betrayed," he scarcely breathed. "If you can
command yourself, turn and look at the window; but for
God's sake arm yourself with resolution, or look not at
all: first draw the hood over your head, and without any
appearance of design. Our only chance of safety lies in
this,--that the Canadian may still be true, and that our
disguise may not be penetrated."

In despite of his native courage,--and this had often
been put to honourable proof,--he, thus mysteriously
addressed, felt his heart to throb violently. There was
something so appalled in the countenance of his
friend--something so alarming in the very caution he had
recommended--that a vague dread of the horrible reality
rushed at once to his mind, and for a moment his own
cheek became ashy pale, and his breathing painfully
oppressed. It was the natural weakness of the physical
man, over which the moral faculties had, for an instant,
lost their directing power. Speedily recovering himself,
the young man prepared to encounter the alarming object
which had already so greatly intimidated his friend.
Carefully drawing the blanket hood over his head, he rose
from his seat, and, with the energetic movement of one
who has formed some desperate determination, turned his
back to the fire-place, and threw his eyes rapidly and
eagerly upon the window. They fell only on the rude
patchwork of which it was principally composed. The
female had quitted the room.

"You must have been deceived," he whispered, keeping his
eye still bent upon the window, and with so imperceptible
a movement of the lips that sound alone could have betrayed
he was speaking,--"I see nothing to justify your alarm.
Look again."

The younger officer once more directed his glance towards
the window, and with a shuddering of the whole person,
as he recollected what had met his eye when he last looked
upon it. "It is no longer there, indeed," he returned in
the same scarcely audible tone. "Yet I could not be
mistaken; it was between those two corner squares of wood
in the lower sash."

"Perhaps it was merely a reflection produced by the lamp
on the centre pane," rejoined his friend, still keeping
his eye riveted on the suspicious point.

"Impossible! but I will examine the window from the spot
on which I stood when I first beheld it."

Again he quitted his seat, and carelessly crossed the
room. As he returned he threw his glance upon the pane,
when, to his infinite horror and surprise, the same
frightful vision presented itself.

"God of Heaven!" he exclaimed aloud, and unable longer
to check the ebullition of his feelings,--"what means
this?--Is my brain turned? and am I the sport of my own
delusive fancy?--Do you not see it NOW?"

No answer was returned. His friend stood mute and
motionless, with his left hand grasping his gun, and his
right thrust into the waist of his coat. His eye grew
upon the window, and his chest heaved, and his cheek
paled and flushed alternately with the subdued emotion
of his heart. A human face was placed close to the
unblemished glass, and every feature was distinctly
revealed by the lamp that still lay upon the table. The
glaring eye was fixed on the taller of the officers; but
though the expression was unfathomably guileful, there
was nothing that denoted any thing like a recognition of
the party. The brightness of the wood fire had so far
subsided as to throw the interior of the room into partial
obscurity, and under the disguise of his hood it was
impossible for one without to distinguish the features
of the taller officer. The younger, who was scarcely an
object of attention, passed comparatively unnoticed.

Fatigued and dimmed with the long and eager tension of
its nerves, the eye of the latter now began to fail him.
For a moment he closed it; and when again it fell upon
the window; it encountered nothing but the clear and
glittering pane. For upwards of a minute he and his friend
still continued to rivet their gaze, but the face was no
longer visible.

Why is it that what is called the "human face divine" is
sometimes gifted with a power to paralyse, that the most
loathsome reptile in the creation cannot attain? Had a
hyena or cougar of the American forest, roaring for prey,
appeared at that window, ready to burst the fragile
barrier, and fasten its talons in their hearts, its
presence would not have struck such sickness to the soul
of our adventurers as did that human face. It is that
man, naturally fierce and inexorable, is alone the enemy
of his own species. The solution of this problem--this
glorious paradox in nature, we leave to profounder
philosophers to resolve. Sufficient for us be it to know,
and to deplore that it is so.

Footsteps were now heard upon the stairs; and the officers,
aroused to a full sense of their danger, hastily and
silently prepared themselves for the encounter.

"Drop a bullet into your gun," whispered the elder,
setting the example himself. "We may be obliged to have
recourse to it at last. Yet make no show of hostility
unless circumstances satisfy us we are betrayed; then,
indeed, all that remains for us will be to sell our lives
as dearly as we can. Hist! he is here."

The door opened; and at the entrance, which was already
filled up in the imaginations of the young men with a
terrible and alarming figure, appeared one whose return
had been anxiously and long desired. It was a relief,
indeed, to their gallant but excited hearts to behold
another than the form they had expected; and although,
for the moment, they knew not whether the Canadian came
in hostility or in friendship, each quitted the attitude
of caution into which he had thrown himself, and met him
midway in his passage through the room. There was nothing
in the expression of his naturally open and good-humoured
countenance to denote he was at all aware of the causes
for alarm that had operated so powerfully on themselves.
He announced with a frank look and unfaltering voice
every thing was in readiness for their departure.

The officers hesitated; and the taller fixed his eyes
upon those of mine host, as if his gaze would have
penetrated to the innermost recesses of his heart. Could
this be a refinement of his treachery? and was he really
ignorant of the existence of the danger which threatened
them? Was it not more probable his object was to disarm
their fears, that they might be given unprepared and,
therefore, unresisting victims to the ferocity of their
enemies? Aware as he was, that they were both well provided
with arms, and fully determined to use them with effect,
might not his aim be to decoy them to destruction without,
lest the blood spilt under his roof, in the desperation
of their defence, should hereafter attest against him,
and expose him to the punishment he would so richly merit?
Distracted by these doubts, the young men scarcely knew
what to think or how to act; and anxious as they had
previously been to quit the hut, they now considered the
moment of their doing so would be that of their destruction.
The importance of the enterprise on which they were
embarked was such as to sink all personal considerations.
If they had felt the influence of intimidation on their
spirits, it arose less from any apprehension of consequences
to themselves, than from the recollection of the dearer
interests involved in their perfect security from discovery.

"Francois," feelingly urged the taller officer, again
adverting to his vow, "you recollect the oath you so
solemnly pledged upon the cross of your Saviour. Tell
me, then, as you hope for mercy, have you taken that oath
only that you might the more securely betray us to our
enemies? What connection have you with them at this
moment? and who is HE who stood looking through that
window not ten minutes since?"

"As I shall hope for mercy in my God," exclaimed the
Canadian with unfeigned astonishment, "I have not see
nobody. But what for do you tink so? It is not just. I
have given my oat to serve you, and I shall do it."

There was candour both in the tone and countenance of
the man as he uttered these words, half in reproach, half
in justification; and the officers no longer doubted.

"You must forgive our suspicions at a moment like the
present," soothingly observed the younger; "yet, Francois,
your daughter saw and exchanged signals with the person
we mean. She left the room soon after he made his
appearance. What has become of her?"

The Canadian gave a sudden start, looked hastily round,
and seemed to perceive for the first time the girl was
absent. He then put a finger to his lip to enjoin silence,
advanced to the table, and extinguished the light. Desiring
his companions, in a low whisper, to tread cautiously
and follow, he now led the way with almost noiseless step
to the entrance of the hut. At the threshold of the door
were placed a large well-filled sack, a light mast and
sail, and half a dozen paddles. The latter burden he
divided between the officers, on whose shoulders he
carefully balanced them. The sack he threw across his
own; and, without expressing even a regret that an
opportunity of bidding adieu to his child was denied him,
hastily skirted the paling of the orchard until, at the
further extremity, he had gained the high road.

The heavens were obscured by passing clouds driven rapidly
by the wind, during the short pauses of which our
adventurers anxiously and frequently turned to listen if
they were pursued. Save the rustling of the trees that
lined the road, and the slight dashing of the waters on
the beach, however, no sound was distinguishable. At
length they gained the point whence they were to start.
It was the fatal bridge, the events connected with which
were yet so painfully fresh in their recollection.

"Stop one minutes here," whispered the Canadian, throwing
his sack upon the sand near the mouth of the lesser river;
"my canoe is chain about twenty yards up de bridge. I
shall come to you directly." Then cautioning the officers
to keep themselves concealed under the bridge, he moved
hastily under the arch, and disappeared in the dark shadow
which it threw across the rivulet.

The extremities of the bridge rested on the banks of the
little river in such a manner as to leave a narrow passage
along the sands immediately under the declination of the
arch. In accordance with the caution of their conductor,
the officers had placed themselves under it; and with
their backs slightly bent forward to meet the curvature
of the bridge, so that no ray of light could pass between
their bodies and the fabric itself, now awaited the
arrival of the vessel on which their only hope depended.
We shall not attempt to describe their feelings on finding
themselves, at that lone hour of the night, immediately
under a spot rendered fearfully memorable by the tragic
occurrences of the morning. The terrible pursuit of the
fugitive, the execution of the soldier, the curse and
prophecy of his maniac wife, and, above all, the forcible
abduction and threatened espousal of that unhappy woman
by the formidable being who seemed to have identified
himself with the evils with which they stood menaced,--all
rushed with rapid tracery on the mind, and excited the
imagination, until each, filled with a sentiment not
unallied to superstitious awe, feared to whisper forth
his thoughts, lest in so doing he should invoke the
presence of those who had principally figured in the
harrowing and revolting scene.

"Did you not hear a noise?" at length whispered the elder,
as he leaned himself forward, and bent his head to the
sand, to catch more distinctly a repetition of the sound.

"I did; there again! It is upon the bridge, and not unlike
the step of one endeavouring to tread lightly. It may be
some wild beast, however."

"We must not be taken by surprise," returned his companion.
"If it be a man, the wary tread indicates consciousness
of our presence. If an animal, there can be no harm in
setting our fears at rest."

Cautiously stealing from his lurking-place, the young
officer emerged into the open sands, and in a few measured
noiseless strides gained the extremity of the bridge.
The dark shadow of something upon its centre caught his
eye, and a low sound like that of a dog lapping met his
ear. While his gaze yet lingered on the shapeless object,
endeavouring to give it a character, the clouds which
had so long obscured it passed momentarily from before
the moon, and disclosed the appalling truth. It was a
wolf-dog lapping up from the earth, in which they were
encrusted, the blood and brains of the unfortunate Frank
Halloway.

Sick and faint at the disgusting sight, the young man
rested his elbow on the railing that passed along the
edge of the bridge, and, leaning his head on his hand
for a moment, forgot the risk of exposure he incurred,
in the intenseness of the sorrow that assailed his soul.
His heart and imagination were already far from the spot
on which he stood, when he felt an iron hand upon his
shoulder. He turned, shuddering with an instinctive
knowledge of his yet unseen visitant, and beheld standing
over him the terrible warrior of the Fleur de lis.

"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the savage in a low triumphant
tone, "the place of our meeting is well timed, though
somewhat singular, it must be confessed. Nay," he fiercely
added, grasping as in a vice the arm that was already
lifted to strike him, "force me not to annihilate you on
the spot. Ha! hear you the cry of my wolf-dog?" as that
animal now set up a low but fearful howl; "it is for your
blood he asks, but your hour is not yet come."

"No, by Heaven, is it not!" exclaimed a voice; a rapid
and rushing sweep was heard through the air for an instant,
and then a report like a stunning blow. The warrior
released his grasp--placed his hand upon his tomahawk,
but without strength to remove it from his belt tottered
a pace or two backwards--and then fell, uttering a cry
of mingled pain and disappointment, at his length upon
the earth.

"Quick, quick to our cover!" exclaimed the younger officer,
as a loud shout was now heard from the forest in reply
to the yell of the fallen warrior. "If Francois come not,
we are lost; the howl of that wolf-dog alone will betray
us, even if his master should be beyond all chance of
recovery."

"Desperate diseases require desperate remedies," was the
reply; "there is little glory in destroying a helpless
enemy, but the necessity is urgent, and we must leave
nothing to chance." As he spoke, he knelt upon the huge
form of the senseless warrior, whose scalping knife he
drew from its sheath, and striking a firm and steady
blow, quitted not the weapon until he felt his hand
reposing on the chest of his enemy.

The howl of the wolf-dog, whose eyes glared like two
burning coals through the surrounding gloom, was now
exchanged to a fierce and snappish bark. He made a leap
at the officer while in the act of rising from the body;
but his fangs fastened only in the chest of the shaggy
coat, which he wrung with the strength and fury
characteristic of his peculiar species. This new and
ferocious attack was fraught with danger little inferior
to that which they had just escaped, and required the
utmost promptitude of action. The young man seized the
brute behind the neck in a firm and vigorous grasp, while
he stooped upon the motionless form over which this novel
struggle was maintained, and succeeded in making himself
once more master of the scalping knife. Half choked by
the hand that unflinchingly grappled with him, the savage
animal quitted his hold and struggled violently to free
himself. This was the critical moment. The officer drew
the heavy sharp blade, from the handle to the point,
across the throat of the infuriated beast, with a force
that divided the principal artery. He made a desperate
leap upwards, spouting his blood over his destroyer, and
then fell gasping across the body of his master. A low
growl, intermingled with faint attempts to bark, which
the rapidly oozing life rendered more and more indistinct,
succeeded; and at length nothing but a gurgling sound
was distinguishable.

Meanwhile the anxious and harassed officers had regained
their place of concealment under the bridge, where they
listened with suppressed breathing for the slightest
sound to indicate the approach of the canoe. At intervals
they fancied they could hear a noise resembling the
rippling of water against the prow of a light vessel,
but the swelling cries of the rushing band, becoming at
every instant more distinct, were too unceasingly kept
up to admit of their judging with accuracy.

They now began to give themselves up for lost, and many
and bitter were the curses they inwardly bestowed on the
Canadian, when the outline of a human form was seen
advancing along the sands, and a dark object upon the
water. It was their conductor, dragging the canoe along,
with all the strength and activity of which he was capable.

"What the devil have you been about all this time,
Francois?" exclaimed the taller officer, as he bounded
to meet him. "Quick, quick, or we shall be too late. Hear
you not the blood-hounds on their scent?" Then seizing
the chain in his hand, with a powerful effort he sent
the canoe flying through the arch to the very entrance
of the river. The burdens that had been deposited on the
sands were hastily flung in, the officers stepping lightly
after. The Canadian took the helm, directing the frail
vessel almost noiselessly through the water, and with
such velocity, that when the cry of the disappointed
savages was heard resounding from the bridge, it had
already gained the centre of the Detroit.




CHAPTER III.

Two days had succeeded to the departure of the officers
from the fort, but unproductive of any event of importance.
About daybreak, however, on the morning of the third,
the harassed garrison were once more summoned to arms,
by an alarm from the sentinels planted in rear of the
works; a body of Indians they had traced and lost at
intervals, as they wound along the skirt of the forest,
in their progress from their encampment, were at length
developing themselves in force near the bomb proof. With
a readiness which long experience and watchfulness had
rendered in some degree habitual to them, the troops flew
to their respective posts; while a few of the senior
officers, among whom was the governor, hastened to the
ramparts to reconnoitre the strength and purpose of their
enemies. It was evident the views of these latter were
not immediately hostile; for neither were they in their
war paint, nor were their arms of a description to carry
intimidation to a disciplined and fortified soldiery.
Bows, arrows, tomahawks, war clubs, spears, and scalping
knives, constituted their warlike equipments, but neither
rifle nor fire-arms of any kind were discernible. Several
of their leaders, distinguishable by a certain haughty
carriage and commanding gesticulation, were collected
within the elevated bomb-proof, apparently holding a
short but important conference apart from their people,
most of whom stood or lay in picturesque attitudes around
the ruin. These also had a directing spirit. A tall and
noble looking warrior, wearing a deer-skin hunting frock
closely girded around his loins, appeared to command the
deference of his colleagues, claiming profound attention
when he spoke himself, and manifesting his assent or
dissent to the apparently expressed opinions of the lesser
chiefs merely by a slight movement of the head.

"There he is indeed!" exclaimed Captain Erskine, speaking
as one who communes with his own thoughts, while he kept
his telescope levelled on the form of the last warrior;
"looking just as noble as when, three years ago, he
opposed himself to the progress of the first English
detachment that had ever penetrated to this part of the
world. What a pity such a fine fellow should be so
desperate and determined an enemy!"

"True; you were with Major Rogers on that expedition,"
observed the governor, in a tone now completely divested
of the haughtiness which formerly characterised his
address to his officers. "I have often heard him speak
of it. You had many difficulties to contend against, if
I recollect."

"We had indeed, sir," returned the frank-hearted Erskine,
dropping the glass from his eye. "So many, in fact, that
more than once, in the course of our progress through
the wilderness, did I wish myself at head-quarters with
my company. Never shall I forget the proud and determined
expression of Ponteac's countenance, when he told Rogers,
in his figurative language, 'he stood in the path in
which he travelled.' "

"Thank Heaven, he at least stands not in the path in
which OTHERS travel," musingly rejoined the governor.
"But what sudden movement is that within the ruin?"

"The Indians are preparing to show a white flag," shouted
an artillery-man from his station in one of the embrasures
below.

The governor and his officers received this intelligence
without surprise: the former took the glass from Captain
Erskine, and coolly raised it to his eye. The consultation
had ceased; and the several chiefs, with the exception
of their leader and two others, were now seen quitting
the bomb-proof to join their respective tribes. One of
those who remained, sprang upon an elevated fragment of
the ruin, and uttered a prolonged cry, the purport of
which,--and it was fully understood from its peculiar
nature,--was to claim attention from the fort. He then
received from the hands of the other chief a long spear,
to the end of which was attached a piece of white linen.
This he waved several times above his head; then stuck
the barb of the spear firmly into the projecting fragment.
Quitting his elevated station, he next stood at the side
of the Ottawa chief, who had already assumed the air and
attitude of one waiting to observe in what manner his
signal would be received.

"A flag of truce in all its bearings, by Jupiter!" remarked
Captain Erskine. "Ponteac seems to have acquired a few
lessons since we first met."

"This is evidently the suggestion of some European,"
observed Major Blackwater; "for how should he understand
any thing of the nature of a white flag? Some of those
vile spies have put him up to this."

"True enough, Blackwater; and they appear to have found
an intelligent pupil," observed Captain Wentworth. "I
was curious to know how he would make the attempt to
approach us; but certainly never once dreamt of his having
recourse to so civilised a method. Their plot works well,
no doubt; still we have the counter-plot to oppose to
it."

"We must foil them with their own weapons," remarked the
governor, "even if it be only with a view to gain time.
Wentworth, desire one of your bombardiers to hoist the
large French flag on the staff."

The order was promptly obeyed. The Indians made a
simultaneous movement expressive of their satisfaction;
and in the course of a minute, the tall warrior, accompanied
by nearly a dozen inferior chiefs, was seen slowly
advancing across the common, towards the group of officers.

"What generous confidence the fellow has, for an Indian!"
observed Captain Erskine, who could not dissemble his
admiration of the warrior. "He steps as firmly and as
proudly within reach of our muskets, as if he was leading
in the war-dance."

"How strange," mused Captain Blessington, "that one who
meditates so deep a treachery, should have no apprehension
of it in others!"

"It is a compliment to the honour of our flag," observed
the governor, "which it must be our interest to encourage.
If, as you say, Erskine, the man is really endowed with
generosity, the result of this affair will assuredly call
it forth."

"If it prove otherwise, sir," was the reply, "we must
only attribute his perseverance to the influence which
that terrible warrior of the Fleur de lis is said to
exercise over his better feelings. By the by, I see
nothing of him among this flag of truce party. It could
scarcely be called a violation of faith to cut off such
a rascally renegade. Were he of the number of those
advancing, and Valletort's rifle within my reach, I know
not what use I might not be tempted to make of the last."

Poor Erskine was singularly infelicitous in touching,
and ever unconsciously, on a subject sure to give pain
to more than one of his brother officers. A cloud passed
over the brow of the governor, but it was one that
originated more in sorrow than in anger. Neither had he
time to linger on the painful recollections hastily and
confusedly called up by the allusion made to this formidable
and mysterious being, for the attention of all was now
absorbed by the approaching Indians. With a bold and
confiding carriage the fierce Ponteac moved at the head
of his little party, nor hesitated one moment in his
course, until he got near the brink of the ditch, and
stood face to face with the governor, at a distance that
gave both parties not only the facility of tracing the
expression of each other's features, but of conversing
without effort. There he made a sudden stand, and thrusting
his spear into the earth, assumed an attitude as devoid
of apprehension as if he had been in the heart of his
own encampment.

"My father has understood my sign," said the haughty
chief. "The warriors of a dozen tribes are far behind
the path the Ottawa has just travelled; but when the red
skin comes unarmed, the hand of the Saganaw is tied behind
his back."

"The strong hold of the Saganaw is his safeguard," replied
the governor, adopting the language of the Indian. "When
the enemies of his great father come in strength, he
knows how to disperse them; but when a warrior throws
himself unarmed into his power, he respects his confidence,
and his arms hang rusting at his side."

"The talk of my father is big," replied the warrior, with
a scornful expression that seemed to doubt the fact of
so much indifference as to himself; "but when it is a
great chief who directs the nations, and that chief his
sworn enemy, the temptation to the Saganaw may be strong."

"The Saganaw is without fear," emphatically rejoined the
governor; "he is strong in his own honour; and he would
rather die under the tomahawk of the red skin, than
procure a peace by an act of treachery."

The Indian paused; cold, calm looks of intelligence passed
between him and his followers, and a few indistinct and
guttural sentences were exchanged among themselves.

"But our father asks not why our mocassins have brushed
the dew from off the common," resumed the chief; "and
yet it is long since the Saganaw and the red skin have
spoken to each other, except through the war whoop. My
father must wonder to see the great chief of the Ottawas
without the hatchet in his hand."

"The hatchet often wounds those who use it unskilfully,"
calmly returned the governor. "The Saganaw is not blind.
The Ottawas, and the other tribes, find the war paint
heavy on their skins. They see that my young men are not
to be conquered, and they have sent the great head of
all the nations to sue for peace."

In spite of the habitual reserve and self-possession of
his race, the haughty warrior could not repress a movement
of impatience at the bold and taunting language of his
enemy, and for a moment there was a fire in his eye that
told how willingly he would have washed away the insult
in his blood. The same low guttural exclamations that
had previously escaped their lips, marked the sense
entertained of the remark by his companions.

"My father is right," pursued the chief, resuming his
self-command; "the Ottawas, and the other tribes, ask
for peace, but not because they are afraid of war. When
they strike the hatchet into the war post, they leave it
there until their enemies ask them to take it out."

"Why come they now, then, to ask for peace?" was the cool
demand.

The warrior hesitated, evidently at a loss to give a
reply that could reconcile the palpable contradiction of
his words.

"The rich furs of our forests have become many," he at
length observed, "since we first took up the hatchet
against the Saganaw; and every bullet we keep for our
enemies is a loss to our trade. We once exchanged furs
with the children of our father of the pale flag. They
gave us, in return, guns, blankets, powder, ball, and
all that the red man requires in the hunting season.
These are all expended; and my young men would deal with
the Saganaw as they did with the French."

"Good; the red skins would make peace; and although the
arm of the Saganaw is strong, he will not turn a deaf
ear to their desire."

"All the strong holds of the Saganaw, except two, have
fallen before the great chief of the Ottawas!" proudly
returned the Indian, with a look of mingled scorn and
defiance. "They, too, thought themselves beyond the
reach of our tomahawks; but they were deceived. In less
than a single moon nine of them have fallen, and the
tents of my young warriors are darkened with their scalps;
but this is past. If the red skin asks for peace, it is
because he is tired of seeing the blood of the Saganaw
on his tomahawk. Does my father hear?"

"We will listen to the great chief of the Ottawas, and
hear what he has to say," returned the governor, who, as
well as the officers at his side, could with difficulty
conceal their disgust and sorrow at the dreadful
intelligence thus imparted of the fates of their companions.
"But peace," he pursued with dignity, "can only be made
in the council room, and under the sacred pledge of the
calumet. The great chief has a wampum belt on his shoulder,
and a calumet in his hand. His aged warriors, too, are
at his side. What says the Ottawa? Will he enter? If so,
the gate of the Saganaw shall be open to him."

The warrior started; and for a moment the confidence that
had hitherto distinguished him seemed to give place to
an apprehension of meditated treachery. He, however,
speedily recovered himself, and observed emphatically,
"It is the great head of all the nations whom my father
invites to the council seat. Were he to remain in the
hands of the Saganaw, his young men would lose their
strength. They would bury the hatchet for ever in despair,
and hide their faces in the laps of their women."

"Does the Ottawa chief see the pale flag on the strong
hold of his enemies. While that continues to fly, he is
safe as if he were under the cover of his own wigwam. If
the Saganaw could use guile like the fox" (and this was
said with marked emphasis), "what should prevent him from
cutting off the Ottawa and his chiefs, even where they
now stand?"

A half smile of derision passed over the dark cheek of
the Indian. "If the arm of an Ottawa is strong," he said,
"his foot is not less swift. The short guns of the chiefs
of the Saganaw" (pointing to the pistols of the officers)
"could not reach us; and before the voice of our father
could be raised, or his eye turned, to call his warriors
to his side, the Ottawa would be already far on his way
to the forest."

"The great chief of the Ottawas shall judge better of
the Saganaw," returned the governor.--"He shall see
that his young men are ever watchful at their posts:--Up,
men, and show yourselves."

A second or two sufficed to bring the whole, of Captain
Erskine's company, who had been lying flat on their faces,
to their feet on the rampart. The Indians were evidently
taken by surprise, though they evinced no fear. The low
and guttural "Ugh!" was the only expression they gave to
their astonishment, not unmingled with admiration.

But, although the chiefs preserved their presence of
mind, the sudden appearance of the soldiers had excited
alarm among their warriors, who, grouped in and around
the bomb-proof, were watching every movement of the
conferring parties, with an interest proportioned to the
risk they conceived their head men had incurred in
venturing under the very walls of their enemies. Fierce
yells were uttered; and more than a hundred dusky warriors,
brandishing their tomahawks in air, leaped along the
skirt of the common, evidently only awaiting the signal
of their great chief, to advance and cover his retreat.
At the command of the governor, however, the men had
again suddenly disappeared from the surface of the rampart;
so that when the Indians finally perceived their leader
stood unharmed and unmolested, on the spot he had previously
occupied, the excitement died away, and they once more
assumed their attitude of profound attention.

"What thinks the great chief of the Ottawas now?" asked
the governor;--"did he imagine that the young white men
lie sleeping like beavers in their dams, when the hunter
sets his traps to catch them?--did he imagine that they
foresee not the designs of their enemies? and that they
are not always on the watch to prevent them?"

"My father is a great warrior," returned the Indian; "and
if his arm is full of strength, his head is fall of
wisdom. The chiefs will no longer hesitate;--they will
enter the strong hold of the Saganaw, and sit with him
in the council."

He next addressed a few words, and in a language not
understood by those upon the walls, to one of the younger
of the Indians. The latter acknowledged his sense and
approbation of what was said to him by an assentient and
expressive "Ugh!" which came from his chest without any
apparent emotion of the lips, much in the manner of a
modern ventriloquist. He then hastened, with rapid and
lengthened boundings, across the common towards his band.
After the lapse of a minute or two from reaching them,
another simultaneous cry arose, differing in expression
from any that had hitherto been heard. It was one denoting
submission to the will, and compliance with some conveyed
desire, of their superior.

"Is the gate of the Saganaw open?" asked the latter, as
soon as his ear had been greeted with the cry we have
just named. "The Ottawa and the other great chiefs are
ready;--their hearts are bold, and they throw themselves
into the hands of the Saganaw without fear."

"The Ottawa chief knows the path," drily rejoined the
governor: "when he comes in peace, it is ever open to
him; but when his young men press it with the tomahawk
in their hands, the big thunder is roused to anger, and
they are scattered away like the leaves of the forest in
the storm." "Even now," he pursued, as the little band of
Indians moved slowly round the walls, "the gate of the
Saganaw opens for the Ottawa and the other chiefs."

"Let the most vigilant caution be used every where along
the works, but especially in the rear," continued the
governor, addressing Captain Blessington, on whom the
duty of the day had devolved. "We are safe, while their
chiefs are with us; but still it will be necessary to
watch the forest closely. We cannot be too much on our
guard. The men had better remain concealed, every twentieth
file only standing up to form a look-out chain. If any
movement of a suspicious nature be observed, let it be
communicated by the discharge of a single musket, that
the drawbridge may be raised on the instant." With the
delivery of these brief instructions he quitted the
rampart with the majority of his officers.

Meanwhile, hasty preparations had been made in the
mess-room to receive the chiefs. The tables had been
removed, and a number of clean rush mats, manufactured,
after the Indian manner, into various figures and devices,
spread carefully upon the floor. At the further end from
the entrance was placed a small table and chair, covered
with scarlet cloth. This was considerably elevated above
the surface of the floor, and intended for the governor.
On either side of the room, near these, were ranged a
number of chairs for the accommodation of the inferior
officers.

Major Blackwater received the chiefs at the gate. With
a firm, proud step, rendered more confident by his very
unwillingness to betray any thing like fear, the tall,
and, as Captain Erskine had justly designated him, the
noble-looking Ponteac trod the yielding planks that might
in the next moment cut him off from his people for ever.
The other chiefs, following the example of their leader,
evinced the same easy fearlessness of demeanour, nor
glanced once behind them to see if there was any thing
to justify the apprehension of hidden danger.

The Ottawa was evidently mortified at not being received
by the governor in person. "My father is not here!" he
said fiercely to the major:--"how is this? The Ottawa
and the other chiefs are kings of all their tribes. The
head of one great people should be received only by the
head of another great people!"

"Our father sits in the council-hall," returned the major.
"He has taken his seat, that he may receive the warriors
with becoming honour. But I am the second chief, and our
father has sent me to receive them."

To the proud spirit of the Indian this explanation scarcely
sufficed. For a moment he seemed to struggle, as if
endeavouring to stifle his keen sense of an affront put
upon him. At length he nodded his head haughtily and
condescendingly, in token of assent; and gathering up
his noble form, and swelling out his chest, as if with
a view to strike terror as well as admiration into the
hearts of those by whom he expected to be surrounded,
stalked majestically forward at the head of his
confederates.

An indifferent observer, or one ignorant of these people,
would have been at fault; but those who understood the
workings of an Indian's spirit could not have been deceived
by the tranquil exterior of these men. The rapid, keen,
and lively glance--the suppressed sneer of exultation--the
half start of surprise--the low, guttural, and almost
inaudible "Ugh!"--all these indicated the eagerness with
which, at one sly but compendious view, they embraced
the whole interior of a fort which it was of such vital
importance to their future interests they should become
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.
The Ottawa chief sat at the near extremity of the room,
and immediately facing the governor. A profound silence
was observed for some minutes after the Indians had seated
themselves, during which they proceeded to fill their
pipes. The handle of that of the Ottawa chief was
decorated with numerous feathers fancifully disposed.

"This is well," at length observed the governor. "It is
long since the great chiefs of the nations have smoked
the sweet grass in the council hall of the Saganaw. What
have they to say, that their young men may have peace to
hunt the beaver, and to leave the print of their mocassins
in the country of the Buffalo?--What says the Ottawa
chief?"

"The Ottawa chief is a great warrior," returned the other,
haughtily; and again repudiating, in the indomitableness
of his pride, the very views that a more artful policy
had first led him to avow. "He has already said that,
within a single moon, nine of the strong holds of the
Saganaw have fallen into his hands, and that the scalps
of the white men fill the tents of his warriors. If the
red skins wish for peace, it is because they are sick
with spilling the blood of their enemies. Does my father
hear?"

"The Ottawa has been cunning, like the fox," calmly
returned the governor. "He went with deceit upon his
lips, and said to the great chiefs of the strong holds
of the Saganaw,--'You have no more forts upon the lakes;
they have all fallen before the red skins: they gave
themselves into our hands; and we spared their lives,
and sent them down to the great towns near the salt lake.'
But this was false: the chiefs of the Saganaw, believing
what was said to them, gave up their strong holds; but
their lives were not spared, and the grass of the Canadas
is yet moist with their blood. Does the Ottawa hear?"

Amazement and stupefaction sat for a moment on the features
of the Indians. The fact was as had been stated; and yet,
so completely had the several forts been cut off from
all communication, it was deemed almost impossible one
could have received tidings of the fate of the other,
unless conveyed through the Indians themselves.

"The spies of the Saganaw have been very quick to escape
the vigilance of the red skins," at length replied the
Ottawa; "yet they have returned with a lie upon their
lips. I swear by the Great Spirit, that nine of the strong
holds of the Saganaw have been destroyed. How could the
Ottawa go with deceit upon his lips, when his words were
truth?"

"When the red skins said so to the warriors of the last
forts they took, they said true; but when they went to
the first, and said that all the rest had fallen, they
used deceit. A great nation should overcome their enemies
like warriors, and not seek to beguile them with their
tongues under the edge of the scalping knife!"

"Why did the Saganaw come into the country of the red
skins?" haughtily demanded the chief. "Why did they take
our hunting grounds from us? Why have they strong places
encircling the country of the Indians, like a belt of
wampum round the waist of a warrior?"

"This is not true," rejoined the governor. "It was not
the Saganaw, but the warriors of the pale flag, who first
came and took away the hunting grounds, and built the
strong places. The great father of the Saganaw had beaten
the great father of the pale flag quite out of the Canadas,
and he sent his young men to take their place and to make
peace with the red skins, and to trade with them, and to
call them brothers."

"The Saganaw was false," retorted the Indian. "When a
chief of the Saganaw came for the first time with his
warriors into the country of the Ottawas, the chief of
the Ottawas stood in his path, and asked him why, and
from whom, he came? That chief was a bold warrior, and
his heart was open, and the Ottawa liked him; and when
he said he came to be friendly with the red skins, the
Ottawa believed him, and he shook him by the hand, and
said to his young men, 'Touch not the life of a Saganaw;
for their chief is the friend of the Ottawa chief, and
his young men shall be the friends of the red warriors.'
Look," he proceeded, marking his sense of the discovery
by another of those ejaculatory "Ughs!" so expressive of
surprise in an Indian, "at the right hand of my father
I see a chief," pointing to Captain Erskine, "who came
with those of the Saganaw who first entered the country
of the Detroit;--ask that chief if what the Ottawa says
is not true. When the Saganaw said he came only to remove
the warriors of the pale flag, that he might be friendly
and trade with the red skins, the Ottawa received the
belt of wampum he offered, and smoked the pipe of peace
with him, and he made his men bring bags of parched corn
to his warriors who wanted food, and he sent to all the
nations on the lakes, and said to them, 'The Saganaw must
pass unhurt to the strong hold on the Detroit.' But for
the Ottawa, not a Saganaw would have escaped; for the
nations were thirsting for their blood, and the knives
of the warriors were eager to open their scalps. Ask the
chief who sits at the right hand of my father," he again
energetically repeated, "if what the Ottawa says is not
true."

"What the Ottawa says is true," rejoined the governor;
"for the chief who sits on my right hand has often said
that, but for the Ottawa, the small number of the warriors
of the Saganaw must have been cut off; and his heart is
big with kindness to the Ottawa for what he did. But if
the great chief meant to be friendly, why did he declare
war after smoking the pipe of peace with the Saganaw?
Why did he destroy the wigwams of the settlers, and carry
off the scalps even of their weak women and children?
All this has the Ottawa done; and yet he says that he
wished to be friendly with my young men. But the Saganaw
is not a fool. He knows the Ottawa chief had no will of
his own. On the right hand of the Ottawa sits the great
chief of the Delawares, and on his left the great chief
of the Shawanees. They have long been the sworn enemies
of the Saganaw; and they came from the rivers that run
near the salt lake to stir up the red skins of the Detroit
to war. They whispered wicked words in the ear of the
Ottawa chief, and he determined to take up the bloody
hatchet. This is a shame to a great warrior. The Ottawa
was a king over all the tribes in the country of the
fresh lakes, and yet he weakly took council like a woman
from another."

"My father lies!" fiercely retorted the warrior, half
springing to his feet, and involuntarily putting his hand
upon his tomahawk. "If the settlers of the Saganaw have
fallen," he resumed in a calmer tone, while he again sank
upon his mat, "it is because they did not keep their
faith with the red skins. When they came weak, and were
not yet secure in their strong holds, their tongues were
smooth and full of soft words; but when they became strong
under the protection of their thunder, they no longer
treated the red skins as their friends, and they laughed
at them for letting them come into their country." "But,"
he pursued, elevating his voice, "the Ottawa is a great
chief, and he will be respected." Then adverting in
bitterness to the influence supposed to be exercised over
him,--"What my father has said is false. The Shawanees
and the Delawares are great nations; but the Ottawas are
greater than any, and their chiefs are full of wisdom.
The Shawanees and the Delawares had no talk with the
Ottawa chief to make him do what his own wisdom did not
tell him."

"Then, if the talk came not from the Shawanees and the
Delawares, it came from the spies of the warriors of the
pale flag. The great father of the French was angry with
the great father of the Saganaw, because he conquered
his warriors in many battles; and he sent wicked men to
whisper lies of the Saganaw into the ears of the red
skins, and to make them take up the hatchet against them.
There is a tall spy at this moment in the camp of the
red skins," he pursued with earnestness, and yet paling
as he spoke. "It is said he is the bosom friend of the
great chief of the Ottawas. But I will not believe it.
The head of a great nation would not be the friend of a
spy--of one who is baser than a dog. His people would
despise him; and they would say, 'Our chief is not fit
to sit in council, or to make war; for he is led by the
word of a pale face who is without honour.'"

The swarthy cheek of the Indian reddened, and his eye
kindled into fire. "There is no spy, but a great warrior,
in the camp of the Ottawas," he fiercely replied. "Though
he came from the country that lies beyond the salt lake,
he is now a chief of the red skins, and his arm is mighty,
and his heart is big. Would my father know why he has
become a chief of the Ottawas?" he pursued with scornful
exultation. "When the strong holds of the Saganaw fell,
the tomahawk of the 'white warrior' drank more blood than
that of a red skin, and his tent is hung around with
poles bending under the weight of the scalps he has taken.
When the great chief of the Ottawas dies, the pale face
will lead his warriors, and take the first seat in the
council. The Ottawa chief is his friend."

"If the pale face be the friend of the Ottawa," pursued
the governor, in the hope of obtaining some particular
intelligence in regard to this terrible and mysterious
being, "why is he not here to sit in council with the
chiefs? Perhaps," he proceeded tauntingly, as he fancied
he perceived a disinclination on the part of the Indian
to account for the absence of the warrior, "the pale face
is not worthy to take his place among the head men of
the council. His arm may be strong like that of a warrior,
but his head may be weak like that of a woman; or, perhaps,
he is ashamed to show himself before the pale faces, who
have turned him out of their tribe."

"My father lies!" again unceremoniously retorted the
warrior. "If the friend of the Ottawa is not here, it is
because his voice cannot speak. Does my father recollect
the bridge on which he killed his young warrior? Does he
recollect the terrible chase of the pale face by the
friend of the Ottawa? Ugh!" he continued, as his attention
was now diverted to another object of interest, "that
pale face was swifter than any runner among the red skins,
and for his fleetness he deserved to live to be a great
hunter in the Canadas; but fear broke his heart,--fear
of the friend of the Ottawa chief. The red skins saw
him fall at the feet of the Saganaw without life, and
they saw the young warriors bear him off in their arms.
Is not the Ottawa right?" The Indian paused, threw his
eye rapidly along the room, and then, fixing it on the
governor, seemed to wait with deep but suppressed interest
for his reply.

"Peace to the bones of a brave warrior!" seriously and
evasively returned the governor: "the pale face is no
longer in the land of the Canadas, and the young warriors
of the Saganaw are sorry for his loss; but what would
the Ottawa say of the bridge? and what has the pale
warrior, the friend of the Ottawa, to do with it?"

A gleam of satisfaction pervaded the countenance
of the Indian, as he eagerly bent his
ear to receive the assurance that the fugitive
was no more; but when allusion was again
made to the strange warrior, his brow became
overcast, and he replied with mingled haughtiness
and anger,--

"Does my father ask? He has dogs of spies among the
settlers of the pale flag, but the tomahawk of the red
skins will find them out, and they shall perish even as
the Saganaw themselves. Two nights ago, when the warriors
of the Ottawas were returning from their scout upon the
common, they heard the voice of Onondato, the great
wolf-dog of the friend of the Ottawa chief. The voice
came from the bridge where the Saganaw killed his young
warrior, and it called upon the red skins for assistance.
My young men gave their war cry, and ran like wild deer
to destroy the enemies of their chief; but when they
came, the spies had fled, and the voice of Onondato was
low and weak as that of a new fawn; and when the warriors
came to the other end of the bridge, they found the pale
chief lying across the road and covered over with blood.
They thought he was dead, and their cry was terrible;
for the pale warrior is a great chief, and the Ottawas
love him; but when they looked again, they saw that the
blood was the blood of Onondato, whose throat the spies
of the Saganaw had cut, that he might not hunt them and
give them to the tomahawk of the red skins."

Frequent glances, expressive of their deep interest in
the announcement of this intelligence, passed between
the governor and his officers. It was clear the party
who had encountered the terrible warrior of the Fleur de
lis were not spies (for none were employed by the garrison),
but their adventurous companions who had so recently
quitted them. This was put beyond all doubt by the night,
the hour, and the not less important feet of the locality;
for it was from the bridge described by the Indian, near
which the Canadian had stated his canoe to be chained,
they were to embark on their perilous and uncertain
enterprise. The question of their own escape from danger
in this unlooked for collision with so powerful and
ferocious an enemy, and of the fidelity of the Canadian,
still remained involved in doubt, which it might be
imprudent, if not dangerous, to seek to have resolved by
any direct remark on the subject to the keen and observant
warrior. The governor removed this difficulty by artfully
observing,--

"The great chief of the Ottawas has said they were the
spies of the Saganaw who killed the pale warrior. His
young men has found them, then; or how could he know they
were spies?"

"Is there a warrior among the Saganaw who dares to show
himself in the path of the red skins, unless he come in
strength and surrounded by his thunder?" was the sneering
demand. "But my father is wrong, if he supposes the friend
of the Ottawa is killed. No," he pursued fiercely, "the
dogs of spies could not kill him; they were afraid to
face so terrible a warrior. They came behind him in the
dark, and they struck him on the head like cowards and
foxes as they were. The warrior of the pale face, and
the friend of the Ottawa chief, is sick, but not dead.
He lies without motion in his tent, and his voice cannot
speak to his friend to tell him who were his enemies,
that he may bring their scalps to hang up within his
wigwam. But the great chief will soon be well, and his
arm will be stronger than ever to spill the blood of the
Saganaw as he has done before."

"The talk of the Ottawa chief is strange," returned the
governor, emphatically and with dignity. "He says he
conies to smoke the pipe of peace with the Saganaw, and
yet he talks of spilling their blood as if it was water
from the lake. What does the Ottawa mean?"

"Ugh!" exclaimed the Indian, in his surprise. "My father
is right, but the Ottawa and the Saganaw have not yet
smoked together. When they have, the hatchet will be
buried for ever. Until then, they are still enemies."

During this long and important colloquy of the leading
parties, the strictest silence had been preserved by the
remainder of the council. The inferior chiefs had
continued deliberately puffing the smoke from their curled
lips, as they sat cross-legged on their mats, and nodding
their heads at intervals in confirmation of the occasional
appeal made by the rapid glance of the Ottawa, and uttering
their guttural "Ugh!" whenever any observation of the
parlant parties touched their feelings, or called forth
their surprise. The officers had been no less silent and
attentive listeners, to a conversation on the issue of
which hung so many dear and paramount interests. A pause
in the conference gave them an opportunity of commenting
in a low tone on the communication made, in the strong
excitement of his pride, by the Ottawa chief, in regard
to the terrible warrior of the Fleur de lis; who, it was
evident, swayed the councils of the Indians, and
consequently exercised an influence over the ultimate
destinies of the English, which it was impossible to
contemplate without alarm. It was evident to all, from
whatsoever cause it might arise, this man cherished a
rancour towards certain individuals in the fort, inducing
an anxiety in its reduction scarcely equalled by that
entertained on the part of the Indians themselves. Beyond
this, however, all was mystery and doubt; nor had any
clue been given to enable them to arrive even at a well
founded apprehension of the motives which had given birth
to the vindictiveness of purpose, so universally ascribed
to him even by the savages themselves.

The chiefs also availed themselves of this pause in the
conversation of the principals, to sustain a low and
animated discussion. Those of the Shawanee and Delaware
nations were especially earnest; and, as they spoke across
the Ottawa, betrayed, by their vehemence of gesture, the
action of some strong feeling upon their minds, the
precise nature of which could not be ascertained from
their speech at the opposite extremity of the room. The
Ottawa did not deign to join in their conversation, but
sat smoking his pipe in all the calm and forbidding
dignity of a proud Indian warrior conscious of his own
importance.

"Does the great chief of the Ottawas, then, seek for
peace in his heart at length?" resumed the governor; "or
is he come to the strong hold of Detroit, as he went to
the other strong holds, with deceit on his lips?"

The Indian slowly removed his pipe from his mouth, fixed
his keen eye searchingly on that of the questioner for
nearly a minute, and then briefly and haughtily said,
"The Ottawa chief has spoken."

"And do the great chiefs of the Shawanees, and the great
chiefs of the Delawares, and the great chiefs of the
other nations, ask for peace also?" demanded the governor.
"If so, let them speak for themselves, and for their
warriors."

We will not trespass on the reader, on whom we have
already inflicted too much of this scene, by a transcript
of the declarations of the inferior chiefs. Suffice it
to observe, each in his turn avowed motives similar to
those of the Ottawa for wishing the hatchet might be
buried for ever, and that their young men should mingle
once more in confidence, not only with the English troops,
but with the settlers, who would again be brought into
the country at the cessation of hostilities. When each
had spoken, the Ottawa passed the pipe of ceremony, with
which he was provided, to the governor.

The latter put it to his lips, and commenced smoking.
The Indians keenly, and half furtively, watched the act;
and looks of deep intelligence, that escaped not the
notice of the equally anxious and observant officers,
passed among them.

"The pipe of the great chief of the Ottawas smokes well,"
calmly remarked the governor; "but the Ottawa chief, in
his hurry to come and ask for peace, has made a mistake.
The pipe and all its ornaments are red like blood: it
is the pipe of war, and not the pipe of peace. The great
chief of the Ottawas will be angry with himself; he has
entered the strong hold of the Saganaw, and sat in the
council, without doing any good for his young men. The
Ottawa must come again."

A deep but subdued expression of disappointment passed
over the features of the chiefs. They watched the
countenances of the officers, to see whether the
substitution of one pipe for the other had been attributed,
in their estimation, to accident or design. There was
nothing, however, to indicate the slightest doubt of
their sincerity.

"My father is right," replied the Indian, with an appearance
of embarrassment, which, whether natural or feigned, had
nothing suspicious in it. "The great chief of the Ottawas
has been foolish, like an old woman. The young chiefs of
his tribe will laugh at him for this. But the Ottawa
chief will come again, and the other chiefs with him,
for, as my father sees, they all wish for peace; and that
my father may know all the nations wish for peace, as
well as their head men, the warriors of the Ottawa, and
of the Shawanee, and of the Delaware, shall play at ball
upon the common, to amuse his young men, while the chiefs
sit in council with the chiefs of the Saganaw. The red
skins shall come naked, and without their rifles and
their tomahawks; and even the squaws of the warriors
shall come upon the common, to show the Saganaw they may
be without fear. Does my father hear?"

"The Ottawa chief says well," returned the governor; "but
will the pale friend of the Ottawa come also to take his
seat in the council hall? The great chief has said the
pale warrior has become the second chief among the Ottawas;
and that when he is dead, the pale warrior will lead the
Ottawas, and take the first seat in the council. He, too,
should smoke the pipe of peace with the Saganaw, that
they may know he is no longer their enemy."

The Indian hesitated, uttering merely his quick ejaculatory
"Ugh!" in expression of his surprise at so unexpected a
requisition. "The pale warrior, the friend of the Ottawa,
is very sick," he at length said; "but if the Great Spirit
should give him back his voice before the chiefs come
again to the council, the pale face will come too. If my
father does not see him then, he will know the friend of
the Ottawa chief is very sick."

The governor deemed it prudent not to press the question
too closely, lest in so doing he should excite suspicion,
and defeat his own object. "When will the Ottawa and the
other chiefs come again?" he asked; "and when will their
warriors play at ball upon the common, that the Saganaw
may see them and be amused?"

"When the sun has travelled so many times," replied
Ponteac, holding up three fingers of his left hand. "Then
will the Ottawa and the other chiefs bring their young
warriors and their women."

"It is too soon," was the reply;. "the Saganaw must have
time to collect their presents, that they may give them
to the young warriors who are swiftest in the race, and
the most active at the ball. The great chief of the
Ottawas, too, must let the settlers of the pale flag,
who are the friends of the red skins, bring in food for
the Saganaw, that a great feast may be given to the
chiefs, and to the warriors, and that the Saganaw may
make peace with the Ottawas and the other nations as
becomes a great people. In twice so many days," holding
up three of his fingers in imitation of the Indian, "the
Saganaw will be ready to receive the chiefs in council,
that they may smoke the pipe of peace, and bury the
hatchet for ever. What says the great chief of the
Ottawas?"

"It is good," was the reply of the Indian, his eye lighting
up with deep and exulting expression. "The settlers of
the pale flag shall bring food to the Saganaw. The Ottawa
chief will send them, and he will desire his young men
not to prevent them. In so many days, then," indicating
with his fingers, "the great chiefs will sit again in
council with the Saganaw, and the Ottawa chief will not
be a fool to bring the pipe he does not want."

With this assurance the conference terminated. Ponteac
raised his tall frame from the mat on which he had been
squatted, nodded condescendingly to the governor, and
strode haughtily into the square or area of the fort.
The other chiefs followed his example; and to Major
Blackwater was again assigned the duty of accompanying
them without the works. The glance of the savages, and
that of Ponteac in particular, was less wary than at
their entrance. Each seemed to embrace every object on
which the eye could rest, as if to fix its position
indelibly in his memory. The young chief, who had been
so suddenly and opportunely checked while in the very
act of pealing forth his terrible war whoop, again looked
up at the windows of the block house, in quest of those
whom his savage instinct had already devoted in intention
to his tomahawk, but they were no longer there. Such was
the silence that reigned every where, the fort appeared
to be tenanted only by the few men of the guard, who
lingered near their stations, attentively watching the
Indians, as they passed towards the gate. A very few
minutes sufficed to bring the latter once more in the
midst of their warriors, whom, for a few moments, they
harangued earnestly, when the whole body again moved off
in the direction of their encampment.




CHAPTER V.

The week that intervened between the visit of the chiefs
and the day appointed for their second meeting in council,
was passed by the garrison in perfect freedom from alarm,
although, as usual, in diligent watchfulness and
preparations for casualties. In conformity with his
promise, the Indian had despatched many of the Canadian
settlers, with such provisions as the country then
afforded, to the governor, and these, happy to obtain
the gold of the troops in return for what they could
conveniently spare, were not slow in availing themselves
of the permission. Dried bears' meat, venison, and Indian
corn, composed the substance of these supplies, which
were in sufficient abundance to produce a six weeks'
increase to the stock of the garrison. Hitherto they had
been subsisting, in a great degree, upon salt provisions;
the food furtively supplied by the Canadians being
necessarily, from their dread of detection, on so limited
a scale, that a very small portion of the troops had been
enabled to profit by it. This, therefore, was an important
and unexpected benefit, derived from the falling in of
the garrison with the professed views of the savages;
and one which, perhaps, few officers would, like Colonel
de Haldimar, have possessed the forethought to have
secured. But although it served to relieve the animal
wants of the man, there was little to remove his moral
inquietude. Discouraged by the sanguinary character of
the warfare in which they seemed doomed to be for ever
engaged, and harassed by constant watchings,--seldom
taking off their clothes for weeks together,--the men
had gradually been losing their energy of spirit, in the
contemplation of the almost irremediable evils by which
they were beset; and looked forward with sad and
disheartening conviction to a fate, that all things tended
to prove to them was unavoidable, however the period of
its consummation might be protracted. Among the officers,
this dejection, although proceeding from a different
cause, was no less prevalent; and notwithstanding they
sought to disguise it before their men, when left to
themselves, they gave unlimited rein to a despondency
hourly acquiring strength, as the day fixed on for the
second council with the Indians drew near.

At length it came, that terrible and eventful day, and,
as if in mockery of those who saw no beauty in its golden
beams, arrayed in all the gorgeous softness of its autumnal
glory. Sad and heavy were the hearts of many within that
far distant and isolated fort, as they rose, at the first
glimmering of light above the horizon, to prepare for
the several duties assigned them. All felt the influence
of a feeling that laid prostrate the moral energies even
of the boldest: but there was one young officer in
particular, who exhibited a dejection, degenerating almost
into stupefaction; and more than once, when he received
an order from his superior, hesitated as one who either
heard not, or, in attempting to perform it, mistook the
purport of his instructions, and executed some entirely
different duty. The countenance of this officer, whose
attenuated person otherwise bore traces of languor and
debility, but too plainly marked the abstractedness and
terror of his mind, while the set stiff features and
contracted muscles of the face contributed to give an
expression of vacuity, that one who knew him not might
have interpreted unfavourably. Several times, during the
inspection of his company at the early parade, he was
seen to raise his head, and throw forward his ear, as if
expecting to catch the echo of some horrible and appalling
cry, until the men themselves remarked, and commented,
by interchange of looks, on the singular conduct of their
officer, whose thoughts had evidently no connection with
the duty he was performing, or the spot on which he stood.

When this customary inspection had been accomplished,--how
imperfectly, has been seen,--and the men dismissed from
their ranks, the same young officer was observed, by one
who followed his every movement with interest, to ascend
that part of the rampart which commanded an unbroken view
of the country westward, from the point where the encampment
of the Indians was supposed to lie, down to the bridge
on which the terrible tragedy of Halloway's death had
been so recently enacted. Unconscious of the presence of
two sentinels, who moved to and fro near their respective
posts, on either side of him, the young officer folded
his arms, and gazed in that direction for some minutes,
with his whole soul riveted on the scene. Then, as if
overcome by recollections called up by that on which he
gazed, he covered his eyes hurriedly with his hands, and
betrayed, by the convulsed movement of his slender form,
he was weeping bitterly. This paroxysm past, he uncovered
his face, sank with one knee upon the ground, and upraising
his clasped hands, as if in appeal to his God, seemed to
pray deeply and fervently. In this attitude he continued
for some moments, when he became sensible of the approach
of an intruder. He raised himself from his knee, turned,
and beheld one whose countenance was stamped with a
dejection scarcely inferior to his own. It was Captain
Blessington.

"Charles, my dear Charles!" exclaimed the latter hurriedly,
as he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the emaciated
De Haldimar, "consider you are not alone. For God's sake,
check this weakness! There are men observing you on every
side, and your strange manner has already been the subject
of remark in the company."

"When the heart is sick, like mine," replied the youth,
in a tone of fearful despondency, "it is alike reckless
of forms, and careless of appearances. I trust, however,"
and here spoke the soldier, "there are few within this
fort who will believe me less courageous, because I have
been seen to bend my knee in supplication to my God. I
did not think that YOU, Blessington, would have been the
first to condemn the act."

"I condemn it, Charles! you mistake me, indeed you do,"
feelingly returned his captain, secretly pained at the
mild reproach contained in the concluding sentence; "but
there are two things to be considered. In the first
instance, the men, who are yet in ignorance of the great
evils with which we are threatened, may mistake the cause
of your agitation; you were in tears just now, Charles,
and the sentinels must have remarked it as well as myself.
I would not have them to believe that one of their officers
was affected by the anticipation of coming disaster, in
a way their own hearts are incapable of estimating. You
understand me, Charles? I would not have them too much
discouraged by an example that may become infectious."

"I DO understand you, Blessington," and a forced and
sickly smile played for a moment over the wan yet handsome
features of the young officer; "you would not have me
appear a weeping coward in their eyes."

"Nay, dear Charles, I did not say it."

"But you meant it, Blessington; yet, think not,"--and he
warmly pressed the hand of his captain,--"think not, I
repeat, I take your hint in any other than the friendly
light in which it was intended. That I have been no
coward, however, I hope I have given proof more than once
before the men, most of whom have known me from my very
cradle; yet, whatever they may think, is to me, at this
moment, a matter of utter indifference. Blessington,"
and again the tears rolled from his fixed eyes over his
cheek, while he pointed with his finger to the western
horizon, "I have neither thought nor feeling for myself;
my whole heart lies buried there. Oh, God of Heaven!" he
pursued after a pause, and again raising his eyes in
supplication, "avert the dreadful destiny that awaits my
beloved sister."

"Charles, Charles, if only for that sister's sake, then,
calm an agitation which, if thus indulged in, will
assuredly destroy you. All will yet be well. The delay
obtained by your father has been sufficient for the
purpose proposed. Let us hope for the best: if we are
deceived in our expectation, it will then be time enough
to indulge in a grief, which could scarcely be exceeded,
were the fearful misgivings of your mind to be realised
before your eyes."

"Blessington," returned the young officer,--and his
features exhibited the liveliest image of despair,--"all
hope has long since been extinct within my breast. See
you yon theatre of death?" he mournfully pursued, pointing
to the fatal bridge, which was thrown into full relief
against the placid bosom of the Detroit: "recollect you
the scene that was acted on it? As for me, it is ever
present to my mind,--it haunts me in my thoughts by day,
and in my dreams by night. I shall never forget it while
memory is left to curse me with the power of retrospection.
On the very spot on which I now stand was I borne in a
chair, to witness the dreadful punishment; you see the
stone at my feet, I marked it by that. I saw you conduct
Halloway to the centre of the bridge; I beheld him kneel
to receive his death; I saw, too, the terrible race for
life, that interrupted the proceedings; I marked the
sudden upspring of Halloway to his feet upon the coffin,
and the exulting waving of his hand, as he seemed to
recognise the rivals for mastery in that race. Then was
heard the fatal volley, and I saw the death-struggle of
him who had saved my brother's life. I could have died,
too, at that moment; and would to Providence I had! but
it was otherwise decreed. My aching interest was, for a
moment, diverted by the fearful chase now renewed upon
the height; and, in common with those around me, I watched
the efforts of the pursuer and the pursued with painful
earnestness and doubt as to the final result. Ah,
Blessington, why was not this all? The terrible shriek,
uttered at the moment when the fugitive fell, apparently
dead, at the feet of the firing party, reached us even
here. I felt as if my heart must have burst, for I knew
it to be the shriek of poor Ellen Halloway,--the suffering
wife,--the broken-hearted woman who had so recently, in
all the wild abandonment of her grief, wetted my pillow,
and even my cheek, with her burning tears, while
supplicating an intercession with my father for mercy,
which I knew it would be utterly fruitless to promise.
Oh, Blessington," pursued the sensitive and affectionate
young officer, "I should vainly attempt to paint all that
passed in my mind at that dreadful moment. Nothing but
the depth of my despair gave me strength to support the
scene throughout. I saw the frantic and half-naked woman
glide like a phantom past the troops, dividing the air
with the rapidity of thought. I knew it to be Ellen; for
the discovery of her exchange of clothes with one of the
drum boys of the grenadiers was made soon after you left
the fort. I saw her leap upon the coffin, and, standing
over the body of her unhappy husband, raise her hands to
heaven in adjuration, and my heart died within me. I
recollected the words she had spoken on a previous
occasion, during the first examination of Halloway, and
I felt it to be the prophetic denunciation, then threatened,
that she was now uttering on all the race of De Haldimar.
I saw no more, Blessington. Sick, dizzy, and with every
faculty of my mind annihilated, I turned away from the
horrid scene, and was again borne to my room. I tried to
give vent to my overcharged heart in tears; but the power
was denied me, and I sank at once into that stupefaction
which you have since remarked in me, and which has been
increasing every hour. What additional cause I have had
for the indulgence of this confirmed despondency you are
well acquainted with. It is childish, it is unsoldierlike,
I admit: but, alas! that dreadful scene is eternally
before my eyes, and absorbs my mind, to the exclusion of
every other feeling. I have not a thought or a care but
for the fate that too certainly awaits those who are most
dear to me; and if this be a weakness, it is one I shall
never have the power to shake off. In a word, Blessington,
I am heart-broken."

Captain Blessington was deeply affected; for there was
a solemnity in the voice and manner of the young officer
that carried conviction to the heart; and it was some
moments before he could so far recover himself as to
observe,--

"That scene, Charles, was doubtless a heart-rending one
to us all; for I well recollect, on turning to remark
the impression made on my men when the wretched Ellen
Halloway pronounced her appalling curse to have seen the
large tears coursing each other over the furrowed cheeks
of some of our oldest soldiers: and if THEY could feel
thus, how much more acute must have been the grief of
those immediately interested in its application!"

"THEIR tears were not for the denounced race of De
Haldimar," returned the youth,--"they were shed for
their unhappy comrade--they were wrung from their stubborn
hearts by the agonising grief of the wife of Halloway."

"That this was the case in part, I admit," returned
Captain Blessington. "The feelings of the men partook of
a mixed character. It was evident that grief for Halloway,
compassion for his wife, secret indignation and, it may
be, disgust at the severity of your father, and sorrow
for his innocent family, who were included in that
denunciation, predominated with equal force in their
hearts at the same moment. There was an expression that
told how little they would have pitied any anguish of
mind inflicted on their colonel, provided his children,
whom they loved, were not to be sacrificed to its
accomplishment."

"You admit, then, Blessington, although indirectly,"
replied the young De Haldimar in a voice of touching
sorrow, "that the consummation of the sacrifice IS to be
looked for. Alas! it is that on which my mind perpetually
lingers; yet, Heaven knows, my fears are not for myself."

"You mistake me, dearest Charles. I look upon the
observations of the unhappy woman as the ravings of a
distracted mind--the last wild outpourings of a broken
heart, turning with animal instinct on the hand that has
inflicted its death-blow."

"Ah, why did she except no one member of that family!"
said the unhappy De Haldimar, pursuing rather the chain
of his reflections than replying to the observation of
his captain. "Had the weight of her malediction fallen
on all else than my adored sister, I could have borne
the infliction, and awaited the issue with resignation,
if not without apprehension. But my poor gentle and
unoffending Clara,--alike innocent of the cause, and
ignorant of the effect,--what had she done to be included
in this terrible curse?--she, who, in the warm and generous
affection of her nature, had ever treated Ellen Halloway
rather as a sister than as the dependant she always
appeared." Again he covered his eyes with his hands, to
conceal the starting tears.

"De Haldimar," said Captain Blessington reprovingly, but
mildly, "this immoderate grief is wrong--it is unmanly,
and should be repressed. I can feel and understand the
nature of your sorrow; but others may not judge so
favourably. We shall soon be summoned to fall in; and I
would not that Mr. Delme, in particular, should notice
an emotion he is so incapable of understanding."

The hand of the young officer dropped from his face to
the hilt of his sword. His cheek became scarlet; and even
through the tears which he half choked himself to command,
there was an unwonted flashing from his blue eye, that
told how deeply the insinuation had entered into his
heart.

"Think you, Captain Blessington," he proudly retorted,
"there is an officer in the fort who should dare to taunt
me with my feelings as you have done? I came here, sir,
in the expectation I should be alone. At a fitting hour
I shall be found where Captain Blessington's subaltern
should be--with his company."

"De Haldimar--dear De Haldimar, forgive me!" returned
his captain. "Heaven knows I would not, on any
consideration, wantonly inflict pain on your sensitive
heart. My design was to draw you out of this desponding
humour; and with this view I sought to arouse your pride,
but certainly not to wound your feelings. De Haldimar,"
he concluded, with marked expression, "you must not,
indeed, feel offended with one who has known and esteemed
you from very boyhood. Friendship and interest in your
deep affliction of spirit alone brought me here--the same
feelings prompted my remark. Do you not believe me?"

"I do," impressively returned the young man, grasping
the hand that was extended to him in amity. "It is I,
rather, Blessington, who should ask you to forgive my
petulance; but, indeed, indeed," and again his tone
faltered, and his eye was dimmed, "I am more wretched
even than I am willing to confess. Pardon my silly
conduct--it was but the vain and momentary flashing of
the soldier's spirit impatient of an assumed imputation,
and the man less than the profession is to be taxed with
it. But it is past; and already do you behold me once
more the tame and apprehensive being I must ever continue
until all is over."

"What can I possibly urge to console one who seems so
willing to nurse into conviction all the melancholy
imaginings of a diseased mind," observed Captain
Blessington, in a voice that told how deeply he felt for
the situation of his young friend. "Recollect, dearest
Charles, the time that has been afforded to our friends.
More than a week has gone by since they left the fort,
and a less period was deemed sufficient for their purpose.
Before this they must have gained their destination. In
fact, it is my positive belief they have; for there could
be nothing to detect them in their disguise. Had I the
famous lamp of Aladdin," he pursued, in a livelier tone,
"over the history of which Clara and yourself used to
spend so many hours in childhood, I have no doubt I could
show them to you quietly seated within the fort, recounting
their adventures to Clara and her cousin, and discoursing
of their absent friends."

"Would I to Heaven you had the power to do so!" replied
De Haldimar, smiling faintly at the conceit, while a ray
of hope beamed for a moment upon his sick soul; "for
then, indeed, would all my fears for the present be at
rest. But you forget, Blessington, the encounter stated
to have taken place between them and that terrible stranger
near the bridge. Besides, is it not highly probable the
object of their expedition was divined by that singular
and mysterious being, and that means have been taken to
intercept their passage? If so, all hope is at an end."

"Why persevere in viewing only the more sombre side of
the picture?" returned his friend. "In your anxiety to
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
join the company, and let me entreat you to evince less
despondency before the men. It is hard, I know, to
sustain an artificial character under such disheartening
circumstances; still, for example's sake, it must be
done."

"What I can I will do, Blessington," rejoined the youth,
as they both moved from the ramparts; "but the task is,
in truth, one to which I find myself wholly unequal. How
do I know that, even at this moment, my defenceless,
terrified, and innocent sister may not be invoking the
name and arm of her brother to save her from destruction."

"Trust in Providence, Charles. Even although our worst
apprehensions be realised, as I fervently trust they will
not, your sister may be spared. The Canadian could not
have been unfaithful, or we should have learnt something
of his treachery from the Indians. Another week will
confirm us in the truth or fallacy of our impressions.
Until then, let us arm our hearts with hope. Trust me,
we shall yet see the laughing eyes of Clara fill with
tears of affection, as I recount to her all her too
sensitive and too desponding brother has suffered for
her sake."

De Haldimar made no reply. He deeply felt the kind
intention of his captain, but was far from cherishing
the hope that had been recommended. He sighed heavily,
pressed the arm, on which he leaned, in gratitude for
the motive, and moved silently with his friend to join
their company below the rampart.




CHAPTER VI.

Meanwhile the white flag had again been raised by the
Indians upon the bomb-proof; and this having been readily
met by a corresponding signal from the fort, a numerous
band of savages now issued from the cover with which
their dark forms had hitherto been identified, and spread
themselves far and near upon the common. On this occasion
they were without arms, offensive or defensive, of any
kind, if we may except the knife which was always carried
at the girdle, and which constituted a part rather of
their necessary dress than of their warlike equipment.
These warriors might have been about five hundred in
number, and were composed chiefly of picked men from the
nations of the Ottawas, the Delawares, and the Shawanees;
each race being distinctly recognisable from the others
by certain peculiarities of form and feature which
individualised, if we may so term it, the several tribes.
Their only covering was the legging before described,
composed in some instances of cloth, but principally of
smoked deerskin, and the flap that passed through the
girdle around the loins, by which the straps attached to
the leggings were secured. Their bodies, necks, and arms
were, with the exception of a few slight ornaments,
entirely naked; and even the blanket, that served them
as a couch by night and a covering by day, had, with one
single exception, been dispensed with, apparently with
a view to avoid any thing like encumbrance in their
approaching sport. Each individual was provided with a
stout sapling of about three feet in length, curved, and
flattened at the root extremity, like that used at the
Irish hurdle; which game, in fact, the manner of
ball-playing among the Indians in every way resembled.

Interspersed among these warriors were a nearly equal
number of squaws. These were to be seen lounging carelessly
about in small groups, and were of all ages; from the
hoary-headed, shrivelled-up hag, whose eyes still sparkled
with a fire that her lank and attenuated frame denied,
to the young girl of twelve, whose dark and glowing cheek,
rounded bust, and penetrating glance, bore striking
evidence of the precociousness of Indian beauty. These
latter looked with evident interest on the sports of the
younger warriors, who, throwing down their hurdles, either
vied with each other in the short but incredibly swift
foot-race, or indulged themselves in wrestling and leaping;
while their companions, abandoned to the full security
they felt to be attached to the white flag waving on the
fort, lay at their lazy length upon the sward, ostensibly
following the movements of the several competitors in
these sports, but in reality with heart and eye directed
solely to the fortification that lay beyond. Each of
these females, in addition to the machecoti, or petticoat,
which in one solid square of broad-cloth was tightly
wrapped around the loins, also carried a blanket loosely
thrown around the person, but closely confined over the
shoulders in front, and reaching below the knee. There
was an air of constraint in their movements, which accorded
ill with the occasion of festivity for which they were
assembled; and it was remarkable, whether it arose from
deference to those to whom they were slaves, as well as
wives and daughters, or from whatever other cause it
might be, none of them ventured to recline themselves
upon the sward in imitation of the warriors.

When it had been made known to the governor that the
Indians had begun to develop themselves in force upon
the common unarmed, yet redolent with the spirit that
was to direct their meditated sports, the soldiers were
dismissed from their respective companies to the ramparts;
where they were now to be seen, not drawn up in formidable
and hostile array, but collected together in careless
groups, and simply in their side-arms. This reciprocation
of confidence on the part of the garrison was acknowledged
by the Indians by marks of approbation, expressed as much
by the sudden and classic disposition of their fine forms
into attitudes strikingly illustrative of their admiration
and pleasure, as by the interjectional sounds that passed
from one to the other of the throng. From the increased
alacrity with which they now lent themselves to the
preparatory and inferior amusements of the day, it was
evident their satisfaction was complete.

Hitherto the principal chiefs had, as on the previous
occasion, occupied the bomb-proof; and now, as then, they
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
face of the rampart, it was evident his object was to
embrace the numerical strength collected there. It was
moreover observed, when he passed the groups of squaws
on his way to the gate, he addressed some words in a
strange tongue to the elder matrons of each.

Once more the dark warriors were received at the gate by
Major Blackwater; and, as with firm but elastic tread,
they moved across the square, each threw his fierce eyes
rapidly and anxiously around, and with less of concealment
in his manner than had been manifested on the former
occasion. On every hand the same air of nakedness and
desertion met their gaze. Not even a soldier of the
guard was to be seen; and when they cast their eyes
upwards to the windows of the blockhouses, they were
found to be tenantless as the area through which they
passed. A gleam of fierce satisfaction pervaded the
swarthy countenances of the Indians; and the features of
Ponteac, in particular, expressed the deepest exultation.
Instead of leading his party, he now brought up the rear;
and when arrived in the centre of the fort, he, without
any visible cause for the accident, stumbled, and fell
to the earth. The other chiefs for a moment lost sight
of their ordinary gravity, and marked their sense of the
circumstance by a prolonged sound, partaking of the
mingled character of a laugh and a yell. Startled at
the cry, Major Blackwater, who was in front, turned to
ascertain the cause. At that moment Ponteac sprang lightly
again to his feet, responding to the yell of his
confederates by another even more startling, fierce, and
prolonged than their own. He then stalked proudly to the
head of the party, and even preceded Major Blackwater
into the council room.

In this rude theatre of conference some changes had been
made since their recent visit, which escaped not the
observation of the quick-sighted chiefs. Their mats lay
in the position they had previously occupied, and the
chairs of the officers were placed as before, but the
room itself had been considerably enlarged. The slight
partition terminating the interior extremity of the
mess-room, and dividing it from that of one of the
officers, had been removed; and midway through this,
extending entirely across, was drawn a curtain of scarlet
cloth, against which the imposing figure of the governor,
elevated as his seat was above those of the other officers,
was thrown into strong relief. There was another change,
that escaped not the observation of the Indians, and that
was, not more than one half of the officers who had been
present at the first conference being now in the room.
Of these latter, one had, moreover, been sent away by
the governor the moment the chiefs were ushered in.

"Ugh!" ejaculated the proud leader, as he took his seat
unceremoniously, and yet not without reluctance, upon
the mat. "The council-room of my father is bigger than
when the Ottawa was here before, yet the number of his
chiefs is not so many."

"The great chief of the Ottawas knows that the Saganaw
has promised the red skins a feast," returned the governor.
"Were he to leave it to his young warriors to provide
it, he would not be able to receive the Ottawa like a
great chief, and to make peace with him as he could wish."

"My father has a great deal of cloth, red, like the blood
of a pale face," pursued the Indian, rather in demand
than in observation, as he pointed with his finger to
the opposite end of the room. "When the Ottawa was here
last, he did not see it."

"The great chief of the Ottawas knows that the great
father of the Saganaw has a big heart to make presents
to the red skins. The cloth the Ottawa sees there is
sufficient to make leggings for the chiefs of all the
nations."

Apparently satisfied with this reply, the fierce Indian
uttered one of his strong guttural and assentient "ughs,"
and then commenced filling the pipe of peace, correct on
the present occasion in all its ornaments, which was
handed to him by the Delaware chief. It was remarked by
the officers this operation took up an unusually long
portion of his time, and that he frequently turned his
ear, like a horse stirred by the huntsman's horn, with
quick and irrepressible eagerness towards the door.

"The pale warrior, the friend of the Ottawa chief, is
not here," said the governor, as he glanced his eye along
the semicircle of Indians. "How is this? Is his voice
still sick, that he cannot come; or has the great chief
of the Ottawas forgotten to tell him?"

"The voice of the pale warrior is still sick, and he
cannot speak," replied the Indian. "The Ottawa chief is
very sorry; for the tongue of his friend the pale face
is full of wisdom."

Scarcely had the last words escaped his lips, when a wild
shrill cry from without the fort rang on the ears of the
assembled council, and caused a momentary commotion among
the officers. It arose from a single voice, and that
voice could not be mistaken by any who had heard it once
before. A second or two, during which the officers and
chiefs kept their eyes intently fixed on each other,
passed anxiously away, and then nearer to the gate,
apparently on the very drawbridge itself, was pealed
forth the wild and deafening yell of a legion of devilish
voices. At that sound, the Ottawa and the other chiefs
sprang to their feet, and their own fierce cry responded
to that yet vibrating on the ears of all. Already were
their gleaming tomahawks brandished wildly over their
heads, and Ponteac had even bounded a pace forward to
reach the governor with the deadly weapon, when, at the
sudden stamping of the foot of the latter upon the floor,
the scarlet cloth in the rear was thrown aside, and twenty
soldiers, their eyes glancing along the barrels of their
levelled muskets, met the startled gaze of the astonished
Indians.

An instant was enough to satisfy the keen chief of the
true state of the case. The calm composed mien of the
officers, not one of whom had even attempted to quit his
seat, amid the din by which his ears were so alarmingly
assailed,--the triumphant, yet dignified, and even severe
expression of the governor's countenance; and, above all,
the unexpected presence of the prepared soldiery,--all
these at once assured him of the discovery of his treachery,
and the danger that awaited him. The necessity for an
immediate attempt to join his warriors without, was now
obvious to the Ottawa; and scarcely had he conceived the
idea before it was sought to be executed. In a single
spring he gained the door of the mess-room, and, followed
eagerly and tumultuously by the other chiefs, to whose
departure no opposition was offered, in the next moment
stood on the steps of the piazza that ran along the front
of the building whence he had issued.

The surprise of the Indians on reaching this point, was
now too powerful to be dissembled; and, incapable either
of advancing or receding, they remained gazing on the
scene before them with an air of mingled stupefaction,
rage, and alarm. Scarcely ten minutes had elapsed since
they had proudly strode through the naked area of the
fort; and yet, even in that short space of time, its
appearance had been entirely changed. Not a part was
there now of the surrounding buildings that was not
redolent with human life, and hostile preparation. Through
every window of the officers' low rooms, was to be seen
the dark and frowning muzzle of a field-piece, bearing
upon the gateway; and behind these were artillerymen,
holding their lighted matches, supported again by files
of bayonets, that glittered in their rear. In the
block-houses the same formidable array of field-pieces
and muskets was visible; while from the four angles of
the square, as many heavy guns, that had been artfully
masked at the entrance of the chiefs, seemed ready to
sweep away every thing that should come before them. The
guard-room near the gate presented the same hostile front.
The doors of this, as well as of the other buildings,
had been firmly secured within; but from every window
affording cover to the troops, gleamed a line of bayonets
rising above the threatening field-pieces, pointed, at
a distance of little more than twelve feet, directly upon
the gateway. In addition to his musket, each man of the
guard moreover held a hand grenade, provided with a short
fuze that could be ignited in a moment from the matches
of the gunners, and with immediate effect. The soldiers
in the block-houses were similarly provided.

Almost magic as was the change thus suddenly effected in
the appearance of the garrison, it was not the most
interesting feature in the exciting scene. Choking up
the gateway, in which they were completely wedged, and
crowding the drawbridge, a dense mass of dusky Indians
were to be seen casting their fierce glances around; yet
paralysed in their movements by the unlooked-for display
of a resisting force, threatening instant annihilation
to those who should attempt either to advance or to
recede. Never, perhaps, were astonishment and disappointment
more forcibly depicted on the human countenance, than as
they were now exhibited by these men, who had already,
in imagination, secured to themselves an easy conquest.
They were the warriors who had so recently been engaged
in the manly yet innocent exercise of the ball; but,
instead of the harmless hurdle, each now carried a short
gun in one hand and a gleaming tomahawk in the other.
After the first general yelling heard in the council-room,
not a sound was uttered. Their burst of rage and triumph
had evidently been checked by the unexpected manner of
their reception, and they now stood on the spot on which
the further advance of each had been arrested, so silent
and motionless, that, but for the rolling of their dark
eyes, as they keenly measured the insurmountable barriers
that were opposed to their progress, they might almost
have been taken for a wild group of statuary.

Conspicuous at the head of these was he who wore the
blanket; a tall warrior, on whom rested the startled eye
of every officer and soldier who was so situated as to
behold him. His face was painted black as death; and as
he stood under the arch of the gateway, with his white
turbaned head towering far above those of his companions,
this formidable and mysterious enemy might have been
likened to the spirit of darkness presiding over his
terrible legions.

In order to account for the extraordinary appearance of
the Indians, armed in every way for death, at a moment
when neither gun nor tomahawk was apparently within miles
of their reach, it will be necessary to revert to the
first entrance of the chiefs into the fort. The fall of
Ponteac had been the effect of design; and the yell pealed
forth by him, on recovering his feet, as if in taunting
reply to the laugh of his comrades, was in reality a
signal intended for the guidance of the Indians without.
These, now following up their game with increasing spirit,
at once changed the direction of their line, bringing
the ball nearer to the fort. In their eagerness to effect
this object, they had overlooked the gradual secession
of the unarmed troops, spectators of their sport from
the ramparts, until scarcely more than twenty stragglers
were left. As they neared the gate, the squaws broke up
their several groups, and, forming a line on either hand
of the road leading to the drawbridge, appeared to separate
solely with a view not to impede the action of the players.
For an instant a dense group collected around the ball,
which had been driven to within a hundred yards of the
gate, and fifty hurdles were crossed in their endeavours
to secure it, when the warrior, who formed the solitary
exception to the multitude, in his blanket covering, and
who had been lingering in the extreme rear of the party,
came rapidly up to the spot where the well-affected
struggle was maintained. At his approach, the hurdles of
the other players were withdrawn, when, at a single blow
from his powerful arm, the ball was seen flying into the
air in an oblique direction, and was for a moment lost
altogether to the view. When it again met the eye, it
was descending perpendicularly into the very centre of
the fort.

With the fleetness of thought now commenced a race that
had ostensibly for its object the recovery of the lost
ball; and in which, he who had driven it with such
resistless force outstripped them all. Their course lay
between the two lines of squaws; and scarcely had the
head of the bounding Indians reached the opposite extremity
of those lines, when the women suddenly threw back their
blankets, and disclosed each a short gun and a tomahawk.
To throw away their hurdles and seize upon these, was
the work of an instant. Already, in imagination, was the
fort their own; and, such was the peculiar exultation of
the black and turbaned warrior, when he felt the planks
of the drawbridge bending beneath his feet, all the
ferocious joy of his soul was pealed forth in the terrible
cry which, rapidly succeeded by that of the other Indians,
had resounded so fearfully through the council-room. What
their disappointment was, when, on gaining the interior,
they found the garrison prepared for their reception,
has already been shown.

"Secure that traitor, men!" exclaimed the governor,
advancing into the square, and pointing to the black
warrior, whose quick eye was now glancing on every side,
to discover some assailable point in the formidable
defences of the troops.

A laugh of scorn and derision escaped the lips of the
warrior. "Is there a man--are there any ten men, even
with Governor de Haldimar at their head, who will be bold
enough to attempt it?" he asked. "Nay!" he pursued,
stepping boldly a pace or two in front of the wondering
savages,--"here I stand singly, and defy your whole
garrison!"

A sudden movement among the soldiers in the guard-room
announced they were preparing to execute the order of
their chief. The eye of the black warrior sparkled with
ferocious pleasure; and he made a gesture to his followers,
which was replied to by the sudden tension of their
hitherto relaxed forms into attitudes of expectance and
preparation.

"Stay, men; quit not your cover for your lives!" commanded
the governor, in a loud deep voice:--"keep the barricades
fast, and move not."

A cloud of anger and disappointment passed over the
features of the black warrior. It was evident the object
of his bravado was to draw the troops from their defences,
that they might be so mingled with their enemies as to
render the cannon useless, unless friends and foes (which
was by no means probable) should alike be sacrificed.
The governor had penetrated the design in time to prevent
the mischief.

In a moment of uncontrollable rage, the savage warrior
aimed his tomahawk at the head of the governor. The latter
stepped lightly aside, and the steel sank with such force
into one of the posts supporting the piazza, that the
quivering handle snapped close off at its head. At that
moment, a single shot, fired from the guard-house, was
drowned in the yell of approbation which burst from the
lips of the dark crowd. The turban of the warrior was,
however, seen flying through the air, carried away by
the force of the bullet which had torn it from his head.
He himself was unharmed.

"A narrow escape for us both, Colonel de Haldimar," he
observed, as soon as the yell had subsided, and with an
air of the most perfect unconcern. "Had my tomahawk obeyed
the first impulse of my heart, I should have cursed myself
and died: as it is, I have reason to avoid all useless
exposure of my own life, at present. A second bullet may
be better directed; and to die, robbed of my revenge,
would ill answer the purpose of a life devoted to its
attainment. Remember my pledge!"

At the hasty command of the governor, a hundred muskets
were raised to the shoulders of his men; but, before a
single eye could glance along the barrel, the formidable
and active warrior had bounded over the heads of the
nearest Indians into a small space that was left unoccupied;
when, stooping suddenly to the earth, he disappeared
altogether from the view of his enemies. A slight movement
in the centre of the numerous band crowding the gateway,
and extending even beyond the bridge, was now discernible:
it was like the waving of a field of standing corn,
through which some animal rapidly winds its tortuous
course, bending aside as the object advances, and closing
again when it has passed. After the lapse of a minute,
the terrible warrior was seen to spring again to his
feet, far in the rear of the band; and then, uttering a
fierce shout of exultation, to make good his retreat
towards the forest.

Meanwhile, Ponteac and the other chiefs of the council
continued rooted to the piazza on which they had rushed
at the unexpected display of the armed men behind the
scarlet curtain. The loud "Waugh" that burst from the
lips of all, on finding themselves thus foiled in their
schemes of massacre, had been succeeded, the instant
afterwards, by feelings of personal apprehension, which
each, however, had collectedness enough to disguise. Once
the Ottawa made a movement as if he would have cleared
the space that kept him from his warriors; but the
emphatical pointing of the finger of Colonel de Haldimar
to the levelled muskets of the men in the block-houses
prevented him, and the attempt was not repeated. It was
remarked by the officers, who also stood on the piazza,
close behind the chiefs, when the black warrior threw
his tomahawk at the governor, a shade of displeasure
passed over the features of the Ottawa; and that, when
he found the daring attempt was not retaliated on his
people, his countenance had been momentarily lighted up
with a satisfied expression, apparently marking his sense
of the forbearance so unexpectedly shown.

"What says the great chief of the Ottawas now?" asked
the governor calmly, and breaking a profound silence that
had succeeded to the last fierce yell of the formidable
being just departed. "Was the Saganaw not right, when he
said the Ottawa came with guile in his heart, and with
a lie upon his lips? But the Saganaw is not a fool, and
he can read the thoughts of his enemies upon their faces,
and long before their lips have spoken."

"Ugh!" ejaculated the Indian; "my father is a great chief,
and his head is full of wisdom. Had he been feeble, like
the other chiefs of the Saganaw, the strong-hold of the
Detroit must have fallen, and the red skins would have
danced their war-dance round the scalps of his young men,
even in the council-room where they came to talk of
peace."

"Does the great chief of the Ottawas see the big thunder
of the Saganaw?" pursued the governor: "if not, let him
open his eyes and look. The Saganaw has but to move his
lips, and swifter than the lightning would the pale faces
sweep away the warriors of the Ottawa, even where they
now stand: in less time than the Saganaw is now speaking,
would they mow them down like the grass of the Prairie."

"Ugh!" again exclaimed the chief, with mixed doggedness
and fierceness: "if what my father says is true, why does
he not pour out his anger upon the red skins?"

"Let the great chief of the Ottawas listen," replied the
governor with dignity. "When the great chiefs of all the
nations that are in league with the Ottawas came last to
the council, the Saganaw knew that they carried deceit
in their hearts, and that they never meant to smoke the
pipe of peace, or to bury the hatchet in the ground. The
Saganaw might have kept them prisoners, that their warriors
might be without a head; but he had given his word to
the great chief of the Ottawas, and the word of a Saganaw
is never broken. Even now, while both the chiefs and
the warriors are in his power,--he will not slay them,
for he wishes to show the Ottawa the desire of the Saganaw
is to be friendly with the red skins, and not to destroy
them. Wicked men from the Canadas have whispered lies in
the ear of the Ottawa; but a great chief should judge
for himself, and take council only from the wisdom of
his own heart. The Ottawa and his warriors may go," he
resumed, after a short pause; "the path by which they
came is again open to them. Let them depart in peace;
the big thunder of the Saganaw shall not harm them."

The countenance of the Indian, who had clearly seen the
danger of his position, wore an expression of surprise
which could not be dissembled: low exclamations passed
between him and his companions; and, then pointing to
the tomahawk that lay half buried in the wood, he said,
doubtingly,--

"It was the pale face, the friend of the great chief of
the Ottawas, who struck the hatchet at my father. The
Ottawa is not a fool to believe the Saganaw can sleep
without revenge."

"The great chief of the Ottawas shall know us better,"
was the reply. "The young warriors of the Saganaw might
destroy their enemies where they now stand, but they seek
not their blood. When the Ottawa chief takes council from
his own heart, and not from the lips of a cowardly dog
of a pale face, who strikes his tomahawk and then flies,
his wisdom will tell him to make peace with the Saganaw,
whose warriors are without treachery, even as they are
without fear."

Another of those deep interjectional "ughs" escaped the
chest of the proud Indian.

"What my father says is good," he returned; "but the pale
face is a great warrior, and the Ottawa chief is his
friend. The Ottawa will go."

He then addressed a few sentences, in a tongue unknown
to the officers, to the swarthy and anxious crowd in
front. These were answered by a low, sullen, yet assentient
grunt, from the united band, who now turned, though with
justifiable caution and distrust, and recrossed the
drawbridge without hinderance from the troops. Ponteac
waited until the last Indian had departed, and then making
a movement to the governor, which, with all its haughtiness,
was meant to mark his sense of the forbearance and good
faith that had been manifested, once more stalked proudly
and calmly across the area, followed by the remainder of
the chiefs. The officers who were with the governor
ascended to the ramparts, to follow their movements; and
it was not before their report had been made, that the
Indians were immerging once more into the heart of the
forest, the troops were withdrawn from their formidable
defences, and the gate of the fort again firmly secured.




CHAPTER VII.

While the reader is left to pause over the rapid succession
of incidents resulting from the mysterious entrance of
the warrior of the Fleur de lis into the English fort,
be it our task to explain the circumstances connected
with the singular disappearance of Captain de Haldimar,
and the melancholy murder of his unfortunate servant.

It will be recollected that the ill-fated Halloway, in
the course of his defence before the court-martial,
distinctly stated the voice of the individual who had
approached his post, calling on the name of Captain de
Haldimar, on the night of the alarm, to have been that
of a female, and that the language in which they
subsequently conversed was that of the Ottawa Indians.
This was strictly the fact; and the only error into which
the unfortunate soldier had fallen, had reference merely
to the character and motives of the party. He had naturally
imagined, as he had stated, it was some young female of
the village, whom attachment for his officer had driven
to the desperate determination of seeking an interview;
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,
under the shadows of the projecting ramparts, until they
had gained the extreme rear. Here the female suddenly
raised her tall figure from the stooping position in
which she, as well as her companions, had performed the
dangerous circuit; and, placing her finger once more
significantly on her lips, led in the direction of the
bomb-proof, unperceived by the sentinels, most of whom,
it is probable, had, up to the moment of the alarm
subsequently given, been too much overcome by previous
watching and excitement to have kept the most vigilant
look-out.

Arrived at the skirt of the forest, the little party drew
up within the shadow of the ruin, and a short and earnest
dialogue ensued, in Indian, between the female and the
officer. This was succeeded by a command from the latter
to his servant, who, after a momentary but respectful
expostulation, which, however, was utterly lost on him
to whom it was addressed, proceeded to divest himself of
his humble apparel, assuming in exchange the more elegant
uniform of his superior. Donellan, who was also of the
grenadiers, was remarkable for the resemblance he bore,
in figure, to Captain de Haldimar; wanting, it is true,
the grace and freedom of movement of the latter, but
still presenting an outline which, in an attitude of
profound repose, might, as it subsequently did, have set
even those who were most intimate with the officer at
fault.

"This is well," observed the female, as the young man
proceeded to induct himself in the grey coat of his
servant, having previously drawn the glazed hat close
over his waving and redundant hair: "if the Saganaw is
ready, Oucanasta will go."

"Sure, and your honour does not mane to lave me behind!"
exclaimed the anxious soldier, as his captain now
recommended him to stand closely concealed near the ruin
until his return. "Who knows what ambuscade the she-divil
may not lade your honour into; and thin who will you have
to bring you out of it?"

"No, Donellan, it must not be: I first intended it, as
you may perceive by my bringing you out; but the expedition
on which I am going is of the utmost importance to us
all, and too much precaution cannot be taken. I fear no
ambuscade, for I can depend on the fidelity of my guide;
but the presence of a third person would only embarrass,
without assisting me in the least. You must remain behind;
the woman insists upon it, and there is no more to be
said."

"To ould Nick with the ugly winch, for her pains!" half
muttered the disappointed soldier to himself. "I wish it
may be as your honour says; but my mind misgives me sadly
that evil will come of this. Has your honour secured the
pistols?"

"They are here," returned his captain, placing a hand on
either chest. "And now, Donellan, mark me: I know nothing
that can detain me longer than an hour; at least the
woman assures me, and I believe her, that I may be back
then; but it is well to guard against accidents. You must
continue here for the hour, and for the hour only. If I
come not then, return to the fort without delay, for the
rope must be removed, and the gate secured, before Halloway
is relieved. The keys you will find in the pocket of my
uniform: when you have done with them, let them be hung
up in their proper place in the guard-room. My father
must not know either that Halloway suffered me to pass
the gate, or that you accompanied me."

"Lord love us! your honour talks as if you nivir would
return, giving such a heap of orders!" exclaimed the
startled man; "but if I go back alone, as I trust in
heaven I shall not, how am I to account for being dressed
in your honour's rigimintals?"

"I tell you, Donellan," impatiently returned the officer,
"that I shall be back; but I only wish to guard against
accidents. The instant you get into the fort, you will
take off my clothes and resume your own. Who the devil
is to see you in the uniform, unless it be Halloway?"

"If the Saganaw would not see the earth red with the
blood of his race, he will go," interrupted the female.
"Oucanasta can feel the breath of the morning fresh upon
her cheek, and the council of the chiefs must be begun."

"The Saganaw is ready, and Oucanasta shall lead the way,"
hastily returned the officer. "One word more, Donellan;"
and he pressed the hand of his domestic kindly: "should
I not return, you must, without committing Halloway or
yourself, cause my father to be apprised that the Indians
meditate a deep and treacherous plan to get possession
of the fort. What that plan is, I know not yet myself,
neither does this woman know; but she says that I shall
hear it discussed unseen, even in the heart of their own
encampment. All you have to do is to acquaint my father
with the existence of danger. And now be cautious: above
all things, keep close under the shadow of the bomb-proof;
for there are scouts constantly prowling about the common,
and the glittering of the uniform in the starlight may
betray you."

"But why may I not follow your honour?" again urged the
faithful soldier; "and where is the use of my remaining
here to count the stars, and hear the 'All's well!' from
the fort, when I could be so much better employed in
guarding your honour from harm? What sort of protection
can that Ingian woman afford, who is of the race of our
bitterest enemies, them cursed Ottawas, and your honour
venturing, too, like a spy into the very heart of the
blood-hounds? Ah, Captain de Haldimar, for the love of
God, do not trust yourself alone with her, or I am sure
I shall never see your honour again!"

The last words (unhappily too prophetic) fell only on
the ear of him who uttered them. The female and the
officer had already disappeared round an abrupt angle of
the bomb-proof; and the soldier, as directed by his
master, now drew up his tall figure against the ruin,
where he continued for a period immovable, as if he had
been planted there in his ordinary character of sentinel,
listening, until they eventually died away in distance,
to the receding footsteps of his master; and then ruminating
on the several apprehensions that crowded on his mind,
in regard to the probable issue of his adventurous project.

Meanwhile, Captain de Haldimar and his guide trod the
mazes of the forest, with an expedition that proved the
latter to be well acquainted with its bearings. On quitting
the bomb-proof, she had struck into a narrow winding
path, less seen than felt in the deep gloom pervading
the wood, and with light steps bounded over obstacles
that lay strewed in their course, emitting scarcely more
sound than would have been produced by the slimy crawl
of its native rattlesnake. Not so, however, with the less
experienced tread of her companion. Wanting the pliancy
of movement given to it by the light mocassin, the booted
foot of the young officer, despite of all his precaution,
fell heavily to the ground, producing such a rustling
among the dried leaves, that, had an Indian ear been
lurking any where around, his approach must inevitably
have been betrayed. More than once, too, neglecting to
follow the injunction of his companion, who moved in a
stooping posture, with her head bent over her chest, his
hat was caught in the closely matted branches, and fell
sullenly and heavily to the earth, evidently much to the
discomfiture of his guide.

At length they stood on the verge of a dark and precipitous
ravine, the abrupt sides of which were studded with
underwood, so completely interwoven, that all passage
appeared impracticable. What, however, seemed an
insurmountable obstacle, proved, in reality, an inestimable
advantage; for it was by clinging to this, in imitation
of the example set him by his companion, the young officer
was prevented from rolling into an abyss, the depth of
which was lost in the profound obscurity that pervaded
the scene. Through the bed of this dark dell rolled a
narrow stream, so imperceptible to the eye in the "living
darkness," and so noiseless in its course, that it was
not until warned by his companion he stood on the very
brink of it, Captain de Haldimar was made sensible of
its existence. Both cleared it at a single bound, in
which the activity of the female was not the least
conspicuous, and, clambering up the opposite steep,
secured their footing, by the aid of the same underwood
that had assisted them in their descent.

On gaining the other summit, which was not done without
detaching several loose stones from their sandy bed, they
again, fell into the path, which had been lost sight of
in traversing the ravine. They had proceeded along this
about half a mile, when the female suddenly stopped, and
pointing to a dim and lurid atmosphere that now began to
show itself between the thin foliage, whispered that in
the opening beyond stood the encampment of the Indians.
She then seated herself on the trunk of a fallen tree,
that lay at the side of the almost invisible path they
had hitherto pursued, and motioning to her companion to
unboot himself, proceeded to unlace the fastenings of
her mocassins.

"The foot of the Saganaw must fall like the night dew on
the prairie," she observed: "the ear of the red skin is
quicker than the lightning, and he will know that a pale
face is near, if he hear but his tread upon a blade of
grass."

Gallantry in the civilised man is a sentiment that never
wholly abandons him; and in whatever clime he may be
thrown, or under whatever circumstances he may be
placed,--be it called forth by white or by blackamoor,--it
is certain to influence his conduct: it is a refinement,
of that instinctive deference to the weaker sex, which
nature has implanted in him for the wisest of purposes;
and which, while it tends to exalt those to whom its
influence is extended, fails not to reflect a corresponding
lustre on himself.

The young officer had, at the first suggestion of his
guide, divested himself of his boots, prepared to perform
the remainder of the journey merely in his stockings,
but his companion now threw herself on her knees before
him, and, without further ceremony, proceeded to draw
over his foot one of the mocassins she had just
relinquished.

"The feet of the Saganaw are soft as those of a young
child," she remarked, in a voice of commiseration; "but
the mocassins of Oucanasta shall protect them from the
thorns of the forest."

This was too un-European,--too much reversing the
established order of things, to be borne patiently. As
if he had felt the dignity of his manhood offended by
the proposal, the officer drew his foot hastily back,
declaring, as he sprang from the log, he did not care
for the thorns, and could not think of depriving a female,
who must be much more sensible of pain than himself.

Oucanasta, however, was not to be outdone in politeness.
She calmly reseated herself on the log, drew her right
foot over her left knee, caught one of the hands of her
companion, and placing it upon the naked sole, desired
him to feel how impervious to attack of every description
was that indurated portion of the lower limb.

This practical argument was not without its weight, and
had more effect in deciding the officer than a volume of
remonstrance. Most men love to render tribute to a delicate
and pretty foot. Some, indeed, go so far as to connect
every thing feminine with these qualities, and to believe
that nothing can be feminine without them. For our parts,
we confess, that, although no enemies to a pretty foot,
it is by no means a sine qua non in our estimate of female
perfection; being in no way disposed, where the head and
heart are gems, to undervalue these in consideration of
any deficiency in the heels. Captain de Haldimar probably
thought otherwise; for when he had passed his unwilling
hand over the foot of Oucanasta, which, whatever her face
might have been, was certainly any thing but delicate,
and encountered numerous ragged excrescences and raspy
callosities that set all symmetry at defiance, a wonderful
revolution came over his feelings; and, secretly determining
the mocassins would be equally well placed on his own
feet, he no longer offered any opposition.

This important point arranged, the officer once more
followed his guide in silence. Gradually the forest, as
they advanced, became lighter with the lurid atmosphere
before alluded to; and at length, through the trees,
could be indistinctly seen the Indian fires from which
it proceeded. The young man was now desired by his
conductress to use the utmost circumspection in making
the circuit of the wood, in order to gain a position
immediately opposite to the point where the path they
had hitherto pursued terminated in the opening. This,
indeed, was the most dangerous and critical part of the
undertaking. A false step, or the crackling of a decayed
branch beneath the foot, would have been sufficient to
betray proximity, in which case his doom was sealed.

Fortunate did he now deem himself in having yielded to
the counsel of his guide. Had he retained his unbending
boot, it must have crushed whatever it pressed; whereas,
the pliant mocassin, yielding to the obstacles it
encountered, enabled him to pass noiselessly over them.
Still, while exempt from danger on this score, another,
scarcely less perplexing, became at every instant more
obvious; for, as they drew nearer to the point which the
female sought to gain, the dim light of the half-slumbering
fires fell so immediately upon their path, that had a
single human eye been turned in that direction, their
discovery was inevitable. It was with a beating heart,
to which mere personal fear, however, was a stranger,
that Captain de Haldimar performed this concluding stage
of his adventurous course; but, at a moment when he
considered detection unavoidable, and was arming himself
with resolution to meet the event, the female suddenly
halted, placing, in the act, the trunk of an enormous
beech between her companion and the dusky forms within,
whose very breathing could be heard by the anxious officer.
Without uttering a word, she took his hand, and, drawing
him gently forward, disappeared altogether from his view.
The young man followed, and in the next moment found
himself in the bowelless body of the tree itself; into
which, on the side of the encampment, both light and
sound were admitted by a small aperture formed by the
natural decay of the wood.

The Indian pressed her lips to the ear of her companion,
and rather breathed than said,--"The Saganaw will see
and hear every thing from this in safety; and what he
hears let him treasure in his heart. Oucanasta must go.
When the council is over she will return, and lead him
back to his warriors."

With this brief intimation she departed, and so noiselessly,
that the young officer was not aware of her absence until
some minutes of silence had satisfied him she must be
gone. His first care then was to survey, through the
aperture that lay in a level with his eye, the character
of the scene before him. The small plain, in which lay
the encampment of the Indians, was a sort of oasis of
the forest, girt round with a rude belt of underwood,
and somewhat elevated, so as to present the appearance
of a mound, constructed on the first principles of art.
This was thickly although irregularly studded with tents,
some of which were formed of large coarse mats thrown
over poles disposed in a conical shape, while others were
more rudely composed of the leafy branches of the forest.

Within these groups of human forms lay, wrapped in their
blankets, stretched at their lazy length. Others, with
their feet placed close to the dying embers of their
fires, diverged like so many radii from their centre,
and lay motionless in sleep, as if life and consciousness
were wholly extinct. Here and there was to be seen a
solitary warrior securing, with admirable neatness, and
with delicate ligatures formed of the sinew of the deer,
the guiding feather, or fashioning the bony barb of his
long arrow; while others, with the same warlike spirit
in view, employed themselves in cutting and greasing
small patches of smoked deerskin, which were to secure
and give a more certain direction to the murderous bullet.
Among the warriors were interspersed many women, some of
whom might be seen supporting in their laps the heavy
heads of their unconscious helpmates, while they occupied
themselves, by the firelight, in parting the long black
matted hair, and maintaining a destructive warfare against
the pigmy inhabitants of that dark region. These signs
of life and activity in the body of the camp generally
were, however, but few and occasional; but, at the spot
where Captain de Haldimar stood concealed, the scene was
different. At a few yards from the tree stood a sort of
shed, composed of tall poles placed upright in the earth,
and supporting a roof formed simply of rude boughs, the
foliage of which had been withered by time. This simple
edifice might be about fifty feet in circumference. In
the centre blazed a large fire that had been newly fed,
and around this were assembled a band of swarthy warriors,
some twenty or thirty in number, who, by their proud,
calm, and thoughtful bearing, might at once be known to
be chiefs.

The faces of most of these were familiar to the young
officer, who speedily recognised them for the principals
of the various tribes Ponteac had leagued in arms against
his enemies. That chief himself, ever remarkable for
his haughty eye and commanding gesture, was of the number
of those present; and, a little aloof from his inferiors,
sat, with his feet stretched towards the fire, and half
reclining on his side in an attitude of indolence; yet
with his mind evidently engrossed by deep and absorbing
thought. From some observations that distinctly met his
ear, Captain de Haldimar gathered, the party were only
awaiting the arrival of an important character, without
whose presence the leading chief was unwilling the
conference should begin. The period of the officer's
concealment had just been long enough to enable him to
fix all these particulars in his mind, when suddenly the
faint report of a distant rifle was heard echoing throughout
the wood. This was instantly succeeded by a second, that
sounded more sharply on the ear; and then followed a long
and piercing cry, that brought every warrior, even of
those who slept, quickly to his feet.

An anxious interval of some minutes passed away in the
fixed and listening attitudes, which the chiefs especially
had assumed, when a noise resembling that of some animal
forcing its way rapidly through the rustling branches,
was faintly heard in the direction in which the shots
had been fired. This gradually increased as it evidently
approached the encampment, and then, distinctly, could
be heard the light yet unguarded boundings of a human
foot. At every moment the rustling of the underwood,
rapidly divided by the approaching form, became more
audible; and so closely did the intruder press upon the
point in which Captain de Haldimar was concealed, that
that officer, fancying he had been betrayed, turned
hastily round, and, grasping one of the pistols he had
secreted in his chest, prepared himself for a last and
deadly encounter. An instant or two was sufficient to
re-assure him. The form glided hastily past, brushing
the tree with its garments in its course, and clearing,
at a single bound, the belt of underwood that divided
the encampment from the tall forest, stood suddenly among
the group of anxious and expectant chiefs.

This individual, a man of tall stature, was powerfully
made. He wore a jerkin, or hunting-coat, of leather; and
his arms were, a rifle which had every appearance of
having just been discharged, a tomahawk reeking with
blood, and a scalping-knife, which, in the hurry of some
recent service it had been made to perform, had missed
its sheath, and was thrust naked into the belt that
encircled his loins. His countenance wore an expression
of malignant triumph; and as his eye fell on the assembled
throng, its self-satisfied and exulting glance seemed to
give them to understand he came not without credentials
to recommend him to their notice. Captain de Haldimar
was particularly struck by the air of bold daring and
almost insolent recklessness pervading every movement of
this man; and it was difficult to say whether the
haughtiness of bearing peculiar to Ponteac himself, was
not exceeded by that of this herculean warrior.

By the body of chiefs his appearance had been greeted
with a mere general grunt of approbation; but the
countenance of the leader expressed a more personal
interest. All seemed to expect he had something of moment
to communicate; but as it was not consistent with the
dignity of Indian etiquette to enquire, they waited calmly
until it should please their new associate to enter on
the history of his exploits. In pursuance of an invitation
from Ponteac, he now took his seat on the right hand of
that chief, and immediately facing the tree, from which
Captain de Haldimar, strongly excited both by the reports
of the shots that had been fired, and the sight of the
bloody tomahawk of the recently arrived Indian, gazed
earnestly and anxiously on the swarthy throng.

Glancing once more triumphantly round the circle, who
sat smoking their pipes in calm and deliberative silence,
the latter now observed the eye of a young chief, who
sat opposite to him, intently riveted on his left shoulder.
He raised his hand to the part, withdrew it, looked at
it, and found it wet with blood. A slight start of surprise
betrayed his own unconsciousness of the accident; yet,
secretly vexed at the discovery which had been made, and
urged probably by one of his wayward fits, he demanded
haughtily and insultingly of the young chief, if that
was the first time he had ever looked on the blood of a
warrior.

"Does my brother feel pain?" was the taunting reply. "If
he is come to us with a trophy, it is not without being
dearly bought. The Saganaw has spilt his blood."

"The weapons of the Saganaw, like those of the smooth
face of the Ottawa, are without sting," angrily retorted
the other. "They only prick the skin like a thorn; but
when Wacousta drinks the blood of his enemy," and he
glanced his eye fiercely at the young man, "it is the
blood next his heart."

"My brother has always big words upon his lips," returned
the young chief, with a scornful sneer at the implied
threat against himself. "But where are his proofs?"

For a moment the eye of the party thus challenged kindled
into flame, while his lips were firmly compressed together;
and as he half bent himself forward, to scan with greater
earnestness the features of his questioner, his right
hand sank to his left side, tightly grasping the handle
of his scalping-knife. The action was but momentary.
Again he drew himself up, puffed the smoke deliberately
from his bloody tomahawk, and, thrusting his right hand
into his bosom, drew leisurely forth a reeking scalp,
which he tossed insolently across the fire into the lap
of the young chief. A loud and general "ugh!" testified
the approbation of the assembled group, at the unequivocal
answer thus given to the demand of the youth. The eye
of the huge warrior sparkled with a deep and ferocious
exultation.

"What says the smooth face of the Ottawas now?" he
demanded, in the same insolent strain. "Does it make his
heart sick to look upon the scalp of a great chief?"

The young man quietly turned the horrid trophy over
several times in his hand, examining it attentively in
every part. Then tossing it back with contemptuous coolness
to its owner, he replied,--

"The eyes of my brother are weak with age. He is not
cunning, like a red skin. The Ottawa has often seen the
Saganaw in their fort, and he knows their chiefs have
fine hair like women; but this is like the bristles of
the fox. My brother has not slain a great chief, but a
common warrior."

A flush of irrepressible and threatening anger passed
over the features of the vast savage.

"Is it for a boy," he fiercely asked, "whose eyes know
not yet the colour of blood, to judge of the enemies that
fall by the tomahawk of Wacousta? but a great warrior
never boasts of actions that he does not achieve. It is
the son of the great chief of the Saganaw whom he has
slain. If the smooth face doubts it, and has courage to
venture, even at night, within a hundred yards of the
fort, he will see a Saganaw without a scalp; and he will
know that Saganaw by his dress--the dress," he pursued,
with a low emphatic laugh, "that Oucanasta, the sister
of the smooth face, loved so much to look upon."

Quicker than thought was the upspringing of the young
Indian to his feet. With a cheek glowing, an eye flashing,
and his gleaming tomahawk whirling rapidly round his
head, he cleared at a single bound the fire that separated
him from his insulter. The formidable man who had thus
wantonly provoked the attack, was equally prompt in
meeting it. At the first movement of the youth, he too
had leapt to his feet, and brandished the terrible weapon
that served in the double capacity of pipe and hatchet.
A fierce yell escaped the lips of each, as they thus met
in close and hostile collision, and the scene for the
moment promised to be one of the most tragic character;
but before either could find an assailable point on which
to rest his formidable weapon, Ponteac himself had thrown
his person between them, and in a voice of thunder
commanded the instant abandonment of their purpose.
Exasperated even as they now mutually were, the influence
of that authority, for which the great chief of the
Ottawas was well known, was not without due effect on
the combatants. His anger was principally directed against
the assailant, on whom the tones of his reproving voice
produced a change the intimidation of his powerful opponent
could never have effected. The young chief dropped the
point of his tomahawk, bowed his head in submission, and
then resuming his seat, sat during the remainder of the
night with his arms folded, and his head bent in silence
over his chest.

"Our brother has done well," said Ponteac, glancing
approvingly at him who had exhibited the reeking trophy,
and whom he evidently favoured. "He is a great chief,
and his words are truth. We heard the report of his rifle,
and we also heard the cry that told he had borne away
the scalp of an enemy. But we will think of this to-morrow.
Let us now commence our talk."

Our readers will readily imagine the feelings of Captain
de Haldimar during this short but exciting scene. From
the account given by the warrior, there could be no doubt
the murdered man was the unhappy Donellan; who, probably,
neglecting the caution given him, had exposed himself to
the murderous aim of this fierce being, who was apparently
a scout sent for the purpose of watching the movements
of the garrison. The direction of the firing, the allusion
made to the regimentals, nay, the scalp itself, which he
knew from the short crop to be that of a soldier, and
fancied he recognised from its colour to be that of his
servant, formed but too conclusive evidence of the fact;
and, bitterly and deeply, as he gazed on this melancholy
proof of the man's sacrifice of life to his interest,
did he repent that he had made him the companion of his
adventure, or that, having done so, he had not either
brought him away altogether, or sent him instantly back
to the fort. Commiseration for the fate of the unfortunate
Donellan naturally induced a spirit of personal hostility
towards his destroyer; and it was with feelings strongly
excited in favour of him whom he now discovered to be
the brother of his guide, that he saw him spring fiercely
to the attack of his gigantic opponent. There was an
activity about the young chief amply commensurate with
the greater physical power of his adversary; while the
manner in which he wielded his tomahawk, proved him to
be any thing but the novice in the use of the formidable
weapon the other had represented him. It was with a
feeling of disappointment, therefore, which the peculiarity
of his own position could not overcome, he saw Ponteac
interpose himself between the parties.

Presently, however, a subject of deeper and more absorbing
interest than even the fate of his unhappy follower
engrossed every faculty of his mind, and riveted both
eye and ear in painful tension to the aperture in his
hiding-place. The chiefs had resumed their places, and
the silence of a few minutes had succeeded to the fierce
affray of the warriors, when Ponteac, in a calm and
deliberate voice, proceeded to state he had summoned all
the heads of the nations together, to hear a plan he had
to offer for the reduction of the last remaining forts
of their enemies, Michilimackinac and Detroit. He pointed
out the tediousness of the warfare in which they were
engaged; the desertion of the hunting-grounds by their
warriors; and their consequent deficiency in all those
articles of European traffic which they were formerly in
the habit of receiving in exchange for their furs. He
dwelt on the beneficial results that would accrue to them
all in the event of the reduction of those two important
fortresses; since, in that case, they would be enabled
to make such terms with the English as would secure to
them considerable advantages; while, instead of being
treated with the indignity of a conquered people, they
would be enabled to command respect from the imposing
attitude this final crowning of their successes would
enable them to assume. He stated that the prudence and
vigilance of the commanders of these two unreduced
fortresses were likely long to baffle, as had hitherto
been the case, every open attempt at their capture; and
admitted he had little expectation of terrifying them
into a surrender by the same artifice that had succeeded
with the forts on the Ohio and the lower lakes. The plan,
however, which he had to propose, was one he felt assured
would be attended with success. He would disclose that
plan, and the great chiefs should give it the advantage
of their deliberation.

Captain de Haldimar was on the rack. The chief had
gradually dropped his voice as he explained his plan,
until at length it became so low, that undistinguishable
sounds alone reached the ear of the excited officer. For
a moment he despaired of making himself fully master of
the important secret; but in the course of the deliberation
that ensued, the blanks left unsupplied in the discourse
of the leader were abundantly filled up. It was what the
reader has already seen. The necessities of the Indians
were to be urged as a motive for their being tired of
hostilities. A peace was to be solicited; a council held;
a ball-playing among the warriors proposed, as a mark of
their own sincerity and confidence during that council;
and when the garrison, lulled into security, should be
thrown entirely off their guard, the warriors were to
seize their guns and tomahawks, with which (the former
cut short, for the better concealment of their purpose)
their women would be provided, rush in, under pretext of
regaining their lost ball, when a universal massacre of
men, women, and children was to ensue, until nothing
wearing the garb of a Saganaw should be left.

It would be tedious to follow the chief through all the
minor ramifications of his subtle plan. Suffice it they
were of a nature to throw the most wary off his guard;
and so admirably arranged was every part, so certain did
it appear their enemies must give into the snare, that
the oldest chiefs testified their approbation with a
vivacity of manner and expression little wont to
characterize the deliberative meetings of these reserved
people. But deepest of all was the approval of the tall
warrior who had so recently arrived. To him had the
discourse of the leader been principally directed, as
one whose counsel and experience were especially wanting
to confirm him in his purpose. He was the last who spoke;
but, when he did, it was with a force--an energy--that
must have sunk every objection, even if the plan had not
been so perfect and unexceptionable in its concoction as
to have precluded a possibility of all negative argument.
During the delivery of his animated speech, his swarthy
countenance kindled into fierce and rapidly varying
expression. A thousand dark and complicated passions
evidently struggled at his heart; and as he dwelt leisurely
and emphatically on the sacrifice of human life that must
inevitably attend the adoption of the proposed measure,
his eye grew larger, his chest expanded, nay, his very
nostril appeared to dilate with unfathomably guileful
exultation. Captain de Haldimar thought he had never
gazed on any thing wearing the human shape half so
atrociously savage.

Long before the council was terminated, the inferior
warriors, who had been so suddenly aroused from their
slumbering attitudes, had again retired to their tents,
and stretched their lazy length before the embers of
their fires. The weary chiefs now prepared to follow
their example. They emptied the ashes from the bowls of
their pipe-tomahawks, replaced them carefully at their
side, rose, and retired to their respective tents. Ponteac
and the tall warrior alone remained. For a time they
conversed earnestly together. The former listened
attentively to some observations made to him by his
companion, in the course of which, the words "chief of
the Saganaw--fort--spy--enemy," and two or three others
equally unconnected, were alone audible to the ear of
him who so attentively sought to catch the slightest
sound. He then thrust his hand under his hunting-coat,
and, as if in confirmation of what he had been stating,
exhibited a coil of rope and the glossy boot of an English
officer. Ponteac uttered one of his sharp ejaculating
"ughs!" and then rising quickly from his seat, followed
by his companion, soon disappeared in the heart of the
encampment.




CHAPTER VIII.

How shall we attempt to paint all that passed through
the mind of Captain de Haldimar during this important
conference of the fierce chiefs?--where find language to
convey the cold and thrilling horror with which he listened
to the calm discussion of a plan, the object of which
was the massacre, not only of a host of beings endeared
to him by long communionship of service, but of those
who were wedded to his heart by the dearer ties of
affection and kindred? As Ponteac had justly observed,
the English garrisons, strong in their own defences, were
little likely to be speedily reduced, while their enemies
confined themselves to overt acts of hostility; but,
against their insidious professions of amity who could
oppose a sufficient caution? His father, the young officer
was aware, had all along manifested a spirit of conciliation
towards the Indians, which, if followed up by the government
generally, must have had the effect of preventing the
cruel and sanguinary war that had so recently desolated
this remote part of the British possessions. How likely,
therefore, was it, having this object always in view, he
should give in to the present wily stratagem, where such
plausible motives for the abandonment of their hostile
purpose were urged by the perfidious chiefs! From the
few hasty hints already given him by his guide,--that
kind being, who evidently sought to be the saviour of
the devoted garrisons,--he had gathered that a deep and
artful plan was to be submitted to the chiefs by their
leader; but little did he imagine it was of the finished
nature it now proved to be. Any other than the present
attempt, the vigilance and prudence of his experienced
father, he felt, would have rendered abortive; but there
was so much speciousness in the pleas that were to be
advanced in furtherance of their assumed object, he could
not but admit the almost certainty of their influence,
even on him.

Sick and discouraged as he was at the horrible perspective
thus forced on his mental view, the young officer had
not, for some moments, presence of mind to reflect that
the danger of the garrison existed only so long as he
should be absent from it. At length, however, the cheering
recollection came, and with it the mantling rush of blood,
to his faint heart. But, short was the consoling hope:
again he felt dismay in every fibre of his frame; for he
now reflected, that although his opportune discovery of
the meditated scheme would save one fort, there was no
guardian angel to extend, as in this instance, its
protecting influence to the other; and within that other
there breathed those who were dearer far to him than his
own existence;--beings, whose lives were far more precious
to him than any even in the garrison of which he was a
member. His sister Clara, whom he loved with a love little
inferior to that of his younger brother; and one, even
more dearly loved than Clara,--Madeline de Haldimar, his
cousin and affianced bride,--were both inmates of
Michilimackinac, which was commanded by the father of
the latter, a major in the ---- regiment. With Madeline
de Haldimar he had long since exchanged his vows of
affection; and their nuptials, which were to have taken
place about the period when the present war broke out,
had only been suspended because all communication between
the two posts had been entirely cut off by the enemy.

Captain de Haldimar had none of the natural weakness and
timidity of character which belonged to the gentler and
more sensitive Charles. Sanguine and full of enterprise,
he seldom met evils half way; but when they did come, he
sought to master them by the firmness and collectedness
with which he opposed his mind to their infliction. If
his heart was now racked with the most acute suffering--his
reason incapacitated from exercising its calm deliberative
power, the seeming contradiction arose not from any
deficiency in his character, but was attributable wholly
to the extraordinary circumstances of the moment.

It was a part of the profound plan of the Ottawa chief,
that it should be essayed on the two forts on the same
day; and it was a suggestion of the murderer of poor
Donellan, that a parley should be obtained, through the
medium of a white flag, the nature of which he explained
to them, as it was understood among their enemies. If
invited to the council, then they were to enter, or not,
as circumstances might induce; but, in any case, they
were to go unprovided with the pipe of peace, since this
could not be smoked without violating every thing held
most sacred among themselves. The red, or war-pipe, was
to be substituted as if by accident; and, for the success
of the deception, they were to presume on the ignorance
of their enemies. This, however, was not important, since
the period of their first parley was to be the moment
chosen for the arrangement of a future council, and the
proposal of a ball-playing upon the common. Three days
were to be named as the interval between the first
conference of Ponteac with the governor and the definitive
council which was to ensue; during which, however, it
was so arranged, that, before the lip of a red skin should
touch the pipe of peace, the ball-players should rush in
and massacre the unprepared soldiery, while the chiefs
despatched the officers in council.

It was the proximity of the period allotted for the
execution of their cruel scheme that mainly contributed
to the dismay of Captain de Haldimar. The very next day
was appointed for carrying into effect the first part of
the Indian plan: and how was it possible that a messenger,
even admitting he should elude the vigilance of the enemy,
could reach the distant post of Michilimackinac within
the short period on which hung the destiny of that devoted
fortress. In the midst of the confused and distracting
images that now crowded on his brain, came at length one
thought, redolent with the brightest colourings of hope.
On his return to the garrison, the treachery of the
Indians being made known, the governor might so far, and
with a view of gaining time, give in to the plan of his
enemies, as to obtain such delay as would afford the
chance of communication between the forts. The attempt,
on the part of those who should be selected for this
purpose, would, it is true, be a desperate one: still
it must be made; and, with such incentives to exertion
as he had, how willingly would he propose his own services!

The more he dwelt on this mode of defeating the subtle
designs of the enemy, the more practicable did it appear.
Of his own safe return to the fort he entertained not a
doubt; for he knew and relied on the Indian woman, who
was bound to him by a tie of gratitude, which her conduct
that night evidently denoted to be superior even to the
interests of her race. Moreover, as he had approached
the encampment unnoticed while the chiefs were yet awake
to every thing around them, how little probability was
there of his return being detected while all lay wrapped
in the most profound repose. It is true that, for a
moment, his confidence deserted him as he recurred to
the earnest dialogue of the two Indians, and the sudden
display of the rope and boot, the latter of which articles
he had at once recognised to be one of those he had so
recently worn; but his apprehensions on that score were
again speedily set to rest, when he reflected, had any
suspicion existed in the minds of these men that an enemy
was lurking near them, a general alarm would have been
spread, and hundreds of warriors despatched to scour the
forest.

The night was now rapidly waning away, and already the
cold damp air of an autumnal morning was beginning to
make itself felt. More than half an hour had elapsed
since the departure of Ponteac and his companion, and
yet Oucanasta came not. With a sense of the approach of
day came new and discouraging thoughts, and, for some
minutes, the mind of the young officer became petrified
with horror, as he reflected on the bare possibility of
his escape being intercepted. The more he lingered on
this apprehension, the more bewildered were his ideas;
and already, in horrible perspective, he beheld the
destruction of his nearest and dearest friends, and the
host of those who were humbler followers, and partakers
in the same destiny. Absolutely terrified with the
misgivings of his own heart, he, in the wildness and
unconnectedness of his purpose, now resolved to make the
attempt to return alone, although he knew not even the
situation of the path he had so recently quitted. He had
actually moved a pace forward on his desperate enterprise,
when he felt a band touching the extended arm with which
he groped to find the entrance to his hiding-place. The
unexpected collision sent a cold shudder through his
frame; and such was the excitement to which he had worked
himself up, it was not without difficulty he suppressed
an exclamation, that must inevitably have sealed his
doom. The soft tones of Oucanasta's voice re-assured him.

"The day will soon dawn," she whispered; "the Saganaw
must go."

With the return of hope came the sense of all he owed to
the devotedness of this kind woman. He grasped the hand
that still lingered on his arm, pressed it affectionately
in his own, and then placed it in silence on his throbbing
heart. The breathing of Oucanasta became deeper, and the
young officer fancied he could feel her trembling with
agitation. Again, however, and in a tone of more subdued
expression, she whispered that he must go.

There was little urging necessary to induce a prompt
compliance with the hint. Cautiously emerging from his
concealment, Captain de Haldimar now followed close in
the rear of his guide, who took the same circuit of the
forest to reach the path that led towards the fort. This
they speedily gained, and then pursued their course in
silence, until they at length arrived at the log where
the exchange of mocassins had been made.

"Here the Saganaw may take breath," she observed, as she
seated herself on the fallen tree; "the sleep of the red
skin is sound, and there is no one upon the path but
Oucanasta."

Anxious as he felt to secure his return to the fort,
there was an implied solicitation in the tones of her to
whom he owed so much, that prevented Captain de Haldimar
from offering an objection, which he feared might be
construed into slight.

For a moment or two the Indian remained with her arms
folded, and her head bent over her chest; and then, in
a low, deep, but tremulous voice, observed,--

"When the Saganaw saved Oucanasta from perishing in the
angry waters, there was a girl of the pale faces with
him, whose skin was like the snows of the Canadian winter,
and whose hair was black like the fur of the squirrel.
Oucanasta saw," she pursued, dropping her voice yet lower,
"that the Saganaw was loved by the pale girl, and her
own heart was very sick, for the Saganaw had saved her
life, and she loved him too. But she knew she was very
foolish, and that an Indian girl could never be the wife
of a handsome chief of the Saganaw; and she prayed to
the Great Spirit of the red skins to give her strength
to overcome her feelings; but the Great Spirit was angry
with her, and would not hear her." She paused a moment,
and then abruptly demanded, "Where is that pale girl now?"

Captain de Haldimar had often been rallied, not only by
his brother-officers, but even by his sister and Madeline
de Haldimar herself, on the conquest he had evidently
made of the heart of this Indian girl. The event to which
she had alluded had taken place several months previous
to the breaking out of hostilities. Oucanasta was
directing her frail bark, one evening, along the shores
of the Detroit, when one of those sudden gusts of wind,
so frequent in these countries, upset the canoe, and left
its pilot struggling amid the waves. Captain de Haldimar,
who happened to be on the bank at the moment with his
sister and cousin, was an eye-witness of her danger, and
instantly flew down the steep to her assistance. Being
an excellent swimmer, he was not long in gaining the
spot, where, exhausted with the exertion she had made,
and encumbered with her awkward machecoti, the poor girl
was already on the point of perishing. But for his timely
assistance, indeed, she must have sunk to the bottom;
and, since that period, the grateful being had been
remarked for the strong but unexpressed attachment she
felt for her deliverer. This, however, was the first
moment Captain de Haldimar became acquainted with the
extent of feelings, the avowal of which not a little
startled and surprised, and even annoyed him. The last
question, however, suggested a thought that kindled every
fibre of his being into expectancy,--Oucanasta might be
the saviour of those he loved; and he felt that, if time
were but afforded her, she would. He rose from the log,
dropped on one knee before the Indian, seized both her
hands with eagerness, and then in tones of earnest
supplication whispered,--

"Oucanasta is right: the pale girl with the skin like
snow, and hair like the fur of the squirrel, is the bride
of the Saganaw. Long before he saved the life of Oucanasta,
he knew and loved that pale girl. She is dearer to the
Saganaw than his own blood; but she is in the fort beyond
the great lake, and the tomahawks of the red skins will
destroy her; for the warriors of that fort have no one
to tell them of their danger. What says the red girl?
will she go and save the lives of the sister and the wife
of the Saganaw."

The breathing of the Indian became deeper; and Captain
de Haldimar fancied she sighed heavily, as she replied,--

"Oucanasta is but a weak woman, and her feet are not
swift like those of a runner among the red skins; but
what the Saganaw asks, for his sake she will try. When
she has seen him safe to his own fort, she will go and
prepare herself for the journey. The pale girl shall lay
her head on the bosom of the Saganaw, and Oucanasta will
try to rejoice in her happiness."

In the fervour of his gratitude, the young officer caught
the drooping form of the generous Indian wildly to his
heart; his lips pressed hers, and during the kiss that
followed, the heart of the latter bounded and throbbed,
as if it would have passed from her own into the bosom
of her companion.

Never was a kiss less premeditated, less unchaste.
Gratitude, not passion, had called it forth; and had
Madeline de Haldimar been near at the moment, the feeling
that had impelled the seeming infidelity to herself would
have been regarded as an additional claim on her affection.
On the whole, however, it was a most unfortunate and
ill-timed kiss, and, as is often the case under such
circumstances, led to the downfall of the woman. In the
vivacity of his embrace, Captain de Haldimar had drawn
his guide so far forward upon the log, that she lost her
balance, and fell with a heavy and reverberating crash
among the leaves and dried sticks that were strewed
thickly around.

Scarcely a second elapsed when the forest was alive with
human yells, that fell achingly on the ears of both; and
bounding warriors were heard on every hand, rapidly
dividing the dense underwood they encountered in their
pursuit.

Quick as thought the Indian had regained her feet. She
grasped the hand of her companion; and hurrying, though
not without caution, along the path, again stood on the
brow of the ravine through which they had previously
passed.

"The Saganaw must go alone," she whispered. "The red
skins are close upon our trail, but they will find only
an Indian woman, when they expect a pale face. Oucanasta
will save her friend."

Captain de Haldimar did as he was desired. Clinging to
the bushes that lined the face of the precipitous descent,
he managed once more to gain the bed of the ravine. For
a moment he paused to listen to the sounds of his pursuers,
whose footsteps were now audible on the eminence he had
just quitted; and then, gathering himself up for the leap
that was to enable him to clear the rivulet, he threw
himself heavily forward. His feet alighted upon an elevated
and yielding substance, that gave way with a crashing
sound that echoed far and near throughout the forest,
and he felt himself secured as if in a trap. Although
despairing of escape, he groped with his hands to discover
what it was that thus detained him, and found he had
fallen through a bark canoe, the bottom of which had been
turned upwards. The heart of the fugitive now sank within
him: there could be no doubt that his retreat was
intercepted. The canoe had been placed there since he
last passed through the ravine: and it was evident, from
the close and triumphant yell that followed the rending
of the frail bark, such a result had been anticipated.

Stunned as he was by the terrific cries of the savages,
and confused as were his ideas, Captain de Haldimar had
still presence of mind to perceive the path itself offered
him no further security. He therefore quitted it altogether,
and struck, in an oblique direction, up the opposite face
of the ravine. Scarcely had he gone twenty yards, when
he heard the voices of several Indians conversing earnestly
near the canoe he had just quitted; and presently afterwards
he could distinctly hear them ascending the opposite brow
of the ravine by the path he recently congratulated
himself on having abandoned. To advance or to recede was
now equally impracticable; for, on every side, he was
begirt by enemies, into whose hands a single false step
must inevitably betray him. What would he not have given
for the presence of Oucanasta, who was so capable of
advising him in this difficulty! but, from the moment of
his descending into the ravine, he had utterly lost sight
of her.

The spot on which he now rested was covered with thick
brushwood, closely interwoven at their tops, but affording
sufficient space beneath for a temporary close concealment;
so that, unless some Indian should touch him with his
foot, there was little seeming probability of his being
discovered by the eye. Under this he crept, and lay,
breathless and motionless, with his head raised from the
ground, and his ear on the stretch for the slightest
noise. For several minutes he remained in this position,
vainly seeking to catch the sound of a voice, or the fall
of a footstep; but the most deathlike silence had succeeded
to the fierce yellings that had so recently rent the
forest. At times he fancied he could distinguish faint
noises in the direction of the encampment; and so certain
was he of this, he at length came to the conclusion that
the Indians, either baffled in their search, had
relinquished the pursuit, or, having encountered Oucanasta,
had been thrown on a different scent. His first intention
had been to lie concealed until the following night, when
the warriors, no longer on the alert, should leave the
path once more open to him; but now that the conviction
of their return was strong on his mind, he changed his
determination, resolving to make the best of his way to
the fort with the aid of the approaching dawn. With this
view he partly withdrew his body from beneath its canopy
of underwood; but, scarcely had he done so, when a hundred
tongues, like the baying of so many blood-hounds, again
rent the air with their wild cries, which seemed to rise
up from the very bowels of the earth, and close to the
appalled ear of the young officer.

Scarcely conscious of what he did, Captain de Haldimar
grasped one of his pistols, for he fancied he felt the
hot breathing of human life upon his cheek. With a sickly
sensation of fear, he turned to satisfy himself whether
it was not an illusion of his heated imagination. What,
however, was his dismay, when he beheld bending over him
a dark and heavy form, the outline of which alone was
distinguishable in the deep gloom in which the ravine
remained enveloped! Desperation was in the heart of the
excited officer: he cocked his pistol; but scarcely had
the sharp ticking sound floated on the air, when he felt
a powerful hand upon his chest; and, with as much facility
as if he had been a child, was he raised by that invisible
hand to his feet. A dozen warriors now sprang to the
assistance of their comrade, when the whole, having
disarmed and bound their prisoner, led him back in triumph
to their encampment.




CHAPTER IX.

The fires of the Indians were nearly now extinct; but
the faint light of the fast dawning day threw a ghastly,
sickly, hue over the countenances of the savages, which
rendered them even more terrific in their war paint. The
chiefs grouped themselves immediately around their
prisoner, while the inferior warriors, forming an outer
circle, stood leaning their dark forms upon their rifles,
and following, with keen and watchful eye, every movement
of their captive. Hitherto the unfortunate officer had
been too much engrossed by his despair to pay any immediate
attention to the individual who had first discovered and
seized him. It was sufficient for him to know all hope
of the safety of the garrison had perished with his
captivity: and, with that recklessness of life which
often springs from the very consciousness of inability
to preserve it, he now sullenly awaited the death which
he expected at each moment would be inflicted. Suddenly
his ear was startled by an interrogatory, in English,
from one who stood behind him.

With a movement of surprise, Captain de Haldimar turned
to examine his questioner. It was the dark and ferocious
warrior who had exhibited the scalp of his ill-fated
servant. For a moment the officer fixed his eyes firmly
and unshrinkingly on those of the savage, seeking to
reconcile the contradiction that existed between his
dress and features and the purity of the English he had
just spoken. The other saw his drift, and, impatient of
the scrutiny, again repeated, as he fiercely pulled the
strong leathern thong by which the prisoner now found
himself secured to his girdle,--

"Who and what are you?--whence come you?--and for what
purpose are you here?" Then, as if struck by some sudden
recollection, he laid his hand upon the shoulder of his
victim; and, while his eye grew upon his features, he
pursued, in a tone of vehemence,--"Ha! by Heaven, I
should know that face!--the cursed lines of the blood
of De Haldimar are stamped upon that brow! But stay, one
proof and I am satisfied." While he yet spoke he dashed
the menial hat of his captive to the earth, put aside
his hair, and then, with fiendish exultation, pursued,--"It
is even so. Do you recollect the battle of the plains of
Abraham, Captain de Haldimar?--Recollect you the French
officer who aimed so desperately at your life, and whose
object was defeated by a soldier of your regiment? I am
that officer: my victim escaped me then, but not for
ever. The hour of vengeance is nearly now arrived, and
your capture is the pledge of my success. Hark, how the
death-cry of all his hated race will ring in madness on
your father's ear!"

Amazement, stupefaction, and horror, filled the mind of
the wretched officer at this extraordinary declaration.
He perfectly recollected that the individual who had
evinced so much personal hostility on the occasion alluded
to, was indeed a man wearing the French uniform, although
at the head of a band of savages, and of a stature and
strength similar to those of him who now so fiercely
avowed himself the bitter and deadly foe of all his race.
If this were so, and his tone and language left little
room for doubt, the doom of the ill-fated garrison was
indeed irrevocably sealed. This mysterious enemy evidently
possessed great influence in the councils of the Indians;
and while the hot breath of his hatred continued to fan
the flame of fierce hostility that had been kindled in
the bosom of Ponteac, whose particular friend he appeared
to be, there would be no end to the atrocities that must
follow. Great, however, as was the dismay of Captain de
Haldimar, who, exhausted with the adventures of the night,
presented a ghastly image of anxiety and fatigue, it was
impossible for him to repress the feelings of indignation
with which the language of this fierce man had inspired
him.

"If you are in reality a French officer," he said, "and
not an Englishman, as your accent would denote, the
sentiments you have now avowed may well justify the
belief, that you have been driven with ignominy from a
service which your presence must eternally have disgraced.
There is no country in Europe that would willingly claim
you for its subject. Nay, even the savage race, with whom
you are now connected, would, if apprised of your true
nature, spurn you as a thing unworthy to herd even with
their wolf-dogs."

A fierce sardonic laugh burst from the lips of the warrior,
but this was so mingled with rage as to give an almost
devilish expression to his features.

"Ignominy--ignominy!" he repeated, while his right hand
played convulsively with the handle of his tomahawk; "is
it for a De Haldimar to taunt me with ignominy? Fool!"
he pursued, after a momentary pause, "you have sealed
your doom." Then abruptly quitting the handle of his
weapon, he thrust his hand into his bosom, and again
drawing forth the reeking scalp of Donellan, he dashed
it furiously in the face of his prisoner. "Not two hours
since," he exclaimed, "I cheered myself with the thought
that the scalp of a De Haldimar was in my pouch. Now,
indeed, do I glory in my mistake. The torture will be
a more fitting death for you."

Had an arm of the insulted soldier been at liberty, the
offence would not have gone unavenged even there; for
such was the desperation of his heart, that he felt he
could have hugged the death struggle with his insolent
captor, notwithstanding the fearful odds, nor quitted
him until one or both should have paid the debt of fierce
enmity with life. As it was he could only betray, by his
flashing eye, excited look, and the impatient play of
his foot upon the ground, the deep indignation that
consumed his heart.

The tall savage exulted in the mortification he had
awakened, and as his eye glanced insolently from head to
foot along his enemy, its expression told how much he
laughed at the impotence of his anger. Suddenly, however,
a change passed over his features. The mocassin of the
officer had evidently attracted his attention, and he
now demanded, in a more serious and imperative tone,--

"Ha! what means this disguise? Who is the wretch whom I
have slain, mistaking him for a nobler victim; and how
comes it that an officer of the English garrison appears
here in the garb of a servant? By heaven, it is so! you
are come as a spy into the camp of the Indians to steal
away the councils of the chiefs. Speak, what have you
heard?"

With these questions returned the calm and self-possession
of the officer. He at once saw the importance of his
answer, on which hung not merely his own last faint chance
of safety, but that also of his generous deliverer.
Struggling to subdue the disgust which he felt at holding
converse with this atrocious monster, he asked in turn,--

"Am I then the only one whom the warriors have overtaken
in their pursuit?"

"There was a woman, the sister of that boy," and he
pointed contemptuously to the young chief who had so
recently assailed him, and who now, in common with his
followers, stood impatiently listening to a colloquy that
was unintelligible to all. "Speak truly, was SHE not the
traitress who conducted you here?"

"Had you found me here," returned the officer, with
difficulty repressing his feelings, "there might have
been some ground for the assertion; but surely the councils
of the chiefs could not be overheard at the distant point
at which you discovered me."

"Why then were you there in this disguise?--and who is
he," again holding up the bloody scalp, "whom I have
despoiled of this?"

"There are few of the Ottawa Indians," returned Captain
de Haldimar, "who are ignorant I once saved that young
woman's life. Is it then so very extraordinary an attachment
should have been the consequence? The man whom you slew
was my servant. I had brought him out with me for protection
during my interview with the woman, and I exchanged my
uniform with him for the same purpose. There is nothing
in this, however, to warrant the supposition of my being
a spy."

During the delivery of these more than equivocal sentences,
which, however, he felt were fully justified by
circumstances, the young officer had struggled to appear
calm and confident; but, despite of his exertions, his
consciousness caused his cheek to colour, and his eye to
twinkle, beneath the searching glance of his ferocious
enemy. The latter thrust his hand into his chest, and
slowly drew forth the rope he had previously exhibited
to Ponteac.

"Do you think me a fool, Captain de Haldimar," he observed,
sneeringly, "that you expect so paltry a tale to be palmed
successfully on my understanding? An English officer is
not very likely to run the risk of breaking his neck by
having recourse to such a means of exit from a besieged
garrison, merely to intrigue with an Indian woman, when
there are plenty of soldiers' wives within, and that too
at an hour when he knows the scouts of his enemies are
prowling in the neighbourhood. Captain de Haldimar," he
concluded, slowly and deliberately, "you have lied."

Despite of the last insult, his prisoner remained calm.
The very observation that had just been made afforded
him a final hope of exculpation, which, if it benefited
not himself, might still be of service to the generous
Oucanasta.

"The onus of such language," he observed coolly and with
dignity, "falls not on him to whom it is addressed, but
on him who utters it. Yet one who professes to have been
himself a soldier, must see in this very circumstance a
proof of my innocence. Had I been sent out as a spy to
reconnoitre the movements, and to overhear the councils
of our enemies, the gate would have been open for my
egress; but that rope is in itself an evidence I must
have stolen forth unknown to the garrison."

Whether it was that the warrior had his own particular
reasons for attaching truth to this statement, or that
he merely pretended to do so, Captain de Haldimar saw
with secret satisfaction his last argument was conclusive.

"Well, be it so," retorted the savage, while a ferocious
smile passed over his swarthy features; "but, whether
you have been here as a spy, or have merely ventured out
in prosecution of an intrigue, it matters not. Before
the sun has travelled far in the meridian you die; and
the tomahawk of your father's deadly foe--of--of--of
Wacousta, as I am called, shall be the first to drink
your blood."

The officer made a final effort at mercy. "Who or what
you are, or whence your hatred of my family, I know not,"
he said; "but surely I have never injured you: wherefore,
then, this insatiable thirst for my blood? If you are,
indeed, a Christian and a soldier, let your heart be
touched with humanity, and procure my restoration to my
friends. You once attempted my life in honourable combat,
why not wait, then, until a fitting opportunity shall
give not a bound and defenceless victim to your steel,
but one whose resistance may render him a conquest worthy
of your arm?"

"What! and be balked of the chance of my just revenge?
Hear me, Captain de Haldimar," he pursued, in that low,
quick, deep tone that told all the strong excitement of
his heart:--"I have, it is true, no particular enmity to
yourself, further than that you are a De Haldimar; but
hell does not supply a feeling half so bitter as my enmity
to your proud father; and months, nay years, have I passed
in the hope of such an hour as this. For this have I
forsworn my race, and become--what you now behold me--a
savage both in garb and character. But this matters not,"
he continued, fiercely and impatiently, "your doom is
sealed; and before another sun has risen, your stern
father's gaze shall be blasted with the sight of the
mangled carcase of his first born. Ha! ha! ha!" and he
laughed low and exultingly; "even now I think I see him
withering, if heart so hard can wither, beneath this
proof of my undying hate."

"Fiend!--monster!--devil!" exclaimed the excited officer,
now losing sight of all considerations of prudence in
the deep horror inspired by his captor:--"Kill me--torture
me--commit any cruelty on me, if such be your savage
will; but outrage not humanity by the fulfilment of your
last disgusting threat. Suffer not a father's heart to
be agonised--a father's eye to be blasted--with a view
of the mangled remains of him to whom he has given life."

Again the savage rudely pulled the thong that bound his
prisoner to his girdle, and removing his tomahawk from
his belt, and holding its sullied point close under the
eye of the former, exclaimed, as he bent eagerly over
him,--

"See you this, Captain de Haldimar? At the still hour of
midnight, while you had abandoned your guard to revel in
the arms of your Indian beauty, I stole into the fort by
means of the same rope that you had used in quitting it.
Unseen by the sentinels I gained your father's apartment.
It was the first time we had met for twenty years; and
I do believe that had the very devil presented himself
in my place, he would have been received with fewer marks
of horror. Oh, how that proud man's eye twinkled beneath
this glittering blade! He attempted to call out, but my
look paralysed his tongue, and cold drops of sweat stole
rapidly down his brow and cheek. Then it was that my
seared heart once more beat with the intoxication of
triumph. Your father was alone and unarmed, and throughout
the fort not a sound was to be heard, save the distant
tread of the sentinels. I could have laid him dead, at
my feet at a single blow, and yet have secured my retreat.
But no, that was not my object. I came to taunt him with
the promise of my revenge--to tell him the hour of my
triumph was approaching fast; and, ha!" he concluded,
laughing hideously as he passed his large rude hand
through the wavy hair of the now uncovered officer," this
is, indeed, a fair and unexpected first earnest of the
full redemption of