Scarcely had its echoes died
away in the forest, when the whole of the warriors rushed
from the encampment towards the clearing. Directed by
the sound, Captain de Haldimar bent his eyes upon the
thin skirt of wood that lay immediately before him, and
at intervals could see the towering form of that vast
warrior bounding, with incredible speed, up the sloping
ground that led from the town towards the forest. A ravine
lay before him; but this he cleared, with a prodigious
effort, at a single leap; and then, continuing his way
up the slope, amid the low guttural acclamations of the
warriors at his extraordinary dexterity and strength,
finally gained the side of Ponteac, then leaning carelessly
against a tree at a short distance from the prisoner.
A low and animated conversation now ensued between these
two important personages, which at moments assumed the
character of violent discussion. From what Captain de
Haldimar could collect, the Ottawa chief was severely
reproving his friend for the inconsiderate ardour which
had led him that morning into collision with those whom
it was their object to lull into security by a careful
avoidance of hostility, and urging the possibility of
their plan being defeated in consequence.
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