While the chiefs were yet earnestly conversing, the alarm
cry, previously uttered by Wacousta, was repeated, although
in a low and subdued tone, by several of the Indians who
stood on the brow of the eminence. Ponteac started suddenly
to the same point; but Wacousta continued for a moment
or two rooted to the spot on which he stood, with the
air of one in doubt as to what course he should pursue.
He then abruptly raised his head, fixed his dark and
menacing eye on his captive, and was already in the act
of approaching him, when the earnest and repeated demands
for his presence, by the Ottawa chief, drew him once more
to the outskirt of the wood.
Again Captain de Haldimar breathed freely. The presence
of that fierce man had been a clog upon the vital functions
of his heart; and, to be relieved from it, even at a
moment like the present, when far more important interests
might be supposed to occupy his mind, was a gratification,
of which not even the consciousness of impending death
could wholly deprive him. From the continued pressing of
the Indians towards one particular point in the clearing,
he now conjectured, that, from that point, the advance
of the troops was visible.
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