The act that had principally alarmed the cousins, and
terminated, as we have seen, in the sudden attack of the
sailor, had evidently been misconceived. The hand supposed
to be feeling for the heart of the sluggard, had, in all
probability, been placed on his chest with a view to
arouse him from his slumber; while that which was believed
to have been dropped to the handle of his knife, was, in
reality, merely seeking the paper that contained the
announcement, which, if then delivered, might have saved
the garrison.
Such was the tram of conjecture that now passed through
the mind of the officer; but, although he thus placed
the conduct of the Indian in the most favourable light,
his impression received no confirmation from the lips of
the latter. Sullen and doggedly, notwithstanding the
release from his bonds, the Ottawa hung his head upon
his chest, with his eyes riveted on the deck, and
obstinately refused to answer every question put to him
by his deliverer. This, however, did not the less tend
to confirm Captain de Haldimar in his belief. He knew
enough of the Indian character, to understand the indignant
and even revengeful spirit likely to be aroused by the
treatment the savage had met with in return for his
intended services.
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