"But come, the bird is flown, and we have only
to thank ourselves for having been so egregiously duped.
Had Valletort been here, he would have given a different
account of him."
"Hist! listen!" exclaimed Lieutenant Johnstone, calling
the attention of the party to a peculiar and low sound
in the direction in which the supposed Indian had departed.
It was repeated, and in a plaintive tone, indicating a
desire to propitiate. Soon afterwards a human form was
seen advancing slowly, but without show either of
concealment or hostility in its movements. It finally
remained stationary on the spot where the dark and
shapeless mass had been first perceived.
"Another Oucanasta for De Haldimar, no doubt," observed
Captain Erskine, after a moment's pause. "These grenadiers
carry every thing before them as well in love as in war."
The error of the good-natured officer was, however,
obvious to all but himself. The figure, which was now
distinctly traced in outline for that of a warrior, stood
boldly and fearlessly on the brink of the ditch, holding
up its left arm, in the hand of which dangled something
that was visible in the starlight, and pointing
energetically to this pendant object with the other.
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