A large grave had been dug close
under the rampart, and near the fatal flag-staff, to
receive the bodies of their deceased friends; and, as
they were lowered successively into their last earthly
resting place, tears fell unrestrainedly over the bronzed
cheeks of the oldest soldiers, while many a female sob
blended with and gave touching solemnity to the scene.
On the morning of the third day from this quadruple
interment, notice was given by one of the sentinels that
an Indian was approaching the fort, making signs as if
in demand for a parley. The officers, headed by Major
Blackwater, now become the commandant of the place,
immediately ascended the rampart, when the stranger was
at once recognised by Captain de Haldimar for the young
Ottawa, the preserver of his life, and the avenger of
the deaths of those they mourned, in whose girdle was
thrust, in seeming pride, the richly mounted dagger that
officer had caused to be conveyed to him through his no
less generous sister. A long conference ensued, in the
language of the Ottawas, between the parties just named,
the purport of which was of high moment to the garrison,
now nearly reduced to the last extremity.
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