class.  These men meant right; but they had been deluded by the falsehoods, machinations, and frauds of a demagogue, and were no longer masters of their own opinions or acts.  It struck the captain that something was wrong; but, a foreigner by birth himself, he had early observed, and long known, the peculiar exterior and phlegm of the people of the country, which so nearly resemble the stoicism of the aborigines, as to induce many writers to attribute both alike to a cause connected with climate.  The present was not a moment however, nor was the impression strong enough to induce the master of the place to enter into any inquiries.  Turning his eyes in the direction of the two bearers of the flag, he there beheld matter for new interest, completely diverting his thoughts from what had just passed.

“I see they have sent two men to meet our messengers serjeant,” he said—­“This looks as if they understood the laws of war.”

“Quite true, your honour.  They should now blindfold our party, and lead them within their own works, before they suffer them to see at all; though there would be no great advantage in it, as Strides is as well acquainted with every inch of that rock as I am with the manual exercise.”

“Which would seem to supersede the necessity of the ceremony you have mentioned?”

“One never knows, your honour.  Blindfolding is according to the rules, and I should blindfold a flag before I let him approach, though the hostile ranks stood drawn up, one on each side of a parade ground.  Much is gained, while nothing is ever lost, by sticking to the rules of a trade.”

The captain smiled, as did all the Americans of the guard; the last having too much sagacity not to perceive that a thing might be overdone, as well as too little attended to.  As for Jamie and Mike, they both received the serjeant’s opinions as law; the one from having tried the troops of the line at Culloden, and the other on account of divers experiences through which he had gone, at sundry fairs, in his own green island.  By this time, however, all were too curious in watching the result of the meeting, to continue the discourse.

Robert Willoughby and Joel had moved along the lane towards the rocks, without hesitating, keeping their little flag flying.  It did not appear that their approach produced any change among the savages, who were now preparing their breakfasts, until they had got within two hundred yards of the encampment, when two of the red-men, having first laid aside their arms, advanced to meet their visiters.  This was the interview which attracted the attention of those at the Hut, and its progress was noted with the deepest interest.