The missionary then called on the circle of curious savages by whom he was surrounded, and who certainly contemplated nothing less than his death, in common with those of all his white companions, to unite with him in addressing the Throne of Grace.  Accustomed to preach and pray to these people in their own dialect, the worthy parson made a strong appeal to their charities, while supplicating the favors of Divine Providence in behalf of himself and his brother captive.  He asked for all the usual benedictions and blessings on his enemies, and made a very happy exposition of those sublime dogmas of Christianity, which teach us to “bless them that curse us,” and to “pray for those who despitefully use us.”  Peter, for the first time in his life, was now struck with the moral beauty of such a sentiment, which seldom fails, when duly presented, of producing an effect on even the dullest minds.  His curiosity was touched, and instead of turning coldly, as had been his intention, and leaving the captives in the hands of those to whom he had delivered them, he remained in the circle, and paid the closest attention to all of the proceedings.  He had several times previously heard the missionary speak of this duty as a command of God’s, but never before had he deemed it possible to realize such a thing in practice.

The Indians, if not absolutely awe-struck by the singular spectacle before them, seemed well disposed to let the missionary finish his appeal; some wondering, others doubting, and all more or less at a loss to know what to make of an exhibition so unusual.  There stood the corporal, with his back pressed closely to that of his companion, his musket at “make ready,” and his whole mien that of a man with every nerve screwed to the sticking-point; while the missionary, the other side of the picture, with outstretched arms, was lifting his voice in prayer to the throne of the Most High.  As this extraordinary scene continued, the corporal grew excited; and ere long his voice was occasionally heard, blended with that of the clergyman, in terms of advice and encouragement.

“Blaze away, Mr. Amen,” shouted the soldier.  “Give ’em another volley—­you’re doing wonders, and their front has given ground!  One more such volley as the last, and we’ll make a forward movement, ourselves—­attention!—­prepare to march by the left flank, as soon as there is a good opening!”

That good opening, however, was never made.  The savages, though astonished, were by no means frightened, and had not the smallest idea of letting their captives escape.  On the contrary, Bear’s Meat, who acted as commander-in-chief on this occasion, was quite self-possessed, and so far from being impressed with the missionary’s prayer, he listened to it only in the hope of hearing some admission of weakness escape.  But the excitement of the corporal soon produced a crisis.  His attempts to make a movement “by the left flank,” caused his column of defence to be broken, and obtaining no assistance