An indifferent observer, or one ignorant of these people, would have been at fault; but those who understood the workings of an Indian’s spirit could not have been deceived by the tranquil exterior of these men.  The rapid, keen, and lively glance—­the suppressed sneer of exultation—­the half start of surprise—­the low, guttural, and almost inaudible “Ugh!”—­all these indicated the eagerness with which, at one sly but compendious view, they embraced the whole interior of a fort which it was of such vital importance to their future interests they should become possessed of, yet which they had so long and so unsuccessfully attempted to subdue.  As they advanced into the square, they looked around, expecting to behold the full array of their enemies; but, to their astonishment, not a soldier was to be seen.  A few women and children only, in whom curiosity had overcome a natural loathing and repugnance to the savages, were peeping from the windows of the block houses.  Even at a moment like the present, the fierce instinct of these latter was not to be controlled.  One of the children, terrified at the wild appearance of the warriors, screamed violently, and clung to the bosom of its mother for protection.  Fired at the sound, a young chief raised his hand to his lips, and was about to peal forth his terrible war whoop in the very centre of the fort, when the eye of the Ottawa suddenly arrested him.

CHAPTER IV.

There were few forms of courtesy observed by the warriors towards the English officers on entering the council room.  Ponteac, who had collected all his native haughtiness into one proud expression of look and figure, strode in without taking the slightest notice even of the governor.  The other chiefs imitated his example, and all took their seats upon the matting in the order prescribed by their rank among the tribes, and their experience in council.  The Ottawa chief sat at the near extremity of the room, and immediately facing the governor.  A profound silence was observed for some minutes after the Indians had seated themselves, during which they proceeded to fill their pipes.  The handle of that of the Ottawa chief was decorated with numerous feathers fancifully disposed.

“This is well,” at length observed the governor.  “It is long since the great chiefs of the nations have smoked the sweet grass in the council hall of the Saganaw.  What have they to say, that their young men may have peace to hunt the beaver, and to leave the print of their mocassins in the country of the Buffalo?—­What says the Ottawa chief?”

“The Ottawa chief is a great warrior,” returned the other, haughtily; and again repudiating, in the indomitableness of his pride, the very views that a more artful policy had first led him to avow.  “He has already said that, within a single moon, nine of the strong holds of the Saganaw have fallen into his hands, and that the scalps of the white men fill the tents of his warriors.  If the red skins wish for peace, it is because they are sick with spilling the blood of their enemies.  Does my father hear?”