A gleam of satisfaction, but so transient as to be scarcely noticeable, passed over the pale features of the youthful De Haldimar.  He looked his thanks to the kind officer who was thus solicitous to tender him consolation; and was about to reply, when the attention of both was diverted by the report of a musket from the rear of the fort.  Presently afterwards, the word was passed along the chain of sentinels, upon the ramparts, that the Indians were issuing in force from the forest upon the common near the bomb-proof.  Then was heard, as the sentinel at the gate delivered the password, the heavy roll of the drum summoning to arms.

“Ha! here already!” said Captain Blessington, as, glancing towards the forest, he beheld the skirt of the wood now alive with dusky human forms:  “Ponteac’s visit is earlier than we had been taught to expect; but we are as well prepared to receive him now, as later; and, in fact, the sooner the interview is terminated, the sooner we shall know what we have to depend upon.  Come, Charles, we must join the company, and let me entreat you to evince less despondency before the men.  It is hard, I know, to sustain an artificial character under such disheartening circumstances; still, for example’s sake, it must be done.”

“What I can I will do, Blessington,” rejoined the youth, as they both moved from the ramparts; “but the task is, in truth, one to which I find myself wholly unequal.  How do I know that, even at this moment, my defenceless, terrified, and innocent sister may not be invoking the name and arm of her brother to save her from destruction.”

“Trust in Providence, Charles.  Even although our worst apprehensions be realised, as I fervently trust they will not, your sister may be spared.  The Canadian could not have been unfaithful, or we should have learnt something of his treachery from the Indians.  Another week will confirm us in the truth or fallacy of our impressions.  Until then, let us arm our hearts with hope.  Trust me, we shall yet see the laughing eyes of Clara fill with tears of affection, as I recount to her all her too sensitive and too desponding brother has suffered for her sake.”

De Haldimar made no reply.  He deeply felt the kind intention of his captain, but was far from cherishing the hope that had been recommended.  He sighed heavily, pressed the arm, on which he leaned, in gratitude for the motive, and moved silently with his friend to join their company below the rampart.

CHAPTER VI.

Meanwhile the white flag had again been raised by the Indians upon the bomb-proof; and this having been readily met by a corresponding signal from the fort, a numerous band of savages now issued from the cover with which their dark forms had hitherto been identified, and spread themselves far and near upon the common.  On this occasion they were without arms, offensive or defensive, of any kind, if we may except the knife