not to be deficient in either.  Perhaps it was well that he had been temporarily deprived of sight, for could he have remarked the numerous tomahawks that were raised towards him, in pantomimic representation of what they would have done had they been permitted, the view would in no way have assisted his self-possession.  The entrance to the fort once gained by the little party, the clamour began to subside, and the Indians, by whom they had been followed, returned to the bank of the river to satisfy their curiosity with a view of those who had been left in the boat, to which, as a security against all possible outrage, a sergeant’s command had meanwhile been despatched.

It was in the drawing room of Colonel D’Egville, that the General, surrounded by his chief officers, awaited the arrival of the flag of truce.  Into this the American Colonel, for such was his rank, after traversing the area of the fort that lay between, was now ushered, and, the bandage being removed, his eye encountered several to whom he was personally known, and with these such salutations as became the occasion were exchanged.

“The flag you bear, sir,” commenced the General, after a few moments of pause succeeding these greetings, “relates I presume, to the prisoners so recently fallen into our hands.”

“By no means, General,” returned the American, “this is the first intimation I have had of such fact—­my mission is of a wholly different nature.  I am deputed by the officer commanding the forces of the United States, to summon the garrison of Amherstburg, with all its naval dependencies, to surrender within ten days from this period.”

The General smiled.  “A similar purpose seems to have actuated us both,” he observed.  “A shorter limit have I prescribed to the officer by whom I have, this very day, sent a flag to General Hull; I have caused it to be intimated, that, failing to comply with my summons, he may on the ensuing Sabbath expect to see the standard of England floating over the walls of his citadel.  This, Colonel, you may moreover repeat as my answer to your mission.”

The American bowed.  “Such then, General, is your final determination?”

“Not more certain is it that the next Sabbath will dawn, than that the force I have the honor to command will attempt the assault upon that day.”

“What, within three days?  You would seem to hold us cheaply, General,” said the American piquedly, “that you do not even leave us in doubt as to the moment of your intended attack.”

“And if I would, it were useless,” was the reply, “since what I do attempt shall be attempted openly.  In the broad face of day will I lead my troops to the trenches.  By this time, however, your chief must know my determination—­ where, may I ask, did you pass my flag?”

“I met with none, General, and yet my boat kept as nearly in the middle of the stream as possible.”

“Then must ye have passed each other on the opposite sides of Turkey Island.  The officer in charge was moreover accompanied by two of the prisoners to whom I have alluded —­one a field officer in your own regiment.”