Saying which, he took Major Brown aside, and, walking apart from the others, led him, by slow steps, into the forest.  While O’Flaherty continued to dilate upon the atrocities of Indian war, and the revengeful character of the savages, he contrived to be always advancing towards the river side, till at length the glare of a fire was perceptible through the gloom.  Major Brown stopped suddenly, and pointed in the direction of the flame.

“It is the Indian picquet,” said O’Flaherty, calmly; “and as the facts I have been detailing may be more palpable to your mind, you shall see them with your own eyes.  Yes, I repeat it, you shall, through the cover of this brushwood, see Caudan-dacwagae himself—­for he is with them in person.”

As O’Flaherty said this, he led Major Brown, now speechless with terror, behind a massive cork tree, from which spot they could look down upon the river side, where in a small creek sat five or six persons in blankets, and scarlet head-dresses; their faces streaked with patches of yellow and red paint, to which the glare of the fire lent fresh horror.  In the midst sat one, whose violent gestures and savage cries gave him the very appearance of a demon, as he resisted with all his might the efforts of the others to restrain him, shouting like a maniac all the while, and struggling to rise.

“It is the chief,” said O’Flaherty; “he will wait no longer.  We have bribed the others to keep him quiet, if possible, a little time; but I see they cannot succeed.”

A loud yell of triumph from below interrupted Tom’s speech.  The infuriated savage—­who was no other than Mr. Malone—­having obtained the rum bottle, for which he was fighting with all his might—­his temper not being improved in the struggle by occasional admonitions from the red end of a cigar, applied to his naked skin by the other Indians—­who were his own soldiers acting under O’Flaherty’s orders.

“Now,” said Tom, “that you have convinced yourself, and can satisfy your brother officers, will you take your chance? or will you accept the honoured terms of the General—­pile your arms, and retreat beyond the river before day-break?  Your muskets and ammunition will offer a bribe to the cupidity of the savage, and delay his pursuit till you can reach some place of safety.”

Major Brown heard the proposal in silence, and at last determined upon consulting his brother officers.

“I have outstaid my time,” said O’Flaherty, “but stop; the lives of so many are at stake, I consent.”  Saying which, they walked on without speaking, till they arrived where the others were standing around the watch-fire.

As Brown retired to consult with the officers, Tom heard with pleasure how much his two companions had worked upon the Yankees’ fears, during his absence, by details of the vindictive feelings of the Delawares, and their vows to annihilate the Buffalo militia.

Before five minutes they had decided.  Upon a solemn pledge from O’Flaherty that the terms of the compact were to be observed as he stated them, they agreed to march with their arms to the ford, where, having piled them, they were to cross over, and make the best of their way home.