come as proposed with a larger present, and
a greater number of followers to convey it. He then, shaking hands as
before, returned to his horse, and remounting, rode off with his
companions.

"I hope, after all, that the Indian intends no treachery," observed
Captain Mackintosh, as he re-entered the fort; and the gates were closed
for the night. "Still we must be on our guard."

"I should think so, sir," said Norman; "and we shall soon hear what Le
Brun has to say on the subject."

About a couple of hours after dark, Le Brun and his party arrived, and,
having left their horses on the other side of the stream, noiselessly
entered the fort.

At an early hour the next day the young chief, with nearly twenty
followers, was seen approaching. Captain Mackintosh at once placed his
men in positions commanding the entrance, so that, should the Indians
show any treacherous intentions, the gate might forthwith be shut. His
great object was to prevent bloodshed; at the same time, while showing
that he was not unprepared for treachery, he did not wish to offend his
guest.

As a precautionary measure, he resolved not to admit more than half
their number, and he placed men ready to close the gates directly the
party had entered. Mysticoose rode up with the air of a gallant in days
of yore, and throwing the rein to one of his attendants, he, with the
larger number of his followers, dismounted and advanced towards Captain
Mackintosh, who stood ready to receive him.

"I can only allow ten to enter," said the captain; "the rest must remain
outside with the horses."

The chief, appearing not to think this unreasonable, directed the rest
of his followers to keep back. His countenance fell, however, when,
having entered the gate, he looked round and saw the hunters whom he
supposed to be at a distance, standing on either side with arms in their
hands. He hesitated and stopped short.

"Does my white brother think I come intending treachery?" he asked. "He
has been deceived by some one. My object is to present these peltries
to him, hoping that he will give me, not the goods he spoke of, but the
fair lily, his daughter, and I will promise to bring him ten times the
amount before another summer has begun."

Captain Mackintosh replied that he had already said all that he could
say on that subject.

But the chief was not satisfied with his refusal, and began another long
speech, which, as Norman remarked, "Though it might h