e warriors now gazing at it were evidently animated
only by a respectful curiosity. As Christie also looked at the magic
emblem, he saw the outline of an animal, that might be meant for a
bear, encircled by an oval formed of two serpents. Above the whole was
a tiny triangle, enclosing the rude semblance of an eye.

Several of the Indians surrounding Donald pointed to figures on their
own arms, similar to that of the animal on his, but without the
remainder of the device. These gravely shook hands with him, and then
walked away. Then came the one who had acted as Bullen's interpreter,
and proudly displayed on his arm a tattooed mark identical with that
borne by Donald, save that the surmounting eye was not enclosed. This
man did not offer to shake hands; but, folding his arms in a peculiar
manner, as though to indicate the oval of serpents, bowed and asked, in
broken French: "What will my brother of the magic circle have? It is
his to command, and mine to obey."

"I will have," replied the young man, quickly adapting his tone to the
occasion, "food for myself and my friend. Then I would be left for a
season, that I may question this white man, who, painted like a son of
the forest, yet seeks my protection. Also, if my brother of the Metai
is so inclined, I would learn something of the charge against him."

"It shall be done as my brother desires," answered the other. "As to
the charge against this white man, it must also be told, for all things
may be learned by the Metai. Know, then, that he came to us as a great
medicine man, who wished to become Indian. He performed marvellous
deeds, and won our confidence. He offered to show us how we might
safely capture the fort of the log house. He placed powder so as to
destroy it. Then, in the night, when all was ready, he moved the
powder by his magic. Without going near the place where it was he made
it to explode, so that it killed many of our young men, and turned to
water the hearts of others. For this wickedness the Great Spirit took
from him his medicine, so that he can no longer do the things he once
did, as was shown in the tests but now. Therefore is he become a dog,
and must die as a dog when my brother shall be finished with him."

"It is well," replied Donald, gravely, "and later I will speak further
concerning this matter with my brother of the Metai, and with the
chiefs."

With another profound bow the interpreter retired, while the squaws
br