ended plumes of eagle, hawk, or turkey feathers, indicative of their
rank or prowess in battle.

As the great gate was swung open to admit this barbaric procession,
they entered the fort with stately tread and in grave silence, led by
the mighty chief, who, with proudly lifted head and flashing eyes,
looked every inch a forest king. Suddenly he started, uttered a deep
ejaculation, and half turned as though to retreat. On either side of
the street down which he must pass to the council-house was drawn up a
motionless line of red-coated soldiers. Above them their fixed
bayonets glinted ominously in the bright sunlight. Behind them every
house was closed, and at the street corners stood groups of stalwart
fur traders, surrounded by their half-savage employees, all armed to
the teeth. In all these rigid figures there was a grim air of
determination, though no sound was to be heard save the measured
throbbing of an unseen drum.

It is no wonder that Pontiac started. In a single glance he saw that
he had been betrayed and that his plan was known. Still, his
hesitation was but momentary and hardly noticed ere with immobile face
he resumed his march toward the great council-house that stood near the
water's edge, on the further side of the town. As the procession of
fierce warriors, decked in the fullest glory of savage habiliment,
moved slowly down the street, frightened faces gazed furtively at them
from behind half-closed blinds, while the regular tap of the unseen
drum seemed to assume an angrier tone, as though impatient to break
forth in the furious rattle of a "charge."

In the council-house the Indians found Gladwyn and his officers seated
in a semicircle at the upper end, waiting to receive them. They also
noted that each of these, besides being in full uniform, wore his sword
and a brace of pistols. At this additional evidence of the discovery
of their design, and that they had placed themselves completely within
the enemy's power, the warriors exchanged uneasy glances, and seemed
inclined to make a rush for the door rather than seat themselves on the
mats prepared for them.

"Why," demanded Pontiac, "do I see so many of my white brother's young
men standing outside with guns in their hands?"

Gladwyn replied that it was customary for his soldiers to go through
with an armed drill every day.

When the Indians were finally seated, one of them filled, lighted, and
handed to Pontiac the great chief's own