ous peril. I have always got along with the
redskins, and have thus far found Pontiac reasonable."

"I forgot. He did present the calumet to you," replied the other, with
a meaning intonation.

"Do you dare insinuate--?" began Major Hester, with a dangerous glitter
in his eye.

"No, Hester. No, I do not. I am ashamed of myself and humbly
apologize!" cried Gladwyn. "If you insist upon placing yourself within
the power of yonder savages, I shall know that you do so from the
loftiest sense of duty, with a full knowledge that you jeopardize your
life, and with a courage that I fear I for one could not exhibit."

"Thank you, Gladwyn. That was said manfully and like a true soldier.
I shall accept this mission because it is plainly in the line of my
duty to do so. If I never return from it, I charge you to carry a
father's blessing to my children."

The fine old soldier, in full uniform, was accompanied to the gateway
by all the officers of the post. There every one shook hands with him,
bidding him at once God-speed and farewell, while the soldiers lined
the ramparts, and as he emerged from the gates saluted him with a
rousing British cheer.

The major was escorted by the two aged Canadians who had been sent out
in the first place, and the little party had not covered more than half
the ground between the fort and Parent's creek, beyond which lay the
Ottawa village, ere they were met by another Canadian running and
breathless. He implored them to turn back, saying that he had just
been through the Indian village and was convinced by what he saw and
heard that no Englishman could set foot within its limits and live.
But Major Hester steadfastly refused to retreat, and insisted on
fulfilling his mission.

At length they crossed the creek, mounted the ridge beyond, and saw
outspread on its further slope the most extensive Indian village ever
known to that region. The moment the hated English uniform was seen by
the inmates of the many lodges, they swarmed about the ambassadors by
hundreds, the men with scowling brows, the squaws and children
snatching up sticks, stones, and clubs as they ran. For a moment the
stout heart of the old soldier quailed, for he imagined he was to be
subjected to the terrible ordeal of the gantlet.

At the same time not a trace of emotion appeared on his face, as calmly
folding his arms he stepped a pace or two in front of his shrinking
companions and boldly confronted the throng o