ting so strongly to Redfeather's
leaving the community no one could tell, although some of those who knew
his unforgiving nature suspected that he still entertained the hope of
being able, some day or other, to wreak his vengeance on his old rival.
But whatever was his object, he failed in moving Redfeather's
resolution; and it was at last admitted by the whole party that
Redfeather was a "wise chief," that he knew best what ought to be done
under the circumstances, and it was hoped that his promised visit, in
company with the missionary, would not be delayed many moons.

That night, in the deep shadow of the trees, by the brook that murmured
near the Indian camp, while the stars twinkled through the branches
overhead, Charley introduced Redfeather to his friend Jacques Caradoc,
and a friendship was struck up between the bold hunter and the red man
that grew and strengthened as each successive day made them acquainted
with their respective good qualities. In the same place, and with the
same stars looking down upon them, it was further agreed that Redfeather
should accompany his new friends, taking his wife along with him in
another canoe, as far as their several routes led them in the same
direction, which was about four or five days' journey; and that while
the one party diverged towards the fort at Stoney Creek, the other
should pursue its course to the missionary station on the shores of Lake
Winnipeg.

But there was a snake in the grass there that they little suspected.
Misconna had crept through the bushes after them, with a degree of
caution that might have baffled their vigilance, even had they suspected
treason in a friendly camp. He lay listening intently to all their
plans, and when they returned to their camp, he rose out from among the
bushes, like a dark spirit of evil, clutched the handle of his
scalping-knife, and gave utterance to a malicious growl; then walking
hastily after them, his dusky figure was soon concealed among the trees.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

THE RETURN--NARROW ESCAPE--A MURDEROUS ATTEMPT, WHICH FAILS--AND A
DISCOVERY.

All nature was joyous and brilliant, and bright and beautiful. Morning
was still very young--about an hour old. Sounds of the most cheerful,
light-hearted character floated over the waters and echoed through the
woods, as birds and beasts hurried to and fro with all the bustling
energy that betokened preparation and search for breakfast. Fish leaped
in the pools