ding them meet him in council. He added Rene to the number, for his
uncle wished him to fully comprehend the difficulties of their position.

The council met in the commandant's private room, and Laudonniere,
stating the situation clearly to them, asked what was to be done. Some
suggested one thing and some another, and the discussion was long and
earnest. Le Moyne, the artist, added to the perplexities of the
commandant by stating that he had heard rumors of dissatisfaction among
the garrison, and threats that unless provisions were speedily obtained
they would build a vessel, abandon the fort and country, and attempt to
make their way back to France.

While the discussion was at its height, two soldiers appeared at the
door, leading between them a slender young Indian, whom Rene, with a
joyful cry, at once recognized as his friend Has-se the Sunbeam.

CHAPTER IV

HAS-SE IS HELD PRISONER

Saluting his commandant, the sergeant of the guard, who held the
prisoner on the right, reported that this young savage had been seen
skulking in the forest near the fort, and that, deeming his presence
and movements very suspicious, he had sent a party of men to capture
him. They had gone out by a rear gate, and, making a long detour, had
surprised him just as he was making off through the underbrush, and
after a sharp tussle had secured and brought him into the fort.

At the first appearance of his friend, Rene had started up with an
exclamation of joy to go to him, but his uncle sternly bade him keep
his seat. He obeyed, but scowled angrily at the soldiers, who still
retained their hold of Has-se, as though fearful that if they let go he
might in some mysterious way vanish from their sight.

Laudonniere commanded them to release their hold of the prisoner and to
retire from the room, but to remain within call. They did so, and the
young Indian, left to face the council, drew himself up proudly, and
folding his arms, stood motionless. Rene tried in vain to catch his
eye, that he might, by a sympathetic glance, assure him of his
friendship; but the other betrayed no recognition of his presence, nor
once looked in his direction. He was dressed in the full costume of a
young warrior who occupied the honorable position of Bow-bearer to a
great chief, and in his hair gleamed the Flamingo Feather that
proclaimed the station in life to which he was born. His handsome
figure, proud face, and fearless bearing caused the