matter. So pray, Captain Sinclair,
instruct us all."

Captain Sinclair then stated what he had before mentioned to Alfred, and
having so done, and pointed out that there was no occasion for alarm, he
requested Malachi Bone would say if he had any further information.

"The Injuns did meet as you say, and they could not agree, so they broke
up, and are now all out upon their hunting and trapping for furs. But
there's one thing I don't exactly feel comfortable about, which is that
the `Angry Snake,' as he is called, was at the `talk,' and was mighty
venomous against the English, and has squatted for the winter somewhere
about here."

"The Angry Snake," said Captain Sinclair. "Is that the chief who served
with the French, and wears a medal?"

"The very same, sir. He's not a chief, though; he was a very good
warrior in his day, and the French were very partial to him, as he
served them well; but he is no chief, although he was considered as a
sort of one from the consequence he obtained with the French. He is an
old man now, and a very bitter one. Many's the Englishman that he has
tied to the stake, and tortured during the war. He hates us, and is
always stirring up the Injuns to make war with us; but his day is gone
by, and they do not heed him at the council now."

"Then, why are you uncomfortable about him?" said Mr Campbell.

"Because he has taken up his quarters for the winter hunting not far
from us, with six or seven of the young warriors, who look up to him,
and he is mischievous. If the Injun nation won't make war, he will do
something on his own account, if he possibly can. He's not badly named,
I can tell you."

"Will he attack you?"

"Me! no, no; he knows better. He knows my rifle well; he has the mark
on his body; not but that he would if he dared, but I am Injun myself,
and know Injun craft. Then you see, these people have strange ideas.
During the whole war they never could even hit me with their rifles, and
they think I am not to be hurt--that's their superstition--and my rifle,
they think, never misses (they're almost right there, for it does not
once in a hundred times), so what with this and that, they fear me as a
supernatural, as we call it. But that's not the case with you all here;
and if the Snake could creep within these palisades, he might be
mischievous."

"But the tribes know very well that any attack of this kind would be
considered as a declaration of hostilities," said