tted to keep back the fierce anger that shook me, I
strolled sullenly on, not even venturing to glance back lest I should
give way. It was thus we reached the Fort gate, and entered, leaving
our dusky escort to slink back into the night. An anxious crowd met
us. It was Wells who questioned first.

"So those devils have let you go unharmed? What answer made the
savages?"

"They pledge us safe convoy around the head Of the lake."

"They do? Who spoke the words of the pledge?"

"Old Gomo himself, and it was ratified by each of the chiefs in turn."

"They are lying dogs,--all but one of them. What answered Black
Partridge?"

Heald made no response; and Wells wheeled impetuously to me.

"Come, lad, the truth,--what reply did Black Partridge make to this
Indian mummery?"

"He said, 'I have already spoken to the White Chief in his own wigwam,
and given back the medal of the Americans, and have nothing more to
say.'"

For a moment the old Indian soldier stared at me, his stern face fairly
black with the cloud in his eyes. He brought his clinched hand down
hard against the log wall.

"By God! it is treachery!" he exclaimed fiercely, and turned and walked
away.

CHAPTER XXII

THE LAST NIGHT AT DEARBORN

It was evident that preparations were even then well under way for
retreat the following morning. Trunks and boxes, together with various
military stores and arms, strewed the sides of the parade-ground;
farther back, a number of wagons, partially filled, stood waiting the
remainder of their loads. Men and women were hastening back and forth,
and children were darting through the shadows, their little arms piled
high with bundles, and making play, as children ever will, of what was
to prove an awful tragedy. A large fire, burning brightly before the
deserted guard-house, cast its ruddy glow over the animated scene,
checkering the rude walls with every passing shadow.

I noticed, as I slowly pushed my way along, that the soldiers worked
seriously, with few jests on their lips, as if they realized the peril
that menaced them; while many among the women, especially those of the
humbler sort, were rejoicing over the early release from garrison
monotony, and careless of what the morrow might bring of danger and
suffering.

A few steps from the gate, I paused for a moment that I might watch
their flitting figures, the incessant bustle being a positive relief
after the dull and ghostly silence without