at
was more than that of a brother. Now that he has gone, night has
fallen, and all things are hidden in darkness. Long years ago he saved
my life, and in so doing made an enemy of him who has now taken his in
revenge. This man is a dog of dogs, and from this hour he is outcast
among the children of the forest. With the curse of the Metai shall he
be cursed, he and his forever. I, Pontiac, Chief of the Magic Circle,
have said it."

"What is his name, and where may he be found?" asked Donald, eagerly.

"His name is Mahng, and he is of the Ojibwas, though where he may be
found I know not yet. But found he must be, for not only is he the
murderer of thy father and my friend, and a traitor to all in whose
veins runs Indian blood, but he has stolen and taken with him those
most dear to thee and to me, thy sister and my daughter."

"What!" cried Donald, springing to his feet. "My sister, say you? Is
she not safe in the fort?"

"No," answered Pontiac, sadly. "For safety did I keep her here, with
her father. Now is she gone, and with her is gone Ah-mo, my daughter,
and my right hand. To recover them, and to avenge this death, I might
command the Ottawa nation to follow me, and they would obey. I might
destroy the Ojibwas from the face of the earth, but it may not be. In
a private quarrel I may not array tribe against tribe. Nor in this
case would the strength of a war-party prove of such value as the
cunning of two men. The one is doubtless expected, and will be watched
for, while the others may pass unnoticed. Therefore have I selected
two who shall be intrusted with this mission and vengeance. They are
my two sons, one of whom is of the Totem of the Bear, and the other of
the Totem of the Beaver, so that two totems shall be matched against
one, for Mahng is of the Totem of the Wolf. One of them is, besides,
of the order of Metai, on which Mahng has no claim."

"But am I not to be allowed to take part in the rescue of my own
sister? Am I to be kept here, a miserable captive, while others do the
work that is rightly mine?" cried Donald.

"My son," replied Pontiac, again laying his hand gently on the young
man's shoulder, "art thou not of the order of the Metai, and of my
totem, the Totem of the Bear? Hast thou not been the son of my heart
from the day thy baby arms clasped my neck and saved me from death? I
had no thought but that thou should go as one of my messengers, and
Atoka shall go with thee."