ntly murderous fire. Cries of
triumph followed this silence, and then a second discharge of bullets
and arrows.

"Is not that an Indian mounting the willow?" whispered Pepe.

"Yes, but let us risk his fire without stirring; lie all of us as if we
were dead. Then he will go and tell his companions that he has counted
the corpses of the palefaces."

In spite of the danger incurred by this stratagem, the proposition of
Bois-Rose was accepted, and each remained motionless, watching, not
without anxiety, the manoeuvres of the Indian. With extreme precaution
the red warrior climbed from branch to branch, until he had reached a
point from which he could overlook the whole islet.

There remained just sufficient daylight to observe his movements when
the foliage itself did not hide them. When he had reached the desired
height, the Indian, resting on a thick branch, advanced his head with
precaution. The sight of the bodies extended on the ground appeared not
to surprise him, and he now openly pointed his rifle towards them. This
he did several times, apparently taking aim, but not one of the hunters
stirred. Then the Indian uttered a cry of triumph. "The shark takes
the bait," muttered Bois-Rose.

"I shall recognise this son of a dog," rejoined Pepe, "and if I do not
repay him for the anxiety he has caused me, it is because the bullet he
is about to send will prevent me."

"It is the Blackbird," said Bois-Rose, "he is both brave and dexterous--
lie close!"

The Indian once more took aim, and then fired; a branch knocked from a
tree just above Pepe, fell upon him and hurt his forehead. He stirred
no more than the dead wood against which he leaned, but said, "Rascal of
a redskin, I'll pay you for this before long."

Some drops of blood fell upon the face of the Canadian.

"Is any one wounded?" said he, with a shudder.

"A scratch, nothing more," said Pepe, "God be praised!"

Just then the Indian uttered a cry of joy, as he descended from the tree
on which he had mounted, and the three friends again breathed freely.

And yet some doubt seemed to remain in the minds of the Indians, for a
long and solemn silence followed the manoeuvre of their chief.

The sun had now set, the short twilight had passed away, night had come
on, and the moon shone on the river, yet still the Indians did not stir.

"Our scalps tempt them, but they still hesitate to come and take them,"
said Pepe, who was becoming very tired of do