did those two human sleuth-hounds
approach the unsuspecting men gathered from various places for the
important council. From creeping they dropped into crawling, with
their bodies close to the ground. In this manner they ere long came
near the water, and not far from where the rebels were assembled.
Here, concealed by night and a thick clump of small fir bushes, they
were able to watch all that was taking place, and to hear every word
uttered.

Ever since Pete had brought him word of this council a great fear had
been tugging at Dane's heart. He said nothing, however, about it to
his companion, but as he rapidly and anxiously scanned the faces of the
men gathered about the big main fire, he breathed a sigh of relief.
The one he feared might be present was not there. A weight was now
lifted from his mind, so he felt in a better mood to spy upon the band
before him.

He knew them all, Indians, English-speaking renegades from New England,
and half-breeds. It was a motley gathering, and as he listened to the
drifting conversation before the actual pow-wow began, he realised how
bitter was the hatred to the English that rankled strong in every
breast. The half-breeds had an old score to settle, and this was
another desperate attempt on their part to arouse the dissatisfied
natives against the Loyalists.

For a time it was an orderly gathering, and as the men ate of the
abundance of food which had been provided, they talked in a quiet
manner. But when the rum, of which there seemed to be no end, was
passed around all became more talkative. They harangued, cursed, and
wrangled with one another until it appeared to the concealed watchers
that the whole affair would end in a fizzle. But Flazeet, the
half-breed leader, seemed to be perfectly satisfied, and at times a
grim smile overspread his dark brutal face.

Leaping at length to his feet, he ordered his companions to be silent.
When he spoke in such a peremptory tone, they knew that it was well for
them to obey, so after a little grumbling they settled down to listen
to what he had to say.

Flazeet understood the Indian language, and was also well acquainted
with the natives, so it was to them he now addressed his words. He
told them first of all of the greatness of their race, and that the
Great Spirit had given to their forefathers the land on which they
lived. It was theirs, and no one had any right to take it from them.
But strangers were coming in, and K