more enlightened beings. A halt, however, was
soon made; and when the captives had time to look about them, they found
they were in view of the low, dark outline of the copse, near which lay
the slumbering party of Ishmael.

Here another short but grave and deliberative consultation was held.

The beasts, which seemed trained to such covert and silent attacks, were
once more placed under the care of keepers, who, as before, were charged
with the duty of watching the prisoners. The mind of the trapper was
in no degree relieved from the uneasiness which was, at each instant,
getting a stronger possession of him, when he found Weucha was placed
nearest to his own person, and, as it appeared by the air of triumph
and authority he assumed, at the head of the guard also. The savage,
however, who doubtless had his secret instructions, was content, for
the present, with making a significant gesture with his tomahawk, which
menaced death to Ellen. After admonishing in this expressive manner
his male captives of the fate that would instantly attend their female
companion, on the slightest alarm proceeding from any of the party, he
was content to maintain a rigid silence. This unexpected forbearance, on
the part of Weucha, enabled the trapper and his two associates to
give their undivided attention to the little that might be seen of the
interesting movements which were passing in their front.

Mahtoree took the entire disposition of the arrangements on himself. He
pointed out the precise situation he wished each individual to occupy,
like one intimately acquainted with the qualifications of his respective
followers, and he was obeyed with the deference and promptitude with
which an Indian warrior is wont to submit to the instructions of his
chief, in moments of trial. Some he despatched to the right, and
others to the left. Each man departed with the noiseless and quick step
peculiar to the race, until all had assumed their allotted stations,
with the exception of two chosen warriors, who remained nigh the person
of their leader. When the rest had disappeared, Mahtoree turned to these
select companions, and intimated by a sign that the critical moment had
arrived, when the enterprise he contemplated was to be put in execution.

Each man laid aside the light fowling-piece, which, under the name of
a carabine, he carried in virtue of his rank; and divesting himself of
every article of exterior or heavy clothing, he stood resembl