convulsively about
the handle of his knife, as he exclaimed, "I am no dog. The palefaces
are dogs. I am a great chief. My name is known among the braves of my
tribe. It is Misconna--"

As the name fell from his lips, Mr Whyte and Charley were suddenly
dashed aside, and Jacques sprang towards the Indian, his face livid, his
eyeballs almost bursting from their sockets, and his muscles rigid with
passion. For an instant he regarded the savage intently as he shrank
appalled before him; then his colossal fist fell like lightning, with
the weight of a sledge-hammer, on Misconna's forehead, and drove him
against the outer door, which, giving way before the violent shock,
burst from its fastenings and hinges, and fell, along with the savage,
with a loud crash to the ground.

For an instant every one stood aghast at this precipitate termination to
the discussion, and then, springing forward in a body, with drawn
knives, the Indians rushed upon the white men, who in a close phalanx,
with such weapons as came first to hand, stood to receive them. At this
moment Redfeather stepped forward unarmed between the belligerents, and
turning to the Indians, said--

"Listen: Redfeather does not take the part of his white friends against
his comrades. You know that he never failed you in the war-path, and he
would not fail you now if your cause were just. But the eyes of his
comrades are shut. Redfeather knows what they do not know. The white
hunter" (pointing to Jacques) "is a friend of Redfeather. He is a
friend of the Knisteneux. He did not strike because you disputed with
his bourgeois; he struck because Misconna _is his mortal foe_. But the
story is long. Redfeather will tell it at the council fire."

"He is right," exclaimed Jacques, who had recovered his usual grave
expression of countenance, "Redfeather is right. I bear you no
ill-will, Injins, and I shall explain the thing myself at your council
fire."

As Jacques spoke the Indians sheathed their knives, and stood with
frowning brows, as if uncertain what to do. The unexpected interference
of their comrade-in-arms, coupled with his address and that of Jacques,
had excited their curiosity. Perhaps the undaunted deportment of their
opponents, who stood ready for the encounter with a look of stern
determination, contributed a little to allay their resentment.

While the two parties stood thus confronting each other, as if uncertain
how to act, a loud report was