^ IMAGE EVALUATION . TEST TARGET (MT-3) trwf^ ■f -•■ . -■ ■■ I 1.0 I.I 11.25 l^|Z8 no ■^" £f I4i i 2^ 2.2 Siajzo U 116 _,Sciences Corporalion 23 WBT MAIN STRliT WnSTIR.N.Y. 14SM ( 71 «) •72-4503 V-- 4 CIHM Microfiche Series (Monographs) IGMH Cotlectron de microf^ches (monographies) y Canadian Institute for Historical IMicroreproductions / Irtstitut Canadian da microreproductions historiqu« Ttchnical and Bibliographic Notes / Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Faatic^ of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. □ Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur D Covers damaged/ Couverture endommagie Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurM ct/ou pelliculie □ Cover title missing/ Le litre de couverture manque □ Coloured maps/ Cartes g*?. « lASHI tBE ERIES, f. "i /■ V* /I A l^tas OF CANADA? A4\ '■ Ow-» '^,.„ BY « H. H. B.« g^- CJOMPLieTE IJV 0JUE VOLUME. '« { A» "T«uhr«»iiuniiewriWMmwrwoBoornoW.ne.. ^ . ^1- , . -ft. f *" OFPIOB OF TM .Aiii|»Ai«; ^ ^j^jjftyt K v^ iV .Aad *lll»rt laittoipM BooM«Uw,to 0«aMa. ^;.^ "H - A w I w y mil ll . Mp l ll l . ! • -(H."W!SW«»"|W- / / *% ,1 1 ' ^v . 6/UC # .vSfl^*'-^ L #' JI9M >;*'V'V#';.:, V ■ 'v PREFACE, TU writer of the fi>llowing pagei, in presenting his labor, to the p*. ruial, and »,atence ofii diwerning Public, do.. .« with .ome degree of ■ he.itat.on, not .o raiich from a fear of the subject beirtg devoid of inter- e,i to every Canadian, a. from a doubt of hisharing sufficient oxperi- ence, to clothe it in the most agreeable language. The event, of this tale are commenced, and continued through t1.e year. 1766 and 7, when che war between France and England was carried on with vigor, especially along their respective frontiers and which ultimately ended In the conquest ofCanada by the British. Though the tale has not much to do with those stirring occurrences. yet the period is an interesting one to every Canadian reader; and .anythmg that could throw light upon the circumstances of the time ( without Interfering with the subject matter of the ti|le, ) has not been' over-looked. i In delineating the Indian character, the writer has endeavored to give the reader some information regarding the priaciple tribes of wrtem Canada, and those people igenerally knowi, a« 4he Five or Six ^tlon.,; and, although; U wa. iiot hi. intention fp attempt anything ,/like a biographical history of the Eries, yet he ha. availed Wm.elf of aknowledgeoftheJrearlyhistoryto make them the prominent character, of thi. tale-and,he has always kept in view that great desideratum in the compilation of books, namely, the obligation under which an Author rest, to hi. readers, that in furnishlDgUem with amusement for an idle hour, he should not only avoid presenting to them language, which ii might be beneficial to forget, and ideas or characters which it would be pernicious to emulate, but, that on the contraij, he should endeavor to ' entwine the fictitious and real portions of bis subject in such a manner, that many, who have only commenced its perusal for the purpose of acquiring some useful information, or banishing a tediou. hour, mar have a pleasing recolloction of Its most striking passages. I ^^ *''*" '"*'^' ■"■*"'*'^ i"?""-*! on his mind, he commenced his labor. ; and with the amicus hope that the intelligence, and good W B ie of the C a nadian gubllc, will, at the »ame tlmen>Teri oo k»iiyTri ^ ;neM jhich, historically, it raay.cpntnin, and appreciate ought of n««i). tvjRrnicb it may possess. " " At!- ^ Iff I -thWattl' ■^- - ■■■-'^^?at*- ■ ''^mm p*pm ■"wsppp » . < III M . 11 '». I ^W« ^alMbl»p«pte, " Ah J it will never do, Dick,-ni have to give it vp. " - wfttt will never do 1 give what up? " ^7^i'^!^,l •*;.f""' -'^rt'lnedofbringingto perfection. lintei' S2r^»^.!!;*li'i'""r'^'^'''"°* would have been inmoruSS JJ^uMlwoatdo. leee, !«:.. are ftw. and too many Ue. t..J!!^ dlf^l?" ^!.""''' ^^ *'*• "• ^« • wool-gatherfngt Wl«i twme»d«-. «W«4JJ« « fondly «,«rtain of bringing lo jSfoctionl » *^"*»» £^nS^^?2^ii~I^^^ the Deluge up to thepKint yett. I SImatZl" " «»» P«P«. than I wh» S2L'",T„n:;:r,;ri:,'.s '- «... w.^/j^'^as: MOM, T h.„-. » . F .* "^ '"^'"' ■"»D«'ngr and conninfrold news. to a atodJuurtiJ.^ . fram.their ongin to their extermination. I aiR ImMgto W *^t!^^ u"^""**'"" '**«PP«'««'»«e of the tribe of JfnJ.-.rjtv»!S clortw soenr^T; fi^ctl-my History will be inco«pl««.wlthw» tl» f ,! L^y l^.:^' ^ r*^. yoa'«exh«„M .m.^. ^.n. „, ,y , m loss 01 whoee tragical fate you seem so much to df^ fjt^ ^^ .^«<" ife"^ w -w ■•»<(««■«■ mmum^ I • .r LNTRODUCTOUY bCKNF, " Why, thry are a raco who gave' their name to Lake? lirif. It is aljsolufelf necessary • mention them ; tbey would be a diamond in my work, couW I get auihentifr information. " " TiJlTum Squintum, excuse me, you're a fool. What ! cannot your invemtivc jfenius procure you the fact, that, in a lit of jealousy, they cut all their sq«aw« throats, and . then tomahawlied each other to appease the Great Spirit 1 Tut, man, you make a mountain out of a mole-hill. " " Ah, Dick, I have a conscience. You do not know what we historians suffer ^ in that way ;' besides— whisper— I had to lie considerably in the first part of my ^^ work, and the factis, J-ou know, I must keep a little fiction on hand for futur« emei^eneies. Ah, if I had not a tender conscience, but it's the faolt of my mother. " '■ What's Squintum sighing for, eh 1 " " His conscience pricks him. " " Conscience be hanged! Look here, Dick, a complete talc df the Mohawk war. " ^ ' "Charlie, no move of that; your characters sicken mer—ytou 4»cribe to them gtory which they never had ; you deck them with virtues they never possess** j you exalt your Indians into gods, and your squaws into §;odesses. Away with • yonr painted heroes. " " Hark to the heathen, the infidel !— hear him. But, Dick, you have an «- cute ; it could hardly be expected xhou couldst appreciate mj;^ ideal chw^rters, being totally unacquainted with the originals. " " Indeed ! then listen. One Idvely morning, a little before sunrise— » - " Squintum, for God's sake, h^nd me that decanter— and snuff the candles, mf dear fellow ; I feel rather faint in the stomach. I knew it would be"^ a loTtsly morning '—just as the beams of the rising .sun, ' &c.. Well, I feel rather betlaif now — go on, Dick. " \ « " Do not interrupt me again, if^-ou please. It Was on a l«rvely morning, ^ when ' the leaves of autumn strewed the ground, ' that I embarked on board the staamer Thunderbolt, and shortly after\ we were slowly moving over the turtid deep. The crested waves sparkled like silver in the rays of the sun, and the fishes glanced, like diamands, in the water. The vault of heaven appeared to enlarge, while ite depths grew.to a deeper blue, as fhe orb of day slorwly ad- vanced' to the meridian; the city of Toronto, with its spires and domes, flashfd at a distance. I went on the promenade-deck, and walked aft, musing on tha uncertainty of human life. It requires but the starting of a plank, thought I, of some neglect on the part of the en(?ineer, to send hundreds of God's ereatnres to deslrtiction. I raised my head— one solitary spire of the city, alone was vfMble :' itahone like » star for a few moments, -when it totally disappeared. Ontario's shores were l»ke a haze on the horizon ; and at last, they, loo, vanished, and *« were alone upon the -wide deep. I fefl into a complete reverie— toUlTy nn^sn- sdouk of those around me— and was soon engaged io composing a poetical Ide. — ,»i ri |*i on storm^ t "Charlie, what frcc-mason antic doyoitcair that— placing the (bre-fingeif trr tile nose, and winking the left eye 1 " ! df the MohaWk ; the fcre-finge* tf? INTRODUCtOW' SCENE. ^' Nothing, my d^r Dick, but making a signal to Squintum to -put a drop more in mj tumbl«iwi had a touch agaia ol that old complaint of mio« " " Yon should get rid oflt as soon as possible. Charlie ; it's a sure sigi, of con- snmiition, and for that disease, I know a perfect cure-Iintroduced it in my poem of the ' Orphan Girl. • She is in the last stage of the diseaso^s «4Mn her sailor lover suddenly appears, on his return from a long voyage, and produces a receipt-' cure forconsumption. ' He got it from a negro, in the West Indies for a plug of tobacco ; and he reads it 6ut to the motker. If you will look over the poem, Charlie ".-— ^ , " The toid forbid. " - y " NoDsenae, my boy, I'll lend it to you; itTl ptat me to no thmbla at all -. , Greenland, put me in mind to give Charlie that poem to-morrow " ^ « Wh*t^m »-the ' Distressed Maid, ' or the < Pirate's Daughter '-4he ' Deformed Boy, ■ or the ' Farewell, ' or " all". luO T'^^ yo'^i-jhough Charlie, perhaps, might wish to'hive th«n ail , II that s the eaaa, jrou had better " . nr„?*"r^**,^?*'.,f '"''"'^'- ^°' ^'''^' ^^^y'>^ very much, I'll take the Orphan Girl, • I will, indeed-better take a small dose " ««« «« ww'if'^r"^."?"^"'^'^''^"^^*'^"^"- Botlmaot finish my story. ' b«tl,r I . """ ""f^^ '°°J"''^» ''P* •««™! *« 1»" rhymed beautUhUy, when I received a tip on the shoulder, and. turning round I beheld Z:^!^."^"^^ ''?''''"' ^*-''^- ' "^"^ -^ bard. «p^ting T^ T^JTJ^ ?™*^' '^•'"^•^.fiiP*"? I'ubedmy eyes, thinking.^rhaps. the ^ had tamed them crooked-buVntf. nothing could I discover else.than a bru- «A Iwkxng comitenance garing atme. Thinking li^uat ilill be laboring «bd« W^, I WW, you indian-Mohawk 1 ' Me Mohawk, yes, > he anTwer.*- f^ liWm^ today i ' and he drags fonvard a butidle of brooms looking anvS r^iSr**r"T^ **"*""" 5™"- 'N°.'«idl. 'Baybari^e^•«^a-»S *d.rk^yed mdianmaid,' Charlie; but it was a squaw, I expect, for it was ^ m a petticoat, showing her bare red anc|^*gre«t s^^t, while " ^njfton* e^ ,0 ear, distorted her beauUful coulee. « Astraw Lt,'.^ . J^^cS:?""^^ «ny longer, 3r away inarage. Ling ««J^^rI^' whT "■""; ""'''' ^^"^ bringupthe worst specimen, of a de. «M^-™«. '^bo have partly losttheirnationality, by adopiingthe customs SSiJIn 1 , "° °°'»'»'">1""<« ^ »be European Colonist. , ftey d^ WW. m the central and westrfn parts of America. And, behold: Dick lean .^^W Lr S """"^ ^""'"'''' "" ^ ^'^ »Pwk of hope went iS . ,^gp»d^ only , » h.e n tw o^hiids of their naH wM w wrtai nA'he irtSy-^ ^ ' '''""'JW. n> 1883. among the Peminoh*. Mtv^jfmitfti n^fi^ y JiA.* ' .t i«M«i|^|MMMVI> -w i iMi I I v i um rfx^^'mmmimmimim^^^ilfi^ '^ n i , . INTRODUCTORY SCENE. ^-tht pretknt ag«, here is my old friend ' Antiquity ' vot hM Mi* heiow.nd Iiero- ine«; in the knight* and damseU of the Crasade. Hold up tfia cOkmlnait ibfs ibd dindieftof our own race, at the prenent, and yon will have hia abmil yonr ^ara, Tor jodgin; of the merits and Talije of oar anceai^ra, by our own ( ," Like yon or I, for inttance,">h 1 " " Yon may say so ; for, instead of moping here now writing of feata of we wottld be ffleriitg^ them then. " ""^l " You-re quite a philosopher; but what's th^f^QreenWd's pnlUng ontof JOUr eoatpocketr- ' " ^^ ^ J(hl I always snspected hint of abstracting from my mantucripts to fill Bis o«n. This, my dear Dick, jls an important paper, thit I found cooaealena a drawer of an old barean, which I bought at anction not long since. It appcara lo^^hare been A*ritten a good maay years igo i I have glanced at it here Old ^ Uiere, and it is so very, entertaining, that I Khali read it ont for the benefit of my- , self- and the whole ol you. U is headed ' The Last of the Srits, ' a tale of— «- D>^ nt Wiat's Squintum dancingabout for like a bear oo a gridiron, Green- land grining, and you speeringi " • '' " I can give a pretty g(it KtioWi then, the JBrie tribe, the losi of whose history Sqpintum se«n»aaa: to deplore, inhabited the southern Wast of LAke Erie, nyiay yMM At one time they were a very powerful natioa, wntil the Iroquois, or i^ora piep^ ^lyapeaking, the Five Nations, who caaie.fhim the West, raTaged thail iriMfe country, north and south. It was generally believed that they WBi»i tottUf tttteffOiltated t^ Ihe Iroquois on their own hunting grounds. Such waanot thfl ttt^,'hMVtet( which will appear by the story of thin yoang.friend 6( miaCi i I kC^ nnitttol^down nearly as it was told to me— maldag such additioaa, aaMf e«MMy, 10 connect the different pans of the tale; and the requiaita alMnUiilM ■jpjiairt ttrttotftlltoiheaccond pmonjiingtilar. Boy^ brij ^acmft;| >t pB| fndL i^^, ilnd giTe Crtck a glau of negns, fo» he» gotag to deep. Oiptt-jli. a«4»e t^ way, and listen. " ^^^'' "'^hiyt^i! ^nrntasd, I dtn { The last of tUk eries. CHAPTER I. ^ T«c Uwt*. '((ve a «nall isolated, thpugh influe'ntiaL.ribcof IndUa. iohaU «iprthe baatoi and Wanda of .!« Ouaw.. wl,c« .'he .irer widen. ^Tc^^r- able eiten^ forming a lak» of no inconsidemble siie. They had a charaeieX hjj«.y and valor-ipdeed 1, could easily be discerned in their couate«nc«J TW« had a look of noMe, darin,. Whence thepriginated o, ^^^^ toowD. subsequent ta the periojl of this tale, t* n-iflthough their my.t;,!^ d^«ppearance^ w.., tfft^r.ayi^nown to a few. But w* J,,, „ot J^^Z rtffce ivto say, that they were a brave and an i^lligew people comDaredw^ ^k neighbor. Their valor d.dnot over<;oa.e^ir l^^^^Z^"^ W^rife'T.nJ' " 'T?""' degree; consequently, while freqT«T^ l!ih f„T K """''^' '^'^ '"'*• ^8^P««"'^«'y. fre*from those «vU^ «J nU4^W02btfmade amongst them, but their enemies found to tteircorSdt- awiradvt ntage to be considered as allie..than a.s foes. . The chief of Uiia oka WWM «j mtlimated influence over his people, as also,, over the ,unoai,dlng «2?«L^* r"^' .^""'°' chief scorned not to «.ek Cf un«.l and adrice ot iht I JWWMfl^em o« the Jrinkas. From wh^ had been «en of them, ihey Wue Sft2'-1rr'*!!.\'J!'"'- ^''•'-"^^'^""•'er fell short oTuTmeTS ^J^ qualitle. which becme their se,; they were. gep^Uy ;^"So« li«fltftl»y and symmetrically formed. , ' ff*««C| ^ *;Sil;.°T''*!f.""'°*' ?" •"°>'«~«W l« •«« cnrlin, upward frwa iWdlC £^^ te d^" ^""'^ o,er.tanging foliage. «.d, ««ttering Zxt;^ uStSf ** n, r.'^ "^ '"! '*''»! »»^ «"« indiai,s.'th«,wing <;,» thS £! K *^ ^r "^''' '^ "''' '^'^''''^"^ "»« ''^'^ ^1* *eir tin,^ vessel,-«™J! jMheoM^or scattered along the.beach, might be seen old men and yonaT^ ^rrAe former wnaing forth curling clouds^ of smoke, from their lonrpl^ J»^th. clear, stUI. >air-the latter, engaged, eitEer in their native spJri^ ••Iclitqg the successful fishers. t~»», w jJU.Wn'* '"?^ °" *^^"'°'f "^ »«>'^" *"" described, a young man n|cht wjteh^ the eager fish.r, with great attention. He was dnase^^iTfrw * JWWdLt? protect a pair.offine buck-skin breeches, .a dlver-monuted powderw" 2!^fra""f.^'r^''* while a cumbrous It-belt. and .cTrtr^dJe.^- " *^^brU,*nd adouble-htrreled rifle, of French matuxftctnre; th^oyn |f»S by • bold and handsome countenance, while the foimiUon of Aaip^^Jp /" r - u u/- 10 y THE LAaT OF.THE KRIES, coh/ldeuc'! and a sanguine spirit. An exclamation from one of the indiani, caused all eyes M be turned towards him, and a party of fishers, hastily drawing in their lines, turned the heads of their canoes, and rushed to the spot. Pierre — the christian name of the young P'renchman. and the only nfme, ex- cept his Indian sobriqnets, by which he shall be distinguished m this tal»-r-wa* sons lieutenant In a French reserve battallion quartered at Montreal, for Can»- '4a was then ilnder the dominion of France. Havinjf obtained, alonj^ with four or firi tomrades, leave of absence for several weeks, he determined to penetrate the babk countrj', on a grand exploring expedition. And, making Ure (tecessary prcparaticus, sueh as proriding diess, amunitions, prorisiorra, 4 chart of th* coontrjr, &e.,'thon Cluixote^ike than he, and fiariii^ Mly tasted of the fatigue and peril attending a tramp ^i«ugh^ dense wilderness, crossing streams and rapids, Sk., remained firm in ftefr rfao- lotion of returning; and, after many entreaties that Pierre should join tM^ thvjT bid him farewell, and turned on their way to Montreal— takin* ihe'riter Jbj^^afell guide. ~ C l%r sereral days, the young man coasted along thri Ottawa with ufMfi^ spirits, frequently meeting with Indian hunters, scouring the woods in ■WuicKW'' game. ISJ^ing tolerably acquainted with the Indian language, he leaAMfW^i sdme of them, that, by journeying a few days further, he would come djifoii^ t^ Irinkas. He had heard several favorable accounts of this tribe, and Hid se«n, and even spoken with some of them at Montreal, who, geneiitlly, once i yiir, sent some of their young men there, to trade.their furs for other nccefl«ilrffll.-i^ Accordingly, keeping on the east side of the river, he soon came in sight of thifi^ Sites. He found an old canoe upside do*n amongst brushwood, whieh MMUie hunter had probably hidden there till his return. He pushed it off into tiie sinam, and impelled himself here and there— delighted With the rural beaiity of the plice; and the evening of the same day found him where we left Mm— in sight of the Irinkas. They dashed imdcr the bank where Pierre was standing, swinging th^nfiwItTM . .^"fly ^ *c summit, by the branching trees ; and they seemed rathe* surpriMd j^BCe a white man alone dmid their native fastness. Being well acqtiaintctt ^frtth their m;cj?ie pi" speaking, Pierre addressed them in the be«l Indian he eoMtf " Biwthem,' thave conM frorti the place* of many wigwams, to seenjr tet^m^n i^jr iramy sBST fisfrffavetltat ahm;» tiiB'sftorBS iif th9 tnvnf t«i i^gflad tos^ the Irinka*, r..r tliCy are our fdends, and art spoken well of ftwiv ■'Tvy^^'^^^ny one of the kdiani , tens, hastily drawing the spot. d the only n^me, ez- led m this ta)e-r-va« Montreal, for Can«- ined, afnn^ wifh fcin'r innined to penetrate aaking the tecessary lions, « chart of th« , id took their waf vip rial banks, and ad- of lake l|t. Frands, tide, they packed n^ camle Spon the ifni liderabty decreased, ». But Pterte't ad- ned bis intention «f ).uixote4jnce than he, a tramp ^rMish-li dflrm in thelrivao- ould join thii^ they n^ihe'ritety^^ awa with uMM STTOodsihattMH'W^ ^, he ' leaiftoa ' InM mid come dpbn' tlH ribe, and bad sMfi, erally, once a yeir,' ather neceMHrffM.-'i^ inc in sight of thM^ hwood, whiehsonie hed it <^ into tte the rural beatity of •re we left him— in winging Atniisel^w ned ratkeiT snipriNd Dg well acqaaitttcV lesl Indian he eoMd ims, to see ny («# If thTtSnwi Tifwr ~ spoken well of from A TALE Ot^ CANADA. j, They seemea to comprehend what was sai.i, though not exactly understand-' ln;< the vernacular in which it was delivered. SigniHcantly pointing to their t^cs, they gave him to understand, that he im.st acco.npany them lo their C^iel, as It was necessary that individual, should, firsi, receive all strangers — ^ecordingly, entering: on^f their conveyances, he arrived at one of the lanfcst Inlands; and, soon, the neM's spread that a white warrior had arrived Sur rounded by women and children, adiui.inj; the rich ornamm.ts ol' his dr««s he ,Mras escorted to the lodge of the Sachem, who, with a friendly greeting, took him - by the hand, and providing a scat, handed him the pipe Ifmn which he had been sin*'^ °^'«"- '•"* ''^« ■'*ho"lder, and, passing under his right am wa., fastnej;at the waist with a s.lken sash, in which was placed a silvef-hanZl huntmg ta„fc, and a keen^dged tomahawk ; while his rifle nught be dSS S5i^:fX::^^:ir- -"^^-^-----'^a^"- -t^ ^Thewhite warrior has conie to see the Irinkas; bo* arehis bhHhers ; Jre ^#2_^agam dng up the hatchet, oris it buried for-ever, as I have heawH " He ^ofcB in broken French, which was intelligible enough to his gjiest. •• . " l^ ^ere misi«,ormed. » replied Pierre, " the hatchet ha, lain unbared namet CTn'lTr" '""'' "'""^ " '""''■ ^'" ""; '"''' ^''^^'^« ^ ^^ ^^ " t am called Manhitti, as were my fathew before me. " . , ■" And J am known by the m.me of Pierre, " said the youn^ I.f«tehmnn. ' The Chief repeated the name over once or twice, with difficult!- getting his ^« round it ; and replacing the pipe in his mouth, smoked in sile^nrZ^g ISSV^ t7 u'"™"'"'' ''"•'^" '"^ "••"'^*' caUbleshi.lh,g.l cbiJ conldafTord before his guest, of which Pie™ made a hearty meal, and h^Z would the bcsudiaaer in the gay saloons 01 Paris. , ; ."-T «!lV°^'h "'''"''■'" '•'"''"'»<:»«"'•". though a(tcrasht»r» tM ik i«Mtt« 7^1 r"'"^"'''"" •"e affairs then existing between Kranee and aigl.!« As .the honr wn«cd la.c, he was sho,n, by his hoe< h,to nothMV Mmmim.M ''■'"'^'' '^'" " '-'Ht'.-h, made of the softest furs of the ehase.. .Pier re,T>^^ 'l;.i armsofmotpheus. - * "wwrfl^^^-jiw WiKin heawnk^ o,, the tret morning, (he s«M#«» high in HM hetmtSi tmim . xa¥. wrmm "fmmmm^mimm 19 THE LAST OP THE ERIES, ioK ap and hastily dressing, he walked out. The dew had departtd from tk* turf, though it still glistened on the leaves of the trees; the WrIj sang twkj gaily; the scent of the wild rose and the honeysuckle perfumed the air; the humining-birds buzzed round and round, here and there, extracting with their tiny tongues, the essence of every bud. In the distance might be seen Hook* upon flocks of wild pigeons, winging their way to the west; thecroW mitigled it» hoarse croak with the warbling notes of the swallow, and above all, wz»' heitdthe rude song of the islanders, while engaged indifferent occupatiwis.— Plierre went back for his gun, and loitering along the shore with it thrown over hte^Aouldfer, discovered an nnoccupied canoe, and stepping in, pushed off into tbrrtream. A party of indians at this moment, came swiftly round a point of the island in their canoes, and perceiving Pierre, they invited him to join thdr party on a hunting expediiion, which he readily did. Their superior skill in the use of the paddle enabled them soon to outstrip him, at which he was con-' •iderably piqued— having previously prided himself as a good oarsman. In a ^ abOM time he was half a mile in the rear, on which, the indians wail«d patiently' tiUhe eameaf, and then, with a half smile on their yuntenanees, proceeded ltt# awIfUy. They ^d evidently intended giving him a specifaen of |heir sW», aad at the same time, discern that of his; and Pierre, being aware, t|at to gain thirfood opinion of the natives, was, to show himself a good honter, wa^or Ac. «ar rafter chagrined with his inferiority in the management of a canoe; W re- covering his spirits with the hiliarity of his companions, he determine* tai'«|g- aattte himself as a good marksman— being rather a practised one. So careftdlf todciflg: to the priming of his piece, he kept a sharp look-out for any game thiv ml^t present itself. An opportunity soon occurred, for on rounding the point a targt island, an opening in iu thick foliage, came to view, running inland Ibr •km distance. At its extremity, was a tall beech, towering above iu fellowa, a^ which a flock of pigeons had just>lighted, nestling themselves among the leaves and branches, intle aware ol the danger to which th*|^vere exposed. Piene's qaick eye had watched the flock while winging their way from the east; he saw them allgEt on the island, and the opening in the trees, left them fully ex- poaed to his view. Levelling his gun, and taking a steady aim for a moment, th* bflghtflame leaped forth from the muzzle, and the birds dropped in nambera to ttMi«art^while the remainder of the flock sped away iu alarm, leaving their wtmndercompanions to their fate. Mooring his canoe among the rocks, be mada'his way to the spot, and, in triumph, picked up more than two-score of hi* victims. The indians regarded this feat with amazement, and gave him the ■»• Mftoal of ' Broad Rifle. ' Not being accustomed to destroy small feathered birds i»(ll»t manner, and knowing little, or nothing of the use of shot— their guns «U Magjbared for bullets— with which they were very expert, they were not a llula attDAiaM.ak the destruction that Pierre caused among the pigeons, vith the •Modl bort of his donble-barreled gun. HW^^pidd ltt being „'*••• t'W'og within two feet of the uneven Ixrttom of the river, where thepaddlaa IMmM tane in contact with the rocks— now passing over a seemingly bottooless *'-^'' '-' 'swyy Mi'iiiij) iMimt. Ban! iv •-'- A TALE OP CANADA. ; ^, ,3 clwm. the dark, still, water resting a. in a basin-now running between two i«I»Bds,ti>e .hore.of which, orer-hung with dark, green foliage sheltered' Z placid gulph between, fron> the winds-„ow, again! the p.cS'i ^Toft riv»r.r,«i.g near the surface could be distinctly traced, deepening for mZ fclfcOBUs, as the canoes passed onward, when it would be lost to view fromih; ijn^ness of the water. Many fish were caught in these deep pools by Z fo aiaaa, who were expert anglers. / »« m hls**&™? A« coarse of the day, Pierre had frequent opportunities to establi* his fkmeas agood marksnaan-and which he never failed to Uke advahtaM afc! thecon«quence was. a goodly array of pigeon., partridges, ducks, iu^ t^ adorned the bow of his canoe. It was after sWt before the; ^tuiS^hevS' S;rl™ ? ?^'^''"''.'"^""'*'*^"°™*'"' ^'»oi'>^^ately began ^. " paring them for introduction uUo some large pots, which «ood near the fir«~ ^^.^^tlT '"^ '^T\'-^ ^^-^^ Wm with the re«,lt ofTislIyl^ ^rt, at which he appeared much gratified, and complimented the young FnnA n«n.a.agoodhunier; and when Pierre pointed out the hUmtarof^^rS hun bM ha4 well earned h« sobriquet of ' Broad Rifle. • or as he expiWit to LmrVf ^"""■iT"'"-'"''"'^-^"'' ''^ henceforth callers i^ Ug« n«ch on different topics, until twi-light began .0 deep;n. PiZ^ti^ STZ^J^ T wallnng gaily from lodge to lodge, when the'Tand Tl^T r^ the noise of merry voices, reached his ears. He hastened forward ^^ 2«Joflowcodars and beheld the natives engaged in danctg. Tti^mJ^ 2S« ^ rude though not inharmonious instrument. HecoXoTZS ^U,f ^ ^^C'^'T"'"^ *^'""'=^'^» thenationaldancesol theiXT Ijtt thfa «'n»'. and a lacklnre. ol the same mnif rial, depended acrMs her b<». «om. A tirii, consisting of cut and polished sto!.e»,encin'led her brow, wbleh wan fair and opon— warmed by the quick blood of nineteen summers. The re* spect and attention tliat was paid her by all, led Pierre to think- that she>must be- ' of some distinction— in fact, she was Manhitti's only dauuhter ;— that he learted from hU partner in the dance, and, that she was adored by all her father's people. She engrossed his whole attention, and as her graceful figure flitted past him, the blood tingled to the very ends of his nagL-rs. If the truth must be told, cupid bad launched his dart, and the victim was so abiiorbed in reverie, that so fair a flower slioald bud alone in the wilderness, that he was not aware of his situation, unti a tingling sensation in the back part of bis head, bfought him to hia senees, and he found himself standing, with folded 'itm», in the midrt of the whlrlin* dan- cer.; and thus he would have stood, perfiaps, till thg^rrival of to-morrow's sun, had not his partner-a dark-eyed laughing brunett^-who had been for wme time tryiag to attract his attention, pulled his hair smartly behind. With the ever ready gallantry of a Frenchman, he instantly apologised, and devoted him- ■elf, for tjie remainaer of the evening, to the am usemfut of hia partner; whose •ly iwinkle in the copier of her aaugbing eye, made him suspect she bad gue««>d at the cause ol his strange demeanor. H Pierre retired that night to his couch, deeply impressed with the image of the daughter of the Chief. The more he thought over it, the more he waa aoqprised at the simple manners of the native»-so different from w^iat he hadeeem^r h«wd before, of the Indians, previous to visiting this part of the country. He tedbeen told, indeed, of the heroic and daring exploitsof some Western chie% coupled with traits of magnanimity, and geneiosity ; but the degree of ease and refinement, he witnessed among these people during his short stay-so contrary to what he was led to suspect, surprised him. Thought he, the vices of the whites have not yet reached their humble dwelings. Alas I could he have had a peep into the future, what a dark picture of the instability of h^inan happiness, tio^d hare been presented to him 1-what a few short years would intervene, be- Itas populous towns and villages would sweep away all traces of the wild hunt- iniC grounds of the Indians. He contrasted the morality,of this tnbe wUh tl»t of tte eiillghtened whites, and what a different picture of eaish he drew forth. Here, tluNtgHt he, are no gaoto scattered over the land ; no prisons, no houses ol pun- isbment; the vice, of gaming and drnnkencss, nre unknown-neither theiving, Borlncendiaiiun; no sharpers or black-legs are found on the watch, to lead In- to a mare, bis unauspecting fellow mortal ; no indUn envies hi. neighbor', hut, iddng implemenu, or game, for each possesses alike. If any P«"yJ«ortor atrift brokeforth, a word from their chief was certain to subdue them. On the oth« h«id.M>old the above mentioned vices running riot through the lan*-n(»t a ^m rtUige, but must have a scourge, in the shape of solid rtone walls, wim in«^«md windows, and celU ; bright steel, the gallows, and the cannon . open '*'**"™" ■ • ' By this, he did not lyn ^ .^g^ ff^ gn iwdy t ni iw a thr prnplf int-' -"»"»'««<"" ■> mmii that tM«i««»to» »« "<»» necessary-they certainly are, to pre*rve the W.l^hi.ifili.iliiy and Older in society; but what a disgrace it is to our nature, _3j5S;5^,*fha\?ra,Tukit^^ ^r heads, to preserve man A TALE OF CANADA ,,, fr«.mhl.felIowbei„g. Again, thought Pierre, the bl.KKl, tean,. cries, and groans of m«y. poor negro slave, ascend, to heaven, and is recorded .her; aS he braul tyranny ,f the whites; a„d this, too, sanctioned bv tha laJ wS , I ^^^ to govern the .and. " Oh ! " ejaculated he, oh, eniig[2.T:Z!:s - fh^tLcr™''!?^!^"''"''- '^''' ""^ ''"'"?'''. «^«y were not destitute of iSun. .tanityd,frus«J among,t,hem,or.helightofthegospelknown7 L-tuZ and po^e^ed with the same adv«>tage, as their «,ore civilised b:.,Le en i G^a Spiri .n .heir own simple way, and with for more zeal, han some who ZT"^' -J'" apracticeof visi,i„,.th. house of 3od, not for the purLe of hear^g his wo^i poached, but to ntt, wd be seen. He did not meanTsav Thnt ret^np^ With himself, the niffht was far «/!».— J .. , .. " You have been disturbed in vonr sl*#n » .„m .k u morning w*, ethileraSr S' n«?ve^ ^etT^/T '°f ""^ '"*'' '" °^>» thWf lUhlng tackle anS Pi-lr T^r ^^^'^^^ busying themselves ^Ith wh«« they lay Sftat^^J^r* *^^^«?-fi«>»«»«lf'«ngft*mthe b^nte offWtn their ;r«y-Lwh.„^! ''**'"'.'"«* '^'"K '^"h a9ty of triHmph. .tfuiS '*«S*6?hlm.SttCwa5>^r^^^^^ "^*'* ofafairnyp,pl,,.ft,,^;to^ nis oreaih, while he ob«!rvea wWi aAairation, her well _Vtii:«l tmmmm iii im ii ||i i . i!i |i. i .mm i w ii ■ — 16 THE LAST OP THE ERIES, «»ck»,«ndtbe full, and true proportion of her limbs ; the rounded ann«,4»tp««p«4 IroB beneath a silken scarf— Kld join the danceit, as he heard the music at intervals throtigliyosdw ttf^ ftwrejoyiWJy took the arm of the young girl, and proceeded W a »l«||l;>^, tondaglOT* (tfpiaes, which stretched along atone end of theviUagei th« aOVW. 4(f lMl|btar wd nerry volee* echo'd among the trees.— The oldmia fcUOf^ — »i|l ^; il^\n 4* ***^ ^t**"*!! ^^ <^^ trea-tawitn eg athe «poni, ( rfJ > lft| i PJWi , ... ^t rr- '' ' l^aiKnt ' to tni* wi h the In! S*Jlf J u"'?? "^ c*rt«^nies ; they tn^ited him as an equal Tnd he St «o 4a^to think hln«elf above them. but. on the contnry. his Srwa, i^ mi'S!'""rf' ^"P''^*'^''"^'''"^^'^' Sachem. He ciS S; •ilmirlng the graceful and well bnilt forms of the youne menJh^r . Jl J^«en ijthi. plea^tnt occupation.imalt 7h7 ^a^ 'e^ r^l" bTnTnl' *«n. TM good h^mourd laugh of the old chief, broke i^on th!,> S!. f ^ hwaway wd w«l S ?''' "'^' ""^ ^"^^ P«^^ ''y »"™«f «» the old man led m^laitJ^T^tu°''''''''°''^-''''' '■"' ^«'' Cupid had diw 2^ to the full length of the arrow, and irith unetring aim had struck the ^jr^ay sped away in this mannerj and the Frenchman noted not the SS2LJr^I'.r"'""'","*'«*^ '''* ^ "'^«« inthespor^Hef^t ^WtXiSro! fnuv "''" timepassed. engaged either in rambUnJ AB*hVra^l?J*^',!v """^ ''"^°°' ""'*'«»• B«.'f thecWeJhS- SI2i7i!J?Ir^j!l^ '•"'"P"^"^^^ **« materially altewd A. riuiiSil^'*^ **"**" ^^'^•» indUpenrfWe ca«piida^„4to ^■pum iMiai JwtfeefloBfc.^^ exchange of hMm JmmI b«n mdeJ^li^ -Of hl« fcr hi, beedle«neM. Duty rim eill Kim .Wi^ ll; fl^ d^SSSS - B ffi f*i i^/'i ■*nM*"«>n«« 1^ THE |)A9T OF TH£ BRl^lS, ■f* A forever thi» secluded spot, and by so doing, he would not only destroy- b^'f^P^' peace, but that of one now more dear to him than life, and the happiness of tj|^ family on whose hospitality he was remaining, bitterly he cursed bis own foU|^ and bitterly he deplored his fate. The day came, and , the shades of nigkt^agMP visited the earth, and Pierre, immersed in thought, still found not a ray of light to^ lead him out of his difficulty. "Perhaps I am deceived— and she loves me not; I shall see, and if I'ttt rigbtt ♦ill depart to-morrow ;" so saying, he arose and sought out the Pale Lily, trikon he found in a fairy-like bower. '' . c "The Broad Rifle looks pale"to-^y--I hope he is welT," she observed. ' , ' "He is well," ho replied coldly ; but see, yonder water murmers sadlyrrthr breeze whispers through the trees softly— the eagle soars aloft on his way to the east, the sun has set i||,yonder forest and risen again many-times — these, all tell me it is time that I should return to my friends." The color left her cheeks as he concluded, and sh& would h^ve falleif ia4 b/ti not caught her in his arms. t .;; "Oh stay," she said, "leave me not alone, or the Pale Lily wHl die. I shalt seek this spot— call upon thy name, and you answer not^ and know then that thotr art gone forever. The Sun shall shiae no more, nor shall the flowers Inid, or th» birds sing again for the Pale Lily,— she#ponld/tum away in despair, |' ■ Bopea lb the miftd c^ the fair being who so fondly depended on bim,->4to IflaiN^ Ml lHt,««onld destroy bit own poace, aa well flrom Uw love ha boT« lo t\m iMJImt ttHitt,^Yr«Ath« knerwl«dg« that Manhitti might be left ehilftlMf, Mih^i^alr (liiiffdlbrthtf etti«q-,^ «to- but told me r and .h* eagerly looked Into hi, ,ace ^ , ^ ^^^ "Think not that I could be so cruel as to trifie with t^y- feelf „« n* A^^t^ '*. on snA a snbjcct ; too mu*h do I love thee to cause thee'the aMso^lS'r^ 1*?ple expect my return ere this.-even now they are fn TJrX rT^^lfl >fr.ld much as nove ,hy Mandhome. I mustl'v:^,;^ t '^.^^ "Fade oT many wigwams. ^ .^ ^ ^"° '^®''"™ ^ ■» '-Oh no," she eagerly eiclai'med, "Manhitti will send oae of h;, vn„ ' *»* ie will travel with swift feet along the mifrhf-rittr In/r . ^ "^ ^^«*t A pearly drop was suspended from cither ev«. nf th. •, . W '^"•vjiq ceased apeaking ,hey vanished.-the Ta m Ince of hlr ^^ ' 'f ^^^^ *l»arbing the morning mist, dispelled Tm^^rh ' f L i "'"'l ''^ *^'*» gaxe met that ol the young Frenchman allT , , ' '"''' ^' **" "^^''W? ^Playfully putting Lr afm Sin h s' TeyVlll r'T '"' '" ^'^^ ' - ^Indian maid and the white mai ^ '^""^ "'^"'•'' '^' ^'»««»- CHAPTERIII. C3d * soWtert w fe. «h* .V ^M i . Otherwise? True I would Cherish her, Aftif^'H «• be willing to fruit hTs Lwl 1 ? ^ '• "''''' '° ""' '^"^ "°^.' «^'> *6it ".houldI,,Sho«,Lw^^^^^^^^^ '' "^'"^ thepointVf*^^ ea«»LtJ^^w " ''" *" •^" *™» «>< «>»e Indian Chief »]»> ^^MfsyM^ «o«p«hendW n««reor.y«pa.hi^ -iti* herfWln^Tdj^lS^^JJ^ mmmmmmmmmmmm 1 t If . 1 1 K 11- .'i* 1 Ir' IBF* i; )HK m, #, TQSUiTQFT»S:ERIES, «Mt|tiy Ml 4fM»>«l tp fade is her fattier'* teat ; ki«t bftlcr )et ber M$ tit»n be lhf» He stopped suddenly, "getting jealous," ihought he, ''getting jealooa {U ^ poieihiUty pi an Indian claiming her for bis bride," and be smiled con- nip^mi)/. but be instantly recalled the stmile ; be bad learned to esttmktfs better ff^ Indian character, and wat conscious of the ungrounded prejudices eonceired unipst thepi by those bigoted in their own superiority, as ifieoder feelings or aoble sentiments, could not befot&id burning brighily in many a bosom Pf 4llP bee rovers of the forest. "And yet what would my bretbern say 1 What would tjfyvn, and others say, to hear me reason thus," and he smiled again, but Irom - « difbrent motive. Hs now stood on the bold cliff of ihc Island, and, immediate* ff btoaeith him perceived the old chief seated on a stone, detaching a fish from bit line. He descended^ audi aAer giving the salutation of the mcrning, seated hkudf betide him, and entered into a clear statement of bis case ; explaining his ~ff rt^V>»t and bis object.—tbat be must&boiily leave him,-^and concluded by aay- lag ittr\ if the 'Pale Lily' were permitted to occcupy bis lodge in a distant lane, no flower would bloom more freshly* no bird sing more mentily, than would the ihiiigh**' of th« chief, under bis fostering care. When he ilret begin, the old man drew in his line and listen«i' attentively, as Piem proceeded, his countenance became alive \vjtfi interest, and asuhe touched upon that part of his narrative when bl first discovered the true feelings of the ^Hiflnn towards bira, a heavy and fierce Irown shaded his features; bnl, when Mmi^ entered into a more minute detail, and concluded as above, his fhce tmafM its natural expression; but, with an aif of dignity be replied • ^aaag warrior, you know ];iot what you ask,— the robin and the sparfow mat^ aoU^the pine tree flgjarishes where would die the vine— thou, like the pine tree, might live, but my daughter would die ; the rose is not found on high mountains, aor does the lily bloopi amid rocks ; would the Pale Lily bloom among the stony Ijewta'of thy countrymen 1 would she not shrink beneath the frosty ^niles of thy iKejUboKn'} The home of the wild deer is the forest, he would die, were hp to fcjrilimi city,— 'Would thy fair couutry-*omen cultivate the plant thou wo»Wit ll^giow inljjeiraoin would they wate^il with the tears of sympathy, ai^d pror tMli ^ Wh«n the winds blew 1 No '■ thine o*n eyes tell me ao ; thy Indian brJ4« ^(pi^d wither in thy arms, amid tbyVsplwwid wigwams, she would think «f )mr ftiresthomeand her own people; her lorta would droop, and her eyes wo«ldher Ijpme dim- Though sh^ would cling to thee in misfortime, and nourishrthee when to^, jpt her heart would be sad. Stranger to thy customs— stranger «lik|| nn|V foo4 Md laimetit- stranger alike to your language and friends— rthy^brip'S MJJl'die. The eagle will not dwell in a cage^nSitber would a B?d CJ^^i , ira&te^.** file took uphi^ fishing rgds, and g^th^ring his ■ m^ntl^ ro|^ |^i^ ^15^ popowJtuiJy awfly. :;.:. jyiifd ji§ j^ §v?R 80,'' cri«(i Piew/'t> tj*t thy WW«irr ah M u.lteoldaatttamod, and looked at himj^edlyfor a moment; tl>«:lhu>k ia4 Ife^ffc^nnmingstreamlfdamcdnp, will find itself o nc^cbannel; e»ettttfcm, A T^ OF ciHajA. ^ '1^' mrM ted • new path that woald Ittd to thy deslw. "Sa* am " «f>aM» liii. mjhJtamMlowanindian maldihe would take her heacV-ihamSS;; doeathewhue man lo7«7-le^him prove what he aswrtaj- and, thwwhi Sj W^antle. and barcJaj hfai braast. disph.yed an Eagle in fbJl fltata/LrS «^?J M° '*''""»''»'^"»^« 'by bosom. Manhitti will li«eJ tetSS "I think I can understand the old chief," adfrf I»icrre (6 himtelf im iM^iM^s f- hhjanoe he pushed out into the stream, "^o. the hand o?Si"li!rS2 ^ ■*".| jrefaaniMl ; eveatbcn, _.- .- ^ ,.„»„.„ vui. luio mc Biream. "Fof the hand of the Pala LUrMnai rtcriflee-and abandon forever tlie la'ajlcfj^v fore-fatberJ^nny ^'f^S 2 "S°„^ 'r ""■" "'companidShipith my Wn aifdra J; SSSTS' ftltt-but there I am wrong; I feel as if I could worship God wiihu DL^TMAi Ptttjr heart, in these ^hjtudes, surrounded with the work^fW JTdS'^ in U.e most gorgeous chapel, or before the most splendedly illuTnt^^wS? naio?S.:f!r""'K?"'° "'-'""• '•'^°'" «olng«tra7fiXfe m of duty 1 itis a subtle question to answer, and I must beware ho# Z^S fiiflme^a tatfcrfer.^ to balance eiihSr, way my decisic.n,:4^hether to goT«S!2i «.««*** ^r ^ " '^*' ^""""' ''*"' ^''°"" »^'» a t<"N? heave • aiftb to •» ^Z' '!f T''" ?" ^■■l«»«l«<'f toyown profession, nXtSI^i.2M ^ «Sf J^f '^ ' "^ those few relauvea who remain to m^E^ f^?.r fo^ my presence. Therefore, cannot I form new^Seawid.^ JS;*rH '^??"°°^°"°"' Cannot I be the means 01 betterlnTSTe-i, ditton fit some thingsl Cannot Ww^, mean, of teachingthe wui u^^ SZl^lT '7"^'"°^ ^^ "^"^ q-Testions-Srtinglp mSSZf «aZ,J^ *.^? *'f "^l^"" °^^^ ownargumenuildhl eyewSTS ^tTfnT7 ?. '^°"*^' '^''- ^^ ^^ "deavours, the Irinka^ «X M^ FovedlnkJow edge and understanding. He was. howe«r. diaStriftoiS ^..'^^I! "^''?"' scanty foliage of a point of land iSw hb^ ^i^^T^r"'"^r the rocky, point, and Plerra lutd flUltiSS^X- J^twU^ika.; and being doaa on the windwani aide «fthe^SiiZ3 bto^^lently bahinj. I,rg6 roak which «ood i«>lated fioa. tj^ 2 «hWb Aey W9pa««d. Seated under alaige maplebranch. tTSS SiitS^r*/" ^" ^ * .toutTu^ulfr *Ppe«JiS2LES i^, .'*' '"" a««i«ft <»f tto veaiel-4wo maaalrorlna^^diSw SITiZS ««^»np,«tokeo(tfbi»prowmi4b»tUe. Hlaftetwm. oCl^ntaW binisof varfgatcd color.. Th. Xa^tiSHS '> % t 1/ .l\ ii-^. TIUL UtmT OF THK JURLICS, I only with the tomahawk and icnlft, except the Ch^ef, wbo had hit H- lielcjrbifbeaidehim. An Indian Sachem, with eleven of Jiia reuinen thought Pitnt t "what pati they want with the irinkas, " he exclaimed ak>ad, aa they bent . tbvir way towar4« Uie camp. When they were at a sufBcient djitaiiei^ he atrtick oaifeol41y, an|l taking a wide circle, under cover of some ruahes, he arrived at- thi opposi^ aide of the Island b that which be had seen the strangers appioacsb> Mooring his canoe, he hastily sped through the woods to the camp,- and entartaf thMtodgeofManhitti, acqua'inted him wifli the vicinity ^of the strangers. . TbiHi alarm was quickly spread through the village, and every warrior wat'oa tb« ajert, ready to act^pn a momenta warning. Scouts vrere sent of in diflerent v(i- ej^ffona; 'and, about thirty gathered before the lodge of the Chief, where they coolly waited' the arrival of their visitors, who were soon seen, rounding the opposlto iaUpd, which lay about a quarter of a mile' distant. A nujaber of Irinka canoea w^ft iminediately descrieii advancing to meet tl>em,'aiid when about one hun- dred, yards apart, on^ of tiie strangers suddenly halted, and tl»e other adyancing , waved forth a green boiigh, on which this Irinka's boats .wheeled toward* the 8^1*, joined by the other two, and •w^cre lost sight of by those i^t the yjUagjs under tie iJrow W the cjifr. Immediately after.'the chief waa aben advancing, varriors, ajjd Manhifti'stepi^g fo^afdi presentai his pipe to him, and invited him wj^^th? circle whic)i hitd^ been f|tMd (tolii»^ndi?nce, white his ey? sparkled with pride. Naught did he see, idbtlt a compressioa of the lips, and, as it seemed* to Ipier're, a scarcely per- ' t>i^on every countenance ; and, as the Iroqqoi cootinued, he was ey'd itti appeared lost in thought, seemingly pajringlifllaheedta aoBt, wnile he gaied vacantly into the- totancfc . Coawenago ifer,— the ibf • a^ the bear^'tlie wolf tmttlHr nndisturbed by the approach of an enemy. the foreat— he- was ilbt fHgfhtened at the approach of the ^ i » » i I r lygu-iQTTJi'i&om their dens, nndisturbed by the approach of an enemy. ,*^B wSfrritn fn6 in " ' ' — - .. . tf'i-tM"" ' si*' vjiji^jBfe, ■s^sw ^€ / A TALE OP CANADA. ^ *o«jw««. but calirily drank from the great River, as we floated down with it. car- rmt. The W^s.J,|we hare heard, are great hunters-we will remaiii a frv m 'Uftx^'-ffi" '''''" •«^""« I"-nkas, proving in a few minutes, their super- i.«4 to 'Wtwo-ite shore. A tap on the shoulder caused Pierr. to turn round ^d he saw Manhiui standing beside him, his ^ace wore aa anxious .™d^ Wed Mpressioo. but he greeted Pierre in his.usual friendly manner Rlfl-i i!^"^ "''*'"?** *''''°*'"°" '""*'' '^' deer-why tarrie. the tn»d RMIe 1 good eyes and good ears will find their match with the Iroquois-" -i'h^Si.""""' '^''«*""^«deersleepor wake-and I" wished to .pe.k "fiayon." • '• My triends think me lost or dead-l would assure them of my aafetv Mr " fS^ffZSVZ'^''^ '"""^ camp-a swift rutiaerwouldb. > in a few suns. Has Manhitti a young man wh(f would do this r rouMhe!.nI"" ■r'^*'" "°"«''' but the language pHfl, naUon^wh^t "tU» rould be do to make your chief understand." w mw Mwflu;L*°!^'f,T"'''°'' "P""^-""^* Manhittllear. ttefttowr [I Will arranageu all; let the young man bewntherc." ' :, . .c.vrx;.^i Ji^Sh stir^ th 1 ^''^ "' "'■• """^ "^* ^^^ n^inutesafter^ardsLyZg m« Sw?Smfl^^^^ '^ before 4ben,. Rerre ha*. fa.X SShKr? !^°*\^f««» J"S^«fl'« "tone, ai,d w.,. b««ily tti^Z ed tor ed%'olX£lnedlTi' "^ ^'"^ ^^^W^^^^ ^ rS*'****' / . ym THB 4.A8T OF THE EftlES, fmiMtyiiih Water ia a hollow stone, snd adding the juice of bultcrnttt rtnir ijpe^ac inditing a letter. Manhitti re^rded this proceeding with a carious ty« andashesanrcliaiiacter afler character appear upon the paper, hi* JUteotiiOW became fixed! . Soon the sheet was iilled from the top to the bottoa, and Pkrne folding it up in the shap.e of a letter, tied it carefully in a piece of leather, and directed it to one of his brother officers— a particular friend, named Lefevre.— This he carefully wraped in another cover and handed it to the y^ung Indian, gfwing him the necessary directions where to leave it, having little doubt but tbajt tc would fifid^ts n-ay to the proper person. Manhitti enquired whether the pa/> per contained a charni, as he so confidently expected that it would spea^ hie Swishes. Pierre smiled at the simplicity of the chief; and now recollectejl thit Ikls proceeding must have been a complete mystery to the old man. " It has a charm, oh Manhiili," replied he,—'- a very great ch|rm. It wfll tell ^y people what I want— it will tell them where I am, though they were ^» far off as the setting sun— my people will understand it, and they will send to m •ocb another paper, which will ;teU to me what they want, what they wi^ titkd what they know." The chief eyed Pierre wistfully. "Let the ' Broad Rifle ' prove whM be<«««Fl; let it be conveyed to the Pale Lily, and see whether she will cQmprehejMj," The eye« «f Pierre brightened at the idea— he might indeed teach the Pate Uly the charm, which would prove a delightful source of amusement, as t^ a* «(: instruction, both to himself and her. But he answered :— " Let Manhitti !». d*r|tand ; the Pale Lily would comprehend it but as a mere piece of nonaaMCh BMsessing no quality worthy of notice, but, to my people, it will qwak aa plain at I am noV speaking to thee." The chief still looked incredulous, and Pfntt tried, as well as he was able, to impress on his mind, the facility of transmttting our thoughts to paper, by means of sylables which represent sounds, H* wmiB a sentence with a piece of coal on the smooth side of a log— read It, and made th^chiefmark the separate words; how some of these words ^rere divided, by fcjiables, and how these sylables were divided again by letters or chara(|terti Bow, by profwrly placing the characters, any articulate sound might be repnafoC «d; He wrote down the alphabet in large letters— made him mark each patticur lar one, and gave him to understand, how, with such few simple iostrnmento, Mw-wtoie njachinery was worked. He made him take notice of diflfcrent objectt' a tree, rock, or bird, and then wrote the object down directly, and let him kno* i^ehftraater* representing it, he had pointed out— and afterward shoved him the letters in the alphabet wherewith they wet« compoaed. ThacMef, whose perceptitre mind was of no mean order, eompnhmd«d at neethe^stem of caliogtaphy, by which events Alight beiccorded, and tradi- «*na«QdUsturiaaliheUfraenredlbrcTer. It was like a bright gUntmtr of Hffct aa ddroly l Unminatinga darkcbaosf it seemed to dazzle his ainil. fl>i-»>» -mmin wuimemmast*^; itid his form dilated, his chest heaved, and Ua m^ " iMMN^ while teuvtnvDlantarilf^ rolled down his swarthy cheeka. gth^t^'j^^j^"^*^ '^'Vaeriy, " better that tbon hate a# iis?:iif.4^)z^ • A TAL* OF CANADA. toW m« of this. Cbatented. I w*.. contented I might hare remained. a* 7r ,T *r ' "~' '■'"*""«='* * ™»K«>i nare remained. Whea tiw wolf once Uste^ blood, h?!» rarenous for more. I «« maDy-many thion ktu ?'!, fJ*."^"""'""'"*""*^""*"'*''""" *"•" He stopped-rtddenly ^med hUiiignmed demeanor, and mutiering " too late-too late for the red man " took hM way toward the camp. Was it possible this Indian chief divined tht ml Mterminatioa of his race in a few short years, by the steps of civiliMtionl Pierre beheld with surprise, the storm he had raised. With an ordinary mtaif ta.truct.on Voald have been received with simple surprise, or. atleast wiiMnSS erence; but Manh.tn possessed-a comprehensive and Intuitive mlnd-a mJ«t that itt any enlightened country might have raised him to a eontt)ieiioaa heiSrt- tltat woald. perhaps, have brought him broken and withered to The »av» • tor to ^ not the wea th of Princes, nor the power ofKings. which conduce SWpitam ft is possible the chiel might have seen how the simple chlldem ottil^^ would recede, step by step, before the superior inteltf^nce of the whS^-ST th« grave, of thefr fathers, would be defiled by th. InLive f^otV^ \ WWie. Ho looked up, and ifiere she stood before him. blootS„ ia tlilS flowers of the Island Z^ u^w T I T ""• ^"^"^ *** »*« *«» vtlMt tiumkateM « '-spipmiato} iMadark,aiBiitar loolrii|u btst t^l# t^bft Jl^ r^«k. ■Mii trnmrnm •» THE Last OP TfiE ERIES, with na Jnuch admiration aa could be aummed up in his hard features, and his eoarse, deep voice was vainly endeavoring to soften itself down into accents of .leodArnest. She screamed Mkidly, and endeavored to release herself ; and wit- nessing his reception in this manner, different, no doubt, from what he eipeeted, .Coswenago's brow became dark with passion, and with a sneering smile he satd: " What is the matter with the timmiJ fawn? would she flyfrom thechief of the ;lroquois1 Has the Pale Lily naught but screams and tears for her father's _gucst1 or .would she keap all her smiles for a " -" |*t the maiden go, Iroquoi, " commanded Pierre, in a quiet, though deter- .ained tone, at the same time throwing his left arm round her waist, lrhe Indian looked scornfully at him, a*d replied:—" Ls thy knife so sharp, and {thy rifle so sure, that thou durst brave a red man alonejn the forest, aad tha{ redman an Iroquoi chief, whose knife has drank more blood of the palp (kce* than iny one of his nation 7— go to-^^pinst thou bend a bow, or wield an axe, twim the broad stream, or follow a'tlPai\ over hard rocks, and an anyielding bot- loml canst thou traverse the forest with as much ease as the plains'? The Iroquoi chief could crush thee, but the eagle stoops not to a worm*" " My rifle is sufficiently sure, and my knife Is sharp enough for any of thy name, " returned Pierre haughtily. " We seek not by words to lay clajQ a» * brave— ihlne might frighten an infant But how dare Coswenago insulf ,^t daughter of Manhitli; how dare he, in the land of a stranger, insult the daogjilicr of its chief 1 Let hint beware that he goes not away with a broken skin, or that hi* bones bleach not on the rocks, and his flesh be for vultures to pick at, " The Indian was well aware of the truth of Pierre's observations, or thai, If, ia hiajveseot vi^lt, any treachery was suspected, his scalp was,not safefora me> meot uu his head. He could not, however, suflfciently conquer his pride to rt- Imk the maiden, though he knew he was playing a dangerous game. Mksttit^i llig his pa»8jon, though by an effort, he sai4, while his eyes gleamed fiercely/ Let the girl decide, but let her recollect, " as she again made an effort to rCr haie herself, " tha^ in rqd blobd there is life, and in pale, there is death. Whew hides the spirit of achief% daughter, when thou must know that every pale-flic* Itjait enemy to a r^d-man ? " ^ * Thbu liest, Irbquoi, " exclaimed Pierre passionately. " I am not like thoe, • *rolf in sheep's clothing; Coa^nago's tongue is as poison, and his heart is 'The Indian looked at him with a bitter smile on his lips, while his hand play- M iion^ulsively with thq handle oi his knife, as the-glrl clung clQ«e (p Pinrxe, iinA'enaiavoi'ed to turn him awav. , .• "The whitt-man a friend of the Indians I " he contcm p tonsly rejAttA. ii> fft » jjrfague sj^t among us; his very presence and breath, is a curse » lUk* jjBg^ he cowe with an open hand, a smile and a smooth tongue, be baa the iH^|^^<^^"C Pi«Te baa turned his back upon him, and wa» retracing his way to the vil »&ult he did not wish to be the first to create a feud between his friendl \^ tt^ed'r''";/'"' "'^ht lead to disadvantageous result. CosJ agt J^ iftand, and gazed aHer the retreating pair with a scowling bro,^ Quick ThS?' «.g;h. brought his rifle to the level, and it ^erJ^uJ^^^"^ ftw moment., but he put it slowly up. and a muttered "x^oiycL«l^' llp^ at he disappeared among the trees. ^ The Pale Lily was aorrw^ful-all her previous gaiety waa »one and Pl«». StrK\"''"'^T'':f°'^"'^"»»°^^''^''"'^^^^ •fd |«arfpl lest her usual copfidence in him was shaken, he said : mZ^ Z^ * """ ^"?"°^ "* ""*• "'''' '■™* "^ *« ««»». produced by tht ■ttwith pt Uw cnrrent-thy faith in me is not broken 1 " »*"«"«« «^ "» ^^TN^ quickly replied the Pale Lily ; -. Keen-waw-ishkod. is a friead i„ ^■^»{Pi Bot Coswenago I know is an enemy. » " ? " And am I not a friend to thee, also? " • « •Ah, yes! " and with a simplicity that perfectly became her .h. .k,.- w ' iSi'tSl''"^'',;'^.*' "•"»-""» "'".s-"!^?." ,Vi^S^ ^ «t'lF.noda!ng in approbation of their sport. The warblins notes of rt/v!! come softly to the car— the lake rpniip. ,„ n ^'•Jroting notes of the birds «»iKh« I listen BrhrhnM^..'""™""'""'^'''*'«^>»«<' •W^' 5^ror::-reS;srix^;.:- tt^^^ -jjx >heard that,shak,s the ground , th; shadow cc^^" letxk 'anTflasts^S' ££d" ' '•'7«^--"y"^e. SwiaerthanthcThol^^rong^^^, iSJ uS T' "/ r '"^ ''^ ""^''^'^"s -'^' hurls u^liSI: r^n^Z" ''r'ti"!!'' '^^ ''"''^^' di«.p^:;;s?th. .rnd.T^ *Cdl^V.«f„ , ??„?••'• """ '*^'''"<^"- " *•"« ^ ported abo^S '•'•uw.llarkl, .gala in brilliant blue; tb«lakew«arf««wcSin«.c»m«aS3 "ir . ,v 'i II * THE LAST or T^B ERIES, ypi the wirtn »nn&bine, all things would look refreshed, an3 the birda woald tt^m . a^ain, and clap their wings in three-fold gltc. " The Pale Lily looked up enquiringly in his iaee, and asked--" bttt Ae vUitt, ^hen wouldst thou look for it 1 " " I am afraid you would have to look for it in vain, yfiat what has the iihOf » do with thy destiny or mine 1 " he enquired, aa theJ^le Lily sighed sadly. "The Great Spirit has willed that we should niftir-my spirit mingles with thine, my^fate rests with thee. Thy step brings sikshine to my heart, pni th« flowers appear to bloom more flreshly when thou art Vear. Thou art th« c«aoc> Vii shoulusl thou be lest in the storm <}f battle, or iX the dangers of the ttfisM wh« need 6f the birds to sing, or the sun shin? more. We float now calmly, urft disturbed in the stream of happiness, but a shadow has appeared afar off* iij' tU brlgto^tmiisphere of delight— that shadow is GofiWeMga " " He is but a woman, he talks too much for a brave ; tWnk nbt of hliti, btit fct me see thee smile as wert thy wont. Let. the trees again listen to thy Uagft, and we will away to the dance, and you and I shall bo the merrtnt tlwt. " Half soothed by the confident voice of Pierre, she partly resamed)te< p(«ftoa» ^letj, and the silvery tones of her gentle laughter-awoke the echoes of the sur- rounding woods. They were now near the village, and the Pale LU/V»n for- ward to the lodge of Manhitti—retuming, almost immediately, with ao tfd fwlH iQned Indian bow, and a quiver of arrows. 'V,;, " Where ate you going 7" enquired Pierre. 'V flBie pointed to the river, where numemus gulls wtre skiinaia^ gai *»Uli|f 4i»er the water. He laughcd,.and said, •' wait till I return ; " and he cttt« Ui^ ilr a; ftw minutes with his rifle. " Thou Shalt compete with me, Waublshk-naung, and whoever briiS|« dbW the iikrthest bird, shall grant a wish to the I oser. " ^ ' Then the Pale Lily has no chance, and Keenw&w-ishkoUa may as w^ §rV 19 me whatever I- choose to ask. " •* Wi must try for it, however;" and! he threw on his bade a birch eaitdr, dalP thePtdb Lily had showed to him, hid among the bushes, and conveyed it to diV llrer. Be placed his companion in the bow, and giving it a vigorxrth pnsb bdiat> ibl rfidn. paddled it slowly across the river. Th? weather waa waria, Md itther' c lotody, though very little wind was stirring, and the Pale Lily took ttf ' viUtaff'of the eaims to shoot her arrows. She bent her bow with seeming aaai, $M plheed an arrow on ihe string, ready for action, while Pierre earefblly Itedi ^ Ut rifle. She singM out on? of the gulls, and pointing it out to Mir lovtt, watched its approach toward the canoel round which it ho»«r«d-*-ttdr tioM lessening its distanec Now, it would rush toward the vessel, tltaa tantl^, «>» *IW^tothe»ir. aadawaepaodden ly, again, towar d the w»t>r. W»lHt- =1ilBPB>e f ttoH r d aw anti, qB,t n < Mg 8a. wingy^a^ when ahmt a&^-^^iiir at, the Pd« Lily- drew her bow, and walUng till the bint tttmadlia wliMa U'the braaga, ska let fly her arrow, that, with an unerring aim, botvM> in^ the bird* would alug asksd-^" but Ae euioe. i;" snd he ctttettiii idcdAri A TALE OF CANADA. (^ *«lf na4er die expanded Viog ol the gull, which fell lifeless, into the w«ter. * Wen done, Wanbisbk-naung!" exclaimed Pierre; "thou art abrare girl -the red deer, and the panther ought to fear thee, for thy arroWs are as fatal as thjr Other's rifle. » He drew tke bird into the bo^t while he spoke, and plucking out the arrow, wa? about handing the prize to his companion, when he perceivvd ^ Mker face eoncraled by her hands, between which her teara were falling? Recalled her by name, but she replied not; be moved toward her, ana b>ok om of her hands from her lace, when she hastily brushed away her tears, and >ai^ " ffertr moie will I bend a bow, or direct a dart; thft*;e have I«d^^ and each Ume have taken a liie, and thrice has my spirit feltaad. It i*«aoqch thM ov warriom should kill-the Great spirit permits them. They may stTite A. oeer, or the birds, but Waubishk-n«nng will do so no more. " Pleiwwas surprised, and felt touched at this proof of her sensibUlty. which ^wed to him more than ever, how fine a string he haS to deal with. He e«. plained to her that the Great spirit, when he first created the earth, gave power to j«kfad to • rBl. over the' fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every creeplg thing upon the earth. ' ^'^rtft J!^Z '"t°'!!!f""'' "^"* °P the bow, "yonder gull, bearing off a fish ZS^^tuTL^ '""^- T'''»''«''°'' ">«»««. thefowls.,f.heair, and the ««Jiof U»e field prey upon one another, and man preys upon all. •• He drew SlST'^lI^ r ''''^''IT'''' '''"'^' ''"»'«l°if«'"«q«aintedwith Z J|i^. the ««,w flew wide of the mark, and tell among some rushes, aotSJ Pierre heard a faint laugh, echoing over the water, from the Island, and look ufi^LTJ' ^^k"*^^. '" ^"""''"^ ^~"'"''^° «f"^"<^'»S ^'''«» 'he trees. He relt annoyed at the circumstance, and would, willingly have given him a sbJi be the object of his observance, he turned his canoe homeward. He rfeov«i W«.^aod humor, however, as they landed, and he said,- rwoverta " TJw Pale Lily is the winner, after all, and she mtist grant my wiak aoemJ ml^aal *^ ^»»^ «*» W dearly for my victory. " •.»{ the girir^^^rtw, Mk i«ae«m.»nee coirlneed Piem,, that she had guesaed at hietoienST^ ^ " As thou doet not intend to bend the bow no more, » he replied " «eec«t>^ W^«V^ftpn^toUneofher'8. ^^ ^I ^w to the main shore on (heir i^ . which lay about half a mile distant. A pleasant invitation, thought Pietr*, frpp a lat|jr*s bower, to the field of battle. This Indian thinks, evidently, to kill jg^f^ a short time, but I have been in worse predicaments than this, and a sure w^ 4nd a steady hand, n«rer failed to carry me safely through. I will let this chief see, that! am as unconcerned, at least, as himself. The Iroquoi preserved a prp- ' found silence ; he lool^ed neithet to the right, nor to the left, nor took any hottc^ of his companion!. H^ run the canoe on the shoft where it was low and sandj^ and then struck direfctly ofl" through *the forest. Pierre folio wied him with ii watchful eye, ratli|Br distrustful of treachery on the part of his enemy, though the careless manner 61 the' indian, who never deigned once to look round, shbwM MmiVte from suspt<;ion8 of the like nature. But under all this appiarance of* In- dfil^ranee, his ear v.\a alive to every sound, and ho would bav'e detebted the coel^ Ingofa ride withpftrf^t esse; the chief was aware of the potverAil nature of hlk senses, which had very rarely ever deceived him. Pierre, bowet'er, deterinfned not to be taken off his g^rd, and kept his riflc^ady to the hand, close on to his foe, who pushed f^ward with onabated vigor, «d Pierre's patience was gvtttaf tl^hnusted. -^ Wo may a«#ell fight hero," said he, "I go no farther." CoswMiago tamed slightly round. " Dost thou wish the reporte 6f tiid Mm Vftf be hurd, that thy rod Mends may come and help thee 1 " , Pierre Mtthtfjoatice of the remark, and hereplled>-"Ineifherirlt1i, aor d*^ =^alre they should ; lead oa. Bat Bowoonres it, tfaat^s red-mnr^mrl fjOr warning to fight Itjeenw to me thy brethem take their foes wherever tkey ,ai^ find them— whether asleep, or awake. Why didst thon not discharge thy ■'iA^JSUtxyr cAyAt>M>, - M a white-man^ nntil I y, you can find tjBe in od Cor t1|; wild b^ast^. i;i4B,i|t me whoa my back wa, turned, or planted thy knife iu my boMRi «pbe» I aJepi 1 would ii not have been more like an Iroquoi 1 '■ '• What knowest lfu,u of the red men or the Iroquoi 7-if I was a cowirt f might do what thou hast said-I am not, besides,.! wished to have thee feel death I wished to see how a white man could fight and die. But has the pale face the heart of a warrior, he can follow his enemy-can he go before him V Pierre hesitated a single moment,, and then stepped forward. .." ^' ""^^/.^ «rick of thine, he said as he passed, but as thou" hast put faitl, ii^ me, BO will fin thee." . ■ i^"' '"'"» »» ^"Oos«renago smiled contemptuously, and fell behind him. Ai^er proceedW ^r about a quarter of a mile farther, they emerged from the tangled cedars a^f underbrush into a smooth level piece of woodland, p.rfectlv cieaf of iung e Ind carpeted w,th leave, and-ffioss. The trees were of middling growth SUllv maples and young elm^, admitting the sunbeams throu^lf thei bfaTch« J" S'lrr^."*' »""""'■ ""'^•^ prodacedaver> pleaLnt subdued i^t - imss thisshady Ibrcst Pierre directed his steps, wheh he was shortly stopS by Who r ";^°'"^"^^°' ^^^» ''^'1 dropped about one hundred yards blh^Ki Who, wheuiie saw that Pierre observed him. presented his rifle ,ndM. h.Vl . just Um.,,10 spring behind a tree, When the bLll turrit him -'n/t 5^1 1^ rand ; «-bo». rapfd |i„ „„, „,„„j „„^, "8° '»» «k«" h" ^ierrascnrab net i^^ ^f' '"""'''■ '''^''^^ ^M ^wtheyounglroOis^l'TnTl^^^^^^^^^^^^ ATZT^otlXi^^^^^^^^^^ this ™ode of fighting, wouM Uv, ■ -ion for* mmnen deXf h t "[^'"'''"^y' had his coolness and selfposiiei. that a cool head could onTreh.n,.. ."^ '''^''° '" tremble Tatid S ofthelroquoi, and daring the fight he could hardly refrain (h>m rushing on him, and closing the combat hand to hand, though at the risk of biting the dust before he reached his enemy. Accordingly they b^th discharged their rifles, and wended their way to a smfill natural clearing, surrounded on all sides by towering piqes, which seemed to nod their green branches almost in the clouds, casting a sombre shadow on the little ampitheatre beneath. The two combatants advan- ced to the centre wi^h a composed and noisless tread, and then i^ed aboot and gazed with a steady look at each other. " Let CoBweaago look—does he see the two barrels of this rifle— «Mi of them ia loaded,— yoa heard the report of the other, and were not aware that another re- aMined. I mignt have been justified in deceiving thee — but would meet ihee on H» mountain or in the valley, in the forest or on the plain, on] e/entti^'' And ha tamed round and shot the leaden missile into a yielding pine. t ..Tr Coswenago said nothing, though his stem features lost their scornful ezpreaaion' nnd gave the signal to commence loading. His movements were hurried, bat eerUin ; Pierre's equally so, but he lost time in stooping for the leather Wad which he dipnted, and the Indian palled out his ram-rod as he was forcing his down- The mtwole of his companion's rifle flashed before his eyes, his brain reeled in cqoflMion, anda thoaaand rifle barrels, in his distracted vision seemed pointing at \,\pt^ but involuntarily, and by an instinct of self preservation, he struck with thebiittofhia weapon wildly at his foe, and was fortunate enough todashasidaUM pnwentedpieee, which went off at the moment, with a report, as it seemed (» Pierre, loader than the heaviest clap of thunder. Coswenago's sttm oomposore wisfor • moment disordered, as he witnessed with a furious look the failing of Ma «iijB, and Pi«m with n fervent " thank Ood " sprang bach two or three panai oat ^If^eh, and ealled out to the chief— who had bommeneed hastily loading hk ,T^6ti9>*>tha boquoi ehlefo«nt«lte his choice ^ther to timnr down Ua iMi« I tke ooBtantoof 4i«." and he niaod hie weapon to thn fNwM. dikMt^^H^hla operations, And replied scornfully— "whf do yon 1 is Botafiaid nt Hmth. " IHv tttee, fmiM tk« wilt give thy word thatno ftnrther attempt shall be tmM mmiat." ^ iw*"!^""' '!""• ^«" ' ^^ '^^'' * ''"^ 'y*'' "<» * «'»<«y *«d ; thou milt fi^Jlf;? '''"'"• <=«''"•«" ^°«ld wyU, friend.; bat ScmJJUS. J am «ill U.y enemy. I ask not for my Jife, ybu offer it md JS-l^Sl l^thoagh 1 .ell .hec we may meet ag.in near the Big LaSs.S wS«2. Jlune. If thoa art saUsfied, we go back^if no:^.J,ou canst fire." '" ""* Wf* *f «« "^li*" ^"«"°*- i care about as much for thy friendshiD as th» MC^ 1 1- Jfao reason, as ye. sufficiently strong, to make me wiKr^ySeSh" ^^ % enmity I care not-let us then go back to the Irlnk«« ^^:^. ^\ The chief sullenly marched away, ipr hfljM;. .iJL ,?*phislj«t9thepipmw;r^pfhisf^^ /^.W^«;».«l« fglAm Im n^/^ r-' CHAPTJBRr. inftiHy— "w"hf 36 1r«B T^* fcUowinftflWnriag the camp wu ailiwMd by the load nil rf««., -^- ■ i.WgUng their vessels tpa nlaceof safety »h.i- - o««*y«fl>|>lflj»(l J.... While tbToun?^Lr;Snt girtf^^d^r.s^^^^^^ " •*"""• pvers and brothers were ail safe The rSL,!n. T./. ''*'""'''' '^ "" *« feir hosts, and rather sullen'lwaUTh^^^^^^^^ "'''^ "'»*' "** ft their own oniaion. byLn^weTsonheJHnl ^^^^ '''"' ^"^^ lwriorashlers.;ndXeTlJ„?i't- \'^"^ proved the»a«a«p Utheshore.lea^ingaXtti^vLrirK^""''**^ "•"^" «**'»«^ 'kasUlyby;i,hJZ stew^r^^^^^^^ AtalT?org»bi«J,. ►Ia». PiMicr by look or gS^h^s'^L? ^'"'"^"^^o. who took no notioofC Warding no clncwWbrL^:,H countenance was calm and stem., ^ WtpthelodffenfiMa-kj..- T. ^' **^ "'"^ ^^ followers and took U« rS:iSrin;t^V- ^ '"^'"' "^'* Porleeuy aware tJiMlbe^ |PB«r. 4«oringriS *T. \?'^? '^ith would sooner or IW^^ Lyw.l»*J4iW««ian,»p^j Im^ b«en.in«lft4^?^^^^^^T'?f^^f~~ u THE LAST OP THE ERIE8, neelfed with klndnesi and hospitality and allowed to depart without aar Is- tnulve questioning ; biit, he could not 'help p^ceiving, under the appearand of a courteous twiring, dislike' and suspicion worked. He hasiened td where the Council was titting, and Cokwenago was addressing it when he an ired, as fal- lows:— "Warrior», the green hills and verdant plains where my fathers sleep, has n^ ieaw my t»t» for more than twenty suns. The great waters of the Haron^iss tay bar]|0ftits bosom, t«»/t jftn, yjn j ny p- f||rt wJtti 6to Tine 1— Cosweoago ioves W«Bhiabk4unsg, and Us wift i^ I among the Iroquois. ' ^^^ ^^^&^^^ ^^AM-V'-T'^ ■•'^' f\ A tAtfe OP CANADA. 35 Pferre. "rprised and breatHeM, a*alted the answer of Manhltti- li« ]««».» jor fely mi thei.. how dear .he Pale iily wa. .0 bin., and he Sed J SS S fate from the face« of those aroundlut they appeared toialll uZlI.? ! confident of the decision of their cKief. whatever ft LT^ht bl ' «n'-<"?«««^' ""^^ ■■''■'- "Two horses, swill>w the hawk oa 49 ,rtng.-that will skliii ih. »«w^ |f.«er than the fiercest buffalo, stall be .hepriJof Manhittl.'' ^^^ " More yet." answered itevlHnka chl?f composedly. The brow, pfCo3wen4:o grew black as midnteht -What «r«nM.. .1. i. no«s-.he aWanc, ofan I^uoi is not .0 1^4 sed JI^ J2 eLLitv ^L' ' antonly prov3jkiul, whom he fonod in de^ mcdtta- ^adbgwtthhUarintfi>ldediDhUinaot)e on an orerhangiogrockoftht , andi £roin what he" ftfttd, Pierre "Vliscorered his alarm was nibt a^togethrr gronDdlfs*. He was misukeo, however, in his conje^re ij^at ia ebtmj could •])proach unseen and, unheard, Tor the practiced eye and accustomed ear pf Man- hitti, detoctefl in nn instant the approach of a canoe from an adjacent (^I'and. i The chief challenging, received d reply which appeared satisfactory, and giving '.^iune 4(rcctions uTthenocturnal visttor, took no further notice of him. ^Here.thoBg'htWirw, W«wilA and fanciful picture for a pointer tpaltetch.— Thelsland, otmoat surrounded ctt. all sides by several of its staaller bret)iereB conspiendas firam Us size, shape, and jflMiti^n, on which camp firea were bright- ly burning before several huts, castjng into dMJc shadow, rocks, trees and cabins, and lighting up other objects witU a vivid glanb.^ -Hl^ smoke in curling wrftths, epifld be distinctly (raced streuaing away over the treej^s, and the long shadows '^>ometalI pineis,intbe^&atural clearing before mentioneli lay like giants acron * tap«lJ4KiitJir«iglha9iJ[ Mttiue to their eqemietii,nuhtp hattie. Tki| hiK. 4^ now not cachi}tl)n trh$9^j A TALt OP CAVJa^£ ' JLt f ole't Spjr" •tolled upon us, ,ni we were proud In our protMritv Bui vKmU I n^ OtrU, i. .hy ..length , wher, now ,. ti,y pride, J"^^, < "j^^. warriors little apprehended. Day after day was he importaned to lead bis -| braves against their.encmies, and, at the risk of his wqU known reputation, my ftthec reAui^*~|di|firm|ped calmly to watch the movements uf thp Iroquois. f Two winters and summertpillMd away ,nnd to ascertain the intention of the Fire Nations, as welfas to occupy th» minds of his warriors, my father chfel- knj^d the Senecas to play a game of Ball, by as mapy as they choose to select, against ap j^qual iiumber of Eries. The challenge ^ras considered, and rejected by their chiefs; and as the snows began to disappear, iuid the trees to put iortb their leaves, the challenge was renewed, and again rejected. The Eries laughed at the faint hearts of the wise chiefs of the Iroquois ; and wliep, the rivers agaift loosed their bonds, and sent their tribute oil water to the great lak^ the challenge was renewed tor the third time, and from' very shame, was accepted. Pi^spara- tions ware made on a large scale, and the number agreed on, selectQlfroi^ tt^ff ibwer of our tribe. ^j^ T)ie Senecas arrived at Tu-shu-way, on the appointed day, befort raii«r!f«^ «^1 t In erctar tosuisfy themselTrs in rmrd to the ehtnet«r, disposition, and power of thoas dl^ sonsidsKd tlielr nuaraJ rnemies. the Brico retorted to the followmi mnna ; ,^ TIM7 atnta MmMj mtmtgt to tbe Soiivcu, who werv th«ir neartat neichbonu Invltinf thsn lb saieet onf liaitdrMi ^r thair moat aeuve, athlalic jonof mm, to pUy a gnina of Ball, agalMI tti* sans nnttlwr to tusclaatad bytba Briaa.lora wager winch aliouldbvconaiderad wonhy itM oeeaShM, ud tba eiiani'-ter oftba gnu natloa in wlioac behalf the utTer wua midr, The metaaga was if- ctivtd and •ui«mitnrF<*t Nations ' was SallMi i tlM prppoaidoq AiUy ^lacuaa^, and »Met» nitr In due titna deqMti-hed with tlia dteiaioa of q AiUy dlacuaa^, and a^meta njtr In due titna deqMti-hed with tlia deeiaioa tlia Cooiieil, rfspMtnilly iTecllnia; the ehallrn^r. Th i emtMldt-ned the Entt, and the neat ytar i))aofle restrained. Tntv Importimed tte old BMHi to allow tbi-m to accent tlwclitiienji. and Uia w.Se Council, which had uiMitoltrtvaUMi, at last gats way. and tlia ehtlten;a was necaptrd. > }Wltinseoiild«sc«edihatndii'aaam '*iih which aich tribe tent ibrward Its chostn Cbamptsos ibrtte coatest. Tnt only d ffljulty a-em'd to be, to m ilce a ttltctlon 'where all wi-r* ao wurtby,". iUUirBi«:lidelay'amhuudr*doftl>eaowti-arilM trba wart finally drsl«nattd«andthtdty Arttelr tfapartiire flxtt. An espcrl^nced cblrf w.ji ehra-uat the Iratirr of the party, whota otder* iha .^.-^. .... «nd Cooncii waa call«r, and in the pi*seiiae of I (he moM aoleina m inner, to obsanra a paaeeibi .;■;*'. yomg mm wnrt directly enjolnol t« ob-y. A grand Uooneii waa call* Um SMStnltlad multitode, the puty waa charged In the moM aoletno m inner, to obsanra a paacettal cOitftt'ofiHKKlact towarda their compMltom, ami the naiion whiiaa guet a tbay war* to btcodie, andt^allowiio proTocation,i^owevergn-at, loberiaentHl byanyactofaggriMlonoa r' b!itlailitliMpee!Btoae(iu:tm*miialT»a worthr.ihe rrpr.tenunTra df a great and powtrl •Bilaut |0 ^liltlvaie peace and iricnilahip with thtir nelghbora tMdcr thtse toimui ii^nnc'.iont the party toolt up i t line of march (br Toahn-way. Whth IM «bnm friB(l>i4 arrived U}iiMvtolnity oi'thapoior of thetardestiaatloii, a meaitaitf waaaentfen tnaa to nbtfly tht Brif a or ihi-ir amvtl, and the next d ly wia aet apairt Mr their grand enow.— •tMff b^O'jriu no arms. Each oat bora aba naa*! to throw or crilte a b ill, tattefully omansmed. ti«i){ a bJpkiRT tlicic about live feet ion {, b^ntoverat thatnd, and a thong. netting wovtintajte bMt., Amra diy ai npoaa anil refrvshment, nil thiihs w»n arraaftd fer tmMimt. Tbs. MUti cftiM ln|oao(( brooAt (brwaixl and dapoa ted on the ground, a larga pllt of elefaiu wrotam kelia ; orwonMND, costly jcwtia sllvar b.nds, beautinilly omamtntod oioecus ns, and oiiMr araeiaa oi . - 1_. .- .,.. -.a^oflht aeaa of tbe foreat. as the auke, or wagrr on tba put of his fvagk^r^ i — " " ' m grief wjth articlta o f eq ual '^''^'"-arlMW hr SltlSlS iMWl I ., . . conttKtd With dcsparat'onandgrtnt tliinbytbaSiisftlMljNi ^^ttM^rsoaoiik sad lb«y bote affihair prist la tiliunpb:>-^4jfsai0AN f^rss.^ 3 .S\.-j.jKii;i;;?i£^iiiCi;.. people. The blood of achination* of their en- labii of despising these ny one cr two of them, ware that their united t the fetal result, he or mportaned to lead bis known repatation, my AS uf thp Iroquois. ■ *^' " ,■ - tain the inteittion of the irriors, my father chftl- is they choose to select, onsidcred, and rejected d the trees to put forth ed. The Eries laughed wlieit, the rivers again eat lakto, the challenge as accepted. P^para^ i id on, selecti^{9i;:v t|^ff , day, befiwe wiwiie-- ^ on, tad power of Uwastik^ DMAS ' t n«l(bbors, liiTlHnctbsm 10 am* of Ball, ■CktM tht SUB* I drrtd worthy lb* ocetStaa, nidp, Ttit mfMig* w«s r^- I* 'P wat It Sen e.a youth triumphed. End ,he pride of the Ei ies was checlted. Mv fethermAi' icred bis d. cp ras«ion-r.nd tba. the rigbts of hospitaliiy might be ofiered to £' wmncn..'wuh the same degree of arai.y, as if they ^j/r^/e Tpwrt he ^li^J then, torcmain anoiherday. and .hey nccc^^^^^^T^^^ ^rcw h.mseJi upon hi. couch, but hU. c-ye» closed not i, sleep. uTu^ wo^diiV'T '""■ '"'^ "^°WhU«~^'Ied upon him tlticMnd fast, and^ wondei^d how h.s yOung men eould have been beaten by those, whoai thiy heW « much in contempt. He thought very muih upon tha subject, and at Iwt t^ fan summoned his chiefs to a council. A scheme was p«,po«d a„d ^^^ which they m.«M^tiiveto wipe out the stain that iad follen on their na«? and they deterpto^d to give the Senecas another challenge on be m,«^w " Z' triumphanr««p of the victors stung my father to the soul, as he wa^^ack 5! ^Sw? ''' f r""' '"'^" «^^" '" ' ^^"» passion.and her^e^lSsteS F«f Sl'in^"'" ^°t'- ""'""'''^ '"'' ""^"^''' «"• f- ""'d hear tje^ll fvS^T r- °''/°'°' " ""'" "^'"•"'"'J »'«*^'J 'he voice of one of™ \^7, «d heard enough to know that hi. disgrace was not owing t"aw w«^f k^tl^ K f '■''°" "^ '^"' ^^"' ^'"' ^''^ Sea«:a wives. The b™5J«rf i^fT , """ ""'"' ''•"■ ""■ *"" '"^y '^^'^ »«« proof agalMt thTX^ 111, i"^""''"'' ""'■""" «»'"««.«' Erie swerved ST h?.fa^ »t^p, "T"' '»'« hand Ota danger. And even they could uotiLj prevail aJ^nT^h*^ " m T^"^' ^''' '""•^^ «'«-''"«' 'hei'lro^ iZl ill !. •"• ^y '^'^" '^"'^ »»'• tomahawk to deal death to the wT !!?:..?*" **"^ "'*«^<* ••" "^ f"r that time. The IroduoU ™! S^ Uoothcr challenge would be given on the morrow, andTarta^ r^fln iS *«.wlv wh^"!!'"" '""■ The Senooas assembled on the plain, beyond ij ir^te^dm r.!r'5'*° ''*""*"««^ toaulalof««ngtbandidn. ud ooBffSenL^wi!. J"/*»'"l"«">r. The ehaHenge w«a «««p.td, in* ^ h^J^J!'^ ""'''''^ **^ " •«"' """her of Erie-.«»ong\hMrV«. to thM. who had Seneca wives. 8haniBtsoi»nwe kept hte .VTunM Zl' ^ r^n.,, I . , ' . "^ *" """*■ The time Ibr vengeuec oiao ud m» *'^«-~ [*««e»«hl.br.i„.eath.wlnd.. The .e«»d w« SJni.^?!^.^ "^(•^ ./' KP THi-tASt oPTHisiRtes, ^^intT^A:mbai i6 fblfir the coiidiiioiragreed ii^b, Sbaninttofrottwe af utt^ii ^h hka to raise? jiis toilaahawk. The third n6w Mniggled hard for hte life, for ll^ktew Irell the consequence of defeat; but his limbs trembled in ev^rjr joint, ibihe was thrown, almost withoutan effort on the part of the Iroquoi, who step'd iiei, afid threwiiS weapon upon the ground. The death of the ft lien Erie Was tttf Ihe less certain, for bis chief raised his tomahawk for the third time, and for ft« fHitS time it was dyed red with the blood of a traitor. All applauded the tscdj Qtotj^ few knew ^en, from what a right motive it was performed. ' No>r 4mltgBm.t(hi*,' lAlti my^fiuher, ' out of the ten, seven yet remain, and nOne of iirbditt would receive a bribe, for fiui last Erie who had a cross of bad blood in Us teins, is dead. Prepare, therefore, for death. Step forth one of you, and let •U see bow a true Erie may throw a faW Seneca. ' While he spoke, the ten l^uois mingled with the rest of theirbretheren, who, turning their backs, ded, too were soon out of sight. The Eries with a loudyy of disappointment, |cepared to'give chase. But ShanintsoronwQ reminded tJieat that the Iroqdofs laid niot come without an invitation, and were, therefore, frtiji i» depart unharm- ti; that, though they had used false means to depress our nWiWfl exalt their TU'Shn^way, and infomed tfas nation oC what .ha bad hannk it4 no Jonger could he resist the Importnnity a his warriors. Bi i 'j||||g|'iq|8Mirilqj|P*niBirotf.lh9tritiv,~'aiMHt^'**~^eierBiBed^y-~wa sf i ■ flashed In the sunbeams « they poured through the forest like .th.|iy?arkUng crest of rushing water. ' A-.-P*^ ""• ^ "'«''* "^ tiefr enemies near the rive^ Canaiidalgiie. Mad .OtHv*"-. Before thea stretched the small lake Honeyoe, on the other rti!a of '2? •*. .' Oneida. Md theCayngas were drawn up in order of baule. Th« , Wtoi filed offtowartl the sun along the lake, to where its banks closed op the ^itertotoaj^allstream, across which they dashed like a whirlwind, driving liSiSf^W? «'' " * P°'i?^ ■**"* ^"^^ ^y »»e«»e^ the foot of Canaa. g^^ca^ein sight of each other. Wouclct ofllc7akMy iJSt2.25 *bl' r •rZ'lSl'i'ir '"'"*'° »'■'''>« fi»e confederate tribes was not in view of the Erie- ISS««X „^H f .1 PP"*'"? ^°''^. y^ '•"^ oPpo'l'e Side of the stream. ThefnLw IWmngb and fell upon tbem with tremeadous furvv The ui^aBnt#.H r™.,.l?rT l«^«Ll-"'P"*'"' aiidhad hiiherto Gcen victorious over aUilwlr •n.mi^^ a«rSil'i.'^t t?^ 'f ' and .cknowl*Wed by all the t^i^s? U>Jy knSto^ to IE« and nirv^H^;.,- " '*"^»'.««flrf«rations flashed a,i)n t"e mK?dS Fhiiwi A« ^2?.l?Sr^*'' ^7V^ "™ with almost superhuman power OniSiS! I «W?ri. ^J^**! ^'^ ^^^^' '«*'«' tf'bea, now mads sSwir bv unii2» ivS ^SSt MX^4^^. .¥'*•«** fw ih* flrtt timS tc. act 1b eone«rt InsniMrf wi^^Si «Ii SSSSSli^^^.f"."""'' "^^ »««•« chieft. and SMygS *!Lg* -«. under theli ^.^^fed'^cSTf.^Sl^'ffif^re^^^^ Sffi^ oppo- ;;, ■* \'l U THE LAST OP THE ERIES. their enemies like leaves of the forest before them ; but like U'a\-es ot the forest, the Iroquois were as numerous. Fast as their bravest men went down before tha heavy blows of our braves, fresh warriors would take their place. The dead seemed innumerable, and there appe.'ired no end to ths living. None though! of a 'kingYor life, for death was given in a single blow. The bravest of their chiefs went down before the arm of Shanintsoronwp, who opened a pa.'srpe through the thick masses of his rncmics--, i rd linnirg, jitrccd ihcm iWorgh act! through. They broke and fcattercd, end were aire; dy prrpannj to fly; the cry <^ victory was on the lips of the Erics, when a noise, like wind^mong the trees, when iffirst brettk«'«tpoo the ear fro:n a distance, arrested the word. My father turned Lis tyes toward the forest, al^d from its dark shadow, poured forth clouds' ot fresh Iroquois. There were the Mohawks of the valley, the Onondaiguas, and the Senecas — all in the same paint. The Erie chief drew up bis men ^ fresh order of battle ; bis voice was beard above the tumalt, saying—' we have broken the strength of the Onridas and the C^yuguas, though they surpassed us in burn- er. Renew your strength, O warriors I fight for the existattbe pf your nation. " Fearless our people stood the itorm, which bore them back, witkresistkss force ■cross thQ..stream, and far up its bank on the other side. Shame ti^rved every arm with threefold strength, and^ they bore back the n)ighty mass intheir tnre, and pierced it to its very qentre. But, again the Iroquois closed round, Hiil forced them back across thn stream, and again were they driven before the ^Eriei. Btit my father gave up all hope of victory ; what he had partly furseen, hii^^be- come a fearful reality. His numerpus enemies wore the same paint— th^yil^M* combined for his destruction, and our people fi^und themselves engaged, sadchp- ly, with the whole force of the five confederate tribes— also ia a struggle, invoir Ting, not only the glory, but, perhaps, the very ejcistence of their nation. SeTfii time* were they driven across the stream, and seven times they made a fresh path of the dead^odies of their enemies, to recross. A warwhoop, that mng shrilly over the ^ela of battl-*, was heard suddenly in their rear, and a party of young Seaecas, fresh from their tents, fell upon our exhausted strength. Pre»> ■ed on every side^ our warriors fell thick andVast, and many, disdaining to fly. yielded themselves to the knives ot their victdFs. Shanihtsorouwe tongbt deaib at every hand, and rushed into the thickest of the dying and the dead ; but he ■ite side of the stream in ambidsh. The Eries had been driven iseven times aecross the stream, and had «e<.oiie|l lekained tbeir ground, but the eighth time at a given bignal from their chief, the eerpsM yooBg warriors in ambtieh rushed upon the almost ezhaOsted Eries, with a tremeodoos yell, and at once decided the Ibrtanes of the day. Hundreds, diir dafattegto fly, yielded themselves to the war clubs of the vigorous young wee> Iton, whose thmt for the blood of their enemy, knew no bounds. A few of the vanqaiahed Briet esf apedlo carrjr the news ol the terrible overthrow, lo tbmr wives and ebildren, and their old men who remained at home. But the vietma did not altov them a moments repose, but pursued tli>m in iheir flight, kilMng wHbevtdiaerimination all who fell into their hands. The punnit was coi\ti|i1i» ed ft* inaa y.iwhs,amtw«»flvart>oBtbs before the viaiorious war party of |H>» -t iBeirirffHHjip^itniriireenRinntagiiici l«B«my, the Eiica«KAMBWC4N pAFia.) A TALE OP C^AWADi. / ^j WMpreserredbrsomc devuted follo«'cr, who exp-JSsed M. own bpflr to everr Wow a med ai himself. What he w»hcd for. he thouRht. had ,t la.t camelj heavr blow on .he head, sent bitn back among bis rernaining'chJ^V,. comrwitj bU,od. H.S eyes became sealed with darkness; the sounds of the baule linger- „ed faintly in h.scar., and he hoped it was approaching death. But it was other- ,l^a>..?lf under the .ha.Ics of the iorcst. surrounded by the tearful eye; of womem He fell into a deep sleep, for the .ccond time, and when he a g. in woke he wa^' iyiDg under a tree, in view of the falls of iVirgara. on the (ianad* aide WlTat' •fwever on oufancenthunimg grounds, and the scalps of our women an* ch~' dren adorned the tentsof the eon^uerors. The pursuit lasted a great many davs ' for^our^enemieswere determin,^ Uutt the name of Erie .h«uldVexr4^S' t.cf!i;!!^-"'T ^!^/^'Sfe» Mi«issippiwith but a remnant of his na- t2^^.lT/T' ''r "r"'^ a wandering tribe of the Pawnees, but L Pamieesgr^wJeaJou. ^f the bold Erie hunters, and they directed their steps to. tn^tlatt^f T'^r' '""^" """" "'^*^' onthelnkscftho SwoT.^ «^wkV !SV"'"^ '"' ''''"'• Tales ofthe former greatness of our n til fiL h^^** f'" "^ '?"' ''^' "'' "' ^ ^"'^ °"'^'-. 'S^r»«'" would tate mi J; iSt J' T^' *"*• '"' '""'' *'''' '»"« »^«1«' »• A deep ,en« o^inru- L^v^rnT "«"'"•"'" "'="'" 'nemie.. was thu. fostered in my ho^L uatT/tfl hrni,T^ """'' ""• "• '"" ""'• ^ ''^•-""'"tion' to wj tt^. Zir 1^ .■.^°" eaemle.. was mypmraUing thought. Shnnlntw^w. lit w2j'.Ki '^"^^^•7««""" ">«'"'" «° preaerveour numlir. and keep « jeace w,th the surrounding nations, and surceeded. TheEries awin i*iJ^ Uhe^head.; their former st^ngth was partially renewed; the^T onfiS L '^ f m^d. for nearly forty summer, of tranquility, had .organized our Xt^S «iZ?" "^*^'"" ""^ and went, and fought happened to disturb otif f S ""Tk'°"'' """' "" '^"y- ^'^^ ^'couring the prairie in searrh of w^ 1 &and myself benighted, and took shelter in a small forest Z^luillV^; hhMreesindLJ^M.tfvr .''"'■'"«" agiin repeated, dashed thrt««f . rekfmkUwJh ?— '^^^ l»aw herlip curl frith dlsarin. tUm C«wr.i„ ^?u" """' "''^'■*' " «° Erie maiden*. ,yoaW, to tfae ji^m -ttuiWAkw 'y y * °y "''^- ^*» °'P*''^ ^M « >»rt Jenifer iB-^wfoliMr •*• ^ .• J.ia«. r !''*■ 41 (' THE' t AST OP TlH. ERIES, tentt. lify heart 'wak oh fire at ber distress, aiid as the cowardly Seneca tiitei bis hand to strike, I {drew iiiy weapon, and dashed in aoisr.g ihem, striking on every side.. The Seliecns ran like frightenetl deer in every direction, ahd releas- ing the girl -flrom h<^ bonds, I placed her on my horse, and bore her off in tri. tid»ph. She accfiftejd my'offer of protection, and dwelt with the young wome^of our village Love 'for the first time, took possession of my bosom, and for hW I climbed the rocl^, wfherc none but the eagle dare venture, to procure a'flower, and dai;ed every dangcrl to win a smile. Out of gratitude for her life, which I had ivted, shiB Mciline Imy wife, and none for a time was more happy than Ttncaro- ra, wkichv^as the liamel then poweseed. She taught us many things that wet« of great advantage to us, and her gontie, and quiet spiVit possessed a deep inflb- ence ovti' our fiiiprc^ warriors. She introduced new custpms among the women, And by her adViqi I ab»lished many of the barbarous usages of our tribe— Ibitf happy efflfcts of which, thou canst, no doubt, perceive remain. The akilrmlslli with the Iroquois brought us under their notice, and th6y oaaem- bled again thei^ forces to destroy us. Aware of their movement*, I determined to hazard a battle, and mustered our warriors in the valley of the Ohio. In case of dtfeat, Ih^di taken the precaution to stiihd'off all the women apd children to the i^eat, and the ejrent justified the jprecautiou. We f ushed upon our cne«ai^ the ihoment they appeared in sigh;, and drove them back— strewing the ground with dteitdead; bi|t we unexpectedly fell into an ambush,, and in turn we were obQghed to fly. Otir retreat was conducted without loss, though .the Iroi^is punned tul^ many w^ks, yet it was with disadvantage to thejuselves. T&y left x» aeaf the borders oi the valley of the Mississippi ; but we stoped not our itArdi, and coi^tinbed it until we reached the far Missouri. For three somnier* we hunted peaieaply on its plains, but the Dachotas— a very powerful people— I^MBeabered an ancient quarrel, and we were ubligdH to again take up our tente, itedrtCrace our tray eastward. We cast away the name of Erie in shame and ^on0W, and as4unied the one we now possess, and found our way lo this retreat- Here the Pale Lil ly was bom, and my wife died in my arms.at the time. We buried her de^p lencath the foB»t trees, and they keep ever singing her funeral •pug when th0{ winds blow, and they shelter her grave Irom the scorching suae if ikHta." ] ilene was d^i>lly aiTected at this nairraiion, and the emotion of the ^IdtifMti, 'Which the recitjal called fi>rth, seemed to preclude further conversatioti Ibr th^ pi«Mlt Bat lordly lwt>minaUs had elapsed in silent thought, when the chiet uddtBlj darted down the bank, and Pierre, looking over in some aurpdsA, Mw idm kucbiag * easoe, t[nd paddle rapidly off across the river. As the younft*' mp fl^ ti? »f tlieOtiio. Incase en apd ehiljdrcn to the ion our cne«ai^ the ving the ground with nd in turn we were though ^e Iroiqaois D tbejuselres. TUy )ut we stoped not our , For three sommef* ry powerful peopte— Lin take up our tents, i>f Erie in shame and r way lo this retreat. ms,at the time. W« er singing her funeral n the scorching auiu lotidnofthcdldiltiti, conversatioii fbt the mghtjWhenthd chltt n some surprise, Mw' ■iver. ils the youriH-' s pirccivjd something 1 be was convinced St md of which the chui dm time pltevioaelj^ id his attenUott beli^ ris rdYijRRmraM pat' byondthflf retell of Cb' 45 A JALK QF CA^'ADA. Tlslon. when he. too, Mijed a canoe, and th|«w it Impaticntlv on the water The . sounds of a scuffle quickened his movement3, and he urged his vessel rapidlv to lhe»pot. As he approached, he perceived two figures struggling in the witer near one of the eahoes, each having the other's flght hand firmly grasped by the left, to prevent the deadly thrust of the knife. ' One of them was Ma^i,,[ J, other, Pierre conjecture:! was an Iroquai, and wheeling round his canoe r»iw bis^add}^ to strike, but, which, before it could des-end, ManJi.iT bra^W , effort, wrested his right arm free, and hurried his kni/o Tn.Se 'blX, "S ^ rewary, whose death cry roused the birds from their roosts, and brought aLS* ,^»b.ed oa ,he bj.ch. What had occurred; and he eaTtS'eTSe^t l^H a eareful watch, as danger was evidently lurkingnear. Even a. he^„ ,Sl^ ft «"« fj'''^'?"' -i'6 an emphatic gesture for silence. cemman^dSt listen; and Piprre thwiugteiTZl^^r,7^Z"'" *'""^ *l>ioh that Jayianhest from the land pZIT ?! *''*'• <» °P« of him to examine it df„!K/ ''''^""fy ^PPea'. «hat hiacurially proniniei days invlons, when his canoe flikwi .«j d- •'t "*"'•*•'«» b»l»J^ ^witlTuie v^^^TbIT^J^'^"^' *»*'«omem,diaan)di«4.|,^ '^ '♦I't'' i^iifi^'Afea(aiia.4.wi. iA»iA^tti«'*i'^ ■^M.^Ati{,j^.::A iMkLii*k,^.iL^S^hj4s*i&^yA^ij- .,\f^,t-S LAST OP THE ERIES. from one of the indian^jj^ats, who bad called upon bim several times, and re- ceiving no answer, fired his rifle. He arrived breathless at the lodge of Manliil* ti, and entering ttie chiefs npaitment Without ceremony, shoved biih' the ring, :atad whispered a fe* rapid words in his ear. The em3tion of the old ma|> ex- cceded that of the Frenchman's, and he hastily procee'ded \o bis daughter's apari- liieiit, calling upon her name. No answer being returned, he searched round tho Jodge, but the Pale Lily was not to be lound. Pierre gave the alarm, and sever- al Irinkais pithered round the spot, to whom Manhitti gave directions to arrouse ilnd'Collect the* men together. When they wer.- assembled, Ke informed them that It «t:fts bis b^leif, that Cuswenago had carried o3' the Pale Lily, during the time most of them had left the village, when they were alatmed by the death yell ttf thii Iroqudi, i^hd Had been evi.'.ently sent; by his wily chief, to induce tHe Irin- IttableaVe their village, in order, the idore easilyto accomplish bis object- He hid no dOBbt,. he taid, but that his daughter had been enabled in the dark, to -place the ring on the rock, to enable her brothers to strike the trail of her captors. The feelings 6f the father were fearfully arrdused, and revenge, l^e hereditary HeiHoom of his race! was awakeiied in a(l its strength, by this imb insult iVom His Hated eneniy; His warriors, with stem and flashing eyes, showed how tbey pairtibipat^d in bis feelings, and with ready Alacrity they prepared thenuelvea for battle. The wonien* hastened hither and thither, relating the news as tiitj bad heatdit; and^tfaewhng girls, in sorrowful groups, viewed the preparatiom^^or the ilrar-p^th with Wrful eyes. Pierre cleaned his rifle and piit his Accontt« menta in order; Mwhitti, with equal promptitude, burnished up His arms, wl armed at all points, joined his warriors. Day began to break as the Irmku, leaving a ^uflcient force to guard the village, were guided by Piertt, to the rook whereon he had found the ring. From thence, taking a westerly direction, six eanoes swiftly cleft the water, one after the other| and were soon, to those watch- ing their dtiparttlre, diminished to small specks in the distance: CHAPTER Vl. ^ Ws shall *6w duuge the scene to Montreal— to the then small tdwn of Moo- tieal, where seated round a table of some what laf|^ dimensions, in the mesa rooo) of th« bamck,'VeTe the principle officers of a rear battalion, quartered there fi>r ths pnMectian of that place— from an ensign to a Colonel. Some ver^ engaged in an anlnated conversation concerning the state of Canada— the tenninatiun^ ta4 probable result of the war with Britain. Some again were engaged in dis- onssing the merits of a dark, red flaid, contained in a massive cut glaaa deeanier belbre them, and its neiness and quality might be judged from ilsflrequent ip. ^eatitm to the drinking glasses of the individuals. At the head of the table was seated a dark, stem, and leather beaten man, possessing a robust frune, and WilliBf mowttPflhf— Hf was the Oovemorof Montreal — while vetnuia like "IBlliBlrwriHHOwr^iiln i6i«r Inff^oTthe a^^ dntonlor '^l^nT ^;tlie fegimeat, irhk free, jovial looking ftees— careless and goodnatom d ... mm » izg ^ ^- -j^ \- A TALE OP CAWADi. ^^ iojiA looiing cnpngh, two of whom were relating their rt«B**ff„* ,^ • hunt they had the day before on ,,he other side of tte rijef '^"' ** " 1 say, Lefevrc,;-' iiid one, " how, th& deuce, did it ham,^ ,-«„ k ... only . brace cf duck, though you we're our. I nJrllZ^e CS?""' ••Ah, how diJ it happen ? said another.'^id you on? of ih- crat-W ,). J «d you who wer^out in the wood. withlaLaine. Delong M^'"^^^^^ Pierre four week, in the wood, and up the country ftnher tha'n tyST'^' blue, that was experience enough to makea huntir of any man •• . V^- 5^ " Thereby hangs a Ule," replied Lefevrc signifieaiifly. " Out with it, man, out with it echoed several voices." ' •' This is it. and lo ! I will commence at the beRinning. Usohan«,».^ i ^^ ^jr«lfqpyester-iay morning at day break; a thing by theC STh * ' ^""^ nm me.laiely. and finding myself as before mentioned, up iiL.T'' '"""•' i march over the mountain back of the townJut SfZ T ^' K"^'^"^ Wn U.e decanter if you Please." Which wnJaii^/rl^'?/^^^^^ 1 S. "ri''"' "'*'" "^ ''«»" "»"«'• •'« ">e fineneL of L ml™ 1 r ^ «. made the distance appear shorter, fori unii,tentSanv«»Tr^ 'I^P" ^wrencc on that side. Immediately in front of ^ an "isTe ^f ? "^ f >lld plainly perceive the mouth of the Oiiawa on VvU .1 ""• ""* ' Pppl«I.„d danced in the sunshine, and 1 ok"g ^^'^ 1 co'u.r'"' '^*•'• »«he>I«ndi now. said I to myself, could I L "raJli ?k P'reeiredeer r]r«.|ir digestive powers on ^ ounce or two "S/'Ti;^.™!,'*'*' '^«^ Jtek^of timber beating against the shore, and onc^ .to olTTr^i::' ?"! •"»« ' ptrown up on the beach, which were d^ « ,1 . ''*° P'""^ ''«» [actually entertained .he idea of m SngTraVoS/ T^' ^'"' •*"■••« *'• kdwasfavo„r.i,lefor so doing-bu " bow gft IkrarV"^"'^"'''' *« Vto consideration, and I was abont Z- ^ *'*' ""' ^^ ^ ^ taken - hundred yan,; disJanH my^i^'fj slk?"' " '"^'"'^' '''^^ '^'-'« kar the water Side, and I ^mmed'aifylurelrslrj^^^ fiom the tr«» Hk. came in sight of an indian hut, before XchT«„:fi!i "f ' ' *"* J»ch^byh.AtaXnTl;:^^^^^^^^ Pd when miUting a step in advance, heJprLg forwlS ITU^ '^'^ ' M Mpected to feel his teeth in mv thJv.i k 7"^*"'' «'"'.«««. I every no. Illedhimback. I .hen c^e SrSL^ ' 'IV?:? fi-«.th. copperndd. pJJow ufiderstoodnolanffus^, h„rK. 'f^ " two qaertion.. bnttheoW ,|intaf.ign..Z;;;r.hrwa^ '" T '*''*'""• '<««-«««l«. Jfy r .eea my .pp„,.eh .S^^iKl^ritJ'^'''^'-*^ I i^p^uwna, so mad nothfngto doelae thaa&I. » f^ ' #»»■«•, o t t; THK LAST OF TH5 ERIES j edplain-iheir rapid moremerti jStT^""'*'''^ '^""t^'' "« '"ckly wood. '^-^^'r%uJyorZrZr7'::ZLT^ ^P-ible to bring ., , aged to steal up within ranje of one „„h^,? ''°""' ^ ^"^ """°"«'7 »•«:• .ndsparWafromtheflinlwa?:, 'rei Z/?^^"^^^^^ .-.^elphowever.pu, prime aneur and bv he '.imt T ,''\'^'" ' '^»^^« ^7 luck; no .«h««lar«, and wifh his brnn^hi .lid ^0.^°" '°' '"'^ ''"''•'' *^" •ight The spirit of opposltioDr^rn^. back in disdain, soon bounded out of ed not to I- foiled?Sit iS XT^'^T'^^^ , camewithJtfrange. Thisiime I.^w , k ' "'^ ^° h»Jf an hour again ^U.c..^.rdtSdeJrt ndJl^^^;^^^ «'»*V- "^-S'e? »" «P«gain in an instant, anroj^fh^!^! T T""^ " ^*» ^""^ *•« !«• «d tmUed along on the g^Z N^tiiTir dS/"?' ?""'* ""'^ ^" «'«"'« 1 dashed an« him, tracki^ him bfth. nil T^ ^'^ ""'' ^" '^"''^ ««*» «">!«. h. led «• howem,tfall a ^?he Is Jjd ^^Z.^!, "^ """• ^ we^fS took the wat«r on that side W^th h.l . \ "\'*' °" '»'» ''"'V w»'«^ W inoontinghiaback andtairfnri J. ^«1» hope or,^hing him bj the^aK stretching out mv band, to lay hold oihilT: '^^'l "P\™7 ormpitl and derthewater. Imus, havffamtLV„? ' '"'^l^'^^P'""?''^^^ ua- ri«. the water was7:,ne: ZZiZl 2 ?t!- "f ' '"^^ '"l^^^" *» I «hall call it, considerably coolS l:Tf '!'""' "^ ««PPiW Etace. ^ Where I sat rum natingon^he 0^^)1.7 r' T ^^'''' ^ ""^"^ baX,?,ai,d J.«.ewoods. IhadrLined^TrXr^HnSr^^^^ like a fountain, from the touch hoti. _r°' ""^ ""«^' *'''ch was ejecting water orer the river, and I coJid no now i' wl. , 7 Z'l """'""^ '^''^'*'''«^ '''»«»^ -calmly load my rii,, andl;.": b ^e ^Aefht '^^edrr '" ''' '" ^""^ metofapBflh«nf «„:.i . ""diicrnira. Thcdeclining sun warned me to face about, quick march -anVr ™- Thcdeclining su, xl«iourney hefo;eVelc";;hr' LYL^*^^^^^^^^^^^ y xha journey before n.rt,r.rr Ik ^ P'^santly contemplated th 1«.«ld serye to Lulat :hc SSdrmtrTumt:;^ . 1 «nick a course, as nearlv as I L!,w i, Summoning my enorgies to the taak, • I atartad ir^ l^l^l^'Zlt^T:'''^?'^ lead to the place wha,; to«n „y -ep7ing,ofr pl^cn^d skTr^n^ h X^^^^ «»>«"' ^"^ "»*'- •wWenlybroogfcttoastandbva r,^r? -K, .'°"' «>08gJ groimd, I w«. ^vered .^.tr^Z^l hUa^^in'^'^rfS t^rtr "^ '^ 1"'^ ""^• Tto say the lea«, I was a little startl^ «» Z ""'"^ °" "^ ««>"»«*• 'WaUaal coaW. Atlanta iSlfL 7 "'"*"'' "'""^"•d the body iS .«-ua«.„^,^i„^,„,U^ idea thaUuph a length of time had^^'rta^ ^4 Vr'? '^"'^ '^^'^ \ ^; A TALE OF CANADA. 49 I hi, death. His accoutrements proclaimed that he was an Indian, though' the [snuff-box rather puizled me, and which, out of curiosity, I put in my pockrt. " " Have you got it Jfow." aiktd one of the officers. " Yes, I have," i-eplied Lefevre. " Then shew it to us by all means," was the general demand, and half a dozen arqjs were s^tched across thi able. ^^ '.ftuietly genUemen, quietly," said Lefevre, " you fin« demanded my story, and when I finish it, Ishall then consider of your other reque^j" «nd filUMhi. JuT with the air of otte well satisfied With himseli; c(Mjfima>^^i . T^ ?'**^' 'VA off-let me see-at the snuffbox, whiehl put to mypoeket, ai^d after having done so, an uncomfortable feeling took poMesaion of me: I did n?^*.'^;,\ .v..iKfJg,lt;^^^; it- it s ■■ W THl<; LAST OF THE EKIES, time lomc indecent liberties, which she resented with indignation. Pierre came back, and lookiilg rternly at him, took her hand, wiili a request that bIw: wouU dance again, in a quadrille, which was then torming. She was about to comply, and had half risen from her seat, when Lacoste, excited by liquor, and furious at the disdain he so unexpectedly met with, threw his arm round her waist ami forcibly pulled her back, exclaiming at the same time, with an oath, that stay she must. PieMij^ith one blow, laid him prostrate on the floor, mi led away the tewificd girnSwiout taking any more notice of hjm. The bully arose, furious for rev^g^'«iid a meetiog was instantly demanded and granted; and Lacoste was again laid low by hW tucaesful adversary with a thurst of the small sword. Since that period nothing could oxceed the enmity which he cherished toward Pierre, whom he sought every opportanity, with safety to himself, to annoy. At the clooe of Lefevre's story, he turned pale and red occasionally, and with some .anxiety of manner, cried : — ., "Thesnuflfbox— out with Ihie snuffbox." -V " Aye, aye," responded several voices." Lefevre with an air ttflfmportance drew forth the article. • " ]>t me look a.itAat ! " exclaimed Lacoste, and he made an attempt grasp it, " No; I'll pass it round, and you can see it in turn." " I'll give yon twenty franks for it," said he, again eagerly appealinglo Lefevre. But theanjiffbox was now going round the tabic. Several examined ft as a curiosity, commenting on the possibility of an Indian wanting such an article, when one more inquisitive than thejest examined the interior, and liAing iritli hisfingernail, a stiff piece of pasteboard, whtch exactly fltteu the bottom of the box, drew forth a piece of folded papii. ' ' " Hollol what's ihi8,"cried he as opening it he held it up ; written on, and in French, as I live." " Read ft out," said Lefevre ; I was not aware the box contained anything." " Faith it's more than I can do I'm afraid, the paper is mildewed in parts, and the char/icters are anything but masterly ; however there's nothing like trying, and afler some time he studied out the following :^ 'Dear Pierre,---Yoa are probaUy surprised that I should know of your wbere- aboiMSi t>Ql> tbe fact fs, the bearer of this is my informer. I chanced to meet him some mile* from the town, trading fun, and in the bourse of a conversation that ensued, for bespeaks French tolerably welj, he informed me he had met a white nun ofournation, near the foot of a group of islands in the Ottawa ; and hede- setibedyoorapfeamnceao minutely, as led me to think it must have been you, especially as I know you journeyed in that direction aAer welefl vou, though previous to this we thought you no more in the land of the living. But to busi- ness—the Ck>tonel on'hearing of your whereaBouts, seemed much pleased and Bfirred yo» (ai U a io r med hitt44a«ead»d ta wad a t w saage toyou t * whO'^eaply iiB^ttool{> to find yott) on all accounts to sojourn a rapnth or so among y ■,i^i^ .i ->iW.^.^.... J., V' c an attempt grasp it. up; written on, and in > TALE OK CANADA. ^^ U.an,n.. l.uliau l..bes-e.Tani.ne .he s.i.e of the country, and sound their politicll leeUngs.iowards the Freuch, i, ho is anxious to coUect all tlie infnrl,- !!- MUe on .hat head. Wishing y,n a pleasant ti.ne ol i, I lin tj^TeT^ LWevre.- P^S^-I enclose .hi, .> a snufl box to protect it aga'n.t ^ ^^^ " Why, " said the reader, " you 'i>evrer told us of this. " ^ " Let me sec that paper," said Lefem springing up. " l ^-Inw, f« n a Uen.en. this is none of.y work. 1,4a, iJain'asUfe^h.re istt'^afu™ S .ken too Gentlemen. I think it will V sufficient ^^k.n I J7 ^S^^'Z^^^^e iui-jfcry of my name, and who who has dayed to takewMdia itbertt I^Z?^ a«ine. I never had the smallest idea wher6 Pierre wetT ilk^.K TT '"" .thought he had perished in the forest, and JS^^nXZ^rJ^L^ilT;.: Pnd.a„. as this letter intimates. I«av«y-glad.6,hear he i. .1''^^^*^^ a! U.ere .s no doubt the writer of this note had correct fb(Qrmation." '^ *""»"' ' Strange "exclaimed Lacoste, hand it over tore and let me look at itV vn„ blease," which was accordingly done, and stretching oWr the mbtewhe« Sl^ he candles were burning, he held it close ,0 the flamf. as ^ eLta^urLTt. ^ the paper by the strong light that was afforded; ^hen\nJ^^^Zlr^ ^^ fcent he slipped forward, the paper igniting a. it pai^dthZ^h^e Zl^. h >hun1ed attempts toextingt«,h it. the letter y^^t7tci^,f^^''^': H"8acw'' went round at that part of the mble and «„l7 1 Sautter- , ent upoa the culprit, who appologi.ed .u LSvi' ^ ^ !iT. ^'"''^ '""' [.hougHhiselatedUratherLrSShiss^eri;: ""^ ''' '""P**'^- L .7^,*'**' "'""' "^ '^° *"""•*' '*^*' *»"" '«'v« teen the intention of ih» «w. .. pitawa. That Pierre is alive in very good news, but I am as much at a wT Iverm.hatpar. of the country heis; though the piece o^.Z^^^^^^l • Pierre ever was an adventurous and romantic young fellow " said .n„,w .r te™; ' *"" °°* '^ "^"^ ""»• -* »«-^ ^^ "- ^ |«~»»l»h»hl,«,„ l«ntall.rmMi„„rt„ ..ru^*^™''; "»« * ' May we know to whotriyou refer t" said he pa«ii««l»fy.- D 1^. kfii i'di I. ,«^^ SQ THE LAST OF TH£ ERIES, .. '-'^: if» " Yourself, sir," answered Lefevre cobly. ^ Liicoste laid his hand on the hilt of his sword, and was furiously starting up from his seat, when the commanding voice of the Colonel was heard enquiring what was the matter. "Lieutenant Lacoste, eome this way, sir, and ex])lain to us the meaning of some eipressions I heard a moment or two ago down at your part of the table." X Lacoste advanced and stated, that a letter had been discovel?ed on the person of ^buu)*#fic;ftTTe, addressed tv Pierre, who, as the letter seemed to imply, was n- sidingnpilitiielaAliitiiMHitry. It appeared (here was SDine secret between theii, ofwhat natnie he eoold not determine, but, as the&t&f had directions to Pierre, which were, as j( said, antHnrizedby the Colonel ; did ntit know what Col- onel it had reference to^-whether Colonel Viger, or Golond some-body-elile— could not say ; Lefevre had seen fit to deny )t ; did, not know what his reascms were for so doing, but, to screen himself from the ' consequences, whatever they might have been, accused or insinuated that he (Lacoste,) was its author, thotk^ the letter was in the hand writteg of and the name Lefevre placed at the boUoia^" " Show me the fetter,". demanded the OploneL ,:^^ " The letter, sir, was unfotrtttnately biv^t, and^ [ " Ah, indeed," IMermptetl Ae Qoi^andant : " we are under otdera to join General Monteattd in a coupltt al^uths, and I do not want any of nrjr officers abeenting themselves witkoa^[w^and running a wild goose chase thronrii the country." •¥ " - " ''^'''V smething in his ear, and the Colonel surtibg, loobeil litenant Lefevre, if you Were aware of the existence ot rhy did you not let me know, ahd wherefore deny the m Here Lacoste whisper earnestly at him. " Li| your comrade Ifiem/ letter." , " Sir" aniwreref Lefevre, " 1 have already stated befot« these gentlemen, diat I knew not he wws Alive, and now again deny, sir, I ever wrote the letter in queti tion. - To whi||^iADluieur Lacoste has stated to you, I disdain to reply, tot that he ] i^U answer peiaonaUy tome. ItisUue, sir, the letter was discovered on myj person, bat for the possession of which I can easily account." " If what Lieutenant Lacostte has stated is Alae, he shall be punished, but, 1 1 h«U«Te, ai% you yowtlelf admit (o be perfectty knie as tothe eontenu of the let- 1 «er, tbotrgfa ym deay writiag it ; «nd, as it was natorar to suppose, having your i sicnatuN pjheei to iit, that you were the writer, Lacoste did nothing tnot« than j hi* d« ttifiy when a setgeam antered the room, and preaMted i , yulM totha .fV ^%.-.| "» ^i^.m.u.i^^^..i__,^^,. 7^ A TILE op CANADA. CTMed m many parts. " I cannot make 4ut to whom it is directed " i^id he _ " but I think it mu«t be for myself," and opening it without further 'ceJLm 'he read in apparent surprise, the following :— / " • " ^ J" n" I' '?^°°^^y'' •^'^*'' '«»' ^ay however, and' therefore caiinot inforox you of aU which I am anxious that you should know. Three or foui- monthaaao ^rehad a long conversation, you will recollect; the subject, I dare 4ay you verv jreU remember J I have been thinking of it ever since, and will c^nfeU the dSI ' |»ow seems to me veiy feasible. A proposal has been made of tfcat miaa ^ cceptance of which will confer the greatest prize in the power (^«antoSf haUI eUy^uIamcaughtin the toils,_imper«pUbly the. Aedies of the nit kavelal en ^ut me; if I recede Ishall causedl»a^i,Le«t inrdlh ,Y Z ince. then f«ewell France and htfheroe.. You"- will exdiim-Xt P e»e , renegade-even so but it will be no dishonour. I wish krj much yU we^ here and. I am moch mistaken, did you not bite at thefirit bSt which !«»? I Itself For myself, I. m divided between two opinion.; anT bTufS's feight would turn t4«, balance. If you we« awa« of the value ^f ftetwe bch tempts me to de«,rt my countrymen, yod would not blamener *m^ 1 |wever, I shall decide very ^n. You need not fllWiHon to TeS^.T/ , (who, between ourselves. I have no great opinion' oQ myltblfZ^t Jon. a. I Will inform him of it in a letter, to hi. f«U -.^^0!.^ Tr^'' Hon of my grade, and thenhe can either laugh orcryaceoX^LT^ , ^' uppo« he ha. been kick«g up a ^y fJaZZTl^-^^T"^- Duld return me an answer by the Kr of «his, who^a^lTi^'^ i^LT people who I am now^ith. -"•--•-■• " *° "«»»"» o*^ *1» Wnka pidly, else I would give you Strong mark, ofindignation were on the countenance of ri.. n Hdthi. equivocal epistle. "Read that sir " mM hT.! . °^"'" " "« ^ev«; it is .videnSy intended for y«"'; te ^t^ ^nln^'T' '' ""' "^ k. but i.«e». to imply what 1 wouW be»^ to sT^lL"""? ""«»"- H« you, for yoar own «ke, to e^Uin the me7n,-^Tf ^"l! ""^ '"°""* • « 1. «.n,.i«., as you no doubt h.« the key to thTwhro,?!'"^'^ "»'»' ^-:::rr;r:arr:LT!^;;r^^^ r-- Hye a v^ wide gue« ,t it Commandant, thot^i^ he ' " This letter, Oovemor ♦ Vaudreuville was not l»«.n^-j / Hay say it would have been better—" ^^^ '^ J?»' *y«. •««> I "That is to say." inter ru pt^ thnf pm.n. ' ■ h a J 3 uu uceived it ia the fl„.p,«,. • Governor of Montreal in 1756. »» i. . ._ t\-—t — 54 THE LAST OF THE ERIES, y 1 should not (lave been made acquainted with its contents." " Most assuredly not, sir, except informing ygu of Pierre and his situation." " And a most important item that would hare been. Sergeant, call up thi« Indian ;" the Sergeant returned in a few minutes, accompanied by the young man who brought the letter ; he stood with folded arras near the door. Several ques- tions were asked him by the officers, but he only shook his head in reply. The Cplonel called for pcd, ink and paper, and then indited an order to the following effect':— 1>»-»«*^^, To LicutenantTierre,-— — . Whereas I have received cprrect information, that you are wandering abo^t among the Indian tribes of the country, instead pi attending to your duty, for purposes, which a <^rtain letter of yours, confirming the truth of several reports, that have come to my ears, which appear very suspi- cious, I here command you ioin^ately to join yonr regiment at this tqwn ; and the speediest compliance will go far to remove the suspicions which afTcct your character as a soldier, and a subject of his Bflajesty Louis . VaudreuvjUe. The Colpnel gave this letter to Lacoste, to seal and direct^ t/lp, first read it over caxefuUy himself, and then, wrapping it carefully up in a leather cover, he gave it to the Ipdian. ^ ■' When do you return,'*' enquired Lefevre of the Irinka, forgetful th^t he un- derstood not French. " The Indian comprehending the question by his gestures, signified that he would commence his return at^sun rise." Lefevre left the room, anft beckoning for the Indian to IpUow him, led the wajr tg his own apartment ; the majority of the officers following his example. CHAPTER Vilr— ^ We must now return to the Irinkas, whom wc left in pursuit of the Iroquoi:* For some time, with watchful eyes, they kept coasting tbl^ western shore of the Ottawa, eagerly looking for indications of the landing of their enemies. The sun had reached ^hc meridian, and shone brightly on the mossy bank of the river, and yet not a footmark could they discern ; and they proceeded abqut fifteen miles up the current, before Manhitti gave the word to put back — feeling sure, he said, that they had passed the place of Unding— because, had the Iroquois kept on the river to the same distance, the rapid n^anner in which they had trav- elled, would have brought them in sight of their enemies. Returning, therefore, scTcral miles, Manhitti sent two canoes off to examine the shore on the oiltfi side of the river, thinking, perhaps, jUoswenago had taken the eastern coast ol the Ottawa, though almost certain he had taken (he other, as the oppobito direc- tioa would lead him many miles astray from the Huron country. He was mi.s- ~ liiKen, howeveTyiw^ can^e ' ttfgeti'ttyits uTmosi ^peed by TOttrindieiis, was^irriv bounding'acioss the rirtr lowani Manhitti, who di\inins tiir cause, Availed noi ^f its arrival, but turned his own vessel to meet it. Hf wb» correct in hi' mii^i^ fciUiAtMjfctoiJirfi-'jfc re and his situation." Sergeant, call up thit .nied by the young man he door. Several ques- lis head in reply. The I order to the following ^ed correct information, the country, instead pi ter of yours, confirming iich appear very suspi- ment at this tqwn ; and ions which affect 3'our — . Vaudreuvjlle. irect, wljo, first read it ) in a leather cover, he ■ ft I. forgetful tidtt he un- itures, signified that he pllow him, led the way ng his example. lursuit of the Iroquois, h^ western shore of the )f their enemies. The lie mossy bank of the proceeded abqut fifleen put back — feeling sure, luse, had the Iroquois 1 which they had tiav- Relurning, therefor?, the shore on the oitwc en the eastern coast ol , as the oppobito direc- loimtry. Hv was mi-v ftmr Indians, was swr ; il:r cause, wailed not Hf wn» correct in hi« Ittii A TALE OF CANADA. 55 supposition that the trail was found, for the indians in the advancing one tos- ■sed their paddles in the air with a joyful shout, and informed M^nhiui that those in the other canoe had already commenced their march, ^he Irinkas, ibaking their paddles describe a half moon in the water, brought the head of their reasels to the east, and gaided their Chief to the trail. Coswenago had certainly ahowa himself master of all the cunning necessary to his calling, for the spot he had I chosen whereon to land his party could not have be^n better selected'. He had I pushed his canoes up a small narrow inlet of the river, where the water wtisde^ land calm, and running inland for about fifty yards, suddenly temtoated bTa Ipr^cipitous wall of rockjabont «Irty feet high, over wMeh a small stream trick- ed down its moss cov|MAt-the rocks gradually descending on eitjjer side to I level with the ri vei^^Mfoent^islodgment ol several stontfs was poiated out rthe Indians, also «P.JJRnt« of mocassins on the fresh soil ; and when Man- iti gained the top of the rock, a broad traU opened before him, leading across ! small stream already mentioned. He ordered some of those who wew yet felow to pick out two of the largest canoes, as Coswenago, taking this side ol the Iver, intended crossing it further up. It was now about two hours after noon bd the Innku as yet were only at the commencement of the trail; affording the fcHiuois a start of twelve hours, at least. Pierre's impatient spirit could ill brook ^ nece«ary delays consequent on preserving the path, and he now repented er having spared the lifeof Coswenago, when it was once so fairly in his power. J" Let us again meet, " said he to himself, " and, perhaps he will find I have as Itflc compunction to shed his blood as he has to shed mine'; no wonder he pro- ftesied we should meet again, when at the very time, he was scheming the ab- hctionofthe Pale Lily." The Irinkas were now, however, tracing the trail ore rapidly, and they soon rejoined the party in advance, who were waiting for hr arrival by the riv"cr-for the foot-marks striking inland about four miles dually turned again to the water, where they were further discernable on a :c log that lay extended from the shore, and beside which the Iroquois had no 6ubt placed their canoes. Those two belonging to the Eries, not being able to hntain more than a third of their party, they were obliged to recrtws the river for ftcir companions, bringing at the same time two more belonging to the Iro. hois, that they had found concealed among some pushes on the opposite ahoie- lus enabling all to embark. It required all their skill to preserve their light ves- IS from being swept down by the current, which was very strong and rapid at ■t place. It was a wild and solitary country into *hich the Eriea were «nter. B-gloomy and lonesome in the extreme. As long "as their path continuediiear je river, ihcycould catch a glimpse of the sun and the blue sky, an4 hear the Bcasant «ound of rushing water, which served to bi«ik the profoahdaUllneaa of hew,ldeines.s; but soon they left iu murmurs farther and farther behind-th; Kin/ ,'*""'"L-'"'*'^ "^'"^'^ M*Trear.-the declining sun and the blue ,>.. !l S J!'"- ^'""^ ^' ''"'^""» °^">'' thicket , and Pierre f.u . h,y _^ -r.« m^, ^imtrrrt, amw iB-e pHniTirve ISSsfTUn^F^RT^tfic hand of mart ^-^ 1 hen march was iWl.nme andtediou.. for the ground was swampy, and covered -.th new fallen tree, and those which had lain prrhapi, for npw.rd of a ceato. f *S ^m^^ii^Mt^MsMkiM^M -su-^ '.' f 56 THE LAST OF THE ERIES, '''\ ry, and othm, fast mingling themselves with their mother eajth. Llarge tama- racks and cedars towered, one over the other, until they almost seemed to nod their branches in' the clouds— their spreading Ij^bs meeting iogether, formed a canopy that excluded the sunbeams, and produced agloom beneath almost as deep as that of night How the Pale Lilly could have been conveyed through this plaoe, Pierre was unable to conceive, and he pictured to himself the hard shs»-she must have endured, and, perhaps, enduring yet, on her forced 4ight.— i gried venison prod uced, on whiah they all s upped h eartily, .nnd ■Heu wiappitkg IhcniBelvestB lh«f skinp, betook themselves to rep4r ,1' ■ ■ » u^^fi^.;.. [■n-i f 'T'- ■- ii^p^-v "VK •^y^niff-v'^ \ A TALE Of CANADA. 57 short, examined the trail attentiFely. Manhitti supixaedthat as the water was shaHo^, with a good, stony bottom for some distance up along the shore, the Iro- quois had waded along it— justly calculating that the current would wash away. , all traces of their steps. The Irinkas followed &e bend of the river, therefore for four or five miles, when they at length discovered a foot print on a moss covered ^log that appeared above the water. This led them to think they were on the right Ipath, which the seqttel fully prpVed, for the trail again showed itself on the grav- leUy shore, leadyig off itf a direct line from the river, avoiding a large awamiif land skirting the high^?t?round on the right. The Iroquois here seemed to ?We ftakei^ no pains to,cpnceal their inarch, probably supp^ehTg t^Irinlfas would be entirely at fault, where it terminated upon the Ottawa ; but they mistook the sa tacjty of their f^es, who were following them fast; ,^d the recent marks on thfe %cayed leaves that covered the ground, convinced thte Irinkas they could not be fcr behind. Pierre pointed out to the Chief fresh cut stamps, and branches of bme young }.ickorys, scattered about with .the leaves yet green upon them - Ianhittie^aivi»piake it, and Pierre cutting down ^iOi h»-~'"«Mnot'^Uf^lTS' m He had ««t long to wait for theii «oming.>for a deep and «irtlte, 3 hmd discovered*, him* .i»g*.,wolf prowling roond the LltiTSck^l bffforhl"^ ««-«'^ ««-. .uddenly vanished among thetrees. B^'J^ »fl-for his companions, thought Pierre. I may expect a whola «™„, ^a-!. . Cwa. right in hU conjacture^for half an hoVh^s^^^^^^^ ictchora.ofyell.bur«aroondhlm. Threewolve. mdiedfor^Iar^"* Pierre bent his bow, and shot an «»rowihat Nnt the foremost oae rSline tefc^ M companion, in the agonle. of ^«,h. Another ««! anothi.lZ|Lr2,^ rate, as fast a. they showed themselVe. over the enclowT^tSiJjSS?^ frosue side. One«ccived the contentsbf oae of the bart*!,, and JSt. coS I draw trigger on the other, the wolf, wIthV single lean \rw b«l!f Tl ^ f ri°ghi.g„ni aaa InstaM^, .»,!. k:.wT.°-'!!'P- T".' ^^ '''"'■ »^ J»gric4 hi a long kniia t o4t>- y h.s leA arm. Again ,. p,„„g., „, ^,^,, , J,„;, ,,^ ^^tin^^y, wMet !':,)»., i^ 60 THE LAST Of THE ERIES, he took HP in hisarm*, and cast beyond the barrier, where it was immediately torn in pieces byittrawnona companions; and they became more shy as the/ experienced the effect of Pierre's furious resisjance— retreating beyond the light of the fire, where their howls of rage echoed fearftdly far a^id near. Pierre took th^opporiimityofthis respite to reload his rifle, and replenish the fire, which bnmed np brightly, and cast its light for ^me dillance round among the trees; aftdWtween^hich he could perceive the wolves glancing like so many demons^ t^eir eye* shining like burning coals. They suddenly trooped themselves together -a«ttag off at the top of their speed from the place, and Pierre sent some leaden messtageia after them-t-the cries of the wounded signifying tjjey had uken efllect. Hethoaghthe«'asBow rid of his enemies, and he addressed a fervent thanks^ giving to the Almighty for his safety. Replacing those parts of the Barrier that was palted down by the first rush of the srolv«B» he lay down, thinking that his finta visitors, finding arrow heads and leaden ingots rather hard of digestion, had determined to leave him alone. But he was mistakan, for just as his eyes were closing in sluraBer, that he had vainly endeavored to bVtsrrome, their dis- tant howfci, coming iiear^r and nearer, banished every inclination for sleep, and the tramp of their feet, rfri the leaves sounded, like advancing wind through the forest They had gone offfor a reinforcement,. and were now returning with doBble their previous number ; and Piigrre concluded, as near as he could judge that theiie were between thirty and forty of them— for they surrounded bis bar- rier ^noat on every side, and placing their fore feet on the top, pushed their heada orer without attempting to come any farther, as the fire, which shot its forky longnes high into th« air, held them for a few minutes in checrf. Two of them feu back womded or dead before Pierre's fatal rifle ; but the others, nn- dannted br their fate, pressed luriously on. He had not time to load again before several, of them lept on the top of the eno|B»ure, but were dashed down by Pjene, «b» had seized a bumin|p brand from the fii«, and dealt strokes madly aboat bib } and ^r two or three minutes he held them at bay. But the fight was too lueqaal to knit long ; his arm began to tremble and Us brain to reel from such tremendous exertion, and his hungry assailanu were on the point of forcing their way Into his defences, when the simultaneous discharge of about a dozen rttea, laid half that number of them dead and dying among the trees, and a party ol lAdlHM (tasbing in, charged the remainder with their heavy tomahawks— pnt- tiagtkca eompletely to flight. Pierre recognised, as his deliverers, a company of IrtokM, vbom he vimlj thanked for their assistance. They stated that wbi-n nifbt began to fall, Manhitti anxiously expected his return ; and a abort tio^ after» Mring tfa« howling of wolves and the repeated discharge of fire-arms he ilk eon that none else than the Broad Rifle could be defending himself against the attMks oTthoMi animals; whereupon they hastened to his rescue-guided by tbeeiiee «f th^ wolves; but which suddenly ceased, and for some time they were 4t a 19M in wbM way to procey. They waited for a repetition of his fire to ^nilfno), whfn, again, tha ulas dCj||U* wolviw resounded thnmgh tbe fdttatT Pres- s{(«t forward, tbey soon caugl/sight of the fire glimmering throu^ the trees on ."«# A TALE OF CA.\A»A. gj, tteir right, and saw his wild assailants darting across the light, when they fl,ed * volley, and rushed in as already mentioned. , ■ JlT "JIJ^ "^ ''"'^" "^' ^ *°"^'*'="' *"<* ^^""^ "^ 5'»°<=« «»"W the field ^K ^S'u" *" °^*'*'' '"'''"""' ^'" "'"''"•^ '*•«"» ««'<'«' the enclosttte. and more than halfthat number of w.anded lay crawling over the ground, that was ; ml with their bloody The party coimnenced their marth back, and so^nilacIS LL™"'7r'''^?lTJi''^''"'"***''™"P"^'"* anxiously expectinjr their «turn. A fire was Ughted a( a Uttle distance fit.n^ ft. water, on wE^h Z yZ M~n Pierre had pm«,red, was soon broiling on the hot cols. Pierre gave iH j^hliu an account of his late perilous i^htontrw. -;,.*, cj«m- J3i*.f^*i"'"'""*'*^''" better defended hd^jHrtig, than thot* didst thv *taisot,, 'the latter remarked. " Hadst thon thrown it aioong thy asal^aito hou wonldst not l,ave been exposed to half the danger; The sighri?,^ me« a hthigry wolf, is like a cool fountdik to a thirsty huafer" • " " Pardi ! 1 did not think of the venisoti for a maieat. " replied ftcrre " for I ulSr^'^' ""*' "''";"""* ''" '"^ ^^ eXtrr.W by ■'Wehavepttt the inxiiioisonUie alert," -aid Mtahitti. after * Jon^ pause illLs^:r'^'''^'^'''''''^'''''"'^^'''y^' ««y wiH= leave J^S^Sh? !ll.l!IliT '^'^"" "1°^ «^ «te fl«, ^ the unwonfcd fa- *ue»ofthe day aaunbtiried-him in deep sleep. - wwwa « % CHAPTER VHI. thJrg.'jerarhtiJiTcr't^ ^"^^ ^^^^^^^r^^^^.^ pine. WhenfinishedcLreru^rv^it^J!! *^*'^****"»^»"» Wcludiq&Maohitti^ S''' J'^'^*; ? r^ »« of their pwy with .a-e. abopt ten mile, frim wS *l . ^ '"ore on their Jeft aS ^hrj^MnM, 1 culated to lalUp^ Jfr, LT . """"^.^ ""^"- ^ «»«« «^ continueaontlirw^;rw thelffhT.^ f 'J '"^ "^"^ ^'*«»^' "* «««<^ i»mwnm*rm^^^. '="n« C<— infer their ^^ MbnhitH ahirta, hi. ^^ITJILr^r!* "*• ^^ '^ *« f'^'i instead of the jST^IT^ ce«I«ia,«^the „ght hank crfthisiriatd. which ^a, «c.,,y a -SX'X f^^^i 92 TWE LAST OF THE ERIE8. V «n rxtent ; and coasting it to its citrpmiiv rK^„ . . pointed out ti^a Lroten iuub of a« ela, that hun^ ) .ur 7 1" . "" ""* ''"'"''*' «be water. The bank ^ s^ep ou^'X^T. ^ZIa' '^^^^^ ''''^ '" gainst .JtS8m««th front, and iho tree in „,.. . '''^'«' '>'"g deep and caJm a- near .the ^tiorn-cJi^TZXiVsVl^Z^^^^^ »>-"'■ being examined, Wo^Ju^Tf^Z^nn^'^'''"'^'' ''''-'• "" dian, .agerly seized upon;' and one of\hcm .^inlTh ?r""' ^^''^ '^^ '" be«d up the bank, which 'he cntically SrvrXt^„r "'V'' '"^' "^"^ not escape hi,.. Non« appeared, howe w anj he " , ^- ' ^ ' "'" ""■^'" have been broken by the sprint of a wTL " ''!,'=°"«='"dcd the branch raus> at,uehacoilcIn.ton/.rte^r?.ljto^^^^^^ But Manhitti befo.. arririn, - t««oftheIrinkasp,4rt ^4^0^*^,.""''" '"'^"''- ^'^^d'aingl, which curvei irrtgularly aSj^'y 'r^^' Ji tred' "'J f ''"'"^ ^°^' a border of green turf. Whi.h was ioZllZ I^th ^ wfh a r' f '-''"'"^* gnmite. t^rkling in the the .ttnshfne with inr™r.r /"'' '"^ ""^^^ «" chrystals. and sprinkled with »rnll piUll of Hm?? '^ ''"'' ""'' "''*'<^ round. They disd11etermined to stand at biy. They rgltoed thtlc fe^eftfons at the pad- and prepared their arms for Ihe/ight PiWre's straining gaze in Vain en Ivored to catch sight of the Palfe Lily; |n valn he endeavored to single out her Iceful form amid the brawny groups before him j and, in Vain, he endeavored Biscover a flutter of her malitle, or a wave of her hand to cheer him on What Ve they done with herl ' he asked himself the question ; ' but I will tnake Com Jjago-canfess, or die.' They were now half a mile distant; and he was rais- t his nfle to try the eflect of a long range, when Manhitti with a gesture of dis- "ointment, called him to forbear. » 8«»iure oi ais- Jhat aowr Mid Pierre turning round ; " thou hast saved the life of an Iro. ['Notdfanijtoqud.butbfanlrinka. I should know an Erie from a Huron Ire it^only by the way they hold their paddles-they are onr own men. Letns lir what they have to say. " j fierre expressed hiS dissatisfaction in one or two sacres, whjle the Indians t characteristic coolness, when convinced by their own eyes of ihetrethof at was, said resumed their speed, which soon brought them alonj? side of their Kipamons. who informed Manhitti they had fell upon the trail opposite th« We Alumlet falls, where they found two canoes of the Iroquois hid In aTwamp • a had left the remainder of their party on the trail breaking the way. ' [In halfan hour the.whole party arrived at the place designated, where thick War bushes came down to the very edge of the water; among thew deep print. f mocassins were discovered on the wet soil. ' i r They have taken their path straight to the ««^ngiun,"Kiid ManWftl'«we [frrH-f 1^"'""*"^'''°''"^'°'" "^ **'"«""« someof themennekrihe fivtr to lude the canoes in a secure place, eagerly pursued the trail, thit led or the first Six or seven miles through low swampy land ; after which the forest commenced to ascend. hiU upon hill, overlooking entiwly that part of thecounl^ f Jirough which they bad lately past. The weather, that bad been preWoualr- .«u« Jtk pv«rh«^ amJ^ the wind hmm aioixgK'^mr&^^ &it^r^ the country ,0 «,iae extent. Th* M«h»i»MW flwfe«l|t|,t^tlj^ -.'1 , .ife;ii;& u THE LiST OF THE ERIES, aivd the thunder rolled .« d..tant murmers along the horizon; whU* la«e hean- ra.n drops conimenced slowly to patter on the dry le^es.-graduany i^^.-^ to a perfect deluge.-irtUl the Irinka. paused not on the r Lk »ld .hT^ ^ came up with those in advance, who «*re gliding stea^Ih^iv ^nH* ? .a ^ '^'' P trail. whicl.nowahoweait8eIf;eryr«r«lvTo?ie,~^^^ "^^"^^ °'''^* i-hment. ht^.every slight ci.ir^ugltX ZXZ^ l'"'" «ai(i Manhlttl, in answer to a remark made bv Pi^™ „k„ ' te4totothc,«b.le.le,ofarang^?;iirlL a^^^^^^^ wa. not quite initla- .«ltty.Wdth.l««dledaw?; nto. Jrf^^ln^^^^^^^ r-- "" dark Cloud* Which had been Jttng iK^^^ilri^ta 1 hT. """' ^ r.pid,yupt.thezenith A flaah intense S« th^^ foUow J r'!'^''''''' deafening ««,,f*Heaven', artilery. deno^Jhow JSSJ^" ^'^'^'^'^ «.dthe'cavernsofU«fo.t»t«i.weh«l,inethoes.ftrTdt.r^ " *""' •' Look ^" was the exclamatioh of Pierre, as a ball of fire »ho«in.rfr«m .1. «ky. alighted in a tree.on their right which crowned the .CS nSf height, nea^halfa mile distant, where it hoven^d fot a «cJK„'^.L"^ en««d; and the the tree wa.«.nto % into fhtgn^t^S^^^S^^ recuon. A Silence, profound and solemn succeeded-not aS^f^T?. nor dida leaf quiver; the Indians stopped their marth, an^^SSf.?^?' a change in thetemptest. '^^WW{^^ The thunder was again heard, but taUingfar distant, andthe^hDnl in broad sheet, round thehorfeon. Five minutes might b7ve ela3s gentle gust of wind came, relieving the tree, of their htatylold^^^ an undefined sound frtfm the North ensued-that came faimJtJ »il L "'° Irink... It was not thunder-then X was t^ pTo^lT^ ^nT^J^' and nearer it was heard; and the ground trembled and sh.»k „ tsl. ^' engine was being forced ovir its surface ; and rent br«ich«l?ilr « ""^'"^ t^e heads of the party. Branches and stones flew over " Down the hiU! " shouted ManhittI; and scizimrPte™. i.- .k- into the valley on his right. With a h Wong ^^t^ ''11'^^^^ reaching the bottom in safety-where the7u?^fi^ V ^""""^ *''*'»- that were ««uered about ; L T^tuted tieil^L" '"^'^ ?' "^ "«'" Jhehin Where the Utn pities were .LThl;S:tCtrf^:^^^^^^ the next, with a crash, louder than the deenest ihrniST kL^» "*" "'^ other; whOe the wind shrieked in tH,»ph atr^t? i^i' ' T^' *" top was laid low, like a field of wheatbj the hand o?Se r^ a "^*"' '"* 4s^fe#»X EAw r'CuinigwferUll- A TALE OF CANADA. gj two u if they were mere ivriga, and scattered half way dowa, (lie declivity - 'he, Irinkas turned theireyes to the distant heighu.-watchin* the prowe* ol letornado-wUch were .oon .horn of their dark green foliage, and cwmd with ma« of broken Umber. Stick., .ton^, and earth continued to fall into the Tal- ley, round, and among the Irinkas-somc ol whom were hurt, though not .evere- ». Pierre received a blow on the head from a dewea^g branch, which how- iPfatreej imt th« |[awiUl Blunder of country in %r munmittiag |of ralii, it grad' feet and punned w was fortunately broken in it. fall, by the spi •^e was sufficient to lay him prostrate among th tornado was still beard on its desolating cot !ct line ; and th« wind continued to tear alooi ir~thougbj as the shades of night began to fall ly decreased to a moderate gale. The Irintoui;e-_,^p^,ee, «mi pumed mo^^^^.^^'V^f'^f' ''^ -*«!"> of *edera«ating blast' i« 1^^^ hmidredy«ds; but ft .wept the country north and south, far as the eye couM reach, a path of fallen tree, appeared, both on thek .ndon .h.ir left. The Wiika. were necemrily thSJn off ^Jl tS concluded toancamp in the ravine, as the gathering darkness w^d ^ .t them to find it. Accorfingly the^ selected a.maS ZmT^k^ Z and dry, whereon to build thei^flre, and round which «.viral larae .Tea! .waved their majestic bou^i|M.^«ening it alike fiitp^tL moX I^ lii^. "^ ^"^ *'''"* ^' ^ "^^ "^"^ '*»««« and grave S^ Sfc» fi'Tir? ""7 P'^''* '».P*''«P«.«'me, warrior chit^wS^ *aWy, fell, fightmg bravely on the spot Manhittt sat himaelf on the ridrof mcmn^ and p acingone of hi. yet m„«ml.r arm. unSshL bf » hL '.X;i\tSTur^^^''- -'^y ».<^edthem«lve. 'tSlT ^l^mV'Zl^^V" ^'^~«"««f *ylif..witne...«chaft.riou. m .^^^Sn'Ti'"'^^" ftce clouded i»sadne».tth«que«ion: widb. an- «A«rKint Se'weLTrl"""^^^^^^ 1^ .^1 !r'* °^ ''''"**'» 'wnmem rested UghUy o> her head i^tLLlril ^r i?*"'"**' ^"^ coidd make them. We #^ iwn'andWwL .f ^•r°*"y*^'*"»^*y«"- The 'BwawU^ .emw«rtSs,rbtodl3ti'A'?P™^^^^ and gather th.il|g-formln7J ck. Where h«^„~^J?;L'tLl'*,''*^^^^ TiKrl«rl8idlnft> [kllhelM L ^^*"'^' '«*'^ "^ bb «Mrtioi«; inio 1^l]»wS£~ lb .%( i 66 tHE LAST OF THE ERIES, One bright and sunn/ morning, ( I remember ihe day well.) our Deonle wer^ 'f,7?7r':'^'''''* «fde of Lake Erie, and my fa Jr, wl h a few hunTe^ l^f:'J^X:^''^''''' ''' ''"■' ^' ^^^^oHowedhimt';^. ihetunf"'" "" "' '**'"' ' '"" ' ^'""^'^ '"^^ "» ^° ^''^ °"^ father and see I shouted to him; as his canoe was itlidine &wbv ■—'< Tha n j- r, wouM «.e to see thee strike the deer/ mfyt L^^with tl^ IZ^^ '^^ He smiled, and glanced towards an oM hunter vha sat near- his look of «n pK*at.on decided hto, and th^Erie Chief shot his canoe to .he^at, anS aZ my sister mhu strong anus, placed her byhisside. I followed andsatat h^f feet, and she claped herba«ds in childish glee-her B«r Xlter fin ni ^h. air as fresh objects attracted her fancy. . ^ ^ ""^ "'*' i^'l'LTT'^'""'' *'''"''"«^ ™P"'' *«' dancing canoes, and mv father's voice bfdding his follower,, to beware of the sunken focks Afte, l^Lfnl k took the Bounding Pawn in his arms. «.d carried her thSu^h .he f r^ t w"^ t mucheaseasheborehiss^ar.wnilstlranbyhfeside. I «.w htm suWenl^ put her down, and draw his bow. and the stricken deer was cha*ed to'the Jal U o^- Niagara, where ft expired near the cliffs. The game was conveyed into thJor est, where the hunters commenced skining and dressing it ; and while tly were engaged in that operation, the Bounding Fawn and myself took the oppILni v intr "f t"^"''' '«••'« great rush of water,.' We walked ouTna flit w ir. ^ ^ 7".*' "''' "P"" *'**' '"'■'^'^'^ ^^^l' ''«f°'« "»• Occupied in dwp and wondering admiration, we noticed not that the sunbeams no longer coloS the flashing spray, that clouds began to roll in dark masses-gathering a^ fws, or waved the feather which drooped from my head. Our eyes wttfe suk demy blinded for .moment by a l.ght^ brighf,' that we thought sh^^^f't had completebr encrcled us ; and then a crash followed that shook the rock on which we stood-making it quirer^ke a Ifeaf „ "Brother," said my sister, while she threw her arm" round ifiy waist-**" hist ( the Great Spirit is abroad-let ns go." ^ ' ^ nJ^rJ^'Tf ^"'?''^''P'«'^e '0 'he grassy bank, we heard a di»adful no,«: in the disuuip. It was tlat of falling trees-and 1 saw my father ami M. hunter, nuhing to the river. My siste. called to him for he'/ he «t u TSJ »«" ^'i!""^ °f 'he precipice , and his eves flashed wIWi; ,, w^lT the IJ^liK^'SlP' b,,ffi.lo.he mhed toward u.. I caught m/.l*terln 1 StfiiL*r* *'^'"" '"*=""* and felt the ground tremble under my f«J and hurled «ay. The Bdttnding Fawn wa. torn from my weak grXp aShT '^.r_ff^- M-'^^y t y her .mil, and wave L ^ll^'J:^^^ ZS "* *«™»*" '"'rtllUrtlSne ever .TTce: That fc,»well w«teg£Sd pjarcd«y very heart, .btfl thought I rf,ould have died fWm th. maSS • \ i^i£%\ Ih our father and see my waUt; " hisf r A TALE OK CANADA. ^ rief which tortured me. .1 made an eflort to follow her, but found I could not do 80-be,ng pmned to the ground with the branch ol a failen tree I «aw the mighty waters of Niagara dispersed in spray-baring iti rock, for an inrtant to U,e tempest; and then I knew nothing more until I woke, from the pain of a bro- ken arm, m my father'^ lent. '^^ I called for the Bounding Fawn-vainly waiting for the light sound of her step and va.nly waiting to hear the music of her voice. My a.^ndants bade m £ Mill, for she was gone to the land wh«e dwell the spirits of those who are dead Th.s brought to my recollection the last scene, the farewell smile, and Isur^d from my couch and met the stern look of my father. HI. face waa coveredT^ blood whilst h.s eyes sparkled like coals. He placed a hand on m7Zm„ and drawing a Jong knife from his belt, he said / sionlder, " Boy, prepare ; thou nlust die." dii'^'h^re^s^ndT*""*' ofde.th."Ian.we«d./..butwhy should he' " Art thouasonofmine,"heshouted, as he hurried his heel in the sindy floor Arttha«a«onofmine1 no, for he would have saved his sister fromdea^h" I answered ngt, for I was cut to the soul, and firmly eved the trnifV. »i, ■ k coming slowlviward my bo«,m. But an old glyteaTed man s^^^^^^^^^^^ and catchmg hi, arm, wrested it from his grasp The EriP rhiJeA V ' hawk and with one blow laid my preserver dead ^ W, f"et the n«f" •°'"" u was flourished over my own he-Id wh.n ^ ? ' next moment Wllhonl en, note I iamcked > cano., nnd mil A.^ -uk h. deadpan.he.^.w;v« i.™^^^^^^ the slream Uw me fiU^ ^Ui floating in . cire- v;Sa;v ^^^^^^^ ^ "^ "' """'' "'"^ "'^ disappeared, and after a shorMl.7^ * *'°"""°° *"^"'' ^'>«" ^S to my feet; A fl.rf [n ,? .' ^*"' "*' ""' ''^ ""^ '^"Wed water*, almoat der limb. T«b Jen andT'Tr'i'^*^'''"'*'^"''^- Those .oft «.d ten- turned upml Sonir * 'J"u^ ""' •'•'^'y ""^ ^'^ »«. J*" ai hereyes^parlledwihaf-kT' ^'='f?"«'«» """•P'«y««ionh.rlip.,wwS ' face turned up to thc^aT^^jT. ^^"^"*'^*»"J ««l •Wt^lm J '\ \\ ■4*. 68 THK LAST OP THE fiRIES, ""•.^MK^^^iv "^""^"y^-- A" "'&»»' '""gl watched her flw«.l march, in which the wild beasts of the forest were her mourners." TheChlefletfallatearto the memory of the departed ; he rested his head in his hands, and taurmured:-" Sister of my soul where are now the days that laughed among the deep green hills on which we played together; when we sporty by the streams or tracked them to their source; when thy brightest iov Zl JTk'I''"!'"'''"^'- Thepinesare waving and Jrillsth^e Z hJJJ^L J^' ^ J"*^ ^""^ " ^°"' ^*'"^"- Youug man," continued Man- Wm. "\be not ashamed of an old man's tear. An Indian seldom weeps- but IfTTiiS^u'"'?"''^'^" '''"''''"' whenanol(l.n^n recalls t^ 'day. ofhis childhood, his heart gets big." i ' The Indians listened to their Chief in'wrowful sil^ce ; for too well were thev acquainted with the history of his early life to be surprised at the tear to memory Pierre brushed away the damp from his own eyes at the close of this sad reciUd'. and he laid himself down on the dry mound-^ndeaverlng to court that repose which was necessary to relieve his weary frame. The Bounding Fawn amJeTr- ed to him iA his dreatos. putting a finger on her lips and pointing on the S to the eastward. He awoke about midnight, and feeling rather feverish, sat up - The cloudy canopy that had shrouded them but a short Ume previous had nbw broken into fn^ments. among whi^h the moon appeved sailing-* calm specta- tor of the world beneath herr He h*ard a laint crackling' of branches notfaroiT and his lesson of yester night kept him on the watch for wild beasts- he gave a look up the hiU, and discovertd, in the clear moon-light, an Indian ma kinghiswayoverthetrackoflallentreps, he was oil the point of waking up his companions, when he determined to advance hinvelf and watch the movi ments of this nocturnal visitor. Advancing quickly on bis hands and knees he ascended the hill in a diagonal direction, calculating on getting in a line to meet him. As he was crawling up in this manner, he felt hU leg seized from behind he could hardly refrain from uttering an exclamation as he sprang round and met the warning gesture of an Irinka for silence, who had followed him up the ascent. Accompanied by the Irinka, Pierre continued his course, and itationed him«,lfb«iifldatr«., abouta third ofthe way from the topof the hill The stinger was coming directly towards him-every now and then peering throurt thetre«~a«da.he tomed his face to the light, Pierre recogni^him aVtte yomig man whom Manhitti had despatched to Montreal with his letter- when he came near, he sieped out and laid a hand on his shoulder. The indian 'rnnuB •rtdeap«:e or two, and hi. knife insunUy gleamed in the moon-be«m.^nt - Twcrfving and recogniiing Pierre and his companion, he quietly put it back and followed them lown.the hill. Considerable precaution wa. now necessary in or der to render their, now arouMd companions below, awaie of the approach of •^d. In^dof foe—sthey might easily be mistaken for the 1.1^0 u^ gloom of the TiUey. A«tordinglv the Indian scout advancing alone nve a 1obr t h«« i« «t ,, Wi, d ii fe.,ulint»»a t! oir. Thm ihort ti^^p^i^c^^ . ^ onward to the place of bouvlac. The scout afterCfcnswWng twoor three qoes- ..•L herAinenl march, in A TALE OP CANADA, ^ tions put to him by ManhitU, threw down his weary frame on the soft tart; and was soon wraped in sleep deep as that of his companions. When early dawn began to show itself thmpgh the tree tops, they Tutored to kindle a small fire, and the twanging sound of the bow-string announced to those round it, that some wild inhabitant of the valttv had probably fallen beneath the unerring aim of the archer, and would, f^haps, serve to take the edge off their morning appetite. The scout unroUed from a leather cover^g fastened to his waist, several packages; one of which contained two sealed letters; in the otheia were the articles Pierre had requested Lefenc to send him. The po#der caaw very opportune, for the flasks of the indians were not over well supplied, and there was sufficient to replenish every one. An ink botUe, a few sheets of paper and some ready made pens were next pt^a/fd, and Pierre opening the letters' *und that one ol them contained the Governor's order for his return, which he ■Sad over veiy attentively. He was both angry and sniprised at the style of it •angry at its brief stemess and puzzled at 'nspicions which he would be sor- ^ to see c onfirmed,' and ' which affect your «hatact« as a soldier of his Majes- ".Suspicions which Ke would be sorry to see confirmed," repeated Pierre to imsdf ; . " that must relate to the life I intend to adopt, I think ; but the last sen- ince IS more serious, though it must also refer to mV resignation, and for the fe of me, I cannpt see anything in that which would authorise him to use such a intence. And how, the deuce; could he have got the infordiation 1 " For the elucidation of which, he turned to Lefevre's epistle. It informed him •me particulars that had occurred during his absence from" Montreal (explain* "' to the reader in the 7th chapter,) which served to throw snine light w the evi- it anger of the Colonel^ It concluded as follows : " With regard to Lacoste, that he is your enemy,, you must be aw^ of as well ' myMlf ; but I wish to put you on your guard against his machinations, wh^- sr they may be. I have very little doubt but that he was the author of that let- T found in the snuff box-the contents of ^hich I h/ve given yqu in tfee firat mofthis epistle, to the best of my recollection. I think that Lacoste'/design was to mduce you to remain in the forest UU after the departure of our ngitamt from this plac* to ipin the forces of General Mpntcajm, who i. about undertakL he reduction of Port William Henry at the f^pi* Rivers^ough hidesign ly have been a much more serious one. V' ' * It ta my opinion that your tender of resignaUon will not be accented I will not fflvise you on the subject, as I think you must be the best judge of the happi. ««. connected wUh the life you intend to adopt. Perhaps four Jflve^ «. !^nlT\'^^r" ^*'" °^''' ~"^'*' ""'^ ^'^ """y '»8»«'' ««<» y«» perambula- ting Uie busy thoroughfares af a civilized town. Farewell (hm. tlU tSat nerioiL *hich I sincerely hope may m,t be fkr dlatant" v , ^f^ ^^ f -^ ■»•* wrote a reply to the Colonel, in which he briefly suted his rtMOlia for the step he was aboutlaWng. He informed him it was not ahartyi^oifa,, IPT ri'm:. *.M TO THE LAST OP THE ERIES, but one well considered ; that some remarks in hi. (the Colonel's ) letter he diH not quite comprehend, but supposed they «.lated \o his resi,na i n if s^ t couW «ot«e. fo* h«, part, anything in what he had done to «Lt hta chaLe ^mi^'ir'^v'"''."^'^"'^^""'*--' "3. therefore, he r^u^^d pemiMion to resign his grade, in .roer that he might Ibllow the li/^ of an Indian thf„'in;tV"\!^'''*'J''^ «'7't leather wrapper, he gave it to the scout, and then indited another to Leme-/nformi„g him of his decision, the particuUr^ of take an early opportunity of goin^ to Montreal, wh.re he would clear up any in urious suspicions that were in Jirculation regarding him , and that lLs"I Z "^ """' ' """ cha.tilem.nt wet. he in any wa; the propagarif Thi^alsohe.gave to the runner, together with the writing materTals v.hirh were to be len at the camp, He did not infU Manhi.ti orhl'o uhLI '^ helrmkas. though he detertnined to do so during the flay. TheCh^fle a ew directions to the' Indian scout, who with a hasty farewell to his compfnSns ' -fell upon hi. own trail, and disappea«d over the brow of the hill. S wS now left the valley, and commenced a seat^h for the lost path of therquoil / ,r CHAPTER IX. ^ Torn we now to Coswen/go, whom we left with his revengful feelinw excited by the contemptous refusal of his demand for the hand of the Pale LlT wtn the St tw 'T' '^ '""^ ''^ ^"' •''^""^^ "^« ^"-' - the dLtibl of the St Lawrence, m order to elude the Irjnka scouts, whom he pe«:eived were watehing his movement,; and when night set in. he faced aCt-takinTI south easterly dir.ctio„-when he came a«ain upon the Ottawa, abou ^eZ» oelowthecampof the Irinka.s. He sat moodily doyn beneath the bank at thl Jjat^mofthe river^mploying his mind iu scheming out a pa t rev „i^ H« followers ranged themselves round him in silenc AnowinJ we 1 fZ T. character of their Chief, who was never known to be thwarted Jn 2 '.dTntire heundettook. they would soon be engaged in an enterprise o a TaL" pus „. J, ""'^.f :V*l5f' P'"""^ ''' ''^ '•^'"^" '"•^'••^•^ leader's deUb^Zns To: ward, midnight, Coswenago desired them to retrace thelrwav ,he iLlu were instantly on the move, and In an hour they halted hal77mlll bell?. h JT^\ ^\^ ^" ^ P"^""* »«'*"• «°^e' «f ">o adjacent island. /nH make the cireuit of the one on vhich the Itiinkas were encam^for .l ' of ob^rving and reporting what kind of watch thTw^Sn^ T^ ^"T' f..rl«.ly *•»»« hi. mi«ion-tru«i„g to hi. natLIl cunn „;!. Ztf^ mti. MetnwhUe »h» ttU form of Co.wen.go. with hi. ten lollowcr., glided iA ";'/'■ .vf*^':^ ■ 'Y - A TALE OF CANADA. «ol.l^jr throu^lUhe fore«.. and hailed by ihe river side, a mile above the Uland -camp, where tl^ey launched their remaining canoe amid the bubbling waters and . striking out, went down before the gale-reaching the head ol the ifland in Ufe fjr-though their loaded^ vessel was very near being «wamped when passing through the surf that beat l^,eavily against its weather-worn front . They hoisted their bark to the brow of the «nfl;-ready to have it launched -at la moments warning, and then with bentshouldersand watchful eves Dres,;j Ifwward among the trees^halting about a mile from the camp by the riveHl (wher^^they ex^ct«d to meet their spy according to appoin.ment They h"d nS Iwaited long, before a small speck on the water, dimly wen in the »loom th». « ^jrouded it. graduaHy app^ach^ „« shore, andhal^lit tl^^^^m Jhe rocks. Alowcryirom Coswenago brought h swiftl, te the beacMnd th^ ET''^'!? r?"*'"''""* Wmselfbythe projecting limb of « tree to ke top of the grassy bank. To hi» ChiePs «ager questioning he nnZZTl,, ? ^elrinkas app«.recks. to watch, and il ^me7<^!^T^ t .f °''*' Irsatioh. while hims^f, on his bands ind Inewc^n; tlw« f .?^ « "'" '""■ lintly twinkled at a distance through the t^es 2 JST ^ ^"^ ^^^^^ kain allowed himself to breath freely. The S'lf MZr ' ' ^'"'*'^""^' le open plain, about twenty yards Lrk ihe I&l? . k ^"" '""'^'''^ '' evml elms, their branches\Lhin7atl re'L?w« o/ iown behind a fallen tree and caLTt .." Ppen-plain, where he la^ W.debatingwi.hhim" If ; rs^2t7m\ til TT""^ "f those befoJ he open space to the cabin HeZZViTt '"""'""'^ ^"^ ''^""^ •«="»• f«nd he moved farther down tofheirK* J'^'^^Mo " «ake the experiment, 'throwing himselll ili f^e/Jnll 7^^^^ ^"""^ "" '" WUock.f«d ihen theelmsunperceiv^ H^hrchl K^^^^^^ ""* 8»i»«i th. Aeltar of young .ir^^l;l„fj,^^^^^^^^^^ «« -omam ^ yards from the tree behind KhS^^lL?'^'^ ^° '""''•"*' "^ ««>" '»».» a« ^uch pain and anxiet' ''^ut^Z7TZ"2Ti!'' "H^ ' ^'''- H«^ 71 - ^ .^ TI^tAST ORT^lERr •m nioireBfeiit. |j,e Pale Uly '^d her Compittli^ at lelk Partedikv n .<«., heard her enter and app|^ach*teii#.fo that sid* '4e« ^ was lying 4? saw ^^)- moment, wh^ft wa^ jwddenly witft#awn. Cosma^^^^'arfShk i*!^^ quickly vanished when he^^-^^*^"* i w??*,-, snatches ofa song. Heretir., _.->„„ ^i^°'f'***" "'" "'*' ^'"r^^haulTnylnSiuon :4 on ^t.. Uecided on, and as it was absolutely nec^ry ftom thfiir fires, in order to g?ip iKJswssion of the 1, he called to the Indian whoBj he had sent to re- -mh^ '^^ .i; '^ -i^'l "^^'^'^ '^ »»'» «^«"o«, ar.^,when at.a suffici- gfttojB ilfMn the viffagt to ensure his safety. xliscover hi«tti|lt, and lead the ^*^pj,|,wrong trail. The Indian hesitated not' a mo^to peFform this jjge^u. *ay and h« canoe gliding over the water, was Sost sight of in -t»i« darkness, yhU^lCoswenago with hi, men led the way toth*iamp When t ground among aome low juniper bushes. waiUng for the Stoal of their sco,x|and while in this position, footsteps were heard behind th^, and two S^JIT"* T?. r.""''^'>'"« -^'l' ^*«- - their hands directly d| ^eil tracT" The Iroquois held the r b».a& as they watched their unsuspecting" emies who Z whe ' ' ^"r':'^J''^°' '"'"^ ^° '"'" "sHthrough thdr plL of conce^ ment, when a yeU,.„nging clear oft the blast, brought them to a full stop and separaung to th. right and le|t. commenced a run towanl the vaia^' T jJ Iroquois followed them to the line of the forest, when they could plainly^rc5« expected though m accomjflishing which, the life oi his faithful follower was sacriflced as already mentioned. The fires were coml,lctely deserteHSh Z e«ep,.ono a fe^ children standing with their backs towafrf them Coswel«. movjng rapidly to the back of the lodge, stationed one of his menSneah tU ^indow. ^ugh whichhe had seen the hand of the Pale Lily a Shortt me pre^ ThrUhXr^ ""^'^■^"^■^^^"^^ '^-^ "^-^- "^p'-ed "Ha, my a^eet bin!," said he ironically, " thou must dwell an Itoquoi cage." The Pale Lily eyedher captor with a terrified glanc quiring, to ati«mb«||toice-"h«8 the sancity of a^ ■pect to the 'y««^»i>««o-what does he io here n The Irpquoi dral^i^ knife/rom Its sheath rcpli* land where broad waters flow. Ctter but one ciy and thy ^^o n t h on Jiesti ^ttke ha«te«>4 d rt «e, «■ lake future in H^ >nd ttfa hand from her mouth as he spoke. .'« ,V A TALK OP CANADA. tj Thf Pale Lily— the blood minUlng her neck and shoulders i^ith a deep gtow, «hti*|ted him to retije, and Co»wenago, from some spark of delicacy yet remain- %iU) his mde nature, retreated to the door, while she put on her dress quickly as benftonfoaion would p«rmit. <£^" Quick, urged hit impatient captor in a furious whisper, for the maiden hav- ^gtbe main part of her dress thrown round her, began to retard her motions; 'r, ais her presence of mind returned, she recollected she was in her father's tent^ ' irrounded by her OWlipeople, while on the other hand, Coswenago was alone ia le midst of his enemies, who, towever, perceiving her design, darted forward id without further ceremony enveloped her in a-iimall mantle, binding her arms' :htly at the same time, and pushed her through the window of the apartment m whence she was received in the arms of the Irofiuoi standing benettth Cos"' inago himself followed, and resuming hii burden, in a short time reached thk rthermost end of the Island, where lay his last remaii^ng canoe', A matter of great difficulty now arose-how to convey the whole' of their ttutv ^m the Island, as it would be utterly impo^ible to do so in their onfe vessel, f^ ■ gale had increased^considerably. While they were debating this point, the ,wn whom C^strSSago had despatched » spy upon the mordents of Manhit- and whom eoawenago had not before missed, now joine(^l^m and stated- it foreseeing Uie difficulty they would experience f,om the want of another loe he had obtained one from his place of concealnient, and bad hid it behind ^ock a Short dfeUnce below them. He also related the death of his companion ,0 was overtaken by M.nhittl. A fierce imprecation bnr-tfrom t!,e lips ofCosI nago. but suppressing his passion, he got the Irinka canoe convey*d OTeriand tout delay and launched into the surf. He placed the Puie Lily, him- t Tk.*'"" ""'' "l' ^"'"" ™"''^'"' '""^^"^ ^'^ ""''°""''- '^i"^d «he opportu- ly, when a wave threw the stem of the vessel close to 'a large rock within reach Clf™' J* ?°" "''"''•'''""»'''"' P''^'^''^"'* pressed on her finger the b.m^of7.7 ."'^rl'' ''"*'■ '°""^'y *?" P*°P'<='"^« t.ken woald enable ham to fall upon the right trail. ^After the various device. ajr^4yj,enti6«|ji^ula^^^ throw the Irinkas n a^false scent, the Iroq^4^pr,K,t tlftlK^tiif the water, of Lke D^ t'dT" !f ;:^'^«^^^''»e Pt-ee^ng ift^Pad the^ve^- & ha 2XuXt ''' ^'"" "''° h J^capt^Tthe Irinka canoe. (.^ ITM bad seveftl tid% endeavored t<»^pl^e himself near Co«w|flago) pMi«I ftr- sittine. and said- * . M , m \f. %)!. [ wanf |o where he vi sitting, and said : *;^"°^"'''«'".OChief whom.hou(fsti„thy powerl that a?ISLi~i1 T" t^"^" ""''^ ""'f'y ""P^'"' ">«' ■'»P"«l\ " ^- know HM'^ ^^rit^Mr^'-''--'^ '«•«• " -««s. i".*." S' m '-4. >-. ***-«»>. ■>*,'k _ -^'S' • , „;• imdt,.^.^. ■I ^ 74 THE LAST OP THE ERIES, " I do not understand ; if thou knowest ought more than Coswenago, .peak » "Liaten An Irinka and a pale face kept watch together, and Meogue was talk (Tfh^ old diiel. (The name of Irinka hides that of Erie, and Manhitti i. th! Coswenago^at for a moment as if jtupified with surprfae, and bent a keen iZ:ZS:jr "^*^= ^"'^^"^'"^ ^-^^ aloudl/ughlhrandLhiti; • "So ho, my preuy maiden ; does not thy heart feci glad t " Jd'Tl'h:^ M,"""'!?."*"' ""' »'«'"^«n». «itm . -ed to excite in particular. He looked ea«rly at ihTpAleu!^ .„H . ,l.is lips, sunk hU head on hi, breast. TSls a stronj oS'S^^^^^ berin, more than fifty Summers^tal, and well fo;l~d^ ~d X wi U t dX guuhed in th^remaining part of this tale, by the name ^f Ow]^ ""' The darkness of night began to close upon the fugitive. uthwtm^hmA .k. large Al,a«t beyond the rapids Da Sable, and the su'rs tw7nk"e?S3S*li coasting a amaU island, stretching off on theirleft. CosWShJSTLllu Ung from the p.ccautions he had taken, his pursuers, if they^|£ J", ^U would expend some time in lollowing i, up. concluded tp camp for tJenteht on «trea In case of an eme^ency. The canoes were b^ght under a T^eiu braaches drooping in the water, and wasco seizing one oMt, iri^ L the 'nu^ effort, tho branch was wrenched from the trunk, and he fell back intrthe w3 C«wenago rising irom hi« knees struck him on the head with his padSir.a;: •' Take that, slave ; wouldst thou shaw the trail to the Eries 7 " AnJOwasco was drawn Vhis«ompanions into the canoe, senseless kid uui carefully gained the summit, aniTone of the canoes was sent !off to wUierT..' atones from the shore, round the opposite point of the IslaTtf? It s^f-mai ftl d "T ""''• "" ^•°"^^y'^' "P •''« •'?"'^' --J -"« * I -»' ■k ■^ few y,.as on the. W^l!; Xe^, r^l^/^^^^^^^^^^ -' ^^ ^ hurricane, and which threatened ia^^^mSK^^l^l ^l'"''"*'"" "^ «J*e i^ carriers giving warning to thelSSTSTo^'rl'^'*'''. '^'"' '''^ . iTnd gained its windward side, as the S'L 1^.7 Ik ''^ •«•*»««'<«»'. . W^tCc^r;!^;^^^^^^^^^ '^' --^ '^-elf and captor, teen olryJoZtS^^^^^Z^^:"'''^^^^^^^^ "^^^ ^ould aped .0 have 'lluer^''cJZZ>:Z T"" ^ '*''''"• strangel/mlngled. saw that the r^fi "^ S. ^Zh"' ""' '''' ''"^ comfort, n Examining the trees and iJi-marLlJ ntS I ''™'!!^ ^^ cou«e, which had Un d«e west, and Tve7g:t,^X^^^:^''\im ^*^ qu,ck marching brought the welcome sounLfr^Wn^^w^^t^.H ''""" "T Mn^r.' •^^ '^^^^ "^^"^ ^' '^^ MadaJar^p^rheti ::r ^' "^ ^ . -^^"^:sr;^s^dr:;r:s:^ from the trunk ofa tree^rough i« shape and 11 '"^' '"**' ""'*'' ' ed -*^hmoss,being,apparentLS|-^e; :ll?r^^ *^'- ous hlmters who crossed the 4n5^ i„ .hat diS-!2rSl.?f "^'■ its prow grounded on the .^nken r^&s. ^ey ^Ig^^^^l'^JfJ^T^^^^^^^^^ greeted their cotglfluons. d|«wena^o»///l^^t r 'o»d cheer, and ^tly obeyed! ^ing'W^! eS ",! h" '"•'''r^"?"«»«=*. '»>»' ''«» to- »t h,r down on aSTof r^ The L^^^^^ ^' "^ *" '^"'•~'' "^^ to the rocks, and £ heavT^eS, s^nT 'T^t '"' ** ^'^''^ ^Hed :is...nto i. p-ti^i«cr3|;^:ii;-:^-^^ . stationed there to await his ^^ur„ h^Z^m^^V'^ ^**'"''' ^"^ had befallen him since his dStrture^at^^T^ '^f i^'^" "" ""'»^*t had tribe-which announcernrra3«t,£h""^/**""""^^ Erie tUrnrf their ryes on the Rale Lilv JET h!lf . » ""J"^' ''"'■'*^' "'* ''^'^ «>J »r^^dly gating acrl ^ rive^C su^ n f^^^ 'T ^"^ '*" ^'■ round, eyeing exuJtingly her f„lA™^ "»!»»" f"™" of the Iroquois gath^l cealed in the folds Sma^L when Z J*" ^"^^ *''^^ ''^ ^^ con- .d towards^er.,was now ""'^/by h^ TnT oTot T »/ *«= '•«'^««-- rorwardanddrewth..overiS;.frJhe;£d l^Tesls^^^^^^^ »i>.Mreatmen,,and .hel^lr M h.n.MI , .uu d Ui^a^ Cw'^Wg"^ :s. I her hand lightly on tile to an enormous tree, but a ing to the influence of the tajte Iroquois, The lit- •ward the tree in^qHcstion, irew the ground high inio il the tall trunk stretched iemolished sever^others flt proof of their prowess, Mi object* indistinct, ihc iaved herself and captors tention than had hitherto •ror natural to her sex, lose love and hate were ropei-Iy anrangegiv6 warning of the approach of enemies.— led away, however, without disttirbing the sleepers, and the mom- — gaily skimming over the water in several canoes. Numeroos * them, and flocks of black ducks sped away— alarmed by the >frequent visitors— and hid themselves in the marshy mai^a « CHAPTER X. FAnotTNO the extingnishrf lite, whi9h the Iroquois had not fifteen minntes left, lere gathered thirty new comers, armed and fully equipedfor the warpath, •tchmg the retreating canoes. ' " We have come up with them at last." said Pierre eagerly. " 8ee the fools ow careless and easy they seeto-as if an Irinkn or an Erie were not on their ?; »-/^!l!f V^' "* *'"' foremostcanoe is the Pale Lily, with her little sttaw »rf JiiiS!"^ fl«tteri»»i« the breeze, seated near that Iitiquoi chief. Sacw," imunuea Pierre, speaking his own language, as his resentment got the better df ijuagment, " ifl do noi% my rifle at this distance." and he raised his xm- n-irresotute whether to fire or not, when Afanhitti struck down Uaaim.. . P J' "Ti"""'" '***'*''' "Keenwau-iehkodaisbnt a young warrior, .ad not 2 i^ftlllTr '^''"' ^'""""^ :^"^ "^ *• i"^"""' ef an Erie, wk to «. a'^^:rkLt fthrJ^!;Z^.g'ir^^^^^^ jr PBonies will simd th»m 1— «J .1.- -^.v ..N. 78 THE LAST (W THE EraES, ^ -,^ss- until they te*ch th,tlv,r below, whertr o„r rifles can hi, them f«,m either bant Let them fall info the trap." Pierre readily acquiesced in thejastnew of thechiefH observations^ anda.thei, enemies were no«r ,«,, vanishing from view, it was necessary to decide qulcklv upon some plan of attack j and ManhfttI summoneti several of his- follower, whose rank or experience entitled them to be admiucd to the Cbundl. It xva. finally, in a few minutes resolved, that they .bould divide thtir force in the head of the Jake, and, carefully concealing themselves, keep the Ittxiuois in hitti, to take Jhe opposite side, so that, no matter where the Iro^ois „.ight a - tempt to land, they would j>e expo«jd uncovered to a concealed JJre. Thk-kso- luiion was no sooner adopted than put ia execniion; Pierre, witfri^n war r.ors commenced crossing the marsh, and Manhiitl, whb the remainder of hi, warriors, followed the bend of the lake. Pierre experienced no little difficulty in making hfs w^y through theswamn which consisted, apt of fallen trees, but of huge tall bul«,hes. Rowing frx,m a watery foundation, with here and there lumps of mossy earth, and accumulated matter which served as stepping places for the party. When the firm land, after » considerable ..me, was at length gained, the IrxiquoJs were far out of sieht- Pierre, fearful that they wnutd attempt to land on his side of the lake in advance pressed rapidly ov, followed by his equally resolute companions, whose bosoms beat with uncontfolable joy at the prospect of ^ev^englng themselves for the da- nng abduction oJ the beloved daughter of their chief. Pierre, no less excited from the same cause, kept his eye fixed on the broad expanse of water on his left jn the hope of being the first to detect the enemy. An hour or two might have elapsed, when he thought he saw several smsl) specks vanishing round a distant headland which stretched^out for nearly a mile mtothelakeinadin^ct line-the shore gradually receding on the opposite rtde to ,t» former position. It was covered thickly with low cedars and knotty „!„« ; consequently any object on the water beyond could not be seen from where Pierre' I then was. Without mentioning the circumsunce to his companions, (whom if ^ey had also noticed it, betrayed not their knowledge by speech or gesture ) rush- ed dowij a gentle decllyity. that brought him to the water', edge, forming trt rf the headland already mentioned; and without following its devious windin« he took a straight line through the low cedars, across the promontonr. He found it m«ch wioer than he had suspected, for it was after an hour's go,i manrWDTbe fore he again saw the deep blue water sparkling in the sunbeams. When how ever the abrupt shore of the main land sheltered his party, the same indiatinct' •poto on the lake for in advance, attracted the attention of the Indians who I^Bg their eyes With their hands, unanimously p,«„o,mced the name' «Iro- ^i-. The Irinka. now hattened their m.n:h to overtake them, whieh itaUy, m«v«d their veml. swiftly down the lake; and it wa. not till the sun •^ , A TALE OF CANADA. \ ^ IjKareU low in the horizon, that the the pnwueni succeeded i> coming qp abreast ■tif the cha?e. The Iroquois had five canoe», and though they were full half a mile from the ►hore, Pierre detected in the foremost one the small Mraw hat worn by the Paje >ijy, and the ribMis «ttached thereto fluttering in the breeze. Coswenago he •^pught he could distinguish by the size of his person and the equipments of hi* "^ fcess. The Indians silenily attracted each other's attention to the person of the ' i-mcr and then to the latter, while they significantly handled their rifles. ■ i Wc roust nbw describe more particularly that part of the country into which ' )>th the Erics and Iroquois were eivtering-the one party intenton revenge, and I other exulting in fancied security with the successful ppMession of the ' Pale Hy. The peiceofjiater on which Coswenago imruMad himself, was of a con- prable size-forming one of those chain of lake* and rapicls running south. bterly from the Ottawa, and connecting themselves by streams and marehes ih lake Simcoe. The shores of the Lake, in question, gradually con- Icted from east to west, and taking an abrupt bend formed a narrow deep chan- «, through which the constrained water rushed, tumbled and foamed as if im- •ttent at the thraldom that it tor a moment endured. , Moving onwaitl for a- ^ half a mile, it threw itself over a le^ge of rwks ten feet perpendicular Af. I rfiort distance beyond the land iweded on either side, and the rapid freely ■nding it«»lf. formed tmother portion of water, known as lake Pottawaiiamia. . bank, orthe rapida were more steep and rocky than those of the lake, and aev- M heights further south shewed their tops against the horizon, on which the plmingsun lingered and tinged with a reddish hue. Some again advanced «r to the eye, their summite exhibiting a light brown, whilst those parts near I base were thrown into deep shade. Forests of pine? and ccdai^ airVtehed •- r toward them,; interrupted here and there by divisions of the leafy maple and eh. The silence ^f the wilderness ,was broken only by the genUe wgWwr of * Ibreezeamong ttteWs, ahdthe noise of water rushing over a «,cky ted and ming into pools and edies. A small island lay not far from themouth of-tiMk • pids, mid way from the land, and which served to divide the extromity oTS ke into two narrow channels, which united themselves at the commencTmeat I the stream below. -.s-wvuiew me Iroquois had now approached within half-a mile of this Island, .where tber lrU>.vlewlngwithaa.piciouagl.ncesthecontractyw^orcsofthclake. Th^ Ltd htf 'u '"" °'^'"' "•* ^'^^ «'^*°« " If tMpriming of huTiJi - «ted his foHowers to do the «.me; they, howevliS^nficipated him tolWt recaution, and all lay crouching behind the junipbr bnshe^at thickly «Lr, Z'e;^:;"^'^"''-'"'""^ '''"' '^^ --^ «"^- of Selr enemlSTwb; - Jfcreevidentlydehberatingwhetherto venture farther into the stream whar^ ' and hnother. as though as«,nting to the t^th of his com^de's ar^meS. wj^ed innaamif. M . mli' . m i rmmut i^iiatci.j mm- 80 THE LAST OF THE ERIES, tv It-*' to doubt at the same time, the possibility of «)e«ing an enemy i^ that part of the wilderness, with the exception of the Eries, who could not have possibly got in their advance. Ctiswenago's habitual canning caused him to refltct before pull' ling himself ihto what he knew was rather a dangerous position, though he felt fully convinced that the enemy he most had to dread, could not yet'have reached the Madawaska. JBut he miscalculated the ancient vigor of that race ^om he and his allies had overthrown ; he remembered not that any number of Eries were far superior to the same number of Iroquois, either on the trail, in the chase, or in the fight.* Being anxious to place himself on the wide water beyond, which he could effectually do by running his canoes through the rapids above the falls, from whence he would have but a small portage to the smeofj^ lake ahead, he sid?d with the last speaker and propelled his own vessel in advance. The others wfio ■ had gathered round on either side moved swiftly after him ; and Pierre, obscrv; ing this movement, quitted his posiUon and beckoned for the Indians to follow him. • They carefully prevented so much a»«ven the crackling of a branch, or the rustling of a leaf, that might betray their position to -yieir enemies. * Pierre having found a secure cover, not more than two hundred yards above the Island, waited, with a throbbing heart, the arrival of the Iroquois, who were coming swiftly down, keeping the centre of the stream, and when nearly ai^eastof the Eries, the hoarse cry of a hawk fmiT from the opposite shore. This was the sig- nal ManhittI agreed to ^ivcfor -Pierre to firej but just as the word of commancl to do so was upon his lips, another cry of the same nature arrested its utierence, and the Indians pointed to a hawk soaring over the stream, sending forth ite dis- cordant notes in succession. Pierre fell irrissolute whether to attiibate the first call to the animal, or to Manhitti. He thought, hbwever, he could distinguish a difference between the cries now being repeated and the first; and as the enemy was now fairly abreast of him, determined to deliver his fire, al all eyents— trust- , ing that the Irinka chief had been as Mftive as himself in overtaking the Iroquois Cl»«ii«jing his party to hold sacred the- canoe thfr^onveyed the Pale Lily, thoogh ' «ven Coswenago himself was in it, he gave the wofi to fire, and instantly' a sheet " of, flame streamed through the bushes, and the simultaneous report of fifleenj rUp, scattered death to half that number of Iroquois, who dropped from tbtji\ <«ffoes into the water. At the same time the shrill war-whoop of the .Erieij rung in the ears of their terrified enemies, who, however, recoveringfn w in-f etant from their sudden panic, sent back a ho^l of defiance, a^d diMbai^iagi tjeir rifles into the ambushment, a volley of bullets whistled roundthe keadsofl the Eries-close enough lo make them involuntarily shrink to the giound^thej randoin shots producing, though, no fatfl effect. Coswenago'^ coa|it«nance knit with desperate passion a« he surveyed his^tiiminished band, and he turned tl«f prow of his canoe to the opposite 8hore,-urging itswifliy with p«#erful strokes = of his paddle. Thp Pale Lily, (to whom he cwcd his Ufe on thia occasion, ai the unerring aim of his eifemies would have terminated it, were it not that, per- haps, her own life might have been the sacrifice,) looked eagerly round for the prettpce ofheil^iends, but meeting tht fierce l ook^ tf lifer cap ttys , she covtredj ' ?^if -Mvw w. »,.. ...=uuo, uu, in^oiing tn^ nerc e l oom tf ytr captqys, she covtwii iiwriirawTn^iraffwaiah^ again td^e bottom of ^^^^^iher^ >r*, , ■• * •^. .. A TALE OP CANADA. ^^ Jans piercingly across ihe river, as the Iroquois were met bv il,n f,r . r ,k ,- ^inch was delivered with fatal precision^nd retu^ ^ t^L ^J^J^ '^' "" go ; for Manhitii had so well cor>cealed Mis ^^,v that noTaT' ' ' "" the funous ga.e of their enem.es, who turnef J Z^ T'li'lT'T '" f ing their eyes onthoir leadcr-who standing 'Et inT e ' ' |na,e tor the Island, trotn whieh they lay „^ mcl" U^r ^ ^i:;; ll":: :^'" i|e fnght^eciUoqiioi* immediateh- put their canoes belorr ,h • ! [nch t^y ihded rapidly- Cos we'n.os a.onf ,'';'";:;::, "■^^•" Jerre was pre}«ringto greet the fugitives with the contents rhis rel . 7 #en ,te ^,ea«on .suddcnl)- dropped from hi. hand -.t^fl 1. ""*'• .f|l.uitcnseaj,iety. * '^^'^ '"" "=""^. •''«' l"s countenance worked »"il few words will suffice to dxplain the cause. Coswena^o «.„■ -,, a .. |rue,,as,t,on,.and his experience told him it would be A.m of , , " " J exp6.sed uncovered to the effects of two fires The t V , ' " '""" pi-«Vrcd him the. means of shelter, and ;" ^in if t, v j'i ^ '"■ Ivail himself „|, he person of the Pale J iU- % "^^-a'l'i'i I'c .uvcmmcd |.raw hat t*at confined her huur.an, i:;;!r>h^ "^ il';; j;" ""r^^ T'^ »a.Ki._,,om.«t' his knife ai her boso.n, he sf^, ro md - h^. , "''■ "'- fc low imj laugh floated to the cars ot he • H ^ T '^'^"""•■•■^"' ^'«'-' ^'rengtrof a^^iaxitV, ^n^^^he fierce -n^lnr "'"'■' "'^''"""^'' '•^'"'' bed to &eu: fire of ht c^^^ ';^ ,«::""""'""■ ^'^ ''"^'"'^^^ '"^ --^-^"•-..^ti;rthe^i;;;t-^^^^^^^ -, waned th..ommand.o,Wirresp..c,ive,cad.J-^: ^^U^nce on ■he.par. ot ManhitU. .aui tlu. Iroq.oM^h.., .■ :;, Ml-n changes a'^avJe at ' T T " "•'""'^'''' '"' ''^ '"-»^; "' ' "■'■ ^am,in«Uisow;»vill'!" '""'°^'^/' 1«^="=*'"' *chpati„ns near, his own" I totalliUifr.-reiMh',.in.rfc,. I ' . ' '"■''"-"y 'f'^' smile.* of his famili f .he firie^^en ; ; ^i ™ -T'-^reater co„..^ utdhaveapecte l^f mo 1 '"'t!" ' "' •^-'•-".■'l^'f' ^ou,. „.„. fy,) th,ir eourlus-bTHni and H TlJ^^ "^ '"""' '" ""'^ ii*^'Vner- ^liltuous feelings. '^ *'■ •^'"t>*"""«». ^^h a di.pJay'l^f ,,i,d and the «fa<^, of eve ning de^ppnH ;4' * t .«<" ^ i uois woiUd f Jmc dfewr^hJBpfrVfr V % ^' :-J ... k J.^t'.,.?* , ^ i:™Js *0 ^nr 82 THE LAST OF THE ERIES, of iho moon, which would not appear till near midnight. He could barely dis ' com the extreme points of the Island, though its centre rose darkly from the water; but he found the sight of his allied better and more practised than his own, tho' he thought he had good reason to boast of his clearnet , jf visioh. They de dared they could perceive the outline of the canoes, yet remaining- where they had been placed, and Pierre, after a short time, managed to perceive them, also, when pointed out to him, though he would have taken them for portions of the rock od which they were resting, had he not been informed to the contrary. He scatter ed his men along the bank, .so as to command an extended view of the island from one point to the other, that in case the JroquftLj attempting to escape on hi« side of the river, they could not do so unobserved. That Manhitti was equally on the alert he telt fully assured; and as minutes and hours pas.sed away in tedi ous silence, he grew impatient of his state of inactivity ; andtooqcupy his mind, he l»-,!<;jn to consider the best means to adopt to rescue the fair object of his at I'oction.s. All seemed quiot on the Island, and a voyager or hunter who might have then srt-aynd to the .spot, would have little imagined ought else than the beasts of the forest were concealed in its dark recesses. The breeze had died away • ami nought was heard but the gurgling of the stream, and the occasional plunge of a inuskjat from his retreat. Manhitti had, with little difference, posted his men in the saine manner a, l'i<;rru, and he, too, was impatient of some movement on the part of the Iroquois wliich might bring him into speedy action. He was considering whether the best plan would be, to join his forces, and screened by the darkness, make an ini mediate attack ufton them, or to maintain his present position, and starve his enemies into sohoe reckless attempt to leave their retreat, which'could by m means alford subsistence in the shape of game, to a score or two of hungri men. He called three of his principle warriors to his siqe, and consulted thek opinion on the matter. • As one of the Eries was giving his advice on the question, he suddenly ditA himself apart and made a motion for silence-placing himself at the same iini It can be washed off," the prisoner quietly replied. ^^^ Why was it put on ? Who wears the paint of the Iroquois but the Five Na- Kar"^"""'!''"'' "*""'''"' why do the Eries hide under the name" iranhiui^Jboked at him fixedly for a moment before h* answered. He thought Jsecr. of h,s race locked in the bosoms of his own people, and in that of hi^ ngfnendPerre; he forgot that in the excitement of 1 fight, his l^rio^ J pealed iorth the ancient cnr of their nation, which would hav proceed nrr^^"*"'"'''^^"" ^•'^^^^ aware that amrirkaand"":; Therefore shouldst thou think Tuscaroro lives in Manhiuil Was not the \g chief of the Eries killed in the last battle with the Five Natioar»^?K west thou the Eries yet exist V \ """^ •""" aftro7'2'.K"°"'" :^''*'"»°'««'=»''y hiscty; the .mar of the bu flak, L a?../ ^"/^'- <^°«^«"«g° knows Manhitti; heknowsTeP^' r as the daughter of Tuscarora." A visible start pervaded the assSAbred b. and the man looking full in the face of the chief, continued ; -^ Tus Uhflln r"*" ^u"""' "'^'"^ P'^P'*^' """"y '""""'«» have ilBsed ^ ^by departure f.x,m, the valley of the Oh.o for the far Missouri. BeJ«,K, f his birth was m the lodge of an Erie; the blood of that|^p e rins in hi. ^toTs aSrL' n, """': °;"'!^-'>°'-^'^'' '-quois, he haCceived b ow^l C r K u ^^ ^^ ^^'^^'^ 'P'^^^'^S hedropped on his knee before |«h^., (whom aslied kr is not quiet when the hunters are ujxm him. I am of thy race |t me to,bring away Waubishk-naung." ' How know I that thou sayest is the truth 1" ' ^ f H9ve I notspokeg. Are the toundsquiet when a stranger enters the villaVe^ ptl IhcMthestepofCoswenago." " ■he two Indians listened for a few moments, and the Erie releasing his hold of a.sco ghded back to his former hiding-place. Pierre whispering to the pll I) to fetgn sleep, also mounted to the lop of the rock. Shortly after the rt. ir leaves announced the approach -of some intruder, and a tall form emergS ^^he trees clos^pon the Pale Lily. ■ Stooping to ascertain she was still i„ posmon he leatW on his r,de, listening to the audible breathing of his pris r.who was fe.|>.ng Sleep. as well as her terror, would permit. Ho then ^d .lowly roundthe rock, and unibrtnnately or fortunately, stumbled over th a ate body of Owascc^fallingfbrward.onhisface,ck^e by where the Erie us s alioned, who quick as thought sprang-upon .hepr^-strateChief, d a rfgh m [heavy blow on the head, which for a moment rendered him insens bje, ."nd ," . wouldtS' ^ "" "?■' ^""'^ '""" '"^ •^^"^'' ^"^^'^ J-' - time an "la 1 Jdmg his companion, and, wUh the assistance ofQwasco, Coswonago was ^w a^ r3K;'^""''^"^"^^°^'- ^''^^- picked 'up the Chi5..om: wTe,t.H ! '™ '° '"■^' " death^I^ow, when the weapon w^s sudden- wrested from h.8 grasp, and Owasco flung it amon^ ,he tn^e/ ■^^ r have ea ten of his i,read," said he, pointing ,o Cdsweiui^o j he de^ mr Hfe will „^J^^^7',^- "''' fc^^-' a benefit, though he can well Member an i C will not sec ^him die, bu^- in fj,ir and open fight.«^ ' ' ' ' ^ " ' Dur good friend here, iliou ^By hy the hand } b> the hand. TheLr«8hrt,ggingnphislKoHld««,.content«^ him^n with ''ft THE LAST OP THE ERIES, V« • t ..• f s K- -f- 2 aiadaimui gesture, and with running his knife up to the hilt in the sod by hi, side, wiiich he knew would effectually gall the spirit of Goswenago, by slgnify- inirtluithe'owed his life to the cl^kency of his enemies. A brief consultatioi, «n now heki to adopt the safest^and easiest method ot cpnveying the Pale Lily liMn the Island, without discovering themselves to the Iroquois. A plan wn Mcm-decidea on, and no time yWas lost in putting it inta execution. Owasco whc fcaa madftj^ way to the canoes, returned ssiying that Ooswenago trusting to hi- 9mx pirMLUj to guard th/t part of the island, liad scattered his m6n alqpg iu •tore, though one or two pemained in rather close appVoximity |p them— the wav 10 the point, hpwersr. being uninterrupted by sentries. AccoW%ly the Pah Lily was released frtmi the light withes that bound her limbs, and in the arms o: 5,55i, . *'«'■ lo^". was borne a the place of embarkation, where he put her do>vn to assis « Owasco in launching tfie canoes; but just as he ha^i'released himself of his bu: den, a piercing yell c/f rage, apprehension and alarm, rung wildly behind him, and a dark form daslje(d amons; the party— aiming a blow at Pierre with its heavi tomahawk, who avoided the weapon by a. quick bend of his body, and siwceedec in grappling yrith his adversary. Pierre possessed no inconsiderable share c strength and activitr but he found his enemy fully his match in all the art c wrestling; happening to stumble among the uneven ground, he was ihrowii voi leuliy on his back/ taough still keeping a firm hoia of the arms of the Irwiuoi who madeseveraV convulsive efforts to release himself. His strenuous attempts c; a sudden ceased; his muscles relaxed; his head fell forwar d, and Pier re felt tht warm blood fall like rain upon his face. He threw aside the nowSiiaUonle.s' body, and sprung to his feet. The Erie was itanding over him with thet^ hawk of the Iroquoi in his hand, and Pierr'e thanking him for his timely heir jumped into one of the canOes, in which Owasco and the Pale Lily were alread. seated; and he looked round ior his companion, who had imacountably disap peared. Owasco guessing the cause of the delay, pointed to a dark mass on tb water, moving round the rocks »t the point. It was a cluster of the remainisf *=»'>'*». *;'»*«'> "»e Erie had, wtih gieat foresight, (notwithstanding the eminm danger of the moment,) succeeded in collecting together, among which he con cealed him.self-gradually edging ofl Aom the Island. All this occurred in ft less time than it has taken to explain it The united ettbrts of Owasco au Pierre were now driving thfrir light vessel fast across the current towards mainland, where ManhitU was stationed. Rifle reports echeed in quick snce» sion nt)m the opposite side of the Island, which, as Pierre rightly conjectuwd were directed against the Brie in the other ehaunel. But soon they were, them selves discovered, and the bright flaithing of several angry rifles streamerl likf' forked lightening through the dark atmosphere, and the leaden missiles hissed.a 3 bout their ears. Q06wn, Pale Lily, down in the canoe." Pierre earnestly whispered, and obfr dWm.to the voiee of her lover, sho sank below the thwarts of the vessel. Ow» go ffhn wn^ vatcd n tha Mm, awdt! a paw with his paddle to the rtghtr iostawlf Bwenring from their course, they went down with the stream. r' MES, 'jsj' p to the hilt in the sod by hi» it of Coswenago, by signify- emies. A brief consultatiob 1 o( cpnveying the Paie Lily I the Iroquois. A plan wa;- nt()' execution. Owasco whc rt 0oswenafo trusting to hi< scattered his m^n alqipg it; )proximJty ^ them— the wav tries. AccoWflngly the Pal; ler limbs, and fn the arms o: here he put her doivn to assis I' released himself of his bur rm, rung wildly behind him , blow at Pierre with its heavi d of his body., and succeedec no inconsiderable share c: |r his match in all the art t ground, he was thrown voi of the arms ()f the lro<|uoi '. His strenuous attempts c; forwar d, and Pier re felt th« ;w aside tHenowlhQtionles Jg over him with the tS] ing him Cor bis timely helf the Pale Lily were alread' lo had unacountably disap )iBted U) a dark mass on tb 9 a cluster of the remainiu lot withstanding the- eminn jther, among which he con id. All this occurred in fi ited efforts of Owasco aa ross the current towards t >rts echoed in quick sace» Pierre rightly conjecturfd But soon they were, them- I angry ritles streamed lilt* tiie leaden missiles hissed.^ | rnestly whispered, and obfrja Varts of the reasel. Owifrf A TALE ok CANADA •• Whar-means this,'' said Pierre angri\; " we do not increase our dmau from our enemies." 87 " The white-man speaks the truth," answered OwLco; ' " but it is very dark' ^d the Iroquois fire as if they had their eyes shut. Their ears are''now open for sound ot our paddles; thlf will have to find a new ran-e." .nd such, indeed, waathe^case; Ih^bullets whistled past far on their left and lugh a kw rifles flashed below ijiem, it was evident, from their mode o! ftrin- !y had Ic^fcsigfit of the canoe. Owasco now put silently about and wit'i en^v »kes, propelled Iiis vessel pgain. across the current. Pierre wa.s beginning Vo ■rratulate himself on the sucwssful termination of his adventure when the Tiess was suddenly dispelled, and a blazing arrow rushed nearly over heads, lighting up the water round them with a glare that made them vis to those on either shore, A deatening yell of triumph ahd rage bur>^t from Iroquors, and rifles flashed from eyery part of the island. Owasco .spran.^' uls.vely upright ; he ^ndeaforetf to send back a cry of defiance, but hi. vo.e^- \ away m a feeble murmur, and ^ turned his eyes, that wore now covered ^ the glas.sy stare of death, on Piterre, and said : with the stream. Tell Tuscarora that Owasco dies an EHe ; teh^m thai &«'L'rr'^"''"' !!"'''"""='■ '' "'•^'^-k'«»anco--fallin,.witha heavy I T.U T"' ""* ^'' '^'P' ^"^"y '" « '""'»«"' fx^yon'l Pierre's assist- .. who though surtled at the fate of his companion, put L canoe again o- ktl. current, togetoutofthe range of the Iroquois, then quartering the srrean ^eaheu the ma.nland in safety. Manhi.ti received thim on the ban. and .1 h.s rescued daughter in his arms, with an afiectionate care.s.,, whilst' .sh. Bately. laughed and striked his face with childi.sh fondness. He did noi Lv r 7r'V" "'•«?«-««'• d-Play of HfTeCion; he resumed hi., for *Jies. The young Frenchman thereupon explained ;-that growing impatient Cmeore„/r%TT ''■''" '■"'''''"" Accordin^hc impart d fcnt.rJ r K Eries, who gladly Consented to accompany him Di^ i ive ir "' "''r ' '"'^' ""^'-^ ^'^^P''"* "-P' "^-^ »<--«. -hey entered Ltothr^ ?• ^"'*''"^'»« *'">«' «"»« ti""3 Leneath the water" ro.e fey made tt^:;';:;;'^^'-^™?-^''-"^^^ ^•-'"«''- succeeded IT I '^•*.""=°''"'«'' """ "'« no^Js-passing the (^-oquoi wntinels ^yrssleept'lV""'' """'^"'«"-^' ---hingtl. spot w'ere the Fa L Eh AMP^ -I^''f«'<'fthq-C a iii£ql«n.,th» r e ader iu .,^,^sir ^^^^,„,^ ravery of Owasco, whose death was witnessed with Sincere regret / .„f-'3. tiIl: last of the t:RiEs,-» '.ly nil-' i-M'it.'v, , . ' > . - Having succeeded m chastising iheir enemies, and rescuing the Pate Liiv il.cmaiii object ol their expedilion-Manhiiti proposed lo decamp before ii,. break inday, and make their way with as much speed as they could/o the Ot;,- ■■\^. This proposition however, was received with dissatisfaction b/theyoun.^ porhonouhe band, who were eager 1., keep on the trail of their enemies l, .Manhilti was prudent as he was brave, an,i for the sake of his daughter ' wl, •ouJii ill l,ear the fatifrue and privations of a warpath, was resolute on returr in-l.>hisown village without delay. Preparationa were, therelbre, mad« |. their departur.^, and one of the warriors was sent off in the canoe to summon ih others on the opposite shore to attend, who soon returned towing, in triumph tl,. rem.amderol the captured vessel.s-two of which were reserved lor theirow.n.s. ;ind tin3 rest (Jeslroved. Manhitii who, was perfectly converlant with the surrounding country, dccMu. ifbest to return by another route than that which thev had come, which wonl- )wt ..nly offer easier means for conveyance, but probably elude the Iroquois wh, ' woMl., when their departure was ascertained, keep outlying'on their trail .o.?ei.. - a lavorable moment for retaliation. Pierre with his usual gafcntry wrapped ih. Pale Li.y.in a mantle of soft skins,, and lifted her into one ^le canoes whic^ was hoisred on the sihoulders of six stout Eries. Arranging themselves in sii,.4 lie, the party silently decamped^fgllowing tlicl^IendW the lake, and ihe risn, ^.ni lound th»-m again round the extinguished fire at the marsh. From thence tfir l.verged .south easterly,-tak-ing a new path through the wilderness. Manin, .en at the lal* six of his most prudent and experienced warriors, to watch il, iiiDvements of their enemies. i Night closed round iherri, and still an Vterminibic tract of trees seemed i ..re-chaway withoutend. On the evenin/of the third day .since the r^captu,. -t the Palo Lily, tluiy camped on fiie shdre of one of those numerous lakes ^o.r accted with the Madawaska .river. Here they erected a temporary i«rt for th. maiden, and venturing to light a small fire, cooked some dried venison and bear ;lcsn on iho hot coals. ,; r " «'..swenago will feel like a wounded wolf," said Pierre, after finishing a suet Mentha; might have satisfied a giant," and which was devoured with a rapid.J ofily to be elikcted by extreme hunger. " Coswenago will feel itke a -wound J won ; we must be on the look out for his bite." < - " We have not seen fl.e last of him," rejoined Manhitti seriously =' he like ound htmsel on the wrong trail at.he Madawaska, and then turned on his h. ; to h.s own village, But our home will be a peaceiul one no more; the Seneci- ' w.i ag^n assemble to .weep n. off the ^oHhe earth ; the name of Enl gall to them ; but we shall not again turn like deer before the hmiters. Bv o„ wTh hirfr f i "''' "'""'r^ " '" ""'''' "P'"' ^'"^ "■ '-'^y Erie shall .. r M T ' '"""' ""' ^°' Waubishk-naung, who ,s as . tenrie, .% i iKta» .um'ou, m ^ft,s voice grew treti ulcus as her namt^^^^ ■kv Atfet:^ ji<_ , id warriors, to watch ih t A TALE OF CANADA* ■ I dSuld resign my place among the living without regret. ' 89 f-' Trust to the honor of him you havi^named Broad Rifle, though he is a Palt hce i trust to the honor of a Frenchman, who, whatever belals thyself or thy peo i>le will he a friend and protector to i\^ Pale Lily Thou knowest thy enemies te also mine ; with thy people I remajli ; with them h-goon tho war-path or th.^ Tasc." O./ ' ' ' iron's Th.! Chief grasped the young r|l|pi,'s. hand fervently. " Thou hasL spoken ell," said he. '■ If thou fiast won the icgard of the maiden, she .shall slug iu thy Bt. She has been the joy of my old age ; when the hours grew heavy, she would khten them. Thou must protect her from the Winter's cold, from the sun's It, and from her enemies. She is a delicate flower for the wilderness and it ► Senecas prevail, thou mayest find a new hpme for her among thy country Phe Ch.el had probably a presentment of approaching calamity to himself and h)eople ; that in such an event, he wished to secure ihe happiness and saletv ills daughter by uniting her to the nU she loved, who^could, if necessary cure lier a home in another land where she would be safe against the malicr "■er persecutors. \ , , J»is was the first time he had broached the subject since the day Pierre ha.l • Be known to' him his Move for his daughter. He "had tried the faith of hi. Ing inend as her^ished before consigning to his care .so precious a jewel. The Ene^^posed till the .rising moon began lo tnrow its .silver rayfflSKr iht et of water, on which they launched the canoes-lavingtheir rifles M the larts, ready for immediate acti.^a-and most of them embarking, swiVlv lided ► the shore-the eddying water in^.hear wake sparWing in the m^n-beam, »e who wore lett behind dn.ded jf.eir party, and followed the bend of the Ion either shore, for though pretty well convinced no danger was to be%p- fcended (roni the Iroquois, they were too cautious to leaveMherftselves efpo.sed ' h attack from any enemy who migj,t be disposed to take advantage of a secure . ns-LfT," ":.''"""• '''^' ^'''^''y '^^^*'^^'^^' on a eu.shi;„.«f .so,,^' ns, ar anged by P.erre, who stationed him.,eir directly beh.ud her-guidin-^ ofT- o;'^"" 'V'r'' '^"'"•"^^ ''^ paddle-eagerly hstening to Jr ttci' lof he. capture, and the incidents of her forced journey. P.erre gave u.le,- fe Lar'n 'T?!*' '"'*'^' ^^-'^'^ e,5ithets upon Coswenag.; «^|,e jauunow tneir laces, he wiJ» not remain behind." .r.'^/"' ^.gfie^! mj father baa the. t>,U ^iwc -w^-« r^^rff . " ^^'"^ "^ '"^'^ *="» i»«» ; he has told me to ask thee tf tb, ^'' J^PP. ■~?!^ W • THE LAST OP THE ERIES, Pierre, gently whispering in her ear. The young girl laughed gaily for a moment, and then rather seriously replied ■' The Pale Lily loves everything-5-the flowers, the birds, the ^rees and theriver. the sun, moon and stars, and " " And what else, pray," enquired Pierre, observing that she hesitated, " Thou must ithow well I l6ve tkee very much," she answered with great sim plicity. " Yes, Keenwaw-ishkoda knows it now, were he even ignorant of it before' ,heUughingly replied; and pretending to drop his paddle, in the seeming effort to recover it, he brought his head close to the cheek of the blushing girl; and rav ished a kiss trom her coral lip». ' The night was warm, and the air, undisturbed by the slightest breeze, rustled not a leaf in the forest. The moon now sailed aloft, uninterrupted by a single :loud, and threw its unbroken light over the expanding lakq^ which seemed to wist itsel£ thrnagh the forest like a plate of silver— it lay so calm and still. Pine? iracks covered each jutting promontory, while the tall maples an.l Ijjrew along the shore, threw their shadows hall way across the lide, and every tree on the other lay exposed to the eye in the lighi It was a scene and night calculated to lull excited feelings to soli buse the mind, to calm and holy thoughts. There was something wild and lonely about the place, but tha^ rather added to the charm of the picture The Indians mechanically worked their paddles, though their eyes still contin-- ued to glance on every side. The two canoes drew together, and Manhitti whis p«red a lew words to the Pale Lily. i ■' Would it be safe? " she replied to his observation. . " Yes, the Iroquois have turned to their own wigwams, and if any enenji sculk among the tree^,. our kouts will give'us warning." , , ' Whereupon,the voice of the Q»aiden filled the air with its harmony, as she sanf """ 'in a beautiful and plaintive strain the following lines which we have taken th* ^berty to put-inio verse : - • ' Why do the stars appear only at night 1 Why in daytime are they hid from the sight 1 Brighter than shells, or the steel's titlul gleam Sotti^ their lustre, thougli dazzling they seem.' O ! why doth the Moon not always arpeart? Why doth she hifle nearly half of the year 1 Increasing her lustre as farther prest Away froni the place where the sunbearus rest. * Why do the days in Spring lengthen apace i O ! why doth cold Winter shorten their racel Wheii Irost as it nips the grass on the ground, :*be bun he grows taifgf,- brighter and fOTjnd. — ii'b change from (liiarter to Full. ' ' . A TALE OP CANADA 31 ams, and if any enenji Why doth'l then take a short path through the sky? That sooner be might in a warmer bed lie ■? But he melts not the snow nor heats the air Though sometimes 't invites the beasts from their l .Great Spirit listen, the red men would know And partake of secrets which white-men show Tissaid after death we ascend" on high— Where whiteand red-men shall roam through the sky •^^r^ ,i^||».The arches of the wilderness caught up her words and echoed them far and JiKr, with the same spirit of enquiry in which they were sung, that had a striking ^ct on the minds of her listeners. Pierre, with admiration, had often heard her befere, but never was he so enraptured, as at the present moment . the simple earnestness in which she sang. The Indians, who had rented o„ Ir paddles to listen, now resumed them, and bent again to their task fhe lake on which tliey had been moving tor the last two or three hours now med to terminate. Such was not the case, however, though young tamaracks I tall bulrushes threatened to preclude a larther a(dvance, a narrow channel wa. lopen among them, that seemed to twist in every direction, through which th^ ■»es wereguided with little difficulty. The flags and rushes lifted themselves tflher side, h,gh above the heads of the Erics. The air was close and heavv 1 this rank and luxuriant vegitation, which appeared a fit habitation for th' aerous cranes and geese, which there found a shelter. fAs the moon paled be- sthehghtofday. the channel began to unfold,-to lose its marshy appear- le. and from a confined stream, it gradually spread out into an e«l,ansive lake ^hichits numerous fish had reigned undisturbed by their greatest ,.nemv' ^' "^fdT.' *^?':r"'"''f • '^^^ '"'^ ""* '•P'-^^'* his slanting beams among th.' and the hitherto silent forest answered to the signs of life :-the thrush 1 his song with the sun, the kingfisher darted from his perch, the gulls spread oSfT *='"'fhile the hoarse cry of the catbird, roused the y.t ■hro»?h several such pieces of ^ater did the Eries wend their way and as J.^Tf^^Tr ''""'"^^' '^' "^""""^ '^"»«'* « different-appearance, the r Shores of the akes contracted, and rose inlo ab^^pt banks, ^tween wh ch ^ItSlt'th f ""^^"«^^«1 '••«'"««Jves to float down with the c„r;ent- ihiTL^T: I'efore their eyes spread a majestic river, compared to ^.ch, Its tributary, on thatthe Eries were idvancing. dwindled to a thX^.nH g shout, and every arm strained itself anew at the paddjes. Pierre recognised laglancethe friendly Ottawa, and he. too, sent for^ hi^VoicerardTu^ S aid gazed with deligtfrea-it,^,,,o„„.,„j^ ^ *'"'' he islands. I.^a, not long, however, before the exertions of the Eries Tojx 0)- \ 1 c L^ .^ 1 -i ¥'. V IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I 11.25 l i O "^" |25 IS us U Hi 12.0 T ■/ iV ■17 \ c\ ^.Sciences • (ffixjration 23 WIST MAIN STRHT WIBSTIt.N.Y. 14380 (716)«72-4303 r '*■- THt: LAST OF THE ERIE.S ••.'•n,upL...ue..n the uvo princpal ones, and dropping their paddles ,hev <'av. U.c. s,,,n;,lciy No answer came, nor dHl a Jace appear lo welcome iheL - A.MU. d>d , ,e,r voices echo shrillv Iron shore lo shore, vet no crv of reco^n, ■an .v..che•■•! '.- \^^^ -irainin- gaze, the blackened ruins of the Erie viUag,- ^^ Li-^^ T.^t,_ .i«a» "At •>^ c * A TALE OF CANADA. -Y^^ INTRODUCTOHY 8CENK CONTINUED. ■ lis getting dark-ah, the candles are going out, which, I suppose, ,nus, a,- '.un for the fact. I think, Dick, you might have snuffed them'Lnlv out ,. Wn ' W ,V rr'T"! ' 'r''"'^" affording you; I say-p.shaw"> h.V ,,. ^leep. Well, well, let'.s look at the rest. Greenland-snoring, by Jupiter' A„ -.qu..y-hesgone. Squintum-drunk, I believe. Humph- this is tle.r thank. Dul Lead to them for their amu.sement and instruction or mv own 7 Mv ow,, w'^sinT.s'r^H """:;? ""^'' ""-'-"'-"y. '^e author, a manu.scrip. a -' 1'." they m,ght have appreciated my genius; let me .ee, though-authors ^,e r, ,- -ry apt to pra.se one another. Whaf.s the time 7-ah, it's pr;.,y 1 te „: . ,- e..s; -0-morrcwn.ght they'll be fresher-ahem." \,,, " , '' [ Htcoiid night. J I •" ■ ^''"' '" I -Here we ar6 again assembled-a Literary Association. We arc rathe, mu ny iellows take us altogether ; perfectly honest chaps ; never tell lijs wil u 2 f-^;;;-7«; We take the world as we find it, and never grumb ^ "„ " Bv Lt n k '''"""^'''"' "--•^"— 'i rayvhtn .onveni; .1 By h by, D.ck owes me tour and six pence. Twas hardlv fair to ask n.e ,. nd.tto hnn, knowmg very well that I knew his peculiar peculiarit.es but hen. of cour.0, 1 shall borrow from him at some fuiure time, and it C be a trtfle over the amount he owes me. So. Greenland, you're rather la ".is .^ er ing; you look as ii you had been on a bender last night; there's a pec nrduT ness about your eyes-a kind of glassy stare, that's'no at all beconing Yon .nay s.y u's hard s,udy-J',l not believe it; you may say it's dyspeps a -A.rata Za'^t ^ ''^"' * '•'^"S^i ' ^^"»' -^^y ^^■''at kind of change but you'll be different from what you are at present, I feel m the vein for ToSli' 2 ,h essay upon the Anatomy of the human frame-showing up the singular fact that .-^^ ^u.y^ i^mgk, llhiiikwoultr-Bepreieratle; Ihcre'sscope there for ~ tor the imag.natH,n,o dilate. There's the con.e.. tJuitWufBcieut ff ita«U " f'f'' » u THE LASTVOP THE ERIE3, is. "■ ♦■• tarnish matterfor a chapter, and the s\eral beams oflighl that centre at a com mon focus, their different colors seen through a prism, would form another-in fact my readers would be just as wise at the end as the beginning, but at the vanu. ,„ne think ii extremely wonderful, and very well lectured A medical tr.end ot mtne once told me that the o^/ronlis was situated in the lore part of tho head and the what-d'j-t-call-um behind. It was a rather singular fact he said hut that, no doubt, Providence had some wise end in view, when he designed the OSS irontis should be where it is, and the what-d've-call-um where it is But more of that anon. I want to ask Charlie a question :-did you read my ' Orphan 'jirl, which Greenland gave you ? " ' ■' Orphan Girn-ha.^hum,-0, yes, this morning, very mteresting, indeed She was thirteen years of age, I think ; died before she got married Yes it doe « you a great deal of credit. ' ^ • I am glad to hear you say so, for you're a judge of these things, Charlie - But you made a slight mistake as to her age; she was nineteen instead of thir- teen, and didn't die at all, but married her «ilor lover, with whom she lived very hap|jily-a happiness that was enchanced by the vicissitudes she experienced in her early ^outh." '■ Ahem,-just so ; that was the idea I meant le-^gnyey. She was a very mor- al, innocen;, character but was seduced by a designiSJg villain, when she Was so suddenly left alone in tfie world, but under the care of a kind protector she was saved from further disgrace." " s " Slightly mistaken, again, Charlie ; 'tis true she met with a kind but she never went »stray from the paths of virtue." • ••'^ " 'ies. just so, that's what I meant, but you express it somewhalfdifffei^ly- By the by, Squintnm, how do you get on with your history 1" ' • " I've done nothing more to it; I'm waiting for the denouement ^f your story from which I intend to select the most striking paswge? concerning the Eries.-' 1 hey will bi' a great addition to tny compilation. " *" .. " You're welcome to them, Squintum, I alwaj-s like u, encourage native tal- ent, and you may depend upon the incidents as authentic." " Authentic ! -pshaw ; Squintum, dont be such a fool as to believe him ;' Green- land might, but for a sensible man like you— tush ! " " Dick, I beg, once for all, to recollect I never write unless I have a mn foun- dation whereon to begin-some tangible truth. There is no extra flight of the imagination; no extra romancing; no orphan-girlism about it, Squintum knows that you are quizzing him." But, Charlie, recollect that I am writing a history, and I must be very care- ful in my selections, especially as my conscience is of that peculiar sensiilve- neu, that a single paragraph one iota astray froiij the truth, would ruin my peace of mind lorever." ♦» =^*=^«^»iWBonfial, S^mtnin, we're Kwife driSaT, and »Tneerely lyi^r . r J. A TALE OP CANADA. 35^ centre at a com rm another— in ing, but at the id. A medical fore part of ihf; r fact, he said, le designed the !re it is. Bui id my • Orphan «sling, indeed I. Yes, it doe.x igs, Charlie.- nstcad of thir lom she lived he experienced is a very mor- en she was so ?ctor, she was i»s fdiflferently.— 't -■= if your story, the Eries.— e native tal- him ;' Green- a sure foun- flightof the . Squintum e very carc- ir sensitive- in my peace reTy ijrmpaf, . ' th.zc with what is much to be rcgretted-namely, what you so much deplore ' " But, Charlie, wa.s that part of the story, where Shanintsoronwe kilU thiw ol hi,.ajpn men because thpy were vanquished by the Senecas, not rather orer ' drawn?" t' ■ ' Overdrawn l-not snfficiently graphical, you mean. The circmnstance i* liistorical ; I can show you my authority ; Antiquity will tell vou s<>-he kiiow.s . all about ii. Here, Dick, stir yourself; bring on the glasses j make yourself mis- •rablo, and I will i-ead you .some more of thi.'< interesting manuscript." •' What ! another Indian story? " " No, it's the same ; 1 haven't got half through yet. ' " O! I thought it was all finished. Itstrikes me, though, you mi^ have let that interesting young Frenchman live a little longer; he died rather prema ture." i " It strikes me, Dick, that you know very little about it; if yon had that re (*ard Ibr deoancj', whftii one would suppose you posse.ssed of, you would never fxpo^ your ignoiance by talking of that you do not understand. That interest ing young Frenchman U not dead yet, so he could not die rather premature as your foolish fancy suggests." ' " You're rather hasty Charles; if you h0 given t^ie time I would have ex- plained— hem, ahem ; tii— the story is " •' Comical, I suppose ; I admire your penetration." ■ - auite comical, Charlie ; I think in that line you excel. It's quite laughable where Coswenago dances a hornpipe to a French air, that is whistled, with vari- ations, by Pierre." ' # ; ' You must be thinking of some of your own characters, Dick; I dont think (Coswenago ever danced a hornpipe in his life ; you're slightly mistaken with re- gard to his accomplishments. His disposition was grave and stern, which was the idea you meiint to convey, I suppose 1 " '■ Just 80. I was going on to say that it wmUH have been quite laughable if he had undertaken to dance a lively fandango~he being of such a moody and dignified disposition, the contrast would have been so^ remarkable." " Gentlemen, fill your glasses— Charlie's going to begin." " You're right, Greenland ; that was a sensible remark. Always speak sensi- bly, and you will not fail to impress your hearers with the fact. Always speak not only sensibly, but to the point. Enter into your subject at once ; go right in- to the pith of it ; never falter, but be clear, concisfe and brief. ' Fill your glasses -Charlie', going to begin,' embodies all my observations-nothing could be bet- ter expressed, and I may say " * , " That it's time to hold your tongue ; Squintum want's to speak." paH, T was perfectly .lelighted with the peculiar fraito of Indian character so V» 9G THE LAST OF THE EIl^ts^; tlZr'i' -^ ; T , , '" "'' '''''"^"' '"'^ ^"'^ S^^'P'--"' '"'"i«'"'^ vet ,o re- ate wluch will be h.glUy .nterestmg to us all. As the tale i.s o,.e of Canada rut -he tncdents pnndpally connected wt.h hs scenery, it tnus, na.ur.lly exc..:. o JOO 000 settled for the most part, about Uuebec, Trois Itivcis, and Montreal- wuh a few trading places along the lake Iron.icr ; but the back count, v remain odcni.rely unbroken, and in possession of wandering tribes of lud.an's I, is , most astonishing fact, when one comes .0 think of at Junv ihe country l,a. ir," creased ,n population, weal.h, settlements, and public improvcntents since i" connuest by ,he British-an event of seat.ely one hundred 'ears a,o Ti „''l, the French were the fus, tocoloniz- the shores'ol .he St, Lawrence, '^nd pc^se! ed he country for tnore than .50 years, under theff s.vay it remained almost in a" ■>tate of barbarism , but no sooner did the Anglo Saxon race begin to wield th-i , axes ,n us forests, than i, awoke at once ,„ ,i,o, cnergv and i,n nnement- ws^'m -■ - 1. :ients yd in re- )f Canada, i:nd iilly exciif oui "I of, I ihiiik. i iMontrcal— iiitiy leiiiaiii- liaii.s. It i.s a mntiy has in cuts since its igu- Tliciitrii ami ptjssL'Ms- il almost ill ;i wiekt tin"! r "merit— show - 'Piior ('tl1-.a, .[ round a table covereji , with grcea baize, the Uorertior and stvi-ral 'oiihr. pri;,, i- lile officers ot the garrison, while a lew others siimkI aiiart, cunveisint' in -roiip^ Mith grave and serious tace.s, when the voio( ol ilu- lorinfi inManilv siiii.,: ih- low whi.spers. " Lieutenant Lefevw 5te|Vtbrward." -"' The young mnnaddressed advanced to the Jboi t«l ilie table and bnw< d tmiiffhtilv. , •• Intormalion luis been laid before me tliatfcyt>,i have k'cri, in conjunction « in. vour comrade, Pierre, corresjK.ndiiij,' with lh« enemies of France. Vnu havr been cited to appear at thi? boaitl to answer such questions as shall be pin f vom , relating totliis afljtir, well and truly ; at the same time vou are at libertv to briii.- lorward witnes,e to.send a decided refusal. I take ' ihi« opportunity oftelling you tljat I resign my grade, and shall claim no arrears of pay. You say that I am subject to suspicions which concern my character t.s « subject and widier of France. It matters little at present; I amncither the one nor th e other; the fature wHI explain. lA the mean time, I remain vojirs &«^ Ffbia the tenor of this letter. Monsieur Lcfevr., and from what I have seen iw THE LAST OF THE ERIE.S, ■I 1.1 heard jivvi Hislv, I must .■oDcriid'tMl." u- .r . v a< l •'•'■i join my lorces with tho«e of General WaHp • nf,P. „..,•. , ''..^Ottawa,,, raise new levies IW ' ="'" "'"<^'>> ' '«'">•'' ^^ain t. K.irn .hi .. "" "■"' "' '"'"cing the matter now _ rousing himself said,- ""luiancL.v Ailast L,-. ^^■^May.a.k Governor VaudreuviHe how those papers came into hi..,,osse} " They were hrought to me," replied the person addressed '■ hv .n in^- ' ^ u .p,,.d, which ,0 „, .„pH.x., ■i.^Zn^:^yj,':,^zi[7T''''' f Ttunate fatuity wrongly addressed Prr.m tK . ""^^'"''"'eara-by somr • l>peaK lor yourself, sir," sternly in(erpos«d the Governor- '■ unih w • Pierre we shall deal with hereaAer " Th.n , ^"*"n'>'-. *"h Monsieur .• .>,.inM„ I .. r. nereauer. Then tuinmg to his officers at the table he .ontmued,: Gentlemen you have heard the contents of both letters- they h; - V intdf ;iT 'nT "'■"•-•--'^'^"yon.he part of Monsie r ^0^ V 11 no. do. I shall call lorwanl Lieutenant Lacaste, and you can put what' questions to him you think proper." <■'"' P"i wiiat Accordingly Lacoste advanced and bowed to those at the table ^.^-l^^V "' ^'"'^i^^f a^ociatingmuc fa with Ihr pri..n«rx^^. „, ^<)tme*one^T6e officers. — " vji j^-ii^uia . ^xa^—^ ■«Ji- A TALE OF CANADA. ^^ .ali^'^lL^^' ''"'^ ^' '"'"^ never-spoken, except casually on m.n-n, or .^o,Hd lead >ou ,0 suspect anydeaign on.hcpart of Lelevre tocorre.pond wi.h-.he '■ 1 could not say that I have-except-that is " and here Lacos.o hesitated '*ith well leigned reluctance. "<.- uaita " That is-what7 You'must tell what you know, sir," .saJd his inierrogator "That is on one occasion, when I unavoidably overl«:ard a conversation bo- tween Messieurs Pierre and Lclevre." -Go on ; state the nature of it," impatiently commanded his questioner, as La- custe agam .stopped. <-<, a.^ l,<» ■• They were-that is, Pierre .said that for his part he was getting tired of th. l-lace and the .service , he was for a more active and responsSle saum „„ ,| ' a mere lieutenancy in the French servipe affonled,- his dis^itl wlsfo" h- ot scene-ihat, in fact, he had thought, of decamnine m-Tu '^"^ ^" .l.at I could only hear such w-ords is .b.sl.pX"s' cZrl "^ " '"" ■sufficient reward,- &c.. Such expression, naZl ^Tur^nid ~ "'"7 ' coupled a, they were with Woni, of such doubtfanendencTand Z'JuT " p.«on ever crossed my mind ihey were concertingany ZILtous desiS I "" nosjjy vas sufficienUy excited to listen further especial v 1;™ ^' ' '"" >«rentioned, which, I think authorised myt emi^ l em Z^T T"" ""^ hi3 pocket, which he read .loud, and alth^ he tn wasCtt T 'T hear distinctly, yet I concluded from .uch significant Iturlsts were ? some itnportant secret was then under consideration ' "' ^""''' ' Lacost's evidence was taken down bv the Govemnr „.i.„ • , .. •• Do you know Lieutenant Lefevrt.?" enquired the Governor " Yes," answered the man, bowing low with a readv smile ruarril" ("" '^"' '' '" ""^ '"= "^'^ '" "'^ ^"^''"^ '■- --^time in Feb- " No, your Excelkmcy-certainly not by him." " By whom, then ? " " By Monsieur Pierre." ' Was Lieutenant Lcfevre present at the time 1 " -'lYe a ^ yaaf Ewrileney*^ ,x Was he aware that you did go 7 " -X4i,.- ■'Ill ' 4*. '^ THK LAST OF THE KRIF.S', ■' I think licjkas, Monsieur." ' Did }'ou^g''t adrailtance ro the Knglish camp 1 " 1 did, J bur Excellency." • What did you .ee (herel what di^you go for 1 Tell ui all you know, and !-.war^ how yi>u'.speak ought but (he truth-lbr if] tind you (rifling I shall liavc yoii .shot." " No danger your Excellency," replied tV man cooly j ' I jold myf.clf to th^ English, and was employ*^ by them a;i boatman to " ■' Had you any particular direction* for so doingV" fnterp<*cd one of the offl rers. " Yes,-MonMeur Lefevre told me what to do. Lieutenant Pierre m- Raged me to go; this gentleman gave me directionf '' " And he paid you 1 " " On— of course/' answered the man. shrugging hit shoulders. ■ Well !— proceed," said the Governor, impatiently. • I took- an opportunity of escaping to the Indians in the employ of the English and went up the country with them. 1 know the Indian language, and accord >ng 10 my directions made useof my ears, my tongue and my hands. I was bv them acknowledged a good hunter and a ' brare.' I war friendly with some oi the chiefs, and from what I saw and )»ard, together with question, cunninglv put, I gamed this information :-thal upwards of forty summers ago a roun^' woman was captured by this tribe on the shores of ilw greatsalt lake, and broughl into this part ol the country, where she was either murdered or .Molen by anotl^er iribe-I could not learn which. As I couW not push the subject farther without awakening suspicion, that was all I had to tell ihonsieur Lefryre." ' How si/,— all ! " exclaimed the Governor, doubtingly " •' 1 call .say nothing but the truth, your EiceMency." " Everything but the truth, you mean." " A very probable story, indeed," muttered another. " So much time, trouble a^d money spein to brfeg the doubtful information that a girl, some forty or fiftjf years ago, was made a prisoner by these Indian, and either roastect or eaten," said Laccete wiih evident disappointment, lor he' had expected a diflerent story from the boatman, whose-secret excursion to the Knglish IronUer he had been acquainted with, but not of the particulars. He had hoped the circuHMtancB would have involved Lefevre deeper into a web of sus- picion. " You can step back, Baptisie," said VawdrewviHe— "and Uwoste keep an eve on him we may want kim yet." " Gentlemen," said Lefevre, "from some cause that I am not aware of you alJ seem strangely prf judiced against me. Lef me assure you, however, that whaf the man Baptistchaustatea is true; and no matter how improbable or triflinK- -BaysecmThe Object Of fif« ifiission to you, f have the means of proviug that ii" -?^^M5k4;: - M $Vni;tk2.J^ (« \A A TALE OF CANADA joi *«s 61 the srcate« iniertM to me. He, indeed, did not bring bark all ti,6*infor. raalion I expected, but that wan neither his fault nor mine." "f The Governor and Lacoste looked rather iocrcdulous, but when Lef«vrc ceased •peaking, the tbrmer rose and said . "Lieutenant Lefevrc must not be surprised if any ore prejudiced agai„« him «or however high an individual may stand in thcjstiiaation of a few the horri' ble crime of treason, when proved by such evidence a. has been he'n- bfou^h- Jorward, will make him execrated by all. I will recapitulate the evideoee thai has been adduced, and, gentlemen, if Monsieur Lcfevre can clqar himself to yovic sausfaction of what in alleged against him, I for one shall be happy to coneraft, late him. ., You will recollect, genilcmen, that not long ago a letter was • spoken of a- lound on the peiaon of Lieutenant Lcfevre ; I did not sec it as it was d,-- siroyed; but I am informed that the said letter contained advice indirect oppo- suion to my commands; it was intended for Monsieur Pierre, and bore th- signature of thft person on whom it was found. There are wsveral witnesses* t» this fact, I shall, however, call but one. Lieutenant Lacoste, did you see the pa- l)erIspeakof?" . •' ^ " Yes, sir." ' ... " Repeat what you recollect of it." Lacoat did so. "Now. at the same time," coiainued ihe Governor, "coibesan Indian run- ner, and delivers to me a Icitcr-the address being era.sed by travel, as a. matter 01 course, thinking it for myself, I open and read it. and find that the rigJ.»u I owner is Lieutenant Lefevre. It was written in a very ambiguous manne^no i but in prosecuting this aflair, I have no doubt you have ceen actua^.J only by a sense of duty ; I cannot say so much lor another," and here his ev- resie* on Lacoste. ■ " You have positive pfoofin writing sufficient to condemn me as a traitor;, alas, I h«|ve nosuch positive proof-naught but my own, simple . word to disprove it; though I trust on bringing forward such sufficient reasor s a^ will cause you t^'hesitatc before relying altogether on your written dacuraentv - lam supported by many here with *e it good wishes-rfarihv their friendship • annol .nerve me, and on myself alone I must depend to weate'^ your testimqi.v against me. ' I shall commence with, what you My, first arroused your suspicions-namely • that letter discovered on my person which wai destroyed by Lieutenant Lacoen- •• -accidentally, I presume. I will tell you how I came to be possessed of that letter," and he a«cordingly repeated what has already beeg explained to the read er regarding that affair. " I was not aware of the paper being in the snuffbox " until It was discovered by Monsieur Montraville, whom I will call forward t- ^substantiate w)»at I say." Montraville advanced and was questioned by Vau dreuville; his examination satisfactorily explained the accidental discovery of the note, and L(Sfevre continued : I hope gentlemen, you now perceive that 'the docur&ent alluded to could not ha Ve been wriuan by me. EVen supposing my sell to have beeathe author, how foolish of me lo-fabricate a story, and needless- ly expose mysell to the probability of a discovery by producihg the snuff box in which the paper was found. I will now procee'd to the Uher letter, which you Hay was written so very ambiguously, and to which you supposed at the time I had the ki-y. You ftrere so for right and I will e^jin such^iarts of it you did not compreliend, and which, Irom some cause or other appeared to j-ou so verv suspicious. Several months since—during the Fall of last year, pierre and my - »ell strolling nev the mountain, and leeling wearied, threw ourselves down uii- der the shade of the trees, and commented a conver,sation on difrerent topics- the same which Monsieui* Lacoste has referred to-and fromsom? words he chanceJ to overhear, he. must conclude that two Lieutenants of the French army-his e- quals in rank— h'lrcomiades in 'arms- were on the eve of bartering their allei- gnnf:e to their country for British gf,ld. How ridiculous the supposition, how bad'the heart .thflt coul^coaceive it. I will translate into plain language sunh ■etpije ^iona as Lacoete hab q uoted .v 'G etting hearti l y tired of the place.'~> dfe. X { A TALE OF CANADA. i(t:i poMt.onr a «hort time i, ^^m g;adualU L- TZ rr"T P"^''"\' '=""^'"""''' «« -e w«re. lie replied, that u w.,ul.; . ot be halt so .rkwme as the monotonous service were then ti-^.d i„ ^,J. -hat n. ,act, it he fell inl^e with some^iorfFbeauU. he wa» al.nust le ' ^lould decfemp.-ana becsSie an Indian hunter for hef s^ke ' Here a ~ IK wen I ■' Now for the elucidiation of such words as these," cont'injed Lefevn- Icx.k-.,.- 3'"'* "'kT" " 'P^°'-«l»''--'choice.'-.accep,a,ce ■-.sumd.,. r." ..ard, -««:.; he has mentioned several words that were ne' or s'poken and la cost sfars must have deceived him that time; he has also „ adc amistal^e as^" the tnnethey were spokpn-he brings them i„ before the poctocti^ of the Ic-- ar-.hey were never UM^ed till at^rr i, .was produced, as that part -of r, . .oMversat.on reler.*d t.. its contents; and that v^ry letter, jenilemer will .^ ol-"Bapt!t'te'-'''"' '*^''''' *"'^ ^ ^'*'" """ P'-^*""^"!^™-' '»'5 duubUu; cvide,,' <■ Here he took a le.ter from his pocket and laid it on the table '■, y„u will ,.o ..c.s ,f you please, .he date of the otfice su,mp.--prior.o thi.*,,^^^^^^ It. One of , the otDcers took it up and said : - '■ If there-^eany family secrets you care no( for us4o hear, v<>u can rendaln,- ' such parts as relates to this affair yourself, Monsieur Lefevl.;- ! " No, sir;- therfis nothing I wish concealed." ThcWuTr accordin-Mv ,r, rolded .the paper, and read alouil the following: ■ • My dear boy .--I was not aware until 1 received v.iurt.st leiitr th.t voi". Regiment was drdered to Canada. Hyish very much you ,, ad mana-'dt' me before you went, as I am now very old. and can s^ar;! ^^0 p , Vou .t^y«collect when a little boy. the tales I told , a you ,f mv o^ a' 7 iTtrenr^ I ''^'^^^'^^^.^r'-^--^^ y^- agi-„hic;Vb:;:e;:'s : ,r rZT r ."*^'='""P''">«='1 "'y f^'ber, along with a UttI , sister of min.- t„ U^ Canadian frontier She was then about seventeen ; that s .fiore C f^y >ears ago ; she wa^ taken prisoner by one of thelribe.s ol the Iroquoi.s and c^r ried up to the large lakes in the .interior o. the counter. We nZ tn-eVen.llaT ;.r to recover her without success, and the Cln.f t., wh.m she was ,^ -J captive was applied tofor herransom. All the information ol. aiaableTL U at quarter was that she *as either sold or gi.en to another tribe TheTn^th ...-.raeof the Chief I forget, but 1 believe ne is ^lill ,!.,„,, and I. .^nged to tSlt hawlrorso^eca nation. About twenty yeai/after her;aj,tivhy iSj e luir. .nation that a white ,io„ian,a;,swering t« he^ de.^cription was{lvJ!!fwS a riV- 21^^t:^ '''^''' ' ^^'""-' '^^ tar,o;..er.ti„:,re: ."r len the western prairie* for the east, and from that time till his , have hCT tJ '. ^ !01 THK LAST OF THE EftlES. ■ « ^nor.ui,^ as to her fate. If yot living she must be nearly as old as myseir B. "ie 1 die, my son. it «-ou!d satisfy a long and ardent rish of an old man, to hear son,o, Hn, aga.n ol th. s«;e.t co.„pa,rion ot h« ^yhood^.o long neglected and ..,-..«,o:,-whose hie must have been a centi„ual endurance of hardships amon. '"• rougu compaHions ,W,h .vhom she hgs been fated to paM the be« years of her I't.'. It .s not at all probable she is yet .alive-.tiH she may have had rhildrvn u .".r" '"■'r"'' '"■ y"''- "^'"^ "'^>' ^'^^'^ opportunities for enquiry : ^ . ) our beM endeavor "- that way, and if anything transpires, write and- let m. l.now. 1 .end you a ii.iniature of your Aunt-taken when she was a gJrl It is "oth.-.ly that any traces of that fair young face would remain to her now were ■ f ' \"^~f^' '■' '•^''''°"' ^'^ *«^' <" y»"r possession as mine-in fact, better " i icre me n-ader sto^jped. Ju'u.r^^T'^T:!"'" ^''■"■''' I '^•'"k I have read all that voa mu., ^* i>lKd to bring forward ; " and he laid the letter on the table. Ix'ffvre-nodded assent, and continued his defence: -This letter, gentlemen, I showed,to Pierre ; he engaged to assist me in mr n^ny alter the fate of my lost Aunt. We determined upon sending a sp" t o the l,„i,.n. country to search for the Mohawk C:hief, and obtain his inlbrma- oou and assistance. Our choice of an emissary fell upon Baptiste, and for a .««>'-.../ rnoard, he undertook the dangerous miaaioa. He has told you nothing ^'■i' ^l.;-> truth! and he returned without success. He did, indeed (ind the tribe il quesncn but the principal individual was absent on an expedition-namely,the Mo- -uwK Ch.ef Some of tlie Indians did recollect the circumstance having oocur- ';''l'nll>e.r youth ofacaplive white girl having dwelt with their tribe, answer- 'n^u> Ins descriptioi,, but that she was recaptured by another nation and carried Ijrther wcM. riu.s tar, gentlemen, I think I have cleared myself of ridiculous inference., dn.wn lr6m accidental circnm..tanee.s-ye.,, I have brought positive proof to re m.t J,em, I now approach the most serious part ol my accusation i hitherU) i. . /i..s been mere conjecture that I was a traitor, and inimical to my country's inter- ests; but here you bring my own friend's hand writing to pmre ii-implicatin.- ".m with me. Now, I cannot deny but that the letters look original enough as • .-rasthewntrngis concerned; yet. gentlemen, I maintain they are forgeries. onMder all loregoing suspicious circumManecs entirely removed, and how ^i d.c..l..us and improbable that Pierre should be capable of so base an act of sud- den treachery. I am pleading lor us both ; it is necessary that he should be J'.oieU innocent of every act attributed to him, in order to clear myself-ior did i.e write those letter,, then must I have been acce.ssory to his plans, unless, in. aeed, from a wiUul desi^fn on his part to implicate an innocent man. If, then I repeat all t)i«4 has been previously attributed to us, has been satisfactorily ex- plamed, how is it that 1 should so suddenly have beorae acquainted with Pierrcs luiention ol joinluif 'he English with all the Indian force he could muster ?-hdW Jj j i^ nr> «a iK L^-l.— — ^.. U ..^ .^ i-.. — t- ■ ■. ■ -.. ■ ■ . - - — ..Dt a secret ?-lroin what po.ssible motive could he so betray his country to her A TALE OP CANADA. .^ Jtltccnt .o« 1 No, never could a bold and honorable spirit, a. Pierre >,as proved --^n many an occasion to have pos««,cd, stoop to such i,vfamou., proceedings a.-i >a; e been brought aga^st him. the only way in which I can account ft^ hi- con .„ued abser.ce, .s tlfet he has been smitten ,.ith the charms ol some captHve whue g,rl or probably oneof mixed blood, and from inclination as well asTrom a -sense o. honor, he has -chosen to dwell with the rovers of the forest. So much he acknowledged tf, me in hi, letter, which you, Governor V^„dreuvil)c could Mi understand, bat whteh I haVe recently explained to yeu all mu.t contess, sir, that you had reason .0 be ak«ned*n the receipt of those letter.,, and that , hey st^cienHy authorised yot, toc^mv arrest; but yon must now be doubtftjl of the v.Wdi.y of such documenffid I will endeavor to shake your fatth «n them by additional proef " ^^^ Here Lefevre took out of his pocket a letter, a«d Unfold in? ft. read out that part relattng to Pierre's request .„ him to send by his InAan runner, ink pen and paper. ' *^ '■ I can prove by my comrade, Montraville, her^ pnsent, that the writing-pa- per. enclosed and sent to Pierre, was totally different both in texture and color trom what you. Governor VaudreuviUe, received from him in the shape of let-' ter.. .V,w, u is reasonable to suppese Pierre wouifi have u«d the paper I sent to h.m. for such athmgi. not found, like^leer, in the wilderne-ss; therefore it <, - OMdent. h.s letters, if any he wn,te. have been .ampe«d with before reachi^ our Excellency by s««e person Ktimjcal to u. both. And now, gentlemen 1 hav e .ope. saustactorily explained every cit^utnstance which could at"."' lurpiJo . omyseh; every doubtful naovement has been proved to have^had^n hcneLo .ve and ambiguous expressions have dwindled to their literal insignificance I sh^all here condle my defence .nZ let my innocence or guilt to be detern^i^^ Lelevre bowed and withdrew from the table. After a short silence, the room was cleared of all except the officers of the court, and in half an hour it wa. a gam thrown open. The Governor called tothe prisoner, saying . ' Lieutenant Lefevre you Aare partij- cleared yourself of the charges preferred agamstyou; you have expUiinwi satisfiictorily manyT^ircumstances, heretofore certainly very mysterious. «nd yoa have made a very favorable impression with regard to your inhocence upon the officersof this c-^nrt, but all this, 1 am sorry . to say will not suffice. Witk doc««ents in .heir possession sufficient to condem^ you, the Court, Botwlthstanding the probability that thev are forgeries, cannot pro- nounce }-ou mnocent. We sb.ll not decide upon this affair at pre.«,nt. It is „e- «ssary that Lieutenant Pierre should be here .0 defend himself, and to-morrow send . detachment of thirty soldiers, who will be guided .0 his retreat by tho Indian rtinner, and in a short time I hope to have the pleasure of seeing Mon.ieur Pierre m civilised quarters. In the mean time you will have tu submit to a little connnement." ■Lejevre bowed and retired to hi. own room followed by two soldiers of tire guard, who stationed themselves at the door of his apartment. 3^'i 'M. . 106 THE LAST OF THE ERIES, CHAPTER XII. t -; ^-^^ *''' ^^^ endeavor to throw some light upon such matters as may appear / -'Mysterious to the reader. Lacoste, who had talent ol no piean order for intrigue, had formed a plan for the destruction of Pierre, against whom, the reader will . recollect, he harbored unmitigated hatred. His defeat, especially, had long ran- kled in his breast, and ijo opportunity offered for safe revenge, until, when in the course of a conversation that ensued during the purchasing of some skin.s from an Lidian trader, he learned that a person, answering to Pierre's description had been seen coursing up the Ottawa. L^cbste pushed his enquiries farther, and from the exact account the Indidn gav«J of the stranger, he was certain it was jiiMae^otljerthan Pierre whom all supposed had perished, and he at once matured a ^•'^ plan for his destruction. He appointed the next evening for a meeting with the Indian, and employed himself in the mehu time, when alone, fn concocting a letter, (the same which Lefevre produced signed with his name,) which he care tally enclased in a snuffbox. The Indian was true to the appointment, and La- • oste opened the intercourse by stating that the young French hunler whom h< had met a few days previously in the forest, was his own particular friend— thai lie wa.>* anxious for his safety, and wished to send him a message, could he find any person who would undertake to follow his trail and deliver it. The Indian ^ignified his willingness to do so for a moderate compensation. Laroste grasped his hand with seeming gratitude, and then pretending to take him into his ten- Ihlence, he partly hinted, parUy told by words dropped as if involuntarily, that Pierre, under the guise of merely a hunting excursion, was on a mission of the jiiost dangeroas kind to himself, supposing its true object ever transpiring ;— that I lie French Government had determined on laying waste the country of those Chiefs who were inimical to their cause; and Pierre had been despatched, under the appearance of a stray visitor, to ascertain if any negociations were existing between them and the English ; to find out the disposeable forces of the dil- ferent tribtg, and report arcordinerly. That a body of troops bad been waitintj ill expectmon of his return, which would furnish them with information regard- ing the delinquent tribes; but from his long absence, it was the general beliei iliat he bad perished— and if he did not return the expedition would be given lip. This wa.s all conveyed to the comprehension ot the Indian in apparent sim- plicity—by a sort of half confidence— unguarded expressions— and sentences spti- ken as if in solilloquy. He concluded by a fervent wish for the safety of his friend, and conjured the Indian to use all dilligence untill he had safely delivered the lx)x, which he then put in his hand. The Indian had listened at first with a dull reserved look, but as Lacoste pro- '■'y'tgjj his iy e* bfigh teaed and is parki e d with fierce, triumpfaant passion, ifao bin features betrayed but little of the workings of his soul. Now and then his P t! &MjMM-^^^ A TALE OF CANADA. ' " ,07 coete had watched him narrowly, and he, too, at intervals curled his lir, as h.- IniH r T ^""I'l""" escape from the Indian country-for the trader would not fa>l to communicate the intentions of the French to L bre.h .la < he fin.t object of their vengeance would be the pale-faced ,pv. How 3; i er and the snuffbox by Lefevre; and the death of his messenger, (iho„.^h ,nv. .r.ous enough, u.s not then of sufficient importance to create\n L^ „ n the transacuon, he contrived, as if accidentally to destroy the letter thou'l a th rrr "'!' '" '"'"" • ^"'^ '^•'^" ^"''"^ -^"-«J bv Lerevr'e ,h hr:;f ;rttreLt "- ^^"^^"-^ '^^ ^"^" "^^"'^- -- ^^--^ ^« -^"v. SrLnH I r ^^^'^ 'P" •^""^^y^d an insinuation against the loval.v c. Pierre and Lefevre. He was in possession of several seerets regarding the "two Z171 ,'1'T'' --Portant and merely of a prival na.L. ." iffictent. he concluded. .0 exculpate him from any lalse statement he nn.lu make concernmg them, were he called upon to justify himself pubiicallv n une^ected light in which the Governor viewed Pierre's cTr spoJd "^^^^ ' de e med h.m on his futun. conn, of proceeding. For some time he T- ed 'in i J Swhilhldr^T-^ ''""'" "'^"•="'^'^"'' ^ circumstance a. last oc- He met wiUi Pierre', Indian runner on the outskirts of the town ■ he k, ew e^rtdTm ""^ T' "'"^ ''''''"' ''"'''' ^''^ '^"'^ <=-« fonrriy 1 h?..,.,. errand, the moment h,#aw him skirting the base of the mountain The IndLu. onceiving. from Ucosfs showy uniform, the importance of his rank eHv quarters. Having, m the privacy of his own room, made himself master of tt... Tain ;fi:7'^ ""'''"''' '''""f"^' -"'^-' '- ficitioasones-im-' atmg Pierre shandwnting very accurately. He crumpled and soile.l ,hem hke the originals-carefully sealed and tied them up in , heir rough Iva,^ covering, and calling the Indian into the room, returned him Z eml th -me packet. .„d directed him to the Oovernor's residence. H. Ca xp lici u h . direction, todeliver the packet to none but the Chief; he had pur ,oleU mi directed the letters, and the result turned out as he expected. ' * ' Q^el7 71 ;^«d"«J'y arrested, and a military court convenned Lv tho Governor. Lacoste was disappointed at the result of the trial .0 fa r-as L^fevr. t.ge. im- When an .n„..- ''''^ff*^^^*^' Innocence, and conse'quenily Pierre's bIm." when .„ enquiry would be sure.o follow conccrui^^ihe.audaciL meddkr oi *jr' %m^ ^'^ ':^ - ^ '^yfi^-r -i^ ' y . 'i. . s,f ,m mf, -f m\yffi lOH. THE LAST OF THE EJUES, ] thf ir corrospondcnce, which would prove rather dangerous to himself. He did, indeed, wince several times at sortie casual remarks of Lefevre's during his spfr ted defence, but as the Governor and the Gourt seemed not to notice his confu- sion, he recovered his assurance. Preparations were imme)fr, manned by two Indians, who noon grounded their ligiit vessel on the beach at the f«*et of the soldiers. The guide signifying to Laco.inhitti and Pierre were abamt, having been told so by the guide when he retutned fwm the Islaiut. One ilO THE LAST OP THE ERIES, of the old warriors made a suitable replv to his offer of assistance; -that Mafchlti n was their Chief, who was daily expected back from pursuit of the Iroquois kand hinted, tliat though always glad to see the Fitnch, they seldom required help irom their allies, having been always successful against their enemies. Then ^nlh admirabfe courtesy, they conducted him and his men to several cabini which h.-.d been hastily made ready for their reception, and set before them such pro, visions as they could command, when they retired to their own quarters. j Tlie .soldiers were not long in making themselves at home in their new domi •ilcs; they ranged their arms inside the cabins, before which fires were soon bla - nu!^ brightly, and on the embers were rapidly frying and smoking the dried ven- ison and fish the Indians had provided. Recently killed ducks and partridges were quickly denuded of their feathers, and strung up by pieces of twiited bark to the end of a slendw sappling, bent .so as to reach near the fire, where they were kept gyrating slowly by a few experienced bivouackers. Some produced their ■n tBe moraliig of the fourth day of the arrival of Lacoste, the girl n»fei«d tb, whose name was /acw/fl-signifying 'dark-eye,'- was overtaken in a ramble at a^ I ■•'« «'>esoldier, fearful of the cJl e ! e..,s lu,k oflto h,s companions. I„ci..,a .subdued her wild grief, and raising H- ..c-1, on her knee.,, in mute sorrow looked despairingly upon the It S ''ooon a low wailmg cry re-sounded fron. cabin to cabin, and risirrs into fnuX -.as additional nu.nbers beard the news, startled .^eiL'^mt einr: iudeofmdolentrepo.se. . "« meir am-, •' )Vhat has happened now? " said one. "Sacre!_look how the fellows gatherr*^ said another. And true enomrh the ir;^:r^.;;;:--^^-"v"^--r- -econv::;^^ \Hark!'- shouted Lacoste, raising his hand. A tremendous cry broke forn us," contin- ^u-.d Lacoste with somealatm. ■ " The soldiert rushed into the cabins and seized their muskets and accoutre- n.ents. Ha !-here comes Beaudreu running for his life ! " exclaimed one as a young man joined their party, heated and flushed. LacoT'" "°'^' ^'""i"''. '""^^^yo" anything of the fuss yonder 7" enquired v^illauackut' '""'""'^'^ '" '•"'""'^ *"■ "'^'»*" self defence. I think they wr!„?\v°"l!*nr*^" "*'"''''"''■"'■ ^'"'"'^'""' I am afraid you hare done wong. Weshallhavetp tightfor it, men, uo doubt they have got up this qua r.- on purpow in order to drive us away. They have found out, aotne way other thai we came to arrest Monsieur Pierre, which we will not be ahl. .. dTr^ Thtrt^t^**? "ift^Sg ffir us.- Thu.„id Laco..e:secreUy "i^cSiu Mha. had happened. "Ah. here come four old chaps," hecon.inued baveUMgotUieirpipe now, and look savage enough, faith." Ihev / Q W^ ii ^SMAlLkwU^ lAl fc'S^msg^ti^j.j.L* *^^?' •mv \ 112 THE LAST OF THE EKIES, So, indeed, they were. Pour old warriors came steadily forward, and halting at a little distance from the party, beckoned for Lacoste to advance-who fcar" ful for himself hesitated, but observing they wcre^ unarmed, he stepped forth and , »nd halted a few paces off from the Indiana. He assumed, purpo«elji, a look ot insolent indififercnce, ami when they calmly, though sternlv, related the wanton murder of one of their people by one of his soldiers-demanding tiiat the culprit shouldbegivenupto.be dealt, with aecording to their laws, he replied with a cool smile that he could nam think ol such « thing-adding contemptously that it would require three of thek number to compensate for the life of one French I man. Tlte eyes of the old warriors fla8h«d with rage and grief, and Lacosie u^ I armed atfche ferocious aspect of those whom he had insulted, almost repe.ued h.m^ofhisV»«ity. However, he was q^ickly relieved of their presence .or without replying a w^rd they wJieeled. about towar.ls their village A mu- ket wasfiAd, either accidentally or otherwise, by one of the l-^ench soldiers .1,< ring their retreat, and one of the Irinkas dropped on his hands and knees, but rose ; again almost instanUy and limped after his companions. A loud and thrraten- ! ing cry broke from thetond ol Eries, as their deputation returned and related tl.,- manner in which, they had been received, .and in a minute they dispelled iu every diiKction. J- ' "Stand to your, arms, my men," cri&l Uccwte; "these devil* intend some misch.el. We must manage Icleave thairand.^jof it would be imprudent tor. - mam umll- they reoeiVe their expected reinforcement, when we should be all ma.ssacred. Monsieur Pierre is at.ihc bottom of this, I have no doubt, and our small number would not be sufficient to take him surrounded by these savagt's --so we musthasten away Irom this placo if w« want to save our scalps." "What can they be at now," obserwed one ol- ilie men alter, a short pause- pointing to the river ; " the fellows are running away already." And Mire enougJi--a swarxn, of canoes, containing women and ohildreo fi.h- iBg tackle, blankets and furs, were being towed by half a dozenJarge ones, man- ned by the young. Irinka warriors, who had their rifles lying across the thwnri-s of their V£8sel8 ready for action. Lacoste looked with surprise at this untoward movement, but as if suddenly divining, the cause, he ru.shed down to the beach near him, and gazed anxiously along the strand, when running back he hastily shouted for his men. " They have nouleft u.s-a singje canoe ; we must stop themJ-follow m6 to the cliff yonder." The soldiers accordingly shouldered thpJr muskets, and. rushed down to the rodcy ellffs ower lo«king-the water, where Lacoste hailing the Irinkaa, desired them »» stop and send back a canoe. No attention howewr was paid to his de- mand, on the contrary they strained- every nerve to advance. " We most give them a taste ol' our muskets, ray lads. Ready—present— tn » "—and a briglit line of flame answered tfe commayl^ as the we»pona,»cic discharged simutlsneously. Ai the heavy smoke, driven back by tne bi*eae. ■-4 "^f,. ^ <.;>>( A TALE OF CANADA w m6 to the nr. •A'.nHe.i past -hen;, -on^c confusion .vas observe,! amrr-> ticlrin'-. ■;- ^ry and a stiHc:!, ...Iniek >alcd a.non.st them A few dd/ ""'■' ' '' (ietarfiprl ^,.1. .- i • i 'fw damaged caiKjes were m ,■ ..uached^„le t„e Ir.nkas springing to their feet, took a steadv -i,; .- h , ■ '•:.nes at the e.;..ed line of sohliers ;-their an.u-edn. voile flilv^'v " 'l^jals ...th tatal precision, and no less than seven of the Fr ," h U 1^ .-»=*!.• angry fi,e. They raised a pealing .hou. of extthatira It ' ? ;eonto reel and fall headlong-.heir weapons clanging on. he «„;''' '--:...g .heir paddles, ,hey p,ied .he.a l^Aw ,J^ ,^ ^It '' M-=, and succeeded in gaining the shelter of the Island" oppo^te ^ ^,1^' i-o ents could reload .heir weapons, where they h.uled'lir^aJX^^^^^ ly..g currents, and carried their wounded u-omen into the S ^ V- " ...>t lnd,an d.sapp.ared under shelter of the branching ced r "; t^:' •tuned away ,0 search the Island for canoes, which mi-^u hZ n n f ' •oncealed by the Innkas. Ao. one however cou 1. , V ^ ^''^'^' ^'"' -. a ne. or/,slnng line was left-not : 't ^ ", Zt'ocT'" ' '''''"' abins. Tlu. conviction flashed across the ,1a, u " ""' '''"'"' nope of rescue, unless they could pass .h "er^Ji 2. Jr'"""? ""'"'^ '^ vere watched by a re^hfte and dctern n d encmv °, "" "''• '^""• < -vn precipitate violenS-and they felt 1 1 th ' " '"'^^ "'''' ^^' ""' Viable. They hurried their slai:^:::;:^::::^;:::;:::- -^^^'"^ ^"' ^'.- v.our as regarded the consequences to themselves bt.rn^f '''^"- ■•a=^" t".'a- .;.r Violated hospitality-and in retaliation^ „, '.h v 1 1^ T "'""?""'" the exception of twocabins which they reserved ^.^^ZnJ^ '"'"'• ^"' -hes and Iragments of half charred wood strewed over its surfacr The • 'l -c-mse ves appeared to appreciate the disadvantageous chan" which a e w ^h'" ..^..r. had^ccasioned. Rousing themsejve., however, from .l^e apa, v ° s^-nts soon regained their natural b.,ovancv and as if no h n i, , " ' ':!>tarb the tranmiiltr nf ,>.„ '"^'''cj, ana as it nothing had happened tu uio me irajiquilt3 ot the scene, commenced another search for C, -^eant^a-wJiarnjariTipftlre'.ntbtild best cross fhWu/pV > * .TI. . .. ^"^ .. ... aetermlned upon eon.ruetingl ;:^; 'tj^e^ ;:;J ::::S^ -i. ^- ■■■■r M . »«n-ww3t5^;r2 Ill THE LAST OF THE ERIE?, U- ately to work felling trees on the north shore of the Island, beyona the observation •)i the IrinLas, and as night approached posted sentries round their camp— ii-ariul of a surprise. Their enemies, however, were too busy with their own at- iairs to interrupt them, being employed nearly all night erecting rude huts I )r thei'i- women and children, and clearing a small space in the thick cedars for .1 -aiiip.. At brealv of day the soldiers again set energetically to work at their raft. They iiTiuded the ielled trees of all their branches, laid them side by side in the ^ vater, confining them together by withes and strips of green bark, and night ■uiproaching; when completing their arrangements, they concluded to rc- M>rve. their departure till the morning. The raft was towed out and anchored a ;('w yards from the shore, the soldiers piling their muskets in the Centre on the top oi their various articles of baggage, and arranged their poles, from fifteen to iwenty feet long, to be ready to start at any moment. At the earliest peep of dav they embarked and pushed oflinto the river. When about half wav to the main shore.they got suddenly into c^ee^^ water, whw* their poles becoming useless, (lie current (which was there rather rapid,) hurried ''them down—approaching obliquely the small Island on which were encartiped the feries. With many iin- jirecations the alarmed soldiers vainly endeavored to row against the stream ; »hcir cumberous craft was totally unmaoa^able with wind and tide against them. Alter a short struggle, desisting from their attempts, they seized thier muskets, in <'xpectatioa of an opposing force of the Eries, i^'hile two or three navigated their nut to a favorable point for landing. They managed to creep out of the main ojrrcirt into deep and steady water, formed by a small projecting promontory, round which it rushed at high freshets in biibbling eddies, though at tHis time camparatively calm, and at low water mark, in the ordinary season of summer, moving wiih scarcely a ruffled surface. On nearing tie shore they were enabled to reach the bottom with their heavy poles, and force themselves out of an eddy vhich threatened to again turn them into thte stredra, tvhen with a few strokes more their heavy craft grounded on the sunkeiN«)ck3 close to the bank. The sol- diers springing into the water, climbed the.fiie^y promMitory, T^bichhad sKdl- I "led them most of the way from theobse^vatWof the Eries^otherwise it woul4 have gone hard with them and few, perhapsi; would have returned to tell the the ia!e of their defeat. The thick cedars shut out all sound or vievv from thb £arap, and the Island appeared wrapt in repose. Up to this time each man had acted !br himself in such a way as would best secure his own safety— Lacoste darln"g the general confusion and alarm, either unable or unwilling to command. That* person now resuming his authority, dftermined upon crossing the Island take the Eries by surprise, and seize as many oif their canoes as sufficient to con- vey him and his men to the main shore. Accordingly each soldier cocked his wSapoa and cautiously parting the branches, crem slowly over the uneven ground toward* that, part of the Island where they suppdRd the Irinkas were encamped. Ti> e sjpcU of smoke and burnt leaves soon waining theaa of t}ieir approiimity tp it, Itacoste sent forward two soldiers to reconnoitre, who returned sayingT mm.'nM::iM A TALE O^^NADA. - ,,r, that 'ftosl of Ihe IriDka, were asleep, andcouJd be finTd upon almost undiscover- it.f '-? ""^\l^> 'he case, for tie Erie, tired with their exertions du- nng the day and n.ght previous, at length lay.down to tak^a short reposc-noi JeariDgor expecting an«ttack from their late guests, deprived as they wVre of all efficient mean, ^i crossing the river, thus in some measure was the landinR^ of the French unobserved and unapposed. Lacoste now led his men forward to a lutle piece of rising ground on their left, pointed out by the two scouts as the most favorablelK«,i,ion for attack, where they obtained a partial view of the In- .i.an b.vouack at about fifty yards distant. The soldiers mov^d down the hill lo fjet a little nearer Mihen some rustling of the leaves roused one of the women jto bending her ear ^to the ground, went and rou«jd one of the youHg men,' Jho cat9lj,ng sfght ofa glancing uaiJbw, snatched up his rifle; .she brought it to ins shoulder, a startling volley of musketry awoke the echoes gf early dawn, and th^^ young maki^^fell dead along side of his. watchft.1 companion/ The Indians malted «P with foud cries of alarm, and snatching up their weapons retux.«d a desultory fire upon their adv^cing enemies, who were ru»W down to clos! wuh them^ Simultaneously however, upon a peculiar cr,fh,S^e ofTheirpt v hey suddenly scattered themselves r^^htand left, di«app«tring in the thick un^erwoid wh.lst the P^nch hastily launchiW , .ufficieTnumL of Ws struck out boldly into the river. A shower of bX. assailed them in qui r^" cession as they swept dowp with the current-wou^ing a few of Ihem^verel v but fovored by the strea^a. the quick «rokes of thei^T.dSi;, soon pTacr4em ^yond .he uncertain fit. of the Eries. and they r«ach^ the main sh^ u^puT- >< '^ , "^ CHAflfrER xbi. J .Z'ZJ'""'u^ toManhitti'and Pierre^the former of whom gazed Ji.h Itt wJhtLi T^Jt''*''P'"'° passing her arm round herT.her. It'r^tZy^^:'^'^'''^''^^^^^^^ upon 0^ desolate appearance dian'^ot'.'*'\^'*'!,"^"=''^ questioned Piem.. turning round to the In- ' ired^v\^ conducted them to the-hill. but who had in th* meantime been He tS^lvlr^T^T'" ^"' '^""'^ "" ''"= y°""^ -"» withomanswering. H«5^,iAp«W^ly repeated his question, bm still ihcircold, sullen gaze was all their ftply.iaadMerrBfetl back astonished and confused. JManhitti twtoing quickly round, with, mild dignity wked:-" How is this haveyounolongueforourfriendl Speak-what uSf ia. been herfr^ " \^Zr^^ flgurauvely-'. The wolf is known "when seen. «ad we are thflwht hnft nn .ti..^x iL7i^ ____. "'H' ^" ""^ Pwa Here whom .we_ 2;?;, T^*^ tow i&ey. prdvif to have forked tdngues, We wanned" ^m at our fires, g^ th^m ,0 eat, but they stung u,' T^ w^TJS r ^"V- ,'ii.,ii A f(.; THE LAST OF "HE ERJES, they said they 'were the friends of 'Broad rnakfs auid came from Hochelega IJifle.' •'TJi^v counirym'en have done tliis, young man," taid Manhitti, turning rathtr •.?rrily towards Pierrej " canst thuu eipriiin any part of this great wrong 1" " And canst thou," replied Pierre, deeply grieved,—" canst thou for a moment '.hi'nk that. I— I who hasl eaten thy bread, who hast slept in thy tcpt, ivho" hast :ought, with thee, against the Iroquois, could in the remotest degreg have been a- ware of the intentions of those wno have had the aud^alicity to attack thy breth- cron ? " ^ "O! my father, believe that which Keen wau-ishkoda says," passionately in- tprpwed the Pale Lily. " Not only thyself must think him incapable of dishon- or, but these our faithlul brothers also^" and she turned round to the sullen Erics who were listening eagerly to the conversation. ' ' " Peace, Waubishk-naung,.peace," sadly replied I^anhitti; "if my tongue lias implied anything ^gainst the Bread Rifle, my thoughts were far from it — I believe hyn, though a^cauntryman of those wljo have made our cabins a heap of ashes and smoking logs, to be too good and brave a warrior to have a forked tongue. We niust.satisfy our brothers on thSKgpint.'! And Manhitti turned to the a.ssembled Eries, who had now all coi^||)|i^ted from the camp round their Chief, who spoke to them briefly of the goodfajthand brdvery of Pierre, who was no longer to be considered a stranger, but as ope, of themselves— an Erie at heart and in strength, and a Chief next to himself. The gloom at once cleared from the faces of the Indians— their sullen apathy ^•ave way— they one by one stepped forward, and respectfully taking the "hand of Pierre, pressed it in their own to express their renewed confidence in his worth LiiH faith. " ' ' . • ^^anhitti now left the hill and descended, followe(i by the Indians into the li^- llSSplearing that had recently been made for their temporary camp. Small htjis were erected, thatched with'*bark ryet green ;— from one or two of th§ moaning .sounds came forth, and yoices in soothing aoients, which V| t J hush the feeble cries of pain. -At the maH||[f„of the clearing, lay, ered with branches ol fern, three dead bodies,— up to which the newcj ed— closely iscirutinizing their inanimate features, when they tur their ey%s darkening -^jith deep passion, and joined the rest of th^ir brethren, who we je.,gathered round th^ Indian who had been jnduped to guide the French party to li&^fflip- IlewasjRdw detailing, at the coramfind of MwUtti, the events whOTBj^filfte under his observation,' since his departure from near the Mada-< '^''^^'^fflS^Sl^'i'S^'^^ "^"'i^^'^^'^y)" *'*^* to ^ '^s c ^ «. . A TAllE OF CANADA. \ i,- irom^sda^cr.pi.oD, at once recognized Lacostc. TiicVuidc then -went ,. ':1S!^W 1''^''"^ '^•«"» induced to conduct (he I"rem:hup\e Ottawa, by (h- |^al^r maiaing h e arings .j^^faH ^ * ^ f 4 ,¥m bWh phy.kally and'menuily. A bn^akfaat was histily prepar;a by rtwal oithe-Erw^-the rest of them in the mean time fSUowjng the example of their * - "t 11 ' pJB^ 118 THE LAST OP THE ERIES, leader. After partaking of a hearty meal, they threw thenuelves with renewed strength and actirity upon the trail of the French— steadily following it the en- tire day, and as twi-light began to deepen, found themselves at the^Falls pf Chaudiere, whent from certain observations made on the way, conjectured truly they were close upon their enemies. Iji the coarse of the morrow they would certainly not fail to overtake them —indeed, they might be camping in their immediate vicinity. Pierre, therefore, selected patrcdls of sh^rp^ared, lynx-eyed Eries to rtleave each other during the night, and mi^^^g/small fire in a little dell, adjacent to the falls. Each individual cooked some venison for himself, which after partaking in silence, coiled himself away in the dry fern, anxious for the coming day, which might bring him revenge for violated hospi- tality. ,■ Pierre extinguished the fire and stretched himself near the blackened embers- protected from the cold dews by the thick foliage of the trees. Though fatigued by the dav's march, he in vain courted sleep ; thought of what would take place on the morrow would suddenly rouse him front approaching slumber, and the solitude of night invited reflection. He wa^startled to finil* himself actually itx arms against his own countrymen. When taking the codtmand of the pursuit, he acted purely on the impulse of the moment, and impulse was what generally guided most of Ida actions— th^ impulse of a waiirm heart and a generous nature, which was alive to every noble trait of character, and alive to every senseM)f injury. His impulses though genehms, frequently led him into many an em^rassment, against which he guarded not, whilst more prudent ot those pawionswhich might induce him to da an unjust actioiH-consequently his very generosi^ led him to that which he most wished to avoid. The reader must not think from thence he was fickle or irresolute ; on the emtrary wherever his impulses led him, there he remained,— carrying through any undertaking which he thought was just and right, being bold and cooragous to a fault. This was the first time he, had an opportunity for calm reflectiolf for several months back — the exciting play in which he was an actor, had kept his mind ever on the present, and the rapid changing of the scenes occupied all his atten- tion. But now, responsible to himself alone for coming events, the solitude ol night bid him hesitate. Against whom was he leading a band of Indians whose natures Were arroused for revenge— (that revenge though just to them, was no excuse for hiok to be the instrument for wreaking it)— against his enemies 1— no ; against whom then V- his own countrymen— perhaps the very soldiers he had commanded when in moments of difficulty. Could he calmly witness their im- molation 1— he shuddered at the ihoUgltt; yet these; mea deserved their fate for violated hospitality, and coald he blame the Eries for their jUst itsentment ? What then 1 though he knew not fully the villainous purposes and doings of La- coste, a feeling of deep, passionate reseatmeiA rose in his breast against him, for ueifl^ lae— msiii-tiams'oi his picacul difUuulUfvy liiri wWlSr" simple Eries ; aiid for his heartlesness in exposing his men to the. danger which BOW thteatoaed thcm> Again— what was the j^jeci of Lacosto'»«xpeditiOB, he y p %' A TALE OP CANADA. 110 could not guess, though he concluded it was in some way connected' with hin,- self. Turn back he could not if he would; he must perform his duty-keep laith with his new friends; yet, alas, who could have forseen that thcso friends would ever come in contact with his countrymen ; and those country- men-what were they? They were a band of mercenary soldiers who deserved punisnment— led, too, by his own particular enemy. Were they his acqnuaii - tancesino; were they his friends 1 no !-well, should an officer of their own brigade attack them 1 "-but I am such no longer," ejaculated Pierre. He could not escape condemnation at home ; but where was his home ?— his home was with the Eries— with them to abide for the future. In what relation then did he stand with a band of mercenary soldiers?— a« a traveler sund^ with a highway- man. Thus reasoned Pierre. If his home was pillaged, no matter by whom hv must defend it. -^ He reasoned himself at last to the det^mination of capturing Lacoste and hi-, party witfi as. little effusion of blood as possible; then go himself to Montrea', (for be it remembered by the reader, Pierre was quite unsuspicious in what r. - lation he then stood towards the Government— to which he was, in fact, an out- law,) and lay the matter before ihe Governor, whom he was sure had never authf.r- ized Lacoste to proceed to such exyeme measures in the fulfilment of his mis- sion, whatever it might have been;^ who would award such punishment t<, the men and their leader, as would satisfy the Eries, and convince Manhitti that , the French Chief had never entertained aught but friendsKip towards him. This he and his warriors had a right to expect: and Pierre felt satisfied, from the wel- known policy of Governor Vaudrenville to attach all the Indian tribes to his per- sons he would from that motive, at least,comply with the justdemandsofthe Erie. With a mmd more at ease afterconniBg over the above arguments, he deteimined upon making a speech to the Indians in the morning on the subject-lay htt'orv them his peculiar situation, submit to their approval his plan for capturiPK Lacoste, and he was sure they would appreciate his holiest intentions. When mcping agala dawned the Indians busied themselves with catchir." fish from the river, and preparing a hasty breakfast; they refl-ained from waking Pierre who had just fallen into a feverish slumber but §| few hours previouK— knowing that to the fatigue of a forest campaign, he was not so accustomed ns themselves. Accordingly they prepared everything to resume their march at a moments notice, and threw themselves listlessly on the grass till iheir leadi r ^houId arise. Pierre, however, no sooner felt the warm beams of the sun oa h.'; face.ihan he started to hU leet,and giving himself a tremendous shake, proccec - cd at once to satisly his appetite on the savory fish and venison hissing on i; e. hot coals. Having breakfasted he called in the scouts; when they were all a^embled he stood up and addreswd them as follows : " Brethr en — listen a laoment to what Broad Rifle ha» to say. When he tir>t ^ -wnaTD VIsH OfflrlnkaB, He was a Chief among his couBirymen at Hochelega. They appeared to Wnta brave people, well skilled in the chase, and cunninf an *h9 «^^p■th ; the summer nearly passed away, but he yet remained with thtm. 5**v 1 1 .11 r-:M^ ife-iirt V--<) THE LAST OF THE ERIES, Why \va-3 this— wliy did the straiiger remain with the Irinkas ? why did lie aw ,,'j back lo his own countryra'||;i when even commanded to do so by the great >."hiel of the French 7 He will tell you. Bread Rifle when he first saw the Irin- ;.as, was as a sapling, which, tender and yielding to the rough winds of the forest, c)u!di:otgrow lo maturity without the support of its stronger brethren. They ■aught aim the secrets of the forest; they taught him to track the deer, how to fol- . 'u the trail of an enemy, and to read the sounds of the wilderness; they iiu- pijveJ his vision and sharpened his ears ; they taught him to wield the toma- ..:iw;:, 10 bend the bow, to cross the wildest river, to paddle the bark canoe, and .-it.- saii tlie Irinkas .hall be his triends, Manhitti took him by the hand, savin" . :jp with us, but he did not reply to the olfer of the old Chief, for the palc-fau-J i.'.edhi* countrymen. Coswenago came,-who liked not the white ttrangei, :.:> haughty boastings sounded strange in ' the ears of the vhite-man. They :aet and (ought in the forest beyond your viUage, where Broad Rifle vanquished the proud Chief of the Iroquois. Coswena«(rs6ught and was refused the hand of the Pale Lily— tihat then ?— she wa^ stolen fcom her cabin, and her captor bore oji his prize in triumph. Broad Rifle was the friend of Manhitti, for the Cliief had ■Jid him the secret of the Erie nation— that the Iroquois were the andent foes of his race; his blood was fired at the story of your wrongs; he longed for an .id Frenchman unworthy of the name. The great Chief at Hochelega knows ih;eprivehim of that right 1 We must not then spill too much blood. Broad Riile would see justice done to hi.i irothers, but he must not offend his father at Mon- treal. The Indians lookedat orie another for a moment ; the new light in -whicii Pier re had placed the matter appeared to satisfy them, and they replied thattlici: Jiew brother was a wise Chief, and were ready to do his bidding. " It is well," answered Pierre, " we must now pursue the trail until we can ]mt our eyes on our enemies— mark well the place where they hide, and wait for the approach of night. The Eries must then put forth all their cunning, and take away their langs while they sleep, so that none may be bitten. Accordingly with this understanding, the party again took up their line of march, which led theiji along the precipitous cliil' of the river, where it abrupth- terminated about three miles from the falls of Chaudiere. Here Lacoste fearlu! of pursuit, must have^ofpssed the river with the canoes brought with hiiu from the Islands; th'e trail "shewing a degree of cunning which the Eries woul.l have hardly given him;cred1t for. Tl»e Ottawa hero was wide and turbid— too wido to permit of swimming, and too stormy to allow any clumsy float to be pro- pelled across. Time was^ioo precious to the Erie?lb construct a canoe—thoiigli swift and ingenious mechmiics— and they were at a loss how to proceed. One • )fthem represented to Pierre that about five miles lower down, the river, thou-^.'i broad and deep, was nevertheless .sufficiently calm to allow a good swimmer ^to croLS to the opposite shore^where he might find the canoes of the French hidden ; but Pierre justly concluded that Lacoste would require them to pass the montli of the Ottawa, though it was probable that having more than sufficient, he might have left one behind. He thought it too hazardous an experiment to try, and ac- ted on the information of having smooth water beyond where the whole party miglr cross on a raft. The Erics consequently left the trail— marking well at the time t.he appearance of the country on both sides ol tlie river," in order to find i: again on the opposite shore. The shadows turned and their anticipations of the morning were not yet real- ized, for their enemies were not yet in sight— on the contrary the dav thrtaici..- 1 to close before again lalling on the (rnil. What wa.s the surprise "of the Eric-, however, to come upon the same tracks close to the brink of the river, a- hout ten miles below the place where they h ad lost them. Here was a degree ^ '^ «'«^'"f '^ »«nellness o^ b..auty An embarasing pause occurred, and the Indians looked mutely atlheir leader for a solution of the problem which lay before them. The difficuUy of ^ ^ mgtjie bro a d boma iifHH>^ttw« Trftfiat part, destilute of Se^ilast mniT^ cfconvoyance. was apparent to all. To cens.ruc, a raft out of Ae h^^vy TeJ 1.. ' landed. Pierre >ttawa above, (as amount of time s yet green and thap^ few hours jraer to discover rre felt so confi- iries forward on he night, which e remaining In- y forms of their e charges out of wed his eiam- vice, they again atientJy for the ning twi-light— :t and hazy ap- Tom their recli- I on the under- >peared flushed >sed the riyer ? " arty about five river, holding ire launched— ; upon witness- « / them. Pierre sired them to ertook— avoid- 'er. Darkness !r, alone ena- ;risp grass ap- ling look over d but an hour ised line ; the er its surface, 3«crverof the loneliness or lutely at their I diflicuLt y of e least meant » hf avy trees A TALE OF CANADA. x2?> which grew adjacent to the place, appeared too tediouaaad noisy a pn«:eedinc- ^mng alon^ the difficulty when constructed, of p^anaging it agJnstTcurrem T^e only resource that offered to be available, was swimming! by that meaT, , o obtamoneor more of the canoes of the French, and have themilt 3eved k r ButTaf "" but who would ven.u« on such a dangerousanundr^ king But dangerous as u seemed to be, a stoux athlectic Erie stepped forward -.-volunteermgto swim the river. Pierre after some hesitation si^ng Jsa ' sent, the Indian stripped himself of his slight clothing in an iSan fnU-aT vanced a stout, brawny, herculean figure-in appearance fit to cop^'V^ft g^ncmg currents. Swinging himself down to the edge of the water h7wa abou plunging in. when a quick flash of light spread Long the tre 'n 1 , posite shore, while the faint report of a rifle i^verberated over the xiver The In dian drew back and listened; while hesitating, distant shL^/ reached t ears and another rifle flashed from the opposite sid^.. The ErieXb ng up .ra JCle " "T'"^' "'"^ ^'-rrelayinghimself prone on u'b'ri strained his gaze acrojis the water. Nothing however was visible h„ )„ k from »me eiWoriiaL „e,L if^^ ," °°* '"*"' " '"'""""'' l» had ,« 1 wto . L^ 'p."' " ""■".»-™ ""y ~"W ,o, d^mlne, ., heT»rs'^"::jpr:u'r,Tr' "'"'• "-^^ "'•"« '-^'-i irihobdoat not ondersland the French rViend th.tn ™n.. -r "-....^r. „h.. .-..hon-E.,.,^' Dr;h':r..r:;ae™.:r\s \ \ ^^~ 'f' '-' . THE LAST OF THE ERIES," "^ 'MthoHc nations do^t thou representf «-hy escape from the French pariv on th- ozher side ol'the ri7er?" The stranger burst into a hearty laugh and threw himself down on the -ra« Pardi '^.avcz-vo^Ye que jr. pensc?^±zt yon would make a capital injui^i- -or Beheve me, Pjerre, you are a hero ; thy own Mother wotfld not know you 1 hese forests have ir^ade you quite a man, though thev could not alter your voice Ml m uch as to deceive your friend Lefevre." , ,- Be.bre he ha4 M-.nll done speaking, Pierre was kneeling by his side- he cut in .m uistant the tlrbngs which bound the arms of Lelevre. who springing to his feet ^K two fne.ds joined handaw;th a grasp as strong as' the frienjship they .x- ■■Wl«t cheer, Lefetre; 1 expected to have met you at any other time and place man this. But this is very fortunate. Did you come from Montreal with '.;ie smallest expectation of findingme in these trackless regions! You were : vM however, for cha.Ke has befrie,:ded you; it sometimes does when we mo and Lefi- vre commenced with a hearty will to discuss the simple fare before him " I had :ict tasted a morsel previous," he resumed after satisfying hi/nself, " for twelve ■ours; that rascally Lacoste had not even manners enough to offer me a biscuit Ihese are the Irinka.., tliy red brothers," he c#ifinued, after gazing for a short ■>.,.e upon the gronp of Eries who lay stretched along the bank of the" river and ^0u. appeared in the light star-light like recumbent statues of marble so nil! ;• hoy remained, with their eyes fixed upon the opposite shore. " Pine lookin- .01 lows all of them. But now, Pierre, listen, and I wijl tell yod of strange thing" •Mat have happened concerning us'two individuals since thy departure IromMon- neal— owing to the mac hinations fllihat. scoundrel Tine"st ^" ' ^ ' Pierre disposed himself to attenri, while Lefevre gjive,|.im a ItfiJhfuI i,arra- .7^' \%. such party on th' here, sit down, A TALE OF CANADA. ,05 live rf,l,osc particulars Mhich had transpired during his absence- in what man ner the Governor had received the letter intended for hin-.elf; how the t^tutte; ones had been misdirected, thereby both fallin, into the hands ofVauireulille Lefevre repeated to him their contents, and with an arch smile asked if he had r c.tedthem correctly. That individual started hastily to his f J without re Plymg-pacns back and forward for a few minutes, when he called to one of the hnes whocommgup.gavehim a few directions. ' He quickly departed and <-anoe, «h.ch movmg off silently was soon Io.st to view in thedim light. '■What now Pierre!" exclaimed Lcfevrc ; " do you hope to take vengeanc. ::;id-ers":tt/r.?'^ ''"'' '''""''^'' -"^-'->- -f' 'o -timate French J^^r^z^::;l:!Z'''''^"'' '''''-' "-^--^e^- letme '■Ma conscience, yes; but (hou has. not answered my last question-have 1 recited tho.se letters word for word 1" "iv.- 1 '' Lefev-re of course you must be aware that a more miserable forgery wasnev- at tempted; that not a word of that traitorous trash did I ever cLtempl "e 1 a /se^ntT-'' T "'"''^'^''°"' -'"J-^°-tl'eeofthe coments of th'e r^ght I Ti ''"' °.>°" ^y ^''^ °^ ">y faithful brothers." Pierre thereupou reoeafed awK? . T""'''""''^ '*=" brief lines he had written whenTartheMa dawateka to the Governor and his friend. " a\i thought-as I of course imagined," rejoined Lefevi*. •' Your me« ■ sengerWus. have been intercepted by Laccte, who must hare obtainid L" s.on of Ur papers, which he no do«bt des.royed-substi.o.ing his own fabrr- ..ons msWd-thereby following up the plan he first contemplated atX .me he 7n7Tr: T'l'- ''^"^"' '' '' *^°""«' --. -P'-' ««i >n your trTa.^ tet Tr^'J of those forgeries summoned ,0 a court ot enq'uiry imme": SeilirT "t V'°'' "''''' "^""'^ '«''»« ^^^^ manner I could to Xir Lxeellenp,ek._makmgthat scoundrel Lacoste tremble in his shoes- but ma We 'al my arguUts and eloquence, the Court was so prejudiced they .it er.^' .0 or could Abt undemand simple reasoning. I was, onsequenUy !e t back o o be noild „i "' V''""- °' "'""' ^ '"^^^"^ "'^ '"y^eV and tor you .0 be pomtedoui as suspected traitors to the whole batallion. If I had been a" res ed onanyothW indictment. I might have borne it ealmlv, bu to be su pecte ^ of treason-I whApossess the friendship of General Montcalm .--.pardi t^^l i m.ntjihere to atrti^t the issue of the expedition sent against yourself my si.ua w command of I^*, whom I was sure had ^kitetUhecomfflaaifflefeiy t^prp.s^orapiyeo,^rn^i„ghi,nne,^iO^ the Govcr- ' ' '. I fl ^ - , \ ^ — """""6 """iiegaiions against tis, leui tftithlul flarra- I '''^'^ourse mu« be ci(lu«ed under the circumstance.s) the stupidity^ ' V • 1,* IwJti^U&^tK-^J I'ifi THE LAST OP THE ERIES, I .1 (y nor. And, when I came to consider the probable results of his machinations, I tbund myself in rather a precarious position. Lacoste, I felt convinced, would return with sometrurapedui^story, or lake good -care that his conduct ' should iead to resistance on your part and consequent defeat on his, thereby rendering, my own condemnation cejrtain.; ind, for an innocent man to await patiently the successful scheming of a scoundrel was njore than could be expected of Lefewe. i made my escape from the prison, with the intention of lying hid till I learSed the issue of the affair, but, unfortunately for my innocent plans, I was again cap- tured by our vigilant governor, and treated more like a ..condemned felon than a ^jentleman suspected of treason. "Give a dog a bad name,'— you know the rest I should have died in my solitude had I not determined upon again releasing myself, make a general clear out affair of it,— joining lAy destiny with your venturous self. I imagined we should hunt ver>' well in couples, with no drivers and Canada has faciliUes fora tramp that no country in the world can compete with.-abounding in lakes, rivers, rapids, rocks, trees, valleys, mountains, fish i^ame and Indians. Here, then, was a chance to satisfy my natural inclinations it was my destinjn-fate brought me into my present difficnltv, destiny point- ed out its removal. Charles Lefevre, said I to myself, enjoy the advantages of life while yoa have them, its diadrantages, try and hit upon the best means of removing. Well, I have enjoyed many advantages, certainly— I could endfmerate manj-, but now 1 am in the disadvantages ; what then,— why hit upon the best means of gaining the flank of misfortune. Accordingly, to carry out my theory, I bribed the soldier on guard, hired an Indian to convey me over the mouth of the Ottawa, and commenced the ascent of the river on the western shore. In three days I reached the place where you so obsUnately persisted on leavmg us in the spring ; (by the by I could read thee a nice lecture on obstinacy nut will defer it till some other time, as I see thoirlirt already in the fidgets ;) I knew the place by the pines on the opposite shore and ft little turbulent river that emptied itself into the Ottawa near by. I was provided with a good rifle, ammu- nition, knife, a tolerable pair of boots, a bearekin and a small quantity of provis- ions; by some faUlity, I had taken along my sword, which I found rather in- nonveniem in pushing through the underbrush, and calculating it would create some trouble and no service, I hid it under a log>-about five miles as near as I can judge below this on the opposite side. I regreted parting with the thing too as It was valuable and an old keepsake of mine, that has seen service in its day both public and private. However, someof yoUr red friends will recover it for me-for it will not trouble them a bit I suppose to run five miles vnd back-no- thing but a bit of sport I should conjecture for an Indian. This afternoon about Jive o'clock, disagreeably and unexpectdly fallingin with Lacoste and his party, I was, of course detained, though under what pretext he sublimely refused to ex- plain ; the malicious scoundrel bound me hand and £oot-4ook poseasion of my nfle and ammunition, (averyuood precauUtn by the way, for, f ielieve I I should have shothim^and there I lay somewhat infra dig at the bo«-.!. i_ .• . ,A-_.: ... .^ . ho low beech tree. I lect ukd m yself pretty sharply fbr nottoenlM^i better ItMifa. s^etmnining to act beller for the fuTurej^^ fWuSCS* uil^aS^ =5Ht '» machinations, I irinced, would onduct should reby rendering, it patiently the tpd of Lefevre. d till I learited vas again cap- d felon than a now the rest. ;ain releasing tiny with your ith no drivers, lean compete ountains, fish 1 inclinations, destiny point- advantages of he best means inly — I could -why hit upon I carry out my rme over the a the western y persisted on ' on obstinacy he fidgets ;) 1 lent river that I rifle, ammu- ityof provis- nd rather in- would create as near as I the thing too, ice in its day, recover it for ad back— no^ ternooD about id his party) I sfueed to ex- poeesBion of r, t telieve I t bottomspfA n hftttiir Infill^ 1^ il'a easy to C A TALE OP CANADA. tij- dlvine the future uhless you manage to adjourn sviedie- but, a.s I had certain ■-ogent reasons for not doing so-to wit, the impossibility of moving either arms ^or legs, I determined to let destiny work out mv deliverance, which, if it was to to be effected, would be, and with this comfortable assurance I fell asleep.— When I awoke the men were sitting round a small fire, they appeared exhausted, and were cooking their venison on the coals. Lacoste, however, came along and extinguished the fire, when it became so dark I could not distinguish the forms of the men as they stretched themselves around the warm ashes. I now managed to break some of the withes that bound my arms and by twisting myself into all manner of contortions, soon freed them altogether; then to regain the use of my legs was an easy matter. The canoes, I had seen hoisted on the bank a little to my left; after waiting an hour or so to let the .soldiers fall a-sleep, crept awav to the place where after some little difficulty, owing to the darkness,.found the barks 1 anged side by side. Abstracting one— paddles and all— I threw it on my back, descending the bank in safety. When in the act of placing it on the water I heard .1 noise and bustle in the camp-produced I suppose by my unexpected absence. J shoved off in a terrible hurry, having barely time to give a few strokes with the paddle when a buUet whizzed by, passing through the prow of the boat, which 1 then urged with all my strength across the current; I could distinctly hear the .soldiers flying about like bats in all directions. Lacoste kept shouting "stop the .scoundrel, " but no one seemed to think of taking the right way to slop the scoun- .irel, viz. giving chase in the other canoes, but I suppose they were afraid of fall- ing in with your peaceable friends, as they resorted to tne chance of finding me with a bullet in the dark, for another whizzed past though stride of its mark,-,- (there's rhyme in that last sentence, but I have a natural taste for poetry which I suppose accounts for it.) I soon put myself out of danger, though still apprehcn- «ve of pursuit, landing safe on this shore, only to be again seized by some unknojcn monsters as I thoaght,to be carried away te unknown regions. Pardieu but when I heard thy voice Pierre, I knew I was bom for luck ; so now thou hast an outline ofmrtadventures for the. last six months, and it is to be hoped thou wilt make a faiiUeturn, by leting me hear thine own." " My adventures frieftd Lefevre, are too numerous and too lengthy to be re- lated here; I will take up my narrative, however, a little back, and continue it with regard to Lacoste's ,dei>arture from Montreal on his present mission. He arrived at the camp of the Irinkas' during the absence of their chief and myself, with more than half ol the tribe, and were hospitably received by the remainder, on the pretence that he came on my invitation, to assist them to fight their battles. He contrived to pick afatal quarrel, a skirmish was the consequence, the re- sult of which was the loss of some half dozen soldiers, three or four Irinka warriors, and the village of that tribe laid In.aslies. That people calling loudly for revenge, reveage on Lacoste for the mischief he had done, for the ruin he had wrought in their peaceful village, I, yes, even I, have led a bold party on tliotttail. l-ioae it jrflrai ifiem an impniw w" reseirtmem, afterwards on reaection to save too much shedding of blood. The Irinkas, it left.io themselvci > ^^^ )i'^tii ■?"'-^. ~ T^T"TfyT.-f?r/i57n-'i 128 THE LAST OF THE ERIES, -v/ would in ihcir fury have annihilated .he whole party, but I yet hope in .plte of what I have just heard from ihce of the double perfidy of Lacoste to save thr . l.vesofthe French soldiers, who are in- some measure responsible only to tjieir .'eaderforwhatthevraaydo; but that leader^ will puni.hr Qffer hi. life to the manes of the murdered Irinkas, and the injuries, he has done to myself and :hee. Here Pierre made known to Lefevre l^plan of capturing the soldiers . and referrmg the whole afiair to the decision of the Governor. ' Lef^f vre quickly interposed saying : " Pierre, surely you could not do so {l>^U^t a tning, however plar.sible the plan might have seemed to thee, when una^val^erf ;hechargas of treason established against ,-o..-it is the worst one you iAtM adopt, both for yourself and yoi.r friends the Irinkas. The fact is, both yoajjd" r are considered as outUws, the result of this campaign will make us so ind|iw am I to endure .he hanflshil^s ofa Canadian winter in these solitary VegLBuW^pel^^^^^^^^ suchadve^ures. Well, whatever is, is right,-wi,at must btf kuAe ; 1 dare say I shall fall in love with some of thy red beautie.v for you kbow what an ex * " The canoes of the French are here," he briefly replied. solI!°ri'~"'°" "?"" ''°"' ""'"■ ^'""""' ^^'■'="«' '>«^« you a rffle, for the sooner this business is over the better." • ''No, Indeed; Lacoste has all my weapons except my knife, which he thought I presume, on inoffensive article." ■"..,, u ug,,r for",.^"!' '"..""w ''.''"'''' °'"«"I"dian; take my rifle, however-you may find use for . i I w.ll obUin another for myself. We mu,t now embark, for the mornH.f I believe, is pretty well advanced." * ■eniain' lesl-" onsidcration. CHAPTER XIV. -. P.ER«c summoning the Eries about him, cautioned them to use srll their dex- terity and cunning to surprise their enemy, that thet might be taken without loss of hfe on either side. Pour canoes lay stranded on the rock* at the baw of the .•I.ff; they were gently HAed on the water; being held steady by several of the In, d.an8, they safely received their loads. They proved to be large and' well made, adding nevertheless, with di«cully, ten able-bodied men each. Pierre and l.c- tevre were seated hear each other. " I must confess."' said the latter, ■• I do not feel easy In my p«^nt position y you know I '-"bf anindifferentswimmeri the chtmces are ten to one Aat i>J -toro wetjacheto-beteR^w^readiyolder shore." -. ^ " From rain or from a cold bath is the tiver.-whichr" '.'i-i'l M I ft t .-i^:"*; x>». '•"■' THH LAST or THE ERIES, ' 'I'liL' ih-i r lo Le siirc; ' thf^Icy is clcai-— il s.-c no appearance of rain at prp> flit ; but sec, tlio watei-is nearly "p to the thwarts of the vessel— as t)),; ciirren; !i> mis lip, it fairly reaolte* the bends, threatetfin;,' to swamp us, poor soiiK" ' T:-iist ihv soul to the fcHes; they tinderstanj these nutters tpo .w'elHo let thi- r;i:rlc.v- stanJ five lo one— nav', they dp not stand, ono"rH.ont«I" ■"T;i„' K.ji-sl" rojolnett Lefcvrt-^^iho are they ] I thought thy friends Ji.- :.:i?iii>iied iliL-mf-eives as the Irinkas." ■' Did I say Kr«- ?— a i>if»siisN,i!:u(v.o( mine tlien ; the Irinkas are the- best sail -:s am >!';j nil the tribes of North America.''' 4f I lar.' say— iliey handle their paddles well ; tliey appear a fine spcciuu-n o: the ab.iiiijinfs. What is the name' of their Chief?— you named him once o twice, but 1 have lorgftlten." " He has several, but if you want to know the one by which hL> iiTr.ost fjene;- .iiA known, eall him Manhitti, ' ■' Are thc\- numerous^ '' * - ' ' I " \ot very ; they are rather rciliiced atv.present; tlioup;h once a powerful tri^e But we must keep silence now, Lefevre,,a^ perceive we are nearing the shoie ' >ur plijn of attack as I before explained to thee, is in the first place to secure ili" .iiusketHot the soldiers, then surrounding them, offer them iiuarter on uncondi lioaal surrender, and destitute of the least means of defence, they will be sure i-i (!.' so without striking a blow. I shall then give them their libert)-, e.vcepiin-.^ Lacoste, along w'ith another man whom the Irinka.s will point out, on a promise of repre.-enting the alfiflr impartially to the Governor ; the latter the Icinlcas shal; judge and condemn, the former / will undertake to punish, Not a whisper now, for the least noise is if possible to be avoided." " f- shall be .silent as death— taking pattern from thy li'orthy allies."' All conversation for thepreseiit here dropped. The forest loomed broadly u;.' in an indistinct line, as the canoes rapidly approached the shore j the tops of the Jrcc.s began to appear distinct, the stats twinkling through them at intervals, tho' t-s the canoas swung to the grassy bank, the frowning woods appeared like an impenetrable cavern. The Eries cautiously disembarked; stooping low, thev were guided along the bank by Necantis, who at length halted at an angle of the lorest' where it bent inward for about ninety yard,s— forming a small open space ux thc*tinpe of a triangle— dotted here and there with a few beech and maples. Hfrea party of ten men were .selected, who throwing themselves flat on the gj-dimd, trawled .slowly over the'grass,- disappearing frpm their companions as they mingled themselves with the treesl Pierre Tvaited for their return at the edge of the clearing ; as minutes slipped by, while even an hour pa.^sed away, get- ting somewhat impatient, he determined to creep forward hiiiwelf to reconnoitre. Advancing cautiou-ly, he stumbled over a prostrate body, gagged and bound 4Htn4^fld fetrt^-rfffeiek- hc a. s ce rtaii>ft," tpo .welt to Ic-t thi- t thy Irieiiiis Ji.- I are the- bevt sail • fine spcciuu'n f. lie J hi in once o he ii ihost aeiie;- a powerful triLe oaring the shore ace to secure ih'- irter on uncorjii 'y will be sure i«» ibert}-, exceptini; lit, on a proniis.' the Ii'ink'as shal. It a whisper now. IHes."/ mcd broadly up 3 ; the tops of the at intervals, iho' ippeared like an )oping low, thcv t an angle of the mall open space !ch and maplf*. ves flat on the companions as ir return at the lassed away, get- If to reconnoitre, ged and bound soiisiHwed of {^= laof men hdavi- \ it I A TALE OP CANADA. . ' ni ' |y 'f '^''"' '''•'«°<='"e ">'•'«"'' Wm. Throwing hmsclf on the ground, he lay stll- ^«ing them pass, when jumping up; followed them to the edge of the wood., where thejrlJeposited their burden*, consisting ofJ^orl' than twbnty muskcu, be - .ng all the Irinkas could safely take away undetected. Pierre, discovering him- self had them unmediately hid in the underbrush. The Eries as.,embled togeth- er and marching in single file, formed a clrole enclosing the sleeping soldiers when they rai.sed their startling. warwhoop. The soldi^^Jumped to theirleTia terro , while another piercing cry broke upon their startled senses; they stooped ha.stily groping for their weapons, which befor^resigning themselves to slumber"' " tlln f '^''^^ '^''^^-r.dy^o their ^fasp\ but the stealthy Eries haJ taken ihem Irom .he,r«laxed hold, and they found themselves enUreiy at the m?r^ 01 their enemie^ A few, indeed foun4 their muskets, who had taken th. precaution to lay them under their knapsacks, moreVor theiurpose of slcurL). hep„m.ngfromdamp,thanapprehensiveofbeingtakenbythelndians. These TUT "'°H ^r'°~''"^'"« '"'^^ "'•" '''^ ""^-^ ' ^"^^ Eries enTaged si^e to I 7' ''"••'^^f' y «-'-M. «bouted for their companions on the o?po it. n hr e'o lem "d ' f '"""' '" ' '"'''^ ^^ "^«^''« '^^^ desperatiTew, - and three of them dropped to nse no more. The powerful voice of pTerre was rtled inhabitants of the woods. The soldiers stood in a confused group anx! 'ously waning lor some further demonstration on the part of the IndiSs " My lads ! " cried Pierre, " it is useless to resist-you are surrounded • miiic. ^ .bn a motion to escape and you die. Surrender, therefore wftruSay ' for ' will save the lives of some ot ye." ' »""ui uciaj , lor it " /'^r^i.' you had better do as he tells you," crf^d Lcfevrfe. Laco.ste who was standing in the mid«. of his menTWring the voices of two ^ persons le had most reason to dread, was no waysolici.ous for the soldTers to do thoir b.Jding. while there ye. remained the remotest chance for an esca^ He went ro„ d whispering to tiicm to make a bold push for their I Lr^TaUf tht uff r d Uiemselves to be taken the Indians would scalp them on the ajLT The men looked lurtively round, irresolute whether to attempt any resistSce but seoin.dimly a formidabfe array of rifles on everv side, LL^^; ^1 e7X SJ7' ""ir ^' ''^^ ''''''''' '^« "^'^mP' ^-^^^ '- --" * - at tempt to face them. They were about signifying^ ak*nt to Pierre's demand when Lacoste forseeing their intention, called onf: « demand, ' Is Monsieur Pierre tJiere ? " ' " He is," replifid that individual, sternly. -. * ,* " whlfht'iT '*''*: ^°"'° Monsieur',-Ihav6 the Governors authority for Tkv tu^"" T' "'^ °'' '"'^" «s therefore, to be massacred by these savagt Thy well known l,rre for thy countrymen would surely prompt thee to doS Jeave us, tkerefejce, ntimnlPstgd' I vi-iU rcmrt il.^ ii.i..„i....."\. . ! J ^'- terq l9tfftt».*L-iki "'""^'gttrtwm^-epert the thing fa^^urftbly atheat t q uir-. «ers,!a.fn^blame for What has happened on thAians." ^^^ Liarthat thou art," rejoined Pierre, "blame tLelffor what has happened/ ( "* Si . --r- t^LJ' 133 THE LAST OP THE ERIES, \n. -for the murder of innocent Irinkas-for the death of those that kve fallen un- der thy commind ; last, though, not least, for thy treachery to mj&if and Lefevre, seek to make no terms with me. What say you my lads," frning to the sol-" ieiaixrrf';:;. "'^ "^ ^^^^'^^ ^^ '^ '''''''''X' ^"''"^^"' "We are willing Monsieur, on condition that our lives shall beared -if not we may as well make a fight of it, and die hero as elsewhere » ' "I cannot guarantee that condition to ail of ye-to ra,«t of ye I can-decide at once lads, I g,ye ye three minutes ; make up your minds in that time." " We surrender Monsieur, trusting fo thy protection from' the savages » " Ad vance then, three at a time-not more." Accordingly three vouS^eering stepp«i weTaf, ^ J"''' "'r -'^^ "'^ '™'^ P'"--'^ '-' - "•'e manne they were all secured eicept'Lacoste, who ^ s detected endeavoring to sneak awav on,h« hands and knees towards the riv, ^ »,evre, running fofwardXw m™ backonthegras8,andtwo oftheEri,s. hand and ^^"'"''^^^^"^ As the expedition was now over, Pierre caused a large fire to be kindled which, soon flaming high threw its beams of light a»onL the tZ l.VM U.e scene ol the late skirmish.. Five dead bodiSlay on fh g o ^ fe "L"^ »eensupporting.themSelves against a tree which grew near the centre of the Sh ^"Vi"'""" P*">«»^'1 t-^Wnd their backs. The rest of the Eri™ ga- thered round the fire; while Pierre and L«fevre took short walks back aTdS ward, Setween thie pritoneraand the wounded IndiaiHi. 1 Jd'^S' "'"* ^^r- "^ "''" "^^ '^"'^^^ ^''"^^«='' among the hUls of S«,t- i^d ;ht,?r" p"f ' '^rJ" ^' '^"^ntry helping to fight the battles of ,he breve and chivalrous Pr^ce Charles Stuart, eleven years ago- for I thinlT V tain degree of similarity exists between these Indians in 1/^, ' .costumes, «t.d the wild men of the Highlands. We m^L almj d,T :?ro7:;ctr •"-^'"--- - '^« p-tandT;s:s s gnef of the beaten adherents of the Prince What »««,>» ofi- V tjrougho^t .„ the highland cl,n..-a d^rotion^^Je ^I^C^S'^:;^!: th. ,ed men of America ; yet, unorgani^ed,by the iealousie, of their leadereLev offjred but a feeble resistance to the well trained ,mi« oi EnXd ?^'s t^ ^me With the native, of this country, wh., bon. under th: «t' ditate 1 '/ ted in the same manner, sprung from one common stock, they •«. likeX S lie race, divided into tribes and bands, speaking differen 1^^. and hosme to wch tjber Had they but united in one common natioHS^y but iS^k 1*B!f JrongiB,iioisarop«ii co6H kave ev^ gaincda footingon fteTi,!! rf Ameri- /^. •A TALE OP CANADA. ^ 133 " True enongh," replied Lcfevre " but Proridence for a wise purpose has or « P"^"" "f «»'« •'•oopers, on Ss rlthedtt1^r>'*"' ""''""' ""'"• ^^-"?---^n observing 'the gins rushed out from his secure position to their assistance, which before he la,r« s brother. You may also recoyect th.t two ybung men witnessing the oc- Z^2 ZZ' "' '"" "' """^-avenging the death of the brother^and «" Jkt1!^!'l^"''''^°'^J^'T^' ^^^^''- "^'>» gayest take credit to thyself for SrJ?~°"'^°'?^''^" chivalrous .spirit like thhie. But these thngs are past^nd^one; why do you bring Miss St. HiHaire to my remembrance 1 " oth'.^"**- Vl"°""'°"''" '^P'i'^dLef^". coloring; " UU. scene some how or ojer reminded me of Scotland, then of Prestoppans, when, comparisons dr^wn »««fterQfj!(Httge^iscopac«rt8d with — -- — *L^^j_J»^ lalre." Tf Uttle incitteftrm tte lllf ^ttls« St. Hil- '■ l'.;x. jjiA^tMfei mmrmmir'vmmjm" A TALE OP CANADA. 135 lid never rc- mly rested on ie with thy of CuHoden, ving the life It him down 3Ut being cut ved my life. (I forget his 1 the young lom he had illaire, who I!hiefs of the ed to death, happened to '. entirely to mow about toward the rn th^ issue e retreat in ivhence they 1 horsemen cavalry.— shortly af- the Scottish i when they fter retreat- :roopers, on serving the before he iss St. Hi)- Ing the oc- er and res- thyself for things are eel" Qe how or >ns drawn I place , tts w St. Hil^ " No doubt— very plausible, indeed, but I fancy there are some other little in- cidents in the life of that youM; lady which thou hast forgotten to mention." / •' Why,— no — except— the lacVis, Pierre, thou knowest 1 am a very suscepf^- ble young gentleman— more so at that time than now, having since then roughed over a good deal of the sentimentality of youth. Miss St. Hillaire was a beau- tiful young creature, (which of course you know as well as myself)— about four- teen years of age I should think. "Vfe were thrown together a good deal during the time she remained under the protection of th|at confounded old General, who was as jealous as a miser of his fair ward. We nevertheless, to make a long story short, fell in love ; at least I fell in love with her, and I think— nay, I am sure she did not hate me, for when about going home to her father, we ex- changed rings, with the understanding that I should sec her again in two years, when f would claim her and my ring together. Two years— yes^ nearly 'leven years have passed away, and I have not claimed either. You naturally a.-^k why —because three thousand miles and more have been continually divid^ing th( space between us ; but why should that distance interveriC 1— because Charles Lefevre was unexpectedly ordered abroad on the Continent— lastly out to ^zn- ada, where he met with his friend Pierre, which somewhat compensated him for leaving sunny France and the girl be loved behind him. Immediately on arri- ving at Q.uebec, I wrote to her, lamenting my hard destiny— the unavoidable circumstances which have always preventfti me from clasping her in my armsac- cording to agreement. No answer came, but 1 heard accidenuUy some time since that she was married to another. I felt down hearted enough at~the time. but as I before said, I have roughed over the squeamishness of youth, though on nights like the present, when stars stud the sky like diamonds set in jet,— in a scene like this— in the solitude of the forest, I sometimes think of and revert back lithe time when the careless joys of youth were tinged with those of love." " Ha! Lefevre, I thought there was some sentiment at the bottom of all this.' I am sincerely sorry for thy disappointments, though. Didst thou ever see Col- onelSt. Hillaire 1" .. " Never— but I heard he was unemployid— having retired on half pay— and in rather poor circumstances." " It appears to me," replied Pierre, " I have heard his name mentioned oui here— though in connection with what subject I have forgotten." " Talking about sentiment," said Lefevre al>er a short pau.se—" how dost t.hoii feel thyself on that score— a singular feeling of sad-pensiveness, U it not ? Dost thou not ol^en think of th« Pale Lily during some of these midnight excursions, when everytlfing around you is in repose; when thou art left alone in the solitude of the forest, with naoi^ht but the stars to gaze on thee, or. with nauglit but the moon, slowly parting the clouds, to shed her pale silver light on the scenc,-dues not the Image of thjr mistress sometimes fisc before thee ia all her numeroos charms 7 A laugh, perhaps, a peculiar intonation of her voice, a smil*, a look, ="*=**®*^»»*r^»yw*«H»^»n=='l»MSflrwi^^ ... ^fl sometimes occur to thy imagination— remaining oblivious to all else own happy contemplations 1 " ;cept thy xti ..>. ...1 J.,«.J .». ' ;: -Mf -y'l.ri ..->"' k^g •■ ' Vj Ifi''^ ?^ i i' s -'*'V^ ^ffi .t«'.>SM< iijajMi um \l 136 THE LAST OP THE ERIES Ah, Lefevre-thou art an adept in the poetry ot love. 1 perceive. If I have not fek exact^ what thou hast so My pttrtrayed, I have in the deep soUlude of night watched the hosts of heaven twinkling in myrTads ever steadily ever in tensely I have felt my own insignlACance, when at such times I endeavored to •coniprehend the viast works of (he Almighty. I have let my imagination wander beyond this^phere to revel in thfc boundless space of our planetary systems.- What immensity !_what infinity !-what vast never ending space 1 Those stan, our astronoraersand learned men have pronounced worlds-most of them larger far than our owt. Earth ; some of them suns, giving light to other systems, while are suns beyond those again, which we see not with the naked eye, round which revolving other spheres, gives one an idea so vast of infihity that one cannot com- prehend it ,n a sing e view, but he must take space by space, sphere by sphere and sujns by themselves hefpr« he can have a faint idea of the grand whole. One must feel their oWn littleness, while awe and fear so pervade the mind that one ■IS ready, involuntanly to bend his knee in adoration to H.m, the Creator ot all men under the influence of those feelings, I hare often wished the atheist or deist .n my situation, and fancied how soon his theoretical sophisms would be shaken. Alone wUh nature, in solitude, perhaps in danger, he would feel the existence of a God-of an over-ruling power which could crush him-and his coward heart would shrink, his coward spirit would tremble, as in deep humility ackowledgmg his own littleness, he would wonder at his former idle follv If ^udden danger then menaced him, he would involuntarily wish for the protee-" ^ion of, that Providence he when, surrounded by dissipated, reckless, fashionable folly, formerly desp^ed. Believe me, there is no school for the conversion of athewin like the forest, none for that of deism li^fe solitude-none for the correc- tion ol vice in any shape, than for its votaries to wander alone amid the gran- deur and beauty of Nature. It is only in the dissipation of society supported by thy friends, « the pleasure, of the dfies, the impunity with which crime is of ten perpetrated, that your freethinker, your atheist or deist is created." •■fielng neither the one or Ae other Pierre, thy able and convincing lecture applies not to me." " I did not intend it. Lefevre, though I knew tliu wert an admirer of the pro- fane writer; so was I, myself, previous to coming to America. I know thou ' 1„. ;. -tT ^ '°° f ""^ •*■ °" «=«"°"y«»«.) a partiality for these blasphe- "" tSdr. "h"."":'" ^'^"''-''^-eh perhaps not exactly concurring' in t:^:^.:?^''''^''''''' athelsumeverfor. moment thought of " I am sure of it Pierre, though as I said before, neither an atheist or a deist amsomethmgof a Predcstinarian. I believcthat the evente which befall usdu- nngonr lives, arc so ordained at our birth-lhtrt our weak minds and passion. «»nnot frustrate the designs of Providence." ^^ jj^^ffie8«^t»t==4h*id^^ «lve. power equal with the Almighty. ButProvidence nerer. ujlieve; deai^ , itf^alAs'-. ' 'J^ ■*»•'• ■''VjS A. TALE OP CANADA. 137 'e. If I have !p solitude of lily, ever in- ^ndeavored to lation wander y systems. — Those stars 'them larger rstems, while round which : cannot com- •e by sphere, whole. ' One ind that one reator ot all. e atheist or IS woald be aid feel the m — and his ?ep humility - ile folly. If the protec- fashionable inversion of r the correc- l the gran- lupported by ;rime is of- > :ing lecture of the pro- know thou se blasphe- icurring in thought of or a deist, lefallusdu- d passions ng to oor- n, designs the events which befall us during our Uves ; He sometimes in bis mercy interpo- ses— those who stek his .protection will find it^^tbose who (rust in him will not be deceived ; but that all things are Predestined I do not believe. Man is a per- fectly free agent— upon himself depends whether he be good or bad, rich or poor; there are various paths open to him, of which he is free to choose." '' " Not entirely," replied Lefwre; there are many difficulties which often oc- cur to prevent men from choosing that which they most incline to— being conse- quently forced in a direetiju contrary to their wishes. There are predisposing causes which strengthen or develope the character of men ; some are bom rich, some poor, some are intelligent, some stupid. The rifch have not the same in- ducements to commit crime as the poor, for they have time to study, reflect and ' refine themselves, which the latter have not. The talented find it harder to re- sist temptation to do evil than the stupid, provided any advantages to themselves or friends ofler^o be the result, while those ofobtu.se minds may be virtuous for this reason — that their dull intellects will not permit them to do a badlaction un- detected. Your thorough bred Villain is generally a talented man, capable of being made a saint, did norsome predisposing cause induce him to take the for- mer character— thus was he predestined from his birth to a career of evil. That man is a free agent, I must deny— for instance to prove it— take myself Was it my inclination to leave France?— why am I here now upon the banks of this wild river, talking on these subjects with thee, when one little week since, I was under lock and key in Montreal. Why art thou and [ outlaws'! have we com- mitted any crime to make us so 1 Are we free agents then, when we are placed in a position farthest from our inclinations, and repugnant to our feelings 1 " " I do not see what all this has to do with predestination ; but, Lefevre, I per- ceive from the weakness of thy arguments, that thou thyself hast some little doubts as to the truth and weight ol what thou hast advanced, or are conscious that thy arguments are not exactly to the point. Thou sayest the rich man has not the same inducements to do evil as the man who is poor; he has mor^his wealth opens to him a wider field of pleasure, and fashionable pleasure is folly, while folly is crime. With resources at his command to purchase all the fpUies. of the day, he finds it hard to resist that which he is conscious is evil. The temp- tations to which he is exposed are more various and numerous than those of his poorer neighbor. Born rich, he is generally well educated, while if education refines pleasure, it also adds to the perception of distinguishing right from wrong, and if with his eyes open he commits the latter, then the consequences thereoC rests with himself-^not with fate. • The talented are likelyfo make as great sainteas vilains;' very well— then, according to thine own argument, be is* (rie agent— free to make himself one or the other, and the consequences of his choice.be what it may, rests with him and not with fate. Again— thousayestthat the talented, being so, find it harder to resist evil than those of duller intollecU, hec a n s e t h e f o rmfchat-in persp c ctiy c thfr:eartai&ty 15^W ^} >^.> with impunity, while th6 Iftter does not care to commit crime, because he doea not know feow tq ^ it with no risk to hinuwlf. Such may be the eaA, bat if thov ■^' e§ ,- :i.Av..,r*ii^j4.* , '.\ ']L 138 THE LiST OP THE ERIES, i: i^r m^^ arguest therefrom that be isnotva free agent-owing aU the Incidents of hislifeas "o predestined at his birth, thou art much mistaken. If, being more talented Ihan h.s fellows, he is induced to do a^ad action for the foregoing reawns,.ther also offer him inducements to do good ;~then it is surely not predestined for him to be a villairi or a saint because he happens to be either the one or the other He • may happen to be^ harmless though not a religious man, but as he soweth so Shan he reap. To support thy argument.thou goest still farther.andasketh if it was thy inclination to leave Prance ? I reply that according to the tircuifistances in which;hau art placed, so must thou be governed. TJion sdpposedst il was destined that thou shodldst come to Canada ; that thou and Miss St. Hillaire should nleet- to fa Jl in love. No such thing ; if suah a thing had been ordained,thou mightst have frustrated fate at once-by throwing up thy appointment in the detachment ordered out to this country~to the detriment of thy prospects to be sure, but thou Chosest not to destroy them ; it was in thy power to do so however. Why then blame fate for sending thee out to Canada and parting thee from thy mispress. If thou hadst not entered the army as a soldier, a profession thou chosedst in pre- ference to others, thou wouldst probably have never seen Scotland, consequently perhaps have never seen Miss St. Hillaire. Thy own free will has been exer- cised m almost every inslancu of thy life, ind-yet thou presumest to say that desti- ny IS what governs thee. Thou questionest why thou shouldst be here on tjie banks of the Ottawa instead of being in^prison at Montreal if it was nbt so ordained. 1 presume that il thou hadsi chosen to stop there,tbou wouldst be there still,or hadsi thou not bribed the jailer, or hired an Indian to convey thee over the river thou wouldst not be here now. Thou afso questionest why we are outlaws while innocent of any crimeJo make us so. The reason is simply this : If I had not, obstinate! v ,as thou persisteth, separated myself from thy hunting party some five orsix months ago, I should not hare afforded Lacoste such a fair opportunity of maligning me or leA bim devoid of an excuse to accuse me of treason. Again, if I had not pro- voked his enmity, he never would have went such lengths to injure me, and yet thou sayest destiny governs us all." , " Ma foi, Pierre, what a long-tongued chap thou artj but I thin)c thou hastla{- len into a trap in whi«h I will hold thee fast, until tljou canst release thyself- Admitting all to be true about the results of thy obstinacy, if thou provokedst the enmipr of Lacoste, then he is innocent; admitting Lacoste to be malignant treacherous, passionate and revengeful, has not nature made him sol was he ml destined from his birth to the influence of those passions 1 therefore it is destiny • What he was in childhood, he was in boyhood; what in boyhflod, he is in man- hooJ, otoly his cliaracter being more strongly developed at every change of life ." "■Tiseasy to jump out of thy trap, Lcfevre.-'I shall visit the sins of the fathers upon the children of those .that hale me, even tnto the third goneration ' hath the Lord said unto Moses ; the threat, and promise of mercy unto.tho«iands of those that love him, has been fulfilled. Parents todulgin* -^ their youth ia -vioto»»^.4^»4tftteal PU ..U.1., gradual ly d egtnlfttodtria^ff.ir minds. P^T" •UMU engendered by habit are transmitted to the child, aod em a. hath beoa - r. ipjmm^r -y -.'■■•■ \ We of hislif'eas •e talented tian »ns^they also led for him to Ihe. other. He he ' soweth so isketh if it was cutfistances in il was destined should fileet^- d.tiiou mightst lie detachment sure, but thou ■r. Why,then thy mistress, dosedst in pre- , consequently as been eier- I say that desti- re on tjie banks a ordained. I e still.or hadst e river, thou vhile innocent ot, obstinately ;orsix months laligning me, had not pro- ine, and yet thou hast ia.]r ase thyself.— irovokedst the e malignant, il was he not it is destiny. " he is in mau- ingeof life." e sins of the i goneration,' itcthoHMads wir yo uth in minds. Pas- ts hath b«G& A TALE OF CANADA. 13? prophesied, the effects of the sins of the fathers, to the fourth generation, have been transmitted to their sons. Probablythou wilt call this predestination ; if it \vere so, then would .the most hardened villain be innocent of all his crimes to both God and man. Free their pai-ents were Xo choose betwixt good and evil.— Even supposing^ that causes did exist which "Tiempted them more strongly to sin, they will be taken into consideration, and duly weighed on the day of the last tributlal. Those causes, however, were never predestined to happen ; there are only two things I ran perceive ordained by God, and those are, that man shall die and be born again. However, we will pursue this subject farther some more convenient opportunity— I perceive the Irinkas are turning over the bodies cf those poor fellows. We must bury the dead." • So saying, Pierre stepping up to the spot, ordered a grave to be scooped out of ihe,sandy soil, large enough to contain the five bodies. The Induns pointed out one among the dead, as the man who was the first to commence the fray by wan- tonly assassinatipg an^rie. " Ah, then, he hasatonpd for his crime," said Pierre ; " there is only one row whom we may detain." The grave was dug, the dead buried, "and a prayer f'aid over them by Pierre, who drove in a stake at the head of the mound to mark the spot. The wounded Erieswere cared for by their brethren; while sentinels and scouts being thrown out, the whole party stretching themselves round the fire, betook themselves to sleep. The morning that dawned a few hours after, was fine as usual, as nearly all September mornings are. The Indians .started to their feet simultaneously, counting ovy the prisoners, as they stirred up the fire. None had escaped ; the scouts were called in, fresh logs heaped on the coals: two Indians launching a canoe, moved it a little way il-om the shore and then suffered it slowly to float down the stream. Fishing li|ies were thrown out, and the rapid bending of the hickory stalks as they were slowly raised in the air, evinced the quantity and weight of the fish that were caught. In about a quarter of an hour, sufficient* were taken to provide a meal for the whole party. Expert hands soon depriving them of their scales, the fresh fish were, laid on heated stories, which quickly baked them to the various ta^s of the cookers. Lefevxe was the last to awake; stretching and yawning, he rose slowly on his legs, and staring vacantly round, perceived ' Pierre undergoing a plentiful ablu- tion I springing down the bank to the ed^e of the river, he threw off his clothes to perform the same operation. > • " This is the very essance of rural felicity," he observed : " I have not underwent such an enjoyment this long time; it is really refreshing, though I must confess the first immersion is rather chilly. What miy you dry yourself with, pray 7" J^A^'°.^°'^^ branch," "PligdJTOeffe, laughs cai. am»d fj)^ the woods?^ " Rathw too roi^h a fl««h brashjfor me ; I prefer the easier method of evapo- ^*^ THE LIST OP THE ERIES, ratiOD," ftod Lefene gatheapg «P hw garments, dressed himself near the ix€. " What a splendid app my palate though, they ar? iFce those fish have," he observed to Pierre ; ttther fresh— a little salt would improve them."' 'to " There is not much of epicurianism here," answered the individual. " Hun- ger gives a zest to every dish ; a good appetite is not vcu-y particular about coMi- ments and sauces. I find meat now almost as agreeable without salt as w|th it." "Portions of fish and venison lyere distributed to the prisoners, and the Eries having finished their breakfast, put out the fire. The canoes were placed on the river, and moored to the bank with lines of bark. One of the largest being loaded with the muskets a#d bayonets of the French soldiers, was towed to the opposite shore, where the;^ were thrown up on the cliff; two Eries were left to guard the weapons, that no wandering hunter or voyageur might mate off with more or less of them. The canoes then returned to the western shore, where the reiiain- .ne two had been already filled with Indians, whose weapons glanced in the rays o. the sun, while keeping their vessels stationary in the current, by a few nu^ tions of their paddles. Lacoste was seated among them, while the other prison ers remamed in their former positions on the bank. Lefevre suddenjy cried out "my sword, Pierre, I must not lose that precious keep-sake; send one of the Irinkas aOer it, before you release the prisoners." Pierre calling one of, the Eries from under the tree, Lefevre gave him direc tions where and how te find it, and the Indian started off at a rapid pace alone Jhe bank of theTivefi^ " How soon will hfbe back, Pierre," enquired Lefevre. ^' In about an hour. It is a pity thou didst not think of thy sword sooner ; how- ever, having the day before us, we need be in no very particular hurry." "Take it eisy Pierre, there is nothing like a good conscience; have you pipes ^«le the nmabider . k fufa tit*- ■Y i-f ^ ^: , ^ A TALE OF CANADA. 141 of the Irinkat^were embarking in the two empty canoes, Pierre stood up and ad- dressed them as folloH's : " Lad% it t^as only last night I. was made acquainted with the charges prefer- red against me ar -Montreal ; klso, the object of'your visit to the Indian country. I shall merely say, that I have been' falsely and untruly dealt with. You were sent out here bylhe Governor to apprehend jnc, and finding I was not where you expected to take mB,you took up youAabode with the Irinkasto await my return So far all was right, and I should on my arrival have peaceably submiited myself to your authority to apprehend me. But it seem.s, you must need provoke a ijuar- rel with the Irmkas, on whose ho.spitality you were living j presuming on your strength, you wantonly murdered one of their people ; afterward when fleeing froih your numbers, you uselessly fired Upon them, thereby killing and wounding ^ men and women, for which detestable act you were justly though, unexpectedly punished, by the courage^of those you had dared to injure. You hav'e loSt nearly a dozen of your number, you have left unperformed the mission on which you were sent; lastly, you have been obliged to surrender yourselves into the hands of the Irinkas, who were they to follow up the usages of their r^ce, would put every one of you to death, letting your scalps hang by the door-posts of their lodges, to remind them of the revenge they had taken for the violation of their homes and friendship. But concurring with me, that perhaps your captain was more to blame, who is respoiftible for your actions, 1 have prevailed on them,, not only to apare your lives, but grant you liberty to return to Montreal. YoU' can relate to the Governor what has happened, and out of gratitude, if you feel, any, tell the story impartially, faithtully and truly, even, if by so doing, you cri- %iinRte yourselves. Also, tell him from me, that hearing yesterday for the-firsl time, of what I am accused, that knowing my own innocence thereof, I hare traced the calumny to the right sour«e ; that knowing., myself prefudged by him and others, I do not deem it safe without conclusive proof of my Innocence, to ' entrust ntyself to his power. You are freenow to take the easiest and best meth- od of pixKeeding to Montreal^ that yon may not go -unprovided, here are six muskets^ttd some provisions. It would not be safe to give you back them.jall. Now one last word of advice : never wantonly in the discharge of your duty in- jure those whom you may imagijaeincapable of defence or resistance." So saying, Pierre handed to them their musketoj the men drew up and gave him a military salute, a»he pasted them to step into his canoe. The word was given, and the four vessels, turning simultaneously, danced over the current to the opposite shore, while the soldiers stood in mute silence on the bank, watching the retreating Irinkas, until they reached the other side oC the river, where they disappeared with th^ic caooes among the uneven ground. I . 142 THE LAST OP THE ERIES / CHAPTER XV, X •o Vie left Manhitti with the remainder of his people encamped on the small .s ... .wo da,,, „.o, h.d . .^^„. ;„d c;„c.i' , ™::±:7,::t" duel. Four windows l^t fn tl,B i;„m r j ■ """'"o compieteU for their .vhici, i„ imitation .r^^^^^^^^^^^ -^•'; ^^'^ '^^ ^^^ -U, Stout shutters made out of .. ^ b^ o^ wood I- :, T'' "'"'"''=' ''' """- i.lce the door, they were swan^by on o he ' rLm '"'"' "' °^^""^" cither side about six inches rounded to a n...^^ I , ^''"' ^'"^'"''"^ °" smooth stones taken from the beach iZ "T'""- / '^"^^^ ''««"'', made from built a fire-place exteZg up to h^ e i " The ^ ""'" "''/ ''" *'^'^'' "^^ jected above the roof aboursix fee A fi~°" , t"""'' ™''^" "^' ^'^> ■ P^"" » IhicMy a, loull, B LmJ, 1 rata Tk u?' , T° ""'' "PP^'Wl." oc?:„Sd a':2^t";i„T»"ir,"d°'T''°/ "«'"" " *"-'" torf ,hae ,h. „„ or .he „i,» .a„ taTr^^J" 1"' ""*' '" '""'""■^ ^.a aniatM^^ .„Z.SS 1^^" "g ««-t""^^ .»tt.^ - :sy =ris£r=S 5Ss -tL i.t£5i * i «i*J ,t . 1 I on the small is- J'ow that all dan- ition, to rebuild [loes were deeply eyed to the large ie wielded with ich they lopped 1 two sides. The ?ne ; the smooth ^)eing scarfed pleted for their e of the walls, holed for firing, t the openings, •s projecting on rted into holes, . y swung easily mpartments, oi' 'g the largest, ing rooms foi beaten smooth OSes of planks, th, made from on which was ' "' '^•^y. pro- places in win- lary purpo.se.^, ^ i|fer ingeni- ippea together were filled up cept through o the number on the third ts sheltering !wed, to erect n p ' annthfr e of keeping le of a stout A TALE OP CANADA. defence overlooked— tlie windows were strongly secured, w^le the loop-hjleu for firing. \ Tiie Palo Lily looked round the roortis of her new house with'deligjit ; she"h9d :i fiio i.TTinediatoly kindled on the hearth, to thoroughly dry the dam{)^ walls The household furniture being brought in, she proceeded to decorate the different ajiarimejits. Manliitti had a collection of co.stly and beautiful furs of the tli^ck and brown bear, of liie mooso, the wolf— both red and grey— of the bl,1ck and red \\y.c, the panther and wild cat. Skins, well dre.^scd, of the prairie bulTalo, were \ not the least con.spicuous among iheoa. .Some of these she hung over the walls, comjjleteiy Covering tho.se of the principal apartment, round which she kjid hero .ind there the bushy tails of the foxes arranged in fantastic festoons. A\^rtoJen stools, covered with soft furs she placed about the floor, while mats of native man- ' ul'nclure were piled indifferently for seats or couches. Weapons of war and a' ohase she depended on the walls:— the heavy, ancient stone tomahawk, the bjoiid lieadeil arrow, the short effective- bow, together with the javelin and slender spear, ingeniously pointecfajvitli bone and decorated with fea.thers, ornamented orte sidt: .>l' the room. Opposite were hung the modern but deadlier weapons of the times : — rirtes, beautifully inlaid with silver, and etch?d with various devices; conve- nient to thcin were laid their usual accompaniaments, powder horns of various sizes, cleaning rotls and cases. The sharp steel tomahawk glistened in the light of the fire, long knives, sheahed in tough deer-skin, were placed ready for use, the tounh spear, pointed more cfTectively with steel, than its ancient opposite, lay near them. In one corner oT the room, were, piled snow-shoes of different dimen- sions, calculated for light or heavy snows ; belts of wampum and deen-skin work- •^'i with various coloured threads, ornamented with devices ail J hieroglyphics, by the fair hands of the Pale Lijy herself, hung in another. Grarments of fur, and • lothing of European raartufnctare^^calculated to keep otrt the cold winds of win- ' tt'i, were heaped caiefully together ; Deer-skin moccasins, with those (j£ the tougher hide of the buffalo, ornamented on the instep with beads and worsteds and leggins worked in the same manner by tlie tair mistrea of the habitation, tied in bundles were laid securely by, along with the dresses. Over head were • stretched on the beams which crossed the cabin, implenlents for fishing rods, lines spears, baskets, and netta. This constituted the entire wealth of Manhitti, which would bring him, ilid he choose to sell in the French market, over five thou- sand crowns. He had no wish, however, to turn his furs into money or other *\ oommoJities, for he found them sufficient for his own simple wants and those of hi.s daughter, whose tasteful hands had rendered his stock the means of comfoit, even of elegance. ^ •. - ^ The Pale Lily stepping back after she had her task completed, viewed with de- light the tidy and ornamental appearance of the room. Her father's pipe, made i\\ the Indian fashion, she hung up near the fire, ready for M» use, while the iarge ealBiB^eF|>i pe of p e ac e , us e d only tm itate t j|. She sighed that Pierre was not near her to partake 'of her admiration. She next procee<^d to fit up the sleeping apartments, the floorsof which were atrew* > y fevi^. ■ii? m -^^'i -■i^^:::^. Hi THE LAST Q^THE ERIES, WW " N, %i\ ed with mata— her own being the last that wa« furainhed, the materials of which for comfort and ornament, being principally manufacturi-d by herself, wtth a few articles o( French virtu, mad^ her room a fit abode for innocence and beauty.— Her bedstead was made by a fishing nett, stretched over two wooden bars, that ran across the narrow apartment, about^hree feet asunder, and two from the floor. On them were laid the soft furs of the chase, and caiico quilts made a neat covering. The thatclv of the sloping roof, she decorated with branches ot ihe fpruce, ceda?i?,^d pine, formed into arching festoons. The small window that looked out introfte forest, was darkened in tne like manner; large mats, dy- ed in various colours, covered the floor, giving it a warm and comfortable ap- pearance. A small Hble stood in the centre ; in a corner was another, on which stood a large fancy basket with curious divisions, which served to contain the Pale Lily's working materials, beads, wampum, shells, stones, threads, knives, worsteds, needles, &c. Another basket held her own beautiful dresses and orna- ments. After finishing the (jecorations ofrher room, stepping to her work basket, she took out a small packet, folded careUHly in a piece of deer-skin, which being unwrapped, proved to contain a miniature pointing of a beautiful girl, perhaps eighteen or twenty years of age ; the portrait^vas set in a frame of chased gold, protected by a glass. The*lPale Lily threw hprself down in a half reclining pos- ture on her bed, and supporting her head with her, hand, gazed long and fixedly upon the pictiire, which a spectator would have immediately pronounced a cor- rect imitatloD of herself. A second loolf, however, would have convinced him that the ibatores were slightly different ; that the miniature, il not intended for henelf, represented some near connection of its beautiful owner, whose eipres- siTe coimtenanee was about the same. The only (Qperence observable was, that ths hair, dark auburn in the one, was black in the ddier, the complexion.'a fair and delicate blonde, was of a rudier and more healthy hue in the Pale Lily. " And this waamy mother," mnrmiued the girl ; how Seautiful she mut have been ! Manhitti.most have loved, yes, must have loved her well. She was the daughter of a white man; to her I owe the difference of colour and appearance from my companions oftfie same blood. To her influence, I have heard, that our people are somewhat different ia manners and customs to other tribes; yetMan- hitti has never told to me her entire history. I must ask him some time when Pierre is present" ■» 'W ' '■ Here she waa internipted in her audible reflections by the entrance of one of the Erie girls, having handfioioe dark eyes, with a step as light as a*fawn, and ev^ry motion as graceful. . " 'Ah I Waubiahk-nanng," the Indian wwrds for Pale Lily, meaning while flover, "as the son gladdens the birds of the lorest, so dost thou gladden \kt heart of O-on-yay-stee, by ihjr return," and she wound her firms roand her fviend i«.w tender embraw ; . "^i c uiml am we e thw imtu n . I i wt i jtiw f B tumed to the ~ lalaad; Mara been watching the troubled ^irit oft Feoncavaina, my brother. ' W ^4^ _ _ jjB- > V ■■^' /■'^:f^ en bars, that le hy A TALE OP CANADA. ,^ I^/th^r!' '°'« •^e'nb.ed with emotMn, whichshe In vain endcaromJ .» .npwT •Bd .browing he«elf down with her face «n the bed. «,bbed convr..Vc7 - "0-on-yay^«ee. is thy brother dea'd V enquired the Pale Lily as she «,{«^ :rro" '" '" "•"-• """"'^ -tmcinlhera^idst te.™o?;;C;f "" whhT. V'^^Tf " '•^" ""^ •"■ ""• '^'■""•' ">«' ' '"'^•" '^^v'^ •" '"/edS^ Borrow wHb her!rf--^Hh her hare watched the soul of the handsome PcnlSC^TZl for the land of spirits ?" > "«= rcnjHioUma depart " Nceaatissaid the news would grieve thee too much ; .tli^anbishlf nau„. warned .epose. so 1 did not care for that rca.on. to di'.turb hTr bm n„w"he h.nd'O'ne and brave Penau,un>a has leA us ; my brother i« gone to he h„ppy hun..„g ground, of the soul, of the dead. O-on-yay-s.ee .half weep for hi Jfor •llo was a good youn? hunter," answered the Pale Lflv, soothingly " his eve w^asthatofahawk-s; hissprin,quickas.,,epantherV Washekm^^^^^ French that came her»r' ^ ^ " He was wounded when .hey fired npon us in the water. He is now gone - c^drpr^^rrihr;::/-- '--•'- ' -«> ---^-»." "Come then," and O-on-yay-stee threw her arm round the waist of h.r.r. Manhhti laid his hand kindly on her head, and soothed her with a few exn^e.. •ive words of sympathy. SeveriU youog girls, relations of the dead were 2Sd rprxLt^f/o"'^"'^"^"^ •"'' '^'- Of thedepartedtar;io«Tl"' to the nnmi?„f . ""T^"^-^"" '"'""''■ '° "^^"* ''^*™ '" 'heir task. The chleft ' «r^er„?^ uT ' """^ '"' •*"'"' '"™^« ' <^''«^'-. »"d producing a^U 1k17 ;''?''"' '"'"'"' "^•"""'•'^ '^"''^ «"^ narcotics, into wh^JHTw e^r a' f?*"; ' f '"" **' """" ''"^ ^'"^'^ •" heavy' masses venhtrr .h?l 7 ,1'' ""'f™" "*"""' *^ "^<^" commenced by one of the chS he others gradually taking up the straih until it rose into a prolonged .nd.tet' .ngchorns. The swelling notes reaching the opposite Island a^sedSS^^^^ u tbere at work to^ase their labor. They rushed to1l.e beach, ti^edlekca?^ »d men wotnen and cWWrea embarking, the vessels were' impelled XT ^^I /. "^ ««l«ateIymi,yoni sweeping round the primon.on ,hey , were grounded .monrthe pebbli^^ the beach^i the x.arrLfo^^\tj W62e the «r^ '^^^ '""'' '"*""* °^ ^' old warrio,; s;;]ied;riir^ u,^.f0tw jw>reia.rthe4e«d; gathering round the circle of cWeft. ijko «ii , n •i*^ 1 ' ', ^.^, :? '■•^f 14$ THE LAST OP THE ERIES, continued t|;eir taonotonoaa dirge, they formed aJarger ring by joining Lands ;; the females locking their arms together, circled these again, thus forming three distinct rings one within another, while the earthern pot in the centre, continue(| to send up its wreaths of perfume. As tWS lament of the old chiefs waxed louder the second circle, which included the younger portion of the community, gradu- ally increased their chorus until they completely drowned the voices of the latter, upon which the song suddenly ceased, and silence for a moment predominated.— Soon, howevel-, the junior portion again commenced in low plaintive tones, the subject of their song being something like the following:— "We heard a sound like the music of Falling water; it came V'ilh the breeze to Our ears, and we said listen, and we listen'd. il We then heard the wailing song of sorrow. ■k We said, let us go and !sce. We have come. -=. Why doth warriors and chiefs now lament "J Wherelore cry they aloud so strong that their Voices have even reached our village. Tell us chiefs and warriors what sorrow Hftth come upon our laid 1 " / To which the old men replied : ^ "It is well thine ears have hea»d, for now thine Eyes Shalt set. Our, lalhentations are loud ' For our sorrow is griat. W,e sing for the dead — For the.ahsent souls^f the young dead, Three Erics have gone to the land of spirits. We mourn thgir dj^arture, but envy Their joys. '^|f5 '■' They pointed to the corpses, jrasi were decorated with their war paints and dresses, their weapons being^lacedbylheir sides. The young men opening their eircle, marched to the rightJ^assed the bodies successively— casting a look upon them as they went. Thej^ain resumed their positions, commencing anew the "■ song, which soon died^way in faint cadences, when advancing one by one, '^hrew into the pot some fresh herbs, saying something appropriate at the same tjino referring to tttS dead. A volume of incense now ascended, which partly cfc^nred the faces^pf the mourners. The young girls then took up the song, which consisted ;'# the same apostrophes and questions. They were answered byiheaienol tl&' second circle, on which they divided, marching slowly round the bodies, ,each casting on them some peculiar plant of the seasbn, until they *were half concealed by the offerings. The corpses were now borne in a litter by a few oi the young men on thfeir shoulders fo the river side, and deposited in a canoe. The whole of the comrou- ijity immediately embarked; the canoes three abreast, took a dilfection up the rifer. The setting sun by this time threw ite beams aslant upon the water as the vessels slowly crossed in a long procession, until they reached about midway the shore of the m|jn island, wh ere landing Uiey proceeded in single file " lErongK IKTBeisi, mr Iheyrannr w a small ampMlheatre; TOdosed by^^ar dar bnbes, throngh whioh the solar rays even at noontWe, scarcely pietced.— IUt« wew scattered about a few mounds, not more than a doaen : tttia waa tb«i I b«tying>^ would ha out, into to the usu in the vet of these, 1 lines, nets won in th raising a i with large 0-on-ya; the forest, , the pile of Indian girl brother, coi took the op; A light 61 low, caught J by the langi " Come, are abroad; happy ia (I there/ore, t< with the tho unknown an ready abroac " The^Pal observing th< on her head. The gir) k followed the < which sped t «trand beneat The Pale I Mif on the cc king her, step king his pjp« ^^ards him an{ on hb knee. " How is lit *tteelleep«, >Dg the name c " We ami i joiain(c bands -f IS fonning three 9ntre, continued 'fs. waxed louder imunity, gradu- :ssofthe latter, predominated.--- intive tones, the d. 16. A eir thine i • dead — rhree war painta and len opening their iting a look upon incing anew the ng one by one, iate at the same !d, which partly }ok up the song, were answered ng slowly round asbn, until they tg men on th^ir ! of the commu- diftction up the an the water as A about midway d in aiogle fiio MM- by tf waw «■ « ircely plotctd.— \n : tt^it waa thci A TALfi OP CANADA. \, :s?ro;rt;:;r.^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ out. Into which, the bod'es enc^Ln ffi 'theTlL ^iS^Z T "'*'*' .0 the usual custom of the Indians, were IowI^IF it ^.7^,1"'' '"^*"*"» «n the weapons of the dead warrior„„H f ' ^ aJ^ming. thl*w Of these, th^goods ^^^.IT^t^'.^ZT Zl^t^ ""' "^ >.nes,nets, snow-shoes, spears and bows alonJ^hhToK ^ "^ '^"• won in the chase. The iirl next t^Zln T . u^ ^"^^"^ '^ ^''^ ""•* raising a mournful song t?rth"e ThTi ^°^"^^''' "»'«^ *« their garlands. With large heavy stones ^'' ^'^^ "*^ ^'^'^ «"«'! «P. «"«- the..e/ore, too much, aon-ya" u mLh Jr "i;" "" ^^ ^~P ""^ with the thought that thy brothe is now w fh h ^'^ •^'""°"- *^°"*°''' "-y^'^ unknown and mysterious wo W qZ O "^"^^ ""^""^ '^''° '"''»'>» " ready abroad, ta'rry not C-it^Lt;':^ '^^ '^-^^'^^ ^^^^^ -'■ on her head. ^ ' ^'""^- ■*°'' ^e laiithis hand gently rorwX'Srsrrir:^o^t^^^ which sped swiftly down h ;t.^a.n'u u heT ' ."" ''''*' "^"^ '" '"■•' ""«* -and beneath the h.uff cliff of t"r;er;oir;risl7" "^ *'" ^ """^^ j;: fh?ctLv:t:ib:::^^^^^^^ '? '-' ^^^ ^p-'--- ^^^^ «•-- he. ^iog her, stepped ^^^^^ „,„ "hf oilTZ "'"^L '"''' ^^'^^ ^''^ f'^^^''"' o^- king his pi^appLmrabX „ T' "T ^''^ '""""'^ »>" f««her smo- wa«l. Wm aiTiat Lrsel bj h" Sde l; '' Tf ''""• ^'"^ ''""^ " «'°o' «- «n hi. knee. He looked down andtitr f 't"' ^"''^ "' '"« »»■»• "»• ■' How U little O-onCa^^eT " ''"'' "'^"'"''^ ..fl. . -— -— ' _: '=■!'" yet oim with 84?rrQwl" *4-' • \ ";'t"U'(.?-'^# 14B THE LAST OF THE BRIE8, 1 If ! V after a paow) "whose smile will make her forget her tears. For Wauhishk* oaang we must also find a mate. Are there none among all mj young warriors whom thou couldsl fancy for a husband 1 It is time now thou badala skilfiU honier to provide furs and venison for thy lodge." The Pale Lily blushed, and after a little hesitation replied : " Surely my father knows that I love Ecenwau-ishkoda ; he is the handsomest as well as the bravest hunter among all our people." " As for being the handsomest my daughter is the best judge. So she lores the white huilter 1— has he any regard for the Pale Lily 1 " " Ah i I am sure he has," she replied, her eyes sparkling with animation. — My father must surely know it." " He has long known it; his heart is very glad that such is the case. Keen- wau-ishkoda is his friend ; ^e would have him more — he would have him for a son. We must speak to him on this matter when he returns. What says my daughter!" " She cares not to leave hct father ; she loves the Broad Rifle, but Manhitti better," The Chiei smiled as he replied : " Keenwau-ishkoda though a white man, is an Erie and a Chief But listen, my daughter, thou art partly othis rnee; thou mastiiave been aware of this. Now the time has come that thou shouldst know everything which I can tdl thee about this matter ; thou canst then satisfy the curiosity of thy lover. Uast thou that beautiful painting 1 gave thee a few sum- mers since 1" The Pale Lily drawing the miniature from her besom presented it to her father, who holding it before Kis face, looked long and sadly upon it, when he suddenly turned his gaze upon his daughter. o " See I Wauhisbk-naung, thou must have noticed thy resemblance to this pic- ture; thou art like it very much. Thy mother is to be seen in thee, notwith- standing thy Indian blood. She was a French girl, from which nation she was captured by the Iroquois when on a journey to the settlements on the east side of the St. Lawrence, accompanied by a few of her countrymen, and detained by Canassatego : from him purchased by Coswenago, who was but a boy at that time. He was for a time at the pains to induce her to stop with him in hi; lodge, for thy mother wa^ very beautiful. But her licntle spirit, even gentler than thine my daughter, abhorred the fierce Indian chief, who consequently determined to '^ put her to death. I, at that time, had experienced but twenty-two summers ol ' lifiB ; I was at the head of a powerful band of Erics and Shawnees, who camped ' along the banks of the Ohio. Being out hunting one day wiih a few chiefs, we ! came near to a party of Senecas under the command of Coswenago, who was ^- [ bout sacrificing thy mother to the stake, tier helpless beauty fired the heart a( ' -this^ Y young warrior with love and pTty jT"i«MtredTieir7fom the Sehecia, and~ cm- veyed her to oiir village. S^e wej^t for her home and friends, whereupon I woald hare restore! her to them at any risk, dkl sot love, that burned oaly thi ; i'W- / For Waubbhk* young warriom badala Bkilfia the handsomMi :. Soahe lore* ;h animation- lie case. Keen- have him for a What says my c, bnt Manhitii I white man, is t his race ; thou I shouldst know ihen satisfy the thee a few sum- ented it to her on it, when he nee to this ptc- thec, notwith- natioQ she »-a» the east side of nd detained by a boy at that iiminhif lodge, ntler than thine determined to '^ 'o summers ol ' s, who camped ' few chiefs, we . fo, who was tr [ cd the heart of A TALE OP CANADA. 149 more fiercely from never before having experh-nced the passion, delayed the jour- ney from day to day: After a few months she seemed .0 take L in.crest in our Lri rrr"'' -'""^^/^--her home and friends. I made known to her my love; she d.d not refuse the offer of an Erie chief-she bc-nme my wife and our fierce nntaresuer. partly subdued by her gentleness , there wa/not a 'war r.or among all our tribe who did not adore her. She Sinde many things known .to me that I before was i„ igaorance of;-the exi.t.nco of na.Ls bryond tie salt water whosp,.eo;,;. were as numerous as the sands on the lake shore- the uses of plants and metal., the beautiful art of painting, which I had already some conceptioa of-that l...:::. prac-ti.ed to perfection as I thought among our people- -but what was my ..rpnse and delight when she produced this beautiful like- n ss Of hersp,., enclosed in an unknown mc.aL It was th.n 1 began ,0 think that "encerwhL'r ""SilL*' ''f ""^ ""' ' '^^""•'•" '" -^P-hend the real differ- notr-.h , , " JBK" '"" *"''"'■' '"^ "'^ ^'^J '">'■"■ ' '*^'"'J "«y-'<^"- happy notw thstand.n. JH, inferior knowledge compared wi>h that of the fornL *omctn„es wev,«PfBS my heart and threw a cloud upon my brow but .t was q.n,-.ly chased away by the smiles of thy mother. I made myself eTmvln r"' !"'"': ■""^•'' ""' ""'""^^ '' ''' '^-P'''- -J «'• -hich I avail- receivo^ " ' ^''«i^ '"anner. and eustoms. They the more readily ZZ r ';"" " '""^ '"""-"" "" ^"^' -^P'^" '^^'l P*^-""'-^ '"y "'Other to Sn°r ■'"'"' "" "'''^"-•^-^""'""'■a Fre.ehchietwhowas hen caml^ --'~'.y; she had com- .0 Canada with her brother, and was captured soou ai.-,, .o: ,, vith a few of h..r countrymen, (who we,e pu todea" by a par y o. On:..:d,, : n- a, I belo.e .tated, while on a uurney toLmcof the Pr neh Forts on the e.t .do ..f.he St. Lawrence. I heard, indL thattquide to her eats, u, ..,e wxs ■h,:, my wile whom I loved too well tj part with. This .b.n s but t, .y ,re pLa^.n. to thnk ttpon now that Ml «neh joys are past. Wo- dwe happy ;o. a t,,: .. o.. ,l,e hank of the Ohio, when cam. our second great batt,ew.ih„,c ir.,i..,.;.,no,nv.-horawo were obliged ,0 Hce .0 the Mississippi il tr:;r "? T '"V""-- ^"•■'^' "^ *'>- •''- -'^>' ^--^^ -^ » warded tl em m the valley of ,!.r plac. We had a qnarrel wLh the D..heotas our' ancient ' we wSoHi "T. " " "': ""'" '"" "'•-'-■-"^' •-"-- -uld notcontend; r!r ,.r "" ' "^^- -^""""-y again toward the great lakes. Travelling notth o, t .n a .id .he - oquo., we reached at leng.h the camp of the Nippi ' butVearuU?;": '" '' f;!"^'"'^''' ^^"'^ these people, who .sheltered u, awhile. L cave h I '"' ''"' '•" ^'^'"^'"'^' ^^"^ ^"' '^'^■'•'^ ^''"^-^ *« ^'-'^ ^"li-jed have Irln ""' " • ' '"''■ ""^ ^^"" '"' ^'"^«« ^'^ "»'« '«'°°J ^here we , haveiema.aedcvcr t.e.. Thy m.ther died ab out seventeen summers a^o in ' ==^= — thi3-plactf,« > J-< H M- ha^tsolnr.k u "^'y "^ ^^'1 the Ibresf fre^ In thitipoi where thd^ nast so lately »c?a fccnuu guma hurried." " My mother 1-^ ! thou must have missed her much, tnj father." lecas, and con- , whereupon I ; imed oaljr thi,' h ♦■> ',' IfiO r THE LAST OP THE ERIlfeS, ¥ " I didl miu her child, for we had ftlmost grown old together, and the memory ol our lore even fo thif day is balm to a broken spirit." " I hare often heard thee mourn for the loss of thy father's power— I have heard > thee sorrow for thine own ; but we may increase our strength, whilst thou, my father, mightst take thy place once more as Sachem of one of the Indian nations." And the Pale Lily Iboked enquiringly into the eyes of Manhittit" " Not while Co«wenago lives,'*^ he replied ; " not While the Fire Nations re- main powerful." " But why are the French our enemies 1" suddenly asked the Pale Lily, after miuing a little. " Our people have traded with them at Hochelega ; we have received presents fipm them — why then should they bum our village 1 " J* Possibly Keenwau-ishkoda can explain when he returns ; he has gooie to ob- ^tain information. Some of the tribes of the Iroquois are now allies of the French ; thfey may liave instigated them to destroy us." " Ob, i^re it not for our enemies," she desp^ndingly murmured, " we might ytt behap^y." ( ^he weather still continued warm though at so late'^a season of the year, being ke^r the latter end of September, and thouci^the nights were frosty, the sun with his yQt powerful firams dispelled the chilly blasts, enlivining the forests, which seemed to sleep inlhe hazy mists of early dawn, as if aniious ta^rclieve itself of its gorgeous foliage, tba,t seemed to burden it in the distance. This in fact was the most cheering and invigorating season of the year to the lovers of nature.— '^The clearness pf the atmosphere during noon and evening, combined with the bracing air, made the step of the hunter more elastic and his senses more alert. The river.swelled by some heavy rains in the north, rolled down murmuring and dancing round the uneven shores of the Island, near which, falling into deep pools and gulphs, itssurf&ce became catm and tranquil, as if ashamed of its pre- vious boisterous gaiety. The Indians on the following morning were again early at work ; the resound- ing blows of their axes could be heard ajnidst the noise of tailing trees, and the meriy voices of children mingling with the hoarse shouts of the men. This is not a usual picture of Indian life, where the women generally attend to the con- struction of lodges, and gathering of fuel. But these lodges were built after the European fashicin, being made for permanent residences — the Cries having dis- carded entirely the use of bark ients for their village — using them only when traversing the wide tract of country between the Ottawa and Ontario. Conw-, quently the strength of the women were not sufficient to wield the heavy axex, and the hunters had too much manly feeling to permit them. They took the un- usual office upon themselves — the result wu that the cabins were well aHil firm- ly built. Voyagers accustomed to the habits and manners of the northern — 4>a4 w wtwn tribes, w are sometimw astuntwhwl to w itn«wHha4a«t pi»gt=^iiwifaFp<=^ icivilization exhibited by the Eries. The Pale Lily rose later than usual with the noise of the workmen ringing in jI»il,vjiJii;ii,-«j,i:.''..:..'..i'Taa'*-- ■T'- i nd the taemoff r — Ihavehearil> rbilst thou, my [ndiaa nations." Ive Nations re- Pale Lily, after ega; we have igel" has gone to ob- r allies of the ed, " we might the year, being ty, the sun with i torests, which relieve itself of 'his in fact was !rs of nature.— kbined with the ises more alert, murmuring and ling into deep uned of its pre- k ; the resound- ; trees, and the men. This is tend to the con- built after the ies having di«- em only when ntario. Con«e-, iie heavy axeo, icy took the un- : well aWtl flrm- >f the northern ^-n^v ■•>^;-^^»^>.-»;-^ :W ■■ . nett ringlnf in * ;\ A TALE OP CANADA. \^x fcer ears. She met 0-on-yay-stee at the threshold of the lodge, busily preparing the morning meal ; she hastened to assist her, and while the two were busy with their culinary preparations, a low cry came floating on the breeze from the we«»- , tern side of the river. The Indians ceased their work— listening the while; it- came again twice repeated with peculiar modifications, which they seemed very ^\l to comprehend, for two canoes were immediately despatched to the shore, from whence soon returning, landed the party of Eries who had been left behind by Manhiltti when descending the Madawaska, to watch the trail of the Iroquois. These men seemed much astonished at the different aspect of things in the vil- lage; they turned their eager gaze to the newly erected lodges, then on the heaps of ashes and blackened lo^^jwhich lay scattered ^about. However suppressiijg all inquiries they might h%

\ •ic .! Laeosle wm conducted m « prmmer In ffie cenfrtTahd ^IttTthe grave dignity ^ that beeame warriors, they entered the village. Manhitti was ready to receive t*em; he Minted Pierre with great courtesy, then turned an enquiring glance £,Jk.'' Ifki THE LAST OP THB ERIES, upon Leferrp, who wasdul^itntroduced. That worthy individaal liaing his eaip from his head, stepped l'orward—8>v9kiD^ the Chief heartily by the hami— who appearingbighly satistied with the frank bearing of the yoang min, in his turn presented him to eome pf his principle warriors. ^ The Pale Ifily with her companion, sheltered from observation by the half closed shutter of one 'of the windows, curiously watched the new comers, wonder- ing who the handsome stranger coulJ be. ^j,;^' - . " What beautiful eyes he has," murmured O-on-yay-stee." i " Keenwan-ishkoda's is more so," laiijtiy replied her companion. The girl laughingly answered: 'fOI yes, we admit it, but the stranger is handsome notwitlistSnding, though heidoes not appear so strong a warrior as the r.road Kifle." "Look at the prisoner ! " suddenly cried the Pale Lily pointing to Lacoeie ; hs is a white man." " O-on-yay-stee's pretty face settled into a frown. " Ah, that is the leader of those bad Frenchmen who killed Pcenau-guma," and with a sudden transition of feeling, she retired with a sob as she pronounced the name. The .war party was formally dismissed, and Manhitti, Pierre, and Leferre. along with a few of the chiefs, entered the lodge.. They took their seats in cer- emonious silence, for business was not yt.'t over. The pipe was passed from hand to- hand, and smoked with grave decorum. Lefevre notwithstanding the dignified demeanor oi''ijose present, could not help ca.sting a glance round the, apartment — obsejrving its -heat and orderly appearance— the rich furs and costly dresses — wondering at the rormement indicated in tverylliing he had yet seen ap- pertaining to the Eries. TWe Pale Lily kept close in her own room, knowing well that the business iraiisattions of the Chiefs Were not yet closed. Manhitti opened the conversation by enquiring: " Did the French leave a long trail 1 IJiis Broad Riilc fought with his coun- trymen 1" •., " He has. A white man has taken captive one of his own race and*ration. — What will the Iiii.kiis ihiiik 1 " " They will ■hinli' thjit thou cotiklst not 'lo anything unbecoming a warrior and a chief. We will hear what thou hast to say. ''Then let ManhitH rrnd those present listen. My story will be somewhat , long, but all here must hear it, that none may say Broad Rifle has ialL'd a coun- .trjrman without a suflficient cause,"" Pierre then camtnenced a narrative of his life, dnt'ng from his first arrival in Canada up to the time he visite 1 the Irinka.^. lie cxpob-'d the thaiactcr of La- coste— his mischievous plots against LefevrT and hinisell^ — explained how faKho h a d BUc c eaded — how hi s^ McadJiad. b e en impiiaoucd by the Uuvji-aor .of Jk t o a»^ treai, who believing the statements of Lacoste had sent him with a party of sol- diers to apprehend him, (Pierre) without designing to make war upon tte Ixia- Uling hu cap e hand — who I, in his turn by the half mere, wonder- le stranger is arrioras the to Lacoxk ; ;he leader of t transition of and Lefevre. seats in cer- passed from standing the ice round the, rs and cosily i yet seen ap- ou), knowing d. Mairbitii ith his coun- lad nation. — ig a warrior le somewhat illod a coun- •st arrival in actcr of La- d how far' he party of sol- pua tte Ilia- A TALE OP CANADA. 163 \cat. Bat for the furthtr accomplishment of hisplans, (and here Pierre fully ez^' ^ plained them) availed himself of the opportanity of creating that feud which had terminated so latally to his own party as well as to the Irinkas. Pierre then en- tered into the particulars of his excursion : — how he had met with his friend Le- lerre es(fapiag from Lacoste— fr^m the former obtaining his information of the villainy of the latter, and the transactions that had taken place during his ab- sence Irom Montreal. Where and hnw he had overtaken the French whose cap- ture had resulted in the death of five of that party. That considering blood fuough had Iwen shed to satisfy the manes of the Irinka^< who had fallen, he had pardoned the rest, except Lacjbste, whom he considered a^l his own disposal, and therefore had brought him a prisoner to the village. The Eric chiefs had listened attentively, and when Pierre unfolded to them the infamy of his prisoner, they expressed their abhorrence of his character— so be- neath wliat they conceived should belong to tjhat of a warrior — and they looked with sympathy upon Pierre and Lefevre. ■" My young friends," said Mnnhii'ti.Tising,— " our hearts feel strongly fdr the unjustly accused as well as lor the unjustly condemned. We know that ye speak the truthjwo know that thy hearts atejjojdand hone.'t. That the forked tongue of a coward hast prevailed against ye we sincerely grieve for; we will endeavor to set this matter right between ve and thy father at Hochelega. We will trav- el to that place and .speak with Yonoido, so that the clo;id which rests between ye ana him may be dispelled fori^'ver. Pierre interposed, saying :. "Mauhilii mu.-t not do sp fonlish a thing; I krow our father better than do the Irinkasl The cloud bef.vei'n Yuuoldoand my.self must remain, nor can iho Iriijka Chiefs remove it; j, tho forked tongues of bad men would prevail agaiii.^ ihem, for ih'jy would tay tht.' Iriiikiin had raised the hatchet ngaiii.sl the I'Vtncii, and Yonoido would keep ilnin as hostages for the return of myself and my IVieiid." As Pierre spoke this dialo rue in the Frcnth Iangiir<];e ihat Lefevre migtt un- derstand it, that individual .s!;'pped forward, confirming the truth of Pierre's ar- gument by saying with his tii.ariicleic.-tic bluniriess of iiianner, «iihout minding the figurative .style of speaking obs^-rved among Indians ou st^t-- occasions,: " Ii'h true, Clii"f, mm dieu, thou wouldst find thyself in hard quarters before the snows fell if Yo.ioii'o could put his paw ou thee. Tin' I'hici at Montreal is not the Yonc:da proper. General Montcalm i-i the failiL-r .<;' L'artaiia. If mice would not let the cat catch them, the eat would not tat Uicnu. Kap in tha woods, Chief and do not show thy face in Iloclieloga.' " Tlie advice is good," returned Pierre; '• let the afiair t.e forgotten We in- lead to b&ild a lodge in thy villa:-e, and hunt the deer ■viih iliy people." " The Broad Rifle," answered one of the chiefs, " bath spoken wisely, and his pwshis couiitryinen,' ^ ' _ ^ , _ _ .. - Hereupon the council brolio up— the chiefs taking their departure with the ex- ception of Manhilti, who couiJuctod Pierre and LiCfevre into one of the tlcepio); If ' 154 THE LAST OP THE ERIES, rooms, where they proceeded to put their toiJete in order. The former eh«n«..i his mocassins, and leggins for dry and new one.- «i.„ -i« changed hunting frock, made ij'.he iair hTn^Af :« Z2mr^ZZ' Mlt''''' iiessed in p,i^talcK,ns. boots, a military coat and 0^ .he ll „h ' '" ;y and wet he^ew off. replacing them' with a pa r S^d y ^Zl^t^ZZH^ II^il^r'^'H'"""'^^"'^^^- «^ -'•-'^o-ve'tod^ rieggt^'bt retaining the other portions of his dress, adjusted his sash bucW^rl nn h^ * " Thou art as vain," replied Pierre "a. ,-f »),„., u j. •" Be under no apprehension, men Pierre- lam nnfar-o J r v T, . ' ,"^"^' '*"» "o' afraid of such a casualitv" ■t of thesame size and shape as his own. The Chief orbenr'?,,' ^^ u'"""*^ unusual a weapon came to be found in his pt^s „ "S tSeTad t"?: as^a^rophy Of a v.tory he obtained o.e,- an^English ^ Jrr;;:::^ ^ " See here, Pierre,'\cried Lefevre, as he fastened the sword to his belt- " tho.. shouidst wear this^it sets off thy appearance amazingly." ' " " It may do for an ornament, but the Irinkas despi» so inefficient a weanon jnconwnodious on a war-path, and troublesome to the^wearer They pJef i^' heavy tomahawk- to the long knife of the whites. ^ ^ ^ "Ah. that is easily accounted for-they know not how to use it. What savs the Chief-does he not think this a better weapon than the axeV ^ " It may be so in the hands of a white man," replied Manhitti. "th. „^ prefer the tomahawk because they know how io use i: TytZ'e pr^f r e Z n.fe because they know not how to handle the other. I'e^ n„ dEen e fo' ih. same reason thou mayest prefer the one, we prefer the other." ' During this conversation the Pale Lily had entered the apartment with a .ten 'f • '"•'.• " -s unheard by tho.,e p^aent, as she came forward I'd Pi re e looked indeed a fairy queen of the forest. A kirtle trimmed wTh 1 1 'oo'iiMn was thrown a scarf ol red Piri/i>n .iiir «.k!-i. . """ "^^ < " °' '^""' *^«n«itn silk, which crossing oVei her U»om \ i^ALE OP CANADA. I -^ iJ5 thou snys «nd, passing round her waist was tied iq front. A chain of beads and small shells confined her hair, keeping it from flowing about in its wild luxuriante. She placed her hands playfully overVe eyes of Pierre, who was standing with his back toward her, and he, . knowing the soft touch of those delicate fingers, caught them in his own, at the same making prisoner of the other hand, and turning round, ravished a kiss from her pouting lips. " Ah Pale Lily," said he, " the clearest water is not more pleasant to the thirsty hunter, than to me is the sound of thy voice and the light ol thine eyes." She smiled and turned her eyes on Lefevre, who had been surveying her w-ith all his admir&tion expressed in his countenance. " Waubishk-naung," said Manhitti, "this is the friend of Keenwa-ishkoda, bid him welcome to the lodge of thy father." She answered with ease anthlignity, saying: the friends of Broad-Rifle will always find a welcome in the home of the Irinkas, and she oflered her hand to Lefevre." ' That individual raised his cap from his head, and with a low bow, caught boY hand in his own, but as he did so, his countenance underwent an irnniedii.ii^ change— from an air of simple gallantry^ it setlied into one of earnest and serious expression; beheld the hand of his fair hostess firmly in his grasp, as she endea- vored to release herself— her eyes at length sinking in confusion beneath his ar- dent and enquiring look. -" Mon dieu, sweet girl,"»said he, " I have seen thee belore or thou hast ap- peared to me in dreams. Ha ! I have it." He plunged his hand into the breast pocket, pflhs coat, drawing therefrom a small case of red morrooco, which un- clasping, he held before his eyes for one or two minutes. Pierre looked at him with a.stonishment, and Manhitti thinking that his visitor was performing some ceremonious rite pertaining to his caste, appeared to take no notice of his proceeding. He at length turned his gaze from the morrocco ease again upon the Pale Lily, who had retreated to the side of her lover. " A perfect counterpart ! " he exclaimed. " Look here, Pierre, what dost thou think of this extraordinary likenessV Fie handed to him the open case, which proved to contain a minature painting of a beautiful yonn;? woman, to \»hom the Pale Lilly bore a striking likeness. It was in fact, an exact counter-" part ofher mother's likeness which she then had in her bo.soni, attached by :» string of beads, round her neck. Pierre's glances wandered rapidly from her to the picture, and the Pale Lilly began to grow uneasy unJor the scruliijy, while an undefined sensation of alarm arose in her bosom, " Her mother," said Pierre to Lefevre in an undertone, " was a French lady who was captured by the Iroquois a long time since; so was your aunt. Now *Myi»t the Pairfciiy beher danfSierT sTie has^ raTnfatu^re^^ have seen, which is the same as this; the setting only being a little difforeni.— L*fev»e the search goes no farther, and it is strange that notwithstanding, all iii» ..in ^^ Tflte LAST OP tHE ERIES, coave„a.ion. .e have had on the .nbiece, .hi, ,dca never .truck m. before * ^-PP^^^iirX::^:;;;;:---:;- '>-•• -en predesuned. l>er oye« expanding >.i,h wonder and mnh Tin ^ ! ^^^ ^"''"^ °° '''"• bim a beins afflicted by the great rptr~.l:'.1"''''''' f'^""" '» '"•'"^ ^avin, b.rd or the e«.ct prtd.ced^::;.::^!.::*;: iH^tr^""' ^"'•' «edr " :^::;'l^::r:r t:?:;i^ " ---^ ^ -- -^ ^-^ -'K.me explanation was neces.s' r han2 ^ ^e young , nan. Pierre seeing that word. L M,on.r did' ht ^^;^'' ^U il H "" ""f """ " '"''"' "^^^ * d.ughterV,.host.,ndingo„,ipoelr' ' ' T" " ^^"allod that of hfa "- pnin,in..exelai,.edt 'n3yC£ '' ? 'in " f T""'"^'^' ^^^^ on seeing ~ l-o^^oni to sec iluU her own keeprir ha.i n ' ' ''"' ''" '^"^ '" »»" Hlothe stra, ^T huf Zll, ! T Ir ^ °"My «ome ,, it,.,.era;k. been transfer- 'batasli^-h, resen.bla.ee about Ihe eves -,u-, H f «''"'cc--noticir.jr *very res,.. -t as hi^ awn ^'.^ ^/ ^ ""'"^ ' "'''•^l-^" ^' ^-i'- H'e same in . a-^c<^thi.nic^,^who.le.e^n.n:dXn« :^t,.- trr"'"'f°"'^^ ■ P^iug dates, inci.iePt..au,l.sio;ies/ J"'^'-'« <-' •^'■.wnd iti^puie, by com- •■;V tl>e ,^ht s n,n, eno.,, n.^anhit.i to p<.o..ve tl. tr.Khr- he enquired ^^ Jh. rather el..!,," .eplied ,he eluer « Let Ivc nw .. isi.ko.ia . .eak ^ ■ T*-;t portrait," takin,' it from hN.han.l, "repre.^e.S .LvnT- •),. P.,' r •, - mother-;,s she appeared (o thiae eves wh n .1 . v ■" " ^''^ ' '""^-.f, taking from LefevreV La.d the ..iriM,„P , . ' "'''' '^''- -.er or my frien.. lather, and ^ut:' ^ ^^ u, 1 1 1;!;;^. ";?^^^'^"'^ 1^ ftTeiae between tliesn T« (i„.r„ . ■• ^ ' '^''"*^^ "*- a"l!e!— .h?rc w no d f- "»« pfciu™ ,ep„. .„,i„, ,1,. „^, „^„:.: .t:,^^. ;t^"° ;; ' """- "- A TALE OF CANADA. J 57 ) f of Iroquois; since then, though many inquiries were made, she has never been heard ot by her friends. Thou knowest thy wife was a French girl who WIS taken captive by theOnondaguas about tlie same period, and that people art- one of (he tribes of the Iroquoi nation! — that she was sold to the Senecas, from whom tbioa didst rescue her. Now thy wife had a miniature ol'hursclij^he same which thou hast pioduced Htc ii is I My friend's fathei's brother had a paint' tag of his sister who was lost in the Canadas; he sent it out to l^is nephew.— Here it is — and here stands the son ot lier brother. What tlien7^\vhat farther proof canst thou want to the fact that my friend's Aunt was thy wilo !— He there fore is, in our language nephew to thyself niid cousin to the Pale Lilyr-that is to say he is kindig^ to thee in this way, as being the, son of thy wife's brother.— This fact i.ynot only proved by the similarity existing between-the pictures, and the resemblance of my Iriend himself to his cousin, but'by the coiucidew;e of dates and stories." » The Chief readily comprehended the chain of almost positive evidence to the above facts, and he .smilingly offered his hand to Lefcvre, who shook it warmly in his own, calling him by the familiar name of Uncle. The Pale Lily had lis- tened with alt-absorbing interest to what was being said, and with a fluttering heart shs felt convinced she had lound a near' relation in the handsome bolster gus stranger, who advanced again towards her, &nd this time she shrunk not from, " nis embrace. " Proud am I," sweet girl, said he, " to have found a cousin in such a bcanii- lul princess of the forest." Pierrtf translating this into the Indian tongue that she might more fully com- hend it, the Pale Lily smilingly acknowledged Uie compliment. The two young men now walked out— strolling through the village — where they found the Indians all busy at work erecting their houses, of which six had already been built. As tliey passed through the busy groups, thechildren flocked round them curiously examining the long knife of the stranger, from whom they were only called away by the prcmptory command of their paretits. " What thinkest thou of the Eries 1 " enquired Pierre, " arc ihcy not ingenious mechanics for red men 1 " " Eries! again," replied his companion; " if thou dost mean the Irinkas, as 1 hare always undersiooi tliis tribe to bear that name, I think they are a noble race; the marks of civilization already begin to appear, without derogating in the least from their natural character; the men seem brave, and the women, not only virtuous, but handsome — from, the lew sp< I.J /.ffS^v s. \( ' *-.-.• ^ m THE LIST OP THE ERifiS, ''If. quite poaible," cried Lcfem, laughing. " Bn. Pie«. .. "I hare been In a dream for th*. i«.,.k r ""' ^*^"^' ^^ •etm» vo tat u Weq„i.,„n.c«W„afo/^J^hi"^;^^^ «he« ,udden even.. ^-ng our gay follow .^ LZ^lJ^J "^ f .t" "" -^"^ ' wa. a iiepunan. «-. Brie Chief, (.here appeam Zb^^^7'[Z *^ '^"'""' "^"^ ''^"^ « aad coa8in to an Indian Princlwrinr^ ?""'''''' ''*'^ those name.,) 'o Captain Smith, only ,heni iltZ^LT °" ""' """• '"*' ''"^'^ ^^ my«ober fancies. lean ^^1^^^' I " ^"'^'^'^ ^y Hfe, but upseta all Aunt i. the daughtetran^Srr^.'^y^tltrir^"^^" °^ ^ '^ ' nephew of that respectable person I musfir, . '^' "^^^^lUMHy • -r:i^::svrrrrsr;d::st?i^^ "Which I fancy I shall not longretain to iudrbvl " "^"•" ruriou. position; Who would hafe prXied Thsf P-^'""'"" **'"'« » •on-in-Jaw to one of my respected UnXT.? '"" ^^"'^ ^<^ome a that any of them had da„Xs I mus.T '''r"' "" '^^^ ^ '^^ °°'y «-«« ' «iready I begin to feeuforo, sivT"ea„rr' "^^^'^ -'"> ''^^'r-'^a". and ^re they 1 who was U>e impudent sc^XlTh?'''??"'" •'"'^'"'"^ ^ho •calp him lor the insult." «'=°'«d«> '^''o earned off my cousin?-! shall ^re an ^«> by bloo^ "t fi haTthrf.T",? '[' '''' ^'"' ^""°'"'' "-"^ «* ^ -par.a.eoftiiri.„d;i::i'^rrss:;;-'°''""^^^^^^ battle was iought between th''il!.'lT"'^"'^"°' 'have heard, Ma "^^ battle was ion^ht kL. . ^^*""' Ontario; I hai le calendars which I '"-^f ,|? former were H^fi.,,-^ ■-—--<" aua me Iroquois about the y, Oi.io. Where they were again d^fel^by te'; ^^^^1''^?, T' '^^'^ ^'^^^ lagdnVen as far west as the Missis. L7iTr..-^'''^'^ '""'''''" Re- connected with the name Irinka a thouTd . r ^"^ ". "^''^ ^" '°™'^ "^-'^'r however now exists no loneer fnr Z T ' P'^"" ""^ '^»»°"' ^hich, enemies. Manhit.i wU, 1: .Tto^i t^U^^^^^^^^^ ^^ •^---«' ^^ •''"^r will let thee into some of their secrJs " ' ""^ "^ "^n adreDtore. TStigabie 1 hS St^ J^ti^'S^'^ «--y Mcler^fwrf^ aiier nis sister, and bu emissariea brought him tb* ^lAiui-i'V '^ ^ '# ' >?p» A TAUE OP CANADA. 159 naaies and pedigrees of almoct all the tribes, inhabiting the coantry from the gulph of the St. Lawrence, west to the Mitsi^fsippi. It isstiangse, notwithsUnd- iug all the trouble he took that he did not hear of the marriage of his sister to aA Crie chief. But he made iise of thi information he acquired in the starch to pub- lish a small book on the biography of the Indians^ which, I dare say, is as cor- rect a one as is to be found." The two young men continued to wander about the Island till twi-light set iri — cunrersing earnestly about their affairs an4„'|[^ture prospects. It was nearly dark before they returned to the lodge. The^H^b^kj^nd her companion had a plentiful supper prepared to which they all^Pra ^pm ^tice. Lefevre kept up a rattling conversation with the Pale Lily MJ^wj^^ifflfcO-on-yav-stee — joking with both. The old Chief sometimes sniiK^H^^salBs of his nephew, an4' the latter endeavored to look demure, vhilBw^^^^JKh of the farmer rang musically through the cabin. The evening' rfiHBi^ in this desultory manner, until the two girls retired to their room," WheBLcfevre pulling out bis merc- chaum, smoked away until drOw.siness compelled him to retire with Pierre to bi4 apartment. f. lib. le- IM .. "CHAPTER XVII. The following momiitg pf{|8ented<}tbe>#ame scene' as the previous one, — the- fires burned brightly in iriont^.jlbd'houaai^aiid brass kettles were mrung on poles over the blaze, to which girls and women were busily tending— stirring up the contents of the pots, while boys circled round them half naked, with feathers stuck on their heads, wrestling and tumbling, throwing mimic darts and toma- hawks, and bending bows adapted to their strength. Pierre and Lefevre seeing every one so busily engaged, laid aside ^WjjSUKPTi* and coats, and each seizing an axe, assisted the Indians in shaping faV^S%it— giving th^m at the same time such directions as their better experience proiiip' ted. Both having been often at the superintending of raising block ^houses, knew how to frame and joint their sticks — also to choose these best adapted, for certain paits of the buildings, which under their instruction and assistance, rap- idly appeared again on their former sites during the course of the week. Thus they both labored with the Eries until the village was completed ; they lost noth- ing of their dignity in being so occupied, for the inclement season was fast com- , ( ing on, and it was necessary that the (Ufierent families should be housed to pro- A tect them, not only from frosts and snows, but from roving bands of hostile Ii»- /™^ quois. The Erjas were cttaraifed with the off-hand, merry diaposiiion of Lefevlre, whom they named Mcno-odaiyvn — meaning ' strong heart.' their language, io which hia mistakes were a coast on began to pick n^ of merriment ;4 - ^itiiAniJ^Pi^ '•■*f ^^ 1'HE r^ST OP THE ERIE3 blood wi,h themseUe ll^ZjZT, '' ""' """'''='^'' ^-^ '»'« «" <" learn the truth of the Cn wl„ hl„ T""""" '^'^'''^^ "?«» Manhit.i .o them an evasive answerl-sIvir^hVw?'''. «"""= '•-''^«-» "^ 1'- own. gave future time. Conr.nt " i.h' h "' *f' '^'^ "" '""'' ''" ""'" "^"^ «« «ome •aketo hL.d.e,h Jd Crorr\"-"^''-^^^ ''^'•' that he was to .o^ly gay as hi. voJLI^c; f^^^ f/;:: ,; ;r .'-^ «- «'-'- cart pearance, as well as Com th • r Z l\'- ^^^">' «""<-hed to his ap- Chief. " ''?"" "' '"^ relationship to the famUy of .j.e!!; After the labors of rlie f'nv u-pr/. nwoi. fj.«- . '' -ietv of Manhitu-, ,he Pa, L ,;anVo "7^^^^^^^^ ""•'^ ^""""^ P^''*-^- withsome of (he wanio,>. "n-jaj-stee, or ,n grave conversation. The village when c,)'.npK>te« having it well ...r^Jd ort"'., ts "" "" '"' ^" '^ "'■^' ^^ P^^-"^ ^' But how far, . Lac, ^to, nMuralh- enquires the reader I -.Pn ,. • *\ to roam at lar-e in -he vi'l-,a.p .",., L icote was permitted .hough in appar^nVec.r;v. "■"'""" ''"■'''^^ "^^' -'^""'"i stone walls h p I^ ' ' ''' '\''''''' ' ^'''''"''' -' ''-'"fi"'''! betwee^ .hr..c attempt : X ™^ l''^'--" "^ "■^' --- nfler two or significant gestures V,ni.^l i lU . ^ ' """"" "^ '"'" ^'''^ ^^'"' ^i-. L..reach„y.othe.lrS^rrdrt " ' X-f »v A TALE OP CANADA. 161 ,»onwu. With the two women wbo were a^pointcd to eapp}y him with foed h» •tt^mpted to .nuratiate himself, but they put their Cnge« on their lip. io token of •Hence, nor would they answer a single question. He understood at lei>rth h« was not 8ub)e« to the caprice of the Eriea, but under the authority of Pierre and J him henpplied orvc morning when they accidenully met near the out-skiltMf the Tillage-demanding that he should be held subject to ransom as a prisonSSf " As a prisoner of war thou an not considered," replied Pierre, " but as a rob- ber and a murderer taken in .he act. Dost thou think that 1 know not of.hy di- abolical calumnies against Lefevre and myself, owing to which we have been ^anded as tn.i.cns in Montreal, and dur«t thou ask vu to put thee to ransom - Solml;:stT.h.r'"^'"'^ «rantthe,thyliLer.yononecondition. which in^.T "'^""""'"^ ^'r '''"' ' '"'^''""^ ^'°*' ""'^ «'"^ ill-ooncealed rage flash- ing In h.s eyes, ,0 .he:od,^oofManhitti,whe,* Pierre having summoned that Ch.ef, Le^.v,e. and several other warriors to his presence, to.d^hcm he had cal kd hem to ,..rm a council. Accordingly a council was opened in due fo m "i which Pierre proceedea to expl.un the deep cause of grieviance he had again" h.s pr,soner who had destroyed his fair fame among his countrymen, for whTch he had detained him (Lacoste) a captive, to be dealt with according a.' he thl^! The Eries nodded in token as having understood him, and drawing forth a -»eet of paper. Pierre proceeded to write out a confession lo the following eject THat, whereas. Henri Lacost#being a pri'soner. in the camp of the Irinka In- ba^edtH '"''•: "" "f""'"''"** -"'on attack against tbem, for h«vi„g bamed their v.llage, and caused the death of several ot their members whkh ^M done in order, the more fully, to substantiate the purpose he bad n vtw ^tST". *" "'VT"'"" °' ''^'^'""' **"'■- -°*» l-^f-- of having .r.' ^traitorously towards the present government of Prance in this colony :n;w S^enipi:;. h'; r'«=°°"™ •"'"*' (««„,! Lacoste) believe, the Lid .sr^T. ""^ ^^^"^ *" ^ *""«=«'" °f -" <"l«l«i«» of acting othcrwiJ lictooaly caused spuriou. letter, to fall into .he hands o^Qovernor Vaudreuvilte r^tu .'""* /""■' """"^ "'''" of intriguing with the bigliah. th«y now ii^ jmtly he under Mntence of outlawry. ^ ^ rZ' """fr'?" '"'""* "^^ °'""'* ••' "'''""'•^ ^^^' '0 «i;m. while the Erie Ch^ft would witness hi. .ig„i,.«„ by placing their U^ alon^g'.ide of , lI coste however «epped bark, and with a show of indignam Inn^eace r^ed^ a-er.ng hsrigh.toberelea««ion parole or on raS«,-.^rwhT,'had Jti done to the Irinka. wa. in the fulfilment of hi. duty J V 'Xiafrihit £^ 0^ the" Irl '"""''I ■• ' ^^*~''" "' "" ''-"• ^ r/diculoar bJ tba law. of th^Irlnka. you ought to be buntt «, ,he «ake, and ibr once your aC f a ^\'4» ' ^..^l.ltiKiUKl'^U' ,\|f THfi LAST OP THE ERIES, customed cunning has felled you. What hindcre such a wretch aa roll Irem •ignln^that paper, hnd then perjure yourself in MontreaJ by swearttig thilt^ Vere forced to do so hy threats of immediate death T Pierre deals too slnc^fW to match y«Jur deejj villainy." ■ ' ; ' Lacoste'seyes sparkled with fury. Lefevre's suggestion was an idea he would , • liave. acted on bad it not been so promptly exposed. Trutli ir.orc often excites the passions Ihan, falsehood, and even Lacoste's hardened n."iiiie felt severely the de- served terms of opprobrium applied to him. He sprano luiward ^nd plucked i tomahawk from the belt of one.of the Erics— htJtili^g.itv'iiiViirrh is force, at Le- fevre, but sent by ^n inexperiencej hirid, iha w^^)cm>^(:k him On the forehead over his military cap with its whirling handle, l^ckirff.^i.m down on his Back, but producing no serious injury. One of the Chiel^^ia;!. raw liis Ifnife from its sheath to punish Lacoste, but put it back again when he .■^rxv^lV vie jump tohia feet and rush at his assailant; but Pierre interposing, held him back with his hand. " Stop ! Lcfevre," he cried ; " I will settle this matter to thy satisfaction." " It is very easy," replied that person, somewhat peevishly, " to say to a man who has been knocked down— 'be quiet,'— but naturally restive under such treat- ment, he finds it hard to obeyi" " Listen, Lefevre," said Pierre as he tore up the written paper, while he tpro- to Laco.'^te— addressing him : " To you, sir I again make another offer, (it will be the last.) reject it, and I hand you over to the tender mercy of the Iriuka^.— You know their laws ; it hasftnly been my protection that has preserved you froim their vengeance. I again offer you a chance of obtaining your liberty, and of saving your life, and this is the only chance you can expect to teceire: I chal- lenge you to the combat— giving you choice of weapons— the rifle, sword or koife. Accept my offerj and we meet lo-morrow at sunrise. In doing this, I act as if .^ we were amongonr own people, where according to the laws of honor, yoairoHid be obliged to give me satisfaction in the usual way, if I demanded it. In doing this, it is because I would not have you put to death by the Iriokas, whuae btm- pitalityyou have outraged, and whose laws you have set at defianoe^to seljio* at liberty would be unjust to them, Lefevre and myself. You had, probably h less dangerous chance of obtaining your freedom— namely— merely assertingthe ioDOcence of those wHIm you have so grossly maligned—which you havei«fQie4 in dping this I put you on an equality with myself, and for the lime ooneider.yoB in the light ol a gentleman. In doing this, I seek to obtain satisfactloa for th« many injuries I have stviiainedat your hand.s. (None know better than yoimclf that they arc deep and many.) Accept my challenge, ai^ il fortune favors yovi by tny defeat, you are as free as air— free to go where you listetb— nor would, the Irinkas here prevent you. Manhiiti understands what | shy : " turoiDg to that person. Tho clfief nodded. Then, looking sternly at Lacoste, Pierre continued In thus putting you on an equal foo^ng with mytelf, it is in order that you may -Jii&rdine faall»ftcliuu4ft Uw uwal w ayr Wiwt^WHtpomF ^ffy- -•-- — •* -"^-" — - •*»'i( »J :t-^-. ■^' V *«• I as joti froD ^artU^ that j^ too slnceittly ictea he wonM ^«n excites the verely the de- anil plucked a ! fo^ce at Le- 1 the /brehead n on his Back, 1(11 ife from its I e jump to his ack with his faction." say to a man ersuch treat- hile he tprn- jffer, (it wi\l the Irinkaa. — ■ved you from >erty, and of ;ire: Ichal- rordorkoife. is, I act as if ir, yoavoHk) it. In doing whose bo*- e^Iosetyma probably k asserting tba havcnfoaed coDsidaryon }tioa for Iht than younclf le favors ]f;o\i Dr voold. the xnin^ tothat re continued at youmay ei *>.'i A TALB OP CANADA. MH Z^JT^ ^^ P"^P"'"«»'«La«^«« hesitate. ..yoaimegto« tte^tt 4^ Wonbe not sufficent term, of offence, I can «.y no more. Have I insuu"5 £ to V-pr do yon wish tor an apology 9" vc i insuiiea y^ hwvest tremble, and he turned pale for a moment; btfi kftowing that it he ^55 notaccejrt the challenge, he would ha^'t^abidc b; ,hc InWs of U e r nkas'^ *1J. knowmg himself to be a good sW;7smrn, he determined ,o av.il l^ll^i *« chance 0/reredi.im of obtaining avenge on his hated %K,.cnr, who^ sclrJ: f«Ul«l contemptous manner roused his savage .a.„« .ind^l.in. courage JL:^^ "^ "":' he, brutally, " your heart's blood shall atto^e for foof «J TclllllTdel ^^''^'^ •'"''""''^ I am master 6i the weapon, so look <^ IZm11%Z T ""' acquainted with ; and for the infinite pleasure it *Jrf afforf me to k.i you, I expect these d^ rcd-sUins to.ec me safe baclr t.Mol- tteal. Ha h;,,^ery good, indeed; lam much obliged to yen Muns.l^ur fd^ your very hb.ral offer, that affords to let me cat your throat (thiverv "hlri. r ^ ^IrTnT''^ and for which sat^^cto^ nffair 1 S^^oSw liesure. Do net tr.mblc, Monsieur-I accept your challenge." ^ <^i 'tllrf ' contemptous look, •■ the e^Litions of the combat .halLbe Pttwved. To^morrowat sun-rise! shall furnish you with' a weapon the sJ! t vtToryr " "^ '^''"' "^ ''- '^' '^^ .'>«7-- "- ^^ZlT^u m iToL^'T':' '''"'T!^ }^''''"'' ^'"^ '''»8t the door post, eyeing the young men wilt a scowling glj^ ■'^'^"""«.»- "111 bi rweni:ad on ye both," he muttered, while walking awav and he k.nt ..ro^hng up and down the village with his eyes be,, .uile^ZXTroun^^' «^ Wm« f f.urlrf imtode;h slysxcsj '"^•MHi.northeEries never intericred. ,•■ «l«Zki^ •"' '^'' ""'"• «f Lacorte, and «,end t).. «,attS .■■■.■. i.A .t ! > .1 h It-* m m T^E LIST OP THE ERIES, r The aQruing came brieiit and dcarj the sun rose in ha unelondej horiait^ A Jlijht breeze rpffled the rirer, and shook the icicles &om lt.e branehcof ito naked frees » the long sfaadowB of early mora thrcv themsches acrosglhe Iplala on whic-i were a.s.emblod the whole population of the village, for the news ha4 gone abroad that Keenwau-ishkoda was to fight his prisoner with ihe long kaive* oftheirnatfon. It was well known that Lacoste had proved a faithlass friend, and deeply injured Pierre. The latter, person soon appeared on the scene, fol- lowed by Lcfcvre bearing his sword. Lacoslc pushed himself roughly through the crowd from an opposite direction and on arriving at the place, drew off ki» boots ana div-ested himself ol all his^cloihing, except his shirt and pantalaoi».H- H« was acustomed to these affhirs and he prepared himself for the combat with a sang froid, as ii he was already assured of victory. Pierre, on the contrary had. Mver been engaged in a rencontro of this nature except once, and that was with the very individual before him. He showed himself, howev«r, as cool as his ad- Tersary-merely taking of his hunUng frock and cravat, and took the sword Which Lcjj^vre handed to biro. But before unsheathing it, he turned to M^obiMi In whose can he whispered a few words. That Chief immediately calling .hi* people aro:]nd him, addressed thjyn to the following effect : That Eeenwau-isbkoda having deepen wie of quarrel with his captive had' thi» morning gi\*n hlm^his liberty, in order that they might fight according to the custom practised ainons their countrymen. That in case Pierre shoaM fall, they wouW not prevent Lacoste departing |or Montreal or wherever he woald' X#fevre muttered': "all- very fine my friends, but should that scoundrel can his liberty, there is another gentleman here will put a veto upon his departura ' and revenge his friend's defeat," * The Erles fully comprehended the terms ef the coRibat, for such afiklts wem not unusual among the chiefs of the different tribes; though alter conquering ^ opponent in a general engagement, it is entirelv against their ideas of propriety to give thecaptire again all the advantages of freedom, that he might have an. other chance of revenging himself on his conqueror. But they admired the ft*l. lug that prompted Pierre lo-ilUs generosity, and they looked upon the combatedti with redoubled Interest-all tbeh- sympathies being engaged on the side of th«r, jroung chief, Keenwau-ishkoda. The men formed themselves into a sortof seollA circle, while the boys and nome of the women ranged therosclres in a like iliati* ^ ner ojij^bslte, and a few of Ihe young girls looked on from a distance. The Pal« Wly Unaware of Ihe tragedy that was about to be enacted, (for she had been kept *f ignorance of the purposed meeting,) observing the crowd of Erles assemlMd 01} the plain, atepped out of the lodge, and accompanied by O-on-yay-stee, aha advanced towards Ihem to ascertain what was the matter; but Manhitti espying -lotloned them back with his hand, whereupon they returned in some alam la ; ^ »eaWn; lil preparations wore now eompleted, and PIerre,drawlaj hisiword,ad*Meed 1^^^: i-b^- /• •j^- K inchcaof Um he news had •■ loag kaiVM tl«8s ttiandt « scene, fol- rhiy'tbrougii' drew oflf ki» antala(»ia.f~ combat with contrary had lat was with ul as his ad- r the sword to M^Qbilti, calliog^Jiia aptive, had ' ccordio; to shosM Tali, r h« woMid' indrel earn departure. flhits wo* quering ijb f proprie^' t hav6 •II' cd the fttlv :ombatoirts ide of th#lr< srtofsenit' I like tta&> The Pale been kept aasembtod r-st«e, iha iti espying •■ aiarsi l» :\ imoiir ATAUi OF Cll^APA. \ Mcoste. That indiridnal having toothing to hope ftom thecletnel)Qy«fi •dvjrsaTy-^also knowing the coolness of whose courage, sought to ruflp hM) r l)efoiC grossing his weapojl. I hot set the Pale LiJy," he 8aid,sneerh>gly} " I fancy she will have M^ •to night." ;(• \CoWaE^ liarl'^^muttered Pierre, as the blood mounted to his forehei- ' yo|ur sword.'.' * ' ^te unsheathing it, threw the scabbard in his face, while he rusled a\ him n** L l''^ 'ownge^ the same time, which was parried with some difficulty,— B6th Wei^ well a-.-qnainted with their weapons, and rapid passes were exchanged for a Hniewithuut effect. The clashing of steel was music to the Eries, who kept nbtUsiog every lounge and parry with increaslng'inferest. Lacostc's pasWo* •Omewhit got the better of his judgment; he pressed forward, cndeavoriog by the W«i howerei turned ai withpai |it of his arm, to get within the guard ol his opponent, whom he found, as muscular, if not more so than himself, and his heavy passes being \de with untiring skill, he fell back suddenly on the "defensive-content ing in bis turn. When endeavoring to beat down Pierre's guard at toe comniencement of the fight, he had laid himself open to being disarmed by a •light woi^nd, and though Pierre saw his advantage, he did not avjMl liinself of it, being 4lptermined On a more decisive termination to the combat. He, in hi* |nni,«eeihg Lacoste simply acting on the defensive, pressed on with vigorous loanges-hljs supejipr strength bearing his opponent back from his position, who reteeated itip by step as Pierre incautiously closed up. Lacoste. though not able 10 maintoini his ground, parried with skill and precision, and his advc^ry hap. pening to l8% in his Aiocassins on the frozen grass, he found an opportunity tv pus his s^oM through hia left arm, and tho-blood soon died the shirt of Piene whUe it trickled slowly t M •dvMfoeA "pai 4^1 to his sTdp:\ Pierre's a^rd now grated steadily against Lacoste's pc^ •Wted weapon for a foment, and J^aylng qtiicUy round it, the point woa dtof^, ft like li^tniog, aii|f a« quickly raiaed, wlwn the alrong arm of Pierrq, b«ariit f^ iili»t,'i* 'rfi ' ltd. t: HI R) . ♦ -*' ^ THEiilTOP TfiJSfiinW. AMdthe beritatlag ««ii^iif im %^eBt, (who kndl^ ihm at!w«poB pMwxIUiiough his b||}-, and LalW Ji» lii» ground^ the blood gushing in torid^j^ts. from th »»*:*--» ijitt«red a curse— his eyM'g^d tou. •tantjland with a' convulsire sljud(|e|jjrtHis died the (peel [9)|or.tflL ife. m*mgB^ vacantly oo l^ipiMtt^ fp«,.8teggii«*t|bn|b rffo^i .id •oppedonhisfci^es -TBrst,pportiBga«||i,,oaefev4%85^^ '^ o. umviDfi his i»a^, Jl^d uj^hi? anC but the bipod stifcoi^tMjd tearing dpf« his sbirl, lophd a Mp vl%i4 n Jn.dians stfe^ped forward wJtH a Wnd|^||^"iifta p^np' it, under his arm, was tied 09 tb^ aaitf LefcFre attempted to raise him.oa hj3 feel. rmurin^ hm\\y for some \vat(j(^;^ tastUy fiat wasoflared him, when aftera.JBijnutepr two, ^MlWLTTl'7:*J^^t supported back tb the lodge by hJucompaniona.' WI»^ftS *cr^tt>t'U and .ntili half fainting on a pile of mat,,^ihe biet th« ^ ^ • ao5'l?l,eei»p^|)r^n of her lorcr on the threshold, ' ^ W 'y'i^^^^'''^^y''^^''^y^^' Cousin/' s!iidi^ n? ia nA^kW. Ij?, *^^bo well in: « few days. Thy smiles shall perform ^If the cur^ K9:*Bd%or(?.l to give his voire « confident tone, Uiough his l|eart s&«titlkiB. . Iww, wh(%1»e cast a look upon the paie and sinking forai «f hi^frien*^^- •tfp,ran fo* a basin of wa.er-Manhitti washed anc^^dressec} his woundin-appl,. ■ m^e healing herhs., wh«« yi«ucs he was well acquainted with. PiW liw. c*pdUClfid to his couel*, and Jay Mf stupifiod triih pain unlU evanihg, whoa. h» ■anl^ ujtohrpken slumber. 4 .itdwd ofEries were gatheiwd, ^oot ,th» thnsMmlrf' ^Vmms to hear the extent ol his iniuries, when Manhitti, who^wis an expuil ,. Jcad sui^eon. informc4 them, that Ms. hurts, though [severe, were not.dan'gerou» .Oa-heoTiiig thia, Uiey di«pen.ed-^co»msins^in groups about the occurrence of th^ ^ nonimg. They never had witn^sted a rencontre of this kind before between tm ifWtemen ; they Were astonished at ihe lensrili of the corabijt, ob well 09 wtkb tto *ilt which the 'long kniveo' were handled. Laeoste was found to. hare bcHfr , ^orcad through near the region of the hear^-^severing one of the mail* aKtrito, igfUch, caused death immediately. He was taken up and .stretched on » nut; Wion the sun went down, he w« pat into a rude cafBn, aad oonreyed to tiaoZ - ]mUte iBland, where he was bnrrjcd:afiep in the sandy soil among the cedaiK • The Pale Lily sat by ».he couch of her lover-watch Ing his every. ntetiBto-**^ tWpating his eyory wish. During the long hours of the night she ( ' tered brow, and clasped his hotanii burning bands witbin her own.. ■ftrtu paled before theKght of coming morn, OK)njiay-8tee insisted flig ber place, when she rB|||ed to bcr chiiDber, where ovei «»nflidl tif ber:fceIi«gs^JH|Btok into deep slumben. The JBtetre, aasistdihy the 'jMH 1 ^rtfo offViends,-O va PiWreiiM. ^ tbroskdld^ an expaiiK i&augaovm renceof thK «tweeii twoi 19 w4tb ito have bcgm lt» aiitri4My 9n a^ mat; 1 to. tlic.ap» cedaiK .,! Whea'night woald beftjn to fall, the occnpanu of the lodge woald gn^tberro^^A. ^ >^ the fire that burned cheerily up the wide.chiminey, and pass away the evening ei|b^ smoking their merecbauOis, or engaging in soni^ animated discusn$wered smiling; "W?We our traditions, histories, and vic- toii(«asiell||^ tbewhilee; i^d ^hough we possess no ^noks as you call t^em, , t]ic|,jue pneserVcd in our memories by the assistance of<^ntings.^' ■^^. . Jf I^4«ed my fair conain, ! l^ew Mt that divino art was practised^ thelativw « ' If , irar t afiroitt ,ifnagTOtfiai ihr ereii jSiitoilijg«>ert^ie«M^~To"T~- "^■«. ■A It yty^mempr^ £pr,ifall thedanghteis of jred-^en were astantjaoma m, (IqnMlf, it woald Uke • Ufe of a thousand yean tc^i^et thy bei^iy." jf fp> J. 1" {&.' ,> «» ^.^^HE LAST OP THE ERIES, •i' Wter what the heart does not sincerely dictate." •' Ah, cousin, thou philosophical, and yet so young I Manhitii smiled, and drawing forrh a basket from a sh^lf near 'oDk oat of IL men^ b.rds, beasj., and ain.os'k erery animal of the forest ; these he spread on th. n,l^t"l-„"';f """' ''"^ "' "' ''^•"""«4'»y dnoghter reVrrcd to; they .« " Put them to the test. Chief." ". Observe then this slip of bark, on which are painted birds .-.nd beasts to tb. numberoffive; it represent, tlje ' united people," or in thy langl^Croi^ Thl'!h"r ''"?""-'■" ""^'^ «''^--^— people surp^aSgaKm ^MhtLTs: 7' *:'h "''"''' ''"^ «>'th..rtribes.e«L.ro:n:heS -or the land of Snow, which » represented by these masses of ice near the nT kedttee; the two lines below indicate that the other tribes iravdleJ from T - r^Z." "'^" rrom^nthofthe West, as the stro:! iSn^g thi^:; " When <}id they form their notorious confederacy enquired Pierre " ihl'TilfK"? 7''-' ^'°'""'' ' '"°^ '''^•''^'^'" "»'' ''*«'«'-y better th« •heir wisest chiefs; tlrt traditions of our people are correct, for they are kent^ our memories by these little slips of coloured bark. A long i ml a^Ltw Vsfr nT" T '"'"'''= ^f-eever^urpriests.prophec'iedih'e^omZ 9f strange races from beyorfd the salt water; when th/xed men cooked*^ vuua s m earth^en pou of theirown manufacture, when th'eir weapisTf warlS n . tT/"^ """^' ^ '^'''^ '"^" '^^"'^'' ">« E"«« <==""<^ from r We7S thetnbes o. the Iroqbo.s For two generations, our people there pea/:eably hunt «d the_deer, trapped the Wver, a^ drew >h moriing and eveS f^m S SrsLT^"" T'*^^^'^"'"'- known among the different tribe^S Af^rLS ' ^'" ""; '"!«"'^<'' '''''■'^'-■" ''•«' «-'■ «"« Adirondack,. .«J^ After hamblmg. few inferio.^ tribes ^n their Vicinity, our people moved faXr or lake of Erie As summers and winters passed away, the Eriw beean to I L.TheVelt'^'t;""'"'"'"^ "••''"°^' pow.rf:,'peop,famo.gK tions of the West Delegates came from tribes dwelling near the ult water ZLiL ^"^ "'''""'"^" "" 7V«^-.,,.,, or as they wert^aftert^ named Sengais. accomniin.v ^ ht, . t,.,^- . ...^^ .^ . . ^ J: ^ !^|zL r >^ 1..^^ c ^ t^iMJfMcipaJM)*, or as they ^*^^^^^i^o^ ani.dY>4^dred tribe of.Q.^^i|J.Ti^^ M« oblaioed pennissionto settle among the inland lake.. »her« tfter . _^ rbiK \ i4i. •in thej ribesi farther V* th^lr lak^' I r >^ .'^ A TALE OP CANADA. »?• Jhe kindred tribes qnarrelled, and tlie QuaUgkies were driren to the other side <^ Ontario. Prcrlousto tbls qiiarreVa, few other tribes from the Nmh, 8«(tle^ ^r the Srwicos-^calling themselves respectively the iV(Uiiiigiti,OnavaiUs, and OHondagDs. It is not true that the Mohawks settled first on the land-some df tBy countrymen have told me sb, but I know better. They were a very poor people, to whom the Eriesoffered no opposition to their hunting among the lake*. They were cbnsumiy quarrelling with the Teuontowafos, until our people iiv- terfering made peice betvi^en them. It was about this time we became kindred lotheTeuontowands. Our chiefs married into some of their lamilies, andsiBc* that period they have been *nown under the name of Senecas. Art'er a tima andther tribe calling themselves Cuiudguas, joinedthe Wabingies and Onay- ants. These tribes confederated together about the time of two generations, bo- fore the whiiemen appeared on the .waters off the Caduracquoi ; after a while the Onondagos joined them. Thus was a confederacy formed by three tribes, in- creased fo four by the latter— gradually acquiring strength. Sixty summers after, the Senecas, to the surprise and indignation of our people, also joined tha confederacy— which then first began to be knowii as the Acjuanuwhioni, It wak not until after our defeat they assumed the name ol Ongue Honwe. Our people were not aware ol the extent of this combination, until long after it was fonneil and strengthened ; towh'lch their eyes were.at last opened by a quarrel with iheir kindred the Senecas, whom the Eries undertook to punish. The Senecu , ^ sammofted to their aid their confederates ; two out of the three obeyed them aM th6 Senecas, Onondagos and Wabingies or Mohawks met the Eries for ths fiiit ' time in battle. Our people soon proving their superiority, the three tribes snett for peace which was granted; bnt from that time our connection with the 3en©. caa was severed for ever. This battle was supposed by thy countrymen to hav* naulted in oar defeat-no such thing. Thy missionaries confound dates or pe^ haps the Iroquois have lied to them. The Eries soon after took up the hatchel agiinst the distant Docoktas; that war took away their attention from their im- mediate neighbors, who were exerting every means to increase their numler, t They engaged in war with the Adirondacks and Uuatoghles to lest their strength ; over whom they obtained a great many victories. About this time wondcrfnl stories reached the upper lakes, of strange white-meii who appeared on the river below Hochelega in large canoes; and who were kindred of the Great Spirit ; that they used the swift lightening and loud thunder for weapons of war; that trtei beasts and bir^ell before their fatal power. These stories were circulated bjTAe Adlrondacks,md for a while the adjacent tribes considered them as Ilea ; but soon t^ese strangers appeared with the Algonquins— taking their part against the Iroquois, with whom they were at war ; and the Iroquois had to fly befora Iha thun^ of the white-men. The Adirondocks or Algonqaios, as yoat country. men ndMed both them a^ggfe auatoghies, by the assistance of the strangers da- _ featedthe>PiveNation^^(tao8t every battle; t!icy were almost in danger of eKtermlnation. Th p fe i ^ t ea the Eries-t»jo>B tliek^onfedcraey^ btaowp a »> pl^luaed the offer wijk^scom, for they considered themselves by right nla muten of th« soH they himted on ; and our people were well pleaMtl to^ tet tht t ; \, % lit THE ERIES, siow|ng power "^^^ Vc^ry' well to refpresertt sth'ttijBl.ind' IttipotttiW; fl^d^, but^minor tranSactW^^ Ibsef altogeth^*hil8 SooM^oi' pft«ei+« tfe' nrbst trlvia'l Incidents; ' "^ ■ > •* v ^^ " Yes, interposed Manhatti," thou hast in book ■^'"^jPlerre hast made mo acquainted with— siijerior'S^Sns ^ acqjUriug kno 1|^ we poor Indians of America can ^^jj^gp^ to obtain;!'''- ■'!?■ %-»»fi^' ■ ^ m s*. V -Ik, 0^' 'f' ^WnatnrebfwliWkf T7 .*f* . » f-l.l ; .;»Er W, • hotaa,wb6" thejr taum. I same m m^iegain- e In>qaoi» beyond the. ttowawaa; confedenMi. beir iieig>, ught them ifler abool It in peace !l becam* tvily upon itory — yan ng of ndio eseast ci I different, ometlmea aaiae of etttatowir i >1|B ofth*. ittiponiiti{[ lertFfl tlU' ' j ' ■1 .'■*>, i.^tfr "*•■ ■*#' <^. ATAUbreiittiz^i. I 'i' J J7I x .«* WTiumixrroaT sqEMa- caaTiNOBo. VooR tale is rather interesting, Charlie, I must admit ; it seena to incieaw i» il^entst as it lengthens— your characters develope themseives admirably; Dptwithstandiflg which. I see the rest are anllip — but at that I n^ondrr pot m», mofh when I come to think of it, (not because your work is wanting in merit— I, ' j cotdineTer think of such an insinuation,) but for this reason, that it is impossi- tkle io^ them to understand what is above their comprehension. You nrast know, CkftiUe; ttat we two are the only realgvniti^es here ; though Squintum pretends t* write a history, and has foolishly wasted his Hme and money upon the sub' jeot} yet he is not capable of the task, for that which he has c6^menced, reqntree ^teensive information j— a general knowledge of every incident that ha» oe- Imed in the country, (the^istoiy ctf which he wishes to publish) to carry it through, aMWear poor Squintum has not the talent he fancies he possesses. You and I, OlR^|||,aK the only two who hare arriTcd at tlie ultimattim of what we profess; far3roil|huiStbeaTi^re, after reading those poems Which I gave you, that the gt- fllqli«HAon lives in myself; and though you cannot equal Cooper in the pecu- liar t^V^^^i' characters, I have no doubt you will improve as you write j^— yoarteUat re^i in yourgKofea t» B4aintam as i^garte t;riie genius. Midnight is on the wane; wheh; h myhaX/'i" * [exit Dici] ',' yP'bien.t sensible Dick, thy bump of self-esteem prenoipgists would not syrelf illlj^dpwn^mediilin. Poems! pah, — trash; Byronica]!— the devil ; itisstraogef \fj)M4 aing.ular ffUality some men have as to the good opinion they form of tbeu|^»; op^igi^ta. Well, it's Qonsolauiry that he allows me a share of hiftgeniua„Ji>B| ^jtl^c 8ftii>«''"ne, it is— r— " .' ■.■2), >';* Alibis thMj^ou, Charlie; what's the matter 7->«heiiB'8. Dick 7— gnoe, «hi ttooghi As! mnch. |n fiict, Charlie, between you and I, Dick is a< poor writep and notwitbstandinj; his pretensions, he has no powers of description. I liaMt Uatesai with delig&t to t/our'graphical pictures pf forest life; in faet, lean pe< oaiiaiifi appctoiat^ them ; f and thoogh you may hare been sonewhatt^a, glinadiat the inattentibn of the rest; let' me assure you that your story ia not wiUih ontintenst. QlUny.iai'n'titl Goodnight;" ' [exit SiuiiUumi}< I e^iyltog some cultivation, a little more application will perfect yoit eaallH^'As for me, ahem, I believe all admit that 1 am superior ' • ** Tjbiere's anot&er ; fla ttery is pleasa nt when it is sincere, b ut it requires a ye- CfiUar dejn^onTOn^ineht to fender U accepfahle to a drscftning ininul bui ih(^ werl^eniopj^fotitiiey entertain oflhcjirown suj^riority over mysifel^ as eri^ Aai>y tfrelfpab^izlcg compliments, is somewhat gafling." "' . 'W- ...aJIA,. --*r-.% "Y.h. ah -allow me to «y,'CharlC-, that y..uVe bniuRht ihat tale to • ♦«. ^ condus.o„. .n fact. i. terminated a. I expected. .„d L au.n.lZ J ^ »orthjofpabl.ea..on. I„ my re^archesof Greenland, you will, i,.daXdm!nr butonca. events, and I gi.c you Jea.e to plaguarize a l.ttl... Ibr ouoT^nZI like you cannot expect to have that freedom of style, which ti.^n, Hki «' ^ ' No, lt'» not t(> be expected, Greenland, it's not to be exoected • hnf »iin» «..- *^ ^ I'-^H artentand.] f3d night] . ^ "So Charlie's not come yet, for a wonder j he's eeneratlv the f.r.. h*«. •. **r to entertain us. as heso pertinaciously a4rts. ^ii^Ltl'sT^J^'l^^:^, ««.ervain on the «rength of it. By the by. though, with regard to ^^f Jl' ^poems^to «^,Vetha..ttentioo *hich they merit, I w«U t^^i:^,": ." What were you saying, Dick? " " Ahem. O I youVe come, have you. What was I saying ? I wa8-8avlo»i.„»i^ ng. I wasonly r^marking-^remarking that, ahem, that thVr ver SaX^!^: ow ftuebec. ui a very remarkable river; a river that would repay nTZl^ tntce to .u source. Itisoneofthe boldest features in the count^ofSlS? J U. been traced upward only to LakeSt. John abo,u.«he hundred and fZ^uJ, fiomite mouth. That expaase, Oharlieis estimated at one hund«d »«« ^ »S!.* ^. !* '^" ^""""^ "" «reat river I've mentioned, he» eteliteen i^ '^•m'*""^'^ ^°'- '»'»««P«ce the direction of the stream^LnS^ . ry^"" cirtumsunce, that while the St. Lawrence attJto pi^rSt Uo hundred and forty feet deep, the Saguenay above the Jai' il^. ST ^r'"' ""'""*" ~""*''°f those rivem%Wcremptyi.totak.T Joto , and the m«in stream itself, from whence doe. it 1, Ttokrf ^^i -w.wdtte stinted piije. that ,«,w on their thing." " I now cmne near the conclusion of the 'Last of the Eries,' and as none of yoa know anything about Indian character, before I ptjoceed any farther in the story, I will endeavor to give yon some idea of their peculiar style of oratory. The lan- gtuge of .the Iioquois is even held to be susceptible of an Attic elf ganoe.whicb few can attain 8o fully as to escape all criticism. It is figurative in the highest de. free, every notion being ezpre^d by imagei^widressed to the senses. Thus, to Ihrow up the httehet or to pat on the gik^mliUmi, is to begin a war ; to thiov. dw kitchet to the sky, is to wage open amteniUc war ; to take off the cauldiOB, •t to bury the hatchet, is to^ make peace ; Vftanj the tree of peace on the high- eat ntoantain of the earth, is to make a general pa«ification, "So throw a pris- «Mr intothe eaaldran, is to devote him to torture and to death; to-take him out, -*•-** pardon and aMaive him as a member of the eoaunnnl^ Amb—aadoii^ coming to propose « fuU md general tfea^, say : " We rend the clouds aasandet, , «B4dt|r*tway all darkaeaa from the heaieBa, that the atua of peace may shiU ;►.- u W f.' iviw.A*(*^'iit'k|w m^^i.. , I .i;f / ' »»♦ TBX UJft Of TE|B BBIES, wndacCtbcy «id : " We arc glad that A«arigo» wUl 1,urjr la »he pU what I. S Ut the earth be trodden hard over it. or, x^tbir, '«» >; r'«««««°» '^»»; !« ie pit to wash away the evU." They afterward added: " We »ow pUuU ♦ w« whie top will reach to the sun. and its branches spread fat abroad, and w. 1:^,1 Sier'ourselves under it. and live in peace." Tosefada coUar uajer ^und, istocarryonasecrctnegociation; but when expressing a desire ^ Zjk might be no duplicity or concealment between them and the French, they «fthT'tbey wisWto fix the sun in the top of the heavens imn.edia,ely a^ bove thai pole that it might beat directly down and »«^^ »°^'"'"^,'" ,°^';*^1^ . The treaties between them and the French were conducted in the highest st^e of oratory, and their b^utiful simUies were indicative of a life acciMomed only to the forest." . • -A p»' I,'- <»** I ten I vill bns jrs coti the me iul COD • tan 'the not ■■wa S *■» . f tier «d) mei t be (U Ind tm biti atiij 'Wx i I- i4r s . f *. .!< •."■ ♦ J 19 pit what l0 tieam iub an.' e IMW plant A broad, Mid w» I collar ua^et a. desire th^t e French, they mmediaiely a- r in obscority." highest style of Itemed btiy to A ?« 4T4tBOp CAIfAIU. .^ > » CHAPJER XVIII. LfT as wander now a little back in o^!:,£tory and somo'ncw eceae« and ch^r^^- ters shall be introdurcd to the reader. ^ It was on a 5>Uaoy day in thy monih of September, in the year 1755, ti>at the littk Tillage ol Catirocquoi, .'ituaicd near the luoufli of lalce Ont.iria was in an unusoal bnstle, by the arrival of an indian chief \V.th a. Irdin of warriors. The new com- frs looked lircil anfl dispirited j no resoundinjfjcry of triumph announced their coihing'. and tlia Equ:.w,s gatl;<^red round tiierniSs they advanci^d, rcmarkiog upon their sullen, dejected appearance. Tlij ciiief stalked gloomily ihrougtt the crowd till he reached :i lur,';c tei.t ^ilualcu nnar the centre of the villsfre, whsr.' he was met by«rtall \va;Tio; with waviii;; iluincy iu hi;; scalp-!uck, .'.nd bright fe.itheis Ju his dress, who i»al.;Liiig the newv.comor with tlie courtesy pecu'iar to his nation, •onducted him inside his lodjje. It was piaii>.that the vi.->itois. wore not inUabi- ' • tants of the villv^c, or oill.c same racu'as its resident^-, lho:igh not . 'dangers to •"thorn. They wtre iJceivcJ hospijaVly and kindly, but the viilrgeis appeared not.to share o¥ syrnpathisu wiilrtho ^i^asioious rcsuUii uf their war path — (or It V. -waV evident by thepaint and dress 6°f their guests, that they bad been on a hostile ^^er il^ Ibunder Frtljiteoac. It waa'feituated on a rocky hill, where it was ',"%a".d therein 175^4, the P.ench had a strong garrison, to guard that fron- Uor agains^t the inctvrsions of the izliigiish. A sinjiU company had recently a"!** (dfrofp Moatrf.il with presents forthe Indians, to irducc them to hasten to ao^' nijeot,thq force ol the Fr. nch" ut Trois Rivers, who were i*|ieging tha Etiglish Ipi^ fort near lh.U place. The secluded garrison at Pront^^c was thrown into a ])u#lle l»y the Rrrjval^and e.xcited v«rgr|cn pih?s,interniihsi:n;;^iTcir branchts.with tliose of the beec|i idibe.maple, 8«d tbe|Wideiip>ath iA'H\c bay whrrc if met Jhe wat-rs of the St. IH^ence, not dovered'with trading vessels, oriisturWd by revolviflg whaeb of St^ltners, b^t dottt d here and thcie by light birchep pnoes, ot perhaps a sdTlta. ^ bklteau or barge, propelled by i^roas pcrsmcn cwild^** pcefl,-4he irowert atoging the whiW somo ditty of ^ belle France. From (lA j»\jd apd wooden fbr- ' ■ ■m \ ^ #- <4( c iflqMiwP that aj ipt ar e d oa thg trow oHhe tltt^ rawrtiirtn^jarfi^yttBeaBBBy , '• » .•,/ »• * '* f ii -tl: 'V « ■*• n . i s ■ . f ^ . -' V # « \ 1 1 ;., '■■■• ; 1 '. . * ,♦1' . >. .^ Vtf: THE LAST OP THE ERIEB, V V.1 waving protadly in the breeze; while on th6 green sward outside the fort, migkl be seen interpreters, traders, trappers, hpnters and soldiers dressed in their diff •rent.costumes, lounging lazily about. Themouih of Lake Ontario, when vicw-^ ed from the hill, appeared stretching away into the broad distance, like some never ending sea, and the large island opfwsite loomed in a' long line upon the nver, clothed to the water's edge with a dense forest till its furthermost point tei- minated in the lake. A few other smaller islands dotted the surface of the river, and the bay stretching inland in an easjerly direction for nearly two miles wai then met by an island, which divided it into two channels lor a sho.t distance when uniting they formed a narrow though deep stream beyond, u b.l.- tlie tall bull-rushes bent their downy heads to the wind for a wide distance on cither side till thcirgrowth was interrupted by the grassy banks of the bay. Tbis island' in the summer season, was eovered with the wild sweet-briar, the honey-suckle' andthe branching thoin. The wild grape vines twined themselves amonc the young elms, or embraced the trunks of the nodding pines. The rot n, ihe grey- bird, and the Muc-jay resorted to its cooling shades, nhile the wild ducjjs revel- led in the rushes beyond, where they and the cranes rose in flock-s from' their se- cure retre§i when distuiKed by a passing canoe, and the bulfrogs, ihere, com- menced a concert when the dewg began to fall-their hoarse voices rekchfng even to the Indian village, which was built on a poim of land that was washed by the intermingling waters of the bay and the river. Fires blazed at day-light and at even along the .shore, and the spearing offish at such times was a spoil all engaged In. Near the tort, on the declivity of the hill, were built severs,' neat i%sidences, inhabited by the families.of the garrison, or by those of the tra! ders; in one, superior to the rest in its appearance, dwelt Ihe Commandant of the Fort, with his only daughter, a girl of about twenty-five years of age. -On the day in question, she appear*^ on the verandah, where shading her eves from the •un. with her hand, she took a long look at the Indian village, noticing the arri- val of the new band of warriors. Few would have expected ever to find in so •ecluded a place as Caiorocqui then was, so much beauty, dignHy and refine^ ment, as was personified in the daughter of the Commandant. Her -figure was about the middle size— perfectly symetrical ; her auburn hair fell curling to •boulders, which, white as akbastor, were slightly protected from the sun by a thin han.UierchlefDf Kauze, that did not altogether hide a bosom of the same ex- quisite fairness Her eyes were of a dark hazle color, and a sweet, though sad express!, m pervaded her featuras. "Who eaii those f! rangers be," she murmured; " they are received by the Hurons; they must be friends." Her father was an old Colonel of the army, lately a induced by prcsnng poverty to acceptik command, at adas— his dongliter accompanying him to his solitar^ was now in the Fort, reading k letter which he had jus -tmoriil Alaatwai, t^ thw « < fau 4hat iro w at t^ to l lect att the-fa from Prance— being te of life, in the Can- al Fronlenac.. H*'^ iceived from the Got ity, and by cfther bribes or promises, hasten them to Ihe last mentioned town' . V :fort, might' in their di^ , when view- s, like some ine upon tha ost point ter- of the river, > niiles^ wia 31 1 distance bi!<^ tite tall Q cither side, This island, oncy-suckle, '' amonir the 'n. I he grcy- luc\J""^°"' «5°rJ-^ •i'^ ™ind f"od for^uch contem- " I' may be it may be so, Eloise," answered her father yawning; "it^s all civTt^r :Vr''- r' "^^ ''■*'' ^°""^ ^^"^^ ^^ord Lny au;action !;« give .0 me what I have always be.nniccustomed to-,he crowded strfeeU, thefle- • •fflr '~;'' familiar/aces the well known roads and diurchis tlS^k tol ""r^.,'" '''■'"" '" "" "'^ ««^-«^e*«auty Of the Canada.. Do not t^ too „,„eh, Elo..e, it is hurtful. Please Goi.,we shall ^11 see France again ^ wtes this war ends. But now to supper." . «% saying he look the arm of his daughter and conducted her inside the hous^ ^ Commandant most enjoyed himself-alter supper conversing with hisdaugh- W^ smoking his pipe on the verandah in the deepening twilight. The fair «l^.«edherseM during her Hesure hours in reading, working «)iie piece . 3r ^: °' pondering on some of the lormer scenes of her life: Her. wa. *&ac«u. and medilaUve disposition, deligliting ,o let the imagination ,x«m at \ -r ^ wives 01 tiie non-com mi«iion^d^fficers aodVadem, wh«n «he wouid^MtT •T. ^ ; • u: •%> » V A TALE OF CANADA. 179, Inlo their sports with all the vivacity of her younger years, but when the excite- ment was over she would sink back to her former silence and meditation. About this time all the inhabitants of the country were preparing for a rigo- rous winter. ;When October ,s^t in, fuel was collected for the garrison, and the Indians brought in provisions, ^ceiving in exchange rum, beads, blankets, &c.. The traders collected their furs |and barricaded their houses, while the Huron* iheJnselves laid in a stock of fishj to last the coming season, and put tlieir snow- shoes in order. The leaves begafn to fall rapidly from the trees,— the fine Sunshiny days were now no more, for gloon^y looking clonus filled the heavens,— the winds rose and the frosts set in, scaftering the remaining herbage of the forests, nip- ping the grass ot thp fields, and bending the vines to the earth. Small shallow\ ponds began to be crusted over with ice,~the woods were laid ba re ,-lthe trees in- termingled their naked branches, except where groves of pines dolte4'(fp hills and valleys with their green foUafje. The equonoctial gales began,' and the , mouthoflake Ontario appeared lashed into fury, rolling its waters in spray, anfl foam against its rock-bound shore. Yet notwithstanding some v^turous light ■ canoe could be se.en rounding the point of land nWiHie village, half hurried ia the siirf— rising like a gull on the top of the billows— skimming across the bay. At fast arter frosts, rains and winds, a calm succeeded ; the clouds partly left the heavens; the sun appeared diiply through the hazyatmosphere ; hi faint beams felted the poncjs ; the frozen turt thawed beneath the influence of the warm- ing air, and tlie Indian summer set in. Again the song of the birds might be heard iaintly in the distance, again they appeared fluttering at long intervals from tree to tree, while Socks of quails appeared on the hills, and the snipe rdse from the streams, flitting across the path of the hunter. The crowsfloated lazi- ly round the tree-tops, while the small chipmunks chirruped merrilkamong the naked branches, and the angry liays and lakes again sunk to their wonted re- pose, k. It was ontone morning in this season that the Commjindant had his barge man- ned, and Ipijded with presents, aiid he proceeded across the bay to visit his Indian allies. Th«* visiting chief and his warriors were assembled with the inhabitanu of the village, to witness the distribution of the presents. The fair Eloise accom- papied her father, for she wished to witness the*ceremony that ensued, and as she stood back talking with sumo of the Indian women, Kan ha wa looked upon her witH^evideiit admiration, and she coyered her face ^ith her vey from his rode BBd pWrcing gaze. "^ " ' ' ' .' „ "^ " Are all here Hurcms'l " enquired t^p Commandant, ob8ei;ving the strange chief slapding by the side df KanhaWai, ' , " Not so," answered the latter^ " we. arc Hurons, my brottwrs here are Seile- cas. They are our kindred ; tlie same blood rups in our V5ih8,^and the quarrel between our fathers has .tieraritlated. fbrcver., My ))rothera arc willing. to assist our great Father against the warriors of *CorIekr." ,-. T^Hyty good, HiehTIsfeh to what I say. I hare tireseQto here for tiie Htuou- * and tor thoee wlito wiah to (^ on rtlfe trai^ of the EpgUah. Oar father expaeto *T / "4it "S K ■ 1 V, *-.;- \ f°' 'k^^^ \% .-^'V, '■* •■■.rr «s* 160 THE LAST OF THE ERIES, ihem Jo hasten Heir «»ps lo Trois Riviers, and not delay that the soows may overtake tliem before a»ey :^t there." " Our father is ngnt," replied Kanhawn ; " nc arc not so foolish as to stay be- bind when our enemies arc before us ; oar youn;; warriore arc impatient for the fight.' Herenpon tie Commanilflrtt ordered ilic prrscnis to be brought forward, when rifles were presented to me chicf>, and !)liinlicis lo tlieir wjuiiins; different kinda of paint were set before :iiein,~also l^nives and to.nahawlcs— beau* and worsteds were gr/en u Uieir women. Last of all a keg ol rum ^-.-is broiiglit forward and rolled lo the feet of tae chiefs. Thi* appeared cspeLJally Kreiifving to all pres- ent, aaoth sides, -y .sopar.iti.'d. The Commtindant lon'.c his way back to the- f.)rt, and the Indians o thfir vilfiigc, where iliey ni|r'c'e great prepara- tions for a riotous fea.st. The prcsonis were rLspodively ejlamined bv their dit- ferent owners and then carefully put a\v;iy, and the Keg of rum «as rolled to the cabin of KanhaM-a. They gave up all their weapon;) to ilie women, who carry- ing them off", secreted them in the Ibii-si— kmnving well fioui p;].ste.xperienrc the furious scene that would preserly ensue. A small hole was Lorcd in the keg, anda tin can held to receive the ilo.ving liquo.l— every warrior present paitaking ot the contents of il-.c measure, snd on lli:; lnht:;nt ilnir features became anima- ted, their eyes Cashed ns ihey Iclt their blood eirc',;l.iling v, iih increased rapidi- ty through their veins. The can was again rep.leiii; bed and Landed to the wo- men, but to their ciedii be it said, they paiiook nut of liic drau;;ht, except a few old hags in wnjm a long lii'e u( liarlship r.nd toil had'e/i'.dicaied every womanly feeling. The young girls laughed at the oiler, also at the merry anti'-s ol some of those upon whon^i the liipioi- had taken efT'.'et, and wiv were umisud lo the fiery draught. The keg wa-. ilien tipped up on i.';n\, spiNed and |)ut r.way till the even- ing fhDuld anive. Large flies were kindled, and when Iwi-light set in, the keg was again rolled out, wiien without reset ve every wiiriiur partook freely of its contents. The lumes ol the liquor soon mounted to the biainsofthe drinkers, and the litile village of Catorocqiii shortly became ihe scene of one of the wildest irgiestlwi it ever witnessed. The (ires shot up their lorl.y iongues amdng the trees, round which danced the swarthy figures ol' the Indians, bedaubed with paint and shouting with pbrenz;eJ criesof joy, interrupted oidy by fresh draughts of the maddening liquor. The squaws betook themselves to a distance, and with ffkrful glances watched the mad ear*ousal. Dispute? and quarrels arose, blows were struck, and a rush was made to Cud the weapons, which, liowever, were {00 securely I. il for the inebriated seekers lo find them, and Ihcy returned from the woois, sliouttng, back to the fires. A general rush was made for the keg of rum which wa? overthrown in tic struggle, and rolling in tme of the flres. it ex- ploded with a kiBd report— shooting a bfuish flainf> high intjO the air. Several of the tediuus wpir hiir' by the fntpmenls of thn keff<^aiid the rcBit itupping thcjr >^S I ItfoA erics, .looken witii stupid astonishment upesscd the caectoflitiuor iition the Indians, he was 'also alarmed at the fearful cries that eyery-now and tht-n brolve upon his .ar. Thinking th« Huions might'bave been attacked by some hoMJlf tribe, he wp.h about hastening to the fort to order out the jnard, in orxtcV tar.eqiiaint liimsilf lightly of the mailer, when one of the ihterpretcr.s who was Mriyin- in ihvliojs.-, in/u.-racd hi;n of the truy staie of the case— apprising him .^t ilie s.imc liiiu' of ihe danger whilemeo ineurred when^ appcarin;,' am;)!!-,' ih' in ;)n such oc'c.-ision.s. , The Commai.Janl w.Vs shocked, and .-o, too, was the fair Eloisn, that such nbr ble looking warriors ns j^chad :cen in Hi.- tibe, could so degrade themselv*^.- 8he had beard tales id'snv.ige crueii> and rcven,;'e ; at that she wandered \iot so much, as sudi deeds wore inherent tollieir nature, but that they should sink (iiose virtues prized by ihein'selve.s, sueli ,is di^^ty, gravity, courtesy and courag^, in scenes of drijn;>c:i deSauthery, d.'prc:-sed iieSideas of savage nobility. The noises ;:i last din! away, and the inhabitants ol the cottage retired to rest. . . About noon 0:1 the follov/in- day, as the Commandant was about sitting down to dinner, a soldier c.ime to Die door of bis apartment and desired to .speak with him. Tbe o d in.in f^ru(ily,desirea him to enter for he liked not being disturbed, when the •jolJi.-r informed him ilip.t a boiiv of Indians had appeared on the hills to the cas!, approichin- i.)«Mni die lort. The CommanJani hastily jumped from his sent, and aseemicd to a liille cupola on thclopofthe rojf of the house, follow- ed by his duugliterand til,! sol.lier, who pointed 0111 an advancing body of In- dians, disuni nwrly a qiiariiM- ola miie,-;:ppearing ^it ii.tervals as they emer- ged from grovijsof pines ihnt (ioUed iLc viciaiiy. They appeared weji armed, though not ii, i^ieir w.-sr i^n int. * • '■ Look!", dxelaimed Eli.if;-, " they lirtvc women along with them, and unless my eyes ileeiivo me, t^-o whitcmen accompany :hcm. Surely they do not- in- tend to aitac'i the lort " • " Let mi /lee; fney num'icr Jhirtv-lwo t\'arriors; their force is too small to be hostile, for if they were r'ulian-: in the- pay of the Englisli, they would not appear herein broj|d daylight. Th .7 must be friends." ^ •' Re no|toj r.ure of th.-.t, Pa;' replied Eloi.'^e, hiying her hand on his shimldei, ns she berii forward to git .Itrloser viev/; " recollect what sirateger:.s tluy prac- — equnl in their boldness and cunning to the wild /nen ofihe Highlands of ScHland in d^>ys oryoje." , V / nd they ono " Psba^, mydc-ar girl," replj^'d the old man, iuipatiently^ "there is noslmflar- jttybeiwyen the two races, iidptistc," turning Ij the sergeant, " order out , the 18B THE LAST OP THE ERIES, It is as well to be prepared," he mut- fuard, and let them wait farther orders, tered as the •oldie'r departed, Elolse remained-watchingtheadvancing party, which kept vanishing from her Tiew every now and then in the hollows. They came along licsurely and in »ood order, and when \fithin three hundered paces of the fort, they halted, r»l ting on thcir^rms. Eloise could now perceive that the whitemen, by their drew, were of her oWn nation, though one of them was equipped partly in ihe Indlaii ' costume. She also noti9ed that the two women were both young and pretty at . least she conchtded so by the style of their dress and the grace of their attidties. for the distance tvas too far to distinguish their features corrertly. A consulta- Hon now appeared to be held by a group of four persons who stood a little in ad- vance of the rest of the party-among whom were the two whitemen-ihe others a noble looking old man in the dress of a chief, and a strong built, IwrJy looking warrior. After a few minutes, the former three turned and commenced the as- cent of the hill leading to the fort, when the otherSurned back to his companions They met the French guard drawn up at the entrance of the drawbridge, and the Indian Chief demanding a parley, the Sergeant stepped out from the rank and enquired the nature of the talk. The chief replied that he had something to say to the Commandant of the fort, which he alone should hear. The Sergpant looked keenly at the -two whitemen, one of whom was dressed in the fafl|kof a French cfficer, the other in the apparel of a hunter, half Indian and hWvoya- genr, but apparently without discovering faftiiUar faces,-an3"he fent olTo soldier to the Colonel to inform him of the chief's request; The man returning in a few minutes, bid the party to follow him. They did so on the instant, and the sol- dier led them to the c*age, where stepping into the hall, he threw open the drawing room door, signing them to enter. The old chief took precedence and stepped into the room, when the Commandant who was seat.-d at a lable in ex- pectation of the interview, rose and courteously rcpli>l to his salntation. Both the whitemen bowed with such an air of ease and good breeding, ihat Eloise who remained in the apartment, looked upon them with no little surpri'ie The Col- onel requesting them to be seated, the two latter obeyed, but the Chief remained .tanding leaning on his rifle, looking inquisitively at his compaftions as if ex- pecting ihem to open the convefsatiofi ; upon which one of the young men rose * anu advancing toward the lable, near which Ihe master of ihe house was stand- ing, .-said , " Colonel, In the first place, allow me to introduce myself as vm ton wyageur, - who has for some time been strongly attached to the daughter of the chief of the Innkas, who now stands before you. Let me present him to you as the Chief of a race, who are strongly attached to Ihe interests of the Freheh," and as he turn- ed hftif round to the person alluded to, the Commandant slightly nodded. " This person." motioning with his hand to his other compj^ipn, " (s m.r fViend and fellow adventurer whom I have enticed from the sports of Ihe wt-ods to ac- company me on this expedition," \ Anif TtrhnT may Be its object?" enquired the Commandant, seeing that the -B«H Other paused t A TALE OP CANADA. ig from her ely and in halted, t^ their dreu, the Indian 1 pretty, at ir attidues' L consalta- ittle in ad- Ihe others, ly looking :ed the as- impanions. ;e, and the rank, and fng to say Sergeant fWjcofa li^Tvoya- Ta soldier Bf in a few id the sol- open the dence and ble in ex- on. Both loise who The Col- remained ■• as if ex- . \ /■ •'J will explain, Moosiear," was the reply. I have been residing for a time witfithe Irinka.'j \ have went with them on their hunting excursions and war par- ties; I have won the regard of thr.only daughter oi this Indian chief— a muttial attachment exists between us. We heard that a missionary was stationed at this place, and we have travelled from the Grand River to see him. We wai;t his services to unite a whiteman and an Indian women in wedlock, according tdi tjw ceremonies of the Christia^h Jrch, and to such a proceeding agrees the' Chief. in^as^^or business is ayoAplished, ,we shall turn our backs on the St. Lawrence"o3~Dar rsturn to obV viflage upon the Ottawa." " You are not of the class of voyageurs," replied the old man ; "your speech betrays your caste. But are you /ally determined upon marrying this Indian girll— have you considered well upon the consequences of uniting yourself irre- vocably to the reel-men." " All this has been considered and decided upon long since. If it were not so we should not have undertaken such a longand tedious voyage at this season of the year. Notwithstanding my speech, I am unc him voyageur, whatever I may have been; my companion here is one like myself." , „ " Does he, loo, marry an Indian women ?— I perceive two among your party." " Not so," replied t^ie individual alluded to, laughing; HI accompany my good friend in the quality of submaster of the ceremonies." The fair Eloise started at the sound of his V(jice, and the young man noticing her for thefirst time, forthe room was rather darkened, gazed upon her with a bewilderednond of look, and as he attentively scanned her features, his counte- nau«eexpres.sed astonishment mingled with doubt, while ^lis »|i trembled as it hung over the back of his chair. The young lady glanced -^^ for a mo- ment, but meeting his fixed and continued stare, she redden^ at Hits rudeness, and changed lier position. " Young men," said the C*nmandant, looking at both alternately, but seeing ontf appalrently unheeding him, hep,ci„„ ,h,t J . „, „„ ,„ i,,JI,iJ„al. „fe„,d , „. . ^ '™'''°" .=':S'r:j;'L';;:::;::ri;;.:°":" "'■™ '-"'■"-"" -"-«°' •'- " Eloise," sail! he, " am 1 sj .niiircl v fo-niicn -? "' , '•Chark^Lcfbvrc!' M.^ «cki:n..', LoUling o,u her ham), "fbrgive'mc I could hardly icvjlloctihp hoy in the- iiKin." - '^'g'^^e mt-I He touk h.r hnnd in hi. oun, and j,r,..,vH-d it to his lips. - And I " he replied o .ormerdays: JML-o ^„,„ ,„, ,, .,„ p,.^„^; , ,,^,^.^ ^ ^^ "-r, next uicctin,:; w,JHp|. ,h,. wilds t i Canada." ■ h-.T; " 'f^"" -'-'--'-■^'--i"»-t. As .he later led LefeJre back to the oiher nl® ;hc r.oa^ he .picrroasly a.iad- " Etoisc, wJ'.o'is this inaii'T' "Hei. my dear Fa.hor-'.L, replied, '^ MouMeur Charles Lefcvre-who res- cued .e ,ro,„ those cr.u., ..Idi.s i,, o.-oiland-vho ave..,ed ,he L^yZ , only son, ami of ,„y only l'-n.r-u-l;„ . ond.u . ., ,ne salW. „at oftha 'b^a t.un forhis chivalrous cj!idii':t,*!'a!;ds Lofure ytui." ■ ' ■^ Theo!^ Coloacl V.roJe Lnvard a-.d gt^sp.d .i:e hr,nd of I.elevr. savin-- •• My.d4,o.n, fVi.ul tor ., Un n.- c:.,l tl.e, ... i..,„„,i,, u.. .hn^tlj'ap. Fjarance::Vhat an ex.,^,on:in.,. „u.>in,. l,lo.. i... h„, .■ .ce' ialor^'d 2^ of the gene,-o..: .service thoa o:.. did.-,, r^^ler h.r i. .■,o,l.uJ aud in Fran c for ^vaichKshall ever remain thy d.Mor." ' ' i lanpc, lor The Chieflookcd'curiotisly i;;;on.lhc proceed ihg-*. J Then, dear Sir,^' rei^iied Lefc.vrJ. " as yon o^er n,e'your friendship, altow" n^e to ,n.rod.:ee ,ny fr.nd Pi»r.e, who has a!...o~Lornc ...„e share in the 'cvenU concerntn,^ Made,V.oi,selle KloI.e, uho docs not a,,...ar to recognize him." '' Indeed,'.' .said t!,at young lady, " m. many years have elapsed since last I had ^j^.u.. 01 ^eeu^M ..siet.. Pierre i„ rV.nr, ,ha, .l,e,.^ .e.v. .. J^, .\- "■^^ *: ' Miss 3t. Hillaire," i A TALE OP CANADA. 185 lillaire," rejoined Pierre taking her hand, " no apology is nece»- Mry-rather, if one is needed, let me be the person to make one; and let this be It-that in thy splendid beauty now, I failed to perceive the girlish attractions of MissSt. Hillaire eleven years ago." "A very nieecjmpllment!" exclaimed the old C.>lonpl. " I perceive that thy life in thewoDdi has not obliterated thy poUksse. Give me thy h^l^Hiy lad. -I have ajso heard of thee in connection with Lefcvre. Wc caflHhk of ni'- restin- ye just, yet, and ir. the mean time, as ye mu.st all be veryKgngrv we'll take some dinner. • By the by, where i.s thy l>ir dcnwiiclU?" ■ "She is with, the Irinkasonihchill, ivaitinE; mv return. We intended to xla.m your hospitaliiy i„ iho Fort for a (cv day.s, imiil the ceremony, for whicU ■we came hcic, Wiis arranged, but '' "Yer, ye.s" intcrrupi,-d the Colo.r.i; somewhat- impatiently. "Wl at is the name olthy nii.-.trc.'^.s?" ' " Pale Lil^'is the Frer.ch of her Indi;!!! appt'ation.'' '' Here, B.ptiste," .s;,id th= Co:nmandanL eallin;: to.ihe Sergeant in the halL '^o to the Ii.Jian.s yonder, and s:;y to ih,,,u that tlie Pale Lily, their Chief, daughter, i. wanted Ijl'r.. Let luo cliiK-ir ,:.:ni.cr co^uluet her." ••• But," interposed I^loise, " ihc-rc arc tVc.;;irl.s, Pa ; ' I saw them from thereof. » " Tell them that both ,r,c youn-; wo.r.on aroxva.iteJ; you understand Indian enough for that, I tselieve." The soldier was abo;,. depariing uhcr, Iho Ch.eflaid a hand on his shonldcr and gave h,m a b,,ce!et o.Thi. an., k-v,,,;-: •' ■ni:c Irinl.as are very cautious -lt>ey «-ould not re,.i.:„ my d.-.u^^t./r „.:l,>:; ,|,cv Ki^ew I .^eiit for her " "Go,Elo,..c, and prepate a ro.i.a /,.r .he yoang ladies," *aid the Colonel af- ter con«tJenng a moment; - anu. f'ntle.r.en, come this wav^you can arrange .your toilette here." And he thr.v.- vr,,n the doJr of an adjoining room Pietre and Lefevre deposit..) ti.cir am,, in a corner, add st.jved into the room .ndreate , and the Colonel e.xuluctcd the Chief,., his own apartment, which he refusod ho;vever to occupy, an I uith a crntcoxs inclination of his head, thank- ed his host for lM.s al.ention-mr.ely re,!'., tlr^g that a basin of water might b^ placed on the verandah-which v.as r., eoulingly .lone. Th.. Colond wa^ sur- < pn.sed at the purity of the f-rench whi.d, his Indian guf.t .polfo-so much supe- nor ,0 what he had heard from the IlniVis. ^U^\m wasl:ed.his face and haRds from Iho stains of travel, put ot. a new pair of ,noeee.si< threw off his rouSw deur-s.j.n froek, and replaced it by one o: cloih, t.-!m:ned wMli fur. A mantle J the same material he threw roinl l,i.. .ho:,:j,rs-clasping it an.!er hi.s rig^t arm. He put aM-ay his heavy w.ap.Kis, only retaining in his belt a .curiously ornamented hunting Knifo, an 1 h.v..u.;,p.J b.te!> into the n.nm where the tabic v-as laid out for dinger. In the mean time the Pale Lil-,- and 0-on-v .n y-stPn ba.l arrivjij, _ j Ge&mpa ni e d- yi^ooffheEiie-, whoMaiiSned tl'.cra.-elv.s on the veranda'--, while Elois'e con- ducted tac girls to her own roa,Ti. She was struck with the peculiar beauty of I m k i * ' i « < • 0> -, -^ y '■ V ' f ■ i - ■ * - ■ • - ' . c • ^.^ A . " -* 1 ' w \ fS" V ...^. ^, '^•0 w^. % ^ ^ Y •■ * ■• '1 I'i. ■ ■'A. '■*f. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) i 1.0 I.I IA&12.8 -1^ U£ 12.0 12.2 \m iii.4 104 1.6 // % .<.\ ff / ^ /; %' .Sciences • Corporation 23 WCST MAIN STREfT WEBSTER, N.Y. US80 (716)872-4903 ^ t* ■«■■■ r 186 THE LAST OP THE ERIES, the Pale Lfly, tb« clearfte« of her corapleiio,., and the ease and dignitv of her fThTK™!;' rt"""°" ""'""""'^'^ """•^"''^ 'hatPierreshoald Jfecf Se for hi, br.de-lnd.an girl .hoagh she was. Her favorable impreuion oT.he .to rigineesof North America was revived, despi.e the rio.ious'^r^SS.f ' of ,t oilel e. who wh,ch arter completing, fouM^their way into the hall where E oLe mee..n, eonducted them to the dining room, wbere the Colonel. Manh . p1 r^ .nd Lefevre were assembled waitiag their appearance. When they enS Pierre stepped forward and pre«,„ted his intended bride to the Comman^^^^^^^^^ gallantly k.8sing her conducted her to the table. O-on-yay-stee cast a foi^vl look around the apartment, and though astonished at every thing ,ri.i w.t. reaerved deportment peculiar to her race when among strange™ she c^n'^,{; hjremotion and retired behind the stalwart figure of Manhiai'?;;"^ of he .wog,r]s werep,c.uresquein the extreme-half civilized, half sava«Tshow ingoffa.e.rnelydeveh,ped figures to perfection. Eloi.,e'seated oZyaAt- next o hei-elfa: a.e table. The Chief, though unaccustomed to the refinemen. of cvllized !.le, observed the rules of etiquette with a dignity that .uroS h ! hc«t After themeal was over Eloise conducted the girlMo Llol I'm^het she endeava.^d oy her conversation to win them to familiar confidence O^r yay-..ee understood her language very imperfectly, but.be plle Lily actedl Eln.7 ;*," "°" ""' "^"""'^ smile and kind look of their ho.te.,s. they soon threw off the.r reserve-expressing their admi«..ion of everything that struck .he.r fancy. The sketches that Miss St. Hillaire too of ,h. s^,rund.t country we,., examined with delight, and the plates of a large family b bL nex! o*eup,ed their attention-the nature of which Eloise endeavored" exptin and Jhe found .n the Pale Lily an attentive listener, for she had readily ctght a. Pierre's lesions of ,he truths of Christianity, but O-on-yay-stee, indlfferenf d.^ h" i'lh^orr^T'"'.-'''"^ '^"""""^^ wasaccounted for in. he fact that^^ Mat hitti. though understanding the principles of the christian religion, fro.; some jrejud.ce or reason he never explained, would not consent to Mitionaries uZg up 'heir abode .n his village-hcnce they remained almost unknown to the plench cltior^r. "" '"'"°'- ''»"«'"& "" ""= «'«" -asa peculiar source of gralifi c...ontoO-on-yay.s.ee, who. wi.h pardonable vanity, examined her figure in i- «veral t.me. antl her musical laughter was heard,t intervals .hrough .he house K?. k!'?u "a-"'"'"? a portrait of Miss St. H ilia ire's clapped her h '„ pZ ? ' !"' "''"^''"^ '^^ ""'"'"''' ™'"""°- '■-'" h" neck Vahded It to Eloise. .bo took .. with .ome surprise as she unclasped the cover. She saw - at once that though very like, it was not intended for the Indian girl. AatonUh *d at ibe beauty of the painting she asked : ^ A»ton.sn •' Pale Lily, where got you this 1 " ^ " Prom-my tiuhc-r." she replied sadly ; " it once belonged to 'my mother. See • —was she not like me?" ' " And is your mother no w living T' " R fi nearly eighteen summers since she died." 1$^^ .,'■<■ ••K' r « iigaity ofbtr lid select her onoftheabo. 'ediDgsof the >o fin lab iUtir where Eloise nhlitl, Pierre, they entered landant, who ist a furtive ! saw, with a >e control!^ he dresses of vage— sjiow- )-oii-yay-stee ; refinements urprised his room, where ;nce. 0-or;- ily acted the leir hoste.<<8> -y thing that surrounding y bible next :xplain, and ' caught at fferent, did tthat, Man- from some iries taking I the French :e of gratifi figure in i- 1 the house, lapped her ?ck bahded r. She saw Aston ish- her. See! • " A TALE OP CANADA. xftj "Bmifcis," continnedElolse, again looking at the miniature, "represents a whitewomaa tof m\ own nation. Your mother was then a beautiful pale-face, and yoo are not wholly Indian 1 " The Pale Lily nodded, and stretching out her hand look back her miniature, saying with a little reserve : " Perhaps my father might tell you more. " I shonld certainly like to hear your history," said Eloise, " though ndl^fihe chief your father has any objection. I must take an interest in everything that relates to you, especially as yotf arc cbnnected with my countrywomen by blood." The Colonel in the mean time had brought out some wine which he offered to hU euesta; the two young mrn freely partook of it, but the diief could not be prevailed open to taste it. He and the Colonel, however were gradual! ' led in- to an aisument, which was sustained with pleasantry on both sides— the latter. . upholding the advantages of civilization-Manhitti assenting thereto, but endea-' voring to show how impossible it was for Indians to adopt the manners of the whites, without destroying their nationality and independence. Pierre and Le- fevre took the opponunity of retiring, and they found the ladies in an adjoining room. There old scenes were recalled-stories and adventures related, until the setting sun warned them it was near even. The Colonel had given orders to admit the Eries into the Fort, and have tbcm supplied with provisions, as Manhitti had expressed a suspicion that he would not meet with a very good reception in the Huron village. Pierre and Lefevre after all had retired lo rest, sat up late with Colonel St. Hillaire rel.-.tin{. their mutual adverlturcs, and explaining the position in whioh they stood with regard to the Governor. The old man felt convinced of the innocence of iheir inten- tions, but condemned them severely for their folly and rashness. " However " said he, " what is done cannot be helped though it may be mcnded-ai.d as it would be R poor return for what ye once done for me, I cannot obey my instnjt* » . tions to arrest ye. I shan't do it," and he struck the table with his fist, as if fttf- '^ the. to confirm his intention ; " but, neverlheles*, ye should be punished for dSd- bedience, for it was nothin- less when ye threw up your commissions in the manner ye did, and nt a time, too, when I, myself, must confess, made the act appear rather suspicious ;-bt.t, perhaps, you are mqre to be pitied thr.n blamed » he concluded, throwing himself back in his chair. After a pause of a ftw mL ute» he asked : " And is it your firm intention to marry thim Indian girl ^-have you considered well upon joining your destiny irrevocably with the IiiakasV "Sir, it is almost needless to answer yes," replie.l Pierre— "and though 1 have made ray decision, perhaps, somewhat rashly, it could not be mwe congi- nial to my wishes. But listen to what I am about to tell yoa-you h.ive heanl our adventures, hearken now to those of others." Hereupon Pierre Intormed ilie old man that the Pale Lily, though the daugh- - ter of Manhitti, was only a half-bkKx l.— her mother being white— and he 4«t«il^ ed Ihe cBcnmstances that led to the discovery of her relationship to Lefevre. He related, as much as he knew, the history of the Erics-dwelling long upon their \ .^-i_'^ i^\i yit^^lkli / *^ THE LAST OP THE ERIES. ' i CIIAPTKR XIX. " '— The m.rni,,^ .ftcr .heir debnuch ih. Ilnrcns rose from a drnnkcn sleen ,mH .«,ge. fonv.n. ,o U c. iver, ..u-e .hoy quc-ncheci .hoir hurn .s hi^'V^ , ftce-...a;,>r,,:T ihem^d.os ,o .h-ir resper.ivv enbm.s ,o sleep away vet lurthrr the.rcm.ry ..rcnpn.u.nr.; ,|,e w.,,p„ns „-er. re.U.rec. .0 ihHr difli-reDt owner, and ,i,... I,.h ,.. rose abou. ...n ,es,.n>ins :heir UM..n. grave d.por.me„ No, ' ,t- clzB.. ^ ^ ' ' " '' " "' '' """"^ '•^•^'^ "^"^ f"^ '^•^'■^ '"<^F"ure for On th. r.llowin, mornin." Knnha.n^,e s,r.n,e chief stepped in.o a, ca- noe an.l r.nsh,.c,|..„,sc-lv.s ofl' ., ,!,e oppci.e shor^, and after drawing ihelr ja.,oapl...-.-ilyogainstiu;rlyaI.l>o.„ue;::; «hi'ui',nd ™'r'7 rf Coswennso .aid when he f„s, met thee with .lai ^irl among at I e br d,;!, W '^"r" """" ""'''" '"^^^•^-">'" -'^ ''"-^ ^^^ " «- «' ai ine Drij,!! ol waii'jishk-naun"." --Ssfi r" ncrre ITfirer cotifempiousl:^ ' " Tlu^e and thy impote.it tht«.to I^e- 9l^e- A TALE OP CANADA. ' t» fy; and whether thou posscssedst a good or bad mcaiory is to mc eqaally Indiff- Cosvrena^o smoothed hi. mortified features into their usual cTrressfon «nd " hastily tak:ng the, arm of Kanhawa, was l.asienin- lro:n the fort, when the Col- onel calling to the latter, desired to know his busioess. I " We do not want to waste worl-. at present, ' aiisMcre.l the SenecaChief be fore his companion cnuld say a word ; •• but our faincr cnni.ji surely know what he .3 about u-hen he brings wolves into hi. house. H,, !_n ^reni n.artv of them are here,''_j,oinnn? lo the E. ies on liic opposiic .va:i-'= wo arc afraid ihev micht b.tc ITS. Our father mu.t drive ih.-m away, else we cannot fij;h, the b.a.les of" «*c French;- they might take cour.s:o when we arc abroad to d.-vour our women and ehildrt-n." " Let the Huron Ci.ief speak for himself," rcplicj the Colonel with di-nily- • Idonot understand what the Si'nec.i means." ' - J ' " At another lime « e will i.-,.|k with thee," re;.lfedC.«wenaso, who again .sci- zmgthe arm of Ivnawahn, over whom he soomod to possess an unu.sual influence heyrctned from the for.-and their car.oe wn. .^on after seen speeding aeros^ tlip bay tov/ard their village. " What the denre means all this, Pierre ] " enquired Lefevrcl" that man has • nearly fnghlened my fair cousin int^a fit, ao»t if I mav j.id^-e f.om his looks h. bodes no good towards thyself Haft th»;i and he met befoa- ? " " Aye-sereral times, nnd ev. ry interview carehuled wiih a ctru-^e tor life Owing to my elemeney he still livcsr b.u no more shall it be exercised in his be' low " '"' ^"""^"'^o-the would-be husband oJ,,y fair cousin ; ni watch the fel- The Colonel thinking lh..t somothir,:: was amiss, enq-iired the name of the' strange ch.«. Pierre informed bin of!he>osi,ion in which the Erics Mood with regard to Coswenago, upon which the CMonei shook nis head-foreboding a storm. * Toward evening a eanoe wa.sscen from the rottase, approaejiing their ^ido of be bay, am! soon aHer an Indian appeared on the v-.-randnh, who demanded an interview w„h the Comm.tnda,t. His rcq.rest -vas i.nme.ii.ftel. complied with for all were anxious i„ knowwhat kind of tone the Ilurons would assume, and tile Indian delivered his rm?s.sagp to thi.s cflect:— ThattheHuronsofCaterocquinnd their brethren, the Seneens, having deter- mmed on joining the war to fake up trte hatchet against the English, had in con- sequence, taken the pretenis that their Wjite brothers were so good as to offer them, -tl^al fo far the agreement was gow^'^ But since that time a cloud had come between them and their inleiiHons, nnd Kanhawa p.ayedibe whitechiefjoremovo ==...^^^loud tb.t th*y mightTer^sfffieyime^ijomjr; A Bfl^ -A bad whispered fair words in his car, but the wlUte chief must not believe them- ^ 190, that tbty THE LAST OP THE ERIES •fche fcrt, or cl« deliver talo Ibeir band. , he Pale Lll, 2.171 ? were „„eb .rr.,d i. .o„,d be ,.,<.,„, r„r .he™ u. «.d L^ri^'^TTZ: h.d eon.ider«, a „■„, belrdt. , "LZ^t^ Z'tlST' "r '"" Of ,b. Se„,c..b«d »»e.b.w ":.!*" f"r: "' 'I" '?'"" " "■""" ramiDg, and Ihe Indian, my elgnlSc.nily g,„ . ■uffleienl rea»n for nol oredT 01 sk,».. Some of .be Imdep,, ..jr. „( ,|, b,„k„ ,„„ ^ °" d .n, .0,05 b.ei, ,o *elr c.no,., «„.,ed ih-m «,b «,';„, S' Sh.t All friendly intercourse between the mt-s.-' s-^ »k- „-ii Manh.tti was anxious to g«t back to the Ottawa before snow -orer^d the f.o. he country; but as the missionary was absent as far as the hXfthe ,Ik7 the object for which he had come so far might be accomplished. Time howew .y oSs: Hr^Tr K^'^^"" '""^'"''' '''" content^ wi'thir 1 ,„H Pi ^•' f '^^f°^ «>°"'«>'« many an old scene was brought 6n the t.. P»-and Pierre revelled in the smiles of his intended bride, while Manhittl wd U.e Colonel appeared well pleased with each other's society ' " ""* .etTnliK "//"""" ^"'^'^ '^'y' «"'' '''«° November appeared winter "''v:!!!::^^^ ^::^j ^^ ^ ^^^_ n^.^.. „d .x com ::r .;,-,!fe^?2*! oi»aQd their laicheta of liie I not be dried «nd them oat '■ she wu t^e , the Hurona to the Three oand and the al; butifhe ing about ez- ench and the 1 on the part idians gener- the Harona, 1 of the wily crossing the ious articles proved to be >ey were all IS notfoith- r not produ- in a bundle ting the In- lith. Sharp Yf in which cmselres to thus put to and the de- r attack tha red the face >fthe lake, return that le, however viih the so- il On the ta- anhitti and red winter cold stead- iJilair^ A TALE OP CANADA. 19} rence to congeal into one extended cake of ice. From the fort, however, the bine waters of lake Ontario could be seen beyond-defying the frosts ol winter. To- ward the end of the month the intense cold be-an to abate, and the clouds di.-, charged their burdens. of fleecy vapour,-in a short lime covering. the plains rivers and valleys with a white sheet of light and drifting snow. The branch^ es ot the pines and cedars bent beneath the weight of their downy coverings-and as far as the eye could reach, on every side a solitary.gloomv grandeur presented tlself— which must have possessed to the lovers of nature a certain charm and beauty. But the novelty soon wore ofl" and the inhabiiaats of the cottage would often involuntarily sigh that budding spring was yet so far away, as well as were the balmy breezes of summer. A storm was approaching, however that they woinotof, wbjch would render them indifferent to the in^emency of the season. They dwelt in fancied security-unaware that schemes and plots were forming to destroy their domestic tranquility. One afternoon in the month of December the family was thrown info the greatest alarm by the mysterious disappearance of Miss St. Hillaire and little O-on-yay- stee. On the morning of the day mentioned all had adjourned to the fort ex- • ceptthc two parlies in question and a servant maid, who prefered remaining in the house ; and when the Colonel, Manhitti and the ro,?t left the fort on Iheir re- turn. It was just getting dark, while a heavy snow storm Impeded their steps and almost blinded with the drift they arrived at the cottage, which to their sur- pri^ was without a light. Entering the hall in some trepidation, they called a- loud for a lamp, and went through the house. Everjthing was in its usual place-lhe doors were all closed-the windows were down-but Elofse .and her two companions could not be found. The Cora mdndant, pale and trembling staggered to a chair as the most alarming apprehensions took pos-.ession of him', whi.e Pierre and Lefevre rushed frantically through the prerai.oe?. The Pale Lily wnk to her knees in terrible dread-she expected every moment to see the hated form of Coswenago appear, and, despite the presence of her friends, hurry heroff in his embrace. O, how she thanked the Great Spirit for being preserved from *«a,n undergoing the cruelties of ^a second capture, which would have beeh the ease had she not accompanied her father to the fort ; and her tears fell fast as she thought upon the hardships the pale-faced lady and her friend 0-on-yay-stee would have to suffer in a toilsome march in the depth of a. severe winter. Man- - hittFthough evidently disturbed retained a cool composure; he critically exam- ined the landing places and door steps, and he found at last the faint impres- sion of mocassins on the floor of the kifchen-their wet sohss had left on the Clean, dry boards an almo.st indistinct mark, which was not perceptible to the whitenien until Manhitti pointed it out, and from the peculiar shape he at once proclaimed the trail to be that of red-men. The door of the kitchen opened to- ward the nver, and the snow was searched in that direction, but the storm must hare obliterated all traces of snow-shoes, forndhe coul4.he detected. It was jLaJn^Jheffi&re, that the three females had been carried^ofl'hy mitiwiteft^ hefore the return of the party rh>m the fort- and who could they be but the'iffeii. if '^^. t'-i Wi THE LAST OF THE ERIES, ded Huron* and Tcvcngful Seneca,. Tl^ey m.,,t have closely watched iheJr incir trail-rendrrin- it .inposHMo for tla- sli.-.rjicsiVyc to dctoct. t.ly thanked God .ha ,he Tale Lilv l.n.l l.vn s,-,,,.! a UUc f.,,- ; 1,,,, h;, svmDa «arted off to ainnn tl.o s.rr.son. Th.y m,o„ ,rn,n,aL.ca.m,,.nied I,y a ser ader., ,rn,pc,s, A-.-, n.nvd.d int., the c..„.-,,.- „„cnng dec, c.x...rn ion J^ain"! the treachery of the [Im-aus. Th.-y r-pl enisle ' il„. r,,./ ■rni'ons.,„ainst «>oy ,ot h.I. .•nync,o-st;,ehay..hey wer.- .v,nA„.«.d ,., the i . bfot^ from the ,o.t, headed h,- Pierre, r...r..vre .nd U.nlnni-L l.K,. pea :^' across ,he.rpa.h-..npodH,,. their pro.res.-n r.d .nn 1 our p.vsed a «-ay before *e arru-ed at the viHn,., uhieh th.y ..eal.hily entered. Not a iit,ht was to bo ZLTZ"V"""T "■'""'■ "'-""' "■'-■' ""^ ^'■'^- ■' ""^ '->'^ --^- ""■ ^'"-'^ NmT!^ "u f^'-^^'"'-i"^— "-l,,, eVu.s were entirely deserted Not a .on eo..,!d they pereeive. and ti.e p.r.y ,c..:,rned t. the f.rt .li.4ppainted i ;:^''' K-T" f'""' -''''-'' "-'•--"---- ">nt they had taS no l,d,ng., of h,s l.st d,r,,:,tcr, and he .sn,,:.- I,ae\- to his -e.. i„ an n-'ony of ex- won?d r '^'-^-'^'■"'"r'"''' •''"^' "->■ -""■'' -=-•'■'■ -n l,a,A- f,o,n the eiase they would comtnenee on the n^orrow until they had rc.eued Klu.se front her ca/ .hb men. who eonveyed it to the Colonel, who, on c.nmi.-,inl it. found t to nrov'c .ndrr "::';" '"^^--^^^'^^-o .1.U ...d Mood havin.;ri.-en b tu^e n t 1 •nd ihe.r wh.;e brethren, they prayed tha he would wa.sh it away by .urren 1.™ ftrt"H".''\''''^"^'"^'' ''""'''"' '^"-^ '•--■- -'-■"^•-/ - 'J Sn ! " ; :; '"' '" '"■ •-"'---"-••••""n^' "> -... or rental that the e^nrc- umen. . , 1' 7' '"' '"'^•=^''-""' -•'''P-^ "-"K' "nvc to be ...hen. The doc- ument Iso stated that an an..wer left in a hut on a .small i.sland whieh lay abou. mne m.les from the mouth of the Bay and to whieh thev ;,^ave the name pf. nakc Zth :,""'•?", -^"'-^P-^P-''-^^^'"-' 'ho..«ht';nu.st h.vebee:thr:wa brough the w.ndow during the night, a.s nil the room, w.re tl-crcjughly e..amined he even.ng before. He read i. ou, to Manhit.i, who wn. not at aM ./urprlsed a. the Seneeas he could rescue his child, he would do «o, but over the fate of .h3 cntphed thtir —I ho kitchen I all times of now coveret]- T, involunta- I his sympa- 51 ie/— mur- Jninric with > nnd Pierre, cd l)y n ser- , vovaprpun-, tionsrcjainst iheir snow i^'c. Before icrs brought Iipcarinj as elf in heaps away before il was to bo ' all.slruclt [■ly deserted isapptiinted Hi! obtained gony of ex- liope of her ' chase they 71 her cap- ', Ijy one of it to prove wrrn them ■urrtntlrr- Ic/ would : the cjnFC- . The doc- I lay about i-'pfKnaJcc, !en tlirovro examined rrprlsed at person tu ffcte of ih3 A TALE OP CANADA, 193 aesa should so far have induced tiie Chief to think he could in any way s:cept • his offer ; and he somewhat proudly rejected ii, though thanking him kindly for hi»goodintenlion. They determined , bx giving the Hurons a practical reply, to effjctanHy punish their insolence. One of the traders at that moment coming in, reported that he had discovered snow-shoe tracks leading across the I yfer in the direction ol Wolf Island. Accordingly, M;inhitti miistertd his warriors— thirty in nnmber— the traders and tfapper.s amounted to r..s many inort-and twenty soldiers from the fort com- pleted their force 10 eighty .stout able-w-died men. The Colom-I was too old nnit feeble him-^cK to_^take the fiold at that in,jl(^m.-nt .suason ; but Jie had.hi.o hou.^e- bold furniture removed from the co:tage iuu> the lort; and most of the Jamilies of the adjacent houses did thf .same, rs there thiy were secure trom marauding parties oJ Indians. *' The snow bad c.\i.spd falling, and the brcakini; cloud.s .'howed the sun at inter- vals, ende-ivuii.ig to varm iho Jio>ty atmo.-i^here. The pariy fell upon the trail mentioned, I ul ,Manb;lli deunirred to liic propriety of their whole force pursuing it, HS he thought it wis a route did;;rer,t IVoin that which the main body of the Huron* had taken. So thought, afitr a momeni'.s consideration, the majority of those experienced in the ways.ofthc huiinn.s and who seeing tbnt the Chiefcwas a shrewd and keen rcasoner, unanimously e'ectcd biin as leader oi", the expedi- tion. Manhitti, ibercfore, .iltcrcd their coui.sf, and took a path rhrough the wooils along the lake shore-having, previ,.u.sly,.duspnich.Hl two of the E.ies oh the track leading in the opposite direcii.m, wii.'i instruclion.s to capture the individual they would overtakc-lor it was evident that but one person had l,ern on the ice du- nng the course of the night-most probably the one who had thrown the paper into the cottage- ami who fearful o( joining his comrades, had thus endeavored to mislead pursuers by making a wrong tnil. After two hours following the un even shore of the hike, tt.ev emerged Iro.n the woods oppo.site the s.naM Islanl indicated by the Hurons a.sihe place where an answer might be left to their mes- sage. Here Manbi;ti deterniined to put in practi.se a /wc that might discover the t.ue ru.ite of the IIuious. He carefully hid hi. men in the line of foren that bordered the ice, and selecting ten of his own people, despatched them to tho Island with instructions ,0 search it thoroughly that they might know, on a second examination, wheihcr anything bad been iher- in the mean-time— and when returning, take a cure as if proceeding bade to the fort. Manhitti watched their departure until t ey diminished to small specks in the distance and about an hour after he again p. rceivai them taking th ur way down the river until a point of land hid triem from view. In an hoitr more they were seen coming through the woods in the rear of the party, and when they arrived, panting from their expeditions moyemcnts, reported they hadei.scovered a ruined hut as men- tioned in the paper found on tho tlo.jr of the cottage; that though they searched the Island in every part, no trace of the Hurous wa.s perceived. Manhitti, aHer considering a moment, felt ceiiaiii^^at some 0/ them must ha ve bee n ou tlying ra tire snow, mid OBTCWednicirppfn^f TO In^r^^^^^^^ who if they had divined no ulterior intent than merely delivering ^n answer ta 194 THE LAST OP THE ERIES. .?.? I : ^oMle^vc a trail that would lead to their main party. He watehtd ill du.lc, but nothing u-as seen moving on the smooth surfac.. of the snow and Ihdffgh somewhat .lisappointed ht- determine.! to keep his position until moving ^hen he would make a .-ecand eirursion to ,hc Island, which, if it had beenvtei . ited during the nighi. ih-v could not fail to discover the fact The men were well ^i.pplied with provisions, a.ul havihg Satisfied their rarcn. ous appetites, cut down a lar^r q-.antity of cedar branchen. out of which ther eonstructed smr.ll hut., to protect them from the wind. They al.so piled them thickly -r.^iac on the top of the snow, and wrapping themselves rlo.^-ly in their blankets, lay d..*vn on their rou^h beds-sleeping soundly until morning. At the first break of d.iy the sleepers started from their" coM resM:,« places, and kindling .several fires, warm-d their half f««en limhs and coked a breakfast _ • The cold was not severe or else r.ot a few of the whites w. uld have found some difficulty in restoring the circulation of the blocnl to iheir numbed hands and feet As It so happened, however, laey S<.m recoVaed their strength and spiM,. and when preparing to move forwar.l on their march, the two Erics sent on the trail below, suddenly joined Ihem-b.injiing with them a- Hirron boy whom they hid overtaken on Wolf Islan J. No tjribc or threat of the party coul.1 induce him to utter a word concerning the true route of his countrymen ; but Manhitti conjec- tured that he had been instructed, aiV-r delivering the paper which had been in- tru«ed to him, to make a tr.iil ncro-s the St. Lawrence to the English frontier in order to lead a party sent to rescue the captives, astray, or that they might /all into the power of some roving parlies of English; and il' well laid plan would have succeeded had not the s.igaciiy of the Ch ef divined its intention. Thirty men :.ow started off for the Island, having previously agreed upon giving a sig- nal that would let Iheir companion? kno\v whether the place had betn visited du- ring the night-upon which they were all to rendezvous there to make a march as circumstances pointed out. In about aa hour and a half the report of a rifle was heard-the signal agreed upon-an.f those left behind started o.Tlojoin thfir companions. On arriving- at the place, they ibunJ them examining a broad trail leadine from the Ixit almost due -vest to a large Island about si.x miles distant,- The lake lay open towards the .south, and its waves «ere heard beating against the Imp of ice that stretched from the westerly point of WolfWand to the easterly extremity of the one mentioned, to which the trail appeared to lead The ice appeared to tremble from the bursting reports that rolled beneath like the sullen murmurs of distant thunder-sounding, in its varie.f cadences, like the voices of the drowned, lamenting their watery bcih Manhitti was undecided whether to follow the trail or not, for it led off in a different direction from what he fan- cied It .should take, and he was suspicious that it was but another ruse to lead them III a wrong dircction,-as he argued that the Senecas and Ilurons would not bide m the scanty fore-t of an Island, but rather take up a more secure position on elevated ground, or proceed along the north shore of the river, (which had been named by the French. Quinte,) that would lead them on a more direct route to Jl'g: '"!!lgi9 ^or{i:ian Bay, where roo-st of their kiadr^ were locatw} The boy was again questioned, but he still preserved a sullen silence, and torn* He watched e SDOv, and til morning, lad been via- their rafcn» which they ' piled them x-'ly in their ling. pia.ces, and breakfast.— • found some ids and fvct. spirits, and on the trail n th'ey h£.d Juce hiro to liitli conjec- )d been in- sh frontier, r might fall plan would >n. Thirty ving a sig- visiteddu- :e a march t of a rifle ojoin their broad trail I dintant. — ig against lie easterly The ice the snllen voices of il whether lat he fan- sc to lead would nut •e position 1 had beea :t route to and torn* A TALE^P CANADA. ^ J95 «r the trappers were proceeding to uko pretty severe measures with him, whea Manhiiti requested them to desist, saying that he could easily find out whether they went right or wro.g. Ho foraied the party in single file, and giving tlw word, the whole of ihem marched forward upon the path-Manhitti leading the way. , He had the boy stationed immedjatdy behind him, and when they bad ad vanced a short .listanc<-, he turn.d quickly round-fixing his keen gaze uron his face, which he found lit up with a sneering, triumphant expres.sion, for ihc boy's vanity could not be restrained-the expres^oi. dwelt upon his features when thinking he vas unobserved, of having so successfully rcsistcil the arts of his cap- tor to give that information, which rather than have divulged he w6uld have lott hislife. But meeting the penetrating eye of Manhitti, he immediatelyiiicw he hfcd betrayed himself, and his mortified features in vain endeavored Jo r^eata their nsual stolidity .ind sulle.iness. The Chief ordered him to the rear and d! vcrg.ng from the path struck olT in a diagonel direction for thV main shore where pursuing Its dev^ious windings, in about two hours he discovered tracks 'in tha deep snow, leading sometimes through the woods, sometimes along the open sur face of the Bay. The Hurons had, doubtie.ss, arrived !hus far when the snow' storm ceased- consequently they could not.be more than twenty-four "hours' in their advance Six miles farther on the trail forked-one branch leading di- rectly north, the other, continuing the original course. Here was a difficulty fta required the wisest counselto overcome. The trail. was so well managed that either branch presented the same appearance-that of Laving been presLd .h"e ma K^ 'TI ."'•^'^•''?«'^— '' -" ^P-""*^ 'o determine whicK the main body of their enemies hadtaken. Manhitti, however, thinking that the favor ofthe.ran.es, or that in ca.se the Hurons might have to su.st.ii/a fight 10 aiuct the French, suddenly, in the rear, preferred pursuing the path on his iefl. In about two hours more they found a large quantity of freshly cut branchesstreWn across their course, and the snow was bca^idown for some extent en every side _ ^rJ "• I """'"' *"" •"""' '='"#fe»'e preceding night. The men now ' pushed on w„h renewed vigor-no diffjil«cs crossing, heir path, which contih- taed in nearly a straight line-crossing the inlets of the bay. and appearing a«in on the rising ground beyond. J' \V ""Db agam It was evident that their enemies feared not such a qu.ck pursuit, for here they took no pains to disguise or conceal their march ; and Kanhawa no doubt antici- .pated that the Colonel would raiher peaceably negociate, than risk the life of hto daughter by endeavoring forcibly to rescue her.- When.about fburo'dock in the IhrhT'^'^ "riv^i oppoBite-the western extremity of the Island on their left, which for filleen miles forms the southern shore of the auinte. I, was now con- aected to a poituof the main land by a bridge of ice^over which the blue waters of Ontario, as they sparkled 5n the sunshine, cOuld be seen in the distance stretch- ing away to the horizon. On this i4three objects were discerned by the Erie. ^•^^^^^^^^J^e =lm^.i^«n«L rendering theit^ ^istinrttatte •yft. BTanHIfti thonght they were those who had visited the hut on the Island Below to Kceire an Alkwer to their measage, and now finding that they eotkld not f i^ s f ^■<'' 196 THE LAST OF THE ERIES, throw .hflr foes on a false scon., were haitemng to a^risc their countrymen of their danger. The Chief watched then, until they reached the bl.fl' promontory • •wnnd which tliey disappeared. The Fr.nch now punhed on with-increased speed -hopin? to overtake the Hiirot,., t^'ore nighljell, or bo/ore th,-y were appriLd of the pursuit; but darkness again closed round, while'their ciicmic-s were .tili^ before them. - i • The clu;|ds bcgati b gather ihickly in the sky, nnd a snow stotm Ihreatcped to ftbliteratc the- trail ; but the weather growing piercingly cold, .smal. f|,.,es of snow : whirled away among the trees was the o«1y result. IV Eri^ i,ig d..-p holes in the Slow, which they nearly filled with the softest branches ihe. c.uld find ind creeping in between .hem, found th.mselve.s toleraoly .sheltered Uon^, nipp<„K • fro.st The whites were not .so easily contented, fur n.,w that their ixertluns had ^ ceased,^ they i;n the cold iMtensely, anjl though risking a d...:ov-cr/ .i' thcir^i- tlon, Wndled several small fires back from the linaof ui.Mch. ITeiween Teso they n.ad.. beds similar to tho.eof the lories, and after relrchin^ tl>o,asel ves'wiih - plenlUuj draughts of brandy, lay down to pnss the night in the be.t manner thev COHlfl. .w ' . ' Stwnas the following, day began to break, end even before it was yet light most ot the party were in motion-who replenished the lire's until the chilly ai^ was some whnt dispelled. Lefevre had felt the cold the most-Zur hein- unaccuv tomed to pas.s the winter nights in thi« manner, he was in dangcrof b"ing frozer^ to death, had not the Indians supplied him with an e.ura bianKct. liven though ^ protected by ihai additional covering he found some difliculty in ;he mornine of bringing back the bbod to Us wonted circulatitin in hi.s hands and feet- and when at last .he veins begi,n to throb ber.eath the influe.tce of rubuingand theap- plKM.on.s of brandy, .he pain was .so intense that he could hardfy forbeargivinK Utterance to it. In about half an hour, however, he regained his wou'cJ vigotJ- He could not help admiring, and partly envying, the ha.dil.uod of the Indians . Whoseemcd proof a;;ain.s. the inclemency of the weaiicr. Alter refreshing them' selves with a l-.-n.ty breakfast, which all took care to doju.stiee to in expectatlpn ot a long fast, the party renewed their inarch. About noon .h; y iound that tho ' J-ail turned off to the left-crossing th^.bay to the opposite shore, which rose ia ' Muff precipitous heiglits. ■ It was nWheetssary louse the utmost caution, for the IIuroRs i.aveing betn apprised' durirg the night of ihefr danger, and (earful of being overtaken when nup.epared, had determined to stand At bay in the most ie.iable position the ad- jacent country atlbrdol-and they could not have selected a better For if con celled among the opposite hills, they had a full view of their enemies across iho exte..1e,i ;,I,„b oi ic.>. and could vary their inovemenft accouiinij to iho.sc of their ^ pursuers. The aninte hrr.- was about a mile and a half wi.le ; low cedars fring- ed us sjrH^, while the heights, which rose ab,.ut two hundred leet from the level oitheHay^in s<>me places ciore-were crowned with lofty pines ; and the dc- * c^,i,c j^ave j^,rishmer,LtQ_ nuniberlessshr«bs and ptenis, whitrb m smnraer V- Ud««.i,c«unc^r the protection of the tnap!c» and groves of the awect smelling .f: ■ J X. f inntrymen of I promontory,' ire ased spred vcro appriaed cs werf •till' ihreatc^ied (o i;;e3 of snow I' :<'P hples in ulJ find, and r)Ai nipping xeniuns had 3!' iliciisposi- iwi'en theso aselves wiih nanner they as yet light L' chilly ail» i)g unaccus- Hing frozen^ Iven though ' roorning of ft-etj and and iheap- Doar giving ciJ vigoii) — to Indianx, ihi.'igthftm- ■xpcctatipn 1(1 that tha i'jh rose in ' eing be*n , i li'en when on the ad- 'or If con- a cross the so of their iars fring- \ the lerel iti the do- * 1 Btnnnier / smelJinj; ' A TALE OF CANADA. \m t*dir Bnt now the faded livery of the branching Bummach shewed Itwlf tibcra the wjhile (ieep snow, that lay in h^avy masses beivireen the tree»-covered here tad thet^^lfom vii;w by rows of thickly growing e»'ergi'eens. . Th«,tra*i1 led directtj toward tBese heights, ^nd when from which a quarter of a niile, Manlii'ti lalted— crihcally examining the surrounding country. About ^_^ " half a mile lurtlier to the west, the B4y took a wide abrupt sweep to the north- indenting its sliorc» on its^'gracelul curve with numerous inlets ihot stretched (or aome distance in every direction through ttp^w land of its nortlicin boundary. « Here also, sc^reral Irij^tary rivers tliat derived their source from extensive •wam]fe or Inlces ihaday far inland, seemed to Ifave selected the iffagnificcut ba- sin of this part ot the aainte, to add Ihrif trihute' to support its ^tranquil' course.— To gain the table land above they must nrtds asceiid the heights before them, and the principlt- danjfer lay in etideav(»ring t:; obtain their cover. The Hurona' might be conpv.i1ed behind the cedars that frinjed the ice bound shore, from .. whence tht-y could st-curely fire upon thi ir advancing ranks. Suspicious of such an ambush. M; nhiiti moved his pd.iy further to the west, apd as they went do- •ing gradually with tfie hills; andllie sharp sight of the Enes discovered the gli- ding forms of their ene'mies as they darted from tree to :ree to keep pace witk ihem. '' t| CHAPTER XX.' « i We must pow devote a" small chapter ic explanation ofthevoilent proceed- ings of Kanhaw.1. Coswjjnagc^ prided himself as a great chief, and as far as courage, (let!>r!ninntion, ixivenge and.4Btrigue were the necessary qualitigs, he was so indeed ; nut ho was vain, unprtndlpied and treacherous even to his friends. He was mortified to the soul at Ihc/ilefeat he so lately^ experienced al the hands ofiheEries.^ndat the lo.ss of the Pale Lily whom hc'deiuiShSned if possible to regain, even at the sacrifice of every other consideration— for love and hate were strangely ralngtej in his feelings (or Waubishk-naung-and the opposition he experienced only conflrmed him in his purpose the more. He had m.ide a visit to the Huron country, near the lake of that name, but foundtnost ef.that jHJopla away with the French army. He demjtnded their assi.'iitance to exterminate their old enemies, the-Eries; and was told he might obtain it at the GaterocquT viUagc where some of their kindred were sojourning. He immediately Lent his steps thither, and wjs received in the manner already meiitioned, and found iti Kanha- wa an old .icquainiance, upon whom he^]irevaile(j^^o join him in an exEcdition against the Enes during the ccurse of thy winter.t This resolution, however, w» postponed, wheip they received the Commandant's mfsnaggjjpr-thei; cupiditj ^^uld not withstand thg tender of thff pf etents; but when Coswenngo so sndden ji; yBBConatenfJ y* old VneoTies in the fort uaderthe protection of the Prcnch/for^ - -i .>. ^ THE LAST OP THE ERIES tamed, tosfffnifv that nS ohlV..? J P^sents were, therefore," ww »ah.e«pr,„?ipfe,l' ;,: fe^hr^^^^ """"^'' ^<«-^«80 the French and .»; people ^ alwaV, Le'n f • w' ?' '''■"■•^'^" ''"''' '^'^ ^» -always allowing Lfeghsttaret^iee^^l^^^ putcha.ed hi, fa„ «ld. that wquainted with t^e L cha actefof " ^r^ .firaid they would take advantage of the aCe ^f he l7'' '" "'If '" '"'"^ •jomen and children-. m„ehdrd his friend .au; the. rwl': ^^^ k'"' kis intention to stiike a blow at the Pr-nrl, . ,n iT !^' ' "°' *'*"* ""*»» ialre wa. bought about in ,Ls w!'y ' ""' '"e^abducrion of Mis. St. Hil- ten%twi^a^^;a:^^tt;r^^^^^^^^ --^'^^•■ tag of deep anioiositramonJ SV ^ ''''"°"* "^"™"- «^'*a'ed a frel- he pretended the greatest astM^f^h^r V "'""'"'''"'»''''•'" °«^^^ told them th»iJyZrl^!nZ^T. /T'^'"'''''' «hei, creduli.y_,„d >ekelega warninted a m„ct h,r ^'"f""-" '''^"^^^^^ «ceived. t7us auLS .5^^^^^^ to what they h.d Kanhawa appea Jf "T^'^to^ he'i *»;-- --^'''« «ribe. and 'wh«, ;^op. to obu^in the s^;^^;:::^:::;^^ nr-^-^ •• coald noi succeed in WslwrlT' /"''"*''" °"'"'^' °' '•» »«="P«»«« ^ -ago thtp^p^tdtoL.^^^^^^^^^ ' i^hombemUVobta^rans^r^ nejj^ '^^^^^^ "'"«•'«. for demand. This 8^^/^^^ . !^' ''" '" "«^"">P'i«»ceof hlsorigto.1 at firs, for It reaC'tba "sLTd^^^^ ?' ^''^^' '"-^'^ •^^»«i^-g «-, and though cosw^c ;it^:i'r;^^^^^^^^ ^ — ^ - H..ca; ■othing by IherfcultbutlLin^ J- .h!^T'^ """"•'''"'''* °^*^ fa.od.hlpwasno..„ffici"nnoL^K„Ih! ^^-^f • ^"•''•'»««P> ««*»» th.1 ov-r-Wled his principle ;^iciT,Jrm^r,!;r''"~"''™^ -fcould consent, to make uDTelmnnnrfw' " '"*"" Co'a»and.«r will* on the other hand ?h..-!^^ ""^ ""*" *'"' "'»•'« »*» P«~J- ■^ — 1,^ fc^.-^^..r~ " -'v''"'yy" ^'^-«^ «w ao i d go o d la »n«lif»«dir,o«e«bo,kW, cpeire wd tbe ^Me^ J^^vtKs-^— ■,' ' -•** • ■• 3& >. ' ..Vi^. ^.>^ Coswenagb >r he said that lia.«ed his furs i>at chief bell "ta in realitjr > destroy the not even then Miss St. Hil- jererely bea> reated a feel- irrisoo: He hen named, 'Juh'iy— and rkets in Ho> lat they had and whoi intended t» le wasperu ana he ob- !'or several cupanis he ■t. Co8we> 'llaire, for lis original demnnin|r se hi^^ap- uld obtaia Being thai «e himself, nmandaat '^ I pniw;.. A TALE OP CANADA. ^P -% tTmtvt-wr This proposal delighted the Hurons, and it was agreed upon between the two chiefs that the attempt should be made on the first favorable opportunity, wien^ they would join their forces together and retreat to the upper lakes for the witt- ier season. Accordinglj%'«n the afternoon of the day Miss. St. Hillaire was missed, they look advantage ot the snow storm, and hid themselves under the floor of the ve- randah, from whence they saw the departure |ofManhitii, the Colonel, Pierre and the Pale Lily for the fort. Coswenago ground his teeth with rage and vexation at the peculiar fortune that seemed continually to protect the Erie maiden from his wiles. He waited for some time, hoping she would return, but as she ap- peared not, he would liave postponed his purpose^nuther time had not Kanha- wa insisted that they should proceed, as a morej^Wable opportunity would nev- er again occur for capturing Miss St. Hillaire-^ whose fate no doubt that of the Pale Lily would be guided. They knew by a conversation they partially overheard, that no men were in the cottage, and but the three females, who were expecting the return of the party at the fort a little before dusk, and to capture the Pale Lily when the cottage was full of people, the Huron argued was impossible without drawing upon them an immediate pursuit. Still Coswenago prempto- rily refused to stir until a new idea seemed to strike him, when he signified that he was ready. Accordingly they rushed from their hiding place into the house, and finding the three women in the kitchen, there bound and gagged them in a.' moment; and, without noise, they carried ofl; their prisoners. Everything had been pre-arranged for their departure from the village— conse- qnently the Hurons were almost instantly in motion— marching westward. Kan. ,hawa did not fear pursuU for he calculated that their, number of warriore, inclu. ding the Senecas— amounting to more than two hundred— could suecessfally withstand any force the Commandant might send against them. He placed how- ever too muLh reliince on an unpr^inciplcd friend. Coswenago disappointed, and seeing the Hurons were now likely to reap all .the advantage of his own scheming, which he intended should accrue entirely to his own benefit, collected his warriors, and telling Kanhawa that he wouldstrikd another trail that he might hang in the rear of the French in case they might pnr MC him, departed in a diffe/ent direction. Unsuspicious of his friend, the Hu- ron chief thought it was an exceeding wise plan, and acceeded at once to the sep- aration p but Coswenago had no intention of fulfilling what he promised. He argued that the Commandant, when finding that his daughter had been carried or, would immediately despatch a strong party to her rescue— necessarily leaving the fort almost undefended -which he thought he could easily capture by a night •nrprise— obtain poswssion of the Pale Lily, and sell the place to the English. Tt was a liold scheme— planned with foresight and prudence. He hid himself and his party in the depths of the forest, and sent off scouu to reconoitre the pm- ceedings of the Fren ch. They returned the next day, r eporting the departure ^^ « stnmg tone of jrhltes anTlrfes in pursuit of the Hurons. Coswenago iheii^ pn, when night fell, moved his warriors down to the deserted village, and dea- ^■'. 'jdk<£^?ti^».^(# . ent.hronghasn,al.en.brasn,.e. Owing to tl,eir LorTnt of the e'L^^^ he fort.ficat.ons. however, they made a mistake with fe«ard to the num^r ^ J^defcnders-reporting to the.r Chie.^ rather u,orc fav^.rably h Lre^^ec Receiving no reply .hey fired, whereupon l.,;!;'; I ';' IT' '''^'"• ^y rushed for the bridge, which, to STcir^great disi^^i; I ? J .^.^^d - r th ci: 7'r """"^'"^''^'^ '""^ '"« ^''^' -'i eo.n.ne.,;ercZ:ei" - Sa e!. T ' ^""'' ^'"'"^ " 'i'-oppin^fire^was opened upon therby hf «jrafers.*.ti,ei- rushed from their beds one by one to the walls Thirfi Ir ered":' ''T' '''"""""^' ^"'^ "°^"'^' '^^' "'^ '"-' -- attacked by ndl: C Z 7 "'*"'' '"'" "''''"8'' '^'''^ ""'«•«. killing five And wound" o^p c"L"'d""'' ".' ^'^ '^""''^ '"' expecting such tornndable ^11!^'; ' ZeZ\^ ':TTu' '"' "'' "'"■ precipitation. Coswenago foaming w h His intea.i:.n r ^ ''""' '""' ''^ '^' ''°'''^''' ''^''''"^ °^" its declivity hou,r,a"r """"'"''""'' '"'' '•^^ "•'iia- rushed intothe deseS /are r,!L fl . """' """' "'"""'•- ^he snow reflected back the r^d £;of'^;,fr;:r' "P'"'\^-'^J ">-"?•>„. gloomya.mosphee.whn Cite i^ir 7'" :"""' """ '•" '""""'^'^ ^•■>-- -^ '''«/«-'' watch IXa.hT "^u "'"'''' '""•^"'^ "'■'*•'=''"«• 'I'he frail buildings sTa but a f K.*"'?' '."" "'"'" ""^'"'-''' '"'^- ^"^' """gh' a"«r a while rema3 but a few blackened logs and half extinguished coal.s. I„ .he me,n , me T. itf r:uZ:':r'r'''''Tv'' ^"'^^^- -"-^ Cre:i"en rin r; Zrnil ' ; f '°"' "' "*" ^''''"'''' "'" '"« »^"''' treachery, Coswenago in th! corning tnoved offto the English fron.icr, where the most J/hi. pe:;^;;::^ . ^i.i''j^>A'«iMji% Su^^Ai,.! ,f A TAI4P OP CANAPA. Ml CHAPTER XXI. We left Manhitti bbfore the Huronson the frozen surface oHho RnyofCluln. te; and his party made a rush to gel in advance of their enemies in order to gain the cover of the trees, where th?y could fi-ht on more equal terms The tluroni now thicw off the mask-making the valley ring with their cries r. ila-y dashed from bush to bush. Those on the ice were pushing forward wiihiu nearly riOe shot of the shore, to which they were rapidly closing as they kept m«vi»g west, eriy; and the Uurons strained every nerve to head them, but the f'r.'ii h had the advantage of a more even surface to try their speed, and ea.il/ relained their distance. A small curve in the land .stretching out into the Ba; for about two hundred yards, favored them ; and as they dashed into its cover at its f iriherraoa pomt, the Hurons were exactly abreast on iheir left. They f oured in a voller upon those who yet remained exposed on the ice, and lour o! the French feJl dead-as many more severely wounded crawled to the shore. Tl.is was a sad disabling of Iheir force before they ha.l time themselves to strike a blow The wounded bad their hurts immeuiately tended lo by some of their companions and the rest dashing forward, closed rapidly up to the base of the hill where Ihe entire force of the Hurons was congregated undercover. The rrideofJth parties were up for the combat; the latter bad already shed bloo4-< . not THE LAST OP THE ERIES, "tand halfway from the summit of the hill. Thow near its brow fired orer the head, of the r companions below them, while at the same time thev had a l^er T,cw of , he.renem.es. Manhilti found that many of his warriors were geU.W wounded by th.s movement, and he retreated back to tke furthermost ^rtTth! promontory .„ order to draw the Hurons^from their secure position but ther iagia their hiding places while thav npnt fnnK ,„ i, • ... " "> rew- their foes drew back ^ "'"'"'« ^'^^ uf triumph «. "Ye screeching imps," muttered one of the trappen. ; "we'll try to chanw yournotes prcfeiiily." ' ""= " 'r/ »» cnang» " It's alw,-,ys the way with these redskins," said another; " whenever they " the event of the fight being renewed, despatched a party of ^^""tI T T';?""''"''"''"'^ -am. purpose that Maahitti had sen. P. r« The tumult of the fight had ceased-silcnoe reigned over the scene where « ately the no.se o the conflict had resounded, and Manhitti was preparing a Jll^r' Z ' ^^"^ °°' "'■"'" '^'PP^" """""S "is rifle peered keenly twJS.r" «««°""°of the rest was attracted by hi. movements, when • twoof their enemies Were seen advancing waving a branch of green cedar The i^^jrl "'T" '° '''■ "''° """• ""^^ «Pe-"<=«^ Jn ■ ""J " discharged its coa- tatflrence""' *""' '""' ™'"'^ ""^ '"'^'"^ '"="«""'^'' "•« '"-» «f '^« "Never fire on unarmed men, Jean," replied the pe«on he addressed; "do ' wiAus!"'*' '"'^ "" """' '' ''"^°'^" 'J'*'*-°y^«n' toM^e a talk " I would rather talk to them with cold lead. Panli !-ifs too bad. Here an foar of u.7s.ark , nd stif !-n.arly a dozen badly wounded_.„d I believe, as yet. our r.fles have not drawn blood, and you tell me not to fir«. Sacro !-you must have grown chickenly lateJy." "Everything in season Jean," answered the other cooly ; " .here is a time for -II things you know But I do not think we have been quite harmless to^lay: cared'awaT"' " ""^ " "' '"' "'''* "'''' "' """ ""^^ '"' ^""« J^ntt """'" '"""' *°"»«'»"°'»- I wonder what schciitog', on foot now 5 thej want to spy upon our position I belief«<» •»« , woy w,. ctUeil ibrtli bjr the near approach of the two Haron«7bal •if A I K. A TALE OP CANADA. 90 ManhlUi motioned for Ihem to stop when they came to within thirty ytrds of where he waa standinfr; and accompanied hv Lefevre and two Eries, be advan- ced to meet them^. Kanhawa saluted the commanding form of ManhiUi, jwbo teadily returned the courtesy, and they stood gazing on each other full a miih nte before ipealcing. " What do the H«rons want," asked ihe latter, " that their chief should rol' UBtarily expose himself to the angry rifles of the- French 1' It muai be something very important. We wifl bear what it is." " Then listen ; -my words will be few, and Kanhawa will speak what he thlokr. The Hurons knew nol that Manhitti commanded the French party; ihey wer« Tcry miif h anrprised to see him. We thought our trail secure from the eyes of the whites, but had we known an Erie chief would look for it, we would not have taken so much trouble to hide it. The Hurons think that it is very wrong and foolish to fight their French brothers; very foolish, indeed, to kill each other.— The English would laugh to see them fall by the rifles of their friends— we want no more fighting. It is time now to know what the French have como after." " I think my young friend can tell you," answered Manhitti sternly, taming to Lefevre,— taking no notice of the indirect flattery to himself conuincd in the speech of Kanhawa. Lefevre knowing that he was appealed to, requested an interpretation of what had been spoken, which was accordingly done. " Bring back the girl," he said passionately, "whom you have so treacherous- ly taken captive; bring here the daughter ol the white chief, that we may again gladden his heart; bring hither the Erie maiden, 0-on-yay.stee, and then, per- haps, we may not punish you for your broken fairh ! " ~f A smile of scorn lighted up the features of Kanhawa. " This pale-face is bat a boy I " he said, turning to Manhirti; " he talks like a child. Ltt him listen, however, to what Kanhawa has to say in this matter, We have heard that you have come after s5hie girls that were taken away from Caterocqui. How know the French that we have got them 1— can they prove we have taken them awayl" But seeing a smilb of sarcastic contempt on the lips of Manhitti, he continued in a different tone : " Supposing, then, it is true concerning what the French say of us; supposing that we knew where the daughter of the white chief is, and should place her io his arms, how much would he give Ihe Hurons for be- ing so kindl If the old man would like to see his <&ughter he must get her— to get lier he mtut purchase her." - "This Is very plain lalkin|;," replied Manhitti; " We know what the Haraa chief means. But I will ask him a question which he will know how to answer' •ad Manhitti fiied his gaze full oi meaning upon him. -1' V»:waiM'*^'' ™^' 'hem half way Kanha- wa is a good warrior, hut he had better make haste to go." fa.^'r'""*f "'"'''' ^"^" «h'^'-«eningly as he turned on his heel, and hi. frr T ' '" "■'* """"^ '""^ ''''''■ Tl-e Prench party now p;^ rat Jdly forward to renew the fight. t j uvw preasea rap- tol r-^TnT^r™ ;' f "" "'"" "■" •*""^P'*«' ">«- «>» theiraank. ^^ iXTnL^h'' " "'"' """^ ""'=' ""■P"*^'^ "''«" «''«y "•« '"e Eri . ad -™»j . .u . "• """ seicciea— apparently bound on the sama ijfi'^irAi.'lii * t si ' i-i i'^".'^"" A TALE OP CANADA. aoft r yards from bis oppooehts, where he kept up a smart fire. It ws» at this moment that Manhitti renewed his ailaok ; and the battle became general-nhe parties fighting with equal spirit— but the Hurons galled by the cross-fire of the Erics un- der Pierre, sent a part of their force off on their left to dislodge them ; but Pierre perceiving them endeavoring to gain the shelter of a clump of bushus, which would command his poosUioil, commenced the ascent of the remaining.part of the hill. Their opponents also made a rush up the aclivity, but it was hard worlc for both parties, as the hill was steep, and-ln some places hanging nearly perpendicular. However, owing to the numerous shrubs that sprouted every wht- re out of the •now, they wire enabled to secure a footing, and botTi Hurons and )Lk\^% arrived , on the level land above nearly at the same time. Their rifles were loaded on bothsides, andtbey were simultaneously discharged at liie distance of nearly an hundred paces. Three ol the Hu,rons lel|, whilst their adversaries were unhurt except by a few trifling wounds. The snow shoes of both parlies were iiea^y all broken orlost during their hasty ascent; and disregarding thein altoge her, the Eries plunged through the deep snow toward their enemies, who kept w.nily re treating in order to get uniier letter cover; and they made a stand among a few pines and cedars that grew thickly over the edge pf a tremendous clifl; which rose perpendiculaily fiom nesr the base of tiie hill, about one hundred feet. It looked as if a gigantic spade had been inserted into tlife side of the mountain and thrown out its measurcmeni of ruck— for the cliiT formed an abrupt termination to a deep gully, not more than fifty yards acro.ss. The trees hung over it on either side— shnv-.-r^ng down snonr and iuicles.asthe wind whisthd through them, into the chasm. The light of day scarcely penetrated the extremity of this gully, owing to the thick groyih of low cedars which barred up its entrance, aU nu- merous vines thiit twined themselves acro-^s from side, to side, supporting a mass of decayed leaves and sticks. In summer time, when the large elms that nodded near the brow of the hill, were clothed in their fiesh livery, the place was near- lydark; and its deep recesse.«.Jorined a fit Iiiding place for wolves or panthers. Large heavy, masses ol stone, that appeared to have been precipitated Irom the ' cliff above, lay strewn along the bottom to the water's edge. A small stream of water trickled down thi- face of the rock and iell Uashed into spray below. This stream was tlie outlet of a small lake, about three miles in circiimrcrence, that layimbeded on the very lop of the hills— and almost overlooking the Bay of aninte— its nearest shore not more than a stone's throw from the edge of the gul- ly. Between llie two, a flat piece of land extended that was almost destitute of jrees, but in summer covered >with long giass, and through which, a small stream wound itself until it fell into the chasm. This lake was the resort of *cr at all Bcasons of the year; and cv(»h to this day they creep do^ to its shores to slake their thirst in its cooling shfedes— though well nigh driven from its vicinity by Bnmerous hunters and the abodes of civilization J hut even yet it still rctainit mnch of its primitive wildncs-x, though houses are scattered near if, and the -Mia« U«^«. ,^^ -Wf mrolt, and was preparing to obey, when Kanhawa dashed into the cama- «e called hastily lor a pair of wow-ahoes, which, on being brought to him. he . 'V A TALE OP CANADA. «0t -»l= tast«ned qnickly to his fett; and seizing his fair captive in his arms dragged her into the thicket, through which he forced her along with him at a rapid pace.— The poor girl unused to the rough vicisltudes of a forest life, whieh she had to experi«nce during her late captivity, soon becamo exhausted by iher forced march; «nd Kanhawa seeing her incapability of proceeding farther, paiused while be drew his tomahawk from his belj. Eloise sank shuddering to her knees, and cover^^ hj^ face with her hands, expecting instant death ; but after lo«>king at her tor a moment, a pitying kind of smile flashed across the face of the iHnron.— Ha put back bis weapon, took up his captiva in his strong prms, and marched forward « ith long strides— apparently undetermined what to do with the girl.— He seemed to think at last that he could place both himself nSd her beyond the reacl| of pursijit, for he altered his course slightly as he quickened his steps. h Leievre with the eagerness of an apprehensive lover had spied the retreating ,. ^fon»ofEanhawa, and suspecting that he intended harm to his betrothed, sum- moned Pierre and several of the Erics and French to his aid, and started of on the'^rail of the Chief, whorii he traced to the camp; bfrt there the snow was bea- ten (town by many feet, and all track of him was lost. He searched every tent "*''il!"' *"" no Eloise was to be found. O-on-yay-stee, who was discovered bonnd-to a post, could give no information of her. He questioned the squaws as lo where she an^thc chief was, but they hung their hoads in sullen silence, an- swering not a word. One of the Frenchmen threatened if.cm with his knife; but Pierre interposed, and commenced a search among the thick bushes that fringed the out-skirts of the camp, where they ki length found a trail leading eastward. The Eries rai-^ed a cry of triumph, and pointed it out to Lefevre, who, on exam- ining the place, found a double track— showing apparently the long stride of a man and the short quick step.s, that slightly indented the snow, of a woman try- ing to keep pace with the rapid march of her companion. This, then, evidently was the course lo pursue; and the party, numbering six, started on the path, which led through a thickly wooded country comparatively Iree from under- brush. The weather during the fight had underwent a sudden change, unobserved by the combatants. Instead of a clear nipping frost and Jhe brialt sky of the morn- ing, it was now warmer, while clouds had gathered in heavy masses aloft. The wind rose from a breeze to a storm— scattering snow antj icicles irom the treeap> which came down upon the heads of the pursuers like heavy rain. The gala soon rose to a hurricane, and iib'rbar was almost deafening as it shriekeid through the forest; and the crash of falling trees was heard on every side. But unmind- ful of the danger, Lefevre, almost frantic ^frith excitement, ptished on with una- bated vigor, whilst he kept picturing to himself the suffering Eloise must experi- ence in such a pitiless storm, and whilst in the power of a ruthless savags.— , Pierre more cool but not th e less eager, cast now and then an hurried glance to- •■'■> ■■■» ^WHTds ffie sSy---ol)M7rIng 'w^iTapprehen appearances oF iW- ridns snow fall. And he was right, for large flakes began to whirl round them, and soon the air was darkened by the frozen Aaaour. The trail already began ^ ,iJ.> I ^ '. !* *>\f aoe THE LAST OP THE ERIE8, to be partly oLliieraM, and thcjr would have be«'left nwiided, except br thtir z;:r:T' "''" """ '" '"""'• "" "" ""^ * •""• •-"- ^""-^ '^•- Elolwhadtl^co recall hef Mattered thoushu while born along by thevlr 2'»«rc.„«. of Kanhawai She noticed the muttered excl.u..r„, J llLh thate«:aped jnm « l.e felt the .now beating in his face; and loo'dnK baalT ^T\ TJ: ^""'^ """ '^^''^ ""^ '"*'■ -»»- ••''^ C^f 1 Watt whch migi., help to guide tho«, whom she felt sure .ould cLe tohcrrlKu? Untying ami detaching « s«.h from her^alst. she. unnoticed by the chief ^ I," to .mall «lipa. which she held forth occasionally in her hand, and iTllTbi «ruc.ing branches catch then, one hy onea. they were firced .'side : ^^^^r^ a^rallsufllcientfornnlndianeye to detect. ""*»«w»icit rte Huron «eU.hi.»«5lf getting exhausted, burdened as he was; he faltered for • few minutes on his march, and ttllimately, .topped-placing his cantlrt on .he.n«w. 11. looked back thn,ugh a long vi.ta oHreei-in "*,„ enT/orlp"; to deteot am.d the no.se of the warring elements the.sounds of pursuit. Think Ing p.rhaps. that hU trail had remained undiscovered, or bad- been lost ia L drifting snow, he again took up EM^ in hi. arms, wd slightly deviating from his formor course, renewed his march, though less swiftly thin befdrc. Becom- ng wearied he again paused, and leaned against a tree. What had beoiMne of the remains of his tribe he knew nor,- he had lelt the bitttle /round Jar behind, and now thought himsell alone with his captive in the wilderhess. He «»med to know the coua.ry well, y.t appearing undecided in what dirtetion to ga fle ^stagl«nce around, and amid, the gathering gloom of the tores^. a hazy light ap- peared oa h.« right jpU was the broad and open surface of Ontario. Tumin, l^i '';^i'«'f'-'^'^*"J--d"?Mli« captive by |LrX But a%hout of td- Umphe.%don t^roar of the b>t, and the Hnr»rceted the ndranelng forn^^^f^.fevre.accon.panied byhispartvjy lUtly i^bebind. Ho replied bv ayell of de#,nce and despair, for he saw Unce that all hope of an e.cape was r , /^t?f '" "'" '"" "°'* "P°» i*'-^ AbStter exclamaLn escaped hi. IIwI'Ly rr""I.''^'°^^"''"'"T ^T'^ wp^n bis mind, and too late h.. Mw tha^J.^ had be^n betrayed. Clutctin^e maiden more tigh ly i„ his grisn, he^darted int«ack*e thicket^f cedars that lay directly beforel him. and' fwrn when^ he emerged Into a smaif.n spacfi^a. uit L ^^ «f atrtnte-wnshed on on^side by its waters, akd on the other byihosoofOatarIa In8ummer,th5 b«y and lalw, driven by ealern gales, uni- tWg their strength, beat In huge waves against iui rocky front, J-hich rose (h>m Among the fi.s«area of the cliflT, and routid th^ the .torm whirlJl, «aoppowd l» ita wildjfuij^ ( . ,"• r '^'^ tiT PlMre and Lefevre abod.isl.ed/iiito the thicket mentioned, and folloilrtng tlvt \' ^ A Tjffi^. \JS CANADA. ; v» winding, otthe Chk'f, they emerged Tnio the open space, but a sight met their eager gaze ! All Blarted bock in horror, for there,' not twenty yards before them >' stood the lowering form of Kanhawa holding by one arm, susjvnded OTCr the •liff,the struggling girl, an'd a loud taunting laugh mingled wiih the blast-that Bent the blood cucdUng through the veins of itv hearers. They would hare shot hira but hi»^eath#ould have Involved that o"" Miss. St Ililliiire. "The wolves have Iracted thc-fox to his last retreat. What wouldst thou Chief of aii^accursed race 1 " "My bride!" involuntarily answered Lefcvre, who sipod a little in advanit of his pari)-, and to whom Kanhawa dincti-d his glajice. ' not yet. How ncUch woulSt tl.ou l^tti ' Th\ bride I " ho spoke conlcraptuously- give for her ntno 1 " " 1 will get thy village restored to thee,"" answered the cx;:itcd ynung man- "I will speak Vo our while father, and he will give thee enough tomake it woith thy while to livtjr. Land shall be given to thee and thy people." "Land!" and a sarcastic smile play^cl on the lipsof Itsmliawa. "The IIu ronshave more land than their while father: all this country belongs to them — it Wffald lake a great many days to travel r^un.l it." And he swcpt^ arm n'la • jestic'iilly above his hedd. " Thy father ci^nat, give what is not his own But Uoea my white brother beg of an In.li.n ? vh\i he ^ivc me back Owaola who fell beneath thy hand.tbis ^ay 7 Will he give m\back:^y warriors, upon whom liie wild cats are riow feeding! Does my white brbtjier promise even yet? Hi« tlie Great Spirit is riding on the storm, (as a tree bent be/ore the shrieking wind and fell hei.dlpng over the hill, crashing upon the ice below,) and he savs mv white lirother lies." ■ ' "Hol,1, IIuron„hold!" exclaimed PiW hasiiW, as ElQise lookin- down and seeing the fearful depth over^vhich ^heYas su4ended, uttered scream upon scream that pierced ih.e soul ol her lover, whoSdvanced several paces nearer but /Canhawa menacingly motioned him back. His face was white as the snow on which betrbii, but bespoke now calmly, nevwtheless. ' " Kanhawa, I have heard thit tho.se of thy race lovtfrevenge better than goods It is true that I slew Owaola, thy son, this da^-iake my life, but Jet the girl " Ah, thou Invest this fair ynung pale face, then ! She is beautiful, is she not 1" - and the Chief placed her firmly on the snow beside hjm-clasping her round the waist with one arm, while ht, extended the other. '• She is very handsome and . a whiteman says ho loves her; Kanhawa, too, love.s her-hc never knew how much till now. Very strange, it seemeth, that we should love the same object bat how dilforently, who can tell. He has played a garafe and lost it but he thinlrs the winners will weep and not laugb. And so thou Wouldst dji for the sake of a woman !-thou an very Ibolish j but thou d idat s peak jh^ tr uth whpn ' S Tfion snidst that an Indian loves revenge. What better could he have th^ihi7f Thy 6nrfe /-thou shah have her. J go to the Qreat Spirit. Hark !-he' calls .fe=.A- ^"V- ,rU«e iiight, the fierce howling of ravenous wolves mingl.cd with the shriek4 oi' .he tempiest— sounding soiiwitiraes near and sometimes afar oif. A -immediately beneath thetn^at Ja.st announced they weie holding IxMly of the ill fated Huron:. And here tgjlity be as well to men" day, the eastern extremity of the .southern shore ol the Uuinte, tishers on the coast as the *' Indian's Leap." ' ' •rfie trappers cut down a few of the largest ccdur.< to make a barricade n-ainst ;k«\9W. Uiat in spile of "the closeness of, the ihickct, fou.ui its way through and iM>»kh cutting sharpness uppn the faces of the psriy. Mi.«s'St; Hitliare still and Lefevre supporting her in his arm, wrapped her close- ||qd forced a small quantity of ruin into her mouth. It irshe 9^ned her eyes, half turned round, gave a feeble again to^Jy^ former position. tin to^y»^for -and biVvoice \ya»now tcnderos a girl's, € / A TALE OP CANADA. *" " SH -'' thou in Mfe ; ibou art bow with VhoM who wil! proteci the«. Clurtei Pierw . S^ f ^"''" ®*" P^'<=«* »»" '""'J '» «>" forehead, but replied not. " " ■^ *)l«b, she is dying! " he exclaimed, wringing his h^n^s. " What shall lep-pft-she is onl^ faint from loss of blood. I tliinU her lite is in no r excqit from expoeurc to the cold of this terrible night." ^ve .^er some more of this," said one of the^^lrappers roughly but kindlr pulling otit his flask of ram. ^efevre took i^and applying it to her mouth forced her to swallow a small quantity. Alom an hour after midnight, Hashes of light illunjined the forest beforethem As they danced nearer, several torches held aWft showed an advancing party of Kries and French. Pierre gave a joyful shout, and the new comers gathered round the prostrate form of Miss St. Hillaire-sympathy expressed in fhelr rough leattires as they gazed upon her marble countenance. They brought with them a litter lined with iax% and blanketsr these they warmed at the fire and covered her In thoir protecting folds. They had experienced such difficulties ia finding ibeir way coming, that they thought it best, as the night was so far advanced to wait w^re they were until morning, when they would have the advantage' of daylight to retrace their stepa, and with more comfort to Eloise. " CHAPTER XXII. CoLowL SL Hillaire, after the rash attack of the Senecas, felt fearful of .an other attempt being made by them upon the lort during some dark night-aarisl. ed too, perhaps, by a strong force of EnglidH-for he thought the Indian, nut have been bribed by them to try the strength of hi. position. Such waa not th. a*°''«'»~*» English at that time Kartely caating a thoaght upon the weak ftiffflcation. at Caterocqui. They were .ubaeqwmtly taken, however by Gew, alTownwnd, who made an assault with a force of not les. than twe thounnd men, when the French surrendered without resirtance. The winter threatened topwe both long akd rigoron. aid nnawiMed br hi. former friend., the vilUgerB,the Colonel wwnot how he wu to provide moWm .on. forth, different familtes left to hi. care. The Senega, had bnnit nSTS •he cottages, in which were stoiid a laiKo qnanUty of pr«)vi.ton.; and wiih'tk^ acc«»ionof the Erie party, tte uaal .took intended to i^ipplj u,e gart«» only woold'not hold oat two aonll». However, game w«i wnallj plenWtothTn.' ^ aty--d«er #we flneqne^Hy wen on the leiB. andabear. now.ndti,fB. rt M, ^. ^^^^^»^>^^«^^^^^^ir^:^^wm^^ Ede. «^id^ «»food kiinten,rapp|j(>tlieBuelr«iwithfiMd; tb. trappa, might poartW^ fc ^ Bfe'd "9 '/■ •.■?■■■ S13 THE LAST OP THE ERIES, S h r T ** ''"''"'•'"''• ^''"■^''^'' ^"^ '""'^ » calculation, he con- enied h,n>self with -taking every precaution when night fell, to secure his pci- tion agait^st another surprise. , "«l«»i Day ailer day passed away, and the pursuing party returning not manv as tr r:f: '""' r™ T ''- '-'- ''^'■•■^ --'^ dlughter-Ln^'aTrU Zlr ?."'"'' and many a feverish night he passed-picturing to himself ,D his dreams every calamity that was Jikeiy to belall her. Thus a fortnight passed away, when on one afternoon, thejoi^^^pected party .ppeared on the iec opposite the fort. They looked weary a Jti^plMt'd for a march of more than forty miles in the depth of winter, through deep s now wh ch .ome .mes lay in huge drifts across their path, and burdened wi.h'camp^n^ ^^ moned the Colonel to ti.e walls, who watched them anxiously as they apLad dmorder..o d scover the form of his daughter. He perceived at lastTlSr L u^'h"'? r r .''^ ^"" """' ""^^ "° "clamation of "My God;-8he i. dead!" burst from his lips. j ouv « o.Ii!i""!"'°"''®u'""" ""''' °"' «f the soldiers who was standing near; "yo« could not expect her to walk. See l-Monsieur Lefevre is waving his cap " .„. '^'"'' ^t' "' ''°'^^"' '^'•'**'' ^"f"'^'^' Soon the party reached the fort, and near to the entrance of whicli '1- Colonel rushed out ie meet them " All^ S^'Ss ^^.; °°^°^'"--PP-«.''0'-''Sthe excited look of the old man. Miss St. Hillaire is not much hurt." •• He approached the Jitter, and met ^he calm smile of his daughter whorcach- ^r'aVtSr"' r'"^":'-^""- "^^«"«'" ^^'-' -plied litrkta"; . ? A ^. «^7 ™"°*^ ""'' "•" **■' "'" ^'•"''■' Lef*-^'^ and Pierre heartily bv the hand. "Welcome back." he said, "welcome back once more. c"me ia .nd tell us what has happened." ^ tr wierir r''""' '""'"' "'^" "■' ^""='^"^'' '^^^P^ "«" "^^'^•d 'he declivi. 17..!^ houses once stood, and questioned eagerly those acqualnunce. «.a «ood near, while they threw away .he.r accoutremenu. E.oi« was c^!^ ried to her own appartment. and carefully tended to by many nurses lol newed the an ages on her arm-app,yi„g such simple remediesTsi; L" were useful. In a weeksh. w«i able to si. up, .nd in one more to walk Lut In the mean time Lefevre had given the Colonel a faithful narraUvi«f Vh« dea.hT" ^ "'7"""''— '«•*"« '"e P»rticul.« of the battle and^.„Lwt^ death at «,me length. The Colonel in his turn informed them of the aTtlcru^n ti^e fort .he failure of which, and the consequent buying The cZt Z lined T?"~"'7.'"""^ '~"«'" ^"'*«"> «»«' 1""'oned by ManhL e" ^l^^ j;^ o rhjs hr^tiue n n n d t he a.«. ^m ha Kanh JwV haTmrde ^ wM Ooswenago-the Intention of who« perfidy u, the former ManhitU diSned #\ , . fti.,: V;*ti A TALE OP CANADA. ai3 at once, " So it i«, and so it ever will be he mullered- " Coswenago mtut die or the Erics ^11 never know peace." " I must say, Chief, that thy enemy is a determined one," replied the Colonel who over heard the remark ; " thy visit here has been somewhat unfortunate for m." Manhitii drew back with proud dignity as he answered on the instant that he was ready lo go. "Not so," cried the Colonel, starting up. "Blame not my speech; . I have too much regard for thee and thine to part in this manner. I owe many thanks to thee for the recatery of my daughter. Stay here with thy people until the winter is over, and when the missionary comes back, please God, we'll marry ,4he Pale Lily to our friend here." The frank manner of the old Frenchman appeased the wounded feelings of the Erie, who retired with a jsmile of ackno\^edgment. " Ah, Pierre," said LefevTB Tcproarhly, " is there any charm in thus being exposed to the risk of getting scalped at one time, at anolher to gel frozen, or at another to undertake, a long and wearisome march." "No great charm I must confess; but (his is the worst season of the year, and I think our travelling is o/er, except for amusement, un- til Spring. But where is that pride thai should-adorn one belonging to the race of Erie 1 Where is that revenge thou ahouldst feel against their enemies— that should render itee indifferent toiliirmB, rains, snows^ or sunshine 7 Ah, Lefevre I am afraid thou wilt disgrace thy connections." " I think I behaved pretty well, though, considering. But Eloise— it is haid for her to be exposed to these casualities." i^ " True lor you, my boy," said the old man, clapping^iim on the shoulder- Canada is but a barbarous country after all for one to live in. What tayest thou Pier-rel" " Nay, Colonel, I differ from thee entirely. True, thou art situated in this iso- lated fort, which is exposed to every danger in times like these ; but take the civ- ilized i.nd settled portions of Canada, near aucbec, Three Rivers and Montreal, for instance, and a finer country I would not wish to dwell in. In the towns I have mentioned, especially the fo.mer, thou wilt find a noblesse and a society equal to that of any to be found in old France. To those who prefer a wild life, they have only to wander a hundred or two miles up* he Ottawa to realize it in all its solitude. Eh, Lefevre, is it not so 1 " " In that respect I think thou art right; but if the English should conquer the country— what tlfen 1" •' God forbid I " piously ejaculated the Colonel. If such a thing is likely to happen we must fight for it, my lads. I. am sorry they placed me up here; but I •ee no danger of such a result— our arms have been victorious as yet." " f ightJte will. Cc J o n etJmi ibea t h oB knowc a t we are in dl i grace aMMb»^ ireal." / ' Ah, thal'a • ba^bniiaiM, iadeed, aiid mait be settled. I'll write la Vaa- *" THE LAST OP THE ERIES, Sir's* '" ^°"" Montcalm rather, for he i, themiliur^ Governor of th.- ° " • is not to be over-looked. Would they join the army, Pierre r- I think not; however, ft would be worth while to ask the Chief Hk.„„k ,1. •re not given to light other battles than their own." ' *^ '^'^ been^~!t*f„"ri'""^'''' must try to get ye restored to thy rank.ftr Ve have twen very foolish in resigning it." «"»^wr ye nave " Not «o, Colonel— make no effort in mv behalf 4,»„~i.- . tribe exceot TnLT/J , ' . ^'^'"■*'' ^"^ ^'^ »° "« «<> bind him to the w"hS;^tire:;rr:s;:'^^^^^^^^^^ CO bac. to Montreal, provided he could dot wU^l^y'rhrj" '"'""' " ^^•^Not I. Pierre, at least as yet; we shall see what will turn up in the mean P^'^i^^y\Xlt!:V:rr''" "°""^ '^""^ andspirits;«.^.c.om- nimparu The F^ ^ 0-on-yay-stee she would take short walks round the ^arnrand. L'^e.Xre^nt^^^^^^^^ hunting-supplying the them and under ZiTZ . abundance. Lefevre several times joined it wa a w mL tr k 1*^" '"'"''' '" '^"'"^ «° "P^" »""'". though «r.i ..II i„ t.. ^ •« 'w laeir Tillage. 1 his request was backed bv sev # ,)'■]? «OT ie.tioB a wi A mwii^l^t^M^'*^^^^^^"' '" " ^' ^ «»a^ CSUO:.^ $^\ :■-> A TALE OF CANADA. 2ir. ihat no fracRs would have taken place had he been at the post, and the Colonrl as obstinately affirmed that nothing could have prevented it. Fires once more blazed along the coast and rifles resounded in the vicinity. The tribe had l«"t .halt' of their number in that tatal battle on the shore of the Q,uinte; hut addition- al warriors from distant parts of the country weelcly jointd ihem, and soon swel- led their ranks to their former force. The Kries could not be prevailed upon to hold intercourse with them, however, and the lluroas themselves were equally mllen and backward. Winter dragged its slow length along, while ..ews now and then reached ih ; residents of Catwocqui of the events of the war. The Missionary was duly ap- prised that his services were wanted to marry a courair iltt hois, (for Pierre statf a his wish to appear in that characiei) to an Indian girl, and he readily agreed |.i p-e was yet keen as tn ease's. Oftw •ports occupied the rest of the day until darkncw compelled them to adjanm *>• tlw fbn. *'- ' L\Jfe.altAiik..LA.M ^ -^ .•^lAi lJ»iil^Jl^ik 3^ ■■"■ ■ .^•■ ■- •■ r I V ^'^ TIFE LAST OP TH^ ERIES, '/ M^Wt^hrr" **Y "f %"' =»y P""-'ars occurring ^nh m/u K.r.»! and Iho.gh P.„„ „l.=„d l.fm of i, „n,i, „„, ,„„„, ^, ,",,2,'. :»7s: .'r i\r-"»' ""' -- ■- --^ ----- Springcame-thereisadeli.h/ful sUnd in th. word-i, conveTs somethin.- pct^re of 8„ow-covc,«d hill... bleak extended plains, or ice bound rivf^ TS ly forgotten to view with pleasure the budding trees, the shootin' ! ,« "r fht b rook L r""''''°r'r'^'''''-' •^'-•^-•-'^-J •"« hoarse cawlg of .ruttedoverr . V'" . "^ ^"'■p*' ^'''"^^^^'^ near the ..reams-the quail H totd u^ ■ ' J"~:'r '^''''" "'^°'"' "''^"^-'^''^^ --• "- valleys, and the bm r'^ , '^'7'P"'^"'- g"''e:i ..P the trees-percin,. the bark wlih its lone ed tl f T"k .""""' ""''•''"'' '"'^ P'^-nMarkened the sKv and b„r icned the fores, with their nutubers; the ducks floated tranquilly i„ the river^ ^e geese .aed their white bas„„,s to the br,.e. and the craner^e ^a i nX' Zr '^^ ,r""^^y retreats-floating lazily ove.- .he waving rush^ Spri„' came, and the country answered once more to the signs of life The Srdv ,rln z rnrai/ToJr "^^' '^^ ^"-'^ ^^-'"-^^ "'•«'^^- ^^:z u. h,s l.ne, and voyageurs commenced their jrturneys for the upper lakes Snow and .ce «i„ lingered along the .bore of the lake'and river, bTas*ts5'* vamshed. Spring came, and all hearu seemed Jigh.er and face, brgh.erU^e Xirr^r'f '"" «•«. merrier. .>ing came, and the blue wave "t OD.ar.« danced .o the glance of the ?u„ and the caress of the breexe Th^ rnt^^r :'.'""" '"; «otntains,^be river, bum from the.r bl'LtJ^i :^r^^' ^]^'^^'-^'^^P Of, he w inter JXel^ -^BttvM «fc« «:_i.i -*4. fiv^^ — --— o .w^g „^^, „|^,ne w int er «^«Y A TALE OP CANADA. ft? *ith their blooming budnj they grew in the forest among the tallest trees; they contrasted their blush with the greenest fresh vine ; they matched themselves in the lowest fern, and sprinkled the crisp moss with their beauty. Spring came, and the Huron girls raised their songs to honor its advent, as they hastened Irom' lent to tent, while the Indians covered the bay with their canoes. The inhabitants of the fort commenced erecting log cabins for their families, Eloise, the Pale Lily and O-on-yay-stee took-ilaily walks along the shore of the St. Lawrence. As the Spring promised a continuance of fine weather, a«rtay was at last fixed for the departure of the Eries. Their canoes, four in number, were repaired, their weapons put in order, and naught remained to delay them'. On the morning of the day of their departure.Leffvre, Pierre, Eloise, the-PaleLily and 0-on-ya-stee wandered forth and took their station upon the summit ofrtic of the highest hills. The sun shone bright in a slightly clouded sky, whilst a faint breeze slightly shook the young leaves on»the trees. Eloise looked apon the young girls as they stood in iheir fanciful costumes, eagerly pointing oiU sach objects as attracted their attention. " When shall we meet again, Pale Lily 1 " she asked ; " thon goest to thy home in the wilderness— perhaps we may never see each other niore." " Ah, who can tell," she answered ; " where ray father ^oci, I go ; where his people are, there must 1 be, also, and where Keenwau-ishkoda is, I cannot be tar away." " But he may choose to go back to the towns ; he may leave the wild woods for the settlements; he may return again to Hochelega or duebcc, and we may, perhaps meet again never to part." ■' Would that we might, lady; but our people could never dwell in a city— the forest is their home forever." " But thou dost not understand me. Pale tily. Another has a cl.iim to thee now beside thy father; thy people may sport on the Ottawa, but should thy hus- band say—' Waubishk-naung, come with me to the towns.' " " Then WaubLshk-iinung would go, but Keenwau-ishkoda loves my father ;— he would not leave him alone m his old age. * We shall s,ee thee again, though, lady— even if we have to travel far to men thee." " Miss St. milaire," said Pierre, who had been standing a little way off con- versing with his (licml, stepping «p-"Monsicur Lefevre ;;oes with me to remain until the Colonel can \tnnse matters (or him in Montrcal-to which place he will eventually return, for I will pse my best endeavors to induce him. Now that he has met with thee, I fear that the lorest cannot offer sufficient charms for him to embrace i(. Ah, here he comes him.seli." Ufcvre came back, bounding over the hill. " Pierre," he cried, "Maahita wjiitt-^l>e steady, eoai*. coosliii^'i^m c^y»-8!^y good by anuTfivtt lt\r»y." " Thou art very ii?i|Mitlent, some how or other, my f/iemi," npllti kafMngk " b"ut I coinprekeml—" we'll not disturb ye." Si8 . \ ^ 9 THE LAST OP THE ERIES, Eloise prestnted a bibi^ to the Pale Lily and said : " Learn to read that thou mayett ondentand this hook; keep it in remembrance of me." The Pale Lily thn* w her arras round her neck and kissed her with tearful eye». " Farewell," she murmured—" I must ga" 0-on-yay.stee wa» as deeply affected as |he rest. • ■' Lady," she said, " if I have refused to adopt^hy creed, believe not that I rejected it from any disdain or pride. The religion of our people has been with us'for a long time ; we worship the same spirit that our fathers did. Thou hast been very kind to me and I will not forget thee." ' Pierre's turn came next ; his eyes were dimmed with regret. Hastily shaking hands with Eloise, he took the girls by the arm and hastened down the hill, leav- ing Lefef re alone with her whonj he loved. Manhitii was standing on the shore conversing with the Colonel. The canoes, except one, were riding on the blue waves off the point, manned by the observant Eries. Pierre joined them an.l the five formed a group on the strand— conversing slowly with each other. They wished for thfe appearance of Lefevre that they might end the scene. Jn hall an , hour he was observed hastening to them. ] . ' ' ' "Thott wert in a great hurry to get off a while ago," said Pierre, and here thou hast kept a» waiting for no less a peison than thyself." - " All right, Pkrre," he replied, stepping ijito the Chiefs canoe. " This isa b«auiiful day, is it not\ " and lie turned his ga^e to the lake to conceal an emo-. lion he wished not discovered. The two girls followed him,-t8a Pierre, the last to step in, shook the Colonel heartily by the hand. Manhitti then with a stroke <)f his paddle tyirled his canoe round as if it was placed on a pivot— another sent it dancing a head, and rounding (he point of land on his right, he took his course , up the bay. It was his intention to opigs the country by following the streams and lakes that were connected with each other by small portages; and though a longer route than if taking a direct maroh through the wilderness, he preferred an easier journey by water. We shall not describe what passed between Lefevre and Miss St, Hillaire, but merely surmise that vows of love were exchanged. CHAPTER XX/T THE CONCI tt»f. J^ mer evenings, and none were so happyjipong all the tribes of America as the i»nknown and unthonght of EriM^^J^fi?; as formerly, resided in the same cab- in wl^ ManhittijjmdJ^j>eWffming wife rendered it a scene of truly domestic comfort. Lefevr^rolatile as he was, gre* tired of what he called the monotony of his existence; he sighed, perhaps, for the society of her who had won the first blush of his boyish affectionsj' and after sir months sojourn with his friend ha made preparations for departure. Ije had in the mean-time received letters from the Colonel stating, that application had been made to the Marquis of Montcalm for the restoration ol his rank, and the Marquis had in consequence communica- ted with the Gtovemor of Montreal, demanding the grounds upon which Lefevre had been arrested; but Vaudreuville sent back such an explanation of the affair that he declined any interference in favor of the applicant. The Colonel and Lefevre were a good deal mortified at the result, and the former was in daily ex- pfcctation of receiving? ordo.-s respecting the latter, which he would have hesitated to put in execution, but no further notice was taken ol either him or Pierw, and it was thought that the Governor General had dropped a hint to the authorities in Montreal to let the affair rest. ' Lefevre bid his friend, cousin and Manhltti good by with extreme regret, kis- sed his female acquaintances all round with great gallantry, aad looked around for liile aon-yay-stee who was his especial favorite. She did'not appear, and at his request the Pale Lily went to search fqr her. She cam* back in a few min- utes looking graye and sad, saying that her friend was iadispoeed. Lefe7i« look- ed surprised and thoughtful, and he turned away in silence to his canoe, which Vas manned by two Eries who were to see him satel/^ across the eountry'to Ca- terocqui. The paddles were dipped in the water, and the boat gUded from the shore. " r shall visit you again in the Spring, Pierre," he cried, waving his hat; "in , the mean time, all health and happinrss to (hee and thine." . He went— he was gone :— and could a listener have been placed in a little tr-^ - bor distant but a short way from the village in the woods, he would hare heard quick sobs bursting from a despairing heart. None was near, howeVer, and none surmised, excepting one,-ibat one the Pale Lily-that little 0-on-yay-stee had placed her unsophisticated aifcciions upon one who could never letom them.— Yet so it was— the whiteman had come to^he home of the Indiaas, bat he conld nut leave without inflicting a pang. Days passed, months rolled ronnd-fwintcr came and went. The French ams were triumphant in America, bat a faster mind grasped the helm of the affiiirs ot the Engl ish lintion, and tha spirit of Pitt ruled the armies of Britain, ftaebec was blockaded by General Wolf. It was deemed impregnable by its defenders, who were numerous and commanded by a capuin second to none in point of miliury reputation. Montreal was defended by ten thonsand men, and yet em^. w t tm msK acati nt g th e Tmtian nnnntry to brin g do w n tha 4 ri bea to w r d taMtTgi ► .^'V*„ iher tlM numerous mililta of the Piorince. Interpreten c^e again to Caleraa. wer HM numerous mtiina oi me fiorince. Inteipreten came 4)U> tod the Colonel dep^ttehed one of Iham to tha Erica. He Mme, V no THE LAST OP THE ERIES, KJ ied b7 Lefevre and demanded an audience of Manhitli. Pierre's mflilary entho- saism was roused once more by the spirited arguments of his friend, and deeming the Colony in danger, which in reality it was, though few if his countrymen thought so, he persuaded Manhitti to march for the seat o( the war. The Chiel called the nation together and laid the mat.ter before them, and they were not backward to the call of the French. The spirit of enterprise and military adve»- tUK seemed to flash upon them simultaneously :— the war song was raised, the dance commenced, and the hatchet was wielded by the most sinewy arms with frantic excitement. Lefevre dressed himself in Indian costume and took the com- mand ol one division, while Manhitti and Pierre took the other. The day came lor their departure, but an unlooked for embarassment delayed them— the Pale Lily and O-on-yay-stee insisted upon accompanying the expedition. They threw themselves upon their knees before Pierre and Manhitti wuh sobs and entreaties not to leave them behind. The Chief gave a stern and decii:ed refusal, for a per- mition would have been contrary to all their rules of war. Then the girls rose to their feet, and hitherto so obedient, calmly expressed a resolution of following their steps. Manhitti turned from them with evid^t displeasure, while Pierre soothingly tqaxed his fair wile to hey lodge. He came back in a fewminutes, and the party commenced their long march of more than four hundred miles.— They intended to cross the country direct to Cluebec and enter the city from the Plains of Abraham. Two days passed and they were in the heart of the wilds of Canada, when who should join them to their great wonder and astoni>)hment, but the Pale Lily and O-oOrpay-stee. These girls resblute to their threat had kept the party in sight for two long days and nights, and when far enough (rom home to make it a matter of difficulty to send them back, they rushed with a cry of joy among their countrymen. The Erics looked upon them with evident admira- tion, aud Pierre stupefied at the btjidness of the proceeding could not sax a wonL It was a dilema that puzzled the Chief. He would hdVe had them sent back even then, but Lefevre added his entreaties to theirs— stating that they would find safe protection in Cluebec. The result was that the party renewed their march and the fair adventurers accompanied them. They disdained to be car- ried, and walked bravely on their toilsome path. Their Indian blood sustained them for several days, but as had been partly forscen or suspected by the Chiefs, their resolute wills had to yield to the prostration of their physical energies, and one day, without a murmur, they sank within each other's arms exhausted and al- most dying up„n the path. None knew until then how much they had endured andsufF'red; none knew until then the idomitable spirit of their affection. Le- fevre took the prostrate O-on-yay-stee in bis arms. Could he help admiring such a graceful form, and the devotedness of her affection, which he suspected 1 No! and 8 shade of melancholy and regret darkened his features; the helpless beauty of the dark-eyed girl was triumphant. I'ierre bitterly reproached himself for his -want of perception. H^^t a litter made for the Pale Lily and O-on-yay-stee.— JSeverai Jlri^s ^ Wnwa.yh. younger ofthetwo. He wielded a ponderous war-cS J, w»' swung a^ hke a feather and it descended like a bean,. Manhi.ti fei LV ' prey hair, were bathed in blood. His conquero, stooped over him. . kntfe w« n his hand, another moment and it would have been hurried in the heart of tK. «t Chief 01 the Eries, had not Lefevre. who stood but a few yarf, off r«,^ forward and aifeed ablow withhisstiprd at th*head gf Cm the butt end of .musket laid Coswenigo senseless on the ground, and Lefevre covered with the blood of Irji?.^ P '"■' "' ""^ "'^rifice of her own. rose tohi.feet.icki^ex " Not hurt,Uir. I hope." satd a voice In English close to Us ear. Lefevre suiW round him in surprise, uhI he now saw that the field wa. occu- piedbya com^.} of Scotch Highlander., well armed, and appaL^r^. • lafl^'tJ!""".^'"'*""^''"'" •*'"• The Iroquois we^^^ulLH- T^^T! "^^ ''°'^"" "*' half satisfied with the blood they had fted The ^^ J^' '^tf *"^ "*' ^^"^ ""P'**'^ "^«° ''^^ ''°^ "nhurt round the by the ^^ J'l «>« EnglMh army, who thinking that Mme of their own men h«l been attacked by French Indians, gave informaUon tbthe Officer in commwd ^Jli T^' ^1 ""' °^ '""^ *"'*'"' compliment of men to the ««ue.-" ^^^^J^^V^L"^^''^' "J" «^« few^urvivon ofthedeape- r -nM^j^^?he fawjoofa had pBHrteaftbr Ifielr crnervipry , elgS^ or ninetr •«tW'W««w«jl wound dead or dying. Pie w .eT«5 ^""'-•W U^ZSlI •■•W&.' ■m On ., ^., A TJALE OP CANADA. M a heap of his foear The Pale Lily was on her knee, by his»ide staunchinVthri flowing blood. , Lefme turned to iheJfflccr^/ho had addressed him, and with a slight Inclination ■ol his head, he said in reply -J-" Not much hurt, Sir, 1 believe. Your arrival hu - been too late for most of M^y *^ " Vou are French, I perceive," answered the officer speaking ir. that language- " I am sorry for it, but you must all consider yourselves as priboners. " You will allow us to take care of our \Vnded 1 " Lefevre said inierrog.itivo- ly. The officer hesitated a moment, and th^n replied—" Ves, bring them Hlong — ouiHjurgeon may have time to look at them." Lefevre went to his friend whom he found still livin(?, though insensible ; he bound up his^Hpunda when, the bleeding form of O-on-yay-stee caught his eye he hastened to her, but no sign of life was there now in that once animated coun- tenance, ahd he turned away with a sigh. He beckoned to the Erics, and they came slowly forwa.d ; he merely pointed out the bodies of Manhitti, Pierre and " )-..iH^ay-6iee, and they crosscci their riaes, formiijg two litter?, on which they placc'ff'ihe dead aad the living. Lefevre passed his arm round the waist of the I'alf Lily, and they entered the English camp in mournful procession. Uiwbec surrendered a few days after th# battle. General Wolf died on the held, General Montcalm wlriiin the walls of the city. The capture of Montreal oiuhe 8th of September, 1760, concluded the conquest of Canada by^the British. The country bordering the St. Lawrence east of the Ottawa had been 'divided ofl into Seignoriea. After the peace of Paris in 1763, Colonel St. Hillaire pur- chased one of these bekutiful domains. The fairEloise Vas duly married to Charles Lefevre. But what became of his friend and the Pale Uljt naturally enquires the rcadei. Pierre recovered of his wounds, owing principally to the riiiT and atteniion of his young wife, and nfter seeing that the funeral rites w-fere properly perforated over the last hereditary Chief of the Eries, he went back to I- ranee. But hearing of Lefevre's marriage, he came again to Canada and set- 1 led near his friend. His decendants there Hoorished up to the time of the Cana- '-lan Rebellion in 1837, but a curse seems to have hung over the Erieseyen unto the third and fourth generation, for the last Hving>ing who can boast oT a drop X.1 that princely blood in his veins, is now a wanderer over the face of the coun- try. We may hereafter allude to this subject yet farther, but here we mast ♦lose the la.st chapter of The Latt ofthf Eriet. ^ -jSSi i»i*>A #" - * • /,;.'j' '!",■#. •r..i TUB LiftJST Ol^ TBif fOOUt, • V" • \^ ' \ ^ \ 1 ^' <^) *iHb aeuingaptbenuaueriptof thl» work.««wuiB to itw tuurv of dM «mL V §: .iii. \ '~»^, All- ^ ' 1 ^ ,„ i\ll ^ *«e