The savage who
had snatched the fire was no longer there then, but half
a dozen others in their war-paint stood between them and
their firelocks. It seemed as if they were sensible that
their very silence inspired more awe and apprehension in
the bosoms of their defenceless enemies than could have
done the most turbulent expression of their triumph. They
had evidently entered by the back door, which was now
quite open, and grouped around the body of Mr. Heywood,
were apparently more interested in the dead than in the
living. Not a sign was there of the corporal, and Philips
stood as if paralyzed, leaning, musket in hand, against
the opposite entrance.
CHAPTER VII.
Leaving the little party in the dismay occasioned by
their new position, and that at a moment when they believed
themselves secured from further interruption or danger,
we must now return to the Fort, where their long-continued
absence, coupled with the startling tidings conveyed by
Ephraim Giles, had created equal anxiety and apprehension.
It will be recollected that during the examination of
the latter, Ensign Ronayne had, after communicating with
the commanding officer, suddenly departed across the
river, taking with him a few armed men.
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