
the slumbering party of Ishmael.
    Here another short but grave and deliberative consultation was held.
    The beasts, which seem'd trained to such covert and silent attacks, were
once more plac'd under the care of keepers, who, as before were charged with the
duty of watching the prisoners. The mind of the trapper was in no degree
relieved from the uneasiness, which was, at each instant, getting a stronger
possession of him, when he found that Weucha was plac'd nearest to his own
person, and, as it appeared by the air of triumph and authority he assumed, at
the head of the guard also. The savage, however, who doubtless had his secret
instructions, was content, for the present, with making a significant gesture
with his tomahawk, which menaced death to Ellen. After admonishing in this
expressive manner his male captives of the fate that would instantly attend
their female companion, on the slightest alarm proceeding from any of the party,
he was content to maintain a rigid silence. This unexpected forbearance, on the
part of Weucha, enabled the trapper and his two associates to give their
undivided attention to the little that might be seen of the interesting
movements which were passing in their front.
    Mahtoree took the entire disposition of the arrangements on himself. He
pointed out the precise situation he wished each individual to occupy, like one
intimately acquainted with the qualifications of his respective followers, and
he was obeyed with the deference and promptitude with which an Indian warrior is
wont to submit to the instructions of his chief, in moments of trial. Some he
despatched to the right, and others to the left. Each man departed with the
noiseless and quick step peculiar to the race, until all had assumed their
allotted stations, with the exception of two chosen warriors, who remained nigh
the person of their leader. When the rest had disappeared, Mahtoree turned to
these select companions, and intimated by a sign, that the critical moment had
arrived, when the enterprise he contemplated was to be put in execution.
    Each man laid aside the light fowling piece which, under the name of a
carabyne, he carried in virtue of his rank, and divesting himself of every
article of exterior or heavy clothing, he stood resembling a dark and fierce
looking statue, in the attitude and nearly in the garb of nature. Mahtoree
assured himself of the right position of his tomahawk, felt that his knife was
secure in its sheath of skin, tightened his girdle of wampum, and saw that the
lacing of his fringed and ornamented leggings was secure and likely to offer no
impediment
