Now, as the general cannot refuse to co-operate with the savages, without compromising himself with the commander-in-chief, neither can he accept of such assistance without some pangs of conscience.

He has taken the only course open to him: he has despatched myself and my brother officers here"-- O'Flaherty glanced at two privates dressed up in his regimentals--"to offer you terms"-- O'Flaherty paused when he arrived thus far, expecting that the opposite party would make some reply; but they continued silent: when suddenly, from the dense forest, there rung forth a wild and savage yell, that rose and fell several times, like the pibroch of the highlander, and ended at last in a loud whoop, that was echoed and re-echoed again and again for several seconds after.
"Hark!" said O'Flaherty, with an accent of horror--"Hark! the war-cry of the Delawares! The savages are eager for their prey.

May it yet be time enough to rescue you from such a fate! Time presses--our terms are these--as they do not admit of discussion, and must be at once accepted or rejected, to your own ear alone can I impart them." Saying which, he took Major Brown aside, and, walking apart from the others, led him, by slow steps, into the forest.

While O'Flaherty continued to dilate upon the atrocities of Indian war, and the revengeful character of the savages, he contrived to be always advancing towards the river side, till at length the glare of a fire was perceptible through the gloom.

Major Brown stopped suddenly, and pointed in the direction of the flame.
"It is the Indian picquet," said O'Flaherty, calmly; "and as the facts I have been detailing may be more palpable to your mind, you shall see them with your own eyes.