So perturbed were the chiefs by all this warlike display that it was some time before they would take their seats on the mats prepared for them.

At length they recovered their composure, and Pontiac broke the silence by asking why so many of the young men were standing in the streets with their guns.

Answer was made through the interpreter La Butte that it was for exercise and discipline.

Pontiac then addressed Gladwyn, vehemently protesting friendship.
All the time he was speaking Gladwyn bent on him a scrutinizing gaze, and as the chief was about to present the wampum belt, a signal was given and the drums crashed out a charge.

Every doubt was removed from Pontiac's mind--his plot was discovered.