240 TREACHERY OF PONTIAC. [1763, May. 



turning, led the way through the camp. It was a 

 confused assemblage of huts, chiefly of a conical 

 or half-spherical shape, and constructed of a slen- 

 der framework covered with rush mats or sheets 

 of birch-bark. Many of the graceful birch canoes, 

 used by the Indians of the upper lakes, were lying 

 here and there among paddles, fish-spears, and 

 blackened kettles slung above the embers of the 

 fires. The camp was full of lean, wolfish dogs, 

 who, roused by the clamor of their owners, kept up 

 a discordant baying as the strangers passed. Pon- 

 tiac paused before the entrance of a large lodge, 

 and, entering, pointed to several mats placed on 

 the ground, at the side opposite the opening. 

 Here, obedient to his signal, the two officers sat 

 down. Instantly the lodge was thronged with 

 savages. Some, and these were for the most part 

 chiefs, or old men, seated themselves on the ground 

 before the strangers ; w^hile the remaining space 

 was filled by a d^nse crowd, crouching or standing 

 erect, and peering over each other's shoulders. At 

 their first entrance, Pontiac had spoken a few 

 words. A pause then ensued, broken at length by 

 Campbell, who from his seat addressed the Indians 

 in a short speech. It was heard in perfect silence, 

 and no reply was made. For a full hour, the 

 unfortunate officers saw before them the same 

 concourse of dark, inscrutable faces, bending an 

 unwavering gaze upon them. Some were passing 

 out, and others coming in to supply their places, and 

 indulge then- curiosity by a sight of the Englishmen. 

 At length, Captain Campbell, conscious, no doubt, 



