352 THE MASSACRE. [1763, June. 



Good will to the prisoners, however, had by no 

 means prompted the Ottawas to this very unex- 

 pected proceeding. They were jealous and angry 

 that the Ojibwas should have taken the fort with- 

 out giving them an opportunity to share in the 

 plunder ; and they now took this summary mode 

 of asserting their rights. 



The chiefs, however, shook Henry and his com- 

 panions by the hand, professing great good will, 

 assuring them, at the same time, that the Ojibwas 

 were carrying them to the Isles du Castor merely 

 to kill and eat them. The four prisoners, the 

 sport of so many changing fortunes, soon found 

 themselves embarked in an Ottawa canoe, and on 

 their way back to Michillimackinac. They were 

 not alone. A flotilla of canoes accompanied them, 

 bearing a great number of Ottawa warriors ; and 

 before the day was over, the whole had arrived at 

 the fort. At this time, the principal Ojibwa 

 encampment was near the woods, in full sight 

 of the landing-place. Its occupants, astonished at 

 this singular movement on the part of their rivals, 

 stood looking on in silent amazement, while the 

 Ottawa warriors, well armed, filed into the fort, and 

 took possession of it. 



This conduct is not difficult to explain, when we 

 take into consideration the peculiarities of the Indi- 

 an character. Pride and jealousy are always strong 

 and active elements in it. The Ottawas deemed 

 themselves insulted because the Ojibwas had under- 

 taken an enterprise of such importance without 

 consulting them, or asking their assistance. It may 



