The arrival of these strangers, small as their number was, had evidently an effect upon the Pottowatomies, who for a moment looked grave, and attempted no longer to molest Captain Headley. Mr. McKenzie, who was still present and knew how to take advantage of the occasion, profited by the surprise, and suggested to the commanding officer, that as the conference was now over and the presents all delivered, they should return to the fort to know who the new-comers were. The friendly chiefs were, moreover, invited to accompany them; and thus they returned leisurely, without further interruption, into the stockade. Pee-to-tum, suffering severely, had been led to his tent; and the threat bulk of the warriors, freed from the excitement of his presence, busied themselves with collecting together their individual shares of the presents they had received. During the whole of the afternoon they were to be seen wending their way leisurely, and in small and detached groups--sometimes in single file--from the glacis to their own encampment. "Headley, my dear fellow," exclaimed the leader of the party--a tall, powerful, sunburnt man, dressed like his companions, who now stood dismounted, holding the bridle of his jaded horse and conversing with the Doctor, for the other officers were still at their posts. "Is what I hear then true--and have I only arrived in time to be too late? Is all your ammunition then destroyed--all, all, all--none left?" These questions were anxiously put as the stranger held the hand of the commanding officer grasped in his own. "It is even so," returned Captain Headley, impressed with deep regret for the act, for in a moment he saw that this addition to his little force would have enabled him to maintain his post until the arrival of the British at least--"all that remains are twenty rounds of cartridges for the pouches of the men, and a single keg for use if necessary on the march--not six rounds of ammunition remain for the guns." "By G--, how unfortunate!" returned the stranger, striking his brow with his palm; "had I been but eighteen hours sooner you were all saved, for here are five-and-twenty as gallant and willing hearts as ever wielded tomahawk or rifle. Hearing of your extremity I had hastily collected them to afford you succor. Oh, I could eat my heart up with disappointment!" he continued, "to think that all my exertions, my speed, have been in vain. Headley, what could have induced you to destroy the ammunition--your only hope of salvation?"