Annette - The Metis Spy

Above, the heavy masses of auroral cloud now began to assume the

shape of a mighty umbrella, the enormous ribs of weird light forming

in an apex above the heads of the party, and radiating towards all

points of the compass. Sometimes these ribs would all shake, and then

blend; but they would speedily rearray themselves in perfect and

majestic symmetry. It was a most weirdly-beautiful sight, riding

along the still and boundless prairie, when the merry dancing ceased

for a moment, to see this stupendous dome of fluffy, ghost-like light

suspended over their heads. For an hour they continued looking upon

it; upon the yellow of the level prairie, and the yellow and gloom of

the knolls and hollows. Then there was a universal flash so sudden as

to be terrible; then a darkness equally as sudden. Not the faintest

glow was there anywhere in all the wide heavens. It seemed as if God

had blown out the mysterious light.

Stephens rode beside his love; and when the light went out of the

sky, if Lieutenant Browninge had been concerned with the doings of

the leaders, he would have been amazed to see the rescued captain

lean over and deliberately kiss the Cree scout upon the lips. When

the white sides of the tents of Capt. Denison appeared in view,

Annette halted, and said that she and her brother must now ride in

another direction.

"My brave boy, if by that term I rightly address you," Browninge

said, "I wish that you would accept the hospitalities of our camp;"

but the scout refused, and after a few moments in conversation with

Captain Stephens, rode away.

Meanwhile affairs had fallen out much as Little Poplar predicted.

Captain Beaver, after thorough consideration of the matter, decided

that it would never do to allow his men to return to Ontario without

having a "brush with the Indians." He therefore opened correspondence

with Major Tonweight, pointing out the expediency of making an attack

upon Little Poplar. "He is upon his reserve, it is true," Beaver

wrote, "but he has gathered his men together for the purpose of

marching on Hatchet Creek, and there effecting a junction with the

rebel Metis. If you permit me to run down and give them a good

trouncing, it will make an end of the contemplated league."

"Our policy," replied Tonweight, "is not to antagonize but to

conciliate; to treat all as friends till they prove themselves to be

enemies."

"But you will pay dear for your generous theory if this man, Little

Poplar, succeeds in joining the rebels. And I assure you that the

savage is now making ready to march.".

"The matter is in your own hands, then," Tonweight replied. "If all

be as you say, you must consult your own judgment, and shoulder the

responsibilities."

"Hurrah!" Beaver shouted. "Hurrah! Now then, boys, you'll have a

brush. Get ready for a march. You know I am only supposing a case

against these Indians," he said turning to a brother officer.