Page:The last of the Mohicans (1826 Volume 2).djvu/107

 and continued, with a smile of recognition, speaking always in French—

"I am rejoiced, monsieur, that you have given us the pleasure of your company on this occasion. There will be no necessity to employ an ordinary interpreter, for in your hands I feel the same security, as if I spoke your language myself."

Duncan acknowledged the compliment, when Montcalm, turning to his guard, which, in imitation of that of their enemies, pressed close upon him, he continued—

"En arriere, mes enfans—il fait chaud; retirezvous un peu."

Before Major Heyward would imitate this proof of confidence, he glanced his eyes around the plain, and beheld, with uneasiness, the numerous dusky groupes of savages, who looked out from the margin of the surrounding woods, curious spectators of the pending interview.

"Monsieur de Montcalm will readily acknowledge the difference of our situation," he said, with some embarrassment, pointing, at the same time, towards those