This
colonnade stood about four feet from the wall, and the interval between
was occupied by a divan, fashioned of dexterously woven cane, extending
around the room; and as the prisoners could seat themselves here, or lie
at full length, they were subjected to no greater hardship than was
consistent with their safe custody.
A sentinel with his musket on his shoulder stood at the door, and the
sun was going down. Kenneth MacVintie could see through the open portal
the red glow in the waters of the Tennessee River. Now and then a flake
of a glittering white density glided through it, which his eyes,
accustomed to long distances, discriminated as a swan. Thunder-heads,
however, were gathering above the eastern slopes and the mountains were
a lowering slate-toned purple, save when a sudden flash of lightning
roused them to a vivid show of green.
The dull red hue of the interior of the council-house darkened
gradually; the embers of the council-fire faded into the gray ash, and
the night came sullen and threatening before its time.
The young Highlander sought to bend his mind to the realization that his
days on earth were well-nigh ended, and that it behooved him to think on
the morrow elsewhere.
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