about ten o'clock
These effected a landing at some distance above the fort , and soon afterwards the wide , open common behind it was animated by the presence of hundreds of Indians . There were stately warriors in paint and blankets , young braves stripped to the waist-cloth for a game of ball , maidens whose cheeks were ruddy with vermilion , robed in embroidered and beaded garments of fawn skin , and naked children , frolicking like so many puppies . Save in the occasional scowling face and preoccupied air of some dark-browed warrior , and a slow but noticeable gathering of these near the principal gate of the fort , there was nothing to arouse suspicion or indicate that these visitors had any save the most friendly feelings toward the whites . Pontiac having sent word to Major Gladwyn that he desired to meet the white chief in council , about ten o'clock the Indian leader and some sixty of his principal men were seen approaching in single file from the direction of the bridge across Parent 's creek , a mile and a half north of the fort . As they drew near the great gateway , it was noticed that in spite of the heat of the day every warrior was wrapped to the chin in his gayly colored blanket . The faces of all were streaked with ochre , vermilion , white , and black paint , while from their scalp-locks depended plumes of eagle , hawk , or turkey feathers , indicative of their rank or prowess in battle . As the great gate was swung open to admit this barbaric procession , they entered the fort with stately tread and in grave silence , led by the mighty chief , who , with proudly lifted head and flashing eyes , looked every inch a forest king .