The 16th of March, 1885, was a charming day, and LouisDavid Riel, fanatic and rebellion-maker, was addressinga great general meeting of the half-breeds and Indiansnear Batoche on the Saskatchewan river in British NorthAmerica. There were representatives from nearly everytribe; Poundmaker and his Stonies, who were always spoilingfor trouble, being particularly well represented. Roundthe arch malcontent were a score of other harpies almostas wicked if less dangerous than himself. Among them wereGabriel Dumont, Jackson, Maxime, Garnot and Lepine. Riel'semissaries had been at work for months, and as the timewas now ripe for a rising he had called them together todecide upon some definite course of action.The weather was comparatively mild, and the Indians sataround on the snow that before many days was to disappearbefore the sudden spring thaw. Their red, white, and greyblankets against the dull-hued tepees [Footnote: Wigwams.]and the white wintry landscape, gave colour and reliefto the scene. Two o'clock in the afternoon and the sunshone brightly down as he always does in these latitudes.Riel knew exactly how long it would continue to shine,for had not the almanac told him and all the world--withthe exception of the ignorant half-breeds and Indianswhom he was addressing--that there was to be an eclipsethat day. The arch rebel knew how strongly dramatic effectappealed to his audience, so he was prepared to indulgethem to the full in this respect, and turn the matter toaccount. Being an educated man there was a good deal ofmethod in his madness.