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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Wyandotte, by James Fenimore Cooper
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Wyandotte
+
+Author: James Fenimore Cooper
+
+Release Date: December 11, 2003  [eBook #10434]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: iso-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WYANDOTTE***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders
+
+
+
+Wyandotté;
+
+or,
+
+The Hutted Knoll.
+
+A Tale.
+
+Complete in One Volume.
+
+By J. Fenimore Cooper.
+
+1871.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+    "I venerate the Pilgrim's cause,
+    Yet for the red man dare to plead:
+    We bow to Heaven's recorded laws,
+    He turns to Nature for his creed."
+
+    Sprague.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Preface.
+
+
+
+The history of the borders is filled with legends of the sufferings of
+isolated families, during the troubled scenes of colonial warfare.
+Those which we now offer to the reader, are distinctive in many of
+their leading facts, if not rigidly true in the details. The first
+alone is necessary to the legitimate objects of fiction.
+
+One of the misfortunes of a nation, is to hear little besides its own
+praises. Although the American revolution was probably as just an
+effort as was ever made by a people to resist the first inroads of
+oppression, the cause had its evil aspects, as well as all other human
+struggles. We have been so much accustomed to hear everything extolled,
+of late years, that could be dragged into the remotest connection with
+that great event, and the principles which led to it, that there is
+danger of overlooking truth, in a pseudo patriotism. Nothing is really
+patriotic, however, that is not strictly true and just; any more than
+it is paternal love to undermine the constitution of a child by an
+indiscriminate indulgence in pernicious diet. That there were
+demagogues in 1776, is as certain as that there are demagogues in 1843,
+and will probably continue to be demagogues as long as means for
+misleading the common mind shall exist.
+
+A great deal of undigested morality is uttered to the world, under the
+disguise of a pretended public virtue. In the eye of reason, the man
+who deliberately and voluntarily contracts civil engagements is more
+strictly bound to their fulfilment, than he whose whole obligations
+consist of an accident over which he had not the smallest control, that
+of birth; though the very reverse of this is usually maintained under
+the influence of popular prejudice. The reader will probably discover
+how we view this master, in the course of our narrative.
+
+Perhaps this story is obnoxious to the charge of a slight anachronism,
+in representing the activity of the Indians a year earlier than any
+were actually employed in the struggle of 1775. During the century of
+warfare that existed between the English and French colonies, the
+savage tribes were important agents in furthering the views of the
+respective belligerents. The war was on the frontiers, and these fierce
+savages were, in a measure, necessary to the management of hostilities
+that invaded their own villages and hunting-grounds. In 1775, the enemy
+came from the side of the Atlantic, and it was only after the struggle
+had acquired force, that the operations of the interior rendered the
+services of such allies desirable. In other respects, without
+pretending to refer to any real events, the incidents of this tale are
+believed to be sufficiently historical for all the legitimate purposes
+of fiction.
+
+In this book the writer has aimed at sketching several distinct
+varieties of the human race, as true to the governing impulses of their
+educations, habits, modes of thinking and natures. The red man had his
+morality, as much as his white brother, and it is well known that even
+Christian ethics are coloured and governed, by standards of opinion set
+up on purely human authority. The honesty of one Christian is not
+always that of another, any more than his humanity, truth, fidelity or
+faith. The spirit must quit its earthly tabernacle altogether, ere it
+cease to be influenced by its tints and imperfections.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter I.
+
+  "An acorn fell from an old oak tree,
+  And lay on the frosty ground--
+  'O, what shall the fate of the acorn be?'
+  Was whispered all around
+  By low-toned voices chiming sweet,
+  Like a floweret's bell when swung--
+  And grasshopper steeds were gathering fleet,
+  And the beetle's hoofs up-rung."
+
+  Mrs. Seba Smith.
+
+There is a wide-spread error on the subject of American scenery. From
+the size of the lakes, the length and breadth of the rivers, the vast
+solitudes of the forests, and the seemingly boundless expanse of the
+prairies, the world has come to attach to it an idea of grandeur; a
+word that is in nearly every case, misapplied. The scenery of that
+portion of the American continent which has fallen to the share of the
+Anglo-Saxon race, very seldom rises to a scale that merits this term;
+when it does, it is more owing to the accessories, as in the case of
+the interminable woods, than to the natural face of the country. To him
+who is accustomed to the terrific sublimity of the Alps, the softened
+and yet wild grandeur of the Italian lakes, or to the noble witchery of
+the shores of the Mediterranean, this country is apt to seem tame, and
+uninteresting as a whole; though it certainly has exceptions that carry
+charms of this nature to the verge of loveliness.
+
+Of the latter character is the face of most of that region which lies
+in the angle formed by the junction of the Mohawk with the Hudson,
+extending as far south, or even farther, than the line of Pennsylvania,
+and west to the verge of that vast rolling plain which composes Western
+New York. This is a region of more than ten thousand square miles of
+surface, embracing to-day, ten counties at least, and supporting a
+rural population of near half a million of souls, excluding the river
+towns.
+
+All who have seen this district of country, and who are familiar with
+the elements of charming, rather than grand scenery it possesses, are
+agreed in extolling its capabilities, and, in some instances, its
+realities. The want of high finish is common to everything of this sort
+in America; and, perhaps we may add, that the absence of
+picturesqueness as connected with the works of man, is a general
+defect; still, this particular region, and all others resembling it--
+for they abound on the wide surface of the twenty-six states--has
+beauties of its own, that it would be difficult to meet with in any of
+the older portions of the earth.
+
+They who have done us the honour to read our previous works, will at
+once understand that the district to which we allude, is that of which
+we have taken more than one occasion to write; and we return to it now,
+less with a desire to celebrate its charms, than to exhibit them in a
+somewhat novel, and yet perfectly historical aspect. Our own earlier
+labours will have told the reader, that all of this extended district
+of country, with the exception of belts of settlements along the two
+great rivers named, was a wilderness, anterior to the American
+revolution. There was a minor class of exceptions to this general rule,
+however, to which it will be proper to advert, lest, by conceiving us
+too literally, the reader may think he can convict us of a
+contradiction. In order to be fully understood, the explanations shall
+be given at a little length.
+
+While it is true, then, that the mountainous region, which now contains
+the counties of Schoharie, Otsego, Chenango, Broome, Delaware, &c., was
+a wilderness in 1775, the colonial governors had begun to make grants
+of its lands, some twenty years earlier. The patent of the estate on
+which we are writing lies before us; and it bears the date of 1769,
+with an Indian grant annexed, that is a year or two older. This may be
+taken as a mean date for the portion of country alluded to; some of the
+deeds being older, and others still more recent. These grants of land
+were originally made, subject to quit-rents to the crown; and usually
+on the payment of heavy fees to the colonial officers, after going
+through the somewhat supererogatory duty of "extinguishing the Indian
+title," as it was called. The latter were pretty effectually
+"extinguished" in that day, as well as in our own; and it would be a
+matter of curious research to ascertain the precise nature of the
+purchase-money given to the aborigines. In the case of the patent
+before us, the Indian right was "extinguished" by means of a few
+rifles, blankets, kettles, and beads; though the grant covers a nominal
+hundred thousand, and a real hundred and ten or twenty thousand acres
+of land.
+
+The abuse of the grants, as land became more valuable, induced a law,
+restricting the number of acres patented to any one person, at any one
+time, to a thousand. Our monarchical predecessors had the same
+facilities, and it may be added, the same propensities, to rendering a
+law a dead letter, as belongs to our republican selves. The patent on
+our table, being for a nominal hundred thousand acres, contains the
+names of one hundred different grantees, while three several parchment
+documents at its side, each signed by thirty-three of these very
+persons, vest the legal estate in the first named, for whose sole
+benefit the whole concession was made; the dates of the last
+instruments succeeding, by one or two days, that of the royal patent
+itself.
+
+Such is the history of most of the original titles to the many estates
+that dotted the region we have described, prior to the revolution.
+Money and favouritism, however were not always the motives of these
+large concessions. Occasionally, services presented their claims; and
+many instances occur in which old officers of the army, in particular,
+received a species of reward, by a patent for land, the fees being duly
+paid, and the Indian title righteously "extinguished." These grants to
+ancient soldiers were seldom large, except in the cases of officers of
+rank; three or four thousand well-selected acres, being a sufficient
+boon to the younger sons of Scottish lairds, or English squires, who
+had been accustomed to look upon a single farm as an estate.
+
+As most of the soldiers mentioned were used to forest life, from having
+been long stationed at frontier posts, and had thus become familiarized
+with its privations, and hardened against its dangers, it was no
+unusual thing for them to sell out, or go on half-pay, when the wants
+of a family began to urge their claims, and to retire to their
+"patents," as the land itself, as well as the instrument by which it
+was granted, was invariably termed, with a view of establishing
+themselves permanently as landlords.
+
+These grants from the crown, in the portions of the colony of New York
+that lie west of the river counties, were generally, if not invariably,
+simple concessions of the fee, subject to quit-rents to the king, and
+reservations of mines of the precious metals, without any of the
+privileges of feudal seignory, as existed in the older manors on the
+Hudson, on the islands, and on the Sound. Why this distinction was
+made, it exceeds our power to say; but, that the fact was so, as a
+rule, we have it in proof, by means of a great number of the original
+patents, themselves, that have been transmitted to us from various
+sources. Still, the habits of "home" entailed the name, even where the
+thing was not to be found. Titular manors exist, in a few instances, to
+this day, where no manorial rights were ever granted; and manor-houses
+were common appellations for the residences of the landlords of large
+estates, that were held in fee, without any exclusive privileges, and
+subject to the reservation named. Some of these manorial residences
+were of so primitive an appearance, as to induce the belief that the
+names were bestowed in pleasantry; the dwellings themselves being of
+logs, with the bark still on them, and the other fixtures to
+correspond. Notwithstanding all these drawbacks, early impressions and
+rooted habits could easily transfer terms to such an abode; and there
+was always a saddened enjoyment among these exiles, when they could
+liken their forest names and usages to those they had left in the
+distant scenes of their childhood.
+
+The effect of the different causes we have here given was to dot the
+region described, though at long intervals, with spots of a semi-
+civilized appearance, in the midst of the vast--nay, almost boundless--
+expanse of forest. Some of these early settlements had made
+considerable advances towards finish and comfort, ere the war of '76
+drove their occupants to seek protection against the inroads of the
+savages; and long after the influx of immigration which succeeded the
+peace, the fruits, the meadows, and the tilled fields of these oases in
+the desert, rendered them conspicuous amidst the blackened stumps,
+piled logs, and smooty fallows of an active and bustling settlement. At
+even a much later day, they were to be distinguished by the smoother
+surfaces of their fields, the greater growth and more bountiful yield
+of their orchards, and by the general appearance of a more finished
+civilization, and of greater age. Here and there, a hamlet had sprung
+up; and isolated places, like Cherry Valley and Wyoming, were found,
+that have since become known to the general history of the country.
+
+Our present tale now leads us to the description of one of those early,
+personal, or family settlements, that had grown up, in what was then a
+very remote part of the territory in question, under the care and
+supervision of an ancient officer of the name of Willoughby. Captain
+Willoughby, after serving many years, had married an American wife, and
+continuing his services until a son and daughter were born, he sold his
+commission, procured a grant of land, and determined to retire to his
+new possessions, in order to pass the close of his life in the tranquil
+pursuits of agriculture, and in the bosom of his family. An adopted
+child was also added to his cares. Being an educated as well as a
+provident man, Captain Willoughby had set about the execution of this
+scheme with deliberation, prudence, and intelligence. On the frontiers,
+or lines, as it is the custom to term the American boundaries, he had
+become acquainted with a Tuscarora, known by the English
+_sobriquet_ of "Saucy Nick." This fellow, a sort of half-outcast from
+his own people, had early attached himself to the whites, had acquired
+their language, and owing to a singular mixture of good and bad
+qualities, blended with great native shrewdness, he had wormed himself
+into the confidence of several commanders of small garrisons, among
+whom was our captain. No sooner was the mind of the latter made up,
+concerning his future course, than he sent for Nick, who was then in
+the fort; when the following conversation took place:
+
+"Nick," commenced the captain, passing his hand over his brow, as was
+his wont when in a reflecting mood; "Nick, I have an important movement
+in view, in which you can be of some service to me."
+
+The Tuscarora, fastening his dark basilisk-like eyes on the soldier,
+gazed a moment, as if to read his soul; then he jerked a thumb
+backward, over his own shoulder, and said, with a grave smile--
+
+"Nick understand. Want six, two, scalp off Frenchman's head; wife and
+child; out yonder, over dere, up in Canada. Nick do him--what you
+give?"
+
+"No, you red rascal, I want nothing of the sort--it is peace now, (this
+conversation took place in 1764), and you know I never bought a scalp,
+in time of war. Let me hear no more of this."
+
+"What you want, _den_?" asked Nick, like one who was a good deal
+puzzled.
+
+"I want land--_good_ land--little, but _good_. I am about to
+get a grant--a patent--"
+
+"Yes," interrupted Nick, nodding; "I know _him_--paper to take
+away Indian's hunting-ground."
+
+"Why, I have no wish to do that--I am willing to pay the red men
+reasonably for their right, first."
+
+"Buy Nick's land, den--better dan any oder."
+
+"Your land, knave!--You own no land--belong to no tribe--have no rights
+to sell."
+
+"What for ask Nick help, den?"
+
+"What for?--Why because you _know_ a good deal, though you own
+literally nothing. That's what for."
+
+"Buy Nick _know_, den. Better dan he great fader _know_, down
+at York."
+
+"That is just what I do wish to purchase. I will pay you well, Nick, if
+you will start to-morrow, with your rifle and a pocket-compass, off
+here towards the head-waters of the Susquehannah and Delaware, where
+the streams run rapidly, and where there are no fevers, and bring me an
+account of three or four thousand acres of rich bottom-land, in such a
+way as a surveyor can find it, and I can get a patent for it. What say
+you, Nick; will you go?"
+
+"He not wanted. Nick sell 'e captain, his own land: here in 'e fort."
+
+"Knave, do you not know me well enough not to trifle, when I am
+serious?"
+
+"Nick ser'ous too--Moravian priest no ser'ouser more dan Nick at dis
+moment. Got land to sell."
+
+Captain Willoughby had found occasion to punish the Tuscarora, in the
+course of his services; and as the parties understood each other
+perfectly well, the former saw the improbability of the latter's daring
+to trifle with him.
+
+"Where is this land of yours, Nick," he inquired, after studying the
+Indian's countenance for a moment. "Where does it lie, what is it like,
+how much is there of it, and how came you to own it?"
+
+"Ask him just so, ag'in," said Nick, taking up four twigs, to note down
+the questions, _seriatim_.
+
+The captain repeated his inquiries, the Tuscarora laying down a stick
+at each separate interrogatory.
+
+"Where he be?" answered Nick, taking up a twig, as a memorandum. "He
+out dere--where he want him--where he say.--One day's march from
+Susquehanna."
+
+"Well; proceed."
+
+"What he like?--Like land, to be sure. T'ink he like water! Got
+_some_ water--no too much--got some land--got no tree--got some tree.
+Got good sugar-bush--got place for wheat and corn."
+
+"Proceed."
+
+"How much of him?" continued Nick, taking up another twig; "much as he
+want--want little, got him--want more, got him. Want none at all, got
+none at all--got what he want."
+
+"Go on."
+
+"To be sure. How came to own him?--How a pale face come to own America?
+_Discover_ him--ha!--Well, Nick discover land down yonder, up
+dere, over here."
+
+"Nick, what the devil do you mean by all this?"
+
+"No mean devil, at all--mean land--_good_ land. _Discover_
+him--know where he is--catch beaver dere, three, two year. All Nick
+say, true as word of honour; much more too."
+
+"Do you mean it is an old beaver-dam destroyed?" asked the captain,
+pricking up his ears; for he was too familiar with the woods, not to
+understand the value of such a thing.
+
+"No destroy--stand up yet--good as ever.--Nick dere, last season."
+
+"Why, then, do you tell of it? Are not the beaver of more value to you,
+than any price you may receive for the land?"
+
+"Cotch him all, four, two year ago--rest run away. No find beaver to
+stay long, when Indian once know, two time, where to set he trap.
+Beaver cunninger 'an pale face--cunning as bear."
+
+"I begin to comprehend you, Nick. How large do you suppose this pond to
+be?"
+
+"He 'm not as big as Lake Ontario. S'pose him smaller, what den? Big
+enough for farm."
+
+"Does it cover one or two hundred acres, think you?--Is it as large as
+the clearing around the fort?"
+
+"Big as two, six, four of him. Take forty skin, dere one season. Little
+lake; all 'e tree gone."
+
+"And the land around it--is it mountainous and rough, or will it be
+good for corn?"
+
+"All sugar-bush--what you want better? S'pose you want corn;
+_plant_ him. S'pose you want sugar; _make_ him."
+
+Captain Willoughby was struck with this description, and he returned to
+the subject, again and again. At length, after extracting all the
+information he could get from Nick, he struck a bargain with the
+fellow. A surveyor was engaged, and he started for the place, under the
+guidance of the Tuscarora. The result showed that Nick had not
+exaggerated. The pond was found, as he had described it to be, covering
+at least four hundred acres of low bottom-land; while near three
+thousand acres of higher river-flat, covered with beach and maple,
+spread around it for a considerable distance. The adjacent mountains
+too, were arable, though bold, and promised, in time, to become a
+fertile and manageable district. Calculating his distances with
+judgment, the surveyor laid out his metes and bounds in such a manner
+as to include the pond, all the low-land, and about three thousand
+acres of hill, or mountain, making the materials for a very pretty
+little "patent" of somewhat more than six thousand acres of capital
+land. He then collected a few chiefs of the nearest tribe, dealt out
+his rum, tobacco, blankets, wampum, and gunpowder, got twelve Indians
+to make their marks on a bit of deer-skin, and returned to his employer
+with a map, a field-book, and a deed, by which the Indian title was
+"extinguished." The surveyor received his compensation, and set off on
+a similar excursion, for a different employer, and in another
+direction. Nick got his reward, too, and was well satisfied with the
+transaction. This he afterwards called "sellin' beaver when he all run
+away."
+
+Furnished with the necessary means, Captain Willoughby now "sued out
+his patent," as it was termed, in due form. Having some influence, the
+affair was soon arranged; the grant was made by the governor in
+council, a massive seal was annexed to a famous sheet of parchment, the
+signatures were obtained, and "Willoughby's Patent" took its place on
+the records of the colony, as well as on its maps. We are wrong as
+respects the latter particular; it did not take _its_ place, on
+the maps of the colony, though it took _a_ place; the location
+given for many years afterwards, being some forty or fifty miles too
+far west. In this peculiarity there was nothing novel, the surveys of
+all new regions being liable to similar trifling mistakes. Thus it was,
+that an estate, lying within five-and-twenty miles of the city of New
+York, and in which we happen to have a small interest at this hour, was
+clipped of its fair proportions, in consequence of losing some miles
+that run over obtrusively into another colony; and, within a short
+distance of the spot where we are writing, a "patent" has been squeezed
+entirely out of existence, between the claims of two older grants.
+
+No such calamity befell "Willoughby's Patent," however. The land was
+found, with all its "marked or _blazed_ trees," its "heaps of
+stones," "large butternut corners," and "dead oaks." In a word,
+everything was as it should be; even to the quality of the soil, the
+beaver-pond, and the quantity. As respects the last, the colony never
+gave "struck measure;" a thousand acres on paper, seldom falling short
+of eleven or twelve hundred in soil. In the present instance, the six
+thousand two hundred and forty-six acres of "Willoughby's Patent," were
+subsequently ascertained to contain just seven thousand and ninety-two
+acres of solid ground.
+
+Our limits and plan will not permit us to give more than a sketch of
+the proceedings of the captain, in taking possession; though we feel
+certain that a minute account of the progress of such a settlement
+would possess a sort of Robinson Crusoe-like interest, that might repay
+the reader. As usual, the adventurers commenced their operations in the
+spring. Mrs. Willoughby, and the children, were left with their
+friends, in Albany; while the captain and his party pioneered their way
+to the patent, in the best manner they could. This party consisted of
+Nick, who went in the capacity of hunter, an office of a good deal of
+dignity, and of the last importance, to a set of adventurers on an
+expedition of this nature. Then there were eight axe-men, a house-
+carpenter, a mason, and a mill-wright. These, with Captain Willoughby,
+and an invalid sergeant, of the name of Joyce, composed the party.
+
+Our adventurers made most of their journey by water. After finding
+their way to the head of the Canaideraga, mistaking it for the Otsego,
+they felled trees, hollowed them into canoes, embarked, and, aided by a
+yoke of oxen that were driven along the shore, they wormed their way,
+through the Oaks, into the Susquehanna, descending that river until
+they reached the Unadilla, which stream they ascended until they came
+to the small river, known in the parlance of the country, by the
+erroneous name of a creek, that ran through the captain's new estate.
+The labour of this ascent was exceedingly severe; but the whole journey
+was completed by the end of April, and while the streams were high.
+Snow still lay in the woods; but the sap had started, and the season
+was beginning to show its promise.
+
+The first measure adopted by our adventurers was to "hut." In the very
+centre of the pond, which, it will be remembered, covered four hundred
+acres, was an island of some five or six acres in extent. It was a
+rocky knoll, that rose forty feet above the surface of the water, and
+was still crowned with noble pines, a species of tree that had escaped
+the ravages of the beaver. In the pond, itself, a few "stubs" alone
+remained, the water having killed the trees, which had fallen and
+decayed. This circumstance showed that the stream had long before been
+dammed; successions of families of beavers having probably occupied the
+place, and renewed the works, for centuries, at intervals of
+generations. The dam in existence, however, was not very old; the
+animals having fled from their great enemy, man, rather than from any
+other foe.
+
+To the island Captain Willoughby transferred all his stores, and here
+he built his hut. This was opposed to the notions of his axe-men, who,
+rightly enough, fancied the mainland would be more convenient; but the
+captain and the sergeant, after a council of war, decided that the
+position on the knoll would be the most military, and might be defended
+the longest, against man or beast. Another station was taken up,
+however, on the nearest shore, where such of the men were permitted to
+"hut," as preferred the location.
+
+These preliminaries observed, the captain meditated a bold stroke
+against the wilderness, by draining the pond, and coming at once into
+the possession of a noble farm, cleared of trees and stumps, as it
+might be by a _coup de main_. This would be compressing the
+results of ordinary years of toil, into those of a single season, and
+everybody was agreed as to the expediency of the course, provided it
+were feasible.
+
+The feasibility was soon ascertained. The stream which ran through the
+valley, was far from swift, until it reached a pass where the hills
+approached each other in low promontories; there the land fell rapidly
+away to what might be termed a lower terrace. Across this gorge, or
+defile, a distance of about five hundred feet, the dam had been thrown,
+a good deal aided by the position of some rocks that here rose to the
+surface, and through which the little river found its passage. The part
+which might be termed the key-stone of the dam, was only twenty yards
+wide, and immediately below it, the rocks fell away rapidly, quite
+sixty feet, carrying down the waste water in a sort of fall. Here the
+mill-wright announced his determination to commence operations at
+once, putting in a protest against destroying the works of the beavers.
+A pond of four hundred acres being too great a luxury for the region,
+the man was overruled, and the labour commenced.
+
+The first blow was struck against the dam about nine o'clock, on the 2d
+day of May, 1765, and, by evening, the little sylvan-looking lake,
+which had lain embedded in the forest, glittering in the morning sun,
+unruffled by a breath of air, had entirely disappeared! In its place,
+there remained an open expanse of wet mud, thickly covered with pools
+and the remains of beaver-houses, with a small river winding its way
+slowly through the slime. The change to the eye was melancholy indeed;
+though the prospect was cheering to the agriculturist. No sooner did
+the water obtain a little passage, than it began to clear the way for
+itself, gushing out in a torrent, through the pass already mentioned.
+
+The following morning, Captain Willoughby almost mourned over the works
+of his hands. The scene was so very different from that it had
+presented when the flats were covered with water, that it was
+impossible not to feel the change. For quite a month, it had an
+influence on the whole party. Nick, in particular, denounced it, as
+unwise and uncalled for, though he had made his price out of the very
+circumstance in prospective; and even Sergeant Joyce was compelled to
+admit that the knoll, an island no longer, had lost quite half its
+security as a military position. The next month, however, brought other
+changes. Half the pools had vanished by drainings and evaporation; the
+mud had begun to crack, and, in some places to pulverize; while the
+upper margin of the old pond had become sufficiently firm to permit the
+oxen to walk over it, without miring. Fences of trees, brush, and even
+rails, enclosed, on this portion of the flats, quite fifty acres of
+land; and Indian corn, oats, pumpkins, peas, potatoes, flax, and
+several other sorts of seed, were already in the ground. The spring
+proved dry, and the sun of the forty-third degree of latitude was doing
+its work, with great power and beneficence. What was of nearly equal
+importance, the age of the pond had prevented any recent accumulation
+of vegetable matter, and consequently spared those who laboured around
+the spot, the impurities of atmosphere usually consequent on its decay.
+Grass-seed, too, had been liberally scattered on favourable places, and
+things began to assume the appearance of what is termed "living."
+
+August presented a still different picture. A saw-mill was up, and had
+been at work for some time. Piles of green boards began to make their
+appearance, and the plane of the carpenter was already in motion.
+Captain Willoughby was rich, in a small way; in other words, he
+possessed a few thousand pounds besides his land, and had yet to
+receive the price of his commission. A portion of these means were
+employed judiciously to advance his establishment; and, satisfied that
+there would be no scarcity of fodder for the ensuing winter, a man had
+been sent into the settlements for another yoke of cattle, and a couple
+of cows. Farming utensils were manufactured on the spot, and sleds
+began to take the place of carts; the latter exceeding the skill of any
+of the workmen present.
+
+October offered its products as a reward for all this toil. The yield
+was enormous, and of excellent quality. Of Indian corn, the captain
+gathered several hundred bushels, besides stacks of stalks and tops.
+His turnips, too, were superabundant in quantity, and of a delicacy and
+flavour entirely unknown to the precincts of old lands. The potatoes
+had not done so well; to own the truth, they were a little watery,
+though there were enough of them to winter every hoof he had, of
+themselves. Then the peas and garden truck were both good and plenty;
+and a few pigs having been procured, there was the certainty of
+enjoying a plenty of that important article, pork, during the coming
+winter.
+
+Late in the autumn, the captain rejoined his family in Albany, quitting
+the field for winter quarters. He left sergeant Joyce, in garrison,
+supported by Nick, a miller, the mason, carpenter, and three of the
+axe-men. Their duty was to prepare materials for the approaching
+season, to take care of the stock, to put in winter crops, to make a
+few bridges, clear out a road or two, haul wood to keep themselves from
+freezing, to build a log barn and some sheds, and otherwise to advance
+the interests of the settlement. They were also to commence a house for
+the patentee.
+
+As his children were at school, captain Willoughby determined not to
+take his family immediately to the Hutted Knoll, as the place soon came
+to be called, from the circumstance of the original bivouack. This name
+was conferred by sergeant Joyce, who had a taste in that way, and as it
+got to be confirmed by the condescension of the proprietor and his
+family, we have chosen it to designate our present labours. From time
+to time, a messenger arrived with news from the place; and twice, in
+the course of the winter, the same individual went back with supplies,
+and encouraging messages to the different persons left in the clearing.
+As spring approached, however, the captain began to make his
+preparations for the coming campaign, in which he was to be accompanied
+by his wife; Mrs. Willoughby, a mild, affectionate, true-hearted New
+York woman, having decided not to let her husband pass another summer
+in that solitude without feeling the cheering influence of her
+presence.
+
+In March, before the snow began to melt, several sleigh-loads of
+different necessaries were sent up the valley of the Mohawk, to a point
+opposite the head of the Otsego, where a thriving village called
+Fortplain now stands. Thence men were employed in transporting the
+articles, partly by means of "jumpers" _improvised_ for the
+occasion, and partly on pack-horses, to the lake, which was found this
+time, instead of its neighbour the Canaderaiga. This necessary and
+laborious service occupied six weeks, the captain having been up as far
+as the lake once himself; returning to Albany, however, ere the snow
+was gone.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter II.
+
+  All things are new--the buds, the leaves,
+  That gild the elm-tree's nodding crest,
+  And even the nest beneath the eaves--
+  There are no birds in last year's nest.
+
+  Longfellow.
+
+"I have good news for you, Wilhelmina," cried the captain, coming into
+the parlour where his wife used to sit and knit or sew quite half the
+day, and speaking with a bright face, and in a cheerful voice--"Here is
+a letter from my excellent old colonel; and Bob's affair is all settled
+and agreed on. He is to leave school next week, and to put on His
+Majesty's livery the week after."
+
+Mrs. Willoughby smiled, and yet two or three tears followed each other
+down her cheeks, even while she smiled. The first was produced by
+pleasure at hearing that her son had got an ensigncy in the 60th, or
+Royal Americans; and the last was a tribute paid to nature; a mother's
+fears at consigning an only boy to the profession of arms.
+
+"I am rejoiced, Willoughby," she said, "because _you_ rejoice,
+and I know that Robert will be delighted at possessing the king's
+commission; but, he is _very_ young to be sent into the dangers of
+battle and the camp!"
+
+"I was younger, when I actually went into battle, for _then_ it
+was war; now, we have a peace that promises to be endless, and Bob will
+have abundance of time to cultivate a beard before he smells gunpowder.
+As for myself"--he added in a half-regretful manner, for old habits and
+opinions would occasionally cross his mind--"as for myself, the
+cultivation of _turnips_ must be my future occupation. Well, the
+bit of parchment is sold, Bob has got _his_ in its place, while
+the difference in price is in my pocket, and no more need be said--and
+here come our dear girls, Wilhelmina, to prevent any regrets. The
+father of two such daughters _ought_, at least, to be happy."
+
+At this instant, Beulah and Maud Willoughby, (for so the adopted child
+was called as well as the real), entered the room, having taken the
+lodgings of their parents, in a morning walk, on which they were
+regularly sent by the mistress of the boarding-school, in which they
+were receiving what was _then_ thought to be a first-rate American
+female education. And much reason had their fond parents to be proud of
+them! Beulah, the eldest, was just eleven, while her sister was
+eighteen months younger. The first had a staid, and yet a cheerful
+look; but her cheeks were blooming, her eyes bright, and her smile
+sweet. Maud, the adopted one, however, had already the sunny
+countenance of an angel, with quite as much of the appearance of health
+as her sister; her face had more finesse, her looks more intelligence,
+her playfulness more feeling, her smile more tenderness, at times; at
+others, more meaning. It is scarcely necessary to say that both had
+that delicacy of outline which seems almost inseparable from the female
+form in this country. What was, perhaps, more usual in that day among
+persons of their class than it is in our own, each spoke her own
+language with an even graceful utterance, and a faultless accuracy of
+pronunciation, equally removed from effort and provincialisms. As the
+Dutch was in very common use then, at Albany, and most females of Dutch
+origin had a slight touch of their mother tongue in their enunciation
+of English, this purity of dialect in the two girls was to be ascribed
+to the fact that their father was an Englishman by birth; their mother
+an American of purely English origin, though named after a Dutch god-
+mother; and the head of the school in which they had now been three
+years, was a native of London, and a lady by habits and education.
+
+"Now, Maud," cried the captain, after he had kissed the forehead, eyes
+and cheeks of his smiling little favourite--"Now, Maud, I will set you
+to guess what good news I have for you and Beulah."
+
+"You and mother don't mean to go to that bad Beave Manor this summer,
+as some call the ugly pond?" answered the child, quick as lightning.
+
+"That is kind of you, my darling; more kind than prudent; but you are
+not right."
+
+"Try Beulah, now," interrupted the mother, who, while she too doted on
+her youngest child, had an increasing respect for the greater solidity
+and better judgment of her sister: "let us hear Beulah's guess."
+
+"It is something about my brother, I know by mother's eyes," answered
+the eldest girl, looking inquiringly into Mrs. Willoughby's face.
+
+"Oh! yes," cried Maud, beginning to jump about the room, until she
+ended her saltations in her father's arms--"Bob has got his
+commission!--I know it all well enough, now--I would not thank you to
+tell me--I know it all now--_dear_ Bob, how he _will_ laugh!
+and how happy I am!"
+
+"Is it so, mother?" asked Beulah, anxiously, and without even a smile.
+
+"Maud is right; Bob is an ensign--or, will be one, in a day or two. You
+do not seem pleased, my child?"
+
+"I wish Robert were not a soldier, mother. Now he will be always away,
+and we shall never see him; then he may be obliged to fight, and who
+knows how unhappy it may make _him_?"
+
+Beulah thought more of her brother than she did of herself; and, sooth
+to say, her mother had many of the child's misgivings. With Maud it was
+altogether different: she saw only the bright side of the picture; Bob
+gay and brilliant, his face covered with smiles, his appearance admired
+himself, and of course his sisters, happy. Captain Willoughby
+sympathized altogether with his pet. Accustomed to arms, he rejoiced
+that a career in which he had partially failed--this he did not conceal
+from himself or his wife--that this same career had opened, as he
+trusted, with better auspices on his only son. He covered Maud with
+kisses, and then rushed from the house, finding his heart too full to
+run the risk of being unmanned in the presence of females.
+
+A week later, availing themselves of one of the last falls of snow of
+the season, captain Willoughby and his wife left Albany for the Knoll.
+The leave-taking was tender, and to the parents bitter; though after
+all, it was known that little more than a hundred miles would separate
+them from their beloved daughters. Fifty of these miles, however, were
+absolutely wilderness; and to achieve them, quite a hundred of tangled
+forest, or of difficult navigation, were to be passed. The
+communications would be at considerable intervals, and difficult. Still
+they might be held, and the anxious mother left many injunctions with
+Mrs. Waring, the head of the school, in relation to the health of her
+daughters, and the manner in which she was to be sent for, in the event
+of any serious illness.
+
+Mrs. Willoughby had often overcome, as she fancied, the difficulties of
+a wilderness, in the company of her husband. It is the fashion highly
+to extol Napoleon's passage of the Alps, simply in reference to its
+physical obstacles. There never was a brigade moved twenty-four hours
+into the American wilds, that had not greater embarrassments of this
+nature to overcome, unless in those cases in which favourable river
+navigation has offered its facilities. Still, time and necessity had
+made a sort of military ways to all the more important frontier points
+occupied by the British garrisons, and the experience of Mrs.
+Willoughby had not hitherto been of the severe character of that she
+was now compelled to undergo.
+
+The first fifty miles were passed over in a sleigh, in a few hours, and
+with little or no personal fatigue. This brought the travellers to a
+Dutch inn on the Mohawk, where the captain had often made his halts,
+and whither he had from time to time, sent his advanced parties in the
+course of the winter and spring. Here a jumper was found prepared to
+receive Mrs. Willoughby; and the horse being led by the captain
+himself, a passage through the forest was effected as far as the head
+of the Otsego. The distance being about twelve miles, it required two
+days for its performance. As the settlements extended south from the
+Mohawk a few miles, the first night was passed in a log cabin, on the
+extreme verge of civilization, if civilization it could be called, and
+the remaining eight miles were got over in the course of the succeeding
+day. This was more than would probably have been achieved in the virgin
+forest, and under the circumstances, had not so many of the captain's
+people passed over the same ground, going and returning, thereby
+learning how to avoid the greatest difficulties of the route, and here
+and there constructing a rude bridge. They had also blazed the trees,
+shortening the road by pointing out its true direction.
+
+At the head of the Otsego, our adventurers were fairly in the
+wilderness. Huts had been built to receive the travellers, and here the
+whole party assembled, in readiness to make a fresh start in company.
+It consisted of more than a dozen persons, in all; the black domestics
+of the family being present, as well as several mechanics whom Captain
+Willoughby had employed to carry on his improvements. The men sent in
+advance had not been idle, any more than those left at the Hutted
+Knoll. They had built three or four skiffs, one small batteau, and a
+couple of canoes. These were all in the water, in waiting for the
+disappearance of the ice; which was now reduced to a mass of
+stalactites in form, greenish and sombre in hue, as they floated in a
+body, but clear and bright when separated and exposed to the sun. The
+south winds began to prevail, and the shore was glittering with the
+fast-melting piles of the frozen fluid, though it would have been vain
+yet to attempt a passage through it.
+
+The Otsego is a sheet that we have taken more than one occasion to
+describe, and the picture it then presented, amidst its frame of
+mountains, will readily be imagined by most of our readers. In 1765, no
+sign of a settlement was visible on its shores; few of the grants of
+land in that vicinity extending back so far. Still the spot began to be
+known, and hunters had been in the habit of frequenting its bosom and
+its shores, for the last twenty years or more Not a vestige of their
+presence, however, was to be seen from the huts of the captain; but
+Mrs. Willoughby assured her husband, as she stood leaning on his arm,
+the morning after her arrival, that never before had she gazed on so
+eloquent, and yet so pleasing a picture of solitude as that which lay
+spread before her eyes.
+
+"There is something encouraging and soothing in this bland south wind,
+too," she added, "which seems to promise that we shall meet with a
+beneficent nature, in the spot to which we are going. The south airs of
+spring, to me are always filled with promise."
+
+"And justly, love; for they are the harbingers of a renewed vegetation.
+If the wind increase, as I think it may, we shall see this chilling
+sheet of ice succeeded by the more cheerful view of water. It is in
+this way, that all these lakes open their bosoms in April."
+
+Captain Willoughby did not know it, while speaking, but, at that
+moment, quite two miles of the lower, or southern end of the lake, was
+clear, and the opening giving a sweep to the breeze, the latter was
+already driving the sheets of ice before it, towards the head, at a
+rate of quite a mile in the hour. Just then, an Irishman, named Michael
+O'Hearn, who had recently arrived in America, and whom the captain had
+hired as a servant of all work, came rushing up to his master, and
+opened his teeming thoughts, with an earnestness of manner, and a
+confusion of rhetoric, that were equally characteristic of the man and
+of a portion of his nation.
+
+"Is it journeying south, or to the other end of this bit of wather, or
+ice, that yer honour is thinking of?" he cried "Well, and there'll be
+room for us all, and to spare; for divil a bir-r-d will be left in that
+quarter by night, or forenent twelve o'clock either, calculating by the
+clock, if one had such a thing; as a body might say."
+
+As this was said not only vehemently, but with an accent that defies
+imitation with the pen, Mrs. Willoughby was quite at a loss to get a
+clue to the idea; but, her husband, more accustomed to men of Mike's
+class, was sufficiently lucky to comprehend what he was at.
+
+"You mean the pigeons, Mike, I suppose," the captain answered, good-
+humouredly. "There are certainly a goodly number of them; and I dare
+say our hunters will bring us in some, for dinner. It is a certain sign
+that the winter is gone, when birds and beasts follow their instincts,
+in this manner. Where are you from, Mike?"
+
+"County Leitrim, yer honour," answered the other, touching his cap.
+
+"Ay, that one may guess," said the captain, smiling, 'but where last?"
+
+"From looking at the bir-r-ds, sir!--Och! It's a sight that will do
+madam good, and contains a sartainty there'll be room enough made for
+us, where all these cr'atures came from. I'm thinking, yer honour, if
+we don't ate _them_, they'll be wanting to ate _us_. What a
+power of them, counting big and little; though they 're all of a size,
+just as much as if they had flown through a hole made on purpose to
+kape them down to a convanient bigness, in body and feathers."
+
+"Such a flight of pigeons in Ireland, would make a sensation, Mike,"
+observed the captain, willing to amuse his wife, by drawing out the
+County Leitrim-man, a little.
+
+"It would make a dinner, yer honour, for every mother's son of 'em,
+counting the gur-r-rls, in the bargain! Such a power of bir-r-ds, would
+knock down 'praties, in a wonderful degree, and make even butthermilk
+chape and plenthiful. Will it be always such abundance with us, down at
+the Huts, yer honour? or is this sight only a delusion to fill us with
+hopes that's never to be satisfied?"
+
+"Pigeons are seldom wanting in this country, Mike, in the spring and
+autumn; though we have both birds and beasts, in plenty, that are
+preferable for food."
+
+"Will it be plentthier than this?--Well, it's enough to destroy human
+appetite, the sight of 'em! I'd give the half joe I lost among them
+blackguards in Albany, at their Pauss, as they calls it, jist to let my
+sisther's childer have their supper out of one of these flocks, such as
+they are, betther or no betther. Och! its pleasant to think of them
+childer having their will, for once, on such a power of wild, savage
+bir-r-ds!"
+
+Captain Willoughby smiled at this proof of _naiveté_ in his new
+domestic, and then led his wife back to the hut; if being time to make
+some fresh dispositions for the approaching movement. By noon, it
+became apparent to those who were waiting such an event, that the lake
+was opening; and, about the same time, one of the hunters came in from
+a neighbouring mountain, and reported that he had seen clear water, as
+near their position as three or four miles. By this time it was blowing
+fresh, and the wind, having a clear rake, drove up the honeycomb-
+looking sheet before it, as the scraper accumulates snow. When the sun
+set, the whole north shore was white with piles of glittering icicles;
+while the bosom of the Otsego, no longer disturbed by the wind,
+resembled a placid mirror.
+
+Early on the following morning, the whole party embarked. There was no
+wind, and men were placed at the paddles and the oars. Care was taken,
+on quitting the huts, to close their doors and shutters; for they were
+to be taverns to cover the heads of many a traveller, in the frequent
+journeys that were likely to be made, between the Knoll and the
+settlements. These stations, then, were of the last importance, and a
+frontier-man always had the same regard for them, that the mountaineer
+of the Alps has for his "refuge."
+
+The passage down the Otsego was the easiest and most agreeable portion
+of the whole journey. The day was pleasant, and the oarsmen vigorous,
+if not very skilful, rendering the movement rapid, and sufficiently
+direct. But one drawback occurred to the prosperity of the voyage.
+Among the labourers hired by the captain, was a Connecticut man, of the
+name of Joel Strides, between whom and the County Leitrim-man, there
+had early commenced a warfare of tricks and petty annoyances; a warfare
+that was perfectly defensive on the part of O'Hearn, who did little
+more, in the way of retort, than comment on the long, lank, shapeless
+figure, and meagre countenance of his enemy. Joel had not been seen to
+smile, since he engaged with the captain; though three times had he
+laughed outright, and each time at the occurrence of some mishap to
+Michael O'Hearn the fruit of one of his own schemes of annoyance.
+
+On the present occasion, Joel, who had the distribution of such duty,
+placed Mike in a skiff, by himself, flattering the poor fellow with the
+credit he would achieve, by rowing a boat to the foot of the lake,
+without assistance. He might as well have asked Mike to walk to the
+outlet on the surface of the water! This arrangement proceeded from an
+innate love of mischief in Joel, who had much of the quiet waggery,
+blended with many of the bad qualities of the men of his peculiar
+class. A narrow and conceited selfishness lay at the root of the larger
+portion of this man's faults. As a physical being, he was a perfect
+labour-saving machine, himself; bringing all the resources of a
+naturally quick and acute mind to bear on this one end, never doing
+anything that required a particle more than the exertion and strength
+that were absolutely necessary to effect his object. He rowed the skiff
+in which the captain and his wife had embarked, with his own hands;
+and, previously to starting, he had selected the best sculls from the
+other boats, had fitted his twhart with the closest attention to his
+own ease, and had placed a stretcher for his feet, with an intelligence
+and knowledge of mechanics, that would have done credit to a Whitehall
+waterman. This much proceeded from the predominating principle of his
+nature, which was, always to have an eye on the interests of Joel
+Strides; though the effect happened, in this instance, to be beneficial
+to those he served.
+
+Michael O'Hearn, on the contrary, thought only of the end; and this so
+intensely, not to so say vehemently, as generally to overlook the
+means. Frank, generous, self-devoted, and withal accustomed to get most
+things wrong-end-foremost, he usually threw away twice the same labour,
+in effecting a given purpose, that was expended by the Yankee; doing
+the thing worse, too, besides losing twice the time. He never paused to
+think of this, however. The _masther's_ boat was to be rowed to
+the other end of the lake, and, though he had never rowed a boat an
+inch in his life, he was ready and willing to undertake the job. "If a
+certain quantity of work will not do it," thought Mike, "I'll try as
+much ag'in; and the divil is in it, if _that_ won't sarve the
+purpose of that little bit of a job."
+
+Under such circumstances the party started. Most of the skiffs and
+canoes went off half an hour before Mrs. Willoughby was ready, and Joel
+managed to keep Mike for he last, under the pretence of wishing his aid
+in loading his own boat, with the bed and bedding from the hut. All was
+ready, at length, and taking his seat, with a sort of quiet
+deliberation, Joel said, in his drawling way, "You'll follow _us_,
+Mike, and you can't be a thousand miles out of the way." Then he pulled
+from the shore with a quiet, steady stroke of the sculls, that sent the
+skiff ahead with great rapidity, though with much ease to himself.
+
+Michael O'Hearn stood looking at the retiring skiff, in silent
+admiration, for two or three minutes. He was quite alone; for all the
+other boats were already two or three miles on their way, and distance
+already prevented him from seeing the mischief that was lurking in
+Joel's hypocritical eyes.
+
+"Follow _yees_!" soliloquized Mike--"The divil burn ye, for a
+guessing yankee as ye ar'--how am I to follow with such legs as the
+likes of these? If it wasn't for the masther and the missus, ra'al
+jontlemen and ladies they be, I'd turn my back on ye, in the desert,
+and let ye find that Beaver estate, in yer own disagreeable company.
+Ha!--well, I must thry, and if the boat won't go, it'll be no fault of
+the man that has a good disposition to make it."
+
+Mike now took his seat on a board that lay across the gunwale of the
+skiff at a most inconvenient height, placed two sculls in the water,
+one of which was six inches longer than the other, made a desperate
+effort, and got his craft fairly afloat. Now, Michael O'Hearn was not
+left-handed, and, as usually happens with such men, the inequality
+between the two limbs was quite marked. By a sinister accident, too, it
+happened that the longest oar got into the strongest hand, and there it
+would have staid to the end of time; before Mike would think of
+changing it, on that account. Joel, alone, sat with his face towards
+the head of the lake, and he alone could see the dilemma in which the
+county Leitrim-man was placed. Neither the captain nor his wife thought
+of looking behind, and the yankee had all the fun to himself. As for
+Mike, he succeeded in getting a few rods from the land, when the strong
+arm and the longer lever asserting their superiority, the skiff began
+to incline to the westward. So intense, however, was the poor fellow's
+zeal, that he did not discover the change in his course until he had so
+far turned as to give him a glimpse of his retiring master; then he
+inferred that all was right, and pulled more leisurely. The result was,
+that in about ten minutes, Mike was stopped by the land, the boat
+touching the north shore again, two or three rods from the very point
+whence it had started. The honest fellow got up, looked around him,
+scratched his head, gazed wistfully after the fast-receding boat of his
+master, and broke out in another soliloquy.
+
+"Bad luck to them that made ye, ye one-sided thing!" he said, shaking
+his head reproachfully at the skiff: "there's liberty for ye to do as
+ye ought, and ye'll not be doing it, just out of contrairiness. Why the
+divil can't ye do like the other skiffs, and go where ye're wanted, on
+the road towards thim beavers? Och, ye'll be sorry for this, when ye're
+left behind, out of sight!"
+
+Then it flashed on Mike's mind that possibly some article had been left
+in the hut, and the skiff had come back to look after it; so, up he ran
+to the captain's deserted lodge, entered it, was lost to view for a
+minute, then came in sight again, scratching his head, and renewing his
+muttering--"No," he said, "divil a thing can I see, and it must be pure
+con_trair_iness! Perhaps the baste will behave betther next time,
+so I'll thry it ag'in, and give it an occasion. Barring obstinacy, 't
+is as good-lookin' a skiff as the best of them."
+
+Mike was as good as his word, and gave the skiff as fair an opportunity
+of behaving itself as was ever offered to a boat. Seven times did he
+quit the shore, and as often return to it, gradually working his way
+towards the western shore, and slightly down the lake. In this manner,
+Mike at length got himself so far on the side of the lake, as to
+present a barrier of land to the evil disposition of his skiff to
+incline to the westward. It could go no longer in that direction, at
+least.
+
+"Divil burn ye," the honest fellow cried, the perspiration rolling down
+his face; "I think ye'll be satisfied without walking out into the
+forest, where I wish ye war' with all my heart, amang the threes that
+made ye! Now, I'll see if yer con_trair_y enough to run up a
+hill."
+
+Mike next essayed to pull along the shore, in the hope that the sight
+of the land, and of the overhanging pines and hemlocks, would cure the
+boat's propensity to turn in that direction. It is not necessary to say
+that his expectations were disappointed, and he finally was reduced to
+getting out into the water, cool as was the weather, and of wading
+along the shore, dragging the boat after him. All this Joel saw before
+he passed out of sight, but no movement of his muscles let the captain
+into the secret of the poor Irishman's strait.
+
+In the meanwhile, the rest of the flotilla, or _brigade_ of boats,
+as the captain termed them, went prosperously on their way, going from
+one end of the lake to the other, in the course of three hours. As one
+of the party had been over the route several times already, there was
+no hesitation on the subject of the point to which the boats were to
+proceed. They all touched the shore near the stone that is now called
+the "Otsego Rock," beneath a steep wooded bank, and quite near to the
+place where the Susquehannah glanced out of the lake, in a swift
+current, beneath a high-arched tracery of branches that were not yet
+clothed with leaves.
+
+Here the question was put as to what had become of Mike. His skiff was
+nowhere visible, and the captain felt the necessity of having him
+looked for, before he proceeded any further. After a short
+consultation, a boat manned by two negroes, father and son, named Pliny
+the elder, and Pliny the younger, or, in common parlance, "old Plin"
+and "young Plin," was sent back along the west-shore to hunt him up. Of
+course, a hut was immediately prepared for the reception of Mrs.
+Willoughby, upon the plain that stretches across the valley, at this
+point. This was on the site of the present village of Cooperstown, but
+just twenty years anterior to the commencement of the pretty little
+shire town that now exists on the spot.
+
+It was night ere the two Plinies appeared towing Mike, as their great
+namesakes of antiquity might have brought in a Carthaginian galley, in
+triumph. The county Leitrim-man had made his way with excessive toil
+about a league ere he was met, and glad enough was he to see his
+succour approach. In that day, the strong antipathy which now exists
+between the black and the emigrant Irishman was unknown, the
+competition for household service commencing more than half a century
+later. Still, as the negro loved fun constitutionally, and Pliny the
+younger was somewhat of a wag, Mike did not entirely escape, scot-free.
+
+"Why you drag 'im like ox, Irish Mike?" cried the younger negro--"why
+you no row 'im like other folk?"
+
+"Ah--you're as bad as the rest of 'em," growled Mike. "They tould me
+Ameriky was a mighty warm country, and war-r-m I find it, sure enough,
+though the wather isn't as warm as good whiskey. Come, ye black divils,
+and see if ye can coax this _contrairy_ crathure to do as a person
+wants."
+
+The negroes soon had Mike in tow, and then they went down the lake
+merrily, laughing and cracking their jokes, at the Irishman's expense,
+after the fashion of their race. It was fortunate for the Leitrim-man
+that he was accustomed to ditching, though it may be questioned if the
+pores of his body closed again that day, so very effectually had they
+been opened. When he rejoined his master, not a syllable was said of
+the mishap, Joel having the prudence to keep his own secret, and even
+joining Mike in denouncing the bad qualities of the boat. We will only
+add here, that a little calculation entered into this trick, Joel
+perceiving that Mike was a favourite, and wishing to bring him into
+discredit.
+
+Early the next morning, the captain sent the negroes and Mike down the
+Susquehannah a mile, to clear away some flood-wood, of which one of the
+hunters had brought in a report the preceding day. Two hours later, the
+boats left the shore, and began to float downward with the current,
+following the direction of a stream that has obtained its name from its
+sinuosities.
+
+In a few minutes the boats reached the flood-wood, where, to Joel's
+great amusement, Mike and the negroes, the latter having little more
+calculation than the former, had commenced their operations on the
+upper side of the raft, piling the logs on one another, with a view to
+make a passage through the centre. Of course, there was a halt, the
+females landing. Captain Willoughby now cast an eye round him in
+hesitation, when a knowing look from Joel caught his attention.
+
+"This does not seem to be right," he said--"cannot we better if a
+little?"
+
+"It's right wrong, captain," answered Joel, laughing like one who
+enjoyed other people's ignorance. "A sensible crittur' would begin the
+work on such a job, at the lower side of the raft."
+
+"Take the direction, and order things to suit yourself."
+
+This was just what Joel liked. _Head-work_ before all other work
+for him, and he set about the duty authoritatively and with
+promptitude. After rating the negroes roundly for their stupidity, and
+laying it on Mike without much delicacy of thought or diction, over the
+shoulders of the two blacks, he mustered his forces, and began to clear
+the channel with intelligence and readiness.
+
+Going to the lower side of the jammed flood-wood, he soon succeeded in
+loosening one or two trees, which floated away, making room for others
+to follow. By these means a passage was effected in half an hour, Joel
+having the prudence to set no more timber in motion than was necessary
+to his purpose, lest it might choke the stream below. In this manner
+the party got through, and, the river being high at that season, by
+night the travellers were half-way to the mouth of the Unadilla. The
+next evening they encamped at the junction of the two streams, making
+their preparations to ascend the latter the following morning.
+
+The toil of the ascent, however, did not commence, until the boats
+entered what was called the creek, or the small tributary of the
+Unadilla, on which the beavers had erected their works, and which ran
+through the "Manor." Here, indeed, the progress was slow and laborious,
+the rapidity of the current and the shallowness of the water rendering
+every foot gained a work of exertion and pain. Perseverance and skill,
+notwithstanding, prevailed; all the boats reaching the foot of the
+rapids, or straggling falls, on which the captain had built his mills,
+about an hour before the sun disappeared. Here, of course, the boats
+were left, a rude road having been cut, by means of which the freights
+were transported on a sledge the remainder of the distance. Throughout
+the whole of this trying day, Joel had not only worked head-work, but
+he had actually exerted himself with his body. As for Mike, never
+before had he made such desperate efforts. He felt all the disgrace of
+his adventure on the lake, and was disposed to wipe it out by his
+exploits on the rivers. Thus Mike was ever loyal to his employer. He
+had sold his flesh and blood for money, and a man of his conscience was
+inclined to give a fair penny's-worth. The tractable manner in which
+the boat had floated down the river, it is true, caused him some
+surprise, as was shown in his remark to the younger Pliny, on landing.
+
+"This is a curious boat, afther all," said Pat. "One time it's all
+con_trar_iness, and then ag'in it's as obliging as one's own
+mother. It _followed_ the day all's one like a puppy dog, while
+yon on the big wather there was no more _dhriving_ it than a hog.
+Och! it's a faimale boat, by its whims!"
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter III.
+
+  "He sleeps forgetful of his once bright flame
+  He has no feeling of the glory gone;
+  He has no eye to catch the mounting flame
+  That once in transport drew him on;
+  He lies in dull oblivious dreams, nor cares
+  Who the wreathed laurel bears."
+
+  Percival.
+
+The appearance of a place in which the remainder of one's life is to be
+past is always noted with interest on a first visit. Thus it was that
+Mrs. Willoughby had been observant and silent from the moment the
+captain informed her that they had passed the line of his estate, and
+were approaching the spot where they were to dwell. The stream was so
+small, and the girding of the forest so close, that there was little
+range for the sight; but the anxious wife and mother could perceive
+that the hills drew together, at this point, the valley narrowing
+essentially, that rocks began to appear in the bed of the river, and
+that the growth of the timber indicated fertility and a generous soil.
+
+When the boat stopped, the little stream came brawling down a ragged
+declivity, and a mill, one so arranged as to grind and saw, both in a
+very small way, however, gave the first signs of civilization she had
+beheld since quitting the last hut near the Mohawk. After issuing a few
+orders, the captain drew his wife's arm through his own, and hurried up
+the ascent, with an eagerness that was almost boyish, to show her what
+had been done towards the improvement of the "Knoll." There is a
+pleasure in diving into a virgin forest and commencing the labours of
+civilization, that has no exact parallel in any other human occupation.
+That of building, or of laying out grounds, has certainly some
+resemblance to it, but it is a resemblance so faint and distant as
+scarcely to liken the enjoyment each produces. The former approaches
+nearer to the feeling of creating, and is far more pregnant with
+anticipations and hopes, though its first effects are seldom agreeable,
+and are sometimes nearly hideous. Our captain, however, had escaped
+most of these last consequences, by possessing the advantage of having
+a clearing, without going through the usual processes of chopping and
+burning; the first of which leaves the earth dotted, for many years,
+with unsightly stumps, while the rains and snows do not wash out the
+hues of the last for several seasons.
+
+An exclamation betrayed the pleasure with which Mrs. Willoughby got her
+first glimpse of the drained pond. It was when she had clambered to the
+point of the rocks, where the stream began to tumble downward into the
+valley below. A year had done a vast deal for the place. The few stumps
+and stubs which had disfigured the basin when it was first laid bare,
+had all been drawn by oxen, and burned. This left the entire surface of
+the four hundred acres smooth and fit for the plough. The soil was the
+deposit of centuries, and the inclination, from the woods to the
+stream, was scarcely perceptible to the eye. In fact, it was barely
+sufficient to drain the drippings of the winter's snows. The form of
+the area was a little irregular; just enough so to be picturesque;
+while the inequalities were surprisingly few and trifling. In a word,
+nature had formed just such a spot as delights the husbandman's heart,
+and placed it beneath a sun which, while its fierceness is relieved by
+winters of frost and snow, had a power to bring out all its latent
+resources.
+
+Trees had been felled around the whole area, with the open spaces
+filled by branches, in a way to form what is termed a brush fence. This
+is not a sightly object, and the captain had ordered the line to be
+drawn _within_ the woods, so that the visible boundaries of the
+open land were the virgin forest itself. His men had protested against
+this, a fence, however unseemly, being in their view an indispensable
+accessory to civilization. But the captain's authority, if not his
+better taste, prevailed; and the boundary of felled trees and brush was
+completely concealed in the back-ground of woods. As yet, there was no
+necessity for cross-fences, the whole open space lying in a single
+field. One hundred acres were in winter wheat. As this grain had been
+got in the previous autumn, it was now standing on the finest and
+driest of the soil, giving an air of rich fertility to the whole basin.
+Grass-seed had been sown along both banks of the stream, and its waters
+were quietly flowing between two wide belts of fresh verdure, the young
+plants having already started in that sheltered receptacle of the sun's
+rays. Other portions of the flat showed signs of improvement, the
+plough having actually been at work for quite a fortnight.
+
+All this was far more than even the captain had expected, and much more
+than his wife had dared to hope. Mrs. Willoughby had been accustomed to
+witness the slow progress of a new settlement; but never before had she
+seen what might be done on a beaver-dam. To her all appeared like
+magic, and her first question would have been to ask her husband to
+explain what had been done with the trees and stumps, had not her
+future residence caught her eye. Captain Willoughby had left his orders
+concerning the house, previously to quitting the Knoll; and he was now
+well pleased to perceive that they had been attended to. As this spot
+will prove the scene of many of the incidents we are bound to relate,
+it may be proper, here, to describe it, at some length.
+
+The hillock that rose out of the pond, in the form of a rocky little
+island, was one of those capricious formations that are often met with
+on the surface of the earth. It stood about thirty rods from the
+northern side of the area, very nearly central as to its eastern and
+western boundaries, and presented a slope inclining towards the south.
+Its greatest height was at its northern end, where it rose out of the
+rich alluvion of the soil, literally a rock of some forty feet in
+perpendicular height, having a summit of about an acre of level land,
+and falling off on its three sides; to the east and west precipitously;
+to the south quite gently and with regularity. It was this accidental
+formation which had induced the captain to select the spot as the site
+of his residence; for dwelling so far from any post, and in a place so
+difficult of access, something like military defences were merely
+precautions of ordinary prudence. While the pond remained, the islet
+was susceptible of being made very strong against any of the usual
+assaults of Indian warfare; and, now that the basin was drained, it had
+great advantages for the same purpose. The perpendicular rock to the
+north, even overhung the plain. It was almost inaccessible; while the
+formation on the other sides, offered singular facilities, both for a
+dwelling and for security. All this the captain, who was so familiar
+with the finesse of Indian stratagem, had resolved to improve in the
+following manner:
+
+In the first place, he directed the men to build a massive wall of
+stone, for a hundred and fifty feet in length, and six feet in height.
+This stretched in front of the perpendicular rock, with receding walls
+to its verge. The latter were about two hundred feet in length, each.
+This was enclosing an area of two hundred, by one hundred and fifty
+feet, within a blind wall of masonry. Through this wall there was only
+a single passage; a gateway, in the centre of its southern face. The
+materials had all been found on the hill itself, which was well covered
+with heavy stones. Within this wall, which was substantially laid, by a
+Scotch mason, one accustomed to the craft, the men had erected a
+building of massive, squared, pine timber, well secured by cross
+partitions. This building followed the wall in its whole extent, was
+just fifteen feet in elevation, without the roof, and was composed, in
+part, by the wall itself; the latter forming nearly one-half its
+height, on the exterior. The breadth of this edifice was only twenty
+feet, clear of the stones and wood-work; leaving a court within of
+about one hundred by one hundred and seventy-five feet in extent. The
+roof extended over the gateway even; so that the space within was
+completely covered, the gates being closed. This much had been done
+during the preceding fall and winter; the edifice presenting an
+appearance of rude completeness on the exterior. Still it had a sombre
+and goal-like air, there being nothing resembling a window visible; no
+aperture, indeed, on either of its outer faces, but the open gateway,
+of which the massive leaves were finished, and placed against the
+adjacent walls, but which were not yet hung. It is scarcely necessary
+to say, this house resembled barracks, more than an ordinary dwelling.
+Mrs. Willoughby stood gazing at it, half in doubt whether to admire or
+to condemn, when a voice, within a few yards, suddenly drew her
+attention in another direction.
+
+"How you like him?" asked Nick, who was seated on a stone, at the
+margin of the stream, washing his feet, after a long day's hunt. "No
+t'ink him better dan beaver skin? Cap'in know all 'bout him; now he
+give Nick some more last quit-rent?"
+
+"_Last_, indeed, it will be, then, Nick; for I have already paid
+you _twice_ for your rights."
+
+"Discovery wort' great deal, cap'in--see what great man he make pale-
+face."
+
+"Ay, but _your_ discovery, Nick, is not of that sort."
+
+"What sort, den?" demanded Nick, with the rapidity of lightning. "Give
+him back 'e beaver, if you no like he discovery. Grad to see 'em back,
+ag'in; skin higher price dan ever."
+
+"Nick, you're a cormorant, if there ever was one in this world! Here--
+there is a dollar for you; the quit-rent is paid for this year, at
+least. It ought to be for the last time."
+
+"Let him go for all summer, cap'in. Yes, Nick wonderful commerant! no
+such eye he got, among Oneida!"
+
+Here the Tuscarora left the side of the stream, and came up on the
+rock, shaking hands, good-humouredly, with Mrs. Willoughby, who rather
+liked the knave; though she knew him to possess most of the vices of
+his class.
+
+"He very han'som beaver-dam," said Nick, sweeping his hand gracefully
+over the view; "bye 'nd bye, he'll bring potatoe, and corn, and cider--
+all 'e squaw want. Cap'in got good fort, too. Old soldier love fort;
+like to live in him."
+
+"The day may come, Nick, when that fort may serve us all a good turn,
+out here in the wilderness," Mrs. Willoughby observed, in a somewhat
+melancholy tone; for her tender thoughts naturally turned towards her
+youthful and innocent daughters.
+
+The Indian gazed at the house, with that fierce intentness which
+sometimes glared, in a manner that had got to be, in its ordinary
+aspects, dull and besotted. There was a startling intelligence in his
+eye, at such moments; the feelings of youth and earlier habit, once
+more asserting their power. Twenty years before, Nick had been foremost
+on the war-path; and what was scarcely less honourable, among the
+wisest around the council-fire. He was born a chief, and had made
+himself an outcast from his tribe, more by the excess of ungovernable
+passions, than from any act of base meanness.
+
+"Cap'm tell Nick, now, what he mean by building such house, out here,
+among ole beaver bones?" he said, sideling up nearer to his employer,
+and gazing with some curiosity into his face.
+
+"What do I mean, Nick?--Why I mean to have a place of safety to put the
+heads of my wife and children in, at need. The road to Canada is not so
+long, but a red-skin can make one pair of moccasins go over it. Then,
+the Oneidas and Mohawks are not all children of heaven."
+
+"No pale-face rogue, go about, I s'pose?" said Nick, sarcastically.
+
+"Yes, there are men of that class, who are none the worse for being
+locked out of one's house, at times. But, what do _you_ think of
+the hut?--You know I call the place the 'Hut,' the Hutted Knoll."
+
+"He hole plenty of beaver, if you cotch him!--But no water left, and he
+all go away. Why you make him stone, first; den you make him wood,
+a'ter; eh? Plenty rock; plenty tree."
+
+"Why, the stone wall can neither be cut away, nor set fire to, Nick;
+that's the reason. I took as much stone as was necessary, and then used
+wood, which is more easily worked, and which is also drier."
+
+"Good--Nick t'ought just dat. How you get him water if Injen come?"
+
+"There's the stream, that winds round the foot of the hill, Nick, as
+you see; and then there is a delicious spring, within one hundred yards
+of the very gate."
+
+"Which side of him?" asked Nick, with his startling rapidity.
+
+"Why, here, to the left of the gate, and a little to the right of the
+large stone--"
+
+"No--no," interrupted the Indian, "no left--no right--which side--
+_inside_ gate; _outside_ gate?"
+
+"Oh!--the spring is outside the gate, certainly; but means might be
+found to make a covered way to it; and then the stream winds round
+directly underneath the rocks, behind the house, and wafer could be
+raised from _that_, by means of a rope. Our rifles would count for
+something, too, in drawing water, as well as in drawing blood."
+
+"Good.--Rifle got long arm. He talk so, Ingin mind him. When you t'ink
+red-skin come ag'in your fort, cap'in, now you got him done?"
+
+"A long time first, I hope, Nick. We are at peace with France, again;
+and I see no prospect of any new quarrel, very soon. So long as the
+French and English are at peace, the red men will not dare to touch
+either."
+
+"Dat true as missionary! What a soldier do, cap'in, if so much peace?
+Warrior love a war-path."
+
+"I wish it were not so, Nick. But _my_ hatchet is buried, I hope,
+for ever."
+
+"Nick hope cap'in know where to find him, if he want to? Very bad to
+put anyt'ing where he forget; partic'larly tomahawk. Sometime quarrel
+come, like rain, when you don't tink."
+
+"Yes, that also cannot be denied. Yet, I fear the next quarrel will be
+among ourselves, Nick.--The government at home, and the people of the
+colonies, are getting to have bad blood between them."
+
+"Dat very queer! Why pale-face mo'der and pale-face darter no love one
+anoder, like red-skin?"
+
+"Really, Nick, you are somewhat interrogating this evening; but, my
+squaw must be a little desirous of seeing the inside of her house, as
+well as its outside, and I must refer you to that honest fellow,
+yonder, for an answer. His name is Mike; I hope he and you will always
+be good friends."
+
+So saying, the captain nodded in a friendly manner, and led Mrs.
+Willoughby towards the hut, taking a foot-path that was already trodden
+firm, and which followed the sinuosities of the stream, to which it
+served as a sort of a dyke. Nick took the captain at his word, and
+turning about he met the county Leitrim-man, with an air of great
+blandness, thrusting out a hand, in the pale-face fashion, as a sign of
+amity, saying, at the same time--
+
+"How do, Mike?--Sago--Sago--grad you come--good fellow to drink Santa
+Cruz, wid Nick."
+
+"How do, Mike!" exclaimed the other, looking at the Tuscarora with
+astonishment, for this was positively the first red man the Irishman
+had ever seen. "How do Mike! Ould Nick be ye?--well--ye look pretty
+much as I expected to see you--pray, how did ye come to know _my_
+name?"
+
+"Nick know him--know every t'ing. Grad to see you, Mike--hope we live
+together like good friend, down yonder, up here, over dere."
+
+"Ye do, do ye! Divil burn me, now, if I want any sich company. Ould
+Nick's yer name, is it?"
+
+"Old Nick--young Nick--saucy Nick; all one, all to'ther. Make no odd
+what you call; I come."
+
+"Och, yer a handy one! Divil trust ye, but ye'll come when you arn't
+wanted, or yer not of yer father's own family. D'ye live hereabouts,
+masther Ould Nick?"
+
+"Live here--out yonder--in he hut, in he wood--where he want. Make no
+difference to Nick."
+
+Michael now drew back a pace or two, keeping his eyes fastened on the
+other intently, for he actually expected to see some prodigious and
+sudden change in his appearance. When he thought he had got a good
+position for manly defence or rapid retreat, as either might become
+necessary the county Leitrim-man put on a bolder front and resumed the
+discourse.
+
+"If it's so indifferent to ye where ye dwell," asked Mike, "why can't
+you keep at home, and let a body carry these cloaks and bundles of the
+missuses, out yonder to the house wither she's gone?"
+
+"Nick help carry 'em. Carry t'ing for dat squaw hundred time."
+
+"That what! D'ye mane Madam Willoughby by yer blackguard name?"
+
+"Yes; cap'in wife--cap'in squaw, mean him. Carry bundle, basket,
+hundred time for him."
+
+"The Lord preserve me, now, from sich atrocity and impudence!" laying
+down the cloaks and bundles, and facing the Indian, with an appearance
+of great indignation--"Did a body ever hear sich a liar! Why, Misther
+Ould Nick, Madam Willoughby wouldn't let the likes of ye touch the ind
+of her garments. You wouldn't get the liberty to walk in the same path
+with her, much less to carry her bundles. I'll answer for it, ye're a
+great liar, now, ould Nick, in the bottom of your heart."
+
+"Nick great liar," answered the Indian, good-naturedly; for he so well
+knew this was his common reputation, that he saw no use in denying it.
+"What of dat? Lie good sometime."
+
+"That's another! Oh, ye animal; I've a great mind to set upon ye at
+once, and see what an honest man can do wid ye, in fair fight! If I
+only knew what ye'd got about yer toes, now, under them fine-looking
+things ye wear for shoes, once, I'd taich ye to talk of the missus, in
+this style."
+
+"Speak as well as he know how. Nick never been to school. Call 'e
+squaw, _good_ squaw. What want more?"
+
+"Get out! If ye come a foot nearer, I'll be at ye, like a dog upon a
+bull, though ye gore me. What brought ye into this paiceful sittlement,
+where nothing but virtue and honesty have taken up their abode?"
+
+What more Mike might have said is not known, as Nick caught a sign from
+the captain, and went loping across the flat, at his customary gait,
+leaving the Irishman standing on the defensive, and, to own the truth,
+not sorry to be rid of him. Unfortunately for the immediate
+enlightenment of Mike's mind, Joel overheard the dialogue, and
+comprehending its meaning, with his native readiness, he joined his
+companion in a mood but little disposed to clear up the error.
+
+"Did ye see that _crathure_?" asked Mike, with emphasis.
+
+"Sartain--he is often seen here, at the Hut. He may be said to live
+here, half his time."
+
+"A pritty hut, then, ye must have of it! Why do ye tolerate the
+vagabond? He's not fit for Christian society."
+
+"Oh! he's good company, sometimes, Mike. When you know him better,
+you'll like him better. Come; up with the bundles, and let us follow.
+The captain is looking after us, as you see."
+
+"Well may he look, to see us in sich company!--Will he har-r-m the
+missus?"
+
+"Not he. I tell you, you'll like him yourself when you come to know
+him."
+
+"If I do, burn me! Why, he says _himself_, that he's Ould Nick,
+and I'm sure I never fancied the crathure but it was in just some such
+for-r-m. Och! he's ill-looking enough, for twenty Ould Nicks."
+
+Lest the reader get an exaggerated notion of Michael's credulity, it
+may be well to say that Nick had painted a few days before, in a fit of
+caprice, and that one-half of his face was black, and the other a deep
+red, while each of his eyes was surrounded with a circle of white, all
+of which had got to be a little confused in consequence of a night or
+two of orgies, succeeded by mornings in which the toilet had been
+altogether neglected. His dress, too, a blanket with tawdry red and
+yellow trimmings, with ornamented leggings and moccasins to correspond,
+had all aided in maintaining the accidental mystification. Mike
+followed his companion, growling out his discontent, and watching the
+form of the Indian, as the latter still went loping over the flat,
+having passed the captain, with a message to the barns.
+
+"I'll warrant ye, now, the captain wouldn't tolerate such a crathure,
+but he's sent him off to the woods, as ye may see, like a divil, as he
+is! To think of such a thing's spakeing to the missus! Will I fight
+him?--That will I, rather than he'll say an uncivil word to the likes
+of her! He's claws they tell me, though he kapes them so well covered
+in his fine brogues; divil burn me, but I'd grapple him by the toes."
+
+Joel now saw how deep was Michael's delusion, and knowing it
+_must_ soon be over, he determined to make a merit of necessity, by
+letting his friend into the truth, thereby creating a confidence that
+would open the way to a hundre'd future mischievous scenes.
+
+"Claws!" he repeated, with an air of surprise--"And why do you think an
+Injin has claws, Mike?"
+
+"An Injin! D'ye call that miscoloured crathure an Injin Joel. Isn't it
+one of yer yankee divils?"
+
+"Out upon you, for an Irish ninny. Do you think the captain would
+_board_ a devil! The fellow's a Tuscarora, and is as well known here
+as the owner of the Hut himself. It's Saucy Nick."
+
+"Yes, saucy Ould Nick--had it from his very mout' and even the divil
+would hardly be such a blackguard as to lie about his own name. Och!
+he's a roarer, sure enough; and then for the tusks you mintion, I
+didn't see 'em, with my eyes; but the crathure has a mouth that might
+hould a basket-full."
+
+Joel now perceived that he must go more seriously to work to undeceive
+his companion. Mike honestly believed he had met an American devil, and
+it required no little argumentation to persuade him of the contrary. We
+shall leave Joel employed in this difficult task, in which he finally
+succeeded, and follow the captain and his wife to the hut.
+
+The lord and lady of the manor examined everything around their future
+residence, with curious eyes. Jamie Allen, the Scotch mason mentioned,
+was standing in front of the house, to hear what might be said of his
+wall, while two or three other mechanics betrayed some such agitation
+as the tyro in literature manifests, ere he learns what the critics
+have said of his first work. The exterior gave great satisfaction to
+the captain. The wall was not only solid and secure, but it was really
+handsome. This was in some measure owing to the quality of the stones,
+but quite as much to Jamie's dexterity in using them. The wall and
+chimneys, of the latter of which there were no less than six, were all
+laid in lime, too; it having been found necessary to burn some of the
+material to plaster the interior. Then the gates were massive, being
+framed in oak, filled in with four-inch plank, and might have resisted
+a very formidable assault. Their strong iron hinges were all in their
+places, but the heavy job of hanging had been deferred to a leisure
+moment, when all the strength of the manor might be collected for that
+purpose. There they stood, inclining against the wall, one on each side
+of the gateway, like indolent sentinels on post, who felt too secure
+from attack to raise their eyes.
+
+The different mechanics crowded round the captain, each eager to show
+his own portion of what had been done. The winter had not been wasted,
+but, proper materials being in abundance, and on the spot, captain
+Willoughby had every reason to be satisfied with what he got for his
+money. Completely shut out from the rest of the world, the men had
+worked cheerfully and with little interruption; for their labours
+composed their recreation. Mrs. Willoughby found the cart of the
+building her family was to occupy, with the usual offices, done and
+furnished. This comprised all the front on the-eastern side of the
+gateway, and most of the wing, in the same half, extending back to the
+cliff. It is true, the finish was plain; but everything was
+comfortable. The ceilings were only ten feet high certainly, but it was
+thought prodigious in the colony in that day; and then the plastering
+of Jamie was by no means as unexceptionable as his stone-work; still
+every room had its two coats, and white-wash gave them a clean and
+healthful aspect. The end of the wing that came next the cliff was a
+laundry, and a pump was fitted, by means of which water was raised from
+the rivulet. Next came the kitchen, a spacious and comfortable room of
+thirty by twenty feet; an upper-servant's apartment succeeded; after
+which were the bed-rooms of the family a large parlour, and a library,
+or office, for the captain. As the entire range, on this particular
+side of the house, extended near or quite two hundred and fifty feet,
+there was no want of space or accommodation.
+
+The opposite, or western half of the edifice, was devoted to more
+homely uses. It contained an eating-room and divers sleeping-rooms far
+the domestics and labourers, besides store-rooms, garners, and
+_omnium gatherums_ of all sorts. The vast ranges of garrets, too,
+answered for various purposes of household and farming economy. All the
+windows, and sundry doors, opened into the court, while the whole of
+the exterior wall, both wooden and stone, presented a perfect blank, in
+the way of outlets. It was the captain's intention, however, to cut
+divers loops through the logs, at some convenient moment, so that men
+stationed in the garrets might command the different faces of the
+structure with their musketry. But, like the gates, these means of
+defence were laid aside for a more favourable opportunity.
+
+Our excellent matron was delighted with her domestic arrangements. They
+much surpassed any of the various barracks in which she had dwelt, and
+a smile of happiness beamed on her handsome face, as she followed her
+husband from room to room, listening to his explanations. When they
+entered their private apartments, and these were furnished and ready to
+receive them, respect caused the rest to leave them by themselves, and
+once more they found that they were alone.
+
+"Well, Wilhelmina," asked the gratified husband--gratified, because he
+saw pleasure beaming in the mild countenance and serene blue eyes of
+one of the best wives living--"Well, Wilhelmina," he asked, "can you
+give up Albany, and all the comforts of your friends' dwellings, to be
+satisfied in a home like this? It is not probable I shall ever build
+again, whatever Bob may do, when he comes after me. This structure,
+then, part house, part barrack, part fort, as it is, must be our
+residence for the remainder of our days. We are _hutted_ for
+life."
+
+"It is all-sufficient, Willoughby. It has space, comfort, warmth,
+coolness and security. What more can a wife and a mother ask, when she
+is surrounded by those she most loves? Only attend to the security,
+Hugh. Remember how far we are removed from any succour, and how sudden
+and fierce the Indians are in their attacks. Twice have we, ourselves,
+been near being destroyed by surprises, from which accident, or God's
+providence, protected us, rather than our own vigilance. If this could
+happen in garrisons, and with king's troops around us, how much more
+easily might it happen here, with only common labourers to watch what
+is going on!"
+
+"You exaggerate the danger, wife. There are no Indians, in this part of
+the country, who would dare to molest a settlement like ours. We count
+thirteen able-bodied men in all, besides seven women, and could use
+seventeen or eighteen muskets and rifles on an emergency. No _tribe_
+would dare commence hostilities, in a time of general peace,
+and so near the settlements too; and, as to stragglers, who might
+indeed murder to rob, we are so strong, ourselves, that we may sleep in
+peace, so far as they are concerned."
+
+"One never knows that, dearest Hugh. A marauding party of half-a-dozen
+might prove too much for many times their own number, when unprepared.
+I _do_ hope you will have the gates hung, at least; should the
+girls come here, in the autumn, I could not sleep without hanging the
+gates."
+
+"Fear nothing, love," said the captain, kissing his wife with manly
+tenderness. "As for Beulah and Maud, let them come when they please; we
+shall always have a welcome for them, and no place can be safer than
+under their father's eyes."
+
+"I care not so much for myself, Hugh, but _do_ not let the gates
+be forgotten until the girls come."
+
+"Everything shall be done as you desire, wife of mine, though it will
+be a hard job to get two such confounded heavy loads of wood on their
+hinges. We must take some day when everybody is at home, and everybody
+willing to work. Saturday next, I intend to have a review; and, once a
+month, the year round, there will be a muster, when all the arms are to
+be cleaned and loaded, and orders given how to act in case of an alarm.
+An old soldier would be disgraced to allow himself to be run down by
+mere vagabonds. My pride is concerned, and you may sleep in peace."
+
+"Yes, do, dearest Hugh."--Then the matron proceeded through the rooms,
+expressing her satisfaction at the care which had been had for her
+comfort, in her own rooms in particular.
+
+Sooth to say, the interior of the hut presented that odd contrast
+between civilization and rude expedients, which so frequently occurs on
+an American frontier, where persons educated in refinement often find
+themselves brought in close collision with savage life. Carpets, in
+America, and in the year of our Lord 1765, were not quite as much a
+matter of course in domestic economy, as they are to-day. Still they
+were to be found, though it was rare, indeed, that they covered more
+than the centre of the room. One of these great essentials, without
+which no place can appear comfortable in a cold climate, was spread on
+the floor of Mrs. Willoughby's parlour--a room that served for both
+eating and as a sala, the Knight's Hall of the Hut, measuring twenty by
+twenty-four feet--though in fact this carpet concealed exactly two-
+thirds of the white clean plank. Then the chairs were massive and even
+rich, while one might see his face in the dark mahogany of the tables.
+There were cellarets--the captain being a connoisseur in wines--
+bureaus, secretaries, beaufets, and other similar articles, that had
+been collected in the course of twenty years' housekeeping, and
+scattered at different posts, were collected, and brought hither by
+means of sledges, and the facilities of the water-courses. Fashion had
+little to do with furniture, in that simple age, when the son did not
+hesitate to wear even the clothes of the father, years and years after
+the tailor had taken leave of them. Massive old furniture, in
+particular, lasted for generations, and our matron now saw many
+articles that had belonged to her grandfather assembled beneath the
+first roof that she could ever strictly call her own.
+
+Mrs. Willoughby took a survey of the offices last. Here she found,
+already established, the two Plinies, with Mari', the sister of the
+elder Pliny, Bess, the wife of the younger, and Mony--alias Desdemona--
+a collateral of the race, by ties and affinities that garter-king-at-
+arms could not have traced genealogically; since he would have been
+puzzled to say whether the woman was the cousin, or aunt, or step-
+daughter of Mari', or all three. All the women were hard at work, Bess
+singing in a voice that reached the adjoining forest. Mari'--this name
+was pronounced with a strong emphasis on the last syllable, or like
+Maria, without the final vowel--Mari' was the head of the kitchen, even
+Pliny the elder standing in salutary dread of her authority; and her
+orders to her brother and nephew were pouring forth, in an English that
+was divided into three categories; the Anglo-Saxon, the Low Dutch, and
+the Guinea dialect; a medley that rendered her discourse a droll
+assemblage of the vulgar and the classical.
+
+"Here, niggers," she cried, "why you don't jump about like Paus dance?
+Ebbery t'ing want a hand, and some want a foot. Plate to wash, crockery
+to open, water to b'ile, dem knife to clean, and not'ing missed. Lord,
+here's a madam, and 'e whole kitchen in a diffusion."
+
+"Well, Mari'," exclaimed the captain, good-naturedly, "here you are,
+scolding away as if you had been in the place these six months, and
+knew all its faults and weaknesses."
+
+"Can't help a scold, master, in sich a time as dis--come away from dem
+plates, _you_ Great Smash, and let a proper hand take hold on
+'em."
+
+Here we ought to say, that captain Willoughby had christened Bess by
+the sobriquet of Great Smash, on account of her size, which fell little
+short of two hundred, estimated in pounds, and a certain facility she
+possessed in destroying crockery, while 'Mony went by the milder
+appellation of "Little Smash;" not that bowls or plates fared any
+better in her hands, but because _she_ weighed only one hundred
+and eighty.
+
+"Dis is what I tell 'em, master," continued Mari', in a remonstrating,
+argumentative sort of a tone, with dogmatism and respect singularly
+mingled in her manner--"Dis, massa, just what I tell 'em _all_. I
+tell 'em, says I, this is Hunter Knoll, and not All_bon_ny--here
+no store--no place to buy t'ing if you break 'em; no good woman who
+know ebbery t'ing, to tell you where to find t'ing, if you _lose_
+him. If dere was only good woman, _dat_ somet'ing; but no fortun'-
+teller out here in de bushes--no, no--when a silber spoon go,
+_here_, he go for good and all--Goody, massy"--staring at something
+in the court--"what he call _dat_, sa?"
+
+"That--oh! that is only an Indian hunter I keep about me, to bring us
+game--you'll never have an empty spit, Mari', as long as _he_ is
+with us. Fear nothing; he will not harm you. His name is Nick."
+
+"De _Ole_ Nick, massa?"
+
+"No, only _Saucy_ Nick. The fellow is a little slovenly to-day in
+his appearance, and you see he has brought already several partridges,
+besides a rabbit. We shall have venison, in the season."
+
+Here all the negroes, after staring at Nick, quite a minute, set up a
+loud shout, laughing as if the Tuscarora had been created for their
+special amusement. Although the captain was somewhat of a martinet in
+his domestic discipline, it had ever altogether exceeded his authority,
+or his art, to prevent these bursts of merriment; and he led his wife
+away from the din, leaving Mari', Great Smash, and Little Smash, with
+the two Plinies, in ecstasies at their own uproar. Burst succeeded
+burst, until the Indian walked away, in offended dignity.
+
+Such was the commencement of the domestication of the Willoughbys at
+the Hutted Knoll. The plan of our tale does not require us to follow
+them minutely for, the few succeeding years, though some further
+explanation may be necessary to show why this settlement varied a
+little from the ordinary course.
+
+That very season, or, in the summer of 1765, Mrs. Willoughby inherited
+some real estate in Albany, by the death of an uncle, as well as a few
+thousand pounds currency, in ready money. This addition to his fortune
+made the captain exceedingly comfortable; or, for that day, rich; and
+it left him to act his pleasure as related to his lands. Situated as
+these last were, so remote from other settlements as to render
+highways, for some time, hopeless, he saw no use in endeavouring to
+anticipate the natural order of things. It would only create
+embarrassment to raise produce that could not be sent to market; and he
+well knew that a population of any amount could not exist, in quiet,
+without the usual attendants of buying and selling. Then it suited his
+own taste to be the commander-in-chief of an isolated establishment
+like this; and he was content to live in abundance, on his flats,
+feeding his people, his cattle, and even his hogs to satiety, and
+having wherewithal to send away the occasional adventurer, who entered
+his clearing, contented and happy.
+
+Thus it was that he neither sold nor leased. No person dwelt on his
+land who was not a direct dependant, or hireling, and all that the
+earth yielded he could call his own. Nothing was sent abroad for sale
+but cattle. Every year, a small drove of fat beeves and milch cows
+found their way through the forest to Albany, and the proceeds returned
+in the shape of foreign supplies. The rents, and the interests on
+bonds, were left to accumulate, or were applied to aid Robert in
+obtaining a new step in the army. Lands began to be granted nearer and
+nearer to his own, and here and there some old officer like himself, or
+a solitary farmer, began to cut away the wilderness; but none in his
+immediate vicinity.
+
+Still the captain did not live altogether as a hermit. He visited
+Edmeston of Mount Edmeston, a neighbour less than fifty miles distant;
+was occasionally seen at Johnson Hall, with Sir William; or at the
+bachelor establishment of Sir John, on the Mohawk; and once or twice he
+so far overcame his indolence, as to consent to serve as a member for a
+new county, that was called Tryon, after a ruling governor.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IV.
+
+  Hail! sober evening! Thee the harass'd brain
+  And aching heart with fond orisons greet;
+  The respite thou of toil; the balm of pain;
+  To thoughtful mind the hour for musing meet,
+  'Tis then the sage from forth his lone retreat,
+  The rolling universe around espies;
+  'Tis then the bard may hold communion sweet
+  With lovely shapes unkenned by grosser eyes,
+  And quick perception comes of finer mysteries.
+
+  Sands.
+
+In the preceding chapter we closed the minuter narrative with a scene
+at the Hut, in the spring of 1765. We must now advance the time just
+ten years, opening, anew, in the month of May, 1775. This, it is
+scarcely necessary to tell the reader, is bringing him at once up to
+the earliest days of the revolution. The contest which preceded that
+great event had in fact occurred in the intervening time, and we are
+now about to plunge into the current of some of the minor incidents of
+the struggle itself.
+
+Ten years are a century in the history of a perfectly new settlement.
+The changes they produce are even surprising, though in ordinary cases
+they do not suffice to erase the signs of a recent origin. The forest
+is opened, and the light of day admitted, it is true; but its remains
+are still to be seen in multitudes of unsightly stumps, dead standing
+trees, and ill-looking stubs. These vestiges of the savage state
+usually remain a quarter of a century; in certain region they are to be
+found for even more than twice that period. All this, however, had
+captain Willoughby escaped, in consequence of limiting his clearing, in
+a great measure, to that which had been made by the beavers, and from
+which time and natural decay had, long before his arrival, removed
+every ungainly object. It is true, here and there a few acres had been
+cleared on the firmer ground, at the margin of the flats, where barns
+and farm buildings had been built, and orchards planted; but, in order
+to preserve the harmony of his view, the captain had caused all the
+stumps to be pulled and burnt, giving to these places the same air of
+agricultural finish as characterized the fields on the lower land.
+
+To this sylvan scene, at a moment which preceded the setting of the sun
+by a little more than an hour, and in the first week of the genial
+month of May, we must now bring the reader in fancy. The season had
+been early, and the Beaver Manor, or the part of it which was
+cultivated, lying low and sheltered, vegetation had advanced
+considerably beyond the point that is usual, at that date, in the
+elevated region of which we have been writing. The meadows were green
+with matted grasses, the wheat and rye resembled rich velvets, and the
+ploughed fields had the fresh and mellowed appearance of good husbandry
+and a rich soil. The shrubbery, of which the captain's English taste
+had introduced quantities, was already in leaf, and even portions of
+the forest began to veil their sombre mysteries with the delicate
+foliage of an American spring.
+
+The site of the ancient pond was a miracle of rustic beauty. Everything
+like inequality or imperfection had disappeared, the whole presenting a
+broad and picturesquely shaped basin, with outlines fashioned
+principally by nature, an artist that rarely fails in effect. The flat
+was divided into fields by low post-and-rail fences, the captain making
+it a law to banish all unruly animals from his estate. The barns and
+out-buildings were neatly made and judiciously placed, and the three or
+four roads, or lanes, that led to them, crossed the low-land in such
+graceful curves, as greatly to increase the beauty of the landscape.
+Here and there a log cabin was visible, nearly buried in the forest,
+with a few necessary and neat appliances around it; the homes of
+labourers who had long dwelt in them, and who seemed content to pass
+their lives in the same place. As most of these men had married and
+become fathers, the whole colony, including children, notwithstanding
+the captain's policy not to settle, had grown to considerably more than
+a hundred souls, of whom three-and-twenty were able-bodied men. Among
+the latter were the millers; but, their mills were buried in the ravine
+where they had been first placed, quite out of sight from the picture
+above, concealing all the unavoidable and ungainly-looking objects of a
+saw-mill yard.
+
+As a matter of course, the object of the greatest interest, as it was
+the most conspicuous, was the Hutted Knoll, as the house was now
+altogether called, and the objects it contained. Thither, then, we will
+now direct our attention, and describe things as they appeared ten
+years after they were first presented to the reader.
+
+The same agricultural finish as prevailed on the flats pervaded every
+object on the Knoll, though some labour had been expended to produce
+it. Everything like a visible rock, the face of the cliff on the
+northern end excepted, had disappeared, the stones having been blasted,
+and either worked into walls for foundations, or walls for fence. The
+entire base of the Knoll, always excepting the little precipice at the
+rivulet, was encircled by one of the latter, erected under the
+superintendence of Jamie Allen, who still remained at the Hut, a
+bachelor, and as he said himself, a happy man. The southern-face of the
+Knoll was converted into lawn, there being quite two acres intersected
+with walks, and well garnished with shrubbery. What was unusual in
+America, at that day, the captain, owing to his English education, had
+avoided straight lines, and formal paths; giving to the little spot the
+improvement on nature which is a consequence of embellishing her works
+without destroying them. On each side of this lawn was an orchard,
+thrifty and young, and which were already beginning to show signs of
+putting forth their blossoms.
+
+About the Hut itself, the appearance of change was not so manifest.
+Captain Willoughby had caused it to be constructed originally, as he
+intended to preserve it, and if formed no part of his plan to cover it
+with tawdry colours. There it stood, brown above, and grey beneath, as
+wood or stone was the material, with a widely projecting roof. It had
+no piazzas, or stoups, and was still without external windows, one
+range excepted. The loops had been cut, but it was more for the benefit
+of lighting the garrets, than for any other reason, all of them being
+glazed, and serving the end for which they had been pierced. The gates
+remained precisely in the situation in which they were, when last
+presented to the eye of the reader! There they stood, each leaning
+against the wall on its own side of the gateway, the hinges beginning
+to rust, by time and exposure. Ten years had not produced a day of
+sufficient leisure in which to hang them: though Mrs. Willoughby
+frequently spoke of the necessity of doing so, in the course of the
+first summer. Even she had got to be so familiarized to her situation,
+and so accustomed to seeing the leaves where they stood, that she now
+regarded them as a couple of sleeping lions in stone, or as
+characteristic ornaments, rather than as substantial defences to the
+entrance of the dwelling.
+
+The interior of the Hut, however, had undergone many alterations. The
+western half had been completed, and handsome rooms had been fitted up
+for guests and inmates of the family, in the portion of the edifice
+occupied by the latter. Additional comforts had been introduced, and,
+the garners, cribs and lodgings of the labourers having been
+transferred to the skirts of the forest, the house was more strictly
+and exclusively the abode of a respectable and well-regulated family.
+In the rear, too, a wing had been thrown along the verge of the cliff,
+completely enclosing the court. This wing, which overhung the rivulet,
+and had, not only a most picturesque site, but a most picturesque and
+lovely view, now contained the library, parlour and music-room,
+together with other apartments devoted to the uses of the ladies,
+during the day; the old portions of the house that had once been
+similarly occupied being now converted into sleeping apartments. The
+new wing was constructed entirely of massive squared logs, so as to
+render it bullet-proof, here being no necessity for a stone foundation,
+standing, as it did, on the verge of a cliff some forty feet in height.
+This was the part of the edifice which had external windows, the
+elevation removing it from the danger of inroads, or hostile shot,
+while the air and view were both grateful and desirable. Some extra
+attention had been paid to the appearance of the meadows on this side
+of the Knoll, and the captain had studiously kept their skirts, as far
+as the eye could see from the windows, in virgin forest; placing the
+barns, cabins, and other detached buildings, so far south as to be
+removed from view. Beulah Willoughby, a gentle, tranquil creature, had
+a profound admiration of the beauties of nature; and to her, her
+parents had yielded the control of everything that was considered
+accessary to the mere charms of the eye; her taste had directed most of
+that which had not been effected by the noble luxuriance of nature.
+Wild roses were already putting forth their leaves in various fissures
+of the rocks, where earth had been placed for their support, and the
+margin of the little stream, that actually washed the base of the
+cliff, winding off in a charming sweep through the meadows, a rivulet
+of less than twenty feet in width, was garnished with willows and
+alder. Quitting this sylvan spot, we will return to the little shrub-
+adorned area in front of the Hut. This spot the captain called his
+_glacis_, while his daughters termed it the lawn. The hour, it will
+be remembered, was shortly before sunset, and thither nearly all the
+family had repaired to breathe the freshness of the pure air, and bathe
+in the genial warmth of a season, which is ever so grateful to those
+who have recently escaped from the rigour of a stern winter. Rude, and
+sufficiently picturesque garden-seats, were scattered about, and on one
+of these were seated the captain and his wife; he, with his hair
+sprinkled with grey, a hale, athletic, healthy man of sixty, and she a
+fresh-looking, mild-featured, and still handsome matron of forty-eight.
+In front, stood a venerable-looking personage, of small stature,
+dressed in rusty black, of the cut that denoted the attire of a
+clergyman, before it was considered aristocratic to wear the outward
+symbols of belonging to the church of God. This was the Rev. Jedidiah
+Woods, a native of New England, who had long served as a chaplain in
+the same regiment with the captain, and who, being a bachelor, on
+retired pay, had dwelt with his old messmate for the last eight years,
+in the double capacity of one who exercised the healing art as well for
+the soul as for the body. To his other offices, he added that of an
+instructor, in various branches of knowledge, to the young people. The
+chaplain, for so he was called by everybody in and around the Hut, was,
+at the moment of which we are writing, busy in expounding to his
+friends certain nice distinctions that existed, or which he fancied to
+exist, between a tom-cod and a chub, the former of which fish he very
+erroneously conceived he held in his hand at that moment; the Rev. Mr.
+Woods being a much better angler than naturalist. To his dissertation
+Mrs. Willoughby listened with great good-nature, endeavouring all the
+while to feel interested; while her husband kept uttering his "by all
+means," "yes," "certainly," "you're quite right, Woods," his gaze, at
+the same time, fastened on Joel Strides, and Pliny the elder, who were
+unharnessing their teams, on the flats beneath, having just finished a
+"land," and deeming it too late to commence another.
+
+Beulah, her pretty face shaded by a large sun-bonnet, was
+superintending the labours of Jamie Allen, who, finding nothing just
+then to do as a mason, was acting in the capacity of gardener; his hat
+was thrown upon the grass, with his white locks bare, and he was
+delving about some shrubs with the intention of giving them the benefit
+of a fresh dressing of manure. Maud, however, without a hat of any
+sort, her long, luxuriant, silken, golden tresses covering her
+shoulders, and occasionally veiling her warm, rich cheek, was
+exercising with a battledore, keeping Little Smash, now increased in
+size to quite fourteen stone, rather actively employed as an assistant,
+whenever the exuberance of her own spirits caused her to throw the
+plaything beyond her reach. In one of the orchards, near by, two men
+were employed trimming the trees. To these the captain next turned all
+his attention, just as he had encouraged the chaplain to persevere, by
+exclaiming, "out of all question, my dear sir"--though he was
+absolutely ignorant that the other had just advanced a downright
+scientific heresy. At this critical moment a cry from Little Smash,
+that almost equalled a downfall of crockery in its clamour, drew every
+eye in her direction.
+
+"What is the matter, Desdemona?" asked the chaplain, a little tartly,
+by no means pleased at having his natural history startled by sounds so
+inapplicable to the subject. "How often have I told you that the Lord
+views with displeasure anything so violent and improper as your
+outcries?"
+
+"Can't help him, dominie--nebber can help him, when he take me sudden.
+See, masser, dere come Ole Nick!"
+
+There was Nick, sure enough. For the first time, in more than two
+years, the Tuscarora was seen approaching the house, on the long,
+loping trot that he affected when he wished to seem busy, or honestly
+earning his money. He was advancing by the only road that was ever
+travelled by the stranger as he approached the Hut; or, he came up the
+valley. As the woman spoke, he had just made his appearance over the
+rocks, in the direction of the mills. At that distance, quite half a
+mile, he would not have been recognised, but for this gait, which was
+too familiar to all at the Knoll, however, to be mistaken.
+
+"That is Nick, sure enough!" exclaimed the captain. "The fellow comes
+at the pace of a runner; or, as if he were the bearer of some important
+news!"
+
+"The tricks of Saucy Nick are too well known to deceive any here,"
+observed Mrs. Willoughby, who, surrounded by her husband and children,
+always felt so happy as to deprecate every appearance of danger.
+
+"These savages will keep that pace for hours at a time," observed the
+chaplain; "a circumstance that has induced some naturalists to fancy a
+difference in the species, if not in the genus."
+
+"Is he chub or tom-cod, Woods?" asked the captain, throwing back on the
+other all he recollected of the previous discourse.
+
+"Nay," observed Mrs. Willoughby, anxiously, "I _do_ think he may
+have some intelligence! It is now more than a twelvemonth since we have
+seen Nick."
+
+"It is more than twice twelvemonth, my dear; I have not seen the
+fellow's face since I denied him the keg of rum for his 'discovery' of
+another beaver pond. He has tried to sell me a new pond every season
+since the purchase of this."
+
+"Do you think he took serious offence, Hugh, at that refusal? If so,
+would it not be better to give him what he asks?"
+
+"I have thought little about it, and care less, my dear. Nick and I
+know each other pretty well. It is an acquaintance of thirty years'
+standing, and one that has endured trials by flood and field, and even
+by the horse-whip. No less than three times have I been obliged to make
+these salutary applications to Nick's back, with my own hands; though
+it is, now, more than ten years since a blow has passed between us."
+
+"Does a savage ever forgive a blow?" asked the chaplain, with a grave
+air, and a look of surprise.
+
+"I fancy a _savage_ is quite as apt to forgive it, as a
+_civilized_ man, Woods. To you, who have served so long in His
+Majesty's army, a blow, in the way of punishment, can be no great
+novelty."
+
+"Certainly not, as respects the soldiers; but I did not know Indians
+were ever flogged."
+
+"That is because you never happened to be present at the ceremony--but,
+this is Nick, sure enough; and by his trot I begin to think the fellow
+has some message, or news."
+
+"How old is the man, captain? Does an Indian never break down?"
+
+"Nick must be fairly fifty, now. I have known him more than half that
+period, and he was an experienced, and, to own the truth, a brave and
+skilful warrior, when we first met. I rate him fifty, every day of it."
+
+By this time the new-comer was so near, that the conversation ceased,
+all standing gazing at him, as he drew near, and Maud gathering up her
+hair, with maiden bashfulness, though certainly Nick was no stranger.
+As for Little Smash, she waddled off to proclaim the news to the
+younger Pliny, Mari, and Great Smash, all of whom were still in the
+kitchen of the Hut, flourishing, sleek and glistening.
+
+Soon after, Nick arrived. He came up the Knoll on his loping trot,
+never stopping until he was within five or six yards of the Captain,
+when he suddenly halted, folded his arms, and stood in a composed
+attitude, lest he should betray a womanish desire to tell his story. He
+did not even pant but appeared as composed and unmoved, as if he had
+walked the half-mile he had been seen to pass over on a trot.
+
+"Sago--Sago," cried the captain, heartily--"you are welcome back, Nick;
+I am glad to see you still so active."
+
+"Sago"--answered the guttural voice of the Indian, who quietly nodded
+his head.
+
+"What will you have to refresh you, after such a journey, Nick--our
+trees give us good cider, now."
+
+"Santa Cruz better,"--rejoined the sententious Tuscarora.
+
+"Santa Cruz is certainly _stronger_" answered the captain
+laughing, "and, in that sense, you may find it better. You shall have a
+glass, as soon as we go to the house. What news do you bring, that you
+come in so fast?"
+
+"Glass won't do. Nick bring news worth _jug_. Squaw give _two_
+jug for Nick's news. Is it barg'in?"
+
+"I!" cried Mrs. Willoughby--"what concern can I have with your news. My
+daughters are both with me, and Heaven be praised! both are well. What
+_can_ I care for your news, Nick?"
+
+"Got no pap-poose but gal? T'ink you got boy--officer--great chief--up
+here, down yonder--over dere."
+
+"Robert!--Major Willoughby! What can _you_ have to tell me of my
+son?"
+
+"Tell all about him, for _one_ jug. Jug out yonder; Nick's story
+out here. One good as t'other."
+
+"You shall have all you ask, Nick."--These were not temperance days,
+when conscience took so firm a stand between the bottle and the
+lips.--"You shall have all you ask, Nick, provided you can really give
+me good accounts of my noble boy. Speak, then; what have you to say?"
+
+"Say you see him in ten, five minute. Sent Nick before to keep moder
+from too much cry."
+
+An exclamation from Maud followed; then the ardent girl was seen
+rushing down the lawn, her hat thrown aside; and her bright fair hair
+again flowing in ringlets on her shoulders. She flew rather than ran,
+in the direction of the mill, where the figure of Robert Willoughby was
+seen rushing forward to meet her. Suddenly the girl stopped, threw
+herself on a log, and hid her face. In a few minutes she was locked in
+her brother's arms. Neither Mrs. Willoughby nor Beulah imitated this
+impetuous movement on the part of Maud; but the captain, chaplain, and
+even Jamie Allen, hastened down the road to meet and welcome the young
+major. Ten minutes later, Bob Willoughby was folded to his mother's
+heart; then came Beulah's turn; after which, the news having flown
+through the household, the young man had to receive the greetings of
+_Mari'_, both the Smashes, the younger Pliny, and all the dogs. A
+tumultuous quarter of an hour brought all round, again, to its proper
+place, and restored something like order to the Knoll. Still an
+excitement prevailed the rest of the day, for the sudden arrival of a
+guest always produced a sensation in that retired settlement; much more
+likely, then, was the unexpected appearance of the only son and heir to
+create one. As everybody bustled and was in motion, the whole family
+was in the parlour, and major Willoughby was receiving the grateful
+refreshment of a delicious cup of tea, before the sun set. The chaplain
+would have retired out of delicacy, but to this the captain would not
+listen; he would have everything proceed as if the son were a customary
+guest, though it might have been seen by the manner in which his
+mother's affectionate eye was fastened on his handsome face, as well as
+that in which his sister Beulah, in particular, hung about him, under
+the pretence of supplying his wants, that the young man was anything
+but an every-day inmate.
+
+"How the lad has grown!" said the captain, tears of pride starting into
+his eyes, in spite of a very manful resolution to appear composed and
+soldier-like.
+
+"I was about to remark that myself, captain," observed the chaplain. "I
+do think Mr. Robert has got to his full six feet--every inch as tall as
+you are yourself, my good sir."
+
+"That is he, Woods--and taller in one sense. He is a major, already, at
+twenty-seven; it is a step I was not able to reach at near twice the
+age."
+
+"That is owing, my dear sir," answered the son quickly, and with a
+slight tremor in his voice, "to your not having as kind a father as has
+fallen to my share--or at least one not as well provided with the means
+of purchasing."
+
+"Say none at all, Bob, and you can wound no feeling, while you will
+tell the truth. _My_ father died a lieutenant-colonel when I was a
+school-boy; I owed my ensigncy to my uncle Sir Hugh, the father of the
+present Sir Harry Willoughby; after that I owed each step to hard and
+long service. Your mother's legacies have helped you along, at a faster
+rate, though I do trust there has been some merit to aid in the
+preferment."
+
+"Speaking of Sir Harry Willoughby, sir, reminds me of one part of my
+errand to the Hut," said the major, glancing his eye towards his
+father, as if to prepare him for some unexpected intelligence.
+
+"What of my cousin?" demanded the captain, calmly. "We have not met in
+thirty years, and are the next thing to strangers to each other. Has he
+made that silly match of which I heard something when last in York? Has
+he disinherited his daughter as he threatened? Use no reserve here; our
+friend Woods is one of the family."
+
+"Sir Harry Willoughby is not married, sir, but dead."
+
+"Dead!" repeated the captain, setting down his cup, like one who
+received a sudden shock. "I hope not without having been reconciled to
+his daughter, and providing for her large family?"
+
+"He died in her arms, and escaped the consequences of his silly
+intention to marry his own housekeeper. With one material exception, he
+has left Mrs. Bowater his whole fortune."
+
+The captain sat thoughtful, for some time; every one else being silent
+and attentive. But the mother's feelings prompted her to inquire as to
+the nature of the exception.
+
+"Why, mother, contrary to all my expectations, and I may say wishes, he
+has left _me_ twenty-five thousand pounds in the fives. I only
+hold the money as my father's trustee."
+
+"You do no such thing, Master Bob, I can tell you!" said the captain,
+with emphasis.
+
+The son looked at the father, a moment, as if to see whether he was
+understood, and then he proceeded--
+
+"I presume you remember, sir," said the major, "that _you_ are the
+heir to the title?"
+
+"I have not forgot that, major Willoughby; but what is an empty
+baronetcy to a happy husband and father like me, here in the wilds of
+America? Were I still in the army, and a colonel, the thing might be of
+use; as I am, I would rather have a tolerable road from this place to
+the Mohawk than the duchy of Norfolk, without the estate."
+
+"Estate there is none, certainly," returned the major, in a tone of a
+little disappointment, "except the twenty-five thousand pounds; unless
+you include that which you possess where you are; not insignificant, by
+the way, sir."
+
+"It will do well enough for old Hugh Willoughby, late a captain in His
+Majesty's 23d Regiment of Foot, but not so well for _Sir_ Hugh.
+No, no, Bob. Let the baronetcy sleep awhile; it has been used quite
+enough for the last hundred years or more. Out of this circle, there
+are probably not ten persons in America, who know that I have any
+claims to it."
+
+The major coloured, and he played with the spoon of his empty cup,
+stealing a glance or two around, before he answered.
+
+"I beg your pardon, Sir Hugh--my dear father, I mean--but--to own the
+truth, never anticipating such a decision on your part, I have spoken
+of the thing to a good many friends--I dare say, if the truth were
+known, I've called you the baronet, or Sir Hugh, to others, at least a
+dozen times."
+
+"Well, should it be so, the thing will be forgotten. A parson can be
+unfrocked, Woods, and a baronet can be unbaroneted, I suppose."
+
+"But, Sir William"--so everybody called the well-known Sir William
+Johnson, in the colony of New York--"But, Sir William found it useful,
+Willoughby, and so, I dare say, will his son and successor, Sir John,"
+observed the attentive wife and anxious mother; "and if _you_ are
+not now in the army, Bob is. It will be a good thing for our son one
+day, and ought not to be lost."
+
+"Ah, I see how it is, Beulah; your mother has no notion to lose the
+right of being called Lady Willoughby."
+
+"I am sure my mother, sir, wishes to be called nothing that does not
+become _your_ wife; if you remain Mr. Hugh Willoughby, she will
+remain Mrs. Hugh Willoughby. But papa, it _might_ be useful to
+Bob."
+
+Beulah was a great favourite with the captain, Maud being only his
+darling; he listened always to whatever the former said, therefore,
+with indulgence and respect. He often told the chaplain that his
+daughter Beulah had the true feelings of her sex, possessing a sort of
+instinct for whatever was right and becoming, in woman.
+
+"Well, Bob may have the baronetcy, then," he said, smiling. "Major Sir
+Robert Willoughby will not sound amiss in a despatch."
+
+"But, Bob _cannot_ have it, father," exclaimed Maud--"No one _can_
+have it but _you_; and it's a pity it should be lost."
+
+"Let him wait, then, until I am out of the way; when he may claim his
+own."
+
+"_Can_ that be done?" inquired the mother, to whom nothing was
+without interest that affected her children. "How is it, Mr. Woods?--
+may a title be dropped, and then picked up again?--how is this,
+Robert?"
+
+"I believe it may, my dear mother--it will always exist, so long as
+there is an heir, and my father's disrelish for it will not be binding
+on me."
+
+"Oh! in that case, then, all will come right in the end--though, as
+your father does not want it, I wish you could have it, now."
+
+This was said with the most satisfied air in the world, as if the
+speaker had no possible interest in the matter herself, and it closed
+the conversation, for that time. It was not easy to keep up an interest
+in anything that related to the family, where Mrs. Willoughby was
+concerned, in which heart did not predominate. A baronetcy was a
+considerable dignity in the colony of New York in the year of our Lord,
+1775, and it gave its possessor far more importance than it would have
+done in England. In the whole colony there was but one, though a good
+many were to be found further south; and he was known as "Sir John,"
+as, in England, Lord Rockingham, or, in America, at a later day, La
+Fayette, was known as "_The_ Marquis." Under such circumstances,
+then, it would have been no trifling sacrifice to an ordinary woman to
+forego the pleasure of being called "my lady." But the sacrifice cost
+our matron no pain, no regrets, no thought even: The same attachments
+which made her happy, away from the world, in the wilderness where she
+dwelt, supplanted all other feelings, and left her no room, or leisure,
+to think of such vanities. When the discourse changed, it was
+understood that "Sir Hugh" was not to be "Sir Hugh," and that "Sir
+Robert" must bide his time.
+
+"Where did you fall in with the Tuscarora, Bob?" suddenly asked the
+captain, as much to bring up another subject, as through curiosity.
+"The fellow had been so long away, I began to think we should never see
+him again.
+
+"He tells me, sir, he has been on a war path, somewhere out among the
+western savages. It seems these Indians fight among themselves, from
+time to time, and Nick has been trying to keep his hand in. I found him
+down at Canajoharie, and took him for a guide, though he had the
+honesty to own he was on the point of coming over here, had I not
+engaged him."
+
+"I'll answer for it he didn't tell you _that_, until you had paid
+him for the job."
+
+"Why, to own the truth, he did not, sir. He pretended something about
+owing money in the village, and got his pay in advance. I learned his
+intentions only when we were within a few miles of the Hut."
+
+"I'm glad to find, Bob, that you give the place its proper name. How
+gloriously Sir Hugh Willoughby, Bart., of The _Hut_, Tryon county,
+New York, would sound, Woods!--Did Nick boast of the scalps he has
+taken from the Carthaginians?"
+
+"He lays claim to three, I believe, though I have seen none of his
+trophies."
+
+"The Roman hero!--Yet, I have known Nick rather a dangerous warrior. He
+was out against us, in some of my earliest service, and our
+acquaintance was made by my saving his life from the bayonet of one of
+my own grenadiers. I thought the fellow remembered the act for some
+years; but, in the end, I believe I flogged all the gratitude out of
+him. His motives, now, are concentrated in the little island of Santa
+Cruz."
+
+"Here he is, father," said Maud, stretching her light, flexible form
+out of a window. "Mike and the Indian are seated at the lower spring,
+with a jug between them, and appear to be in a deep conversation."
+
+"Ay, I remember on their first acquaintance, that Mike mistook
+_Saucy_ Nick, for _Old_ Nick. The Indian was indignant for a
+while, at being mistaken for the Evil Spirit, but the worthies soon
+found a bond of union between them, and, before six months, he and the
+Irishman became sworn friends. It is said whenever two human beings
+love a common principle, that it never fails to make them firm allies."
+
+"And what was the principle, in this case, captain Willoughby?"
+inquired the chaplain, with curiosity.
+
+"Santa Cruz. Mike renounced whiskey altogether, after he came to
+America, and took to rum. As for Nick, he was never so vulgar as to
+find pleasure in the former liquor."
+
+The whole party had gathered to the windows, while the discourse was
+proceeding, and looking out, each individual saw Mike and his friend,
+in the situation described by Maud. The two _amateurs_--
+_connoisseurs_ would not be misapplied, either--had seated themselves
+at the brink of a spring of delicious water, and removing the corn-cob
+that Pliny the younger had felt it to be classical to affix to the
+nozzle of a quart jug, had, some time before, commenced the delightful
+recreation of sounding the depth, not of the spring, but of the vessel.
+As respects the former, Mike, who was a wag in his way, had taken a
+hint from a practice said to be common in Ireland, called "potatoe and
+point," which means to eat the potatoe and point at the butter;
+declaring that "rum and p'int" was every bit as entertaining as a
+"p'int of rum." On this principle, then, with a broad grin on a face
+that opened from ear to ear whenever he laughed, the county Leitrim-man
+would gravely point his finger at the water, in a sort of mock-homage,
+and follow up the movement with such a suck at the nozzle, as, aided by
+the efforts of Nick, soon analyzed the upper half of the liquor that
+had entered by that very passage. All this time, conversation did not
+flag, and, as the parties grew warm, confidence increased, though
+reason sensibly diminished. As a part of this discourse will have some
+bearing on what is to follow, it may be in place to relate it, here.
+
+"Ye're a jewel, ye be, _ould_ Nick, or _young_ Nick!" cried
+Mike, in an ecstasy of friendship, just after he had completed his
+first half-pint. "Ye're as wilcome at the Huts, as if ye owned thim,
+and I love ye as I did my own brother, before I left the county
+Leitrim--paice to his sowl!"
+
+"He dead?" asked Nick, sententiously; for he had lived enough among the
+pale-faces to have some notions of then theory about the soul.
+
+"That's more than I know--but, living or dead, the man must have a
+sowl, ye understand, Nicholas. A human crathure widout a sowl, is what
+I call a heretick; and none of the O'Hearns ever came to _that_."
+
+Nick was tolerably drunk, but by no means so far gone, that he had not
+manners enough to make a grave, and somewhat dignified gesture; which
+was as much as to say he was familiar with the subject.
+
+"All go ole fashion here?" he asked, avoiding every appearance of
+curiosity, however.
+
+"That does it--that it does, Nicholas. All goes ould enough. The
+captain begins to get ould; and the missus is oulder than she used to
+be; and Joel's wife looks a hundred, though she isn't t'irty; and Joel,
+himself, the spalpeen--he looks--" a gulp at the jug stopped the
+communication.
+
+"Dirty, too?" added the sententious Tuscarora, who did not comprehend
+more than half his friend said.
+
+"Ay, dir-r-ty--he's always _that_. He's a dirthy fellow, that
+thinks his yankee charactur is above all other things."
+
+Nick's countenance became illuminated with an expression nowise akin to
+that produced by rum, and he fastened on his companion one of his fiery
+gazes, which occasionally seemed to penetrate to the centre of the
+object looked at.
+
+"Why pale-face hate one anoder? Why Irishman don't love yankee?"
+
+"Och! love the crathure, is it? You'd betther ask me to love a to'd"--
+for so Michael would pronounce the word 'toad.' "What is there to love
+about him, but skin and bone! I'd as soon love a skiliten. Yes--an
+immortal skiliten."
+
+Nick made another gesture, and then he endeavoured to reflect, like one
+who had a grave business in contemplation. The Santa Cruz confused his
+brain, but the Indian never entirely lost his presence of mind; or
+never, at least, so long as he could either see or walk.
+
+"Don't like him"--rejoined Nick. "Like anybody?"
+
+"To be sure I does--I like the capt'in--och, _he_'s a jontleman--
+and I likes the missus; she's a laddy--and I likes Miss Beuly, who's a
+swate young woman--and then there's Miss Maud, who's the delight of my
+eyes. Fegs, but isn't _she_ a crathure to relish!"
+
+Mike spoke like a good honest fellow, as he was at the bottom, with all
+his heart and soul. The Indian did not seem pleased, but he made no
+answer.
+
+"You've been in the wars then, Nick!" asked the Irishman, after a short
+pause.
+
+"Yes--Nick been chief ag'in--take scalps."
+
+"Ach! That's a mighty ugly thrade! If you'd tell 'em that in Ireland,
+they'd not think it a possibility."
+
+"No like fight in Ireland, hah?"
+
+"I'll not say that--no, I'll not say that; for many's the jollification
+at which the fighting is the chafe amusement. But we likes
+_thumping_ on the head--not _skinning_ it."
+
+"That your fashion--my fashion take scalp. You thump; I skin--which
+best?"
+
+"Augh! skinnin' is a dreadthful operation; but shillaleh-work comes
+nately and nat'rally. How many of these said scalps, now, may ye have
+picked up, Nick, in yer last journey?"
+
+"T'ree--all man and woman--no pappoose. One big enough make _two_;
+so call him _four_."
+
+"Oh! Divil burn ye, Nick; but there's a spice of your namesake in ye,
+afther all. T'ree human crathures skinned, and you not satisfied, and
+so ye'll chait a bit to make 'em four! D'ye never think, now, of yer
+latther ind? D'ye never confess?"
+
+"T'ink every day of _dat_. Hope to find more, before last day
+come. Plenty scalp _here_; ha, Mike?"
+
+This was said a little incautiously, perhaps, but it was said under a
+strong native impulse. The Irishman, however, was never very logical or
+clear-headed; and three gills of rum had, by no means, helped to purify
+his brain. He heard the word "plenty," knew he was well fed and warmly
+clad, and just now, that Santa Cruz so much abounded, the term seemed
+peculiarly applicable.
+
+"It's a plinthiful place it is, is this very manor. There's all sorts
+of things in it that's wanted. There's food and raiment, and cattle,
+and grain, and porkers, and praiching--yes, divil burn it, Nick, but
+there's what _goes_ for praiching, though it's no more like what
+_we_ calls praiching than yer'e like Miss Maud in comeliness, and
+ye'll own, yourself, Nick, yer'e no beauty."
+
+"Got handsome hair," said Nick, surlily--"How she look widout scalp?"
+
+"The likes of her, is it! Who ever saw one of her beauthy without the
+finest hair that ever was! What do you get for your scalps?--are they
+of any use when you find 'em?"
+
+"Bring plenty bye'm-by. Whole country glad to see him before long--den
+beavers get pond ag'in."
+
+"How's that--how's that, Indian? Baiver get pounded? There's no pound,
+hereabouts, and baivers is not an animal to be shut up like a hog!"
+
+Nick perceived that his friend was past argumentation, and as he
+himself was approaching the state when the drunkard receives delight
+from he knows not what, it is unnecessary to relate any more of the
+dialogue. The jug was finished, each man very honestly drinking his
+pint, and as naturally submitting to its consequences; and this so much
+the more because the two were so engrossed with the rum that both
+forgot to pay that attention to the spring that might have been
+expected from its proximity.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter V.
+
+  The soul, my lord, is fashioned--like the lyre.
+  Strike one chord suddenly, and others vibrate.
+  Your name abruptly mentioned, casual words
+  Of comment on your deeds, praise from your uncle,
+  News from the armies, talk of your return,
+  A word let fall touching your youthful passion,
+  Suffused her cheek, call'd to her drooping eye
+  A momentary lustre, made her pulse
+  Leap headlong, and her bosom palpitate.
+
+  Hillhouse.
+
+The approach of night, at sea and in a wilderness, has always something
+more solemn in it, than on land in the centre of civilization. As the
+curtain is drawn before his eyes, the solitude of the mariner is
+increased, while even his sleepless vigilance seems, in a measure,
+baffled, by the manner in which he is cut off from the signs of the
+hour. Thus, too, in the forest, or in an isolated clearing, the
+mysteries of the woods are deepened, and danger is robbed of its
+forethought and customary guards. That evening, Major Willoughby stood
+at a window with an arm round the slender waist of Beulah, Maud
+standing a little aloof; and, as the twilight retired, leaving the
+shadows of evening to thicken on the forest that lay within a few
+hundred feet of that side of the Hut, and casting a gloom over the
+whole of the quiet solitude, he felt the force of the feeling just
+mentioned, in a degree he had never before experienced.
+
+"This is a _very_ retired abode, my sisters," he said,
+thoughtfully. "Do my father and mother never speak of bringing you out
+more into the world?"
+
+"They take us to New York every winter, now father is in the Assembly,"
+quietly answered Beulah. "We expected to meet you there, last season,
+and were greatly disappointed that you did not come."
+
+"My regiment was sent to the eastward, as you know, and having just
+received my new rank of major, it would not do to be absent at the
+moment. Do you ever see any one here, besides those who belong to the
+manor?"
+
+"Oh! yes"--exclaimed Maud eagerly--then she paused, as if sorry she had
+said anything; continuing, after a little pause, in a much more
+moderated vein--"I mean occasionally. No doubt the place is very
+retired."
+
+"Of what characters are your visiters?--hunters, trappers, settlers--
+savages or travellers?"
+
+Maud did not answer; but, Beulah, after waiting a moment for her sister
+to reply, took that office on herself.
+
+"Some of all," she said, "though few certainly of the latter class. The
+hunters are often here; one or two a month, in the mild season;
+settlers rarely, as you may suppose, since my father will not sell, and
+there are not many about, I believe; the Indians come more frequently,
+though I think we have seen less of them, during Nick's absence than
+while he was more with us. Still we have as many as a hundred in a
+year, perhaps, counting the women. They come in parties, you know, and
+five or six of these will make that number. As for travellers, they are
+rare; being generally surveyors, land-hunters, or perhaps a proprietor
+who is looking up his estate. We had two of the last in the fall,
+before we went below."
+
+"That is singular; and yet one might well look for an estate in a
+wilderness like this. Who were your proprietors?"
+
+"An elderly man, and a young one. The first was a sort of partner of
+the late Sir William's, I believe, who has a grant somewhere near us,
+for which he was searching. His name was Fonda. The other was one of
+the Beekmans, who has lately succeeded his father in a property of
+considerable extent, somewhere at no great distance from us, and came
+to take a look at it. They say he has quite a hundred thousand acres,
+in one body."
+
+"And did he find his land? Tracts of thousands and tens of thousands,
+are sometimes not to be discovered."
+
+"We saw him twice, going and returning, and he was successful. The last
+time, he was detained by a snow-storm, and staid with us some days--so
+long, indeed, that he remained, and accompanied us out, when we went
+below. We saw much of him, too, last winter, in town."
+
+"Maud, you wrote me nothing of all this! Are visiters of this sort so
+very common that you do not speak of them in your letters?"
+
+"Did I not?--Beulah will scarce pardon me for _that_. She thinks
+Mr. Evert Beekman more worthy of a place in a letter, than I do,
+perhaps."
+
+"I think him a very respectable and sensible young man," answered
+Beulah quietly though there was a deeper tint on her cheek than common,
+which it was too dark to see. "I am not certain, however, he need fill
+much space in the letters of either of your sisters.'
+
+"Well, this is _something_ gleaned!" said the major,
+laughing--"and now, Beulah, if you will only let out a secret of the
+same sort about Maud, I shall be _au fait_ of all the family
+mysteries."
+
+"All!" repeated Maud, quickly--"would there be nothing to tell of a
+certain major Willoughby, brother of mine?"
+
+"Not a syllable. I am as heart-whole as a sound oak, and hope to remain
+so. At all events, all I love is in this house. To tell you the truth,
+girls, these are not times for a soldier to think of anything but his
+duty. The quarrel is getting to be serious between the mother country
+and her colonies."
+
+"Not so serious, brother," observed Beulah, earnestly, "as to amount to
+_that_. Evert Beekman thinks there will be trouble, but he does
+not appear to fancy it will go as far as very serious violence."
+
+"Evert _Beekman_!--most of that family are loyal, I believe; how
+is it with this Evert?"
+
+"I dare say, _you_ would call him a _rebel_," answered Maud,
+laughing, for now Beulah chose to be silent, leaving her sister to
+explain, "He is not _fiery_; but he calls himself an _American_,
+with emphasis; and that is saying a good deal, when it means he
+is not an _Englishman_. Pray what do you call yourself, Bob?"
+
+"I!--Certainly an American in one sense, but an Englishman in another.
+An American, as my father was a Cumberland-man, and an Englishman as a
+subject, and as connected with the empire."
+
+"As St. Paul was a Roman. Heigho!--Well, I fear I have but one
+character--or, if I have two, they are an American, and a New York
+girl. Did I dress in scarlet, as you do, I might feel English too,
+possibly."
+
+"This is making a trifling misunderstanding too serious," observed
+Beulah. "Nothing can come of all the big words that have been used,
+than more big words. I know that is Evert Beekman's opinion."
+
+"I hope you may prove a true prophet," answered the major, once more
+buried in thought. "This place _does_ seem to be fearfully retired
+for a family like ours. I hope my father may be persuaded to pass more
+of his time in New York. Does he ever speak on the subject, girls, or
+appear to have any uneasiness?"
+
+"Uneasiness about what? The place is health itself: all sorts of
+fevers, and agues, and those things being quite unknown. Mamma says the
+toothache, even, cannot be found in this healthful spot."
+
+"That is lucky--and, yet, I wish captain Willoughby--_Sir Hugh_
+Willoughby could be induced to live more in New York. Girls of your
+time of life, ought to be in the way of seeing the world, too."
+
+"In other words, of seeing admirers, major Bob," said Maud, laughing,
+and bending forward to steal a glance in her brother's face. "Good
+night. _Sir Hugh_ wishes us to send you into his library when we
+can spare you, and _my lady_ has sent us a hint that it is ten
+o'clock, at which hour it is usual for sober people to retire."
+
+The major kissed both sisters with warm affection--Beulah fancied with
+a sobered tenderness, and Maud thought kindly--and then they retired to
+join their mother, while he went to seek his father.
+
+The captain was smoking in the library, as a room of all-_head_-
+work was called, in company with the chaplain. The practice of using
+tobacco in this form, had grown to be so strong in both of these old
+inmates of garrisons, that they usually passed an hour, in the
+recreation, before they went to bed. Nor shall we mislead the reader
+with any notions of fine-flavoured Havana segars; pipes, with Virginia
+cut, being the materials employed in the indulgence. A little excellent
+Cogniac and water, in which however the spring was not as much
+neglected, as in the orgies related in the previous chapter, moistened
+their lips, from time to time, giving a certain zest and comfort to
+their enjoyments. Just as the door opened to admit the major, he was
+the subject of discourse, the proud parent and the partial friend
+finding almost an equal gratification in discussing his fine, manly
+appearance, good qualities, and future hopes. His presence was
+untimely, then, in one sense; though he was welcome, and, indeed,
+expected. The captain pushed a chair to his son, and invited him to
+take a seat near the table, which held a spare pipe or two, a box of
+tobacco, a decanter of excellent brandy, a pitcher of pure water, all
+pleasant companions to the elderly gentlemen, then in possession.
+
+"I suppose you are too much of a maccaroni, Bob, to smoke," observed
+the smiling father. "I detested a pipe at your time of life; or may
+say, I was afraid of it; the only smoke that was in fashion among our
+scarlet coats being the smoke of gunpowder. Well, how comes on Gage,
+and your neighbours the Yankees?"
+
+"Why, sir," answered the major, looking behind him, to make sure that
+the door was shut--"Why, sir, to own the truth, my visit, here, just at
+this moment, is connected with the present state of that quarrel."
+
+Both the captain and the chaplain drew the pipes from their mouths,
+holding them suspended in surprise and attention.
+
+"The deuce it is!" exclaimed the former. "I thought I owed this
+unexpected pleasure to your affectionate desire to let me know I had
+inherited the empty honours of a baronetcy!"
+
+"That was _one_ motive, sir, but the least. I beg you to remember
+the awkwardness of my position, as a king's officer, in the midst of
+enemies."
+
+"The devil! I say, parson, this exceeds heresy and schism! Do you call
+lodging in your father's house, major Willoughby, being in the midst of
+enemies? This is rebellion against nature, and is worse than rebellion
+against the king."
+
+"My dear father, no one feels more secure with _you_, than I do;
+or, even, with Mr. Woods, here. But, there are others besides you two,
+in this part of the world, and your very settlement may not be safe a
+week longer; probably would not be, if my presence in it were known."
+
+Both the listeners, now, fairly laid down their pipes, and the smoke
+began gradually to dissipate, as it might have been rising from a field
+of battle. One looked at the other, in wonder, and, then, both looked
+at the major, in curiosity.
+
+"What is the meaning of all this, my son?" asked the captain, gravely.
+"Has anything new occurred to complicate the old causes of quarrel?"
+
+"Blood has, at length, been drawn, sir; open rebellion has commenced!"
+
+"This is a serious matter, indeed, if it be really so. But do you not
+exaggerate the consequences of some fresh indiscretion of the soldiery,
+in firing on the people? Remember, in the other affair, even the
+colonial authorities justified the officers."
+
+"This is a very different matter, sir. Blood has not been drawn in a
+_riot_, but in a _battle_."
+
+"Battle! You amaze me, sir! That is indeed a serious matter, and may
+lead to most serious consequences!"
+
+"The Lord preserve us from evil times," ejaculated the chaplain, "and
+lead us, poor, dependent creatures that we are, into the paths of peace
+and quietness! Without his grace, we are the blind leading the blind."
+
+"Do you mean, major Willoughby, that armed and disciplined bodies have
+met in actual conflict?"
+
+"Perhaps not literally so, my dear father; but the minute-men of
+Massachusetts, and His Majesty's forces, have met and fought. This I
+know, full well; for my own regiment was in the field, and, I hope it
+is unnecessary to add, that its second officer was not absent."
+
+"Of course these minute-men--rabble would be the better word--could not
+stand before you?" said the captain, compressing his lips, under a
+strong impulse of military pride.
+
+Major Willoughby coloured, and, to own the truth, at that moment he
+wished the Rev. Mr. Woods, if not literally at the devil, at least safe
+and sound in another room; anywhere, so it were out of ear-shot of the
+answer.
+
+"Why, sir," he said, hesitating, not to say stammering, notwithstanding
+a prodigious effort to seem philosophical and calm--"To own the truth,
+these minute-fellows are not quite as contemptible as we soldiers would
+be apt to think. It was a stone-wall affair, and dodging work; and, so,
+you know, sir, drilled troops wouldn't have the usual chance. They
+pressed us pretty warmly on the retreat."
+
+"_Retreat_! Major Willoughby!"
+
+"I called it retreat, sure enough; but it was only a march _in_,
+again, after having done the business on which we went out. I shall
+admit, I say, sir, that we were hard pressed, until _reinforced_."
+
+"_Reinforced_, my dear Bob! _Your_ regiment, _our_
+regiment could not need a reinforcement against all the Yankees in New
+England."
+
+The major could not abstain from laughing, a little, at this exhibition
+of his father's _esprit de corps_; but native frankness, and love
+of truth, compelled him to admit the contrary.
+
+"It _did_, sir, notwithstanding," he answered; "and, not to mince
+the matter, it needed it confoundedly. Some of our officers who have
+seen the hardest service of the last war, declare, that taking the
+march, and the popping work, and the distance, altogether, it was the
+warmest day _they_ remember. Our loss, too, was by no means
+insignificant, as I hope you will believe, when you know the troops
+engaged. We report something like three hundred casualties."
+
+The captain did not answer for quite a minute. All this time he sat
+thoughtful, and even pale; for his mind was teeming with the pregnant
+consequences of such an outbreak. Then he desired his son to give a
+succinct, but connected history of the whole affair. The major
+complied, beginning his narrative with an account of the general state
+of the country, and concluding it, by giving, as far as it was possible
+for one whose professional pride and political feelings were too deeply
+involved to be entirely impartial, a reasonably just account of the
+particular occurrence already mentioned.
+
+The events that led to, and the hot skirmish which it is the practice
+of the country to call the Battle of Lexington, and the incidents of
+the day itself, are too familiar to the ordinary reader, to require
+repetition here. The major explained all the military points very
+clearly, did full justice to the perseverance and daring of the
+provincials, as he called his enemies--for, an American himself, he
+would not term them Americans--and threw in as many explanatory remarks
+as he could think of, by way of vindicating the "march _in_,
+again." This he did, too, quite as much out of filial piety, as out of
+self-love; for, to own the truth, the captain's mortification, as a
+soldier, was so very evident as to give his son sensible pain.
+
+"The effect of all this," continued the major, when his narrative of
+the military movements was ended, "has been to raise a tremendous
+feeling, throughout the country, and God knows what is to follow."
+
+"And this you have come hither to tell me, Robert," said the father,
+kindly. "It is well done, and as I would have expected from you. We
+might have passed the summer, here, and not have heard a whisper of so
+important an event."
+
+"Soon after the affair--or, as soon as we got some notion of its effect
+on the provinces, general Gage sent me, privately, with despatches to
+governor Tryon. _He_, governor Tryon, was aware of your position;
+and, as I had also to communicate the death of Sir Harry Willoughby, he
+directed me to come up the river, privately, have an interview with Sir
+John, if possible, and then push on, under a feigned name, and
+communicate with you. He thinks, now Sir William is dead, that with
+your estate, and new rank, and local influence, you might be very
+serviceable in sustaining the royal cause; for, it is not to be
+concealed that this affair is likely to take the character of an open
+and wide-spread revolt against the authority of the crown."
+
+"General Tryon does me too much honour," answered the captain, coldly.
+"My estate is a small body of wild land; my influence extends little
+beyond this beaver meadow, and is confined to my own household, and
+some fifteen or twenty labourers; and as for the _new rank_ of
+which you speak, it is not likely the colonists will care much for
+_that,_ if they disregard the rights of the king. Still, you have
+acted like a son in running the risk you do, Bob; and I pray God you
+may get back to your regiment, in safety."
+
+"This is a cordial to my hopes, sir; for nothing would pain me more
+than to believe you think it my duty, because I was born in the
+colonies, to throw up my commission, and take side with the rebels."
+
+"I do not conceive that to be your duty, any more than I conceive it to
+be mine to take sides against them, because I happened to be born in
+England. It is a weak view of moral obligations, that confines them
+merely to the accidents of birth, and birth-place. Such a subsequent
+state of things may have grown up, as to change all our duties, and it
+is necessary that we discharge them as they _are_; not as they may
+have been, hitherto, or may be, hereafter. Those who clamour so much
+about mere birth-place, usually have no very clear sense of their
+higher obligations. Over our birth we can have no control; while we are
+rigidly responsible for the fulfilment of obligations voluntarily
+contracted."
+
+"Do you reason thus, captain?" asked the chaplain, with strong
+interest--"Now, I confess, I _feel_, in this matter, not only very
+much like a native American, but very much like a native Yankee, in the
+bargain. You know I was born in the Bay, and--the major must excuse
+me--but, it ill-becomes my cloth to deceive--I hope the major will
+pardon me--I--I do hope--"
+
+"Speak out, Mr. Woods," said Robert Willoughby, smiling--"_You_
+have nothing to fear from your old friend the major."
+
+"So I thought--so I thought--well, then, I was glad--yes, really
+rejoiced at heart, to hear that my countrymen, down-east, there, had
+made the king's troops scamper,"
+
+"I am not aware that I used any such terms, sir, in connection with the
+manner in which we marched in, after the duty we went out on was
+performed," returned the young soldier, a little stiffly. "I suppose it
+is natural for one Yankee to sympathize with another; but, my father,
+Mr. Woods, is an _Old_ England, and not a _New_-England-man;
+and he may be excused if he feel more for the servants of the crown."
+
+"Certainly, my dear major--certainly, my dear Mr. Robert--my old pupil,
+and, I hope, my friend--all this is true enough, and very natural. I
+allow captain Willoughby to wish the best for the king's troops, while
+I wish the best for my own countrymen."
+
+"This is natural, on both sides, out of all question, though it by no
+means follows that it is right. 'Our country, right or wrong,' is a
+high-sounding maxim, but it is scarcely the honest man's maxim. Our
+country, after all, cannot have nearer claims upon us, than our parents
+for instance; and who can claim a moral right to sustain even his own
+father, in error, injustice, or crime? No, no--I hate your pithy
+sayings; they commonly mean nothing that is substantially good, at
+bottom."
+
+"But one's country, in a time of actual war, sir!" said the major, in a
+tone of as much remonstrance as habit would allow him to use to his own
+father.
+
+"Quite true, Bob; but the difficulty here, is to know which _is_
+one's country. It is a family quarrel, at the best, and it will hardly
+do to talk about foreigners, at all. It is the same as if I should
+treat Maud unkindly, or harshly, because she is the child of only a
+friend, and not my own natural daughter. As God is my judge, Woods, I
+am unconscious of not loving Maud Meredith, at this moment, as tenderly
+as I love Beulah Willoughby. There was a period, in her childhood, when
+the playful little witch had most of my heart, I am afraid, if the
+truth were known. It is use, and duty, then, and not mere birth, that
+ought to tie our hearts."
+
+The major thought it might very well be that one child should be loved
+more than another, though he did not understand how there could be a
+divided allegiance. The chaplain looked at the subject with views still
+more narrowed, and he took up the cudgels of argument in sober earnest,
+conceiving this to be as good an opportunity as another, for disposing
+of the matter.
+
+"I am all for birth, and blood, and natural ties," he said, "always
+excepting the peculiar claims of Miss Maud, whose case is _sui
+generis_, and not to be confounded with any other case. A man can
+have but one country, any more than he can have but one nature; and, as
+he is forced to be true to that nature, so ought he morally to be true
+to that country. The captain says, that it is difficult to determine
+which is one's country, in a civil war; but I cannot admit the
+argument. If Massachusetts and England get to blows, Massachusetts is
+my country; if Suffolk and Worcester counties get into a quarrel, my
+duty calls me to Worcester, where I was born; and so I should carry out
+the principle from country to country, county to county, town to town,
+parish to parish; or, even household to household."
+
+"This is an extraordinary view of one's duty, indeed, my dear Mr.
+Woods," cried the major, with a good deal of animation; "and if one-
+half the household quarrelled with the other, you would take sides with
+that in which you happened to find yourself, at the moment."
+
+"It is an extraordinary view of one's duty, for a _parson_;"
+observed the captain. "Let us reason backward a little, and ascertain
+where we shall come out. You put the head of the household out of the
+question. Has he no claims? Is a father to be altogether overlooked in
+the struggle between the children? Are his laws to be broken--his
+rights invaded--or his person to be maltreated, perhaps, and his curse
+disregarded, because a set of unruly children get by the ears, on
+points connected with their own selfishness?"
+
+"I give up the household," cried the chaplain, "for the bible settles
+that; and what the bible disposes of, is beyond dispute--'Honour thy
+father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the
+Lord thy God giveth thee'--are terrible words, and must not be
+disobeyed. But the decalogue has not another syllable which touches the
+question. 'Thou shalt not kill,' means murder only; common, vulgar
+murder--and 'thou shalt not steal,' 'thou shalt not commit adultery,'
+&c., don't bear on civil war, as I see. 'Remember the Sabbath to keep
+it holy'--'Thou shalt not covet the ox nor the ass'--'Thou shalt not
+take the name of the Lord thy God in vain'--none of these, not one of
+them, bears, at all, on this question."
+
+"What do you think of the words of the Saviour, where he tells us to
+'render unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's? Has Cæsar no rights
+here? Can Massachusetts and my Lord North settle their quarrels in such
+a manner as to put Cæsar altogether out of view?"
+
+The chaplain looked down a moment, pondered a little, and then he came
+up to the attack, again, with renewed ardour.
+
+"Cæsar is out of the question here. If His Majesty will come and take
+sides with us, we shall be ready to honour and obey him; but if he
+choose to remain alienated from us, it is his act, not ours."
+
+"This is a new mode of settling allegiance! If Cæsar will do as we
+wish, he shall still be Cæsar; but, if he refuse to do as we wish, then
+down with Cæsar. I am an old soldier, Woods, and while I feel that this
+question has two sides to it, my disposition to reverence and honour
+the king is still strong."
+
+The major appeared delighted, and, finding matters going on so
+favourably, he pleaded fatigue and withdrew, feeling satisfied that, if
+his father fairly got into a warm discussion, taking the loyal side of
+the question, he would do more to confirm himself in the desired views,
+than could be effected by any other means. By this time, the disputants
+were so warm as scarcely to notice the disappearance of the young man,
+the argument proceeding.
+
+The subject is too hackneyed, and, indeed, possesses too little
+interest, to induce us to give more than an outline of what passed. The
+captain and the chaplain belonged to that class of friends, which may
+be termed argumentative. Their constant discussions were a strong link
+in the chain of esteem; for they had a tendency to enliven their
+solitude, and to give a zest to lives that, without them, would have
+been exceedingly monotonous. Their ordinary subjects were theology and
+war; the chaplain having some practical knowledge of the last, and the
+captain a lively disposition to the first. In these discussions, the
+clergyman was good-natured and the soldier polite; circumstances that
+tended to render them far more agreeable to the listeners than they
+might otherwise have proved.
+
+On the present occasion, the chaplain rang the changes diligently, on
+the natural feelings, while his friend spoke most of the higher duties.
+The _ad captandum_ part of the argument, oddly enough, fell to the
+share of the minister of the church; while the intellectual,
+discriminating, and really logical portion of the subject, was handled
+by one trained in garrisons and camps, with a truth, both of ethics and
+reason, that would have done credit to a drilled casuist. The war of
+words continued till past midnight, both disputants soon getting back
+to their pipes, carrying on the conflict amid a smoke that did no
+dishonour to such a well-contested field. Leaving the captain and his
+friend thus intently engaged, we will take one or two glimpses into
+different parts of the house, before we cause all our characters to
+retire for the night.
+
+About the time the battle in the library was at its height, Mrs.
+Willoughby was alone in her room, having disposed of all the cares, and
+most of the duties of the day. The mother's heart was filled with a
+calm delight that it would have been difficult for herself to describe.
+All she held most dear on earth, her husband, her kind-hearted,
+faithful, long-loved husband; her noble son, the pride and joy of her
+heart; Beulah, her own natural-born daughter, the mild, tractable,
+sincere, true-hearted child that so much resembled herself; and Maud,
+the adopted, one rendered dear by solicitude and tenderness, and now so
+fondly beloved on her own account, were all with her, beneath her own
+roof, almost within the circle of her arms. The Hutted Knoll was no
+longer a solitude; the manor was not a wilderness to _her_; for
+where her heart was, there truly was her treasure, also. After passing
+a few minutes in silent, but delightful thought, this excellent,
+guileless woman knelt and poured out her soul in thanksgivings to the
+Being, who had surrounded her lot with so many blessings. Alas! little
+did she suspect the extent, duration, and direful nature of the evils
+which, at that very moment, were pending over her native country, or
+the pains that her own affectionate hear? was to endure! The major had
+not suffered a whisper of the real nature of his errand to escape him,
+except to his father and the chaplain; and we will now follow him to
+his apartment, and pass a minute, _tête-à-tête,_ with the young
+soldier, ere he too lays his head on his pillow.
+
+A couple of neat rooms were prepared and furnished, that were held
+sacred to the uses of the heir. They were known to the whole household,
+black and white, as the "young captain's quarters;" and even Maud
+called them, in her laughing off-handedness, "Bob's Sanctum." Here,
+then, the major found everything as he left it on his last visit, a
+twelvemonth before; and some few things that were strangers to him, in
+the bargain. In that day, toilets covered with muslin, more or less
+worked and ornamented, were a regular appliance of every bed-room, of a
+better-class house, throughout America. The more modern "Duchesses,"
+"Psyches," "dressing-tables," &c. &c., of our own extravagant and
+benefit-of-the-act-taking generation, were then unknown; a moderately-
+sized glass, surrounded by curved, gilded ornaments, hanging against
+the wall, above the said muslin-covered table, quite as a matter of
+law, if not of domestic faith.
+
+As soon as the major had set down his candle, he looked about him, as
+one recognises old friends, pleased at renewing his acquaintance with
+so many dear and cherished objects. The very playthings of his
+childhood were there; and, even a beautiful and long-used hoop, was
+embellished with ribbons, by some hand unknown to himself. "Can this be
+my mother?" thought the young man, approaching to examine the well-
+remembered hoop, which he had never found so honoured before; "can my
+kind, tender-hearted mother, who never will forget that I am no longer
+a child, can she have really done this? I must laugh at her, to-morrow,
+about it, even while I kiss and bless her." Then he turned to the
+toilet, where stood a basket, filled with different articles, which, at
+once, he understood were offerings to himself. Never had he visited the
+Hut without finding such a basket in his room at night. It was a tender
+proof how truly and well he was remembered, in his absence.
+
+"Ah!" thought the major, as he opened a bundle of knit lamb's-wool
+stockings, "here is my dear mother again, with her thoughts about damp
+feet, and the exposure of service. And a dozen shirts, too, with
+'Beulah' pinned on one of them--how the deuce does the dear girl
+suppose I am to carry away such a stock of linen, without even a horse
+to ease me of a bundle? My kit would be like that of the commander-in-
+chief, were I to take away all that these dear relatives design for me.
+What's this?--a purse! a handsome silken purse, too, with Beulah's name
+on it. Has Maud nothing, here? Why has Maud forgotten me! Ruffles,
+handkerchiefs, garters--yes, here is a pair of my good mother's own
+knitting, but nothing of Maud's--Ha! what have we here? As I live, a
+beautiful silken scarf--netted in a way to make a whole regiment
+envious. Can this have been bought, or has it been the work of a
+twelvemonth? No name on it, either. Would my father have done this?
+Perhaps it is one of his old scarfs--if so, it is an old _new_
+one, for I do not think it has ever been worn. I must inquire into
+this, in the morning--I wonder there is nothing of Maud's!"
+
+As the major laid aside his presents, he kissed the scarf, and then--I
+regret to say without saying _his_ prayers--the young man went to
+bed.
+
+The scene must now be transferred to the room where the sisters--in
+affection, if not in blood--were about to seek their pillows also.
+Maud, ever the quickest and most prompt in her movements, was already
+in her night-clothes; and, wrapping a shawl about herself, was seated
+waiting for Beulah to finish her nightly orisons. It was not long
+before the latter rose from her knees, and then our heroine spoke.
+
+"The major must have examined the basket by this time," she cried, her
+cheek rivalling the tint of a riband it leaned against, on the back of
+the chair. "I heard his heavy tramp--tramp--tramp--as he went to his
+room--how differently these men walk from us girls, Beulah!"
+
+"They do, indeed; and Bob has got to be so large and heavy, now, that
+he quite frightens me, sometimes. Do you not think he grows wonderfully
+like papa?"
+
+"I do not see it. He wears his own hair, and it's a pity he should ever
+cut it off, it's so handsome and curling. Then he is taller, but
+lighter--has more colour--is so much younger--and everyway so
+different, I wonder you think so. I do not think him in the least like
+father."
+
+"Well, that is odd, Maud. Both mother and myself were struck with the
+resemblance, this evening, and we were both delighted to see it. Papa
+is quite handsome, and so I think is Bob. Mother says he is not
+_quite_ as handsome as father was, at his age, but _so_ like
+him, it is surprising!"
+
+"Men may be handsome and not alike. Father is certainly one of the
+handsomest elderly men of my acquaintance--and the major is so-so-ish--
+but, I wonder you can think a man of seven-and-twenty so _very_
+like one of sixty odd. Bob tells me he can play the flute quite readily
+now, Beulah."
+
+"I dare say; he does everything he undertakes uncommonly well. Mr.
+Woods said, a few days since, he had never met with a boy who was
+quicker at his mathematics."
+
+"Oh! All Mr. Wood's geese are swans. I dare say there have been other
+boys who were quite as clever. I do not believe in _non-pareils,_
+Beulah."
+
+"You surprise me, Maud--you, whom I always supposed such a friend of
+Bob's! He thinks everything _you_ do, too, so perfect! Now, this
+very evening, he was looking at the sketch you have made of the Knoll,
+and he protested he did not know a regular artist in England, even,
+that would have done it better."
+
+Maud stole a glance at her sister, while the latter was speaking, from
+under her cap, and her cheeks now fairly put the riband to shame; but
+her smile was still saucy and wilful.
+
+"Oh nonsense," she said--"Bob's no judge of drawings--_He_ scarce
+knows a tree from a horse!"
+
+"I'm surprised to hear you say so, Maud," said the generous-minded and
+affectionate Beulah, who could see no imperfection in Bob; "and that of
+your brother. When he taught _you_ to draw, you thought him well
+skilled as an artist."
+
+"Did I?--I dare say I'm a capricious creature--but, somehow, I don't
+regard Bob, just as I used to. He has been away from us so much, of
+late, you know--and the army makes men so formidable--and, they are not
+like us, you know--and, altogether, I think Bob excessively changed."
+
+"Well, I'm glad mamma don't hear this, Maud. She looks upon her son,
+now he is a major, and twenty-seven, just as she used to look upon him,
+when he was in petticoats--nay, I think she considers us all exactly as
+so many little children."
+
+"She is a dear, good mother, I know," said Maud, with emphasis, tears
+starting to her eyes, involuntarily, almost _impetuously_--
+"whatever she says, does, wishes, hopes, or thinks, is right."
+
+"Oh! I knew you would come to, as soon as there was a question about
+mother! Well, for my part, I have no such horror of men, as not to feel
+just as much tenderness for father or brother, as I feel for mamma,
+herself."
+
+"Not for Bob, Beulah. Tenderness for Bob! Why, my dear sister, that is
+feeling tenderness for a _Major of Foot_, a very different thing
+from feeling it for one's mother. As for papa--dear me, he is glorious,
+and I do so love him!"
+
+"You ought to, Maud; for you were, and I am not certain that you are
+not, at this moment, _his_ darling."
+
+It was odd that this was said without the least thought, on the part of
+the speaker, that Maud was not her natural sister--that, in fact, she
+was not in the least degree related to her by blood. But so closely and
+judiciously had captain and Mrs. Willoughby managed the affair of their
+adopted child, that neither they themselves, Beulah, nor the inmates of
+the family or household, ever thought of her, but as of a real daughter
+of her nominal parents. As for Beulah, her feelings were so simple and
+sincere, that they were even beyond the ordinary considerations of
+delicacy, and she took precisely the same liberties with her titular,
+as she would have done with a natural sister. Maud alone, of all in the
+Hut, remembered her birth, and submitted to some of its most obvious
+consequences. As respects the captain, the idea never crossed her mind,
+that she was adopted by him; as respects her mother, she filled to her,
+in every sense, that sacred character; Beulah, too, was a sister, in
+thought and deed; but, Bob, he had so changed, had been so many years
+separated from her; had once actually called her Miss Meredith--
+somehow, she knew not how herself--it was fully six years since she had
+begun to remember that _he_ was not her brother.
+
+"As for my father," said Maud, rising with emotion, and speaking with
+startling emphasis--"I will not say I _love_ him--I _worship_
+him!"
+
+"Ah! I know that well enough, Maud; and to say the truth, you are a
+couple of idolaters, between you. Mamma says this, sometimes; though
+she owns she is not jealous. But it would pain her excessively to hear
+that you do not feel towards Bob, just as we all feel."
+
+"But, ought I?--Beulah, I cannot!"
+
+"Ought you!--Why not, Maud? Are you in your senses, child?"
+
+"But--you know--I'm sure--you ought to remember--"
+
+"_What_?" demanded Beulah, really frightened at the other's
+excessive agitation.
+
+"That I am _not_ his real--true--_born_ sister!"
+
+This was the first time in their lives, either had ever alluded to the
+fact, in the other's presence. Beulah turned pale; she trembled all
+over, as if in an ague; then she luckily burst into tears, else she
+might have fainted.
+
+"Beulah--my sister--my _own_ sister!" cried Maud, throwing herself
+into the arms of the distressed girl.
+
+"Ah! Maud, you _are_, you _shall_ for ever be, my only, only
+sister."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VI.
+
+  O! It is great for our country to die, where ranks are contending;
+    Bright is the wreath of our fame; Glory awaits us for aye--
+  Glory, that never is dim, shining on with light never ending--
+    Glory, that never shall fade, never, O! never away.
+
+  Percival.
+
+Notwithstanding the startling intelligence that had so unexpectedly
+reached it, and the warm polemical conflict that had been carried on
+within its walls, the night passed peacefully over the roof of the
+Hutted Knoll. At the return of dawn, the two Plinys, both the Smashes,
+and all the menials were again afoot; and, ere long, Mike, Saucy Nick
+Joel, and the rest were seen astir, in the open fields, or in the
+margin of the woods. Cattle were fed, cows milked fires lighted, and
+everything pursued its course, in the order of May. The three wenches,
+as female negroes were then termed, _ex officio_, in America,
+opened their throats, as was usual at that hour, and were heard singing
+at their labours, in a way nearly to deaden the morning carols of the
+tenants of the forest. _Mari'_ in particular, would have drowned
+the roar of Niagara. The captain used to call her his clarion.
+
+In due time, the superiors of the household made their appearance. Mrs.
+Willoughby was the first out of her room, as was ever the case when
+there was anything to be done. On the present occasion, the "fatted
+calf" was to be killed, not in honour of the return of a prodigal son,
+however, but in behalf of one who was the pride of her eyes, and the
+joy of her heart. The breakfast that she ordered was just the sort of
+breakfast, that one must visit America to witness. France can set forth
+a very scientific _déjeuner à la fourchette,_ and England has
+laboured-and ponderous imitations; but, for the spontaneous,
+superabundant, unsophisticated, natural, all-sufficing and all-subduing
+morning's meal, take America, in a better-class house, in the country,
+and you reach the _ne plus ultra_, in that sort of thing. Tea,
+coffee, and chocolate, of which the first and last were excellent, and
+the second respectable; ham, fish, eggs, toast, cakes, rolls,
+marmalades, &c. &c. &c., were thrown together in noble confusion;
+frequently occasioning the guest, as Mr. Woods naively confessed, an
+utter confusion of mind, as to which he was to attack, when all were
+inviting and each would be welcome.
+
+Leaving Mrs. Willoughby in deep consultation with Mari' on the subject
+of this feast, we will next look after the two sweet girls whom we so
+abruptly deserted in the last chapter. When Maud's glowing cheeks were
+first visible that morning, signs of tears might have been discovered
+on them, as the traces of the dew are found on the leaf of the rose;
+but they completely vanished under the duties of the toilet, and she
+came forth from her chamber, bright and cloudless as the glorious May-
+morning, which had returned to cheer the solitude of the manor. Beulah
+followed, tranquil, bland and mild as the day itself, the living image
+of the purity of soul, and deep affections, of her honest nature.
+
+The sisters went into the breakfast-room, where they had little lady-
+like offices of their own to discharge, too, in honour of the guest;
+each employing herself in decorating the table, and in seeing that it
+wanted nothing in the proprieties As their pleasing tasks were
+fulfilled, the discourse did not flag between them. Nothing, however,
+had been said, that made the smallest allusion to the conversation of
+the past night. Neither felt any wish to revive that subject; and, as
+for Maud, bitterly did she regret ever having broached it. At times,
+her cheeks burned with blushes, as she recalled her words; and yet she
+scarce knew the reason why. The feeling of Beulah was different. She
+wondered her sister could ever think she was a Meredith, and not a
+Willoughby. At times she feared some unfortunate oversight of her own,
+some careless allusion, or indiscreet act, might have served to remind
+Maud of the circumstances of her real birth. Yet there was nothing in
+the last likely to awaken unpleasant reflections, apart from the
+circumstance that she was not truly a child of the family into which
+she had been transplanted. The Merediths were, at least, as nonourable
+a family as the Willoughbys, in the ordinary worldly view of the
+matter; nor was Maud, by any means, a dependant, in the way of money.
+Five thousand pounds, in the English funds, had been settled on her, by
+the marriage articles of her parents; and twenty years of careful
+husbandry, during which every shilling had been scrupulously devoted to
+accumulation, had quite doubled the original amount. So far from being
+penniless, therefore, Maud's fortune was often alluded to by the
+captain, in a jocular way, as if purposely to remind her that she had
+the means of independence, and duties connected with it. It is true,
+Maud, herself, had no suspicion that she had been educated altogether
+by her "father," and that her own money had not been used for this
+purpose. To own the truth, she thought little about it; knew little
+about it, beyond the fact, that she had a fortune of her own, into the
+possession of which she must step, when she attained her majority. How
+she came by it, even, was a question she never asked though there were
+moments when tender regrets and affectionate melancholy would come over
+her heart, as she thought of her natural parents, and of their early
+deaths. Still, Maud implicitly reposed on the captain and Mrs.
+Willoughby, as on a father and mother; and it was not owing to _them_,
+or anything connected with their love, treatment, words, or
+thoughts, that she was reminded that they were not so in very fact, as
+well as in tenderness.
+
+"Bob will think _you_ made these plum sweetmeats, Beulah," said
+Maud, with a saucy smile, as she placed a glass plate on the table--"He
+never thinks I _can_ make anything of this sort; and, as he is so
+fond of plums, he will be certain to taste them; then _you_ will
+come in for the praise!"
+
+"You appear to think, that _praise_ he must. Perhaps he may not
+fancy them good."
+
+"If I thought so, I would take them away this instant," cried Maud,
+standing in the attitude of one in doubt. "Bob does _not_ think
+much of such things in girls, for he says ladies need not be cooks; and
+yet when one _does_ make a thing of this sort, one would certainly
+like to have it _well_ made."
+
+"Set your heart at ease, Maud; the plums are delicious--much the best
+we ever had, and we are rather famous for them, you know. I'll answer
+for it, Bob will pronounce them the best he has ever tasted."
+
+"And if he shouldn't, why should I care--that is, not _very
+much_--about it. You know they are the first I ever made, and one
+may be permitted to fail on a first effort. Besides, a man _may_
+go to England, and see fine sights, and live in great houses, and all
+that, and not understand when he has good plum sweetmeats before him,
+and when bad. I dare say there are many _colonels_ in the army,
+who are ignorant on this point."
+
+Beulah laughed, and admitted the truth of the remark; though, in her
+secret mind, she had almost persuaded herself that Bob knew everything.
+
+"Do you not think our brother improved in appearance, Maud," she asked,
+after a short pause. "The visit to England has done him that service,
+at least."
+
+"I don't see it, Beulah--I see no change. To me, Bob is just the same
+to-day, that he has ever been; that is, ever since he grew to be a
+man--with boys, of course, it is different. Ever since he was made a
+captain, I mean."
+
+As major Willoughby had reached that rank the day he was one-and-
+twenty, the reader can understand the precise date when Maud began to
+take her present views of his appearance and character.
+
+"I am surprised to hear you say so, Maud! Papa says he is better 'set
+up,' as he calls it, by his English drill, and that he looks altogether
+more like a soldier than he did."
+
+"Bob has always had a martial look!" cried Maud, quickly--"He got that
+in garrison, when a boy."
+
+"If so, I hope he may never lose it!" said the subject of the remark,
+himself, who had entered the room unperceived, and overheard this
+speech. "Being a soldier, one would wish to look like what he is, my
+little critic."
+
+The kiss that followed, and that given to Beulah, were no more than the
+usual morning salutations of a brother to his sisters, slight touches
+of rosy cheeks; and yet Maud blushed; for, as she said to herself, she
+had been taken by surprise.
+
+"They say listeners never hear good of themselves," answered Maud, with
+a vivacity that betokened confusion. "Had you come a minute sooner,
+master Bob, it might have been an advantage."
+
+"Oh! Beulah's remarks I do not fear; so long as I get off unscathed
+from yours, Miss Maud, I shall think myself a lucky fellow. But what
+has brought me and my training into discussion, this morning?"
+
+"It is natural for sisters to speak about their brother after so
+long----"
+
+"Tell him nothing about it, Beulah," interrupted Maud. "Let him listen,
+and eaves-drop, and find out as he may, if he would learn our secrets.
+There, major Willoughby, I hope that is a promise of a breakfast, which
+will satisfy even your military appetite!"
+
+"It looks well, indeed, Maud--and there, I perceive, are some of
+Beulah's excellent plums, of which I am so fond--know they were made
+especially for me, and I must kiss you, sister, for this proof of
+remembrance."
+
+Beulah, to whose simple mind it seemed injustice to appropriate credit
+that belonged to another, was about to tell the truth; but an imploring
+gesture from her sister induced her to smile, and receive the salute in
+silence.
+
+"Has any one seen captain Willoughby and parson Woods this morning?"
+inquired the major. "I left them desperately engaged in discussion, and
+I really feel some apprehension as to the remains left on the field of
+battle."
+
+"Here they both come," cried Maud, glad to find the discourse taking so
+complete a change; "and there is mamma, followed by Pliny, to tell
+Beulah to take her station at the coffee, while I go to the chocolate,
+leaving the tea to the only hand that can make it so that my father
+will drink it."
+
+The parties mentioned entered the room, in the order named; the usual
+salutations followed, and all took their seats at table. Captain
+Willoughby was silent and thoughtful at first, leaving his son to
+rattle on, in a way that betokened care, in his view of the matter,
+quite as much as it betokened light-heartedness in those of his mother
+and sisters. The chaplain was rather more communicative than his
+friend; but he, too, seemed restless, and desirous of arriving at some
+point that was not likely to come uppermost, in such a family party. At
+length, the impulses of Mr. Woods got the better of his discretion,
+even, and he could conceal his thoughts no longer.
+
+"Captain Willoughby," he said, in a sort of apologetic, and yet simple
+and natural manner, "I have done little since we parted, seven hours
+since, but think of the matter under discussion."
+
+"If you have, my dear Woods, there has been a strong sympathy between
+us; I have scarcely slept. I may say I have thought of nothing else,
+myself, and am glad you have broached the subject, again."
+
+"I was about to say, my worthy sir, that reflection, and my pillow, and
+your sound and admirable arguments, have produced an entire change in
+my sentiments. I think, now, altogether with you."
+
+"The devil you do, Woods!" cried the captain, looking up from his bit
+of dry toast, in astonishment. "Why, my dear fellow--this is odd--
+excessively odd, if the truth must be said.--To own the real state of
+the case, chaplain, you have won _me_ over, and I was just about
+to make proper acknowledgments of your victory!"
+
+It need scarcely be added that the rest of the company were not a
+little amazed at these cross-concessions, while Maud was exceedingly
+amused. As for Mrs. Willoughby, nothing laughable ever occurred in
+connection with her husband; and then she would as soon think of
+assailing the church itself, as to ridicule one of its ministers.
+Beulah could see nothing but what was right in her father, at least;
+and, as for the major, he felt too much concerned at this unexpected
+admission of his father's, to perceive anything but the error.
+
+"Have you not overlooked the injunction of scripture, my excellent
+friend?" rejoined the chaplain. "Have you left to the rights of Cæsar,
+all their weight and authority? 'The king's name is a tower of
+strength.'"
+
+"Have not you, Woods, forgotten the superior claims of reason and
+right, over those of accident and birth--that man is to be considered
+as a reasoning being, to be governed by principles and ever-varying
+facts, and not a mere animal left to the control of an instinct that
+perishes with its usefulness?"
+
+"What _can_ they mean, mother?" whispered Maud, scarce able to
+repress the laughter that came so easily to one with a keen sense of
+the ludicrous.
+
+"They have been arguing about the right of parliament to tax the
+colonies, I believe, my dear, and _over-persuaded_ each other,
+that's all. It _is_ odd, Robert, that Mr. Woods should convert
+your father."
+
+"No, my dearest mother, it is something even more serious than that."
+By this time, the disputants, who sat opposite each other, were fairly
+launched into the discussion, again, and heeded nothing that
+passed--"No, dearest mother, it is far worse than even _that_.
+Pliny, tell my man to brush the hunting-jacket--and, see he has his
+breakfast, in good style--he is a grumbling rascal, and will give the
+house a bad character, else--you need not come back, until we ring for
+you--yes, mother, yes dearest girls, this is a far more serious matter
+than you suppose, though it ought not to be mentioned idly, among the
+people. God knows now they may take it--and bad news flies swift
+enough, of itself."
+
+"Merciful Providence!" exclaimed Mrs. Willoughby-"What _can_ you
+mean, my son?"
+
+"I mean, mother, that civil war has actually commenced in the colonies,
+and that the people of your blood and race are, in open arms, against
+the people of my father's native country--in a word, against me."
+
+"How can that be, Robert? Who would _dare_ to strike a blow
+against the king?"
+
+"When men get excited, and their passions are once inflamed, they will
+do much, my mother, that they might not dream of, else."
+
+"This must be a mistake! Some evil-disposed person has told you this,
+Robert, knowing your attachment to the crown."
+
+"I wish it were so, dear madam; but my own eyes have seen--I may say my
+own flesh has felt, the contrary."
+
+The major then related what had happened, letting his auditors into the
+secret of the true state of the country. It is scarcely necessary to
+allude to the degree of consternation and pain, with which he was
+heard, or to the grief which succeeded.
+
+"You spoke of yourself, dear Bob," said Maud, naturally, and with
+strong feeling--"_You_ were not hurt, in this cruel, cruel
+battle."
+
+"I ought not to have mentioned it, although I did certainly receive a
+smart contusion--nothing more, I assure you--here in the shoulder, and
+it now scarcely inconveniences me."
+
+By this time all were listening, curiosity and interest having silenced
+even the disputants, especially as this was the first they had heard of
+the major's casualty. Then neither felt the zeal which had warmed him
+in the previous contest, but was better disposed to turn aside from its
+pursuit.
+
+"I hope it did not send you to the rear, Bob?" anxiously inquired the
+father.
+
+"I _was_ in the rear, sir, when I got the hurt," answered the
+major, laughing. "The rear is the post of honour, on a retreat, you
+know, my dear father; and I believe our march scarce deserves another
+name."
+
+"That is hard, too, on king's troops! What sort of fellows had you to
+oppose, my son?"
+
+"A rather intrusive set, sir. Their object was to persuade us to go
+into Boston, as fast as possible; and, it was a little difficult, at
+times, not to listen to their arguments. If my Lord Percy had not come
+out, with a strong party, and two pieces of artillery, we might not
+have stood it much longer. Our men were fagged like hunted deer, and
+the day proved oppressively hot."
+
+"Artillery, too!" exclaimed the captain, his military pride reviving a
+little, to unsettle his last convictions of duty. "Did you open your
+columns, and charge your enemies, in line?"
+
+"It would have been charging air. No sooner did we halt, than our foes
+dispersed; or, no sooner did we renew the march, than every line of
+wall, along our route, became a line of hostile muskets. I trust you
+will do us justice, sir--you know the regiments, and can scarce think
+they misbehaved."
+
+"British troops seldom do that; although I have known it happen. No
+men, however, are usually more steady, and then these provincials are
+formidable as skirmishers. In that character, I know _them_, too.
+What has been the effect of all this on the country, Bob?--You told us
+something of it last night; complete the history."
+
+"The provinces are in a tumult. As for New England, a flame of fire
+could scarce be more devastating; though I think this colony is less
+excited. Still, here, men are arming in thousands."
+
+"Dear me--dear me"--ejaculated the peacefully-inclined chaplain--"that
+human beings can thus be inclined to self destruction!"
+
+"Is Tryon active?--What do the royal authorities, all this time?"
+
+"Of course they neglect nothing feasible; but, they must principally
+rely on the loyalty and influence of the gentry, until succour can
+arrive from Europe. If _that_ fail them, their difficulties will
+be much increased."
+
+Captain Willoughby understood his son; he glanced towards his
+unconscious wife, as if to see how far she felt with him.
+
+"Our own families are divided, of course, much as they have been in the
+previous discussions," he added. "The De Lanceys, Van Cortlandts,
+Philipses, Bayards, and most of that town connection, with a large
+portion of the Long Island families, I should think, are with the
+crown; while the Livingstons, Morrises, Schuylers, Rensselaers, and
+their friends, go with the colony. Is not this the manner in which they
+are divided?"
+
+"With some limitations, sir. All the De Lanceys, with most of their
+strong connections and influence, are with _us_--with the _king_,
+I mean--while all the Livingstons and Morrises are against
+us. The other families are divided--as with the Cortlandts, Schuylers,
+and Rensselaers. It is fortunate for the Patroon, that he is a boy."
+
+"Why so, Bob?" asked the captain, looking inquiringly up, at his son.
+
+"Simply, sir, that his great estate may not be confiscated. So many of
+his near connections are against us, that he could hardly escape the
+contamination; and the consequences would be inevitable."
+
+"Do you consider that so certain, sir? As there are two sides to the
+question, may there not be two results to the war?"
+
+"I think not, sir. England is no power to be defied by colonies
+insignificant as these."
+
+"This is well enough for a king's officer, major Willoughby; but all
+large bodies of men are formidable when they are right, and nations--
+these colonies are a nation, in extent and number--are not so easily
+put down, when the spirit of liberty is up and doing among them."
+
+The major listened to his father with pain and wonder. The captain
+spoke earnestly, and there was a flush about his fine countenance, that
+gave it sternness and authority. Unused to debate with his father,
+especially when the latter was in such a mood, the son remained silent,
+though his mother, who was thoroughly loyal in her heart--meaning loyal
+as applied to a sovereign--and who had the utmost confidence in her
+husband's tenderness and consideration for herself, was not so
+scrupulous.
+
+"Why, Willoughby," she cried, "you really incline to rebellion! I, even
+I, who was born in the colonies, think them very wrong to resist their
+anointed king, and sovereign prince."
+
+"Ah, Wilhelmina," answered the captain, more mildly, "you have a true
+colonist's admiration of _home_. But I was old enough, when I left
+England, to appreciate what I saw and knew, and cannot feel all this
+provincial admiration."
+
+"But surely, my dear captain, England is a very great country,"
+interrupted the chaplain--"a prodigious country; one that can claim all
+our respect and love. Look at the church, now, the purified
+continuation of the ancient visible authority of Christ on earth! It is
+the consideration of this church that has subdued my natural love of
+birth-place, and altered my sentiments."
+
+"All very true, and all very well, in _your_ mouth, chaplain; yet
+even the visible church may err. This doctrine of divine right would
+have kept the Stuarts on the throne, and it is not even English
+doctrine; much less, then, need it be American. I am no Cromwellian, no
+republican, that wishes to oppose the throne, in order to destroy it. A
+good king is a good thing, and a prodigious blessing to a country;
+still, a people needs look to its political privileges if it wish to
+preserve them. You and I will discuss this matter another time, parson.
+There will be plenty of opportunities," he added, rising, and smiling
+good-humouredly; "I must, now, call my people together, and let them
+know this news. It is not fair to conceal a civil war."
+
+"My dear sir!" exclaimed the major, in concern--"are you not wrong?--
+precipitate, I mean--Is it not better to preserve the secret, to give
+yourself time for reflection--to await events?--I can discover no
+necessity for this haste. Should you see things differently, hereafter,
+an incautious word uttered at this moment might bring much motive for
+regret."
+
+"I have thought of all this, Bob, during the night--for hardly did I
+close my eyes--and you cannot change my purpose. It is honest to let my
+people know how matters stand; and, so far from being hazardous, as you
+seem to think, I consider it wise. God knows what time will bring
+forth; but, in every, or any event, fair-dealing can scarcely injure
+him who practises it. I have already sent directions to have the whole
+settlement collected on the lawn, at the ringing of the bell, and I
+expect every moment we shall hear the summons."
+
+Against this decision there was no appeal. Mild and indulgent as the
+captain habitually was, his authority was not to be disputed, when he
+chose to exercise it. Some doubts arose, and the father participated in
+them, for a moment, as to what might be the effect on the major's
+fortunes; for, should a very patriotic spirit arise among the men, two-
+thirds of whom were native Americans, and what was more, from the
+eastern colonies, he might be detained; or, at least, betrayed on his
+return, and delivered into the hands of the revolted authorities. This
+was a very serious consideration, and it detained the captain in the
+house, some time after the people were assembled, debating the chances,
+in the bosom of his own family.
+
+"We exaggerate the danger," the captain, at length, exclaimed. "Most of
+these men have been with me for years, and I know not one among them
+who I think would wish to injure me, or even you, my son, in this way.
+There is far more danger in attempting to deceive them, than in making
+them confidants. I will go out and tell the truth; then we shall, at
+least, have the security of self-approbation. If you escape the danger
+of being sold by Nick, my son, I think you have little to fear from any
+other."
+
+"By Nick!" repeated half-a-dozen voices, in surprise--Surely, father--
+surely, Willoughby--surely, my dear captain, you cannot suspect as old
+and tried a follower, as the Tuscarora!"
+
+"Ay, he is an _old_ follower, certainly, and he has been
+_punished_ often enough, if he has not been _tried_. I have
+never suffered my distrust of that fellow to go to sleep--it is unsafe,
+with an Indian, unless you have a strong hold on his gratitude."
+
+"But, Willoughby, he it was who found this manor for us," rejoined the
+wife. "Without him, we should never have been the owners of this lovely
+place, this beaver-dam, and all else that we so much enjoy."
+
+"True, my dear; and without good golden guineas, we should not have had
+Nick."
+
+"But, sir, I pay as liberally as he can wish," observed the major. "If
+bribes will buy him, mine are as good as another's."
+
+"We shall see--under actual circumstances, I think we shall be, in
+every respect, safer, by keeping nothing back, than by telling all to
+the people."
+
+The captain now put on his hat, and issued through the undefended
+gateway, followed by every individual of his family. As the summons had
+been general, when the Willoughbys and the chaplain appeared on the
+lawn, every living soul of that isolated settlement, even to infants in
+the arms, was collected there. The captain commanded the profound
+respect of all his dependants, though a few among them did not love
+him. The fault was not his, however, but was inherent rather in the
+untoward characters of the disaffected themselves. His habits of
+authority were unsuited to their habits of a presuming equality,
+perhaps; and it is impossible for the comparatively powerful and
+affluent to escape the envy and repinings of men, who, unable to draw
+the real distinctions that separate the gentleman from the low-minded
+and grovelling, impute their advantages to accidents and money. But,
+even the few who permitted this malign and corrupting tendency to
+influence their feelings, could not deny that their master was just and
+benevolent, though he did not always exhibit this justice and
+benevolence precisely in the way best calculated to soothe their own
+craving self-love, and exaggerated notions of assumed natural claims.
+In a word, captain Willoughby, in the eyes of a few unquiet and bloated
+imaginations among his people, was obnoxious to the imputation of
+pride; and this because he saw and felt the consequences of education,
+habits, manners, opinions and sentiments that were hidden from those
+who not only had no perception of their existence, but who had no
+knowledge whatever of the qualities that brought them into being.
+Pope's familiar line of "what can we reason but from what we know?" is
+peculiarly applicable to persons of this class; who are ever for
+dragging all things down to standards created by their own ignorance;
+and who, slaves of the basest and meanest passions, reason as if they
+were possessors of all the knowledge, sensibilities and refinements of
+their own country and times. Of this class of men, comes the ordinary
+demagogue, a wretch equally incapable of setting an example of any of
+the higher qualities, in his own person or practice, and of
+appreciating it when exhibited by others. Such men abound under all
+systems where human liberty is highly privileged, being the moral
+_fungi_ of freedom, as the rankest weeds are known to be the
+troublesome and baneful productions of the richest soils.
+
+It was no unusual thing for the people of the Hutted Knoll to be
+collected, in the manner we have described. We are writing of a period,
+that the present enlightened generation is apt to confound with the
+darker ages of American knowledge, in much that relates to social
+usages at least, though it escaped the long-buried wisdom of the Mormon
+bible, and Miller's interpretations of the prophecies. In that day, men
+were not so silly as to attempt to appear always wise; but some of the
+fêtes and festivals of our Anglo-Saxon ancestors were still tolerated
+among us; the all-absorbing and all-_swallowing_ jubilee of
+"Independence-day" not having yet overshadowed everything else in the
+shape of a holiday. Now, captain Willoughby had brought with him to the
+colonies the love of festivals that is so much more prevalent in the
+old world than in the new; and it was by no means an uncommon thing for
+him to call his people together, to make merry on a birth-day, or the
+anniversary of some battle in which he had been one of the victors.
+When he appeared on the lawn, on the present occasion, therefore, it
+was expected he was about to meet them with some such announcement.
+
+The inhabitants of the manor, or the estate of the Hutted Knoll, might
+be divided into three great physical, and we might add moral
+categories, or races, viz: the Anglo-Saxon, the Dutch, both high and
+low, and the African. The first was the most numerous, including the
+families of the millers, most of the mechanics, and that of Joel
+Strides, the land-overseer; the second was composed chiefly of
+labourers; and the last were exclusively household servants, with the
+exception of one of the Plinys, who was a ploughman, though permitted
+to live with his kinsfolk in the Hut. These divisions, Maud, in one of
+her merry humours, had nick-named the three tribes; while her father,
+to make the enumeration complete, had classed the serjeant, Mike, and
+Jamie Allen, as supernumeraries.
+
+The three tribes, and the three supernumeraries, then, were all
+collected on the lawn, as the captain and his family approached. By a
+sort of secret instinct, too, they had divided themselves into knots,
+the Dutch keeping a little aloof from the Yankees; and the blacks,
+almost as a matter of religion, standing a short distance in the rear,
+as became people of their colour, and slaves. Mike and Jamie, however,
+had got a sort of neutral position, between the two great divisions of
+the whites, as if equally indifferent to their dissensions or
+antipathies. In this manner all parties stood, impatiently awaiting an
+announcement that had been so long delayed. The captain advanced to the
+front, and removing his hat, a ceremony he always observed on similar
+occasions, and which had the effect to make his listeners imitate his
+own courtesy, he addressed the crowd.
+
+"When people live together, in a wilderness like this," commenced the
+captain, "there ought to be no secrets between them, my friends, in
+matters that touch the common interests. We are like men on a remote
+island; a sort of colony of our own; and we must act fairly and frankly
+by each other. In this spirit, then, I am now about to lay before you,
+all that I know myself, concerning an affair of the last importance to
+the colonies, and to the empire." Here Joel pricked up his ears, and
+cast a knowing glance at 'the miller,' a countryman and early neighbour
+of his own, who had charge of the grinding for the settlement, and who
+went by that appellation '_par excellence_!' "You all know,"
+continued the captain, "that there have been serious difficulties
+between the colonies and parliament, now, for more than ten years;
+difficulties that have been, once or twice, partially settled, but
+which have as often broken out, in some new shape, as soon as an old
+quarrel was adjusted."
+
+Here the captain paused a moment; and Joel, who was the usual spokesman
+of 'the people,' took an occasion to put a question.
+
+"The captain means, I s'pose," he said, in a sly, half-honest, half-
+jesuitical manner, "the right of parliament to tax us Americans,
+without our own consent, or our having any members in their
+le_gys_la_toore_?"
+
+"I mean what you say. The tax on tea, the shutting the port of Boston,
+and other steps, have brought larger bodies of the king's troops among
+us, than have been usual. Boston, as you probably know, has had a
+strong garrison, now, for some months. About six weeks since, the
+commander-in-chief sent a detachment out as far as Concord, in New
+Hampshire, to destroy certain stores. This detachment had a meeting
+with the minute-men, and blood was drawn. A running fight ensued, in
+which several hundreds have been killed and wounded; and I think I know
+both sides sufficiently well, to predict that a long and bloody civil
+war is begun. These are facts you should know, and accordingly I tell
+them to you."
+
+This simple, but explicit, account was received very differently, by
+the different listeners. Joel Strides leaned forward, with intense
+interest, so as not to lose a syllable. Most of the New Englanders, or
+Yankees, paid great attention, and exchanged meaning glances with each
+other, when the captain had got through. As for Mike, he grasped a
+shillelah that he habitually carried, when not at work, looking round,
+as if waiting for orders from the captain, on whom to begin. Jamie was
+thoughtful and grave, and, once or twice, as the captain proceeded, he
+scratched his head in doubt. The Dutch seemed curious, but bewildered,
+gaping at each other like men who might make up their minds, if you
+would give them time, but who certainly had not yet. As for the blacks,
+their eyes began to open like saucers, when they heard of the quarrel;
+when it got to the blows, their mouths were all grinning with the
+delight of a thing so exciting. At the mention of the number of the
+dead, however, something like awe passed over them, and changed their
+countenances to dismay. Nick alone was indifferent. By the cold apathy
+of his manner, the captain saw at once that the battle of Lexington had
+not been a secret to the Tuscarora, when he commenced his own account.
+As the captain always encouraged a proper familiarity in his
+dependants, he now told them he was ready to answer any questions they
+might think expedient to put to him, in gratification of their natural
+curiosity.
+
+"I s'pose this news comes by the major?" asked Joel.
+
+"You may well suppose that, Strides. My son is here, and we have no
+other means of getting it."
+
+"Will yer honour be wishful that we shoulther our fire-arms, and go out
+and fight one of them sides, or t'other?" demanded Mike.
+
+"I wish nothing of the sort, O'Hearn. It will be time enough for us to
+take a decided part, when we get better ideas of what is really going
+on."
+
+"Doesn't the captain, then, think matters have got far enough towards a
+head, for the Americans to make up their minds conclusively, as it
+might be?" put in Joel, in his very worst manner.
+
+"I think it will be wiser for us all to remain where we are, and
+_as_ we are. Civil war is a serious matter, Strides, And no man
+should rush blindly into its dangers and difficulties."
+
+Joel looked at the miller, and the miller looked at Joel. Neither said
+anything, however, at the time. Jamie Allen had been _out_ in the
+'forty-five,' when thirty years younger than he was that day; and
+though he had his predilections and antipathies, circumstances had
+taught him prudence.
+
+"Will the parliament, think ye, no be bidding the soldiery to wark
+their will on the puir unairmed folk, up and down the country, and they
+not provided with the means to resist them?"
+
+"Och, Jamie!" interrupted Mike, who did not appear to deem it necessary
+to treat this matter with even decent respect--"where will be yer
+valour and stomach, to ask sich a question as _that_! A man is
+always reathy, when he has his ar-r-ms and legs free to act accorthing
+to natur'. What would a rigiment of throops do ag'in the likes of sich
+a place as this? I'm sure it's tin years I've been _in_ it, and
+I've niver been able to find my way _out_ of it. Set a souldier to
+rowing on the lake forenent the rising sun, with orders to get to the
+other ind, and a pretty job he 'd make of marching on that same! I
+knows it, for I've thried it, and it is not a new beginner that will
+make much of _sich_ oare; barring he knows nothin' about them."
+
+This was not very intelligible to anybody but Joel, and _he_ had
+ceased to laugh at Mike's voyage, now, some six or seven years; divers
+other disasters, all having their origin in a similar confusion of
+ideas, having, in the interval, supplanted that calamity, as it might
+be, _seriatim_. Still it was an indication that Mike might be set
+down as a belligerent, who was disposed to follow his leader into the
+battle, without troubling him with many questions concerning the merits
+of the quarrel. Nevertheless, the county Leitrim-man acknowledged
+particular principles, all of which had a certain influence on his
+conduct, whenever he could get at them, to render them available. First
+and foremost, he cordially disliked a Yankee; and he hated an
+Englishman, both as an oppressor and a heretic; yet he loved his master
+and all that belonged to him. These were contradictory feelings,
+certainly; but Mike was all contradiction, both in theory and in
+practice.
+
+The Anglo-Saxon tribe now professed a willingness to retire, promising
+to _think of the matter_, a course against which Mike loudly
+protested, declaring he never knew any good come of thinking, when
+matters had got as far as blows. Jamie, too, went off scratching his
+head, and he was seen to make many pauses, that day, between the
+shovels-full of earth he, from time to time, threw around his plants,
+as if pondering on what he had heard. As for the Dutch, their hour had
+not come. No one expected them to decide the day they first heard of
+argument.
+
+The negroes got together, and began to dwell on the marvels of a battle
+in which so many Christians had been put to death. Little Smash placed
+the slain at a few thousands; but Great Smash, as better became her
+loftier appellation and higher spirit, affirmed that the captain had
+stated _hundreds_ of thousands; a loss, with less than which, as
+she contended, no great battle could possibly be fought.
+
+When the captain was housed, Serjeant Joyce demanded an audience; the
+object of which was simply to ask for _orders_, without the least
+reference to _principles_.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VII.
+
+        We are all here!
+        Father, mother,
+        Sister, brother,
+  All who hold each other dear.
+  Each chair is fill'd--we're all _at home_;
+  To-night let no cold stranger come:
+  It is not often thus around
+  Our old familiar hearth we're found:
+  Bless, then, the meeting and the spot;
+  For once be every care forgot;
+  Let gentle Peace assert her power,
+  And kind Affection rule the hour;
+        We're all--all here.
+
+  Sprague.
+
+Although most of the people retired to their dwellings, or their
+labours, as soon as the captain dismissed them, a few remained to
+receive his farther orders. Among these last were Joel, the carpenter,
+and the blacksmith. These men now joined the chief of the settlement
+and his son, who had lingered near the gateway, in conversation
+concerning the alterations that the present state of things might
+render necessary, in and about the Hut.
+
+"Joel," observed the captain, when the three men were near enough to
+hear his orders, "this great change in the times will render some
+changes in our means of defence prudent, if not necessary."
+
+"Does the captain s'pose the people of the colony will attack _us_?"
+asked the wily overseer, with emphasis.
+
+"Perhaps not the people of the colony, Mr. Strides, for we have not
+_yet_ declared ourselves their enemies; but there are other foes, who
+are more to be apprehended than the people of the colony."
+
+"I should think the king's troops not likely to trouble themselves to
+ventur' here--the road might prove easier to come than to return.
+Besides, our plunder would scarce pay for such a march."
+
+"Perhaps not--but there never has yet been a war in these colonies that
+some of the savage tribes were not engaged in it, before the whites had
+fairly got themselves into line."
+
+"Do you really think, sir, there can be much serious danger of
+_that_!" exclaimed the major, in surprise.
+
+"Beyond a question, my son. The scalping-knife will be at work in six
+months, if it be not busy already, should one-half of your reports and
+rumours turn out to be true. Such is American history."
+
+"I rather think, sir, your apprehensions for my mother and sisters may
+mislead you. I do not believe the American authorities will ever allow
+themselves to be driven into a measure so perfectly horrible and
+unjustifiable; and were the English ministry sufficiently cruel, or
+unprincipled, to adopt the policy, the honest indignation of so humane
+a people would be certain to drive them from power."
+
+As the major ceased speaking, he turned and caught the expression of
+Joel's countenance, and was struck with the look of intense interest
+with which the overseer watched his own warm and sincere manner.
+
+"Humanity is a very pretty stalking-horse for political orations, Bob,"
+quietly returned the father; "but it will scarcely count for much with
+an old campaigner. God send you may come out of this war with the same
+ingenuous and natural feelings as you go into it."
+
+"The major will scarce dread the savages, should he be on the side of
+his nat'ral friends!" remarked Joel; "and if what he says about the
+humanity of the king's advisers be true, he will be safe from _them_."
+
+"The major will be on the side to which duty calls him, Mr. Strides, if
+it may be agreeable to your views of the matter," answered the young
+man, with a little more _hauteur_ than the occasion required.
+
+The father felt uneasy, and he regretted that his son had been so
+indiscreet; though he saw no remedy but by drawing the attention of the
+men to the matter before them.
+
+"Neither the real wishes of the people of America, nor of the people of
+England, will avail much, in carrying on this war," he said. "Its
+conduct will fall into the hands of those who will look more to the
+ends than to the means; and success will be found a sufficient apology
+for any wrong. This has been the history of all the wars of my time,
+and it is likely to prove the history of this. I fear it will make
+little difference to us on which side we may be in feeling; there will
+be savages to guard against in either case. This gate must be hung, one
+of the first things, Joel; and I have serious thoughts of placing
+palisades around the Knoll. The Hut, well palisaded, would make a work
+that could not be easily carried, without artillery."
+
+Joel seemed struck with the idea, though it did not appear that it was
+favourably. He stood studying the house and the massive gates for a
+minute or two, ere he delivered his sentiments on the subject. When he
+did speak, it was a good deal more in doubt, than in approbation.
+
+"It's all very true, captain," he said; the house would _seem_ to
+be a good deal more safe like, if the gates were up; but, a body don't
+know; sometimes gates be a security, and sometimes they isn't. It all
+depends on which side the danger comes. Still, as these are _made_,
+and finished all to hanging, it's 'most a pity, too, they
+shouldn't be used, if a body could find _time_."
+
+"The time _must_ be found, and the gates be hung," interrupted the
+captain, too much accustomed to Joel's doubting, 'sort-o'-concluding
+manner, to be always patient under the infliction. "Not only the gates,
+but the palisades must be got out, holes dug, and the circumvallation
+completed."
+
+"It must be as the captain says, of course, he being master here. But
+time's precious in May. There's half our plantin' to be done yet, and
+some of the ground hasn't got the last ploughin'. Harvest won't come
+without seed-time; for no man, let him be great, or let him be small--
+and it does seem to me a sort o' wastin' of the Lord's blessin's, to be
+hangin' gates, and diggin' holes for that--the thing the captain
+mentioned--when there's no visible danger in sight to recommend the
+measure to prudence, as it might be."
+
+"That may be your opinion, Mr. Strides, but it is not mine. I intend to
+guard against a visible danger that is _out_ of sight, and I will
+thank you to have these gates hung, this very day."
+
+"This very day!--The captain's a mind to be musical about the matter!
+Every hand in the settlement couldn't get them gates in their places in
+less than a week."
+
+"It appears to me, Strides, you are 'playing on the music,' as you call
+it, yourself, now?"
+
+"No, indeed, captain; them gates will have to be hung on the mechanic
+principle; and it will take at least two or three days for the
+carpenter and blacksmith to get up the works that's to do it. Then the
+hanging, itself, I should think would stand us in hand a day for each
+side. As for the circumvalley, what between the cuttin', and haulin',
+and diggin', and settin', that would occupy all hands until after first
+hoein'. That is, hoein' would come afore the plantin'."
+
+"It does not appear to me, Bob, such a heavy job as Joel represents!
+The gates are heavy, certainly, and may take us a day or two; but, as
+for stockading--I've seen barracks stockaded in, in a week, if I
+remember right. You know something of this--what is your opinion?"
+
+"That this house can be stockaded in, in the time you mention; and, as
+I have a strong reluctance to leave the family before it is in
+security, with your permission I will remain and superintend the work."
+
+The offer was gladly accepted, on more accounts than one; and the
+captain, accustomed to be obeyed when he was in earnest, issued his
+orders forthwith, to let the work proceed. Joel, however, was excused,
+in order that he might finish the planting he had commenced, and which
+a very few hands could complete within the required time. As no ditch
+was necessary, the work was of a very simple nature, and the major set
+about his portion of it without even re-entering the house.
+
+The first thing was to draw a line for a trench some six or seven feet
+deep, that was to encircle the whole building, at a distance of about
+thirty yards from the house. This line ran, on each side of the Hut, on
+the very verge of the declivities, rendering the flanks far more secure
+than the front, where it crossed the lawn on a gently inclining
+surface. In one hour the major had traced this lines with accuracy; and
+he had six or eight men at work with spades, digging the trench. A gang
+of hands was sent into the woods, with orders to cut the requisite
+quantify of young chestnuts; and, by noon, a load of the material
+actually appeared on the ground. Still, nothing was done to the gates.
+
+To own the truth, the captain was now delighted. The scene reminded him
+of some in his military life, and he bustled about, giving his orders,
+with a good deal of the fire of youth renewed, taking care, however, in
+no manner to interfere with the plans of his son. Mike buried himself
+like a mole, and had actually advanced several feet, before either of
+the Yankees had got even a fair footing on the bottom of his part of
+the trench. As for Jamie Allen, he went to work with deliberation; but
+it was not long before his naked gray hairs were seen on a level with
+the surface of the ground. The digging was not hard, though a little
+stony, and the work proceeded with spirit and success. All that day,
+and the next, and the next, and the next, the Knoll appeared alive,
+earth being cast upward, teams moving, carpenters sawing, and labourers
+toiling. Many of the men protested that their work was useless,
+unnecessary, _unlawful_ even; but no one dared hesitate under the
+eyes of the major, when his father had once issued a serious command.
+In the mean time, Joel's planting was finished, though he made many
+long pauses while at work on the flats, to look up and gaze at the
+scene of activity and bustle that was presented at the Knoll. On the
+fourth day, towards evening, he was obliged to join the general "bee,"
+with the few hands he had retained with himself.
+
+By this time, the trench was dug, most of the timber was prepared, and
+the business of setting up the stockade was commenced. Each young tree
+was cut to the length of twenty feet, and pointed at one end. Mortices,
+to receive cross-pieces, were cut at proper distances, and holes were
+bored to admit the pins. This was all the preparation, and the timbers
+were set in the trench, pointed ends uppermost. When a sufficient
+number were thus arranged, a few inches from each other, the cross-
+pieces were pinned on, bringing the whole into a single connected
+frame, or bent. The bent was then raised to a perpendicular, and
+secured, by pounding the earth around the lower ends of the timbers.
+The latter process required care and judgment, and it was entrusted to
+the especial supervision of the deliberate Jamie, the major having
+discovered that the Yankees, in general, were too impatient to get on,
+and to make a show. Serjeant Joyce was particularly useful in dressing
+the rows of timber, and in giving the whole arrangement a military air.
+
+"_Guid_ wark is far better than _quick_ wark," observed the
+cool-headed Scotchman, as he moved about among the men, "and it's no
+the fuss and bustle of acteevity that is to give the captain pleasure.
+The thing that is well done, is done with the least noise and
+confusion. Set the stockades mair pairpendic'lar, my men."
+
+"Ay--dress them, too, my lads"--added the venerable ex-serjeant.
+
+"This is queer plantin', Jamie," put in Joel, "and queerer grain will
+come of it. Do you think these young chestnuts will ever grow, ag'in,
+that you put them out in rows, like so much corn?"
+
+"Now it's no for the growth we does it, Joel, but to presairve the
+human growth we have. To keep the savage bairbers o' the wilderness
+fra' clippin' our polls before the shearin' time o' natur' has gathered
+us a' in for the hairvest of etairnity. They that no like the safety
+we're makin' for them, can gang their way to 'ither places, where they
+'11 find no forts, or stockades to trouble their een."
+
+"I'm not critical at all, Jamie, though to my notion a much better use
+for your timber plantation would be to turn it into sheds for cattle,
+in the winter months. I can see some good in _that_, but none in
+_this_."
+
+"Bad luck to ye, then, Misther Sthroddle," cried Mike, from the bottom
+of the trench, where he was using a pounding instrument with the zeal
+of a paviour--"Bad luck to the likes of ye, say I, Misther Strides. If
+ye've no relish for a fortification, in a time of war, ye've only to
+shoulther yer knapsack, and go out into the open counthry, where ye'll
+have all to yer own satisfaction. Is it forthify the house, will we?
+That we will, and not a hair of the missuss's head, nor of the young
+ladies' heads, nor of the masther's head, though he's mighty bald as it
+is, but not a hair of _all_ their heads shall be harmed, while
+Jamie, and Mike, and the bould ould serjeant, here, can have their way.
+I wish I had the trench full of yer savages, and a gineral funeral we'd
+make of the vagabonds! Och! They're the divil's imps, I hear from all
+sides, and no love do I owe them."
+
+"And yet you're the bosom friend of Nick, who's anything but what I
+call a specimen of his people."
+
+"Is it Nick ye 're afther? Well, Nick's half-civilized accorthin' to
+yer Yankee manners, and he's no spicimen, at all. Let him hear you call
+him by sich a name, if ye want throuble."
+
+Joel walked away, muttering, leaving the labourers in doubt whether he
+relished least the work he was now obliged to unite in furthering, or
+Mike's hit at his own peculiar people. Still the work proceeded, and in
+one week from the day it was commenced, the stockade was complete, its
+gate excepted. The entrance through the palisades was directly in front
+of that to the house, and both passages still remained open, one set of
+gates not being completed, and the other not yet being hung.
+
+It was on a Saturday evening when the last palisade was placed firmly
+in the ground, and all the signs of the recent labour were removed, in
+order to restore as much of the former beauty of the Knoll as possible.
+It had been a busy week; so much so, indeed, as to prevent the major
+from holding any of that confidential intercourse with his mother and
+sisters, in which it had been his habit to indulge in former visits.
+The fatigues of the days sent everybody to their pillows early; and the
+snatches of discourse which passed, had been affectionate and pleasant,
+rather than communicative. Now that the principal job was so near being
+finished, however, and the rubbish was cleared away, the captain
+summoned the family to the lawn again, to enjoy a delicious evening
+near the close of the winning month of May. The season was early, and
+the weather more bland, than was usual, even in that sheltered and
+genial valley. For the first time that year, Mrs. Willoughby consented
+to order the tea-equipage to be carried to a permanent table that had
+been placed under the shade of a fine elm, in readiness for any _fête
+champêtre_ of this simple character.
+
+"Come, Wilhelmina, give us a cup of your fragrant hyson, of which we
+have luckily abundance, tax or no tax. I should lose _caste_, were
+it known how much American treason we have gulped down, in this way;
+but, a little tea, up here in the forest, can do no man's conscience
+any great violence, in the long run. I suppose, major Willoughby, His
+Majesty's forces do not disdain tea, in these stirring times."
+
+"Far from it, sir; we deem it so loyal to drink it, that it is said the
+port and sherry of the different messes, at Boston, are getting to be
+much neglected. I am an admirer of tea, for itself, however, caring
+little about its collateral qualities. Farrel"--turning to his man, who
+was aiding Pliny the elder, in arranging the table--"when you are
+through here, bring out the basket you will find on the toilet, in my
+room."
+
+"True, Bob," observed the mother, smiling--"that basket has scarce been
+treated with civility. Not a syllable of thanks have I heard, for all
+the fine things it contains."
+
+"My mind has been occupied with care for your safety, dear mother, and
+that must be my excuse. Now, however, there is an appearance of
+security which gives one a breathing-time, and my gratitude receives a
+sudden impulse. As for you, Maud, I regret to be compelled to say that
+you stand convicted of laziness; not a single thing do I owe to your
+labours, or recollection of me."
+
+"Is that possible!" exclaimed the captain, who was pouring water into
+the tea-pot. "Maud is the last person I should suspect of neglect of
+this nature; I do assure you, Bob, no one listens to news of your
+promotions and movements with more interest than Maud."
+
+Maud, herself, made no answer. She bent her head aside, in a secret
+consciousness that her sister might alone detect, and form her own
+conclusions concerning the colour that she felt warming her cheeks.
+But, Maud's own sensitive feelings attributed more to Beulah than the
+sincere and simple-minded girl deserved. So completely was she
+accustomed to regard Robert and Maud as brother and sister, that even
+all which had passed produced no effect in unsettling her opinions, or
+in giving her thoughts a new direction. Just at this moment Farrel came
+back, and placed the basket on the bench, at the side of his master.
+
+"Now, my dearest mother, and you, girls"--the major had begun to drop
+the use of the word 'sisters' when addressing _both_ the young
+ladies--"Now, my dearest mother, and you, girls, I am about to give
+each her due. In the first place, I confess my own unworthiness, and
+acknowledge, that I do not deserve one-half the kind attention I have
+received in these various presents, after which we will descend to
+particulars."
+
+The major, then, exposed every article contained in the basket, finding
+the words "mother" and "Beulah" pinned on each, but nowhere any
+indication that his younger sister had even borne him in mind. His
+father looked surprised at this, not to say a little grave; and he
+waited, with evident curiosity, for the gifts of Maud, as one thing
+after another came up, without any signs of her having recollected the
+absentee.
+
+"This is odd, truly," observed the father, seriously; "I hope, Bob, you
+have done nothing to deserve this? I should be sorry to have my little
+girl affronted!"
+
+"I assure you, sir, that I am altogether ignorant of any act, and I can
+solemnly protest against any intention, to give offence. If guilty, I
+now pray Maud to pardon me."
+
+"You have done nothing, Bob--_said_ nothing, Bob--_thought_
+nothing to offend me," cried Maud, eagerly.
+
+"Why, then, have you forgotten him, darling, when your mother and
+sister have done so much in the way of recollection?" asked the
+captain.
+
+"Forced gifts, my dear father, are no gifts. I do not like to be
+compelled to make presents."
+
+This was uttered in a way to induce the major to throw all the articles
+back into the basket, as if he wished to get rid of the subject,
+without further comment. Owing to this precipitation, the scarf was not
+seen. Fortunately for Maud, who was ready to burst into tears, the
+service of the tea prevented any farther allusion to the matter.
+
+"You have told me, major," observed captain Willoughby, "that your old
+regiment has a new colonel; but you have forgotten to mention his name.
+I hope it is my old messmate, Tom Wallingford, who wrote me he had some
+such hopes last year."
+
+"General Wallingford has got a light-dragoon regiment--general Meredith
+has my old corps; he is now in this country, at the head of one of
+Gage's brigades."
+
+It is a strong proof of the manner in which Maud--Maud Willoughby, as
+she was ever termed--had become identified with the family of the
+Hutted Knoll, that, with two exceptions, not a person present thought
+of her, when the name of this general Meredith was mentioned; though,
+in truth, he was the uncle of her late father. The exceptions were the
+major and herself. The former now never heard the name without thinking
+of his beautiful little playfellow, and nominal sister; while Maud, of
+late, had become curious and even anxious on the subject of her natural
+relatives. Still, a feeling akin to awe, a sentiment that appeared as
+if it would be doing violence to a most solemn duty, prevented her from
+making any allusion to her change of thought, in the presence of those
+whom, during childhood, she had viewed only as her nearest relatives,
+and who still continued so to regard her. She would have given the
+world to ask Bob a few questions concerning the kinsman he had
+mentioned, but could not think of doing so before her mother, whatever
+she might be induced to attempt with the young man, when by himself.
+
+Nick next came strolling along, gazing at the stockade, and drawing
+near the table with an indifference to persons and things that
+characterized his habits. When close to the party he stopped, keeping
+his eye on the recent works.
+
+"You see, Nick, I am about to turn soldier again, in my old days,"
+observed the captain. "It is now many years since you and I have met
+within a line of palisades. How do you like our work?"
+
+"What you make him for, cap'in?"
+
+"So as to be secure against any red-skins who may happen to long for
+our scalps."
+
+"Why want _your_ scalp? Hatchet hasn't been dug up, atween us--
+bury him so deep can't find him in ten, two, six year."
+
+"Ay, it has long been buried, it is true; but you red gentlemen have a
+trick of digging it up, with great readiness, when there is any
+occasion for it. I suppose you know, Nick, that there are troubles in
+the colonies?"
+
+"Tell Nick all about him,"--answered the Indian, evasively--"No read--
+no hear--don't talk much--talk most wid Irisher--can't understand what
+he want--say t'ing one way, den say him, anoder."
+
+"Mike is not very lucid of a certainty," rejoined the captain,
+laughing, all the party joining in the merriment--"but he is a sterling
+good fellow, and is always to be found, in a time of need."
+
+"Poor rifle--nebber hit--shoot one way, look t'other?"
+
+"He is no great shot, I will admit; but he is a famous fellow with a
+shillaleh. Has he given you any of the news?"
+
+"All he say, news--much news ten time, as one time. Cap'in lend Nick a
+quarter dollar, yesterday."
+
+"I did lend you a quarter, certainly, Nick; and I supposed it had gone
+to the miller for rum, before this. What am I to understand by your
+holding it out in this manner?--that you mean to repay me!"
+
+"Sartain--good quarter--just like him cap'in lent Nick. Like as one
+pea. Nick man of honour; keep his word."
+
+"This does look more like it than common, Nick. The money was to be
+returned to-day, but I did not expect to see it, so many previous
+contracts of that nature having been vacated, as the lawyers call it."
+
+"Tuscarora chief alway gentleman. What he say, he do. Good quarter
+dollar, dat, cap'in?"
+
+"It is unexceptionable, old acquaintance; I'll not disdain receiving
+it, as it may serve for a future loan."
+
+"No need bye'm-by--take him, now--cap'in, lend Nick dollar; pay him to-
+morrow."
+
+The captain protested against the _sequitur_ that the Indian
+evidently wished to establish; declining, though in a good-natured
+manner, to lend the larger sum. Nick was disappointed, and walked
+sullenly away, moving nearer to the stockade, with the air of an
+offended man.
+
+"That is an extraordinary fellow, sir!" observed the major--"I really
+wonder you tolerate him so much about the Hut. It might be a good idea
+to banish him, now that the war has broken out."
+
+"Which would be a thing more easily said than done. A drop of water
+might as readily be banished from that stream, as an Indian, from any
+part of the forest he may choose to visit. You brought him here
+yourself, Bob, and should not blame us for tolerating his presence."
+
+"I brought him, sir, because I found he recognised me even in this
+dress, and it was wise to make a friend of him. Then I wanted a guide,
+and I was well assured he knew the way, if any man did. He is a surly
+scoundrel, however, and appears to have changed his character, since I
+was a boy."
+
+"If there be any change, Bob, it is in yourself. Nick has been Nick
+these thirty years, or as long as I have known him. Rascal he is, or
+his tribe would not have cast him out. Indian justice is stern, but it
+is natural justice. No man is ever put to the ban among the red men,
+until they are satisfied he is not fit to enjoy savage rights. In
+garrison, we always looked upon Nick as a clever knave, and treated him
+accordingly. When one is on his guard against such a fellow, he can do
+little harm, and this Tuscarora has a salutary dread of me, which keeps
+him in tolerable order, during his visits to the Hut. The principal
+mischief he does here, is to get Mike and Jamie deeper in the Santa
+Cruz than I could wish; but the miller has his orders to sell no more
+rum."
+
+"I hardly think you do Nick justice, Willoughby," observed the right-
+judging and gentle wife. "He has _some_ good qualities; but you
+soldiers always apply martial-law to the weaknesses of your fellow-
+creatures."
+
+"And you tender-hearted women, my dear Wilhelmina, think everybody as
+good as yourselves."
+
+"Remember, Hugh, when your son, there, had the canker-rash, how
+actively and readily the Tuscarora went into the forest to look for the
+gold-thread that even the doctors admitted cured him. It was difficult
+to find, Robert; but Nick remembered a spot where he had seen it, fifty
+miles off; and, without a request even, from us, he travelled that
+distance to procure it."
+
+"Yes, this is true"--returned the captain, thoughtfully--"though I
+question if the cure was owing to the gold-thread, as you call it,
+Wilhelmina. Every man has some good quality or other; and, I much fear,
+some bad ones also.--But, here is the fellow coming back, and I do not
+like to let him think himself of sufficient consequence to be the
+subject of our remarks."
+
+"Very true, sir--it adds excessively to the trouble of such fellows, to
+let them fancy themselves of importance."
+
+Nick, now, came slowly back, after having examined the recent changes
+to his satisfaction. He stood a moment in silence, near the table, and
+then, assuming an air of more dignity than common, he addressed the
+captain.
+
+"Nick ole _chief_" he said. "Been at Council Fire, often as
+cap'in. Can't tell, all he know; want to hear about new war."
+
+"Why, Nick, it is a family quarrel, this time. The French have nothing
+to do with it."
+
+"Yengeese fight Yengeese--um?"
+
+"I am afraid it will so turn out. Do not the Tuscaroras sometimes dig
+up the hatchet against the Tuscaroras?"
+
+"Tuscarora man kill Tuscarora man--good--he quarrel, and kill he enemy.
+But Tuscarora warrior nebber take scalp of Tuscarora squaw and
+pappoose! What you t'ink he do dat for? Red man no hog, to eat pork."
+
+"It must be admitted, Nick, you are a very literal logician--'dog won't
+eat dog,' is our English saying. Still the _Yankee_ will fight the
+Yengeese, it would seem. In a word, the Great Father, in England, has
+raised the hatchet against his American children."
+
+"How you like him, cap'in--um? Which go on straight path, which go on
+crooked? How you like him?"
+
+"I like it little, Nick, and wish with all my heart the quarrel had not
+taken place."
+
+"Mean to put on regimentals--hah! Mean to be cap'in, ag'in? Follow drum
+and fife, like ole time?"
+
+"I rather think not, old comrade. After sixty, one likes peace better
+than war; and I intend to stay at home."
+
+"What for, den, build fort? Why you put fence round a house, like pound
+for sheep?"
+
+"Because I intend to _stay_ there. The stockade will be good to
+keep off any, or every enemy who may take it into their heads to come
+against us. You have known me defend a worse position than this."
+
+"He got no gate," muttered Nick--"What he good for, widout gate?
+Yengeese, Yankees, red man, French man, walk in just as he please. No
+good to leave such squaw wid a door wide open."
+
+"Thank you, Nick," cried Mrs. Willoughby. "I knew you were _my_
+friend, and have not forgotten the gold-thread."
+
+"He _very_ good," answered the Indian, with an important look.
+"Pappoose get well like not'ing. He a'most die, to-day; to-morrow he
+run about and play. Nick do him, too; cure him wid gold-thread."
+
+"Oh! you are, or were quite a physician at one time, Nick. I remember
+when you had the smallpox, yourself."
+
+The Indian turned, with the quickness of lightning, to Mrs. Willoughby,
+whom he startled with his energy, as he demanded--
+
+"You remember dat, Mrs. cap'in! Who gib him--who cure him--um?"
+
+"Upon my word, Nick, you almost frighten me. I fear I gave you the
+disease, but it was for your own good it was done. You were inoculated
+by myself, when the soldiers were dying around us, because they had
+never had that care taken of them. All I inoculated lived; yourself
+among the number."
+
+The startling expression passed away from the fierce countenance of the
+savage, leaving in its place another so kind and amicable as to prove
+he not only was aware of the benefit he had received, but that he was
+deeply grateful for it. He drew near to Mrs. Willoughby, took her still
+white and soft hand in his own sinewy and dark fingers, then dropped
+the blanket that he had thrown carelessly across his body, from a
+shoulder, and laid it on a mark left by the disease, by way of pointing
+to her good work. He smiled, as this was done.
+
+"Ole mark," he said, nodding his head--"sign we good friend--he nebber
+go away while Nick live."
+
+This touched the captain's heart, and he tossed a dollar towards the
+Indian, who suffered it, however, to lie at his feet unnoticed. Turning
+to the stockade, he pointed significantly at the open gateways.
+
+"Great danger go t'rough little 'ole," he said, sententiously, walking
+away as he concluded. "Why you leave big 'ole open?"
+
+"We _must_ get those gates hung next week," said the captain,
+positively; "and yet it is almost absurd to apprehend anything serious
+in this remote settlement, and that at so early a period in the war."
+
+Nothing further passed on the lawn worthy to be recorded. The sun set,
+and the family withdrew into the house, as usual, to trust to the
+overseeing care of Divine Providence, throughout a night passed in a
+wilderness. By common consent, the discourse turned upon things noway
+connected with the civil war, or its expected results, until the party
+was about to separate for the night, when the major found himself alone
+with his sisters, in his own little parlour, dressing-room, or study,
+whatever the room adjoining his chamber could properly be called.
+
+"You will not leave us soon, Robert," said Beulah, taking her brother's
+hand, with confiding affection, "I hardly think my father young and
+active enough, or rather _alarmed_ enough, to live in times like
+these!"
+
+"He is a soldier, Beulah, and a good one; so good that his son can
+teach him nothing. I wish I could say that he is as good a
+_subject_: I fear he leans to the side of the colonies."
+
+"Heaven be praised!" exclaimed Beulah--"Oh! that his son would incline
+in the same direction."
+
+"Nay, Beulah," rejoined Maud, reproachfully; "you speak without
+reflection. Mamma bitterly regrets that papa sees things in the light
+he does. _She_ thinks the parliament right, and the colonies
+wrong."
+
+"What a thing is a civil war!" ejaculated the major--"Here is husband
+divided against wife--son against father--brother against sister. I
+could almost wish I were dead, ere I had lived to see this!"
+
+"Nay, Robert, it is not so bad as that, either," added Maud. "My mother
+will never oppose my father's will or judgment. Good wives, you know,
+never do _that_. She will only pray that he may decide right, and
+in a way that his children will never have cause to regret. As for me,
+I count for nothing, of course."
+
+"And Beulah, Maud; is she nothing, too? Here will Beulah be praying for
+her brother's defeat, throughout this war. It has been some
+presentiment of this difference of opinion that has probably induced
+you to forget me, while Beulah and my mother were passing so many hours
+to fill that basket."
+
+"Perhaps you do Maud injustice, Robert," said Beulah, smiling. "I think
+I can say none loves you better than our dear sister--or no one has
+thought of you more, in your absence."
+
+"Why, then, does the basket contain no proof of this remembrance--not
+even a chain of hair--a purse, or a ring--nothing, in short, to show
+that I have not been forgotten, when away."
+
+"Even if this be so," said Maud, with spirit, "in what am I worse than
+yourself. What proof is there that you have remembered _us?_"
+
+"This," answered the major, laying before his sisters two small
+packages, each marked with the name of its proper owner. "My mother has
+her's, too, and my father has not been forgotten."
+
+Beulah's exclamations proved how much she was gratified with her
+presents; principally trinkets and jewelry, suited to her years and
+station. First kissing the major, she declared her mother must see what
+she had received, before she retired for the night, and hurried from
+the room. That Maud was not less pleased, was apparent by her glowing
+cheeks and tearful eyes; though, for a wonder, she was far more
+restrained in the expression of her feelings. After examining the
+different articles, with pleasure, for a minute or two, she went, with
+a quick impetuous movement, to the basket, tumbled all its contents on
+the table, until she reached the scarf, which she tossed towards the
+major, saying, with a faint laugh--
+
+"There, unbeliever--heathen--is _that_ nothing? Was that made in a
+minute, think you?"
+
+"_This!_" cried the major, opening the beautiful, glossy fabric in
+surprise. "Is not this one of my father's old sashes, to which I have
+fallen heir, in the order of nature?"
+
+Maud dropped her trinkets, and seizing two corners of the sash, she
+opened it, in a way to exhibit its freshness and beauty.
+
+"Is this _old_, or _worn?_" she asked, reproachfully. "Your
+father never even saw it, Bob. It has not yet been around the waist of
+man."
+
+"It is not possible!--This would be the work of months--is _so_
+beautiful--you cannot have purchased it."
+
+Maud appeared distressed at his doubts. Opening the folds still wider,
+she raised the centre of the silk to the light, pointed to certain
+letters that had been wrought into the fabric, so ingeniously as to
+escape ordinary observation, and yet so plainly as to be distinctly
+legible when the attention was once drawn to them. The major took the
+sash into his own hands altogether, held it opened before the candles,
+and read the words "Maud Meredith" aloud. Dropping the sash, he turned
+to seek the face of the donor, but she had fled the room. He followed
+her footsteps and entered the library, just as she was about to escape
+from it, by a different door.
+
+"I am offended at your incredulity," said Maud, making an effort to
+laugh away the scene, "and will not remain to hear lame excuses. Your
+new regiment can have no nature in it, or brothers would not treat
+sisters thus."
+
+"Maud _Meredith_ is not my sister," he said, earnestly, "though
+Maud _Willoughby_ may be. Why is the name Meredith?"
+
+"As a retort to one of your own allusions--did you not call me Miss
+Meredith, one day, when I last saw you in Albany?"
+
+"Ay, but that was in jest, my dearest Maud. It was not a deliberate
+thing, like the name on that sash."
+
+"Oh! jokes may be premeditated as well as murder; and many a one _is_
+murdered, you know. Mine is a prolonged jest."
+
+"Tell me, does my mother--does Beulah know who made this sash?"
+
+"How else could it have been made, Bob? Do you think I went into the
+woods, and worked by myself, like some romantic damsel who had an
+unmeaning secret to keep against the curious eyes of persecuting
+friends!"
+
+"I know not what I thought--scarce know what I think now. But, my
+mother; does she know of this _name_?"
+
+Maud blushed to the eyes; but the habit and the love of truth were so
+strong in her, that she shook her head in the negative.
+
+"Nor Beulah?--_She_, I am certain, would not have permitted
+'Meredith' to appear where 'Willoughby' should have been."
+
+"Nor Beulah, either, major Willoughby," pronouncing the name with an
+affectation of reverence. "The honour of the Willoughbys is thus
+preserved from every taint, and all the blame must fall on poor Maud
+Meredith."
+
+"You dislike the name of Willoughby, then, and intend to drop it, in
+future--I have remarked that you sign yourself only 'Maud,' in your
+last letters--never before, however, did I suspect the reason."
+
+"Who wishes to live for ever an impostor? It is not my legal name, and
+I shall soon be called on to perform legal acts. Remember, Mr. Robert
+Willoughby, I am twenty; when it comes to pounds, shillings, and pence,
+I must not forge. A little habit is necessary to teach me the use of my
+own _bonâ fide_ signature."
+
+"But ours--the name is not hateful to you--you do not throw it aside,
+seriously, for ever!"
+
+"_Yours_! What, the honoured name of my dear, dearest father--of
+my mother--of Beulah--of yourself, Bob!"
+
+Maud did not remain to terminate her speech. Bursting into tears, she
+vanished.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VIII.
+
+  The village tower--'tis joy to me!--I cry, the Lord is here!
+  The village bells! They fill the soul with ecstasy sincere.
+  And thus, I sing, the light hath shined to lands in darkness hurled,
+  Their sound is now in all the earth, their words throughout the world.
+
+  Coxe.
+
+Another night past in peace within the settlement of the Hutted Knoll.
+The following morning was the Sabbath, and it came forth, balmy,
+genial, and mild; worthy of the great festival of the Christian world.
+On the subject of religion, captain Willoughby was a little of a
+martinet; understanding by liberty of conscience, the right of
+improving by the instruction of those ministers who belonged to the
+church of England. Several of his labourers had left him because he
+refused to allow of any other ministrations on his estate; his doctrine
+being that every man had a right to do as he pleased in such matters;
+and as he did not choose to allow of schism, within the sphere of his
+own influence, if others desired to be schismatics they were at liberty
+to go elsewhere, in order to indulge their tastes. Joel Strides and
+Jamie Allen were both disaffected to this sort of orthodoxy, and they
+had frequent private discussions on its propriety; the former in his
+usual wily and jesuitical mode of sneering and insinuating, and the
+latter respectfully as related to his master, but earnestly as it
+concerned his conscience. Others, too, were dissentients, but with less
+repining; though occasionally they would stay away from Mr. Wood's
+services. Mike, alone, took an open and manly stand in the matter, and
+he a little out-Heroded Herod; or, in other words, he exceeded the
+captain himself in strictness of construction. On the very morning we
+have just described, he was present at a discussion between the Yankee
+overseer and the Scotch mason, in which these two dissenters, the first
+a congregationalist, and the last a seceder, were complaining of the
+hardships of a ten years' abstinence, during which no spiritual
+provender had been fed out to them from a proper source. The Irishman
+broke out upon the complainants in a way that will at once let the
+reader into the secret of the county Leitrim-man's principles, if he
+has any desire to know them.
+
+"Bad luck to all sorts of religion but the right one!" cried Mike, in a
+most tolerant spirit. "Who d'ye think will be wishful of hearing mass
+and pr'aching that comes from _any_ of your heretick parsons?
+Ye're as dape in the mire yerselves, as Mr. Woods is in the woods, and
+no one to lade ye out of either, but an evil spirit that would rather
+see all mankind br'iling in agony, than dancing at a fair."
+
+"Go to your confessional, Mike," returned Joel, with a sneer--"It's a
+month, or more, sin' you seen it, and the priest will think you have
+forgotten him, and go away offended."
+
+"Och! It's such a praist, as the likes of yees has no nade of
+throubling! Yer conscience is aisy, Misther Straddle, so that yer belly
+is filled, and yer wages is paid. Bad luck o sich religion!"
+
+The allusion of Joel related to a practice of Michael's that is
+deserving of notice. It seems that the poor fellow, excluded by his
+insulated position from any communication with a priest of his own
+church, was in the habit of resorting to a particular rock in the
+forest, where he would kneel and acknowledge his sins, very much as he
+would have done had the rock been a confessional containing one
+authorized to grant him absolution. Accident revealed the secret, and
+from that time Michael's devotion was a standing jest among the
+dissenters of the valley. The county Leitrim-man was certainly a little
+too much addicted to Santa Cruz, and he was accused of always visiting
+his romantic chapel after a debauch. Of course, he was but little
+pleased with Joel's remark on the present occasion; and being, like a
+modern newspaper, somewhat more vituperative than logical, he broke out
+as related.
+
+"Jamie," continued Joel, too much accustomed to Mike's violence to heed
+it, "it does seem to me a hardship to be obliged to frequent a church
+of which a man's conscience can't approve. Mr. Woods, though a native
+colonist, is an Old England parson, and he has so many popish ways
+about him, that I am under considerable concern of _mind_"--
+concern, of _itself_, was not sufficiently emphatic for one of
+Joel's sensitive feelings--"I am under considerable _concern of
+mind_ about the children. They _sit under_ no other preaching;
+and, though Lyddy and I do all we can to gainsay the sermons, as soon
+as meetin' is out, some of it _will_ stick. You may worry the best
+Christian into idolatry and unbelief, by parseverance and falsehood.
+Now that things look so serious, too, in the colonies, we ought to be
+most careful."
+
+Jamie did not clearly understand the application of the present state
+of the colonies, nor had he quite made up his mind, touching the merits
+of the quarrel between parliament and the Americans. As between the
+Stuarts and the House of Hanover, he was for the former, and that
+mainly because he thought them Scotch, and it was surely a good thing
+for a Scotchman to govern England; but, as between the _Old_
+countries and the _New_, he was rather inclined to think the
+rights of the first ought to predominate; there being something opposed
+to natural order, agreeably to his notions, in permitting the reverse
+of this doctrine to prevail. As for presbyterianism, however, even in
+the mitigated form of New England church government, he deemed it to be
+so much better than episcopacy, that he would have taken up arms, old
+as he was, for the party that it could be made to appear was fighting
+to uphold the last. We have no wish to mislead the reader. Neither of
+the persons mentioned, Mike included, actually _knew_ anything of
+the points in dispute between the different sects, or churches,
+mentioned; but only _fancied_ themselves in possession of the
+doctrines, traditions, and authorities connected with the subject.
+These fancies, however, served to keep alive a discussion that soon had
+many listeners; and never before, since his first ministration in the
+valley, did Mr. Woods meet as disaffected a congregation, as on this
+day.
+
+The church of the Hutted Knoll, or, as the clergyman more modestly
+termed it, the chapel, stood in the centre of the meadows, on a very
+low swell of their surface, where a bit of solid dry ground had been
+discovered, fit for such a purpose. The principal object had been to
+make it central; though some attention had been paid also to the
+picturesque. It was well shaded with young elms, just then opening into
+leaf; and about a dozen graves, principally of very young children,
+were memorials of the mortality of the settlement. The building was of
+stone, the work of Jamie Allen's own hands, but small, square, with a
+pointed roof, and totally without tower, or belfry. The interior was of
+unpainted cherry, and through a want of skill in the mechanics, had a
+cold and raw look, little suited to the objects of the structure.
+Still, the small altar, the desk and the pulpit, and the large, square,
+curtained pew of the captain, the only one the house contained, were
+all well ornamented with hangings, or cloth, and gave the place
+somewhat of an air of clerical comfort and propriety. The rest of the
+congregation sat on benches, with kneeling-boards before them. The
+walls were plastered, and, a proof that parsimony had no connection
+with the simple character of the building, and a thing almost as
+unusual in America at that period as it is to-day in parts of Italy,
+the chapel was entirely finished.
+
+It has been said that the morning of the particular Sabbath at which we
+have now arrived, was mild and balmy. The sun of the forty-third degree
+of latitude poured out its genial rays upon the valley, gilding the
+tender leaves of the surrounding forest with such touches of light as
+are best known to the painters of Italy. The fineness of the weather
+brought nearly all the working people of the settlement to the chapel
+quite an hour before the ringing of its little bell, enabling the men
+to compare opinions afresh, on the subject of the political troubles of
+the times, and the women to gossip about their children.
+
+On all such occasions, Joel was a principal spokesman, nature having
+created him for a demagogue, in a small way; an office for which
+education had in no degree unfitted him. As had been usual with him, of
+late, he turned the discourse on the importance of having correct
+information of what was going on, in the inhabited parts of the
+country, and of the expediency of sending some trustworthy person on
+such an errand. He had frequently intimated his own readiness to go, if
+his neighbours wished it.
+
+"We're all in the dark here," he remarked, "and might stay so to the
+end of time, without some one to be relied on, to tell us the news.
+Major Willoughby is a fine man"--Joel meant _morally_, not
+_physically_--"but he's a king's officer, and nat'rally feels
+inclined to make the best of things for the rig'lars. The captain, too,
+was once a soldier, himself, and his feelin's turn, as it might be,
+unav'idably, to the side he has been most used to. We are like people
+on a desart island, out here in the wilderness--and if ships won't
+arrive to tell us how matters come on, we must send one out to l'arn it
+for us. I'm the last man at the Dam"--so the _oi polloi_ called
+the valley--"to say anything hard of either the captain or his son; but
+one is English born, and the other is English bred; and each will make
+a difference in a man's feelin's."
+
+To this proposition the miller, in particular, assented; and, for the
+twentieth time, he made some suggestion about the propriety of Joel's
+going himself, in order to ascertain how the land lay.
+
+"You can be back by hoeing," he added, "and have plenty of time to go
+as far as Boston, should you wish to."
+
+Now, while the great events were in progress, which led to the
+subversion of British power in America, an under-current of feeling, if
+not of incidents, was running in this valley, which threatened to wash
+away the foundations of the captain's authority. Joel and the miller,
+if not downright conspirators, had hopes, calculations, and even
+projects of their own, that never would have originated with men of the
+same class, in another state of society; or, it might almost be said,
+in another part of the world. The sagacity of the overseer had long
+enabled him to foresee that the issue of the present troubles would be
+insurrection; and a sort of instinct which some men possess for the
+strongest side, had pointed out to him the importance of being a
+patriot. The captain, he little doubted, would take part with the
+crown, and then no one knew what might be the consequences. It is not
+probable that Joel's instinct for the strongest side predicted the
+precise confiscations that subsequently ensued, some of which had all
+the grasping lawlessness of a gross abuse of power; but he could easily
+foresee that if the owner of the estate should be driven off, the
+property and its proceeds, probably for a series of years, would be
+very apt to fall under his own control and management. Many a patriot
+has been made by anticipations less brilliant than these; and as Joel
+and the miller talked the matter over between them, they had calculated
+all the possible emolument of fattening beeves, and packing pork for
+hostile armies, or isolated frontier posts, with a strong gusto for the
+occupation. Should open war but fairly commence, and could the captain
+only be induced to abandon the Knoll, and take refuge within a British
+camp, everything might be made to go smoothly, until settling day
+should follow a peace. At that moment, _non est inventus_ would be
+a sufficient answer to a demand for any balance.
+
+"They tell me," said Joel, in an aside to the miller, "that law is as
+good as done with in the Bay colony, already; and you know if the law
+has run out _there_, it will quickly come to an end, here. York
+never had much character for law."
+
+"That's true, Joel; then you know the captain himself is the only
+magistrate hereabout; and, when he is away, we shall have to be
+governed by a committee of safety, or something of that natur'."
+
+"A committee of safety will be the thing!"
+
+"What is a committee of safety, Joel?" demanded the miller, who had
+made far less progress in the arts of the demagogue than his friend,
+and who, in fact, had much less native fitness for the vocation; "I
+have heer'n tell of them regulations, but do not rightly understand
+'em, a'ter all."
+
+"You know what a committee is?" asked Joel, glancing inquiringly at his
+friend.
+
+"I s'pose I do--it means men's takin' on themselves the trouble and
+care of public business."
+
+"That's it--now a committee of safety means a few of us, for instance,
+having the charge of the affairs of this settlement, in order to see
+that no harm shall come to anything, especially to the people."
+
+"It would be a good thing to have one, here. The carpenter, and you,
+and I might be members, Joel."
+
+"We'll talk about it, another time. The corn is just planted, you know;
+and it has got to be hoed _twice_, and topped, before it can be
+gathered. Let us wait and see how things come on at Boston."
+
+While this incipient plot was thus slowly coming to a head, and the
+congregation was gradually collecting at the chapel, a very different
+scene was enacting in the Hut. Breakfast was no sooner through, than
+Mrs. Willoughby retired to her own sitting-room, whither her son was
+shortly summoned to join her. Expecting some of the inquiries which
+maternal affection might prompt, the major proceeded to the place named
+with alacrity; but, on entering the room, to his great surprise he
+found Maud with his mother. The latter seemed grave and concerned,
+while the former was not entirely free from alarm. The young man
+glanced inquiringly at the young lady, and he fancied he saw tears
+struggling to break out of her eyes.
+
+"Come hither, Robert"--said Mrs. Willoughby, pointing to a chair at her
+side--with a gravity that struck her son as unusual--"I have brought
+you here to listen to one of the old-fashioned lectures, of which you
+got so many when a boy."
+
+"Your advice, my dear mother--or even your reproofs--would be listened
+to with far more reverence and respect, now, than I fear they were
+then," returned the major, seating himself by the side of Mrs.
+Willoughby, and taking one of her hands, affectionately, in both his
+own. "It is only in after-life that we learn to appreciate the
+tenderness and care of such a parent as you have been; though what I
+have done lately, to bring me in danger of the guard-house, I cannot
+imagine. Surely _you_ cannot blame me for adhering to the crown,
+at a moment like this!"
+
+"I shall not interfere with your conscience in this matter, Robert; and
+my own feelings, American as I am by birth and family, rather incline
+me to think as you think. I have wished to see you, my son, on a
+different business."
+
+"Do not keep me in suspense, mother; I feel like a prisoner who is
+waiting to hear his charges read. What have I done?"
+
+"Nay, it is rather for _you_ to tell _me_ what you have done.
+You cannot have forgotten, Robert, how very anxious I have been to
+awaken and keep alive family affection, among my children; how very
+important both your father and I have always deemed it; and how
+strongly we have endeavoured to impress this importance on all your
+minds. The tie of family, and the love it ought to produce, is one of
+the sweetest of all our earthly duties. Perhaps we old people see its
+value more than you young; but, to us, the weakening of it seems like a
+disaster only a little less to be deplored than death."
+
+"Dearest--dearest mother! What _can_ you--what _do_ you
+mean?--What can _I_--what can _Maud_ have to do with this?"
+
+"Do not your consciences tell you, both? Has there not been some
+misunderstanding--perhaps a quarrel--certainly a coldness between you?
+A mother has a quick and a jealous eye; and I have seen, for some time,
+that there is not the old confidence, the free natural manner, in
+either of you, that there used to be, and which always gave your father
+and me so much genuine happiness. Speak, then, and let me make peace
+between you."
+
+Robert Willoughby would not have looked at Maud, at that moment, to
+have been given a regiment; as for Maud, herself, she was utterly
+incapable of raising her eyes from the floor. The former coloured to
+the temples, a proof of consciousness, his mother fancied; while the
+latter's face resembled ivory, as much as flesh and blood.
+
+"If you think, Robert," continued Mrs. Willoughby, "that Maud has
+forgotten you, or shown pique for any little former misunderstanding,
+during your last absence, you do her injustice. No one has done as much
+for you, in the way of memorial; that beautiful sash being all her own
+work, and made of materials purchased with her own pocket-money. Maud
+loves you truly, too; for, whatever may be the airs she gives herself,
+while you are together, when absent, no one seems to care more for your
+wishes and happiness, than that very wilful and capricious girl."
+
+"Mother!--mother!" murmured Maud, burying her face in both her hands.
+
+Mrs. Willoughby was woman in all her feelings, habits and nature. No
+one would have been more keenly alive to the peculiar sensibilities of
+her sex, under ordinary circumstances, than herself; but she was now
+acting and thinking altogether in her character of a mother; and so
+long and intimately had she regarded the two beings before her, in that
+common and sacred light, that it would have been like the dawn of a new
+existence for her, just then, to look upon them as not really akin to
+each other.
+
+"I shall not, nor can I treat either of you as a child," she continued,
+"and must therefore appeal only to your own good sense, to make a
+peace. I know it can be nothing serious; but, it is painful to me to
+see even an affected coldness among my children. Think, Maud, that we
+are on the point of a war, and how bitterly you would regret it, should
+any accident befall your brother, and your memory not be able to recall
+the time passed among us, in his last visit, with entire satisfaction."
+
+The mother's voice trembled; but tears no longer struggled about the
+eyelids of Maud. Her face was pale as death, and it seemed as if every
+ordinary fountain of sorrow were dried up.
+
+"Dear Bob, this is too much!" she said eagerly, though in husky tones.
+"Here is my hand--nay, here are _both_. Mother must not think this
+cruel charge is--_can_ be true."
+
+The major arose, approached his sister, and impressed a kiss on her
+cold cheek. Mrs. Willoughby smiled at these tokens of amity, and the
+conversation continued in a less earnest manner.
+
+"This is right, my children," said the single-hearted Mrs. Willoughby,
+whose sensitive maternal love saw nothing but the dreaded consequences
+of weakened domestic affections; "and I shall be all the happier for
+having witnessed it. Young soldiers, Maud, who are sent early from
+their homes, have too many inducements to forget them and those they
+contain; and we women are so dependent on the love of our male friends,
+that it is wisdom in _us_ to keep alive all the earlier ties as
+long and as much as possible."
+
+"I am sure, dearest mother," murmured Maud, though in a voice that was
+scarcely audible, "_I_ shall be the last to wish to weaken this
+family tie. No one can feel a warmer--more proper--a more _sisterly_
+affection for Robert, than I do--he was always so kind to
+me when a child--and so ready to assist me--and so manly--and so
+everything that he ought to be--it is surprising you should have
+fancied there was any coldness between us!"
+
+Major Willoughby even bent forward to listen, so intense was his
+curiosity to hear what Maud said; a circumstance which, had she seen
+it, would probably have closed her lips. But her eyes were riveted on
+the floor, her cheeks were bloodless, and her voice so low, that
+nothing but the breathless stillness he observed, would have allowed
+the young man to hear it, where he sat.
+
+"You forget, mother"--rejoined the major, satisfied that the last
+murmur had died on his ears--"that Maud will probably be transplanted
+into another family, one of these days, where we, who know her so well,
+and have reason to love her so much, can only foresee that she will
+form new, and even stronger ties than any that accident may have formed
+for her here."
+
+"Never--never"--exclaimed Maud, fervently--"I can never love any as
+well as I love those who are in this house."
+
+The relief she wanted stopped her voice, and, bursting into tears, she
+threw-herself into Mrs. Willoughby's arms, and sobbed like a child. The
+mother now motioned to her son to quit the room, while she remained
+herself to soothe the weeping girl, as she so often had done before,
+when overcome by her infantile, or youthful griefs. Throughout this
+interview, habit and single-heartedness so exercised their influence,
+that the excellent matron did not, in the most remote manner, recollect
+that her son and Maud were not natural relatives. Accustomed herself to
+see the latter every day, and to think of her, as she had from the
+moment when she was placed in her arms, an infant of a few weeks old
+the effect that separation might produce on others, never presented
+itself to her mind. Major Willoughby, a boy of eight when Maud was
+received in the family, had known from the first her precise position;
+and it was perhaps morally impossible that _he_ should not recall
+the circumstance in their subsequent intercourse; more especially as
+school, college, and the army, had given him so much leisure to reflect
+on such things, apart from the influence of family habits; while it was
+to be expected that a consequence of his own peculiar mode of thinking
+on this subject, would be to produce something like a sympathetic
+sentiment in the bosom of Maud. Until within the last few years,
+however, she had been so much of a child herself, and had been treated
+so much like a child by the young soldier, that it was only through a
+change in him, that was perceptible only to herself, and which occurred
+when he first met her grown into womanhood, that she alone admitted any
+feelings that were not strictly to be referred to sisterly regard. All
+this, nevertheless, was a profound mystery to every member of the
+family, but the two who were its subjects; no other thoughts than the
+simplest and most obvious, ever suggesting themselves to the minds of
+the others.
+
+In half an hour, Mrs. Willoughby had quieted all Maud's present
+troubles, and the whole family left the house to repair to the chapel.
+Michael, though he had no great reverence for Mr. Wood's ministrations,
+had constituted himself sexton, an office which had devolved on him in
+consequence of his skill with the spade. Once initiated into one branch
+of this duty, he had insisted on performing all the others; and it was
+sometimes a curious spectacle to see the honest fellow, busy about the
+interior of the building, during service, literally stopping one of his
+ears with a thumb, with a view, while he acquitted himself of what he
+conceived to be temporal obligations, to exclude as much heresy as
+possible. One of his rules was to refuse to commence tolling the bell,
+until he saw Mrs. Willoughby and her daughter, within a reasonable
+distance of the place of worship; a rule that had brought about more
+than one lively discussion between himself and the levelling-minded, if
+not heavenly-minded Joel Strides. On the present occasion, this simple
+process did not pass altogether without a dispute.
+
+"Come, Mike; it's half-past ten; the people have been waiting about the
+meetin' 'us, some time; you should open the doors and toll the bell.
+People can't wait, for ever for anybody; not even for your church."
+
+"Then let 'em just go home, ag'in, and come when they're called.
+Because, the ould women, and the young women, and the childer, and the
+likes o' them, wishes to scandalize their fellow cr'atures, Christians
+I will not call 'em, let 'em mate in the mill, or the school-house, and
+not come forenent a church on sich a business as that. Is it toll the
+bell, will I, afore the Missus is in sight?--No--not for a whole
+gineration of ye, Joel; and every one o' them, too, a much likelier man
+than ye bees yerself."
+
+"Religion is no respecter of persons"--returned the philosophical Joel.
+"Them that likes masters and mistresses may have them, for all me; but
+it riles me to meet with meanness."
+
+"It does!" cried Mike, looking up at his companion, with a very
+startling expression of wonder. "If that be true, ye must be in a
+mighty throubled state, most of the live-long day, ye must!"
+
+"I tell you, Michael O'Hearn, religion is no respecter of persons. The
+Lord cares jist as much for _me_, as he does for captain
+Willoughby, or his wife, or his son, or his darters, or anything that
+is his."
+
+"Divil burn me, now, Joel, if I believe _that_!" again cried Mike,
+in his dogmatic manner. "Them that understands knows the difference
+between mankind, and I'm sure it can be no great sacret to the Lord,
+when it is so well known to a poor fellow like myself. There's a
+plenthy of fellow-cr'atures that has a mighty good notion of their own
+excellence, but when it comes to r'ason and thruth, it's no very great
+figure ye all make, in proving what ye say. This chapel is the
+master's, if chapel the heretical box can be called, and yonder bell
+was bought wid his money; and the rope is his; and the hands that mane
+to pull it, is his; and so there's little use in talking ag'in rocks,
+and ag'in minds that's made up even harder than rocks, and to spare."
+
+This settled the matter. The bell was not tolled until Mrs. Willoughby,
+and her daughters, had got fairly through the still unprotected gateway
+of the stockade, although the recent discussion of political questions
+had so far substituted discontent for subordination in the settlement,
+that more than half of those who were of New England descent, had
+openly expressed their dissatisfaction at the delay. Mike, however, was
+as unmoved as the little chapel itself, refusing to open the door until
+the proper moment had arrived, according to his own notion of the
+fitness of things. He then proceeded to the elm, against which the
+little bell was hung, and commenced tolling it with as much seriousness
+as if the conveyer of sounds had been duly consecrated.
+
+When the family from the Hut entered the chapel, all the rest of the
+congregation were in their customary seats. This arrival, however,
+added materially to the audience, Great Smash and Little Smash, the two
+Plinys, and some five or six coloured children, between the ages of six
+and twelve, following in the train of their master. For the blacks, a
+small gallery had been built, where they could sit apart, a proscribed,
+if not a persecuted race. Little did the Plinys or the Smashes,
+notwithstanding, think of this. Habit had rendered their situation more
+than tolerable, for it had created notions and usages that would have
+rendered them uncomfortable, in closer contact with the whites. In that
+day, the two colours never ate together, by any accident; the eastern
+castes being scarcely more rigid in the observance of their rules, than
+the people of America were on this great point. The men who would toil
+together, joke together, and pass their days in familiar intercourse,
+would not sit down at the same board. There seemed to be a sort of
+contamination, according to the opinions of one of these castes, in
+breaking bread with the other. This prejudice often gave rise to
+singular scenes, more especially in the households of those who
+habitually laboured in company with their slaves. In such families, it
+not unfrequently happened that a black led the councils of the farm. He
+might be seen seated by the fire, uttering his opinions dogmatically,
+reasoning warmly against his own master, and dealing out his wisdom
+_ex cathedra_, even while he waited, with patient humility, when he
+might approach, and satisfy his hunger, after all of the other colour
+had quitted the table.
+
+Mr. Woods was not fortunate in the selection of his subject, on the
+occasion of which we are writing. There had been so much personal
+activity, and so much political discussion during the past week, as to
+prevent him from writing a new sermon, and of course he was compelled
+to fail back on the other end of the barrel. The recent arguments
+inclined him to maintain his own opinions, and he chose a discourse
+that he had delivered to the garrison of which he had last been
+chaplain. To this choice he had been enticed by the text, which was,
+"Render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's," a mandate that would
+be far more palatable to an audience composed of royal troops, than to
+one which had become a good deal disaffected by the arts and arguments
+of Joel Strides and the miller. Still, as the sermon contained a proper
+amount of theological truisms, and had a sufficiency of general
+orthodoxy to cover a portion of its political bearing, it gave far more
+dissatisfaction to a few of the knowing, than to the multitude. To own
+the truth, the worthy priest was so much addicted to continuing his
+regimental and garrison course of religious instruction, that his
+ordinary listeners would scarcely observe this tendency to loyalty;
+though it was far different with those who were eagerly looking for
+causes of suspicion and denunciation, in the higher quarters.
+
+"Well," said Joel, as he and the miller, followed by their respective
+families, proceeded towards the mill, where the household of the
+Strides' were to pass the remainder of the day, "well, this is a bold
+sermon for a minister to preach in times like these! I kind o' guess,
+if Mr. Woods was down in the Bay, 'render unto Cæsar the things that
+are Cæsars,' wouldn't be doctrine to be so quietly received by every
+congregation. What's your notion about that, Miss Strides?"
+
+_Miss_ Strides thought exactly as her husband thought, and the
+miller and his wife were not long in chiming in with her, accordingly.
+The sermon furnished material for conversation throughout the remainder
+of the day, at the mill, and divers conclusions were drawn from it,
+that were ominous to the preacher's future comfort and security.
+
+Nor did the well-meaning parson entirely escape comment in the higher
+quarters.
+
+"I wish, Woods, you had made choice of some other subject," observed
+the captain, as he and his friend walked the lawn together, in waiting
+for a summons to dinner.
+
+"In times like these, one cannot be too careful of the political
+notions he throws out; and to own the truth to you, I am more than half
+inclined to think that Cæsar is exercising quite as much authority, in
+these colonies, as justly falls to his share."
+
+"Why, my dear captain, you have heard this very sermon three or four
+times already, and you have more than once mentioned it with
+commendation!"
+
+"Ay, but that was in garrison, where one is obliged to teach
+subordination. I remember the sermon quite well, and a very good one it
+was, twenty years since, when you first preached it; but--"
+
+"I apprehend, captain Willoughby, that '_tempora mutantur, et, nos
+mutamus in illis.'_ That the mandates and maxims of the Saviour are
+far beyond the mutations and erring passions of mortality. His sayings
+are intended for all times."
+
+"Certainly, as respects their general principles and governing truths.
+But no text is to be interpreted without some reference to
+circumstances. All I mean is, that the preaching which might be very
+suitable to a battalion of His Majesty's Fortieth might be very
+unsuitable for the labourers of the Hutted Knoll; more especially so
+soon after what I find is called the Battle of Lexington."
+
+The summons to dinner cut short the discourse; and probably prevented a
+long, warm, but friendly argument.
+
+That afternoon and evening, captain Willoughby and his son had a
+private and confidential discourse. The former advised the major to
+rejoin his regiment without delay, unless he were prepared to throw up
+his commission and take sides with the colonists, altogether. To this
+the young soldier would not listen, returning to the charge, in the
+hope of rekindling the dormant flame of his father's loyalty.
+
+The reader is not to suppose that captain Willoughby's own mind was
+absolutely made up to fly into open rebellion. Far from it. He had his
+doubts and misgivings on the subjects of both principles and prudence,
+but he inclined strongly to the equity of the demands of the Americans.
+Independence, or separation, if thought of at all in 1775 entered into
+the projects of but very few; the warmest wish of the most ardent of
+the whigs of the colonies being directed toward compromise, and a
+distinct recognition of their political franchises. The events that
+followed so thickly were merely the consequences of causes which, once
+set in motion, soon attained an impetus that defied ordinary human
+control. It was doubtless one of the leading incidents of the great and
+mysterious scheme of Divine Providence for the government of the future
+destinies of man, that political separation should commence, in this
+hemisphere, at that particular juncture, to be carried out, ere the end
+of a century, to its final and natural conclusion.
+
+But the present interview was less to debate the merits of any disputed
+question, than to consult on the means of future intercourse, and to
+determine on what was best to be done at the present moment. After
+discussing the matter, pro and con, it was decided that the major
+should quit the Knoll the next day, and return to Boston, avoiding
+Albany and those points of the country in which he would be most
+exposed to detection. So many persons were joining the American forces
+that were collecting about the besieged town, that his journeying on
+the proper road would excite no suspicion; and once in the American
+camp, nothing would be easier than to find his way into the peninsula.
+All this young Willoughby felt no difficulty in being able to
+accomplish, provided he could get into the settlements without being
+followed by information of his real character. The period of spies, and
+of the severe exercise of martial-law, was not yet reached; and all
+that was apprehended was detention. Of the last, however, there was
+great danger; positive certainty, indeed, in the event of discovery;
+and major Willoughby had gleaned enough during his visit, to feel some
+apprehensions of being betrayed. He regretted having brought his
+servant with him; for the man was a European, and by his dulness and
+speech might easily get them both into difficulties. So serious,
+indeed, was this last danger deemed by the father, that he insisted on
+Robert's starting without the man, leaving the last to follow, on the
+first suitable occasion.
+
+As soon as this point was settled, there arose the question of the
+proper guide. Although he distrusted the Tuscarora, captain Willoughby,
+after much reflection, came to the opinion that it would be safer to
+make an ally of him, than to give him an opportunity of being employed
+by the other side. Nick was sent for, and questioned. He promised to
+take the major to the Hudson, at a point between Lunenburg and
+Kinderhook, where he would be likely to cross the river without
+awakening suspicion; his own reward to depend on his coming back to the
+Hutted Knoll with a letter from the major, authorizing the father to
+pay him for his services. This plan, it was conceived, would keep Nick
+true to his faith, for the time being, at least.
+
+Many other points were discussed between the father and son, the latter
+promising if anything of importance occurred, to find the means of
+communicating it to his friends at the Knoll, while Parrel was to
+follow his master, at the end of six weeks or two months, with letters
+from the family. Many of the captain's old army-friends were now in
+situations of authority and command, and he sent to them messages of
+prudence, and admonitions to be moderate in their views, which
+subsequent events proved were little regarded. To general Gage he even
+wrote, using the precaution not to sign the letter, though its
+sentiments were so much in favour of the colonies, that had it been
+intercepted, it is most probable the Americans would have forwarded the
+missive to its direction.
+
+These matters arranged, the father and son parted for the night, some
+time after the house-clock had struck the hour of twelve.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IX.
+
+  Though old in cunning, as in years,
+  He is so small, that like a child
+  In face and form, the god appears,
+  And sportive like a boy, and wild;
+  Lightly he moves from place to place,
+  In none at rest, in none content;
+  Delighted some new toy to chase--
+  On childish purpose ever bent.
+  Beware! to childhood's spirits gay
+  Is added more than childhood's power;
+  And you perchance may rue the hour
+  That saw you join his seeming play.
+
+  Griffen
+
+The intention of the major to quit the Knoll that day, was announced to
+the family at breakfast, on the following morning. His mother and
+Beulah heard this intelligence, with a natural and affectionate
+concern, that they had no scruples in avowing; but Maud seemed to have
+so schooled her feelings, that the grief she really felt was under a
+prudent control. To her, it appeared as if her secret were constantly
+on the point of exposure, and she believed _that_ would cause her
+instant death. To survive its shame was impossible in her eyes, and all
+the energies of her nature were aroused, with the determination of
+burying her weakness in her own bosom. She had been so near revealing
+it to Beulah, that even now she trembled as she thought of the
+precipice over which she had been impending, strengthening her
+resolution by the recollection of the danger she had run.
+
+As a matter of necessary caution, the intended movements of the young
+man were kept a profound secret from all in the settlement. Nick had
+disappeared in the course of the night, carrying with him the major's
+pack, having repaired to a designated point on the stream, where he was
+to be joined by his fellow-traveller at an hour named. There were
+several forest-paths which led to the larger settlements. That usually
+travelled was in the direction of old Fort Stanwix, first proceeding
+north, and then taking a south-eastern direction, along the shores of
+the Mohawk. This was the route by which the major had come. Another
+struck the Otsego, and joined the Mohawk at the point more than once
+mentioned in our opening chapters. As these were the two ordinary
+paths--if paths they could be called, where few or no traces of
+footsteps were visible--it was more than probable any plan to arrest
+the traveller would be laid in reference to their courses. The major
+had consequently resolved to avoid them both, and to strike boldly into
+the mountains, until he should reach the Susquehanna, cross that stream
+on its flood wood, and finding one of its tributaries that flowed in
+from the eastward, by following its banks to the high land, which
+divides the waters of the Mohawk from this latter river, place himself
+on a route that would obliquely traverse the water-courses, which, in
+this quarter of the country, have all a general north or south
+direction. Avoiding Schenectady and Albany, he might incline towards
+the old establishments of the descendants of the emigrants from the
+Palatinate, on the Schoharie, and reach the Hudson at a point deemed
+safe for his purposes, through some of the passes of the mountains in
+their vicinity. He was to travel in the character of a land-owner who
+had been visiting his patent, and his father supplied him with a map
+and an old field-book, which would serve to corroborate his assumed
+character, in the event of suspicion, or arrest. Not much danger was
+apprehended, however, the quarrel being yet too recent to admit of the
+organization and distrust that subsequently produced so much vigilance
+and activity.
+
+"You will contrive to let us hear of your safe arrival in Boston, Bob,"
+observed the father, as he sat stirring his tea, in a thoughtful
+way--"I hope to God the matter will go no farther, and that our
+apprehensions, after all, have given this dark appearance to what has
+already happened."
+
+"Ah, my dear father; you little know the state of the country, through
+which I have so lately travelled!" answered the major, shaking his
+head. "An alarm of fire, in an American town, would scarce create more
+movement, and not so much excitement. The colonies are alive,
+particularly those of New England, and a civil war is inevitable;
+though I trust the power of England will render it short."
+
+"Then, Robert, do not trust yourself among the people of New England"--
+cried the anxious mother. "Go rather to New York, where we have so many
+friends, and so much influence. It will be far easier to reach New York
+than to reach Boston."
+
+"That may be true, mother, but it will scarcely be as creditable. My
+regiment is in Boston, and its enemies are _before_ Boston; an old
+soldier like captain Willoughby will tell you that the major is a very
+necessary officer to a corps. No--no--my best course is to fall into
+the current of adventurers who are pushing towards Boston, and appear
+like one of their number, until I can get an opportunity of stealing
+away from them, and join my own people."
+
+"Have a care, Bob, that you do not commit a military crime. Perhaps
+these provincial officers may take it into their heads to treat you as
+a spy, should you fall into their hands!"
+
+"Little fear of that, sir; at present it is a sort of colonial scramble
+for what they fancy liberty. That they will fight, in their zeal, I
+know; for I have seen it; but matters have not at all gone as far as
+you appear to apprehend. I question if they would even stop Gage,
+himself, from going through their camp, were he outside, and did he
+express a desire to return."
+
+"And yet you tell me, arms and ammunition are seized all over the land;
+that several old half-pay officers of the king have been arrested, and
+put under a sort of parole!"
+
+"Such things were talked of, certainly, though I question if they have
+yet been done. Luckily for yourself, under your present opinions at
+least, _you_ are not on half-pay, even."
+
+"It is fortunate, Bob, though you mention it with a smile. With my
+present feelings, I should indeed be sorry to be on half-pay, or
+quarter-pay, were there such a thing. I now feel myself my-own master,
+at liberty to follow the dictates of my conscience, and the suggestions
+of my judgment."
+
+"Well, sir, you are a little fortunate, it must be acknowledged. I
+cannot see how any man _can_ be at liberty to throw off the
+allegiance he owes his natural sovereign. What think you, Maud?"
+
+This was said half in bitterness, half in jest, though the appeal at
+its close was uttered in a serious manner, and a little anxiously. Maud
+hesitated, as if to muster her thoughts, ere she replied.
+
+"My feelings are against rebellion," she said, at length; "though I
+fear my reason tells me there is no such thing as a natural sovereign.
+If the parliament had not given us the present family, a century since,
+by what rule of nature would it be our princes, Bob?"
+
+"Ah! these are some of the flights of your rich imagination, my dear--
+Maud; it is parliament that has made them our princes, and parliament,
+at least, is our legal, constitutional master."
+
+"That is just the point in dispute. Parliament may be the rightful
+governors of England, but are they the rightful governors of America?"
+
+"Enough," said the captain, rising from table--"We will not discuss
+such a question, just as we are about to separate. Go, my son; a duty
+that is to be performed, cannot be done too soon. Your fowling-piece
+and ammunition are ready for you, and I shall take care to circulate
+the report that you have gone to pass an hour in the woods, in search
+of pigeons. God bless you, Bob; however we may differ in this matter--
+you are my son--my _only_ son--my dear and well-beloved boy--God
+for ever bless you!"
+
+A profound stillness succeeded this burst of nature, and then the young
+man took his leave of his mother and the girls. Mrs. Willoughby kissed
+her child. She did not even weep, until she was in her room; then,
+indeed, she went to her knees, her tears, and her prayers. Beulah, all
+heart and truth as she was, wept freely on her brother's neck; but
+Maud, though pale and trembling, received his kiss without returning
+it; though she could not help saying with a meaning that the young man
+had in his mind all that day, ay, and for many succeeding days--"be
+careful of yourself, and run into no unnecessary dangers; God bless
+you, dear, _dear_ Bob."
+
+Maud alone followed the movements of the gentlemen with her eyes. The
+peculiar construction of the Hut prevented external view from the south
+windows; but there was a loop in a small painting-room of the garret
+that was especially under her charge. Thither, then, she flew, to ease
+her nearly bursting heart with tears, and to watch the retiring
+footsteps of Robert. She saw him, accompanied by his father and the
+chaplain, stroll leisurely down the lawn, conversing and affecting an
+indifferent manner, with a wish to conceal his intent to depart. The
+glass of the loop was open, to admit the air, and Maud strained her
+sense of hearing, in the desire to catch, if possible, another tone of
+his voice. In this she was unsuccessful; though he stopped and gazed
+back at the Hut, as if to take a parting look. Her father and Mr. Woods
+did not turn, and Maud thrust her hand through the opening and waved
+her handkerchief. "He will think it Beulah or I," she thought, "and it
+may prove a consolation to him to know how much _we_ love him."
+The major saw the signal, and returned it. His father unexpectedly
+turned, and caught a glimpse of the retiring hand, as it was
+disappearing within the loop. "That is our precious Maud," he said,
+without other thought than of her sisterly affection. "It is _her_
+painting-room; Beulah's is on the other side of the gateway; but the
+window does not seem to be open."
+
+The major started, kissed his hand fervently, five or six times, and
+then he walked on. As if to change the conversation, he said hastily,
+and with a little want of connection with what had just passed--
+
+"Yes, sir, that gate, sure enough--have it hung, at once, I do entreat
+of you. I shall not be easy until I hear that both the gates are hung--
+that in the stockade, and that in the house, itself."
+
+"It was my intention to commence to-day," returned the father, "but
+your departure has prevented it. I will wait a day or two, to let your
+mother and sisters tranquillize their minds a little, before we besiege
+them with the noise and clamour of the workmen."
+
+"Better besiege them with _that_, my dear sir, than leave them
+exposed to an Indian, or even a rebel attack."
+
+The major then went on to give some of his more modern military
+notions, touching the art of defence. As one of the old school, he
+believed his father a miracle of skill; but what young man, who had
+enjoyed the advantages of ten or fifteen years of the most recent
+training in any branch of knowledge, ever believed the educations of
+those who went before him beyond the attacks of criticism. The captain
+listened patiently, and with an old man's tolerance for inexperience,
+glad to have any diversion to unhappy thoughts.
+
+All this time Maud watched their movements from the loop, with eyes
+streaming with tears. She saw Robert pause, and look back, again and
+again; and, once more, she thrust out the handkerchief. It was plain,
+however, he did not see it; for he turned and proceeded, without any
+answering signal.
+
+"He never _can_ know whether it was Beulah or I," thought Maud;
+"yet, he may fancy we are _both_ here."
+
+On the rocks, that overhung the mills, the gentlemen paused, and
+conversed for quite a quarter of an hour. The distance prevented Maud
+from discerning their countenances; but she could perceive the
+thoughtful, and as she fancied melancholy, attitude of the major, as,
+leaning on his fowling-piece, his lace was turned towards the Knoll,
+and his eyes were really riveted on the loop. At the end of the time
+mentioned, the young soldier shook hands hastily and covertly with his
+companions, hurried towards the path, and descended out of sight,
+following the course of the stream. Maud saw him no more, though her
+father and Mr. Woods stood on the rocks quite half an hour longer,
+catching occasional glimpses of his form, as it came out of the shadows
+of the forest, into the open space of the little river; and, indeed,
+until the major was within a short distance of the spot where he was to
+meet the Indian. Then they heard the reports of both barrels of his
+fowling-piece, fired in quick succession, the signals that he had
+joined his guide. This welcome news received, the two gentlemen
+returned slowly towards the house.
+
+Such was the commencement of a day, which, while it brought forth
+nothing alarming to the family of the Hutted Knoll, was still pregnant
+with important consequences. Major Willoughby disappeared from the
+sight of his father about ten in the morning; and before twelve, the
+settlement was alive with the rumours of a fresh arrival. Joel knew not
+whether to rejoice or to despair, as he saw a party of eight or ten
+armed men rising above the rock, and holding their course across the
+flats towards the house. He entertained no doubt of its being a party
+sent by the provincial authorities to arrest the captain, and he
+foresaw the probability of another's being put into the lucrative
+station of receiver of the estate, during the struggle which was in
+perspective. It is surprising how many, and sometimes how pure patriots
+are produced by just such hopes as those of Joel's. At this day, there
+is scarce an instance of a confiscated estate, during the American
+revolution, connected with which racy traditions are not to be found,
+that tell of treachery very similar to this contemplated by the
+overseer in some instances of treachery effected by means of kinsmen
+and false friends.
+
+Joel had actually got on his Sunday coat, and was making his way
+towards the Knoll, in order to be present, at least, at the anticipated
+scene, when, to his amazement, and somewhat to his disappointment, he
+saw the captain and chaplain moving down the lawn, in a manner to show
+that these unexpected arrivals brought not unwelcome guests. This
+caused him to pause; and when he perceived that the only two among the
+strangers who had the air of gentlemen, were met with cordial shakes of
+the hand, he turned back towards his own tenement, a half-dissatisfied,
+and yet half contented man.
+
+The visit which the captain had come out to receive, instead of
+producing any uneasiness in his family, was, in truth, highly
+agreeable, and very opportune. It was Evert Beekman, with an old
+friend, attended by a party of chain-bearers, hunters, &c., on his way
+from the "Patent" he owned in the neighbourhood--that is to say, within
+fifty miles--and halting at the Hutted Knoll, under the courteous
+pretence of paying his respects to the family, but, in reality, to
+bring the suit he had now been making to Beulah for quite a
+twelvemonth, to a successful termination.
+
+The attachment between Evert Beekman and Beulah Willoughby was of a
+character so simple, so sincere, and so natural, as scarce to furnish
+materials for a brief episode. The young man had not made his addresses
+without leave obtained from the parents; he had been acceptable to the
+daughter from the commencement of their acquaintance; and she had only
+asked time to reflect, ere she gave her answer, when he proposed, a day
+or two before the family left New York.
+
+To own the truth, Beulah was a little surprised that her suitor had
+delayed his appearance till near the close of May, when she had
+expected to see him at the beginning of the month. A letter, however,
+was out of the question, since there was no mode of transmitting it,
+unless the messenger were sent expressly; and the young man had now
+come in person, to make his own apologies.
+
+Beulah received Evert Beekman naturally, and without the least
+exaggeration of manner, though a quiet happiness beamed in her handsome
+face, that said as much as lover could reasonably desire. Her parents
+welcomed him cordially, and the suitor must have been dull indeed, not
+to anticipate all he hoped. Nor was it long before every doubt was
+removed. The truthful, conscientious Beulah, had well consulted her
+heart; and, while she blushed at her own temerity, she owned her
+attachment to her admirer. The very day of his arrival they became
+formally betrothed. As our tale, however, has but a secondary
+connection with this little episode, we shall not dwell on it more than
+is necessary to the principal object. It was a busy morning,
+altogether; and, though there were many tears, there were also many
+smiles. By the time it was usual, at that bland season, for the family
+to assemble on the lawn, everything, even to the day, was settled
+between Beulah and her lover, and there was a little leisure to think
+of other things. It was while the younger Pliny and one of the Smashes
+were preparing the tea, that the following conversation was held, being
+introduced by Mr. Woods, in the way of digressing from feelings in
+which he was not quite as much interested as some of the rest of the
+party.
+
+"Do you bring us anything new from Boston?" demanded the chaplain. "I
+have been dying to ask the question these two hours--ever since dinner,
+in fact; but, somehow, Mr. Beekman, I have not been able to edge in an
+inquiry."
+
+This was said good-naturedly, but quite innocently; eliciting smiles,
+blushes, and meaning glances in return. Evert Beekman, however, looked
+grave before he made his reply.
+
+"To own the truth, Mr. Woods," he said, "things are getting to be very
+serious. Boston is surrounded by thousands of our people; and we hope,
+not only to keep the king's forces in the Peninsula, but, in the end,
+to drive them out of the colony."
+
+"This is a bold measure, Mr. Beekman!--a very bold step to take against
+Cæsar!"
+
+"Woods preached about the rights of Cæsar, no later than yesterday, you
+ought to know, Beekman," put in the laughing captain; "and I am afraid
+he will be publicly praying for the success of the British arms, before
+long."
+
+"I _did_ pray for the Royal Family," said the chaplain, with
+spirit, "and hope I shall ever continue to do so."
+
+"My dear fellow, I do not object to _that_. Pray for all
+conditions of men, enemies and friends alike; and, particularly, pray
+for our princes; but pray also to turn the hearts of their advisers."
+
+Beekman seemed uneasy. He belonged to a decidedly whig family, and was
+himself, at the very moment, spoken of as the colonel of one of the
+regiments about to be raised in the colony of New York. He held that
+rank in the militia, as it was; and no one doubted his disposition to
+resist the British forces, at the proper moment. He had even stolen
+away from what he conceived to be very imperative duties, to secure the
+woman of his heart before he went into the field. His answer, in
+accordance, partook essentially of the bias of his mind.
+
+"I do not know, sir, that it is quite wise to pray so very willingly
+for the Royal Family," he said. "We may wish them worldly happiness,
+and spiritual consolation, as part of the human race; but political and
+specific prayers, in times like these, are to be used with caution. Men
+attach more than the common religious notion, just now, to prayers for
+the king, which some interpret into direct petitions against the United
+Colonies."
+
+"Well," rejoined the captain, "I cannot agree to this, myself. If there
+were a prayer to confound parliament and its counsels, I should be very
+apt to join in it cordially; but I am not yet ready to throw aside
+king, queen, princes and princesses, all in a lump, on account of a few
+taxes, and a tittle tea."
+
+"I am sorry to hear this from you, sir," answered Evert. "When your
+opinions were canvassed lately at Albany, I gave a sort of pledge that
+you were certainly more with us than against us."
+
+"Well then, I think, Beekman, you drew me in my true outlines. In the
+main, I think the colonies right, though I am still willing to pray for
+the king."
+
+"I am one of those, captain Willoughby, who look forward to the most
+serious times. The feeling throughout the colonies is tremendous, and
+the disposition on the part of the royal officers is to meet the crisis
+with force."
+
+"You have a brother a captain of foot in one of the regiments of the
+crown, colonel Beekman--what are his views in this serious state of
+affairs?"
+
+"He has already thrown up his commission--refusing even to sell out, a
+privilege that was afforded him. His name is now before congress for a
+majority in one of the new regiments that are to be raised."
+
+The captain looked grave; Mrs. Willoughby anxious; Beulah interested;
+and Maud thoughtful.
+
+"This has a serious aspect, truly," observed the first. "When men
+abandon all their early hopes, to assume new duties, there must be a
+deep and engrossing cause. I had not thought it like to come to this!"
+
+"We have had hopes major Willoughby might do the same; I know that a
+regiment is at his disposal, if he be disposed to join us. No one would
+be more gladly received. We are to have Gates, Montgomery, Lee, and
+many other old officers, from regular corps, on our side."
+
+"Will colonel Lee be put at the head of the American forces?"
+
+"I think not, sir. He has a high reputation, and a good deal of
+experience, but he is a humourist; and what is something, though you
+will pardon it, he is not an American born."
+
+"It is quite right to consult such considerations, Beekman; were I in
+congress, they would influence _me_, Englishman as I am, and in
+many things must always remain."
+
+"I am glad to hear you say that, Willoughby," exclaimed the chaplain--"
+right down rejoiced to hear you say so! A man is bound to stand by his
+birth-place, through thick and thin."
+
+"How do you, then, reconcile your opinions, in this matter, to _your_
+birth-place, Woods?" asked the laughing captain.
+
+To own the truth, the chaplain was a little confused. He had entered
+into the controversy with so much zeal, of late, as to have imbibed the
+feelings of a thorough partisan; and, as is usual, with such
+philosophers, was beginning to overlook everything that made against
+his opinions, and to exaggerate everything that sustained them.
+
+"How?"--he cried, with zeal, if not with consistency--"Why, well
+enough. I am an Englishman too, in the general view of the case, though
+born in Massachusetts. Of English descent, and an English subject."
+
+"Umph!--Then Beekman, here, who is of Dutch descent, is not bound by
+the same principles as we are ourselves?"
+
+"Not by the same _feelings_ possibly; but, surely, by the same
+principles. Colonel Beekman is an Englishman by construction, and you
+are by birth. Yes, I'm what may be called a _constructive_
+Englishman."
+
+Even Mrs. Willoughby and Beulah laughed at this, though not a smile had
+crossed Maud's face, since her eye had lost Robert Willoughby from
+view. The captain's ideas seemed to take a new direction, and he was
+silent some little time before he spoke.
+
+"Under the circumstances in which we are now placed, as respects each
+other, Mr. Beekman," he said, "it is proper that there should be no
+concealments on grave points. Had you arrived an hour or two earlier,
+you would have met a face well known to you, in that of my son, major
+Willoughby."
+
+"Major Willoughby, my dear sir!" exclaimed Beekman, with a start of
+unpleasant surprise; "I had supposed him with the royal army, in
+Boston. You say he has left the Knoll--I sincerely hope not for
+Albany."
+
+"No--I wished him to go in that direction, at first, and to see you, in
+particular; but his representations of the state of the country induced
+me to change my mind; he travels by a private way, avoiding all the
+towns of note, or size."
+
+"In that he has done well, sir. Near to me as a brother of Beulah's
+must always seem, I should be sorry to see Bob, just at this moment. If
+there be no hope of getting him to join us, the farther we are
+separated the better."
+
+This was said gravely, and it caused all who heard it fully to
+appreciate the serious character of a quarrel that threatened to arm
+brother against brother. As if by common consent, the discourse
+changed, all appearing anxious, at a moment otherwise so happy, to
+obliterate impressions so unpleasant from their thoughts.
+
+The captain, his wife, Beulah and the colonel, had several long and
+private communications in the course of the evening. Maud was not sorry
+to be left to herself, and the chaplain devoted his time to the
+entertainment of the friend of Beekman, who was in truth a surveyor,
+brought along partly to preserve appearances, and partly for service.
+The chain-bearers, hunters, &c., had been distributed in the different
+cabins of the settlement, immediately on the arrival of the party.
+
+That night, when the sisters retired, Maud perceived that Beulah had
+something to communicate, out of the common way. Still, she did not
+know whether it would be proper for her to make any inquiries, and
+things were permitted to take their natural course. At length Beulah,
+in her gentle way, remarked--"It is a fearful thing, Maud, for a woman
+to take upon herself the new duties, obligations and ties of a wife."
+
+"She should _not_ do it, Beulah, unless she feels a love for the
+man of her choice, that will sustain her in them. You, who have
+_real_ parents living, ought to feel this fully, as I doubt not you
+do."
+
+"_Real_ parents! Maud, you frighten me! Are not _my_ parents
+_yours?_--Is not all our love common?"
+
+"I am ashamed of myself, Beulah. Dearer and better parents than mine,
+no girl ever had. I am ashamed of my words, and beg you will forget
+them."
+
+"That I shall be very ready to do. It was a great consolation to think
+that should I be compelled to quit home, as compelled I must be in the
+end, I should leave with my father and mother a child as dutiful, and
+one that loves them as sincerely as yourself, Maud."
+
+"You have thought right, Beulah. I do love them to my heart's core!
+Then you are right in another sense; for I shall _never_ marry. My
+mind is made up to _that_"
+
+"Well, dear, many are happy that never marry--many women are happier
+than those that do. Evert has a kind, manly, affectionate heart, and I
+know will do all he can to prevent my regretting home; but we can never
+have more than _one_ mother, Maud!"
+
+Maud did not answer, though she looked surprised that Beulah should say
+this to _her_.
+
+"Evert has reasoned and talked so much to my father and mother,"
+continued the _fiancée_, blushing, "that they have thought we had
+better be married at once. Do you know, Maud, that it has been settled
+this evening, that the ceremony is to take place to-morrow!"
+
+"This is sudden, indeed, Beulah! Why have they determined on so
+unexpected a thing?"
+
+"It is all owing to the state of the country. I know not how he has
+done it--but Evert has persuaded my father, that the sooner I am his
+wife, the more secure we shall _all_ be, here at the Knoll."
+
+"I hope you love Evert Beekman, dearest, dearest Beulah?"
+
+"What a question, Maud! Do you suppose I could stand up before a
+minister of God, and plight my faith to a man I did not love?--Why have
+you seemed to doubt it?"
+
+"I do not doubt it--I am very foolish, for I know you are conscientious
+as the saints in heaven--and yet, Beulah, I think _I_ could scarce
+be so tranquil about one I loved."
+
+The gentle Beulah smiled, but she no longer felt uneasiness. She
+understood the impulses and sentiments of her own pure but tranquil
+nature too well, to distrust herself; and she could easily imagine that
+Maud would not be as composed under similar circumstances.
+
+"Perhaps it is well, sister of mine," she answered laughing, though
+blushing, "that you are so resolved to remain single; for one hardly
+knows where to find a suitor sufficiently devoted and ethereal for your
+taste. No one pleased you last winter, though the least encouragement
+would have Brought a dozen to your feet; and here there is no one you
+can possibly have, unless it be dear, good, old Mr. Woods."
+
+Maud compressed her lips, and really looked stern, so determined was
+she to command herself; then she answered somewhat in her sister's
+vein--
+
+"It is very true," she said, "there is no hero for me to accept, unless
+it be dear Mr. Woods; and he, poor man, has had one wife that cured him
+of any desire to possess another, they say."
+
+"Mr. Woods! I never knew that he was married. Who can have told you
+this, Maud?"
+
+"I got it from Robert"--answered the other, hesitating a little. "He
+was talking one day of such things."
+
+"What things, dear?"
+
+"Why--of getting married--I believe it was about marrying relatives--or
+connections--or, some such thing; for Mr. Woods married a cousin-
+german, it would seem--and so he told me all about it. Bob was old
+enough to know his wife, when she died. Poor man, she led him a hard
+life--he must be far from the Knoll, by this time, Beulah!"
+
+"Mr. Woods!--I left him with papa, a few minutes since, talking over
+the ceremony for to-morrow!"
+
+"I meant Bob----"
+
+Here the sisters caught each other's eyes, and both blushed,
+consciousness presenting to them, at the same instant, the images that
+were uppermost in their respective minds. But, no more was said. They
+continued their employments in silence, and soon each was kneeling in
+prayer.
+
+The following day, Evert Beekman and Beulah Willoughby were married.
+The ceremony took place, immediately after breakfast, in the little
+chapel; no one being present but the relatives, and Michael O'Hearn,
+who quieted his conscience for not worshipping with the rest of the
+people, by acting as their sexton. The honest county Leitrim man was
+let into the secret--as a great secret, however--at early dawn; and he
+had the place swept and in order in good season, appearing in his
+Sunday attire to do honour to the occasion, as he thought became him.
+
+A mother as tender as Mrs. Willoughby, could not resign the first claim
+on her child, without indulging her tears, Maud wept, too; but it was
+as much in sympathy for Beulah's happiness, as from any other cause.
+The marriage in other respects, was simple, and without any
+ostentatious manifestations of feeling. It was, in truth, one of those
+rational and wise connections, which promise to wear well, there being
+a perfect fitness, in station, wealth, connections, years, manners and
+habits, between the parties. Violence was done to nothing, in bringing
+this discreet and well-principled couple together. Evert was as worthy
+of Beulah, as she was worthy of him. There was confidence in the
+future, on every side; and not a doubt, or a misgiving of any sort,
+mingled with the regrets, if regrets they could be called, that were,
+in some measure, inseparable from the solemn ceremony.
+
+The marriage was completed, the affectionate father had held the
+weeping but smiling bride on his bosom, the tender mother had folded
+her to her heart, Maud had pressed her in her arms in a fervent
+embrace, and the chaplain had claimed his kiss, when the well-meaning
+sexton approached.
+
+"Is it the likes of yees I wish well to!" said Mike--"Ye may well say
+_that_; and to yer husband, and childer, and all that will go
+before, and all that have come after ye! I know'd ye, when ye was
+mighty little, and that was years agone; and niver have I seen a cross
+look on yer pretthy face. I've app'inted to myself, many's the time, a
+consait to tell ye all this, by wor-r-d of mouth; but the likes of
+yees, and of the Missus, and of Miss Maud there--och! isn't she a swate
+one! and many's the pity, there's no sich tall, handsome jontleman to
+take _her_, in the bargain, bad luck to him for staying away; and
+so God bless ye, all, praist in the bargain, though he's no praist at
+all; and here's my good wishes said and done."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter X.
+
+  Ho! Princes of Jacob! the strength and the stay
+  Of the daughters of Zion;--now up, and away;
+  Lo, the hunters have struck her, and bleeding alone
+  Like a pard in the desert she maketh her moan:
+  Up with war-horse and banner, with spear and with sword,
+  On the spoiler go down in the might of the Lord!
+
+  Lunt.
+
+The succeeding fortnight, or three weeks, brought no material changes,
+beyond those connected with the progress of the season. Vegetation was
+out in its richest luxuriance, the rows of corn and potatoes, freshly
+hoed, were ornamenting the flats, the wheat and other grains were
+throwing up their heads, and the meadows were beginning to exchange
+their flowers for the seed. As for the forest, it had now veiled its
+mysteries beneath broad curtains of a green so bright and lively, that
+one can only meet it, beneath a generous sun, tempered by genial rains,
+and a mountain air. The chain-bearers, and other companions of Beekman,
+quitted the valley the day after the wedding, leaving no one of their
+party behind but its principal.
+
+The absence of the major was not noted by Joel and his set, in the
+excitement of receiving so many guests, and in the movement of the
+wedding. But, as soon as the fact was ascertained, the overseer and
+miller made the pretence of a 'slack-time' in their work, and obtained
+permission to go to the Mohawk, on private concerns of their own. Such
+journeys were sufficiently common to obviate suspicion; and, the leave
+had, the two conspirators started off, in company, the morning of the
+second day, or forty-eight hours after the major and Nick had
+disappeared. As the latter was known to have come in by the Fort
+Stanwix route, it was naturally enough supposed that he had returned by
+the same; and Joel determined to head him on the Mohawk, at some point
+near Schenectady, where he might make a merit of his own patriotism, by
+betraying the son of his master. The reader is not to suppose Joel
+intended to do all this openly; so far from it, his plan was to keep
+himself in the back-ground, while he attracted attention to the
+supposed toryism of the captain, and illustrated his own attachment to
+the colonies.
+
+It is scarcely necessary to say that this plan failed, in consequence
+of the new path taken by Nick. At the very moment when Joel and the
+miller were lounging about a Dutch inn, some fifteen or twenty miles
+above Schenectady, in waiting for the travellers to descend the valley
+of the Mohawk, Robert Willoughby and his guide were actually crossing
+the Hudson, in momentary security at least. After remaining at his post
+until satisfied his intended prey had escaped him, Joel, with his
+friend, returned to the settlement. Still, the opportunity had been
+improved, to make himself better acquainted with the real state of the
+country; to open communications with certain patriots of a moral
+calibre about equal to his own, but of greater influence; to throw out
+divers injurious hints, and secret insinuations concerning the captain;
+and to speculate on the propriety of leaving so important a person to
+work his will, at a time so critical. But the pear was not yet ripe,
+and all that could now be done was to clear the way a little for
+something important in future.
+
+In the meantime, Evert Beekman having secured his gentle and true-
+hearted wife, began, though with a heavy heart, to bethink him of his
+great political duties. It was well understood that he was to have a
+regiment of the new levies, and Beulah had schooled her affectionate
+heart to a degree that permitted her to part with him, in such a cause,
+with seeming resignation. It was, sooth to say, a curious spectacle, to
+see how these two sisters bent all their thoughts and wishes, in
+matters of a public nature, to favour the engrossing sentiments of
+their sex and natures; Maud being strongly disposed to sustain the
+royal cause, and the bride to support that in which her husband had
+enlisted, heart and hand.
+
+As for captain Willoughby, he said little on the subject of politics;
+but the marriage of Beulah had a powerful influence in confirming his
+mind in the direction it had taken after the memorable argument with
+the chaplain. Colonel Beekman was a man of strong good sense, though
+without the least brilliancy; and his arguments were all so clear and
+practical, as to carry with them far more weight than was usual in the
+violent partisan discussions of the period. Beulah fancied him a Solon
+in sagacity, and a Bacon in wisdom. Her father, without proceeding
+quite as far as this, was well pleased with his cool discriminating
+judgment, and much disposed to defer to his opinions. The chaplain was
+left out of the discussions as incorrigible.
+
+The middle of June was passed, at the time colonel Beekman began to
+think of tearing himself from his wife, in order to return into the
+active scenes of preparation he had quitted, to make this visit. As
+usual, the family frequented the lawn, at the close of the day, the
+circumstance of most of the windows of the Hut looking on the court,
+rendering this resort to the open air more agreeable than might
+otherwise have been the case. Evert was undecided whether to go the
+following morning, or to remain a day longer, when the lawn was thus
+occupied, on the evening of the 25th of the month, Mrs. Willoughby
+making the tea, as usual, her daughters sitting near her, sewing, and
+the gentlemen at hand, discussing the virtues of different sorts of
+seed-corn.
+
+"There is a stranger!" suddenly exclaimed the chaplain, looking towards
+the rocks near the mill, the point at which all arrivals in the valley
+were first seen from the Hut. "He comes, too, like a man in haste,
+whatever may be his errand."
+
+"God be praised," returned the captain rising; "it is Nick, on his
+usual trot, and this is about the time he should be back, the bearer of
+good news. A week earlier might have augured better; but this will do.
+The fellow moves over the ground as if he really had something to
+communicate!"
+
+Mrs. Willoughby and her daughters suspended their avocations, and the
+gentlemen stood, in silent expectation, watching the long, loping
+strides of the Tuscarora, as he came rapidly across the plain. In a few
+minutes the Indian came upon the lawn, perfectly in wind, moving with
+deliberation and gravity, as he drew nearer to the party. Captain
+Willoughby, knowing his man, waited quite another minute, after the
+red-man was leaning against an apple-tree, before he questioned him.
+
+"Welcome back, Nick," he then said. "Where did you leave my son?"
+
+"He tell dere," answered the Indian, presenting a note, which the
+captain read.
+
+"This is all right, Nick; and it shows you have been a true man. Your
+wages shall be paid to-night. But, this letter has been written on the
+eastern bank of the Hudson, and is quite three weeks old--why have we
+not seen you, sooner?"
+
+"Can't see, when he don't come."
+
+"That is plain enough; but why have you not come back sooner? That is
+my question."
+
+"Want to look at country--went to shore of Great Salt Lake."
+
+"Oh!--Curiosity, then, has been at the bottom of your absence?"
+
+"Nick warrior--no squaw--got no cur'osity."
+
+"No, no--I beg your pardon, Nick; I did not mean to accuse you of so
+womanish a feeling. Far from it; I know you are a man. Tell us,
+however, how far, and whither you went?"
+
+"Bos'on," answered Nick, sententiously.
+
+"Boston! That has been a journey, indeed. Surely my son did not allow
+you to travel in his company through Massachusetts?"
+
+"Nick go alone. Two path; one for major; one for Tuscarora. Nick got
+dere first."
+
+"That I can believe, if you were in earnest. Were you not questioned by
+the way?"
+
+"Yes. Tell 'em I'm Stockbridge--pale-face know no better. T'ink he fox;
+more like wood-chuck."
+
+"Thank you, Nick, for the compliment. Had my son reached Boston before
+you came away?"
+
+"Here he be"--answered the Indian, producing another missive, from the
+folds of his calico shirt.
+
+The captain received the note which he read with extreme gravity, and
+some surprise.
+
+"This is in Bob's handwriting," he said, "and is dated 'Boston, June
+18th, 1775;' but it is without signature, and is not only Bob, but Bob
+Short."
+
+"Read, dear Willoughby," exclaimed the anxious mother. "News from
+_him_, concerns us all."
+
+"News, Wilhelmina!--They may call this news in Boston, but one is very
+little the better for it at the Hutted Knoll. However, such as it is,
+there is no reason for keeping it a secret, while there is _one_
+reason, at least, why it should be known. This is all. 'My dearest
+sir--Thank God I am unharmed; but we have had much to make us reflect;
+you know what duty requires--my best and endless love to my mother, and
+Beulah--and dear, laughing, capricious, _pretty_ Maud. Nick was
+present, and can tell you all. I do not think he will extenuate, or
+aught set down in malice."' And this without direction, or signature;
+with nothing, in fact, but place and date. What say _you_ to all
+this, Nick?"
+
+"He very good--major dere; he know. Nick dere--hot time--a t'ousand
+scalp--coat red as blood."
+
+"There has been another battle!" exclaimed the captain; "that is too
+plain to admit of dispute. Speak out at once, Nick--which gained the
+day; the British or the Americans?"
+
+"Hard to tell--one fight, t'other fight. Red-coat take de ground;
+Yankee kill. If Yankee could take scalp of all he kill, he whip. But,
+poor warriors at takin' scalp. No know how."
+
+"Upon my word, Woods, there does seem to be something in all this! It
+can hardly be possible that the Americans would dare to attack Boston,
+defended as it is, by a strong army of British regulars."
+
+"That would they not," cried the chaplain, with emphasis. "This has
+been only another skirmish."
+
+"What you call skirmge?" asked Nick, pointedly. "It skirmge to take
+t'ousand scalp, ha?"
+
+"Tell us what _has_ happened, Tuscarora?" said the captain,
+motioning his friend to be silent.
+
+"Soon tell--soon done. Yankee on hill; reg'lar in canoe. Hundred,
+t'ousand, fifty canoe--full of red-coat. Great chief, dere!--ten--six--
+two--all go togeder. Come ashore--parade, pale-face manner--march--
+booh--booh--dem cannon; pop, pop--dem gun. Wah! how he run!"
+
+"Run!--who ran, Nick?--Though I suppose it must have been the poor
+Americans, of course."
+
+"Red-coat run," answered the Indian, quietly.
+
+This reply produced a general sensation, even the ladies starting, and
+gazing at each other.
+
+"Red-coat run"--repeated the captain, slowly. "Go on with your history,
+Nick--where was this battle fought?"
+
+"T'other Bos'on--over river--go in canoe to fight, like Injin from
+Canada."
+
+"That must have been in Charlestown, Woods--you may remember Boston is
+on one peninsula, and Charlestown on another. Still, I do not recollect
+that the Americans were in the latter, Beekman--you told me nothing of
+that?"
+
+"They were not so near the royal forces, certainly, when I left Albany,
+sir," returned the colonel. "A few direct questions to the Indian,
+however, would bring out the whole truth."
+
+"We must proceed more methodically. How many Yankees were in this
+fight, Nick?--Calculate as we used to, in the French war."
+
+"Reach from here to mill--t'ree, two deep, cap'in. All farmer; no
+sodger. Carry gun, but no carry baggonet; no carry knapsack. No wear
+red-coat. _Look_ like town-meetin'; _fight_ like devils."
+
+"A line as long as from this to the mill, three deep, would contain
+about two thousand men, Beekman. Is that what you wish to say, Nick?"
+
+"That about him--pretty near--just so."
+
+"Well, then, there were about two thousand Yankees on this hill--how
+many king's troops crossed in the canoes, to go against them?"
+
+"Two time--one time, so many; t'other time, half so many. Nick close
+by; count _him_."
+
+"That would make three thousand in all! By George, this does look like
+work. Did they all go together, Nick?"
+
+"No; one time go first; fight, run away. Den two time go, fight good
+deal--run away, too. Den try harder--set fire to wigwam--go up hill;
+Yankee run away."
+
+"This is plain enough, and quite graphical. Wigwam on fire? Charlestown
+is not burnt, Nick?"
+
+"Dat he--Look like old Council Fire, gone out. Big canoe fire--booh--
+booh--Nick nebber see such war before--wah! Dead man plenty as leaves
+on tree; blood run like creek!"
+
+"Were you in this battle, Nick? How came you to learn so much about
+it?"
+
+"Don't want to be in it--better out--no scalp taken. Red-man not'in' to
+do, dere. How know about him?--_See_ him--dat all. Got eye; why no
+see him, behind stone wall. Good see, behind stone wall."
+
+"Were you across the water yourself, or did you remain in Boston, and
+see from a distance?"
+
+"Across in canoe--tell red-coat, general send letter by Nick--major
+say, he _my_ friend--let Nick go."
+
+"My son was in this bloody battle, then!" said Mrs. Willoughby. "He
+writes, Hugh, that he is safe?"
+
+"He does, dearest Wilhelmina; and Bob knows us too well, to attempt
+deception, in such a matter."
+
+"Did you see the major in the field, Nick--after you crossed the water,
+I mean?"
+
+"See him, all. Six--two--seven t'ousand. Close by; why not see major
+stand up like pine--no dodge he head, _dere_. Kill all round him--
+no hurt _him_! Fool to stay dere--tell him so; but he no come
+away. Save he scalp, too."
+
+"And how many slain do you suppose there might have been left on the
+ground--or, did you riot remain to see?"
+
+"Did see--stay to get gun--knapsack--oder good t'ing--plenty about;
+pick him up, fast as want him." Here Nick coolly opened a small bundle,
+and exhibited an epaulette, several rings, a watch, five or six pairs
+of silver buckles, and divers other articles of plunder, of which he
+had managed to strip the dead. "All good t'ing--plenty as stone--have
+him widout askin'."
+
+"So I see, Master Nick--and is this the plunder of Englishmen, or of
+Americans?"
+
+"Red-coat nearest--got most t'ing, too. Go farder, fare worse; as pale-
+face say."
+
+"Quite satisfactory. Were there more red-coats left on the ground, or
+more Americans?"
+
+"Red-coat so," said Nick, holding up _four_ fingers--Yankee, so;
+"holding up _one_. Take big grave to hold red-coat. Small grave
+won't hold Yankee. Hear what he count; most red-coat. More than
+t'ousand warrior! British groan, like squaw dat lose her hunter."
+
+Such was Saucy Nick's description of the celebrated, and, in some
+particulars, unrivalled combat of Bunker Hill, of which he had actually
+been an eye-witness, on the ground, though using the precaution to keep
+his body well covered. He did not think it necessary to state the fact
+that he had given the _coup-de-grace_, himself, to the owner of
+the epaulette, nor did he deem it essential to furnish all the
+particulars of his mode of obtaining so many buckles. In other
+respects, his account was fair enough, "nothing extenuating, or setting
+down aught in malice." The auditors had listened with intense feeling;
+and Maud, when the allusion was made to Robert Willoughby, buried her
+pallid face in her hands, and wept. As for Beulah, time and again, she
+glanced anxiously at her husband, and bethought her of the danger to
+which he might so soon be exposed.
+
+The receipt of this important intelligence confirmed Beekman in the
+intention to depart. The very next morning he tore himself away from
+Beulah, and proceeded to Albany. The appointment of Washington, and a
+long list of other officers, soon succeeded, including his own as a
+colonel; and the war may be said to have commenced systematically. Its
+distant din occasionally reached the Hutted Knoll; but the summer
+passed away, bringing with it no event to affect the tranquillity of
+that settlement. Even Joel's schemes were thwarted for a time, and he
+was fain to continue to wear the mask, and to gather that harvest for
+another, which he had hoped to reap for his own benefit.
+
+Beulah had all a young wife's fears for her husband; but, as month
+succeeded month, and one affair followed another, without bringing him
+harm, she began to submit to the anxieties inseparable from her
+situation, with less of self-torment, and more of reason. Her mother
+and Maud were invaluable friends to her, in this novel and trying
+situation, though each had her own engrossing cares on account of
+Robert Willoughby. As no other great battle, however, occurred in the
+course of the year '75, Beekman remained in safety with the troops that
+invested Boston, and the major with the army within it. Neither was
+much exposed, and glad enough were these gentle affectionate hearts,
+when they learned that the sea separated the combatants.
+
+This did not occur, however, until another winter was passed. In
+November, the family left the Hut, as had been its practice of late
+years, and went out into the more inhabited districts to pass the
+winter. This time it came only to Albany, where colonel Beekman joined
+it, passing a few happy weeks with his well-beloved Beulah. The ancient
+town mentioned was not gay at a moment like that; but it had many young
+officers in it, on the American side of the question, who were willing
+enough to make themselves acceptable to Maud. The captain was not sorry
+to see several of these youths manifesting assiduity about her he had
+so long been accustomed to consider as his youngest daughter; for, by
+this time, his opinions had taken so strong a bias in favour of the
+rights of the colonies, that Beekman himself scarce rejoiced more
+whenever he heard of any little success alighting on the American arms.
+
+"It will all come right in the end," the worthy captain used to assure
+his friend the chaplain. "They will open their eyes at home, ere long,
+and the injustice of taxing the colonies will be admitted. Then all
+will come round again; the king will be as much beloved as ever, and
+England and America will be all the better friends for having a mutual
+respect. I know my countrymen well; they mean right, and will do right,
+as soon as their stomachs are a little lowered, and they come to look
+at the truth, coolly. I'll answer for it, the Battle of Bunker's Hill
+made _us_"--the captain had spoken in this way, now, for some
+months--"made _us_ a thousand advocates, where we had one before.
+This is the nature of John Bull; give him reason to respect you, and he
+will soon do you justice; but give him reason to feel otherwise, and he
+becomes a careless, if not a hard master."
+
+Such were the opinions captain Willoughby entertained of his native
+land; a land he had not seen in thirty years, and one in which he had
+so recently inherited unexpected honours, without awakening a desire to
+return and enjoy them. His opinions were right in part, certainly; for
+they depended on a law of nature, while it is not improbable they were
+wrong in all that was connected with the notions of any peculiarly
+manly quality, in any particular part of christendom. No maxim is truer
+than that which teaches us "like causes produce like effects;" and as
+human beings are governed by very similar laws all over the face of
+this round world of ours, nothing is more certain than the similarity
+of their propensities.
+
+Maud had no smiles, beyond those extracted by her naturally sweet
+disposition, and a very prevalent desire to oblige, for any of the
+young soldiers, or young civilians, who crowded about her chair, during
+the Albany winter mentioned. Two or three of colonel Beekman's military
+friends, in particular, would very gladly have become connected with an
+officer so much respected, through means so exceedingly agreeable; but
+no encouragement emboldened either to go beyond the attention and
+assiduities of a marked politeness.
+
+"I know not how it is," observed Mrs. Willoughby, one day, in a
+_tête-à-tête_ with her husband; "Maud seems to take less pleasure
+than is usual with girls of her years, in the attentions of your sex.
+That her heart is affectionate--warm--even tender, I am very certain;
+and yet no sign of preference, partiality, or weakness, in favour of
+any of these fine young men, of whom we see so many, can I discover in
+the child. They all seem alike to her!"
+
+"Her time will come, as it happened to her mother before her," answered
+the captain. "Whooping-cough and measles are not more certain to befall
+children, than love to befall a young woman. You were all made for it,
+my dear Willy, and no fear but the girl will catch the disease, one of
+these days; and that, too, without any inoculation."
+
+"I am sure, I have no wish to separate from my child"--so Mrs.
+Willoughby always spoke of, and so she always felt towards Maud--"I am
+sure, I have no wish to separate from my child; but as we cannot always
+remain, it is perhaps better this one should marry, like the other.
+There is young Verplanck much devoted to her; he is everyway a suitable
+match; and then he is in Evert's own regiment."
+
+"Ay, he would do; though to my fancy Luke Herring is the far better
+match."
+
+"That is because he is richer and more powerful, Hugh--you men cannot
+think of a daughter's establishment, without immediately dragging in
+houses and lands, as part of the ceremony."
+
+"By George, wife of mine, houses and lands in moderation, are very good
+sweeteners of matrimony!"
+
+"And yet, Hugh, I have been very happy as a wife, nor have you been
+very miserable as a husband, without any excess of riches to sweeten
+the state!" answered Mrs. Willoughby, reproachfully. "Had you been a
+full general, I could not have loved you more than I have done as a
+mere captain."
+
+"All very true, Wilhelmina, dearest," returned the husband, kissing the
+faithful partner of his bosom with strong affection--"very true, my
+dear girl; for girl you are and ever will be in my eyes; but _you_
+are one in a million, and I humbly trust there are not ten hundred and
+one, in every thousand, just like myself. For my part, I wish dear,
+saucy, capricious little Maud, no worse luck in a husband, than Luke
+Herring."
+
+"She will never be _his_ wife; I know her, and my own sex, too
+well to think it. You are wrong, however, Willoughby, in applying such
+terms to the child. Maud is not in the least capricious, especially in
+her affections. See with what truth and faithfulness of sisterly
+attachment she clings to Bob. I do declare I am often ashamed to feel
+that even his own mother has less solicitude about him than this dear
+girl."
+
+"Pooh, Willy; don't be afflicted with the idea that you don't make
+yourself sufficiently miserable about the boy. Bob will do well enough,
+and will very likely come out of this affair a lieutenant-colonel. I
+may live yet to see him a general officer; certainly, if I live to be
+as old as my grandfather, Sir Thomas. As for Maud, she finds Beulah
+uneasy about Beekman; and having no husband herself, or any over that
+she cares a straw about, why she just falls upon Bob as a _pis
+aller_. I'll warrant you she cares no more for him than any of the
+rest of us--than myself, for instance; though as an old soldier, I
+don't scream every time I fancy a gun fired over yonder at Boston."
+
+"I wish it were well over. It is _so_ unnatural for Evert and
+Robert to be on opposite sides."
+
+"Yes, it is out of the common way, I admit; and yet 'twill all come
+round, in the long run. This Mr. Washington is a clever fellow, and
+seems to play his cards with spirit and judgment. He was with us, in
+that awkward affair of Braddock's; and between you and me, Wilhelmina,
+he covered the regulars, or we should all have laid our bones on that
+accursed field. I wrote you at the time, what I thought of him, and now
+you see it is all coming to pass."
+
+It was one of the captain's foibles to believe himself a political
+prophet; and, as he had really both written and spoken highly of
+Washington, at the time mentioned, it had no small influence on his
+opinions to find himself acting on the same side with this admired
+favourite. Prophecies often produce their own fulfilment, in cases of
+much greater gravity than this; and it is not surprising that our
+captain found himself strengthened in his notions by the circumstance.
+
+The winter passed away without any of Maud's suitors making a visible
+impression on her heart. In March, the English evacuated Boston, Robert
+Willoughby sailing with his regiment for Halifax, and thence with the
+expedition against Charleston, under Sir Henry Clinton. The next month,
+the family returned to the Knoll, where it was thought wiser, and even
+safer to be, at a moment so critical, than even in a more frequented
+place. The war proceeded, and, to the captain's great regret, without
+any very visible approaches towards the reconciliation he had so
+confidently anticipated. This rather checked his warmth in favour of
+the colonial cause; for, an Englishman by birth, he was much opposed at
+bottom to anything like a dissolution of the tie that connected America
+with the mother country; a political event that now began seriously to
+be talked of among the initiated.
+
+Desirous of thinking as little as possible of disagreeable things, the
+worthy owner of the valley busied himself with his crops, his mills,
+and his improvements. He had intended to commence leasing his wild
+lands about this time, and to begin a more extended settlement, with an
+eye to futurity; but the state of the country forbade the execution of
+the project, and he was fain to limit his efforts by their former
+boundaries. The geographical position of the valley put it beyond any
+of the ordinary exactions of military service; and, as there was a
+little doubt thrown around its owner's opinions, partly in consequence
+of his son's present and his own previous connection with the royal
+army, and partly on account of Joel's secret machinations, the
+authorities were well content to let the settlement alone, provided it
+would take care of itself. Notwithstanding the prominent patriotism of
+Joel Strides and the miller, they were well satisfied, themselves, with
+this state of things; preferring peace and quietness to the more
+stirring scenes of war. Their schemes, moreover, had met with somewhat
+of a check, in the feeling of the population of the valley, which, on
+an occasion calculated to put their attachment to its owner to the
+proof, had rather shown that they remembered his justice, liberality,
+and upright conduct, more than exactly comported with their longings.
+This manifestation of respect was shown at an election for a
+representative in a local convention, in which every individual at the
+Hutted Knoll, who had a voice at all, the two conspirators excepted,
+had given it in favour of the captain. So decided was this expression
+of feeling, indeed, that it compelled Joel and the miller to chime in
+with the cry of the hour, and to vote contrary to their own wishes.
+
+One, dwelling at the Hutted Knoll, in the summer of 1776, could never
+have imagined that he was a resident of a country convulsed by a
+revolution, and disfigured by war. There, everything seemed peaceful
+and calm, the woods sighing with the airs of their sublime solitude,
+the genial sun shedding its heats on a grateful and generous soil,
+vegetation ripening and yielding with all the abundance of a bountiful
+nature, as in the more tranquil days of peace and hope.
+
+"There is something frightful in the calm of this valley, Beulah!"
+exclaimed Maud one Sunday, as she and her sister looked out of the
+library window amid the breathing stillness of the forest, listening to
+the melancholy sound of the bell that summoned them to prayers. "There
+is a frightful calm over this place, at an hour when we know that
+strife and bloodshed are so active in the country. Oh! that the hateful
+congress had never thought of making this war!"
+
+"Evert writes me all is well, Maud; that the times will lead to good;
+the people are right; and America will now be a nation--in time, he
+thinks, a great, and a very great nation."
+
+"Ah! It is this ambition of greatness that hurries them all on! Why can
+they not be satisfied with being respectable subjects of so great a
+country as England, that they must destroy each other for this phantom
+of liberty? Will it make them wiser, or happier, or better than they
+are?"
+
+Thus reasoned Maud, under the influence of one engrossing sentiment. As
+our tale proceeds, we shall have occasion to show, perhaps, how far was
+that submission to events which she inculcated, from the impulses of
+her true character. Beulah answered mildly, but it was more as a young
+American wife:
+
+"I know Evert thinks it all right, Maud; and you will own he is neither
+fiery nor impetuous. If _his_ cool judgment approve of what has
+been done, we may well suppose that it has not been done in too much
+haste, or needlessly."
+
+"Think, Beulah," rejoined Maud, with an ashen cheek, and in trembling
+tones, "that Evert and Robert may, at this very moment, be engaged in
+strife against each other. The last messenger who came in, brought us
+the miserable tidings that Sir William Howe was landing a large army
+near New York, and that the Americans were preparing to meet it. We are
+certain that Bob is with his regiment; and his regiment we know is in
+the army. How can we think of this liberty, at a moment so critical?"
+
+Beulah did not reply; for in spite of her quiet nature, and implicit
+confidence in her husband, she could not escape a woman's solicitude.
+The colonel had promised to write at every good occasion, and that
+which he promised was usually performed. She thought, and thought
+rightly, that a very few days would bring them intelligence of
+importance; though it came in a shape she had little anticipated, and
+by a messenger she had then no desire to see.
+
+In the meantime, the season and its labours advanced. August was over,
+and September with its fruits had succeeded, promising to bring the
+year round without any new or extraordinary incidents to change the
+fortunes of the inmates of the Hutted Knoll. Beulah had now been
+married more than a twelvemonth, and was already a mother; and of
+course all that time had elapsed since the son quitted his father's
+house. Nick, too, had disappeared shortly after his return from Boston;
+and throughout this eventful summer, his dark, red countenance had not
+been seen in the valley.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XI.
+
+  And now 'tis still! no sound to wake
+  The primal forest's awful shade;
+  And breathless lies the covert brake,
+  Where many an ambushed form is laid:
+  I see the red-man's gleaming eye,
+  Yet all so hushed the gloom profound,
+  That summer birds flit heedlessly,
+  And mocking nature smiles around.
+
+  Lunt.
+
+The eventful summer of 1776 had been genial and generous in the valley
+of the Hutted Knoll. With a desire to drive away obtrusive thoughts,
+the captain had been much in his fields, and he was bethinking himself
+of making a large contribution to the good cause, in the way of fatted
+porkers, of which he had an unusual number, that he thought might yet
+be driven through the forest to Fort Stanwix, before the season closed.
+In the way of intelligence from the seat of war, nothing had reached
+the family but a letter from the major, which he had managed to get
+sent, and in which he wrote with necessary caution. He merely mentioned
+the arrival of Sir William Howe's forces, and the state of his own
+health. There was a short postscript, in the following words, the
+letter having been directed to his father:--"Tell dearest Maud," he
+said, "that charming women have ceased to charm me; glory occupying so
+much of my day-dreams, like an _ignis fatuus_, I fear; and that as
+for love, _all_ my affections are centred in the dear objects at
+the Hutted Knoll. If I had met with a single woman I admired half as
+much as I do her pretty self, I should have been married long since."
+This was written in answer to some thoughtless rattle that the captain
+had volunteered to put in his last letter, as coming from Maud, who had
+sensitively shrunk from sending a message when asked; and it was read
+by father, mother, and Beulah, as the badinage of a brother to a
+sister, without awaking a second thought in either. Not so with Maud,
+herself, however. When her seniors had done with this letter, she
+carried it to her own room, reading and re-reading it a dozen times;
+nor could she muster resolution to return it; but, finding at length
+that the epistle was forgotten, she succeeded in retaining it without
+awakening attention to what she had done. This letter now became her
+constant companion, and a hundred times did the sweet gill trace its
+characters, in the privacy of her chamber, or in that of her now
+solitary walks in the woods.
+
+As yet, the war had produced none of those scenes of ruthless frontier
+violence, that had distinguished all the previous conflicts of America.
+The enemy was on the coast, and thither the efforts of the combatants
+had been principally directed. It is true, an attempt on Canada had
+been made, but it failed for want of means; neither party being in a
+condition to effect much, as yet, in that quarter. The captain had
+commented on this peculiarity of the present struggle; all those which
+had preceded it having, as a matter of course, taken the direction of
+the frontiers between the hostile provinces.
+
+"There is no use, Woods, in bothering ourselves about these things,
+after all," observed captain Willoughby, one day, when the subject of
+hanging the long-neglected gates came up between them. "It's a heavy
+job, and the crops will suffer if we take off the hands this week. We
+are as safe, here, as we should be in Hyde Park; and safer too; for
+there house-breakers and foot-pads abound; whereas, _your_
+preaching has left nothing but very vulgar and everyday sinners at the
+Knoll."
+
+The chaplain had little to say against this reasoning; for, to own the
+truth, he saw no particular cause for apprehension. Impunity had
+produced the feeling of security, until these gates had got to be
+rather a subject of amusement, than of any serious discussion. The
+preceding year, when the stockade was erected, Joel had managed to
+throw so many obstacles in the way of hanging the gates, that the duty
+was not performed throughout the whole of the present summer, the
+subject having been mentioned but once or twice, and then only to be
+postponed to a more fitting occasion.
+
+As yet no one in the valley knew of the great event which had taken
+place in July. A rumour of a design to declare the provinces
+independent had reached the Hut, in May; but the major's letter was
+silent on this important event, and positive information had arrived by
+no other channel; otherwise, the captain would have regarded the
+struggle as much more serious than he had ever done before; and he
+might have set about raising these all-important gates in earnest. As
+it was, however, there they stood; each pair leaning against its proper
+wall or stockade, though those of the latter were so light as to have
+required but eight or ten men to set them on their hinges, in a couple
+of hours at most.
+
+Captain Willoughby still confined his agricultural schemes to the site
+of the old Beaver Pond. The area of that was perfectly beautiful, every
+unsightly object having been removed, while the fences and the tillage
+were faultlessly neat and regular. Care had been taken, too, to render
+the few small fields around the cabins which skirted this lovely rural
+scene, worthy of their vicinage. The stumps had all been dug, the
+surfaces levelled, and the orchards and gardens were in keeping with
+the charms that nature had so bountifully scattered about the place.
+
+While, however, all in the shape of tillage was confined to this one
+spot, the cattle ranged the forest for miles. Not only was the valley,
+but the adjacent mountain-sides were covered with intersecting paths,
+beaten by the herds, in the course of years. These paths led to many a
+glen, or look-out, where Beulah and Maud had long been in the habit of
+pursuing their rambles, during the sultry heats of summer, Though so
+beautiful to the eye, the flats were not agreeable for walks; and it
+was but natural for the lovers of the picturesque to seek the
+eminences, where they could overlook the vast surfaces of leaves that
+were spread before them; or to bury themselves in ravines and glens,
+within which the rays of the sun scarce penetrated. The paths mentioned
+led near, or to, a hundred of these places, all within a mile or two of
+the Hut. As a matter of course, then, they were not neglected.
+
+Beulah had now been a mother several months. Her little Evert was born
+at the Knoll, and he occupied most of those gentle and affectionate
+thoughts which were not engrossed by his absent father. Her marriage,
+of itself, had made some changes in her intercourse with Maud; but the
+birth of the child had brought about still more. The care of this
+little being formed Beulah's great delight; and Mrs. Willoughby had all
+that peculiar interest in her descendant, which marks a grandmother's
+irresponsible love. These two passed half their time in the nursery, a
+room fitted between their respective chambers; leaving Maud more alone
+than it was her wont to be, and of course to brood over her thoughts
+and feelings. These periods of solitude our heroine was much accustomed
+to pass in the forest. Use had so far emboldened her, that apprehension
+never shortened her walks, or lessened their pleasure. Of danger, from
+any ordinary source, there was literally next to none, man never having
+been known to approach the valley, unless by the regular path; while
+the beasts of prey had been so actively hunted, as rarely to be seen in
+that quarter of the country. The panther excepted, no wild quadruped
+was to be in the least feared in summer; and, of the first, none had
+ever been met with by Nick, or any of the numerous woodsmen who had now
+frequented the adjacent hills for two lustrums.
+
+About three hours before the setting of the sun, on the evening of the
+23d of September, 1776, Maud Willoughby was pursuing her way, quite
+alone, along one of the paths beaten by the cattle, at some little
+distance from a rocky eminence, where there was a look-out, on which
+Mike, by her father's orders, had made a rude seat. It was on the side
+of the clearing most remote from all the cabins; though once on the
+elevation, she could command a view of the whole of the little panorama
+around the site of the ancient pond. In that day, ladies wore the well-
+known gipsey hat, a style that was peculiarly suited to the face of our
+heroine. Exercise had given her cheeks a rich glow; and though a shade
+of sadness, or at least of reflection, was now habitually thrown
+athwart her sweet countenance, this bloom added an unusual lustre to
+her eyes, and a brilliancy to her beauty, that the proudest belle of
+any drawing-room might have been glad to possess. Although living so
+retired, her dress always became her rank; being simple, but of the
+character that denotes refinement, and the habits and tastes of a
+gentlewoman. In this particular, Maud had ever been observant of what
+was due to herself; and, more than all, had she attended to her present
+appearance since a chance expression of Robert Willoughby's had
+betrayed how much he prized the quality in her.
+
+Looking thus, and in a melancholy frame of mind, Maud reached the rock,
+and took her place on its simple seat, throwing aside her hat, to catch
+a little of the cooling air on her burning cheeks. She turned to look
+at the lovely view again, with a pleasure that never tired. The rays of
+the sun were streaming athwart the verdant meadows and rich corn,
+lengthening the shadows, and mellowing everything, as if expressly to
+please the eye of one like her who now gazed upon the scene. Most of
+the people of the settlement were in the open air, the men closing
+their day's works in the fields, and the women and children busied
+beneath shades, with their wheels and needles; the whole presenting
+such a picture of peaceful, rural life, as a poet might delight to
+describe, or an artist to delineate with his pencil.
+
+  "The landscape smiles
+  Calm in the sun; and silent are the hills
+  And valleys, and the blue serene of air."
+
+_The Vanished Lark_.
+
+"It is very beautiful!" thought Maud. "Why cannot men be content with
+such scenes of loveliness and nature as this, and love each other, and
+be at peace, as God's laws command? Then we might all be living happily
+together, Mere, without trembling lest news of some sad misfortune
+should reach us, from hour to hour. Beulah and Evert would not be
+separated; but both could remain with their child--and my dear, dear
+father and mother would be so happy to have us all around them, in
+security--and, then, Bob, too--perhaps Bob might bring a wife from the
+town, with him, that I could love as I do Beulah"--It was one of Maud's
+day-dreams to love the wife of Bob, and make him happy by contributing
+to the happiness of those he most prized--"No; I could never love her
+as I do _Beulah_; but I should make her very dear to me, as I
+ought to, since she would be Bob's wife."
+
+The expression of Maud's face, towards the close of this mental
+soliloquy, was of singular sadness; and yet it was the very picture of
+sincerity and truth. It was some such look as the windows of the mind
+assume, when the feelings struggle against nature and hope, for
+resignation and submission to duty.
+
+At this instant, a cry arose from the valley! It was one of those
+spontaneous, involuntary outbreakings of alarm, that no art can
+imitate, no pen describe; but which conveys to the listener's ear,
+terror in the very sound. At the next instant, the men from the mill
+were seen rushing up to the summit of the cliff that impended over
+their dwellings, followed by their wives dragging children after them,
+making frantic gestures, indicative of alarm. The first impulse of Maud
+was to fly; but a moment's reflection told her it was much too late for
+that. To remain and witness what followed would be safer, and more
+wise. Her dress was dark, and she would not be likely to be observed at
+the distance at which she was placed; having behind her, too, a back-
+ground of gloomy rock. Then the scene was too exciting to admit of much
+hesitation or delay in coming to a decision; a fearful species of
+maddened curiosity mingling with her alarm. Under such circumstances,
+it is not surprising that Maud continued gazing on what she saw, with
+eyes that seemed to devour the objects before them.
+
+The first cry from the valley was followed by the appearance of the
+fugitives from the mill. These took the way towards the Hut, calling on
+the nearest labourers by name, to seek safety in flight. The words
+could not be distinguished at the rock, though indistinct sounds might;
+but the gestures could not be mistaken. In half a minute, the plain was
+alive with fugitives; some rushing to their cabins for their children,
+and all taking the direction of the stockade, as soon as the last were
+found. In five minutes the roads and lanes near the Knoll were crowded
+with men, women and children, hastening forward to its protection,
+while a few of the former had already rushed through the gateways, as
+Maud correctly fancied, in quest of their arms.
+
+Captain Willoughby was riding among his labourers when this fearful
+interruption to a tranquillity so placid first broke upon his ear.
+Accustomed to alarms, he galloped forward to meet the fugitives from
+the mill, issuing orders as he passed to several of the men nearest the
+house. With the miller, who thought little of anything but safety at
+that instant, he conversed a moment, and then pushed boldly on towards
+the verge of the cliffs. Maud trembled as she saw her father in a
+situation which she thought must be so exposed; but his cool manner of
+riding about proved that he saw no enemy very near. At length he waved
+his hat to some object, or person in the glen beneath; and she even
+thought she heard his shout. At the next moment, he turned his horse,
+and was seen scouring along the road towards the Hut. The lawn was
+covered with the fugitives as the captain reached it, while a few armed
+men were already coming out of the court-yard. Gesticulating as if
+giving orders, the captain dashed through them all, without drawing the
+rein, and disappeared in the court. A minute later, he re-issued,
+bearing his arms, followed by his wife and Beulah, the latter pressing
+little Evert to her bosom.
+
+Something like order now began to appear among the men. Counting all
+ages and both colours, the valley, at this particular moment, could
+muster thirty-three males capable of bearing arms. To these might be
+added some ten or fifteen women who had occasionally brought down a
+deer, and who might be thought more or less dangerous, stationed at a
+loop, with a rifle or a musket. Captain Willoughby had taken some pains
+to drill the former, who could go through some of the simpler light-
+infantry evolutions. Among them he had appointed sundry corporals,
+while Joel Strides had been named a serjeant. Joyce, now an aged and
+war-worn veteran, did the duty of adjutant. Twenty men were soon drawn
+up in array, in front of the open gateway on the lawn, under the
+immediate orders of Joyce; and the last woman and child, that had been
+seen approaching the place of refuge, had passed within the stockade.
+At this instant captain Willoughby called a party of the stragglers
+around him, and set about hanging the gates of the outer passage, or
+that which led through the palisades.
+
+Maud would now have left the rock, but, at that moment, a dark body of
+Indians poured up over the cliffs, crowning it with a menacing cloud of
+at least fifty armed warriors. The rivulet lay between her and the Hut,
+and the nearest bridge that crossed it would have brought her within
+reach of danger. Then it would require at least half an hour to reach
+that bridge by the circuitous path she would be compelled to take, and
+there was little hope of getting over it before the strangers should
+have advanced. It was better to remain where she could behold what was
+passing, and to be governed by events, than to rush blindly into unseen
+risks.
+
+The party that crowned the cliffs near the mills, showed no impatience
+to advance. It was evidently busy in reconnoitring, and in receiving
+accessions to its numbers. The latter soon increased to some seventy or
+eighty warriors. After waiting several minutes in inaction, a musket,
+or rifle, was fired towards the Hut, as if to try the effect of a
+summons and the range of a bullet. At this hint the men on the lawn
+retired within the stockade, stacked their arms, and joined the party
+that was endeavouring to get the gates in their places. From the
+circumstance that her father directed all the women and children to
+retire within the court, Maud supposed that the bullet might have
+fallen somewhere near them. It was quite evident, however, that no one
+was injured.
+
+The gates intended for the stockade, being open like the rest of that
+work, were materially lighter than those constructed for the house
+itself. The difficulty was in handling them with the accuracy required
+to enter the hinges, of which there were three pairs. This difficulty
+existed on account of their great height. Of physical force, enough
+could be applied to toss them over the stockade itself, if necessary;
+but finesse was needed, rather than force, to effect the principal
+object, and that under difficult circumstances. It is scarcely possible
+that the proximity of so fierce an enemy as a body of savages in their
+war-paint, for such the men at the mill had discovered was the guise of
+their assailants, would in any measure favour the coolness and tact of
+the labourers. Poor Maud lost the sense of her own danger, in the
+nervous desire to see the long-forgotten gates hung; and she rose once
+or twice, in feverish excitement, as she saw that the leaf which was
+raised fell in or out, missing its fastenings. Still the men
+persevered, one or two sentinels being placed to watch the Indians, and
+give timely notice of their approach, should they advance.
+
+Maud now kneeled, with her face bowed to the seat, and uttered a short
+but most fervent prayer, in behalf of the dear beings that the Hut
+contained. This calmed her spirits a little, and she rose once more to
+watch the course of events. The body of men had left the gate at which
+they had just been toiling, and were crowding around its fellow. One
+leaf was hung! As an assurance of this, she soon after saw her father
+swing it backward and forward on its hinges, to cause it to settle into
+its place. This was an immense relief, though she had heard too many
+tales of Indian warfare, to think there was any imminent danger of an
+attack by open day, in the very face of the garrison. The cool manner
+in which her father proceeded, satisfied her that he felt the same
+security, for the moment; his great object being, in truth, to make
+suitable provision against the hours of darkness.
+
+Although Maud had been educated as a lady, and possessed the delicacy
+and refinement of her class, she had unavoidably caught some of the
+fire and resolution of a frontier life. To her, the forest, for
+instance, possessed no fancied dangers; but when there was real ground
+for alarm, she estimated its causes intelligently, and with calmness.
+So it was, also, in the present crisis. She remembered all she had been
+taught, or had heard, and quick of apprehension, her information was
+justly applied to the estimate of present circumstances.
+
+The men at the Hut soon had the second leaf of the gate ready to be
+raised. At this instant, an Indian advanced across the flat alone,
+bearing a branch of a tree in his hand, and moving swiftly. This was a
+flag of truce, desiring to communicate with the pale-faces. Captain
+Willoughby met the messenger alone, at the foot of the lawn, and there
+a conference took place that lasted several minutes. Maud could only
+conjecture its objects, though she thought her father's attitude
+commanding, and his gestures stern. The red-man, as usual, was quiet
+and dignified. This much our heroine saw, or fancied she saw; but
+beyond this, of course, all was vague conjecture. Just as the two were
+about to part, and had even made courteous signs of their intention, a
+shout arose from the workmen, which ascended, though faintly, as high
+as the rock. Captain Willoughby turned, and then Maud saw his arm
+extended towards the stockade. The second leaf of the gate was in its
+place, swinging to and fro, in a sort of exulting demonstration of its
+uses! The savage moved away, more slowly than he had advanced,
+occasionally stopping to reconnoitre the Knoll and its defences.
+
+Captain Willoughby now returned to his people, and he was some time
+busied in examining the gates, and giving directions about its
+fastenings. Utterly forgetful of her own situation, Maud shed tears of
+joy, as she saw that this great object was successfully effected. The
+stockade was an immense security to the people of the Hut. Although it
+certainly might be scaled, such an enterprise would require great
+caution, courage, and address; and it could hardly be effected, at all,
+by daylight. At night, even, it would allow the sentinels time to give
+the alarm, and with a vigilant look-out, might be the means of
+repelling an enemy. There was also another consideration connected with
+this stockade. An enemy would not be fond of trusting himself
+_inside_ of it, unless reasonably certain of carrying the citadel
+altogether; inasmuch as it might serve as a prison to place him in the
+hands of the garrison. To recross it under a fire from the loops, would
+be an exploit so hazardous that few Indians would think of undertaking
+it. All this Maud knew from her father's conversations, and she saw how
+much had been obtained in raising the gates. Then the stockade, once
+properly closed, afforded great security to those moving about within
+it; the timbers would be apt to stop a bullet, and were a perfect
+defence against a rush; leaving time to the women and children to get
+into the court, even allowing that the assailants succeeded in scaling
+the palisades.
+
+Maud thought rapidly and well, in the strait in which she was placed.
+She understood most of the movements, on both sides, and she also saw
+the importance of her remaining where she could note all that passed,
+if she intended to make an attempt at reaching the Hut, after dark.
+This necessity determined her to continue at the rock, so long as light
+remained. She wondered she was not missed, but rightly attributed the
+circumstance to the suddenness of the alarm, and the crowd of other
+thoughts which would naturally press upon the minds of her friends, at
+such a fearful moment. "I will stay where I am," thought Maud, a little
+proudly, "and prove, if I am not really the daughter of Hugh
+Willoughby, that I am not altogether unworthy of his love and care! I
+can even pass the night in the forest, at this warm season, without
+suffering."
+
+Just as these thoughts crossed her mind, in a sort of mental soliloquy,
+a stone rolled from a path above her, and fell over the rock on which
+the seat was placed. A footstep was then heard, and the girl's heart
+beat quick with apprehension. Still she conceived it safest to remain
+perfectly quiet. She scarce breathed in her anxiety to be motionless.
+Then it occurred to her, that some one beside herself might be out from
+the Hut, and that a friend was near. Mike had been in the woods that
+very afternoon, she knew; for she had seen him; and the true-hearted
+fellow would indeed be a treasure to her, at that awful moment. This
+idea, which rose almost to certainty as soon as it occurred, induced
+her to spring forward, when the appearance of a man, whom she did not
+recognise, dressed in a hunting-shirt, and otherwise attired for the
+woods, carrying a short rifle in the hollow of his arm, caused her to
+stop, in motionless terror. At first, her presence was not observed;
+but, no sooner did the stranger catch a glimpse of her person, than he
+stopped, raised his hands in surprise, laid his rifle against a tree,
+and sprang forward; the girl closing her eyes, and sinking on the seat,
+with bowed head, expecting the blow of the deadly tomahawk.
+
+"Maud--dearest, _dearest_ Maud--do you not know me!" exclaimed
+one, leaning over the pallid girl, while he passed an arm round her
+slender waist, with an affection so delicate and reserved, that, at
+another time, it might have attracted attention. "Look up, dear girl,
+and show that at least you fear not _me!_"
+
+"Bob," said the half-senseless Maud. "Whence come you?--_Why_ do
+you come at this fearful instant!--Would to God your visit had been
+better timed!"
+
+"Terror makes you say this, my poor Maud! Of all the family, I had
+hoped for the warmest welcome from _you_. We think alike about
+this war--then you are not so much terrified at the idea of my being
+found here, but can hear reason. Why do you say this, then, my dearest
+Maud?"
+
+By this time Maud had so far recovered as to be able to look up into
+the major's face, with an expression in which alarm was blended with
+unutterable tenderness. Still she did not throw her arms around him, as
+a sister would clasp a beloved brother; but, rather, as he pressed her
+gently to his bosom, repelled the embrace by a slight resistance.
+Extricating herself, however, she turned and pointed towards the
+valley.
+
+"Why do I say this? See for yourself--the savages have at length come,
+and the whole dreadful picture is before you."
+
+Young Willoughby's military eye took in the scene at a glance. The
+Indians were still at the cliff, and the people of the settlement were
+straining at the heavier gates of the Hut, having already got one of
+them into a position where it wanted only the proper application of a
+steady force to be hung. He saw his father actively employed in giving
+directions; and a few pertinent questions drew all the other
+circumstances from Maud. The enemy had now been in the valley more than
+an hour, and the movements of the two parties were soon related.
+
+"Are you alone, dearest Maud? are you shut out by this sudden inroad?"
+demanded the major, with concern and surprise.
+
+"So it would seem. I can see no other--though I did think Michael might
+be somewhere near me, in the woods, here; I at first mistook your
+footsteps for his."
+
+"That is a mistake"--returned Willoughby, levelling a small pocket spy-
+glass at the Hut--"Mike is tugging at that gate, upholding a part of
+it, like a corner-stone. I see most of the faces I know there, and my
+dear father is as active, and yet as cool, as if at the head of a
+regiment."
+
+"Then I am alone--it is perhaps better that as many as possible should
+be in the house to defend it."
+
+"Not alone, my sweet Maud, so long as I am with you. Do you still think
+my visit so ill-timed?"
+
+"Perhaps not, after all. Heaven knows what I should have done, by
+myself, when it became dark!"
+
+"But are we safe on this seat?--May we not be seen by the Indians,
+since we so plainly see them?"
+
+"I think not. I have often remarked that when Evert and Beulah have
+been here, their figures could not be perceived from the lawn; owing, I
+fancy, to the dark back-ground of rock. My dress is not light, and you
+are in green; which is the colour of the leaves, and not easily to be
+distinguished. No other spot gives so good a view of what takes place
+in the valley. We must risk a little exposure, or act in the dark."
+
+"You are a soldier's daughter, Maud"--This was as true of major
+Meredith as of captain Willoughby, and might therefore be freely said
+by even Bob--"You are a soldier's daughter, and nature has clearly
+intended you to be a soldier's wife. This is a _coup-d'-oeil_ not
+to be despised."
+
+"I shall never be a wife at all"--murmured Maud, scarce knowing what
+she said; "I may not live to be a soldier's daughter, even, much
+longer. But, why are _you_ here?--surely, surely _you_ can
+have no connection with those savages!--I have heard of such horrors;
+but _you_ would not accompany _them_, even though it were to
+_protect_ the Hut."
+
+"I'll not answer for that, Maud. One would do a great deal to preserve
+his paternal dwelling from pillage, and his father's grey hairs from
+violence. But I came alone; that party and its objects being utterly
+strangers to me."
+
+"And _why_ do you come at all, Bob?" inquired the anxious girl,
+looking up into his face with open affection--"The situation of the
+country is now such, as to make your visits very hazardous."
+
+"Who could know the regular major in this hunting-shirt, and forest
+garb? I have not an article about my person to betray me, even were I
+before a court. No fear for me then, Maud; unless it be from these
+demons in human shape, the savages. Even they do not seem to be very
+fiercely inclined, as they appear at this moment more disposed to eat,
+than to attack the Hut. Look for yourself; those fellows are certainly
+preparing to take their food; the group that is just now coming over
+the cliffs, is dragging a deer after it."
+
+Maud took the glass, though with an unsteady hand, and she looked a
+moment at the savages. The manner in which the instrument brought these
+wild beings nearer to her eye, caused her to shudder, and she was soon
+satisfied.
+
+"That deer was killed this morning by the miller," she said; "they have
+doubtless found it in or near his cabin. We will be thankful, however,
+for this breathing-time--it may enable my dear father to get up the
+other gate. Look, Robert, and see what progress they make?"
+
+"One side is just hung, and much joy does it produce among them!
+Persevere, my noble old father, and you will soon be safe against your
+enemies. What a calm and steady air he has, amid it all! Ah! Maud, Hugh
+Willoughby ought, at this moment, to be at the head of a brigade,
+helping to suppress this accursed and unnatural rebellion. Nay, more;
+he _may_ be there, if he will only listen to reason and duty."
+
+"And _this_ is then your errand here, Bob?" asked his fair
+companion, gazing earnestly at the major.
+
+"It is, Maud--and I hope you, whose feelings I know to be right, can
+encourage me to hope."
+
+"I fear not. It is now too late. Beulah's marriage with Evert has
+strengthened his opinions--and then"
+
+"What, dearest Maud? You pause as if that '_then_' had a meaning
+you hesitated to express."
+
+Maud coloured; after which she smiled faintly, and proceeded: "We
+should speak reverently of a father--and such a father, too. But does
+it not seem probable to you, Bob, that the many discussions he has with
+Mr. Woods may have a tendency to confirm each in his notions?"
+
+Robert Willoughby would have answered in the affirmative, had not a
+sudden movement at the Hut prevented.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XII.
+
+  From Flodden ridge
+  The Scots beheld the English host
+  Leave Barmore wood, their evening post,
+  And heedful watched them as they crossed
+  The Till by Twisal Bridge.
+
+  Scott
+
+It was just at this instant that most of the women of the settlement
+rushed from the court, and spread themselves within the stockade, Mrs.
+Willoughby and Beulah being foremost in the movement. The captain left
+the gate, too, and even the men, who were just about to raise the last
+leaf, suspended their toil. It was quite apparent some new cause for
+uneasiness or alarm had suddenly awoke among them. Still the stack of
+arms remained untouched, nor was there any new demonstration among the
+Indians. The major watched everything, with intense attention, through
+the glass.
+
+"What is it, dear Bob?" demanded the anxious Maud. "I see my dearest
+mother--she seems alarmed."
+
+"Was it known to her that you were about to quit the house, when you
+came out on this walk?"
+
+"I rather think not. She and Beulah were in the nursery with little
+Evert, and my father was in the fields. I came out without speaking to
+any person, nor did I meet any before entering the forest."
+
+"Then you are now first missed. Yes, that is it--and no wonder, Maud,
+it creates alarm. Merciful God! How must they all feel, at a moment
+like this!"
+
+"Fire your rifle, Bob--that will draw their eyes in this direction, and
+I will wave my handkerchief--perhaps _that_ might be seen. Beulah
+has received such signals from me, before."
+
+"It would never do. No, we must remain concealed, watching their
+movements, in order to be able to aid them at the proper time. It is
+painful to endure this suspense, beyond a doubt; but the pain must be
+borne in order to ensure the safety of one who is so very, very
+precious to us all."
+
+Notwithstanding the fearful situation in which she was placed, Maud
+felt soothed by these words. The language of affection, as coming from
+Robert Willoughby, was very dear to her at all times, and never more
+than at a moment when it appeared that even her life was suspended, as
+it might be, by a hair.
+
+"It is as you say," she answered gently, giving him her hand with much
+of her ancient frankness of manner; "we should be betrayed, and of
+course lost--but what means the movement at the Hut?"
+
+There was indeed a movement within the stockade. Maud's absence was now
+clearly ascertained, and it is needless to describe the commotion the
+circumstance produced. No one thought any longer of the half of the
+gate that still remained to be hung, but every supposable part of the
+house and enclosure had been examined in quest of her who was missing.
+Our heroine's last remark, however, was produced by certain indications
+of an intention to make a descent from one of the external windows of
+the common parlour, a room it will be remembered that stood on the
+little cliff, above the rivulet that wound beneath its base. This cliff
+was about forty feet high, and though it offered a formidable obstacle
+to any attempt to scale it, there was no great difficulty in an active
+man's descending, aided by a rope. The spot, too, was completely
+concealed from the view of the party which still remained on the rock,
+near the mill, at a distance of quite half a mile from the gates of the
+stockade. This fact greatly facilitated the little sortie, since, once
+in the bed of the rivulet, which was fringed with bushes, it would be
+very practicable, by following its windings, to gain the forest unseen.
+The major levelled his glass at the windows, and immediately saw the
+truth of all that has here been mentioned.
+
+"They are preparing to send a party out," he said, "and doubtless in
+quest of you, Maud. The thing is very feasible, provided the savages
+remain much longer in their present position. It is matter of surprise
+to me, that the last have not sent a force in the rear of the Hut,
+where the windows are at least exposed to fire, and the forest is so
+close as to afford a cover to the assailants. In front there is
+literally none, but a few low fences, which is the reason I presume
+that they keep so much aloof."
+
+"It is not probable they know the valley. With the exception of Nick,
+but few Indians have ever visited us, and that rarely. Those we have
+seen have all been of the most peaceable and friendly tribes; not a
+true warrior, as my father says, ever having been found among them.
+Nick is the only one of them all that can thus be termed."
+
+"Is it possible that fellow has led this party? I have never more than
+half confided in him, and yet he is too old a friend of the family, I
+should think, to be guilty of such an act of baseness."
+
+"My father thinks him a knave, but I question if he has an opinion of
+him as bad as that. Besides, _he_ knows the valley, and would have
+led the Indians round into the rear of the house, if it be a place so
+much more favourable for the attack, as you suppose. These wretches
+have come by the common paths, all of which first strike the river, as
+you know, below the mills."
+
+"That is true. I lost my way, a few miles from this, the path being
+very blind on the eastern route, which I travelled as having gone it
+last with Nick, and thinking it the safest. Fortunately I recognised
+the crest of this mountain above us, by its shape, or I might never
+have found my way; although the streams, when struck, are certain
+guides to the woodsman. As soon as I hit the cow-paths, I knew they
+would lead me to the barns and sheds. See! a man is actually descending
+from a window!"
+
+"Oh! Bob, I hope it is not my father! He is too old--it is risking too
+much to let him quit the house."
+
+"I will tell you better when he reaches the ground. Unless mistaken--
+ay--it is the Irishman, O'Hearn."
+
+"Honest Mike! He is always _foremost_ in everything, though he so
+little knows how anything but digging ought to be done. Is there not
+another following him--or am I deceived?"
+
+"There is--he has just reached the ground, too. This might be spared,
+did they know how well you are guarded, Maud. By one who would die
+cheerfully to prevent harm from reaching you!"
+
+"They little dream of that, Bob," answered Maud, in a low tone. "Not a
+human being in that valley fancies you nearer to him than the royal
+armies are, at this moment. But they do not send a third--I am glad
+they weaken their own force no further."
+
+"It is certainly best they should not. The men had their rifles slung
+when they descended, and they are now getting them ready for service.
+It is Joel Strides who is with Mike."
+
+"I am sorry for it. _That_ is a man I little like, Bob, and I
+should be sorry he knew of your being here."
+
+This was said quickly, and with a degree of feeling that surprised the
+major, who questioned Maud earnestly as to her meaning and its reasons.
+The latter told him she scarce knew herself; that she disliked the
+man's manner, had long thought his principles bad, and that Mike in his
+extraordinary way had said certain things to her, to awaken distrust.
+
+"Mike speaks in hieroglyphics," said the major, laughing, in spite of
+the serious situation in which he and his companion were placed, "and
+one must never be too sure of _his_ meaning. Joel has now been
+many years with my father, and he seems to enjoy his confidence."
+
+"He makes himself useful, and is very guarded in what he says at the
+Hut. Still--I wish him not to know of your being here."
+
+"It will not be easy to prevent it, Maud. I should have come boldly
+into the valley, but for this accidental meeting with you, trusting
+that my father has no one about him so base as to betray his son."
+
+"Trust not Joel Strides. I'll answer for Mike with my life; but sorry
+indeed should I be that Joel Strides knew of your being among us. It
+were better, perhaps, that most of the workmen should not be in the
+secret. See--the two men are quitting the foot of the rocks."
+
+This was true, and Robert Willoughby watched their movements with the
+glass. As had been expected, they first descended into the bed of the
+rivulet, wading along its shore, under the cover of the bushes, until
+they soon became concealed even from the view of one placed on a height
+as elevated as that occupied by Robert and Maud. It was sufficiently
+apparent, however, that their intention was to reach the forest in this
+manner, when they would probably commence their search for the missing
+young lady. Nor was it long before Robert and Maud plainly saw the two
+adventurers quit the bed of the stream and bury themselves in the
+forest. The question now seriously arose as to the best course for the
+major and his companion to pursue. Under ordinary circumstances, it
+would have been wisest, perhaps, to descend at once and meet the
+messengers, who might soon be found at some of the usual haunts of the
+girl; but against this the latter so earnestly protested, and that in a
+manner so soothing to the young man's feelings, that he scarce knew how
+to oppose her wishes. She implored him not to confide in Joel Strides
+too hastily, at least. It might be time enough, when there was no
+alternative; until the true character of the party then in the valley
+was known, it would be premature. Nothing was easier than to conceal
+himself until it was dark, when he might approach the Hut, and be
+admitted without his presence being known to any but those on whom the
+family could certainly rely. The major urged the impossibility of his
+quitting Maud, until she was joined by the two men sent in quest of
+her, and then it would be too late, as he must be seen. Although he
+might escape immediate recognition in his present dress, the presence
+of a stranger would excite suspicions, and compel an explanation. To
+this Maud replied in the following manner: Her customary places of
+resort, when in the woods, were well known; more especially to Michael,
+who was frequently employed in their vicinity. These were a little
+water-fall, that was situated a hundred rods up the rivulet, to which a
+path had been made expressly, and where an arbour, seat, and little
+table had been arranged, for the purposes of working, reading, or
+taking refreshments. To this spot the men would unquestionably proceed
+first. Then, there was a deep ravine, some distance farther, that was
+often visited for its savage beauty, and whither she more frequently
+went, perhaps, than to any other place. Thither Michael would be
+certain to lead his companion. These two places visited, they might
+infallibly expect to see the men at the rock, where the two were then
+seated, as the last spot in which Maud might naturally be expected to
+be found. It would require an hour to visit the two places first named,
+and to examine the surrounding woods; and by that time, not only would
+the sun be set, but the twilight would be disappearing. Until that
+moment, then, the major might remain at her side, and on the sound of
+the approaching footsteps of the messengers, he had only to retire
+behind a projection of the rocks, and afterwards follow towards the
+Knoll, at a safe distance.
+
+This plan was too plausible to be rejected; and giving Robert an hour
+of uninterrupted discourse with his companion, it struck him as having
+more advantages than any other mentioned. The party near the mills,
+too, remaining perfectly quiet, there was less occasion for any change
+of their own, than might otherwise have been the case. So far, indeed,
+from appearing to entertain any hostile intention, not a cabin had been
+injured, if approached, and the smoke of the conflagration which had
+been expected to rise from the mills and the habitations in the glen,
+did not make its appearance. If any such ruthless acts as applying the
+brand and assaulting the people were in contemplation, they were at
+least delayed until night should veil them in a fitting darkness.
+
+It is always a great relief to the mind, in moments of trial, to have
+decided on a course of future action. So the major and Maud now found;
+for, taking his seat by her side, he began to converse with his
+companion more connectedly, and with greater calmness than either had
+yet been able to achieve. Many questions were asked, and answers given,
+concerning the state of the family, that of his father and mother, and
+dear Beulah and her infant, the latter being as yet quite a stranger to
+the young soldier.
+
+"Is he like his rebel of a father?" asked the royal officer, smiling,
+but as his companion fancied, painfully; "or has he more of the look of
+the Willoughbys. Beekman is a good-looking Dutchman; yet, I would
+rather have the boy resemble the good old English stock, after all."
+
+"The sweet little fellow resembles both father and mother; though the
+first the most, to Beulah's great delight. Papa says he is true
+'Holland's come of', as they call it, though neither mamma nor I will
+allow of any such thing. Colonel Beekman is a very worthy man, Bob, and
+a most affectionate and attentive husband. Beulah, but for this war,
+could not be happier."
+
+"Then I forgive him one-half of his treason--for the remainder let him
+take his luck. Now I am an uncle, my heart begins to melt a little
+towards the rebel. And you, Maud, how do the honours of an aunt sit
+upon your feelings? But women are all heart, and would love a rat."
+
+Maud smiled, but she answered not. Though Beulah's child were almost as
+dear to her as one of her own could have been, she remembered that she
+was _not_ its aunt, in fact; and, though she knew not why, in that
+company, and even at that grave moment, the obtrusive thought summoned
+a bright flush to her cheeks. The major probably did not notice this
+change of countenance, since, after a short pause, he continued the
+conversation naturally.
+
+"The child is called Evert, is it not, _aunt_ Maud?" he asked,
+laying an emphasis on 'aunt.'
+
+Maud wished this word had not been used; and yet Robert Willoughby,
+could the truth have been known, had adverted to it with an association
+in his own mind, that would have distressed her, just then, still more.
+_Aunt_ Maud was the name that others, however, were most fond of
+adopting, since the birth of the child; and remembering this, our
+heroine smiled.
+
+"That is what Beulah has called me, these six months," she said--"or
+ever since Evert was born. I became an aunt the day he became a nephew;
+and dear, good Beulah has not once called me _sister_ since, I
+think."
+
+"These little creatures introduce new ties into families," answered the
+major, thoughtfully. "They take the places of the generations before
+them, and edge us out of our hold on the affections, as in the end they
+supplant us in our stations in life. If Beulah love me only as an
+_uncle_, however, she may look to it. I'll be supplanted by no
+Dutchman's child that was ever born!"
+
+"_You_, Bob!" cried Maud, starting. "You are its _real_
+uncle; Beulah must ever remember _you_, and _love_ you, as
+her _own_ brother!"
+
+Maud's voice became suddenly hushed, like one who feared she had said
+too much. The major gazed at her intently, but he spoke not; nor did
+his companion see his look, her own eyes being cast meekly and
+tremblingly on the earth at her feet. A considerable pause succeeded,
+and then the conversation reverted to what was going on in the valley.
+
+The sun was now set, and the shadows of evening began to render objects
+a little indistinct beneath them. Still it was apparent that much
+anxiety prevailed in and about the Hut, doubtless on account of our
+heroine's absence. So great was it, indeed, as entirely to supersede
+the hanging of the remaining leaf of the gate, which stood in the gap
+where it belonged, stayed by pieces of timber, but unhung. The major
+thought some disposition had been made, however, by which the inmates
+might pass and repass by the half that was suspended, making a
+tolerable defence, when all was closed.
+
+"Hist!" whispered Maud, whose faculties were quickened by the danger of
+her companion; "I hear the voice of Michael, and they approach. No
+sense of danger can repress poor O'Hearn's eloquence; his ideas seeming
+to flow from his tongue very much as they rise to his thoughts, chance
+directing which shall appear first."
+
+"It is true, dear girl; and as you seem so strongly to wish it, I will
+withdraw. Depend on my keeping near you, and on my presence, should it
+be required."
+
+"You will not forget to come beneath the windows, Bob," said Maud,
+anxiously, but in great haste; for the footsteps of the men drew
+rapidly near; "at the very spot where the others descended."
+
+The major bent forward and kissed a cheek that was chilled with
+apprehension, but which the act caused to burn like fire; then he
+disappeared behind the projection of rock he had himself pointed out.
+As for Maud, she sat in seeming composure, awaiting the approach of
+those who drew near.
+
+"The divil bur-r-n me, and all the Injins in Ameriky along wid me,"
+said Mike, scrambling up the ascent by a short cut, "but I think we'll
+find the young Missus, here, or I don't think we'll be finding her the
+night. It's a cursed counthry to live in, Misther Strides, where a
+young lady of the loveliness and pithiful beauty of Miss Maud can be
+lost in the woods, as it might be a sheep or a stray baste that was for
+tasting the neighbour's pastures."
+
+"You speak too loud, Mike, and you speak foolishness into the bargain,"
+returned the wary Joel.
+
+"Is it I, you mane! Och! don't think ye 're goin' to set me a rowin' a
+boat once more, ag'in my inclinations and edication, as ye did in ould
+times. I've rung ye into yer ma'tin', and out of yer m'atin', too,
+twenty times too often to be catched in that same trap twice. It's Miss
+Maud I wants, and Miss Maud I'll find, or ---- Lord bless her swate
+face and morals, and her cha_rack_ter, and all belonging to her!--
+isn't that, now, a prathy composure for the likes of her, and the
+savages at the mill, and the Missus in tears, and the masther mighty
+un'asy, and all of us bothered! See how she sits on that bit of a sate
+that I puts there for her wid my own hands, as a laddy should, looking
+jist what she is, the quane of the woods, and the delight of our eyes!"
+
+Maud was too much accustomed to the rhapsodies of the county Leitrim-
+man to think much of this commencement; but resolute to act her part
+with discretion, she rose to meet him, speaking with great apparent
+self-possession.
+
+"Is it possible you are in quest of me?" she said--"why has this
+happened?--I usually return about this hour."
+
+"Hoors is it! Don't talk of hoors, beauthiful young laddy, when a
+single quarther may be too late," answered Mike, dogmatically. "It's
+your own mother that's not happy at yer being in the woods the night,
+and yer ould father that has moore un'asiness than he'll confess; long
+life to the church in which confession is held to be right, and dacent,
+and accorthing to the gospel of St. Luke, and the whole calender in the
+bargain. Ye'll not be frightened, Miss Maud, but take what I've to tell
+ye jist as if ye didn't bel'ave a wo-r-r-d of it; but, divil bur-r-n
+me, if there arn't Injins enough on the rocks, forenent the mill, to
+scalp a whole province, and a county along wid it, if ye'll give 'em
+time and knives enough."
+
+"I understand you, Michael, but am not in the least alarmed," answered
+Maud, with an air of great steadiness; such, indeed, as would have
+delighted the captain. "Something of what has been passing below have I
+seen; but, by being calm and reasonable, we shall escape the danger.
+Tell me only, that all is safe in the Hut--that my dear mother and
+sister are well."
+
+"Is it the Missus? Och, she's as valiant as a peacock, only strick down
+and overcome about your own self! As for Miss Beuly, where's the likes
+of her to be found, unless it's on this same bit of a rock? And it's
+agraable to see the captain, looking for all the wor-r-ld like a
+commander-in-chaif of six or eight rijiments, ordering one this-a-way,
+and another that-a-way--By St. Patrick, young laddy, I only hopes them
+vagabonds will come on as soon as yourself is inside the sticks, jist
+to give the ould jontleman a better occasion to play souldier on 'em.
+Should they happen to climb over the sticks, I've got the prattiest bit
+of a shillaleh ready that mortal eyes iver adorned! 'Twould break a
+head and niver a hat harmed--a thousand's the pities them chaps wears
+no hats. Howsever, we'll see."
+
+"Thank you, Mike, for the courage you show, and the interest you take
+in all our welfares--Is it not too soon to venture down upon the flats,
+Joel? I must trust to _you_ as a guide."
+
+"I think Miss Maud would do full as well if she did. Mike must be told,
+too, not to talk so much, and above all, not to speak so loud. He may
+be heard, sometimes, a dozen rods."
+
+"Tould!" exclaimed the county Leitrim-man, in heat--"And isn't tould
+I've been twenty times already, by your own smooth conversation?
+Where's the occasion to tell a thing over and over ag'in, when a man is
+not wanting in ears. It's the likes of you that loves to convarse."
+
+"Well, Mike, for my sake, you will be silent, I hope," said Maud.
+"Remember, I am not fitted for a battle, and the first thing is to get
+safely into the house. The sooner we are down the hill, perhaps, the
+better it may be. Lead the way, then, Joel, and I will follow. Michael
+will go next to you, in readiness for any enemy, and I will bring up
+the rear. It will be better for all to keep a dead silence, until it be
+necessary to speak."
+
+This arrangement was made, and the party proceeded, Maud remaining a
+little behind, in order that the major might catch glimpses of her
+person, in the sombre light of the hour and the forest, and not miss
+the road. A few minutes brought them all upon the level land, where,
+Joel, instead of entering the open fields, inclined more into the
+woods, always keeping one of the many paths. His object was to cross
+the rivulet under cover, a suitable place offering a short distance
+from the point where the stream glided out of the forest. Towards this
+spot Joel quietly held his way, occasionally stopping to listen if any
+movement of importance had occurred on the flats. As for Maud, her eyes
+were frequently cast behind her, for she was fearful Robert Willoughby
+might miss the path, having so little acquaintance with the thousand
+sinuosities he encountered. She caught glimpses of his person, however,
+in the distance, and saw that he was on the right track. Her chief
+concern, therefore, soon became an anxiety that he should not be seen
+by her companions. As they kept a little in advance, and the underbrush
+was somewhat thick, she had strong hopes that this evil would be
+avoided.
+
+The path being very circuitous, it took some time to reach the spot
+Joel sought. Here he, Mike, and Maud, crossed the rivulet on a tree
+that had been felled expressly to answer the purposes of a rustic foot-
+bridge; a common expedient of the American forest. As our heroine had
+often performed this exploit when alone, she required no assistance,
+and she felt as if half the danger of her critical situation had
+vanished, when she found herself on the same side of the stream as the
+Hut. Joel, nothing suspecting, and keeping all his faculties on the
+sounds and sights that might occur in front, led the way diligently,
+and soon reached the verge of the woods. Here he paused for his
+companions to join him.
+
+Twilight had, by this time, nearly disappeared. Still, enough remained
+to enable Maud to perceive that many were watching for her, either at
+the windows above the cliff, or through different parts of the
+stockades. The distance was so small, that it might have been possible,
+by raising the voice, even to converse; but this would be an experiment
+too hazardous, as some hostile scouts, at that hour might very well be
+fearfully near.
+
+"I see nothing, Miss Maud," observed Joel, after taking a good look
+around him. "By keeping the path that follows the edge of the brook,
+though it is so crooked, we shall be certain of good walking, and shall
+be half hid by the bushes. It's best to walk quick, and to be silent."
+
+Maud bade him go on, waiting herself behind a tree, to let the two men
+precede her a short distance. This was done, and the major stole up to
+her side unseen. A few words of explanation passed, when the young lady
+ran after her guides, leaving Robert Willoughby seated on a log. It was
+a breathless moment to Maud, that in which she was passing this bit of
+open land. But the distance was so short, that it was soon gotten over;
+and the three found themselves beneath the cliff. Here they passed the
+spring, and following a path which led from it, turned the edge of the
+rocks, and ascended to the foot of the stockades. It remained to turn
+these also, in order to reach the so recently suspended gates. As Maud
+passed swiftly along, almost brushing the timbers with her dress, she
+saw, in the dim light, fifty faces looking at her, and thrust between
+the timbers; but she paused not, spoke not--scarcely breathed. A
+profound stillness reigned on the Knoll; but when Joel arrived at the
+gate, it was instantly opened, and he glided in. Not so with Mike, who
+stopped and waited until she he had been in quest of entered before
+him, and was in safety.
+
+Maud found herself in her mother's arms, the instant the gate was
+passed. Mrs. Willoughby had been at the angle of the cliff, had
+followed her child, in her swift progress round the stockade, and was
+ready to receive her, the moment she entered. Beulah came next, and
+then the captain embraced, kissed, wept over, and scolded his little
+favourite.
+
+"No reproaches now, Hugh"--said the more considerate wife, and gentle
+woman--"Maud has done no more than has long been her custom, and no one
+could have foreseen what has happened."
+
+"Mother--father"--said Maud, almost gasping for breath--"let us bless
+God for my safety, and for the safety of all that are dear to us--thank
+you, dear Mr. Woods--there is a kiss, to thank you--now let us go into
+the house; I have much to tell you--come dear sir--come dearest mother,
+do not lose a moment; let us all go to the library."
+
+As this was the room in which the family devotions were usually held,
+the auditors fancied the excited girl wished to return her thanks in
+that mode, one not unfrequent in that regulated family, and all
+followed her, who dared, with tender sympathy in her feelings, and
+profoundly grateful for her safety. As soon as in the room, Maud
+carefully shut the door, and went from one to another, in order to
+ascertain who were present. Finding none but her father, mother,
+sister, and the chaplain, she instantly related all that had passed,
+and pointed out the spot where the major was, at that moment, waiting
+for the signal to approach. It is unnecessary to dwell on the
+astonishment and delight, mingled with concern, that this intelligence
+produced.
+
+Maud then rapidly recounted her plan, and implored her father to see it
+executed. The captain had none of her apprehensions on the subject of
+his people's fidelity, but he yielded to the girl's earnest entreaties.
+Mrs. Willoughby was so agitated with all the unlooked-for events of the
+day, that she joined her daughter in the request, and Maud was told to
+proceed with the affair, in her own way.
+
+A lamp was brought, and placed by Maud in a pantry that was lighted by
+a single, long, narrow, external window, at the angle of the building
+next the offices, and the door was closed on it. This lamp was the
+signal for the major to approach, and with beating hearts the females
+bent forward from the windows, secure of not being seen in the night,
+which had now fairly closed on the valley, to listen to his approaching
+footsteps beneath. They did not wait long ere he was not only heard,
+but dimly seen, though totally out of the line of sight from all in the
+Hut, with the exception of those above his head. Captain Willoughby had
+prepared a rope, one end of which was dropped, and fastened by the
+major, himself, around his body. A jerk let those above know when he
+was ready.
+
+"What shall we do next?" asked the captain, in a sort of despair.
+"Woods and I can never drag that tall, heavy fellow up such a distance.
+He is six feet, and weighs a hundred and eighty, if he weighs a pound."
+
+"Peace," half-whispered Maud, from a window. "All will be right in a
+moment." Then drawing in her body, the pale but earnest girl begged her
+father to have patience. "I have thought of all. Mike and the blacks
+may be trusted with our lives--I will call them."
+
+This was done, and the county Leitrim-man and the two Plinys were soon
+in the room.
+
+"O'Hearn," said Maud, inquiringly--"I think you are my friend?"
+
+"Am I my own!--Is it yees, is the question? Well, jist wish for a
+tooth, and ye may take all in my head for the asking. Och, I 'd be a
+baste, else! I'd ate the remain of my days wid not'ing but a spoon to
+obleege ye."
+
+"As for you, Pliny, and your son here, you have known us from children.
+Not a word must pass the lips of either, as to what you see--now pull,
+but with great care, lest the rope break."
+
+The men did as ordered, raising their load from the ground, a foot or
+two at a time. In this manner the burthen approached, yard after yard,
+until it was evidently drawing near the window.
+
+"It's the captain hoisting up the big baste of a hog, for provisioning
+the hoose, ag'in a saige," whispered Mike to the negroes, who grinned
+as they tugged; "and when the cr'atur squails, see to it, that ye do
+not squail yerselves."
+
+At that moment the head and shoulders of a man appeared at the window,
+Mike let go the rope, seized a chair, and was about to knock the
+intruder on the head; but the captain arrested the blow.
+
+"It's one of the vagabond Injins that has undermined the hog, and coome
+up in its stead," roared Mike."
+
+"It's my son"--answered the captain, mildly--"see that you are silent,
+and secret."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIII.
+
+  And glory long has made the sages smile,
+  Tis something, nothing, words, illusion, wind--
+  Depending more upon the historian's style
+  Than on the name a person leaves behind.
+  Troy owes to Homer what whist owes to Hoyle
+  The present century was growing blind
+  To the great Marlborough's skill in giving knocks,
+  Until his late Life by Archdeacon Coxe.
+
+  Byron.
+
+Major Willoughby's feet were scarcely on the library floor, when he was
+clasped in his mother's arms. From these he soon passed into Beulah's;
+nor did his father hesitate about giving him an embrace nearly as warm.
+As for Maud, she stood by, weeping in sympathy and in silence.
+
+"And you, too, old man," said Robert Willoughby, dashing the tears from
+his eyes, and turning to the elder black, holding out a hand--"this is
+not the first time, by many, old Pliny, that you have had me between
+heaven and earth. Your son was my old play-fellow, and we must shake
+hands also. As for O'Hearn, steel is not truer, and we are friends for
+life."
+
+The negroes were delighted to see their young master, for, in that day,
+the slaves exulted in the honour, appearance, importance and dignity of
+their owners, far more than their liberated descendants do now in their
+own. The major had been their friend when a boy; and he was, at
+present, their pride and glory. In their view of the matter, the
+English army did not contain his equal in looks, courage, military
+skill, or experience; and it was treason _per se_ to fight against
+a cause that he upheld. The captain had laughingly related to his wife
+a conversation to this effect he had not long before overheard between
+the two Plinys.
+
+"Well, Miss Beuly do a pretty well"--observed the elder, "but, den he
+all'e better, if he no get 'Merican 'mission. What you call raal
+colonel, eh? Have 'e paper from 'e king like Masser Bob, and wear a
+rigimental like a head of a turkey cock, so! Dat bein' an up and down
+officer."
+
+"P'rhaps Miss Beuly bring a colonel round, and take off a blue coat,
+and put on a scarlet," answered the younger.
+
+"Nebber!--nebber see dat, Plin, in a rebbleushun. Dis got to be a
+rebbleushun; and when _dat_ begin in 'arnest, gib up all idee of
+'mendment. Rebbleushuns look all one way--nebber see two side, any more
+dan coloured man see two side in a red-skin."
+
+As we have not been able to trace the thought to antiquity, this
+expression may have been the original of the celebrated axiom of
+Napoleon, which tells us that "revolutions never go backwards." At all
+events, such was the notion of Pliny Willoughby, Sen., as the namesake
+of the great Roman styled himself; and it was greatly admired by Pliny
+Willoughby, Jun., to say nothing of the opinions of Big Smash and
+Little Smash, both of whom were listeners to the discourse.
+
+"Well, I wish a colonel Beekman"--To this name the fellow gave the true
+Doric sound of _Bakeman_--"I wish a colonel Beekman only corprul
+in king's troops, for Miss Beuly's sake. Better be sarjun dere, dan
+briggerdeer-ginral in 'Merikan company; dat _I_ know."
+
+"What a briggerdeer mean, Plin?" inquired Little Smash, with interest.
+"Who he keep company wid, and what he do? Tell a body, do--so many
+officer in 'e army, one nebber know all he name."
+
+"'Mericans can't hab 'em. Too poor for _dat_. Briggerdeer great
+gentleum, and wear a red coat. Ole time, see 'em in hundreds, come to
+visit Masser, and Missus, and play wid Masser Bob. Oh! no rebbleushun
+in dem days; but ebbery body know he own business, and _do_ it,
+too."
+
+This will serve to show the political sentiments of the Plinys, and may
+also indicate the bias that the Smashes were likely to imbibe in such
+company. As a matter of course, the major was gladly welcomed by these
+devoted admirers; and when Maud again whispered to them the necessity
+of secresy, each shut his mouth, no trifling operation in itself, as if
+it were to be henceforth hermetically sealed.
+
+The assistants were now dismissed, and the major was left alone with
+his family. Again and again Mrs. Willoughby embraced her son; nor had
+her new ties at all lessened Beulah's interest in her brother. Even the
+captain kissed his boy anew, while Mr. Woods shook hands once more with
+his old pupil, and blessed him. Maud alone was passive in this scene of
+feeling and joy.
+
+"Now, Bob, let us to business," said the captain, as soon as
+tranquillity was a little restored. "You have not made this difficult
+and perilous journey without an object; and, as we are somewhat
+critically situated ourselves, the sooner we know what it is, the less
+will be the danger of its not producing its proper effect."
+
+"Heaven send, dear sir, that it fail not in its effect, indeed,"
+answered the son. "But is not this movement in the valley pressing, and
+have I not come opportunely to take a part in the defence of the
+house?"
+
+"That will be seen a few hours later, perhaps. Everything is quiet now,
+and will probably so remain until near morning; or Indian tactics have
+undergone a change. The fellows have lighted camp-fires on their rocks,
+and seem disposed to rest for the present, at least. Nor do I know that
+they are bent on war at all. We have no Indians near us, who would be
+likely to dig up the hatchet; and these fellows profess peace, by a
+messenger they have sent me."
+
+"Are they not in their war-paint, sir? I remember to have seen
+warriors, when a boy, and my glass has given these men the appearance
+of being on what they call 'a war-path.'"
+
+"Some of them are certainly in that guise, though he who came to the
+Knoll was not. _He_ pretended that they were a party travelling
+towards the Hudson in order to learn the true causes of the
+difficulties between their Great English and their Great American
+Fathers. He asked for meal and meat to feed his young men with. This
+was the whole purport of his errand."
+
+"And your answer, sir; is it peace, or war, between you?"
+
+"Peace in professions, but I much fear war in reality. Still one cannot
+know. An old frontier garrison-man, like myself, is not apt to put much
+reliance on Indian faith. We are now, God be praised! all within the
+stockade; and having plenty of arms and ammunition, are not likely to
+be easily stormed. A siege is out of the question; we are too well
+provisioned to dread that."
+
+"But you leave the mills, the growing grain, the barns, even the cabins
+of your workmen, altogether at the mercy of these wretches."
+
+"That cannot well be avoided, unless we go out and drive them off, in
+open battle. For the last, they are too strong, to say nothing of the
+odds of risking fathers of families against mere vagabonds, as I
+suspect these savages to be. I have told them to help themselves to
+meal, or grain, of which they will find plenty in the mill. Pork can be
+got in the houses, and they have made way with a deer already, that I
+had expected the pleasure of dissecting myself. The cattle roam the
+woods at this season, and are tolerably safe; but they can burn the
+barns and other buildings, should they see fit. In this respect, we are
+at their mercy. If they ask for rum, or cider, that may bring matters
+to a head; for, refusing may exasperate them, and granting either, in
+any quantity, will certainly cause them all to get intoxicated."
+
+"Why would not that be good policy, Willoughby?" exclaimed the
+chaplain. "If fairly disguised once, our people might steal out upon
+them, and take away all their arms. Drunken men sleep very profoundly."
+
+"It would be a canonical mode of warfare, perhaps, Woods," returned the
+chaplain, smiling, "but not exactly a military. I think it safer that
+they should continue sober; for, as yet, they manifest no great
+intentions of hostility. But of this we can speak hereafter. Why are
+you here, my son, and in this guise?"
+
+"The motive may as well be told now, as at another time," answered the
+major, giving his mother and sisters chairs, while the others imitated
+their example in being seated. "Sir William Howe has permitted me to
+come out to see you--I might almost say _ordered_ me out; for
+matters have now reached a pass when we think every loyal gentleman in
+America must feel disposed to take sides with the crown."
+
+A general movement among his auditors told the major the extent of the
+interest they felt in what was expected to follow. He paused an instant
+to survey the dark-looking group that was clustering around him; for no
+lights were in the room on account of the open windows, and he spoke in
+a low voice from motives of prudence; then he proceeded:
+
+"I should infer from the little that passed between Maud and myself,"
+he said, "that you are ignorant of the two most important events that
+have yet occurred in this unhappy conflict?"
+
+"We learn little here," answered the father. "I have heard that my Lord
+Howe and his brother Sir William have been named commissioners by His
+Majesty to heal all the differences. I knew them both, when young men,
+and their elder brother before them. Black Dick, as we used to call the
+admiral, is a discreet, well-meaning man; though I fear both of them
+owe their appointments more to their affinity to the sovereign than to
+the qualities that might best fit them to deal with the Americans."
+
+"Little is known of the affinity of which you speak[*], and less said
+in the army," returned the major, "but I fear there is no hope of the
+object of the commission's being effected. The American congress has
+declared the colonies altogether independent of England; and so far as
+this country is concerned, the war is carried on as between nation and
+nation. All allegiance, even in name, is openly cast aside."
+
+  [* The mother of the three Lords Howe, so well known in American
+  history, viz: _George_, killed before Ticonderoga, in the war of
+  '56; _Richard_, the celebrated admiral, and the hero of the 1st
+  June; and Sir _William_, for several years commander-in-chief in
+  this country, and the 5th and last viscount; was a Mademoiselle
+  Kilmansegge, who was supposed to be a natural daughter of George I.
+  This would make these three officers and George II. first-cousins;
+  and George III their great-nephew _a la mode de Bretagne_.
+  Walpole, and various other English writers, speak openly, not only of
+  the connection, but of the family resemblance. Indeed, most of the
+  gossiping writers of that age seem to allow that Lord Howe was a
+  grandson of the first English sovereign of the House of Brunswick.]
+
+"You astonish me, Bob! I did not think it could ever come to this!"
+
+"I thought your native attachments would hardly endure as strong a
+measure as this has got to be," answered the major, not a little
+satisfied with the strength of feeling manifested by his father. "Yet
+has this been done, sir, and done in a way that it will not be easy to
+recall. Those who now resist us, resist for the sake of throwing off
+all connection with England."
+
+"Has France any agency in this, Bob?--I own it startles me, and has a
+French look."
+
+"It has driven many of the most respectable of our enemies into our
+arms, sir. We have never considered you a direct enemy, though
+unhappily inclining too much against us; 'but this will determine Sir
+Hugh,' said the commander-in-chief in our closing interview--I suppose
+you know, my dear father, that all your old friends, knowing what has
+happened, insist on calling you Sir Hugh. I assure you, I never open my
+lips on the subject; and yet Lord Howe drank to the health of Sir Hugh
+Willoughby, openly at his own table, the last time I had the honour to
+dine with him."
+
+"Then the next time he favours you with an invitation, Bob, be kind
+enough to thank him. I want no empty baronetcy, nor do I ever think of
+returning to England to live. Were all I had on earth drummed together,
+it would barely make out a respectable competency for a private
+gentleman in that extravagant state of society; and what is a mere name
+to one in such circumstances? I wish it were transferable, my dear boy,
+in the old Scotch mode, and you should be Sir Bob before you slept."
+
+"But, Willoughby, it may be useful to Robert, and why should he not
+have the title, since neither you nor I care for it?" asked the
+considerate mother.
+
+"So he may, my dear; though he must wait for an event that I fancy you
+are not very impatient to witness--my death. When I am gone, let him be
+Sir Robert, in welcome. But, Bob--for plain, honest Bob must you remain
+till then, unless indeed you earn your spurs in this unhappy war--have
+you any military tidings for us? We have heard nothing since the
+arrival of the fleet on the coast."
+
+"We are in New York, after routing Washington on Long Island. The
+rebels"--the major spoke a little more confidently than had been his
+wont--"The rebels have retreated into the high country, near the
+borders of Connecticut, where they have inveterate nests of the
+disaffected in their rear."
+
+"And has all this been done without bloodshed? Washington had staff in
+him, in the old French business."
+
+"_His_ stuff is not doubted, sir; but his men make miserable work
+of it. Really I am sometimes ashamed of having been born in the
+country. These Yankees fight like wrangling women, rather than
+soldiers."
+
+"How's this!--You spoke honestly of the affair at Lexington, and wrote
+us a frank account of the murderous work at Bunker Hill. Have their
+natures changed with the change of season?"
+
+"To own the truth, sir, they did wonders on the Hill, and not badly in
+the other affair; but all their spirit seems gone. I am quite ashamed
+of them. Perhaps this declaration of independence, as it is called, has
+damped their ardour."
+
+"No, my son--the change, if change there is, depends on a general and
+natural law. Nothing but discipline and long training can carry men
+with credit through a campaign, in the open field. Fathers, and
+husbands, and brothers and lovers, make formidable enemies, in sight of
+their own chimney-tops; but the most flogging regiments, we used to
+say, were the best fighting regiments for a long pull. But, have a
+care, Bob; you are now of a rank that may well get you a separate
+command, and do not despise your enemy. I know these Yankees well--you
+are one, yourself, though only half-blooded; but I know them well, and
+have often seen them tried. They are very apt to be badly commanded,
+heaven cursing them for their sins, in this form more than any other--
+but get them fairly at work, and the guards will have as much as they
+can wish, to get along with. Woods will swear to _that_."
+
+"Objecting to the _mode_ of corroboration, my dear sir, I can
+support its substance. Inclined as I am to uphold Cæsar, and to do
+honour to the Lord's anointed, I will not deny my countrymen's courage;
+though I think, Willoughby, now I recall old times, it was rather the
+fashion of our officers to treat it somewhat disrespectfully."
+
+"It was, indeed," answered the captain, thoughtfully--"and a silly
+thing it was. They mistook the nature of a mild and pacific people,
+totally without the glitter and habits of military life, for a timid
+people; and I have often heard the new hands in the colonies speak of
+their inhabitants with contempt on this very head. Braddock had that
+failing to a great degree; and yet this very major Washington saved his
+army from annihilation, when it came to truly desperate work. Mark the
+words of a much older soldier than yourself, Bob; you may have more of
+the bravery of apparel, and present a more military aspect; may even
+gain advantages over them by means of higher discipline, better arms,
+and more accurate combinations; but, when you meet them fairly, depend
+on it you will meet dangerous foes, and men capable of being sooner
+drilled into good soldiers than any nation I have met with. Their great
+curse is, and probably will be, in selecting too many of their officers
+from classes not embued with proper military pride, and altogether
+without the collaterals of a good military education."
+
+To all this the major had nothing very material to object, and
+remembering that the silent but thoughtful Beulah had a husband in what
+he called the rebel ranks, he changed the subject. Arrangements were
+now made for the comfort and privacy of the unlooked-for guest.
+Adjoining the library, a room with no direct communication with the
+court by means of either door, or window, was a small and retired
+apartment containing a cot-bed, to which the captain was accustomed to
+retire in the cases of indisposition, when Mrs. Willoughby wished to
+have either of her daughters with herself, on their account, or on her
+own. This room was now given to the major, and in it he would be
+perfectly free from every sort of intrusion. He might eat in the
+library, if necessary; though, all the windows of that wing of the
+house opening outward, there was little danger of being seen by any but
+the regular domestics of the family, all of whom were to be let into
+the secret of his presence, and all of whom were rightly judged to be
+perfectly trustworthy.
+
+As the evening promised to be dark, it was determined among the
+gentlemen that the major should disguise himself still more than he was
+already, and venture outside of the building, in company with his
+father, and the chaplain, as soon as the people, who were now crowded
+into the vacant rooms in the empty part of the house, had taken
+possession of their respective quarters for the night. In the meantime
+a hearty supper was provided for the traveller in the library, the
+bullet-proof window-shutters of which room, and indeed of all the
+others on that side of the building, having first been closed, in order
+that lights might be used, without drawing a shot from the adjoining
+forest.
+
+"We are very safe, here," observed the captain, as his son appeased his
+hunger, with the keen relish of a traveller. "Even Woods might stand a
+siege in a house built and stockaded like this. Every window has solid
+bullet-proof shutters, with fastenings not easily broken; and the logs
+of the buildings might almost defy round-shot. The gates are all up,
+one leaf excepted, and that leaf stands nearly in its place, well
+propped and supported. In the morning it shall be hung like the others.
+Then the stockade is complete, and has not a speck of decay about it
+yet. We shall keep a guard of twelve men up the whole night, with three
+sentinels outside of the buildings; and all of us will sleep in our
+clothes, and on our arms. My plan, should an assault be made, is to
+draw in the sentinels, as soon as they have discharged their pieces, to
+close the gate, and man the loops. The last are all open, and spare
+arms are distributed at them. I had a walk made within the ridge of the
+roofs this spring, by which men can run round the whole Hut, in the
+event of an attempt to, set fire to the shingles, or fire over the
+ridge at an enemy at the stockades. It is a great improvement, Bob;
+and, as it is well railed, will make a capital station in a warm
+conflict, before the enemy make their way within the stockade."
+
+"We must endeavour not to let them get there, sir," answered the
+major--"but, as soon as your people are housed, I shall have an
+opportunity to reconnoitre. Open work is most to the taste of us
+regulars."
+
+"Not against an Indian enemy. You will be glad of such a fortress as
+this, boy, before the question of independence, or no independence,
+shall be finally settled. Did not Washington entrench in the town?"
+
+"Not much on that side of the water, sir; though he was reasonably well
+in the ground on Long Island. _There_ he had many thousands of
+men, and works of some extent."
+
+"And how did he get off the island?" demanded the captain, turning
+round to look his son in the face. "The arm of the sea is quite half-a-
+mile in width, at that point--how did he cross it in the face of a
+victorious army?--or did he only save himself, while you captured his
+troops?"
+
+The major coloured a little, and then he looked at Beulah and smiled
+good-naturedly.
+
+"I am so surrounded by rebels here," he said, "that it is not easy to
+answer all your questions, sir. Beat him we did, beyond a question, and
+that with a heavy loss to his army--and out of New York we have driven
+him, beyond a question--but--I will not increase Beulah's conceit by
+stating any more!"
+
+"If you can tell me anything kind of Evert, Bob, you will act like a
+brother in so doing," said the gentle wife.
+
+"Ay, Beekman did well too, they said. I heard some of our officers
+extolling a charge he made; and to own the truth, I was not sorry to be
+able to say he was my sister's husband, since a fierce rebel she would
+marry. All our news of _him_ is to his credit; and now I shall get
+a kiss for my pains."
+
+The major was not mistaken. With a swelling heart, but smiling
+countenance, his sister threw herself into his arms, when she kissed
+and was kissed until the tears streamed down her cheeks.
+
+"It was of Washington I intended to speak, sir," resumed the major,
+dashing a tear or two from his own eyes, as Beulah resumed her chair.
+"His retreat from the island is spoken of as masterly, and has gained
+him great credit. He conducted it in person, and did not lose a man. I
+heard Sir William mention it as masterly."
+
+"Then by heaven, America will prevail in this contest!" exclaims I the
+captain, striking his fist upon the table, with a suddenness and force
+that caused all in the room to start. "If she has a general who can
+effect such a movement skilfully, the reign of England is over, here.
+Why, Woods, Xenophon never did a better thing! The retreat of the ten
+thousand was boy's play to getting across that water. Besides, your
+victory could have been no great matter, Bob, or it would never have
+been done."
+
+"Our victory was respectable, sir, while I acknowledge that the retreat
+was great. No one among us denies it, and Washington is always named
+with respect in the army."
+
+In a minute more, Big Smash came in, under the pretence of removing the
+dishes, but, in reality to see Master Bob, and to be noticed by him.
+She was a woman of sixty, the mother of Little Smash, herself a
+respectable matron of forty; and both had been born in the household of
+Mrs. Willoughby's father, and had rather more attachment for any one of
+her children than for all of their own, though each had been reasonably
+prolific. The _sobriquets_ had passed into general use, and the
+real names of Bess and Ma_ri'_ were nearly obsolete. Still, the
+major thought it polite to use the latter on the present occasion.
+
+"Upon my word, Mrs. Bess," he said, shaking the old woman cordially by
+the hand, though he instinctively shrunk back from the sight of a pair
+of lips that were quite ultra, in the way of pouting, which used often
+to salute him twenty years before--"Upon my word, Mrs. Bess, you
+improve in beauty, everytime I see you. Old age and you seem to be
+total strangers to each other. How do you manage to remain so comely
+and so young?"
+
+"God send 'e fus', Masser Bob, heabben be praise, and a good conscience
+do 'e las'. I _do_ wish you could make ole Plin hear _dat_!
+He nebber t'ink any good look, now-a-day, in a ole wench."
+
+"Pliny is half blind. But that is the way with most husbands, Smash;
+they become blind to the charms of their spouses, after a few years of
+matrimony."
+
+"Nebber get marry, Masser Bob, if dat be 'e way."
+
+Then Great Smash gave such a laugh, and such a swing of her unwieldy
+body, that one might well have apprehended her downfall. But, no such
+thing. She maintained the equilibrium; for, renowned as she had been
+all her life at producing havoc among plates, and cups, and bowls, she
+was never known to be thrown off her own centre of gravity. Another
+hearty shake of the hand followed, and the major quitted the table. As
+was usual on all great and joyous occasions in the family, when the
+emotions reached the kitchen, that evening was remarkable for a
+"smash," in which half the crockery that had just been brought from the
+table, fell an unresisting sacrifice. This produced a hot discussion
+between "The Big" and "The Little" as to the offender, which resulted,
+as so often happens, in these inquiries into the accidents of domestic
+life, in the conclusion that "nobody" was alone to blame.
+
+"How 'e t'ink he _can_ come back, and not a plate crack!"
+exclaimed Little Smash, in a vindicatory tone, she being the real
+delinquent--"Get in 'e winder, too! Lor! _dat_ enough to break all
+'e dish in 'e house, and in 'e mill, too! I _do_ wish ebbery plate
+we got was an Injin--den you see fun! Can nebber like Injin; 'em so
+red, and so sabbage!"
+
+"Nebber talk of Injin, now," answered the indignant mother--"better
+talk of plate. Dis make forty t'ousand dish you break, Mari', sin' you
+war' a young woman. S'pose you t'ink Masser made of plate, dat you
+break 'em up so! Dat what ole Plin say--de nigger! He say all men made
+of clay, and plate made of clay, too--well, bot' clay, and bot'
+_break_. All on us wessels, and all on us break to pieces some day,
+and den dey'll t'row _us_ away, too."
+
+A general laugh succeeded this touch of morality, Great Smash being a
+little addicted to ethical remarks of this nature; after which the war
+was renewed on the subject of the broken crockery. Nor did it soon
+cease; wrangling, laughing, singing, toiling, a light-heartedness that
+knew no serious cares, and affection, making up the sum of the everyday
+existence of these semi-civilized beings. The presence of the party in
+the valley, however, afforded the subject of an episode; for a negro
+has quite as much of the _de haut en bas_ in his manner of viewing
+the aborigines, as the whites have in their speculations on his own
+race. Mingled with this contempt, notwithstanding, was a very active
+dread, neither of the Plinys, nor of their amiable consorts, in the
+least relishing the idea of being shorn of the wool, with shears as
+penetrating as the scalping-knife. After a good deal of discussion on
+this subject, the kitchen arrived at the conclusion that the visit of
+the major was ordered by Providence, since it was out of all the rules
+of probability and practice to have a few half-clad savages get the
+better of "Masser Bob," who was born a soldier, and had so recently
+been fighting for the king.
+
+On the latter subject, we ought to have stated that the captain's
+kitchen was ultra-loyal. The rude, but simple beings it contained, had
+a reverence for rank and power that even a "rebbelushun" could not
+disturb, and which closely associated, in their minds, royal authority
+with divine power. Next to their own master, they considered George
+III, as the greatest man of the age; and there was no disposition in
+them to rob him of his rights or his honours.
+
+"You seem thoughtful, Woods," said the captain, while his son had
+retired to his own room, in order to assume a disguise less likely to
+attract attention in the garrison than a hunting-shirt. "Is it this
+unexpected visit of Bob's that furnishes food for reflection?"
+
+"Not so much his visit, my dear Willoughby, as the news he brings us.
+God knows what will befall the church, should this rebellion make
+serious head. The country is in a dreadful way, already, on the subject
+of religion; but it will be far worse if these 'canters' get the upper
+hand of the government."
+
+The captain was silent and thoughtful for a moment; then he laughingly
+replied--
+
+"Fear nothing for the church, chaplain. It is of God, and will outlast
+a hundred political revolutions."
+
+"I don't know that, Willoughby--I don't know that"--The chaplain did
+not exactly mean what he said--"'Twouldn't surprise me if we had
+'_taking_ up collections,' '_sitting under preaching,' 'providentially
+happening,' 'exercised in mind_,' and '_our Zion_' finding their way
+into dictionaries."
+
+"Quite likely, Woods"--returned the captain, smiling--"Liberty is known
+to produce great changes in _things_; why not in language?"
+
+"Liberty, indeed! Yes; '_liberty_ in prayer' is another of their
+phrases. Well, captain Willoughby, if this rebellion should succeed, we
+may give up all hopes for the church. What sort of government shall we
+have, do you imagine, sir?"
+
+"Republican, of course," answered the captain, again becoming
+thoughtful, as his mind reverted to the important results that were
+really dependent on the present state of things. "Republican--it
+_can_ be no other. These colonies have always had a strong bias in
+that direction, and they want the elements necessary to a monarchy. New
+York has a landed gentry, it is true; and so has Maryland, and
+Virginia, and the Carolinas; but they are not strong enough to set up a
+political aristocracy, or to prop a throne; and then this gentry will
+probably be much weakened by the struggle. Half the principal families
+are known to be with the crown, as it is; and new men will force them
+out of place, in a revolution. No, Woods, if this revolution prosper,
+the monarchy is done in America, for at least a century."
+
+"And the prayers for the king and royal family--what will become of
+_them_?"
+
+"I should think they must cease, also. I question if a people will
+continue long to pray for authorities that they refuse to obey."
+
+"I shall stick to the rubrics as long as I have a tongue in my head. I
+trust, Willoughby, _you_ will not stop these prayers, in your
+settlement?"
+
+"It is the last mode in which I should choose to show hostility. Still,
+you must allow it is a little too much to ask a congregation to pray
+that the king shall overcome his enemies, when they are among those
+very enemies? The question presents a dilemma."
+
+"And, yet, I have never failed to read that prayer, as well as all the
+rest. You have not objected, hitherto."
+
+"I have not, for I have considered the war as being waged with
+parliament and the ministers, whereas it is now clearly with the king.
+This paper is certainly a plain and forcible document."
+
+"And what is that paper? Not the Westminster Confession of Faith, or
+the Saybrook Platform, I hope; one of which will certainly supersede
+the Thirty-nine Articles in all our churches, if this rebellion
+prosper."
+
+"It is the manifesto issued by congress, to justify their declaration
+of independence. Bob has brought it with him, as a proof how far
+matters have been carried; but, really, it seems to be a creditable
+document, and is eloquently reasoned."
+
+"I see how it is, Willoughby--I see how it is. We shall find you a
+rebel general yet; and I expect to live to hear _you_ talk about
+'our Zion' and 'providential accidents.'"
+
+"Neither, Woods. For the first, I am too old; and, for the last, I have
+too much taste, I trust. Whether I shall always pray for the king is
+another matter. But, here is the major, ready for his sortie. Upon my
+word, his masquerade is so complete, I hardly know him myself."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIV.
+
+  He could not rest, he could not stay
+  Within his tent to wait for day;
+  But walked him forth along the sand,
+  Where thousand sleepers strewed the strand.
+
+  _Siege of Corinth_.
+
+It was now so late that most of the men of the Hut, and all the women
+and children, were housed for the night, provided no alarm occurred.
+There was consequently little risk in the major's venturing forth,
+disguised as he was, should care be taken not to approach a light. The
+great number of the latter, streaming through the windows of the
+western wing of the building, showed how many were now collected within
+the walls, and gave an unusual appearance of life and animation to the
+place. Still, the court was clear, the men seeking their pallets, in
+readiness for their coming watches, while the women were occupied with
+those great concerns of female life, the care of children.
+
+The captain, major, and chaplain, each carrying a rifle, and the two
+former pistols, moved rapidly across the court, and passed the gate.
+The moveable leaf of the latter was left unbarred, it being the orders
+of the captain to the sentinels without, on the approach of an enemy,
+to retire within the court, and then to secure the fastenings.
+
+The night was star-light, and it was cool, as is common to this region
+of country. There being neither lamp nor candle on the exterior of the
+house, even the loops being darkened, there was little danger in moving
+about within the stockades. The sentinels were directed to take their
+posts so near the palisades as to command views of the open lawn
+without, a precaution that would effectually prevent the usual stealthy
+approach of an enemy without discovery. As the alarm had been very
+decided, these irregular guardians of the house were all at their
+posts, and exceedingly watchful, a circumstance that enabled the
+captain to avoid them, and thus further remove the danger of his son's
+being recognised. He accordingly held himself aloof from the men,
+keeping within the shadows of the sides of the Hut.
+
+As a matter of course, the first object to which our two soldiers
+directed their eyes, was the rock above the mill. The Indians had
+lighted fires, and were now apparently bivouacked at no great distance
+from them, having brought boards from below with that especial object.
+Why they chose to remain in this precise position, and why they
+neglected the better accommodations afforded by some fifteen or twenty
+log-cabins, that skirted the western side of the valley in particular,
+were subjects of conjecture. That they were near the fires the board
+shanties proved, and that they were to the last degree careless of the
+proximity of the people of the place, would seem also to be apparent in
+the fact that they had not posted, so far as could be ascertained, even
+a solitary sentinel.
+
+"This is altogether surprising for Indian tactics," observed the
+captain, in a low voice; for everything that was uttered that night
+without the building was said in very guarded tones. "I have never
+before known the savages to cover themselves in that manner; nor is it
+usual with them to light fires to point out the positions they occupy,
+as these fellows seem to have done."
+
+"Is it not all _seeming_, sir?" returned the major. "To me that
+camp, if camp it can be called, has an air of being deserted."
+
+"There is a look about it of premeditated preparation that one ought
+always to distrust in war."
+
+"Is it not unmilitary, sir, for two soldiers like ourselves to remain
+in doubt on such a point? My professional pride revolts at such a state
+of things; and, with your leave, I will go outside, and set the matter
+at rest by reconnoitring."
+
+"Professional pride is a good thing, Bob, rightly understood and
+rightly practised. But the highest point of honour with the really good
+soldier is to do that for which he was precisely intended. Some men
+fancy armies were got together just to maintain certain exaggerated
+notions of military honour; whereas, military honour is nothing but a
+moral expedient to aid in effecting the objects for which they are
+really raised. I have known men so blinded as to assert that a soldier
+is bound to maintain his honour at the expense of the law; and this in
+face of the fact that, in a free country, a soldier is in truth nothing
+but one of the props of the law, in the last resort. So with us; we are
+here to defend this house, and those it contains; and our military
+honour is far more concerned in doing that effectually, and by right
+means, than in running the risk of not doing it at all, in order to
+satisfy an abstract and untenable notion of a false code. Let us do
+what is _right_, my son, and feel no concern that our honour
+suffer."
+
+Captain Willoughby said this, because he fancied it a fault in his
+son's character, sometimes to confound the end with the means, in
+appreciating the ethics of his profession. This is not an uncommon
+error among those who bear arms, instances not being wanting in which
+bodies of men that are the mere creatures of authority, have not
+hesitated to trample the power that brought them into existence under
+foot, rather than submit to mortify the feelings of a purely
+conventional and exaggerated pride. The major was rebuked rather than
+convinced, it not being the natural vocation of youth to perceive the
+justice of all the admonitions of age.
+
+"But, if one can be made auxiliary to the other, sir," the son
+remarked, "then you will allow that professional _esprit_, and
+professional prudence, may very well march hand in hand."
+
+"Of that there can be no doubt, though I think it far wiser and more
+soldier-like, even, to use all proper precautions to guard this house,
+under our actual circumstances, than to risk anything material in order
+to satisfy our doubts concerning the state of that camp."
+
+"But the cabins, and all the property that lies exposed to fire and
+other accidents, including the mills? Is it not worth your while to let
+me make a little excursion, in order to ascertain the state of things,
+as connected with them?"
+
+"Perhaps it would, Bob"--returned the father, after a little
+reflection. "It would be a great point gained, to send a man to look
+after the buildings, and the horses. The poor beasts may be suffering
+for water; and, as you say, the first thing will be to ascertain where
+our wild visiters really are, and what they are actually bent on.
+Woods, go with us to the gate, and let us out. I rely on your saying
+nothing of our absence, except to explain to the two nearest sentinels
+who we are, and to be on the look-out for us, against the moment we may
+return."
+
+"Will it not be very hazardous to be moving in front of the stockade,
+in the dark? Some of our own people may fire upon you."
+
+"You will tell them to be cautious, and we shall use great
+circumspection in our turn. I had better give you a signal by which we
+shall be known."
+
+This was done, and the party moved from under the shadows of the Hut,
+down to the gate. Here the two soldiers halted for several minutes,
+taking a deliberate and as thorough a survey of the scene without, as
+the darkness permitted. Then the chaplain opened the gate, and they
+issued forth, moving with great caution down the lawn, towards the
+fleets. As a matter of course, captain Willoughby was perfectly
+familiar with all the lanes, ditches, bridges and fields of his
+beautiful possessions. The alluvial soil that lay spread around him was
+principally the result of ages of deposit while the place was covered
+with water; but, as the overflowing of the water had been produced by a
+regular dam, the latter once removed, the meadows were free, from the
+excessive moisture which generally saturates drained lands. Still,
+there were two or three large open ditches, to collect the water that
+came down the adjacent mountains or bubbled up from springs near the
+margin of the woods Across these ditches the roads led, by bridges, and
+the whole valley was laid out, in this manner, equally with a view to
+convenience and rural beauty. A knowledge of all the windings was of
+great use, on the present occasion, even on the advance; while, on the
+retreat, it might clearly be the means of preserving the lives, or
+liberties, of the two adventurers.
+
+The captain did not proceed by the principal road which led from the
+Hut to the mills, the great thoroughfare of the valley, since it might
+be watched, in order to prevent a hostile sortie against the camp; but
+he inclined to the right, or to the westward, in order to visit the
+cabins and barns in that quarter. It struck him his invaders might have
+quietly taken possession of the houses, or even have stolen his horses
+and decamped. In this direction, then, he and his son proceeded, using
+the greatest caution in their movements, and occasionally stopping to
+examine the waning fires at the rock, or to throw a glance behind them
+at the stockade. Everything remained in the quiet which renders a
+forest settlement so solemn and imposing, after the daily movements of
+man have ceased. The deepest and most breathless attention could not
+catch an unaccustomed sound. Even the bark of a dog was not heard, all
+those useful animals having followed their masters into the Hut, as if
+conscious that their principal care now lay in that direction. Each of
+the sentinels had one of these animals near him, crouched under the
+stockade, in the expectation of their giving the alarm, should any
+strange footstep approach. In this manner most of the distance between
+the Knoll and the forest was crossed, when the major suddenly laid a
+hand on his father's arm.
+
+"Here is something stirring on our left," whispered the former--"It
+seems, too, to be crouching under the fence."
+
+"You have lost your familiarity with our rural life, Bob," answered the
+father, with a little more confidence of tone, but still guardedly, "or
+this fragrant breath would tell you we are almost on a cow. It is old
+Whiteback; I know her by her horns. Feel; she is here in the lane with
+us, and within reach of your hand. A gentler animal is not in the
+settlement. But, stop--pass your hand on her udder--she will not stir--
+how is it, full or not?"
+
+"If I can judge, sir, it is nothing remarkable in the way of size."
+
+"I understand this better. By Jupiter, boy, that cow has been milked!
+It is certain none of our people have left the house to do it, since
+the alarm was first given. This is ominous of neighbours."
+
+The major made no reply, but he felt to ascertain if his arms were in a
+state for immediate service. After a moment's further pause the captain
+proceeded, moving with increased caution. Not a word was now uttered,
+for they were getting within the shadows of the orchard, and indeed of
+the forest, where objects could not well be distinguished at the
+distance of a very few yards. A cabin was soon reached, and it was
+found empty; the fire reduced to a few embers, and quite safe. This was
+the residence of the man who had the care of the horses, the stables
+standing directly behind it. Captain Willoughby was a thoughtful and
+humane man, and it struck him the animals might now be turned into a
+field that joined the barn-yard, where there was not only rich pasture,
+but plenty of sweet running water. This he determined to do at once,
+the only danger being from the unbridled movements of cattle that must
+be impatient from unusual privation, and a prolonged restraint.
+
+The major opened the gate of the field, and stationed himself in a way
+to turn the animals in the desired direction, while his father went
+into the stable to set them free. The first horse came out with great
+deliberation, being an old animal well cooled with toil at the plough,
+and the major had merely to swing his arm, to turn him into the field.
+Not so with the next, however. This was little better than a colt, a
+creature in training for his master's saddle; and no sooner was it
+released than it plunged into the yard, then bounded into the field,
+around which it galloped, until it found the water. The others imitated
+this bad example; the clatter of hoofs, though beaten on a rich turf,
+soon resounding in the stillness of the night, until it might be heard
+across the valley. The captain then rejoined his son.
+
+"This is a good deed somewhat clumsily done, Bob," observed the father,
+as he picked up his rifle and prepared to proceed. "An Indian ear,
+however, will not fail to distinguish between the tramping of horses
+and a charge of foot."
+
+"Faith, sir, the noise may serve us a good turn yet. Let us take
+another look at the fires, and see if this tramping has set any one in
+motion near them. We can get a glimpse a little further ahead."
+
+The look was taken, but nothing was seen. While standing perfectly
+motionless, beneath the shadows of an apple-tree, however, a sound was
+heard quite near them, which resembled that of a guarded footstep. Both
+gentlemen drew up, like sportsmen expecting the birds to rise, in
+waiting for the sound to approach. It did draw nearer, and presently a
+human form was seen moving slowly forward in the path, approaching the
+tree, as if to get within its cover. It was allowed to draw nearer and
+nearer, until captain Willoughby laid his hand, from behind the trunk,
+on the stranger's shoulder, demanding sternly, but in a low voice, "who
+are you?"
+
+The start, the exclamation, and the tremor that succeeded all denoted
+the extent of this man's surprise. It was some little time, even,
+before he could recover from his alarm, and then he let himself be
+known by his answer.
+
+"Massy!" exclaimed Joel Strides, who ordinarily gave this doric sound
+to the word 'mercy'--"Massy, captain, is it _you!_ I should as
+soon thought of seeing a ghost! What in natur' has brought you out of
+the stockade, sir?"
+
+"I think that is a question I might better ask you, Mr. Strides. My
+orders were to keep the gate close, and for no one to quit the court-
+yard even, until sent on post, or called by an alarm."
+
+"True, sir--quite true--true as gospel. But let us moderate a little,
+captain, and speak lower; for the Lord only knows who's in our
+neighbourhood. Who's that with you, sir?--Not the Rev. Mr. Woods, is
+it?"
+
+"No matter who is with me. _He_ has the authority of my commands
+for being here, whoever he may be, while you are here in opposition to
+them. You know me well enough, Joel, to understand nothing but the
+simple truth will satisfy me."
+
+"Lord, sir, I am one of them that never wish to tell you anything
+_but_ truth. The captain has known me now long enough to understand
+my natur', I should think; so no more need be said about _that._"
+
+"Well, sir--give me the reason--and see that it is given to me without
+reserve."
+
+"Yes, sir; the captain shall have it. He knows we scrambled out of our
+houses this afternoon a little onthinkingly, Injin alarms being skeary
+matters. It was an awful hurrying time! Well, the captain understands,
+too, we don't work for him without receiving our wages; and I have been
+laying up a little, every year, until I've scraped together a few
+hundred dollars, in good half-joes; and I bethought me the money might
+be in danger, should the savages begin to plunder; and I've just came
+out to look a'ter the money."
+
+"If this be true, as I hope and can easily believe to be the case, you
+must have the money about you, Joel, to prove it."
+
+The man stretched forth his arm, and let the captain feel a
+handkerchief, in which, sure enough, there was a goodly quantity of
+coin. This gave him credit for truth, and removed all suspicion of his
+present excursion being made with any sinister intention. The man was
+questioned as to his mode of passing the stockade, when he confessed he
+had fairly clambered over it, an exploit of no great difficulty from
+the inside. As the captain had known Joel too long to be ignorant of
+his love of money, and the offence was very pardonable in itself, he
+readily forgave the breach of orders. This was the only man in the
+valley who did not trust his little hoard in the iron chest at the Hut;
+even the miller reposing that much confidence in the proprietor of the
+estate; but Joel was too conscious of dishonest intentions himself to
+put any unnecessary faith in others.
+
+All this time, the major kept so far aloof as not to be recognised,
+though Joel, once or twice, betrayed symptoms of a desire to ascertain
+who he was. Maud had awakened suspicions that now became active, in
+both father and son, when circumstances so unexpectedly and
+inconveniently threw the man in their way. It was consequently the wish
+of the former to get rid of his overseer as soon as possible.
+Previously to doing this, however, he saw fit to interrogate him a
+little further.
+
+"Have you seen anything of the Indians since you left the stockade,
+Strides?" demanded the captain. "We can perceive no other traces of
+their presence than yonder fires, though we think that some of them
+must have passed this way, for Whiteback's udder is empty."
+
+"To own the truth, captain, I haven't. I some think that they've left
+the valley; though the Lord only can tell when they'll be back ag'in.
+Such critturs be beyond calcilation! They outdo arithmetic, nohow. As
+for the cow, I milked her myself; for being the crittur the captain has
+given to Phoebe for her little dairy, I thought it might hurt her not
+to be attended to. The pail stands yonder, under the fence, and the
+women and children in the Hut may be glad enough to see it in the
+morning."
+
+This was very characteristic of Joel Strides. He did not hesitate about
+disobeying orders, or even to risk his life, in order to secure his
+money; but, determined to come out, he had the forethought and care to
+bring a pail, in order to supply the wants of those who were now
+crowded within the stockade, and who were too much accustomed to this
+particular sort of food, not to suffer from its absence. If we add,
+that, in the midst of all this prudent attention to the wants of his
+companions, Joel had an eye to his personal popularity and what are
+called "ulterior events", and that he selected his own cow for the
+precise reason given, the reader has certain distinctive traits of the
+man before him.
+
+"This being the case," returned the captain, a good deal relieved at
+finding that the savages had not been the agents in this milking
+affair, since it left the probability of their remaining
+stationary--"This being the case, Joel, you had better find the pail,
+and go in. As soon as day dawns, however, I recommend that all the cows
+be called up to the stockade and milked generally. They are feeding in
+the lanes, just now, and will come readily, if properly invited. Go,
+then, but say nothing of having met me, and--"
+
+"Who else did the captain say?" inquired Joel, curiously, observing
+that the other paused.
+
+"Say nothing of having met us at all, I tell you. It is very important
+that my movements should be secret."
+
+The two gentlemen now moved on, intending to pass in front of the
+cabins which lined this part of the valley, by a lane which would bring
+them out at the general highway which led from the Knoll to the mill.
+The captain marched in front, while his son brought up the rear, at a
+distance of two or three paces. Each walked slowly and with caution,
+carrying his rifle in the hollow of his arm, in perfect readiness for
+service. In this manner both had proceeded a few yards, when Robert
+Willoughby felt his elbow touched, and saw Joel's face, within eighteen
+inches of his own, as the fellow peered under his hat. It was an action
+so sudden and unexpected, that the major saw, at once, nothing but
+perfect coolness could avert his discovery.
+
+"Is't you, Dan'el"--so was the miller named. "What in natur' has
+brought the old man on this tramp, with the valley filled with Injins?"
+whispered Joel, prolonging the speech in order to get a better view of
+a face and form that still baffled his conjectures. "Let's know all
+about it."
+
+"You'll get me into trouble," answered he major, shaking off his
+unwelcome neighbour, moving a step further from him, and speaking also
+in a whisper. "The captain's bent on a scout, and you know he'll not
+bear contradiction. Off with you, then, and don't forget the milk."
+
+As the major moved away, and seemed determined to baffle him, Joel had
+no choice between complying and exposing his disobedience of orders to
+the captain. He disliked doing the last, for his cue was to seem
+respectful and attached, and he was fain to submit. Never before,
+however, did Joel Strides suffer a man to slip through his fingers with
+so much reluctance. He saw that the captain's companion was not the
+miller, while the disguise was too complete to enable him to
+distinguish the person or face. In that day, the different classes of
+society were strongly distinguished from each other, by their ordinary
+attire; and, accustomed to see major Willoughby only in the dress that
+belonged to his station, he would not be likely to recognise him in his
+present guise, had he even known of or suspected his visit. As it was,
+he was completely at fault; satisfied it was not his friend Daniel,
+while unable to say who it was.
+
+In this doubting state of mind, Joel actually forgot the savages, and
+the risks he might run from their proximity. He walked, as it might be
+mechanically, to the place where he had left the pail, and then
+proceeded slowly towards the Knoll, pondering at every step on what he
+had just seen. He and the miller had secret communications with certain
+active agents of the revolutionists, that put them in possession of
+facts, notwithstanding their isolated position, with which even their
+employer was totally unacquainted. It is true, these agents were of
+that low caste that never fail to attach themselves to all great
+political enterprises, with a sole view to their own benefit; still, as
+they were active, cunning and bold, and had the sagacity to make
+themselves useful, they passed in the throng of patriots created by the
+times, and were enabled to impart to men of similar spirits much
+available information.
+
+It was through means like these, that Joel knew of the all-important
+measure of the declaration of independence, while it still remained a
+secret to captain Willoughby. The hope of confiscations was now active
+in the bosoms of all this set, and many of them had even selected the
+portions of property that they intended should be the reward of their
+own love of freedom and patriotism. It has been said that the English
+ministry precipitated the American revolution, with a view to share,
+among their favourites, the estates that it was thought it would bring
+within the gift of the crown, a motive so heinous as almost to defy
+credulity, and which may certainly admit of rational doubts. On the
+other hand, however, it is certain that individuals, who will go down
+to posterity in company with the many justly illustrious names that the
+events of 1776 have committed to history, were actuated by the most
+selfish inducements, and, in divers instances, enriched themselves with
+the wrecks of estates that formerly belonged to their kinsmen or
+friends. Joel Strides was of too low a class to get his name enrolled
+very high on the list of heroes, nor was he at all ambitious of any
+such distinction; but he was not so low that he could not and did not
+aspire to become the owner of the property of the Hutted Knoll. In an
+ordinary state of society, so high a flight would seem irrational in so
+low an aspirant; but Joel came of a people who seldom measure their
+pretensions by their merits, and who imagine that to boldly aspire,
+more especially in the way of money, is the first great step to
+success. The much talked of and little understood doctrine of political
+equality has this error to answer for, in thousands of cases; for
+nothing can be more hopeless, in the nature of things, than to convince
+a man of the necessity of possessing qualities of whose existence he
+has not even a faint perception, ere he may justly pretend to be put on
+a level with the high-minded, the just, the educated, and the good.
+Joel, therefore, saw no other reason than the law, against his becoming
+the great landlord, as well as captain Willoughby; and could the law be
+so moulded as to answer his purposes, he had discreetly resolved to
+care for no other considerations. The thought of the consequences to
+Mrs. Willoughby and her daughters gave him no concern whatever; they
+had already possessed the advantages of their situation so long, as to
+give Phoebe and the miller's wife a sort of moral claim to succeed
+them. In a word, Joel, in his yearnings after wealth, had only faintly
+shadowed forth the modern favourite doctrine of "rotation in office."
+
+The appearance of a stranger in company with captain Willoughby could
+not fail, therefore, to give rise to many conjectures in the mind of a
+man whose daily and hourly thoughts were running on these important
+changes. "Who _can_ it be," thought Joel, as he crawled along the
+lane, bearing the milk, and lifting one leg after the other, as if lead
+were fastened to his feet. "Dan'el it is not--nor is it any one that I
+can consait on, about the Hut. The captain is mightily strengthened by
+this marriage of his da'ter with colonel Beekman, that's sartain. The
+colonel stands wonderful well with our folks, and he 'll not let all
+this first-rate land, with such capital betterments, go out of the
+family without an iffort, I conclude--but then I calcilate on _his_
+being killed--there must be a disperate lot on 'em shot, afore
+the war's over, and _he_ is as likely to be among 'em as another.
+Dan'el thinks the colonel has the look of a short-lived man. Waal; to-
+morrow will bring about a knowledge of the name of the captain's
+companion, and then a body may calcilate with greater sartainty!"
+
+This is but an outline of what passed through Joel's mind as he moved
+onward. It will serve, however, to let the reader into the secret of
+his thoughts, as well as into their ordinary train, and is essentially
+connected with some of the succeeding events of our legend. As the
+overseer approached the stockade, his ideas were so abstracted that he
+forgot the risk he ran; but walking carelessly towards the palisades,
+the dogs barked, and then he was saluted by a shot. This effectually
+aroused Joel, who called out in his natural voice, and probably saved
+his life by so doing. The report of the rifle, however, produced an
+alarm, and by the time the astounded overseer had staggered up to the
+gate, the men were pouring out from the court, armed, and expecting an
+assault. In the midst of this scene of confusion, the chaplain admitted
+Joel, as much astonished as the man himself, at the whole of the
+unexpected occurrence.
+
+It is unnecessary to say that many questions were asked. Joel got rid
+of them, by simply stating that he had gone out to milk a cow, by the
+captain's private orders, and that he had forgotten to arrange any
+signal, by which his return might be known. He ventured to name his
+employer, because he knew he was not there to contradict him; and Mr.
+Woods, being anxious to ascertain if his two friends had been seen,
+sent the men back to their lairs, without delay, detaining the overseer
+at the gate for a minute's private discourse. As the miller obeyed,
+with the rest, he asked for the pail with an eye to his own children's
+comfort; but, on receiving it, he found it empty! The bullet had passed
+through it, and the contents had escaped.
+
+"Did you see any _thing, or person_, Strides?" demanded the
+chaplain, as soon as the two were alone.
+
+"Lord, Mr. Woods, I met the captain!--The sight on him came over me
+a'most as cruelly as the shot from the rifle; for I no more expected it
+than I do to see you rise up to heaven, in your clothes, like Elijah of
+old. Sure enough, _there_ was the captain, himself, and--and--"
+
+Here Joel sneezed, repeating the word "and" several times, in hopes the
+chaplain would supply the name he so much wished to hear.
+
+"But you saw no savages?--I know the captain is out, and you will be
+careful not to mention it, lest it get to Mrs. Willoughby's ears, and
+make her uneasy. You saw nothing of the savages?"
+
+"Not a bit--the critturs lie cluss enough, if they haven't actually
+tramped. _Who_ did you say was with the captain, Mr. Woods?"
+
+"I said nothing about it--I merely asked after the Indians, who, as you
+say, do keep themselves very close. Well, Joel, go to your wife, who
+must be getting anxious about you, and be prudent."
+
+Thus dismissed, the overseer did not dare to hesitate; but he entered
+the court, still pondering on the late meeting.
+
+As for the two adventurers, they pursued their march in silence. As a
+matter of course, they heard the report of the rifle, and caught some
+faint sounds from the alarm that succeeded; but, readily comprehending
+the cause, they produced no uneasiness; the stillness which succeeded
+soon satisfying them that all was right. By this time they were within
+a hundred yards of the flickering fires. The major had kept a strict
+watch on the shanties at the report of the rifle; but not a living
+thing was seen moving in their vicinity. This induced him to think the
+place deserted, and he whispered as much to his father.
+
+"With any other enemy than an Indian", answered the latter, "you might
+be right enough, Bob; but with these rascals one is never certain. We
+must advance with a good deal of their own caution."
+
+This was done, and the gentlemen approached the fires in the most
+guarded manner, keeping the shantees between them and the light. By
+this time, however, the flames were nearly out, and there was no great
+difficulty in looking into the nearest shantee, without much exposure.
+It was deserted, as proved to be the case with all the others, on
+further examination. Major Willoughby now moved about on the rock with
+greater confidence; for, naturally brave, and accustomed to use his
+faculties with self-command in moments of trial, he drew the just
+distinctions between real danger and unnecessary alarm; the truest of
+all tests of courage.
+
+The captain, feeling a husband's and a father's responsibility, was a
+little more guarded; but success soon gave him more confidence, and the
+spot was thoroughly explored. The two then descended to the mills,
+which, together with the adjacent cabins, they entered also, and found
+uninjured and empty. After this, several other suspected points were
+looked at, until the captain came to the conclusion that the party had
+retired, for the night at least, if not entirely. Making a circuit,
+however, he and his son visited the chapel, and one or two dwellings on
+that side of the valley, when they bent their steps towards the Knoll.
+
+As the gentlemen approached the stockade, the captain gave a loud hem,
+and clapped his hands. At the signal the gate flew open, and they found
+themselves in company with their friend the chaplain once more. A few
+words of explanation told all they had to say, and then the three
+passed into the court, and separated; each taking the direction towards
+his own room. The major, fatigued with the toils of a long march, was
+soon in a soldier's sleep; but it was hours before his more thoughtful,
+and still uneasy father, could obtain the rest which nature so much
+requires.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XV.
+
+  ----"I could teach you,
+  How to choose right, but then I am forsworn;
+  So will I never be; so may you miss me;
+  But if you do, you'll make me wish a sin
+  That I had been forsworn."----
+
+  _Portia_.
+
+Captain Willoughby knew that the hour which preceded the return of
+light, was that in which the soldier had the most to apprehend, when in
+the field. This is the moment when it is usual to attempt surprises;
+and it was, in particular, the Indian's hour of blood. Orders had been
+left, accordingly, to call him at four o'clock, and to see that all the
+men of the Hut were afoot, and armed also. Notwithstanding the deserted
+appearance of the valley, this experienced frontier warrior distrusted
+the signs of the times; and he looked forward to the probability of an
+assault, a little before the return of day, with a degree of concern he
+would have been sorry to communicate to his wife and daughters.
+
+Every emergency had been foreseen, and such a disposition made of the
+forces, as enabled the major to be useful, in the event of an attack,
+without exposing himself unnecessarily to the danger of being
+discovered. He was to have charge of the defence of the rear of the
+Hut, or that part of the buildings where the windows opened outwards;
+and Michael and the two Plinys were assigned him as assistants. Nor was
+the ward altogether a useless one. Though the cliff afforded a material
+safeguard to this portion of the defences, it might be scaled; and, it
+will be remembered, there was no stockade at all, on this, the northern
+end of the house.
+
+When the men assembled in the court, therefore, about an hour before
+the dawn, Robert Willoughby collected his small force in the dining-
+room, the outer apartment of the _suite_, where he examined their
+arms by lamp-light, inspected their accoutrements, and directed them to
+remain until he issued fresh orders. His father, aided by serjeant
+Joyce, did the same in the court; issuing out, through the gate of the
+buildings, with his whole force, as soon as this duty was performed.
+The call being general, the women and children were all up also; many
+of the former repairing to the loops, while the least resolute, or the
+less experienced of their number, administered to the wants of the
+young, or busied themselves with the concerns of the household. In a
+word, the Hut, at that early hour, resembled a hive in activity, though
+the different pursuits had not much affinity to the collection of
+honey.
+
+It is not to be supposed that Mrs. Willoughby and her daughters still
+courted their pillows on an occasion like this. They rose with the
+others, the grandmother and Beulah bestowing their first care on the
+little Evert, as if _his_ life and safety were the considerations
+uppermost in their thoughts. This seemed so natural, that Maud wondered
+she too could not feel all this absorbing interest in the child, a
+being so totally dependent on the affection of its friends and
+relatives to provide for its wants and hazards, in an emergency like
+the present.
+
+"_We_ will see to the child, Maud," observed her mother, ten or
+fifteen minutes after all were up and dressed. "Do you go to your
+brother, who will be solitary, alone in his citadel. He may wish, too,
+to send some message to his father. Go, then, dear girl, and help to
+keep up poor Bob's spirits."
+
+What a service for Maud! Still, she went, without hesitation or delay;
+for the habits of her whole infancy were not to be totally overcome by
+the natural and more engrossing sentiments of her later years. She
+could not feel precisely the reserve and self-distrust with one she had
+so long regarded as a brother, as might have been the case with a
+stranger youth in whom she had begun to feel the interest she
+entertained for Robert Willoughby. But, Maud did not hesitate about
+complying. An order from her mother to her was law; and she had no
+shame, no reserves on the subject of contributing to Bob's comfort or
+happiness.
+
+Her presence was a great relief to the young man himself, whom she
+found in the library. His assistants were posted without, as sentinels
+to keep off intruders, a disposition that left him quite alone, anxious
+and uneasy. The only intercourse he could have with his father was by
+means of messages; and the part of the building he occupied was
+absolutely without any communication with the court, except by a single
+door near the offices, at which he had stationed O'Hearn.
+
+"This is kind, and like yourself, dearest Maud," exclaimed the young
+man, taking the hand of his visiter, and pressing it in both his own,
+though he strangely neglected to kiss her cheek, as he certainly would
+have done had it been Beulah--"This is kind and like yourself; now I
+shall learn something of the state of the family. How is my mother?"
+
+It might have been native coyness, or even coquetry, that unconsciously
+to herself influenced Maud's answer. She knew not why--and yet she felt
+prompted to let it be understood she had not come of her own impulses.
+
+"Mother is well, and not at all alarmed," she said. "She and Beulah are
+busy with little Evert, who crows and kicks his heels about as if
+_he_ despised danger as becomes a soldier's son, and has much amused
+even _me_; though I am accused of insensibility to his perfections.
+Believing you might be solitary, or might wish to communicate with
+some of us, my mother desired me to come and inquire into your wants."
+
+"Was such a bidding required, Maud! How long has an order been
+necessary to bring _you_ to console _me_?"
+
+"That is a calculation I have never entered into, Bob," answered Maud,
+slightly blushing, and openly smiling, and that in a way, too, to take
+all the sting out of her words--"as young ladies can have more suitable
+occupations, one might think. You will admit I guided you faithfully
+and skilfully into the Hut last evening, and such a service should
+suffice for the present. But, my mother tells me we have proper causes
+of complaint against you, for having so thoughtlessly left the place of
+safety into which you were brought, and for going strolling about the
+valley, after we had retired, in a very heedless and boyish manner!"
+
+"I went with my father; surely I could not have been in better
+company."
+
+"At his suggestion, or at your own, Bob?" asked Maud, shaking her head.
+
+"To own the truth, it was, in some degree, at my own. It seemed so very
+unmilitary for two old soldiers to allow themselves to be shut up in
+ignorance of what their enemies were at, that I could not resist the
+desire to make a little _sortie_. You must feel, dear Maud, that
+our motive was _your_ safety--the safety, I mean, of my mother,
+and Beulah, and nil of you together--and you ought to be the last to
+blame us."
+
+The tint on Maud's cheek deepened as Robert Willoughby laid so heavy an
+emphasis on "_your_ safety;" but she could not smile on an act
+that risked so much more than was prudent.
+
+"This is well enough as to motive," she said, after a pause; "but
+frightfully ill-judged, I should think, as to the risks. You do not
+remember the importance our dear father is to us all--to my mother--to
+Beulah--even to me, Bob."
+
+"Even to _you_, Maud!--And why not as much to _you_ as to any
+of us?"
+
+Maud could speak to Beulah of her want of natural affinity to the
+family; but, it far exceeded her self-command to make a direct allusion
+to it to Robert Willoughby. Still, it was now rarely absent from her
+mind; the love she bore the captain and his wife, and Beulah, and
+little Evert, coming to her heart through a more insidious and possibly
+tenderer tie, than that of purely filial or sisterly affection. It was,
+indeed, this every-day regard, strangely deepened and enlivened by that
+collateral feeling we so freely bestow on them who are bound by natural
+ties to those who have the strongest holds on our hearts, and which
+causes us to see with their eyes, and to feel with their affections.
+Accordingly, no reply was made to the question; or, rather, it was
+answered by putting another.
+
+"Did you see anything, after all, to compensate for so much risk?"
+asked Maud, but not until a pause had betrayed her embarrassment.
+
+"We ascertained that the savages had deserted their fires, and had not
+entered any of the cabins. Whether this were done to mislead us, or to
+make a retreat as sudden and unexpected as their inroad, we are
+altogether in the dark. My father apprehends treachery, however; while,
+I confess, to me it seems probable that the arrival and the departure
+may be altogether matters of accident. The Indians are in motion
+certainly, for it is known that our agents are busy among them; but, it
+is by no means so clear that _our_ Indians would molest captain
+Willoughby--Sir Hugh Willoughby, as my father is altogether called, at
+head-quarters."
+
+"Have not the Americans savages on their side, to do us this ill
+office?"
+
+"I think not. It is the interest of the rebels to keep the savages out
+of the struggle; they have so much at risk, that this species of
+warfare can scarcely be to _their_ liking."
+
+"And ought it to be to the liking of the king's generals, or ministers
+either, Bob!"
+
+"Perhaps not, Maud. I do not defend it; but I have seen enough of
+politics and war, to know that results are looked to, far more than
+principles. Honour, and chivalry, and humanity, and virtue, and right,
+are freely used in terms; but seldom do they produce much influence on
+facts. Victory is the end aimed at, and the means are made to vary with
+the object."
+
+"And where is all we have read together?--Yes, _together_, Bob?
+for I owe you a great deal for having directed my studies--where is all
+we have read about the glory and truth of the English name and cause?"
+
+"Very much, I fear, Maud, where the glory and truth of the American
+name and cause will be, as soon as this new nation shall fairly burst
+the shell, and hatch its public morality. There are men among us who
+believe in this public honesty, but I do not."
+
+"You are then engaged in a bad cause, major Willoughby, and the sooner
+you abandon it, the better."
+
+"I would in a minute, if I knew where to find a better. Rely on it,
+dearest Maud, all causes are alike, in this particular; though one side
+may employ instruments, as in the case of the savages, that the other
+side finds it its interest to decry. Men, as individuals, _may_
+be, and sometimes _are_, reasonably upright--but, _bodies_ of
+men, I much fear, never. The latter escape responsibility by dividing
+it."
+
+"Still, a good cause may elevate even bodies of men," said Maud,
+thoughtfully.
+
+"For a time, perhaps; but not in emergencies. You and I think it a good
+cause, my good and frowning Maud, to defend the rights of our sovereign
+lord the king. Beulah I have given up to the enemy; but on you I have
+implicitly replied."
+
+"Beulah follows her heart, perhaps, as they say it is natural to women
+to do. As for myself, I am left free to follow my own opinion of my
+duties."
+
+"And they lead you to espouse the cause of the king, Maud!"
+
+"They will be very apt to be influenced by the notions of a certain
+captain Willoughby, and Wilhelmina, his wife, who have guided me aright
+on so many occasions, that I shall not easily distrust their opinions
+on this."
+
+The major disliked this answer; and yet, when he came to reflect on it,
+as reflect he did a good deal in the course of the day, he was
+dissatisfied with himself at being so unreasonable as to expect a girl
+of twenty-one not to think with her parents, real or presumed, in most
+matters. At the moment, however, he did not wish further to press the
+point.
+
+"I am glad to learn, Bob," resumed Maud, looking more cheerful and
+smiling, "that you met with no one in your rash sortie--for rash I
+shall call it, even though sanctioned by my father."
+
+"I am wrong in saying that. We did meet with one man, and that was no
+less a person than your bug-bear, Joel Strides--as innocent, though as
+meddling an overseer as one could wish to employ."
+
+"Robert Willoughby, what mean you! Does this man know of your presence
+at the Knoll?"
+
+"I should hope not--_think_ not." Here the major explained all
+that is known to the reader on this head, when he continued--"The
+fellow's curiosity brought his face within a few inches of mine; yet I
+do not believe he recognised me. This disguise is pretty thorough; and
+what between his ignorance, the darkness and the dress, I must believe
+he was foiled."
+
+"Heaven be praised!" exclaimed Maud, breathing more freely. "I have
+long distrusted that man, though he seems to possess the confidence of
+every one else. Neither my father nor my mother will see him, as I see
+him; yet to me his design to injure you is _so_ clear--_so_
+obvious!--I wonder, often wonder, that others cannot view it as I do.
+Even Beulah is blind!"
+
+"And what do you see so clearly, Maud? I have consented to keep myself
+incog. in submission to your earnest request; and yet, to own the
+truth, I can discover no particular reason why Strides is to be
+distrusted more than any one else in the valley--than Mike, for
+instance."
+
+"Mike! I would answer for _his_ truth with my life. _He_ will
+never betray you, Bob."
+
+"But why is Joel so much the object of your distrust?--and why am _I_
+the particular subject of your apprehensions?"
+
+Maud felt the tell-tale blood flowing again to her cheeks; since, to
+give a simple and clear reason for her distrust, exceeded her power. It
+was nothing but the keen interest which she took in Robert Willoughby's
+safety that had betrayed to her the truth; and, as usually happens,
+when anxiety leads the way in discoveries of this sort, logical and
+plausible inferences are not always at command. Still, Maud not only
+thought herself right, but, in the main, she _was_ right; and this
+she felt so strongly as to be enabled to induce others to act on her
+impressions.
+
+"_Why_ I believe in Strides' sinister views is more than I may be
+able to explain to you, in words, Bob," she replied, after a moment's
+thought; "still, I _do_ believe in them as firmly as I believe in
+my existence. His looks, his questions, his journeys, and an occasional
+remark, have all aided in influencing the belief; nevertheless, no one
+proof may be perfectly clear and satisfactory. Why _you_ should be
+the subject of his plans, however, is simple enough, since you are the
+only one among us he can seriously injure. By betraying you, he might
+gain some great advantage to himself."
+
+"To whom can he betray me, dear? My father is the only person here, in
+any authority, and of him I have no cause to be afraid."
+
+"Yet, you were so far alarmed when last here, as to change your route
+back to Boston. If there were cause for apprehension then, the same
+reason may now exist."
+
+"That was when many strangers were in the valley, and we knew not
+exactly where we stood. I have submitted to your wishes, however, Maud,
+and shall lie _perdu_, until there is a serious alarm; then it is
+understood I am to be permitted to show myself. In a moment of
+emergency my unexpected appearance among the men might have a dramatic
+effect, and, of itself, give us a victory. But tell me of my
+prospects--am I likely to succeed with my father? Will he be brought
+over to the royal cause?"
+
+"I think not. All common inducements are lost on him. His baronetcy,
+for instance, he will never assume; _that_, therefore, cannot
+entice him. Then his feelings are with his adopted country, which he
+thinks right, and which he is much disposed to maintain; more
+particularly since Beulah's marriage, and our late intercourse with all
+that set. My mother's family, too, has much influence with him. They,
+you know, are all whigs."
+
+"Don't prostitute the name, Maud. Whig does not mean rebel; these
+misguided men are neither more nor less than rebels. I had thought this
+declaration of independence would have brought my father at once to our
+side."
+
+"I can see it has disturbed him, as did the Battle of Bunker's Hill.
+But he will reflect a few days, and decide now, as he did then, in
+favour of the Americans. He has English partialities, Bob, as is
+natural to one born in that country; but, on this point, his mind is
+very strongly American."
+
+"The accursed Knoll has done this! Had he lived in society, as he ought
+to have done, among his equals and the educated, we should now see him
+at the head--Maud, I know I can confide in _you_."
+
+Maud was pleased at this expression of confidence, and she looked up in
+the major's face, her full blue eyes expressing no small portion of the
+heartfelt satisfaction she experienced. Still, she said nothing.
+
+"You may well imagine," the major continued, "that I have not made this
+journey entirely without an object--I mean some object more important,
+even, than to see you all. The commander-in-chief is empowered to raise
+several regiments in this country, and it is thought useful to put men
+of influence in the colonies at their head. Old Noll de Lancey, for
+instance, so well known to us all, is to have a brigade; and I have a
+letter in my pocket offering to Sir Hugh Willoughby one of his
+regiments. One of the Allens of Pennsylvania, who was actually serving
+against us, has thrown up his commission from congress, since this
+wicked declaration, and has consented to take a battalion from the
+king. What think you of all this? Will it not have weight with my
+father?"
+
+"It may cause him to reflect, Bob; but it will not induce him to change
+his mind. It may suit Mr. Oliver de Lancey to be a general, for he has
+been a soldier his whole life; but my father has retired, and given up
+all thoughts of service. He tells us he never liked it, and has been
+happier here at the Knoll, than when he got his first commission. Mr.
+Allen's change of opinion may be well enough, he will say, but I have
+no need of change; I am here, with my wife and daughters, and have them
+to care for, in these troubled times. What think you he said, Bob, in
+one of his conversations with us, on this very subject?"
+
+"I am sure I cannot imagine--though I rather fear it was some wretched
+political stuff of the day."
+
+"So far from this, it was good natural feeling that belongs, or ought
+to belong to all days, and all ages," answered Maud, her voice
+trembling a little as she proceeded. "'There is my son,' he said; 'one
+soldier is enough in a family like this. _He_ keeps all our hearts
+anxious, and may cause them all to mourn.'"
+
+Major Willoughby was mute for quite a minute, looking rebuked and
+thoughtful.
+
+"I fear I do cause my parents concern," he at length answered; "and why
+should I endeavour to increase that of my excellent mother, by
+persuading her husband to return to the profession? If this were
+ordinary service, I could not think of it. I do not know that I ought
+to think of it, as it is!"
+
+"Do not, dear Robert. We are all--that is, mother is often miserable on
+your account; and why would you increase her sorrows? Remember that to
+tremble for one life is sufficient for a woman."
+
+"My mother is miserable on _my_ account!" answered the young man,
+who was thinking of anything but his father, at that instant. "Does
+Beulah never express concern for me? or have her new ties completely
+driven her brother from her recollection? I know she can scarce wish me
+success; but she might still feel some uneasiness for an only brother.
+We are but two--"
+
+Maud started, as if some frightful object glared before her eyes; then
+she sat in breathless silence, resolute to hear what would come next.
+But Robert Willoughby meant to pursue that idea no farther. He had so
+accustomed himself--had endeavoured even so to accustom himself to
+think of Beulah as his only sister, that the words escaped him
+unconsciously. They were no sooner uttered, however, than the
+recollection of their possible effect on Maud crossed his mind.
+Profoundly ignorant of the true nature of her feelings towards himself,
+he had ever shrunk from a direct avowal of his own sentiments, lest he
+might shock her; as a sister's ear would naturally be wounded by a
+declaration of attachment from a brother; and there were bitter moments
+when he fancied delicacy and honour would oblige him to carry his
+secret with him to the grave. Two minutes of frank communication might
+have dissipated all these scruples for ever; but, how to obtain those
+minutes, or how to enter on the subject at all, were obstacles that
+often appeared insurmountable to the young man. As for Maud, she but
+imperfectly understood her own heart--true, she had conscious glimpses
+of its real state; but, it was through those sudden and ungovernable
+impulses that were so strangely mingled with her affections. It was
+years, indeed, since she had ceased to think of Robert Willoughby as a
+brother, and had begun to view him with different eyes; still, she
+struggled with her feelings, as against a weakness. The captain and his
+wife were her parents; Beulah her dearly, dearly beloved sister; little
+Evert her nephew; and even the collaterals, in and about Albany, came
+in for a due share of her regard; while Bob, though called Bob as
+before; though treated with a large portion of the confidence that was
+natural to the intimacy of her childhood; though loved with a
+tenderness he would have given even his high-prized commission to know,
+was no longer thought of as a brother. Often did Maud find herself
+thinking, if never saying, "Beulah may do that, for Beulah is his
+sister; but it would be wrong in me. I may write to him, talk freely
+and even confidentially with him, and be affectionate to him; all this
+is right, and I should be the most ungrateful creature on earth to act
+differently; but I cannot sit on his knee as Beulah sometimes does; I
+cannot throw my arms around his neck when I kiss him, as Beulah does; I
+cannot pat his cheek, as Beulah does, when he says anything to laugh
+at; nor can I pry into his secrets, as Beulah does, or affects to do,
+to tease him. I should be more reserved with one who has not a drop of
+my blood in his veins--no, not a single drop." In this way, indeed,
+Maud was rather fond of disclaiming any consanguinity with the family
+of Willoughby, even while she honoured and loved its two heads, as
+parents. The long pause that succeeded the major's broken sentence was
+only interrupted by himself.
+
+"It is vexatious to be shut up here, in the dark, Maud," he said, "when
+every minute _may_ bring an attack. This side of the house might
+be defended by you and Beulah, aided and enlightened by the arm and
+counsels of that young 'son of liberty,' little Evert; whereas the
+stockade in front may really need the presence of men who have some
+knowledge of the noble art. I wish there were a look-out to the front,
+that one might at least see the danger as it approached."
+
+"If your presence is not indispensable here, I can lead you to my
+painting-room, where there is a loop directly opposite to the gate.
+That half of the garrets has no one in it."
+
+The major accepted the proposal with joy, and forthwith he proceeded to
+issue a few necessary orders to his subordinates, before he followed
+Maud. When all was ready, the latter led the way, carrying a small
+silver lamp that she had brought with her on entering the library. The
+reader already understands that the Hut was built around a court, the
+portion of the building in the rear, or on the cliff, alone having
+windows that opened outward. This was as true of the roofs as of the
+perpendicular parts of the structure, the only exceptions being in the
+loops that had been cut in the half-story, beneath the eaves. Of
+course, the garrets were very extensive. They were occupied in part,
+however, by small rooms, with dormer-windows, the latter of which
+opened on the court, with the exception of those above the cliff. It
+was on the roofs of these windows that captain Willoughby had laid his
+platform, or walk, with a view to extinguish fires, or to defend the
+place. There were many rooms also that were lighted only by the loops,
+and which, of course, were on the outer side of the buildings. In
+addition to these arrangements, the garret portions of the Hut were
+divided into two great parts, like the lower floor, without any doors
+of communication. Thus, below, the apartments commenced at the gateway,
+and extended along one-half the front; the whole of the east wing, and
+the whole of the rear, occupying five-eighths of the entire structure.
+This part contained all the rooms occupied by the family and the
+offices. The corresponding three-eighths, or the remaining half of the
+front, and the whole of the west wing, were given to visiters, and were
+now in possession of the people of the valley; as were all the rooms
+and garrets above them. On the other hand, captain Willoughby, with a
+view to keep his family to itself, had excluded every one, but the
+usual inmates, from his own portion of the house, garret-rooms
+included.
+
+Some of the garret-rooms, particularly those over the library, drawing-
+room, and parlour, were convenient and well-furnished little
+apartments, enjoying dormer-windows that opened on the meadows and
+forest, and possessing a very tolerable elevation, for rooms of that
+particular construction. Here Mr. Woods lodged and had his study. The
+access was by a convenient flight of steps, placed in the vestibule
+that communicated with the court. A private and narrower flight also
+ascended from the offices.
+
+Maud now led the way up the principal stairs, Mike being on post at the
+outer door to keep off impertinent eyes, followed by Robert Willoughby.
+Unlike most American houses, the Hut had few passages on its principal
+floor; the rooms communicating _en suite_, as a better arrangement
+where the buildings were so long, and yet so narrow. Above, however,
+one side was left in open garret; sometimes in front and sometimes in
+the rear, as the light came from the court, or from without. Into this
+garret, then, Maud conducted the major, passing a line of humble rooms
+on her right, which belonged to the families of the Plinys and the
+Smashes, with their connections, until she reached the front range of
+the buildings. Here the order was changed along the half of the
+structure reserved to the use of the family; the rooms being on the
+outer side lighted merely by the loops, while opposite to them was an
+open garret with windows that overlooked the court.
+
+Passing into the garret just mentioned, Maud soon reached the door of
+the little room she sought. It was an apartment she had selected for
+painting, on account of the light from the loop, which in the morning
+was particularly favourable, though somewhat low. As she usually sat on
+a little stool, however, this difficulty was in some measure obviated;
+and, at all events, the place was made to answer her purposes. She kept
+the key herself, and the room, since Beulah's marriage in particular,
+was her sanctum; no one entering it unless conducted by its mistress.
+Occasionally, Little Smash was admitted with a broom; though Maud, for
+reasons known to herself, often preferred sweeping the small carpet
+that covered the centre of the floor, with her own fair hands, in
+preference to suffering another to intrude.
+
+The major was aware that Maud had used this room for the last seven
+years. It was here he had seen her handkerchief waving at the loop,
+when he last departed; and hundreds of times since had he thought of
+this act of watchful affection, with doubts that led equally to pain or
+pleasure, as images of merely sisterly care, or of a tenderer feeling,
+obtruded themselves. These loops were four feet long, cut in the usual
+bevelling manner, through the massive timbers; were glazed, and had
+thick, bullet-proof, inside shutters, that in this room were divided
+in equal parts, in order to give Maud the proper use of the light she
+wanted. All these shutters were now closed by command of the captain,
+in order to conceal the lights that would be flickering through the
+different garrets; and so far had caution become a habit, that Maud
+seldom exposed her person at night, near the loop, with the shutter
+open.
+
+On the present occasion, she left the light without, and threw open the
+upper-half of her heavy shutter, remarking as she did so, that the day
+was just beginning to dawn.
+
+"In a few minutes it will be light," she added; "then we shall be able
+to see who is and who is not in the valley. Look--you can perceive my
+father near the gate, at this moment."
+
+"I do, to my shame, Maud. He should not be there, I am cooped up here,
+behind timbers that are almost shot-proof."
+
+"It will be time for you to go to the front, as you soldiers call it,
+when there is an enemy to face. You cannot think there is any danger of
+an attack upon the Hut this morning."
+
+"Certainty not. It is now too late. If intended at all, it would have
+been made before that streak of light appeared in the east."
+
+"Then close the shutter, and I will bring in the lamp, and show you
+some of my sketches. We artists are thirsting always for praise; and I
+know you have a taste, Bob, that one might dread."
+
+"This is kind of you, dear Maud," answered the major, closing the
+shutter; "for they tell me you are niggardly of bestowing such favours.
+I hear you have got to likenesses--little Evert's, in particular."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVI.
+
+  Anxious, she hovers o'er the web the while,
+  Reads, as it grows, thy figured story there;
+  Now she explains the texture with a smile,
+  And now the woof interprets with a tear.
+
+  Fawcett.
+
+All Maud's feelings were healthful and natural. She had no exaggerated
+sentiments, and scarcely art enough to control or to conceal any of the
+ordinary impulses of her heart. We are not about to relate a scene,
+therefore, in which a long-cherished but hidden miniature of the young
+man is to play a conspicuous part, and to be the means of revealing to
+two lovers the state of their respective hearts; but one of a very
+different character. It is true, Maud had endeavoured to make, from
+memory, one or two sketches of "Bob's" face; but she had done it
+openly, and under the cognizance of the whole family. This she might
+very well do, indeed, in her usual character of a sister, and excite no
+comments. In these efforts, her father and mother, and Beulah, had
+uniformly pronounced her success to be far beyond their hopes; but
+Maud, herself, had thrown them all aside, half-finished, dissatisfied
+with her own labours. Like the author, whose fertile imagination
+fancies pictures that defy his powers of description, her pencil ever
+fell far short of the face that her memory kept so constantly in view.
+This sketch wanted animation, that gentleness, another fire, and a
+fourth candour; in short, had Maud begun a thousand all would have been
+deficient, in her eyes, in some great essential of perfection. Still,
+she had no secret about her efforts, and half-a-dozen of these very
+sketches lay uppermost in her portfolio, when she spread it, and its
+contents, before the eyes of the original.
+
+Major Willoughby thought Maud had never appeared more beautiful than as
+she moved about making her little preparations for the exhibition.
+Pleasure heightened her colour; and there was such a mixture of frank,
+sisterly regard, in every glance of her eye, blended, however, with
+sensitive feeling, and conscious womanly reserve, as made her a
+thousand times--measuring amounts by the young man's sensations--more
+interesting than he had ever seen her. The lamp gave but an indifferent
+light for a gallery, but it was sufficient to betray Maud's smiles, and
+blushes, and each varying emotion of her charming countenance.
+
+"Now, Bob," she said, opening her portfolio, with all her youthful
+frankness and confidence, "you know well enough I am not one of those
+old masters of whom you used to talk so much, but your own pupil--the
+work of your own hands; and if you find more faults than you have
+expected, you will have the goodness to remember that the master has
+deserted his peaceful pursuits to go a campaigning--there--that is a
+caricature of your own countenance, staring you in the face, as a
+preface!"
+
+"This is like, I should think--was it done from memory, dear Maud?"
+
+"How else should it be done? All our entreaties have never been able to
+persuade you to send us even a miniature. You are wrong in this, Bob"--
+by no accident did Maud now ever call the major, Robert, though Beulah
+often did. There was a desperate sort of familiarity in the _Bob_,
+that she could easily adopt; but the 'Robert' had a family sound that
+she disliked; and yet a more truly feminine creature than Maud Meredith
+did not exist--"You are wrong, Bob; for mother actually pines to
+possess your picture, in some shape or other. It was this wish that
+induced me to attempt these things."
+
+"And why has no one of them ever been finished?--Here are six or eight
+beginnings, and all, more or less, like, I should think, and not one of
+them more than half done. Why have I been treated so cavalierly, Miss
+Maud?"
+
+The fair artist's colour deepened a little; but her smile was quite as
+sweet as it was saucy, as she replied--
+
+"Girlish caprice, I suppose. I like neither of them; and of that which
+a woman dislikes, she will have none. To be candid, however, I hardly
+think there is one of them all that does you justice."
+
+"No?--what fault have you to find with this? This might be worked up to
+something very natural."
+
+"It would be _a_ natural, then--it wants expression, fearfully."
+
+"And this, which is still better. That might be finished while I am
+here, and I will give you some sittings."
+
+"Even mother dislikes _that_--there is too much of the Major of
+Foot in it. Mr. Woods says it is a martial picture."
+
+"And ought not a soldier to look like a soldier? To me, now, that seems
+a capital beginning."
+
+"It is not what mother, or Beulah--or father--or even any of us wants.
+It is too full of Bunker's Hill. Your friends desire to see you as you
+appear to _them_; not as you appear to your enemies."
+
+"Upon my word, Maud, you have made great advances in the art! This is a
+view of the Knoll, and the dam--and here is another of the mill, and
+the water-fall--all beautifully done, and in water-colours, too. What
+is this?--Have you been attempting a sketch of yourself!--The glass
+must have been closely consulted, my fair coquette, to enable you to do
+this!"
+
+The blood had rushed into Maud's face, covering it with a rich tell-
+tale mantle, when her companion first alluded to the half-finished
+miniature he held in his hand; then her features resembled ivory, as
+the revulsion of feeling, that overcame her confusion, followed. For
+some little time she sate, in breathless stillness, with her looks cast
+upon the floor, conscious that Robert Willoughby was glancing from her
+own face to the miniature, and from the miniature to her face again,
+making his observations and comparisons. Then she ventured to raise her
+eyes timidly towards his, half-imploringly, as if to beseech him to
+proceed to something else. But the young man was too much engrossed
+with the exceedingly pretty sketch he held in his hand, to understand
+her meaning, or to comply with her wishes.
+
+"This is yourself, Maud!" he cried--"though in a strange sort of
+dress--why have you spoilt so beautiful a thing, by putting it in this
+masquerade?"
+
+"It is not myself--it is a copy of--a miniature I possess."
+
+"A miniature you possess!--Of whom can you possess so lovely a
+miniature, and I never see it?"
+
+A faint smile illumined the countenance of Maud, and the blood began to
+return to her cheeks. She stretched her hand over to the sketch, and
+gazed on it, with intense feeling, until the tears began to stream from
+her eyes.
+
+"Maud--dear, _dearest_ Maud--have I said that which pains you?--I
+do not understand all this, but I confess there are secrets to which I
+can have no claim to be admitted--"
+
+"Nay, Bob, this is making too much of what, after all, must sooner or
+later be spoken of openly among us. I believe that to be a copy of a
+miniature of my mother."
+
+"Of mother, Maud--you are beside yourself--it has neither her features,
+expression, nor the colour of her eyes. It is the picture of a far
+handsomer woman, though mother is still pretty; and it is perfection!"
+
+"I mean of _my_ mother--of Maud Yeardley; the wife of my father,
+Major Meredith."
+
+This was said with a steadiness that surprised our heroine herself,
+when she came to think over all that had passed, and it brought the
+blood to her companion's heart, in a torrent.
+
+"This is strange!" exclaimed Willoughby, after a short pause. "And
+_my_ mother--_our_ mother has given you the original, and told
+you this? I did not believe she could muster the resolution necessary
+to such an act."
+
+"She has not. You know, Bob, I am now of age; and my father, a month
+since, put some papers in my hand, with a request that I would read
+them. They contain a marriage settlement and other things of that sort,
+which show I am mistress of more money than I should know what to do
+with, if it were not for dear little Evert--but, with such a precious
+being to love, one never can have too much of anything. With the papers
+were many trinkets, which I suppose father never looked at. This
+beautiful miniature was among the last; and I feel certain, from some
+remarks I ventured to make, mother does not know of its existence."
+
+As Maud spoke, she drew the original from her bosom, and placed it in
+Robert Willoughby's hands. When this simple act was performed, her mind
+seemed relieved; and she waited, with strong natural interest, to hear
+Robert Willoughby's comments.
+
+"This, then, Maud, was your _own_--your _real_ mother!" the
+young man said, after studying the miniature, with a thoughtful
+countenance, for near a minute. "It is _like_ her--like you."
+
+"Like _her_, Bob?--How can you know anything or that?--I suppose
+it to be my mother, because I think it like myself, and because it is
+not easy to say who else it can be. But you cannot know anything of
+this?"
+
+"You are mistaken, Maud--I remember both your parents well--it could
+not be otherwise, as they were the bosom friends of my own. You will
+remember that I am now eight-and-twenty, and that I had seen seven of
+these years when you were born. Was my first effort in arms never
+spoken of in your presence?"
+
+"Never--perhaps it was not a subject for me to hear, if it were in any
+manner connected with my parents."
+
+"You are right--that must be the reason it has been kept from your
+ears."
+
+"Surely, surely, I am old enough to hear it _now_--_you_ will
+conceal nothing from me, Bob?"
+
+"If I would, I could not, now. It is too late, Maud. You know the
+manner in which Major Meredith died?--"
+
+"He fell in battle, I have suspected," answered the daughter, in a
+suppressed, doubtful tone--"for no one has ever directly told me even
+that."
+
+"He did, and I was at his side. The French and savages made an assault
+on us, about an hour earlier than this, and our two fathers rushed to
+the pickets to repel it--I was a reckless boy, anxious even at that
+tender age to see a fray, and was at their side. Your father was one of
+the first that fell; but Joyce and _our_ father beat the Indians
+back from his body, and saved it from mutilation. Your mother was
+buried in the same grave, and then you came to us, where our have been
+ever since."
+
+Maud's tears flowed fast, and yet it was not so much in grief as in a
+gush of tenderness she could hardly explain to herself. Robert
+Willoughby understood her emotions, and perceived that he might
+proceed.
+
+"I was old enough to remember both your parents well--I was a
+favourite, I believe, with, certainly was much petted by, both--I
+remember your birth, Maud, and was suffered to carry you in my arms,
+ere you were a week old."
+
+"Then you have known me for an impostor from the beginning, Bob--must
+have often thought of me as such!"
+
+"I have known you for the daughter of Lewellen Meredith, certainly; and
+not for a world would I have you the real child of Hugh Willoughby--"
+
+"Bob!" exclaimed Maud, her heart beating violently, a rush of feeling
+nearly overcoming her, in which alarm, consciousness, her own secret,
+dread of something wrong, and a confused glimpse of the truth, were all
+so blended, as nearly to deprive her, for the moment, of the use of her
+senses.
+
+It is not easy to say precisely what would have followed this tolerably
+explicit insight into the state of the young man's feelings, had not an
+outcry on the lawn given the major notice that his presence was needed
+below. With a few words of encouragement to Maud, first taking the
+precaution to extinguish the lamp, lest its light should expose her to
+a shot in passing some of the open loops, he sprang towards the stairs,
+and was at his post again, literally within a minute. Nor was he a
+moment too soon. The alarm was general, and it was understood an
+assault was momentarily expected.
+
+The situation of Robert Willoughby was now tantalizing in the extreme.
+Ignorant of what was going on in front, he saw no enemy in the rear to
+oppose, and was condemned to inaction, at a moment when he felt that,
+by training, years, affinity to the master of the place, and all the
+usual considerations, he ought to be in front, opposed to the enemy. It
+is probable he would have forgotten his many cautions to keep close,
+had not Maud appeared in the library, and implored him to remain
+concealed, at least until there was the certainty his presence was
+necessary elsewhere.
+
+At that instant, every feeling but those connected with the danger, was
+in a degree forgotten. Still, Willoughby had enough consideration for
+Maud to insist on her joining her mother and Beulah, in the portion of
+the building where the absence of external windows rendered their
+security complete, so long as the foe could be kept without the
+palisades. In this he succeeded, but not until he had promised, again
+and again, to be cautious in not exposing himself at any of the
+windows, the day having now fairly dawned, and particularly not to let
+it be known in the Hut that he was present until it became
+indispensable.
+
+The major felt relieved when Maud had left him. For her, he had no
+longer any immediate apprehensions, and he turned all his faculties to
+the sounds of the assault which he supposed to be going on in front. To
+his surprise, however, no discharges of fire-arms succeeded; and even
+the cries, and orders, and calling from point to point, that are a
+little apt to succeed an alarm in an irregular garrison, had entirely
+ceased; and it became doubtful whether the whole commotion did not
+proceed from a false alarm. The Smashes, in particular, whose
+vociferations for the first few minutes had been of a very decided
+kind, were now mute; and the exclamations of the women and children had
+ceased.
+
+Major Willoughby was too good a soldier to abandon his post without
+orders, though bitterly did he regret the facility with which he had
+consented to accept so inconsiderable a command. He so far disregarded
+his instructions, however, as to place his whole person before a
+window, in order to reconnoitre; for it was now broad daylight, though
+the sun had not yet risen. Nothing rewarded this careless exposure; and
+then it flashed upon his mind that, as the commander of a separate
+detachment, he had a perfect right to employ any of his immediate
+subordinates, either as messengers or scouts. His choice of an agent
+was somewhat limited, it is true, lying between Mike and the Plinys;
+after a moment of reflection, he determined to choose the former.
+
+Mike was duly relieved from his station at the door, the younger Pliny
+being substituted for him, and he was led into the library. Here he
+received hasty but clear orders from the major how he was to proceed,
+and was thrust, rather than conducted from the room, in his superior's
+haste to hear the tidings. Three or four minutes might have elapsed,
+when an irregular volley of musketry was heard in front; then succeeded
+an answering discharge, which sounded smothered and distant. A single
+musket came from the garrison a minute later, and then Mike rushed into
+the library, his eyes dilated with a sort of wild delight, dragging
+rather than carrying his piece after him.
+
+"The news!" exclaimed the major, as soon as he got a glimpse of his
+messenger. "What mean these volleys, and how comes on my father in
+front?"
+
+"Is it what do they mane?" answered Mike. "Well, there's but one maning
+to powther and ball, and that's far more sarious than shillelah wor-r-
+k. If the rapscallions didn't fire a whole plathoon, as serjeant Joyce
+calls it, right at the Knoll, my name is not Michael O'Hearn, or my
+nature one that dales in giving back as good as I get."
+
+"But the volley came first from the house--why did my father order his
+people to make the first discharge?"
+
+"For the same r'ason that he didn't. Och! there was a big frown on his
+f'atures, when he heard the rifles and muskets; and Mr. Woods never
+pr'ached more to the purpose than the serjeant himself, ag'in that
+same. But to think of them rapscallions answering a fire that was ag'in
+orders! Not a word did his honour say about shooting any of them, and
+they just pulled their triggers on the house all the same as if it had
+been logs growing in senseless and uninhabited trees, instead of a
+rational and well p'apled abode. Och! arn't they vagabonds!"
+
+"If you do not wish to drive me mad, man, tell me clearly what has
+past, that I may understand you."
+
+"Is it understand that's wanting?--Lord, yer honour, if ye can
+understand that Misther Strhides, that's yon, ye'll be a wise man. He
+calls hisself a 'son of the poor'atin's,' and poor 'ating it must have
+been, in the counthry of his faders, to have produced so lane and
+skinny a baste as that same. The orders was as partic'lar as tongue of
+man could utter, and what good will it all do?--Ye're not to fire, says
+serjeant Joyce, till ye all hear the wor-r-d; and the divil of a wor-r-
+d did they wait for; but blaze away did they, jist becaase a knot of
+savages comes on to them rocks ag'in, where they had possession all
+yesterday afthernoon; and sure it is common enough to breakfast where a
+man sups."
+
+"You mean to say that the Indians have reappeared on the rocks, and
+that some of Strides's men fired at them, without orders?--Is that the
+history of the affair?"
+
+"It's jist that, majjor; and little good, or little har-r-m, did it do.
+Joel, and his poor'atin's, blazed away at 'em, as if they had been so
+many Christians--and 'twould have done yer heart good to have heard the
+serjeant belabour them with hard wor-r-ds, for their throuble. There's
+none of the poor'atin' family in the serjeant, who's a mighty man wid
+his tongue!"
+
+"And the savages returned the volley--which explains the distant
+discharge I heard."
+
+"Anybody can see, majjor, that ye're yer father's son, and a souldier
+bor-r-n. Och! who would of t'ought of that, but one bred and bor-r-n in
+the army? Yes; the savages sent back as good as they got, which was
+jist not'in' at all, seem' that no one is har-r-m'd."
+
+"And the single piece that followed--there was one discharge, by
+itself?"
+
+Mike opened his mouth with a grin that might have put either of the
+Plinys to shame, it being rather a favourite theory with the
+descendants of the puritans--or "poor'atin's," as the county Leitrim-
+man called Joel and his set--that the Irishman was more than a match
+for any son of Ham at the Knoll, in the way of capacity about this
+portion of the human countenance. The major saw that there was a good
+deal of self-felicitation in the expression of Mike's visage, and he
+demanded an explanation in more direct terms.
+
+"'Twas I did it, majjor, and 'twas as well fired a piece as ye've ever
+hear-r-d in the king's sarvice. Divil bur-r-n me, if I lets Joel get
+any such advantage over me, as to have a whole battle to himself. No--
+no--as soon as I smelt his Yankee powther, and could get my own musket
+cock'd, and pointed out of the forthifications, I lets 'em have it, as
+if it had been so much breakfast ready cooked to their hands. 'Twas
+well pointed, too; for I'm not the man to shoot into a fri'nd's
+countenance."
+
+"And you broke the orders for a reason no better than the fact that
+Strides had broken them before?"
+
+"Divil a bit, majjor--Joel had _broken_ the orders, ye see and
+that settled the matter. The thing that is once broken is broken, and
+wor-r-ds can't mend it, any more than for bearin' to fire a gun will
+mend it."
+
+By dint of cross-questioning, Robert Willoughby finally succeeded in
+getting something like an outline of the truth from Mike. The simple
+facts were, that the Indians had taken possession of their old bivouac,
+as soon as the day dawned, and had commenced their preparations for
+breakfast, when Joel, the miller, and a few of that set, in a paroxysm
+of valour, had discharged a harmless volley at them; the distance
+rendering the attempt futile. This fire had been partially returned,
+the whole concluding with the _finale_ from the Irishman's gun, as
+has been related. As it was now too light to apprehend a surprise, and
+the ground in front of the palisade had no very dangerous covers,
+Robert Willoughby was emboldened to send one of the Plinys to request
+an interview with his father. In a few minutes the latter appeared,
+accompanied by Mr. Woods.
+
+"The same party has reappeared, and seems disposed to occupy its old
+position near the mill," said the captain, in answer to his son's
+inquiries. "It is difficult to say what the fellows have in view; and
+there are moments when I think there are more or less whites among
+them. I suggested as much to Strides, chaplain; and I thought the
+fellow appeared to receive the notion as if he thought it might be
+true."
+
+"Joel is a little of an enigma to me, captain Willoughby," returned the
+chaplain; "sometimes seizing an idea like a cat pouncing upon a rat,
+and then coquetting with it, as the same cat will play with a mouse,
+when it has no appetite for food."
+
+"Och! he's a precious poor'atin'!" growled Mike, from his corner of the
+room.
+
+"If whites are among the savages, why should they not make themselves
+known?" demanded Robert Willoughby. "Your character, sir, is no secret;
+and they must be acquainted with their own errand here."
+
+"I will send for Strides, and get his opinion a little more freely,"
+answered the captain, after a moment of deliberation. "You will
+withdraw, Bob; though, by leaving your door a little ajar, the
+conversation will reach you; and prevent the necessity of a
+repetition."
+
+As Robert Willoughby was not unwilling to hear what the overseer might
+have to say in the present state of things, he did not hesitate about
+complying, withdrawing into his own room as requested, and leaving the
+door ajar, in a way to prevent suspicion of his presence, as far as
+possible. But, Joel Strides, like all bad men, ever suspected the
+worst. The innocent and pure of mind alone are without distrust; while
+one constituted morally, like the overseer, never permitted his
+thoughts to remain in the tranquillity that is a fruit of confidence.
+Conscious of his own evil intentions, his very nature put on armour
+against the same species of machinations in others, as the hedge-hog
+rolls himself into a ball, and thrusts out his quills, at the sight of
+the dog. Had not captain Willoughby been one of those who are slow to
+see evil, he might have detected something wrong in Joel's feelings, by
+the very first glance he cast about him, on entering the library.
+
+In point of fact, Strides' thoughts had not been idle since the
+rencontre of the previous night. Inquisitive, and under none of the
+usual restraints of delicacy, he had already probed all he dared
+approach on the subject; and, by this time, had become perfectly
+assured that there was some mystery about the unknown individual whom
+he had met in his master's company. To own the truth, Joel did not
+suspect that major Willoughby had again ventured so far into the lion's
+den; but he fancied that some secret agent of the crown was at the Hut,
+and that the circumstance offered a fair opening for helping the
+captain down the ladder of public favour, and to push himself up a few
+of its rounds. He was not sorry, therefore, to be summoned to this
+conference, hoping it might lead to some opening for farther
+discoveries.
+
+"Sit down, Strides"--said captain Willoughby, motioning towards a chair
+so distant from the open door of the bed-room, and so placed as to
+remove the danger of too close a proximity--"Sit down--I wish to
+consult you about the state of things towards the mills. To me it seems
+as If there were more pale-faces than red-skins among our visitors."
+
+"That's not onlikely, captain--the people has got to be greatly given
+to paintin' and imitatin', sin' the hatchet has been dug up ag'in the
+British. The tea-boys were all in Indian fashion."
+
+"True; but, why should white men assume such a disguise to come to the
+Knoll? I am not conscious of having an enemy on earth who could
+meditate harm to me or mine."
+
+Alas! poor captain. That a man at sixty should yet have to learn that
+the honest, and fair-dealing, and plain-dealing, and affluent--for
+captain Willoughby was affluent in the eyes of those around him--that
+such a man should imagine he was without enemies, was to infer that the
+Spirit of Darkness had ceased to exercise his functions among men. Joel
+knew better, though he did not perceive any necessity, just then, for
+letting the fact reach the ears of the party principally concerned.
+
+"A body might s'pose the captain was pop'lar, if any man is pop'lar,"
+answered the overseer; "nor do I know that visiters in paint betoken
+onpopularity to a person in these times more than another. May I ask
+why the captain consaits these Injins a'n't Injins? To me, they have a
+desperate savage look, though I a'n't much accustomed to red skin
+usages."
+
+"Their movements are too open, and yet too uncertain, for warriors of
+the tribes. I think a savage, by this time, would have made up his mind
+to act as friend or foe."
+
+Joel seemed struck with the idea; and the expression of his
+countenance, which on entering had been wily, distrustful and prying,
+suddenly changed to that of deep reflection.
+
+"Has the captain seen anything else, partic'lar, to confirm this idee?"
+he asked.
+
+"Their encampment, careless manner of moving, and unguarded exposure of
+their persons, are all against their being Indians."
+
+"The messenger they sent across the meadow, yesterday, _seemed_ to
+me to be a Mohawk?"
+
+"He was. Of _his_ being a real red-skin there can be no question.
+But he could neither speak nor understand English. The little that
+passed between us was in Low Dutch. Our dialogue was short; for,
+apprehensive of treachery, I brought it to a close sooner than I might
+otherwise have done."
+
+"Yes; treachery is a cruel thing," observed the conscientious Joel; "a
+man can't be too strongly on his guard ag'in it. Does the captain
+ra'ally calcilate on defending the house, should a serious attempt be
+brought forward for the day?"
+
+"Do I! That is an extraordinary question, Mr. Strides. Why have I built
+in this mode, if I have no such intention?--why palisaded?--why armed
+and garrisoned, if not in earnest?"
+
+"I s'posed all this might have been done to prevent a surprise, but not
+in any hope of standin' a siege. I should be sorry to see all our women
+and children shut up under one roof, if the inimy came ag'in us, in
+airnest, with fire and sword."
+
+"And I should be sorry to see them anywhere else. But, this is losing
+time. My object in sending for you, Joel, was to learn your opinion
+about the true character of our visiters. Have you any opinion, or
+information to give me, on that point?"
+
+Joel placed his elbow on his knee, and his chin in the palm of his
+hand, and pondered on what had been suggested, with seeming good-will,
+and great earnestness.
+
+"If any one could be found venturesome enough to go out with a flag,"
+he at length remarked, "the whole truth might be come at, in a few
+minutes."
+
+"And who shall I employ? Cheerfully would I go myself, were such a step
+military, or at all excusable in one in my situation."
+
+"If the likes of myself will sarve yer honour's turn," put in Mike,
+promptly, and yet with sufficient diffidence as regarded his views of
+his own qualifications--"there'll be nobody to gainsay that same; and
+it isn't wilcome that I nade tell you, ye'll be to use me as ye would
+yer own property."
+
+"I hardly think Mike would answer," observed Joel, not altogether
+without a sneer. "He scurce knows an Indian from a white man; when it
+comes to the paint, it would throw him into dreadful confusion."
+
+"If ye thinks that I am to be made to believe in any more Ould Nicks,
+Misther Strhides, then ye're making a mistake in my nature. Let but the
+captain say the word, and I'll go to the mill and bring in a grist of
+them same, or l'ave my own body for toll."
+
+"I do not doubt you in the least, Mike," captain Willoughby mildly
+observed; "but there will be no occasion, just now, of your running any
+such risks. I shall be able to find other truce-bearers."
+
+"It seems the captain has his man in view," Joel said, keenly eyeing
+his master. "Perhaps 'tis the same I saw out with him last night.
+That's a reliable person, I do s'pose."
+
+"You have hit the nail on the head. It was the man who was out last
+night, at the same time I was out myself, and his name is Joel
+Strides."
+
+"The captain's a little musical, this morning--waal--if go I must, as
+there was two on us out, let us go to these savages together. I saw
+enough of _that_ man, to know he is reliable; and if he'll go,
+_I_'ll go."
+
+"Agreed"--said Robert Willoughby, stepping into the library--"I take
+you at your word, Mr. Strides; you and I will run what risks there may
+be, in order to relieve this family from its present alarming state."
+
+The captain was astounded, though he knew not whether to be displeased
+or to rejoice. As for Mike, his countenance expressed great
+dissatisfaction; for he ever fancied things were going wrong so long as
+Joel obtained his wishes. Strides, himself, threw a keen glance at the
+stranger, recognised him at a glance, and had sufficient self-command
+to conceal his discovery, though taken completely by surprise. The
+presence of the major, however, immediately removed all his objections
+to the proposed expedition; since, should the party prove friendly to
+the Americans, he would be safe on his own account; or, should it prove
+the reverse, a king's officer could not fail to be a sufficient
+protection.
+
+"The gentleman's a total stranger to me," Joel hypocritically resumed;
+"but as the captain has belief in him, I must have the same. I am ready
+to do the ar'nd, therefore, as soon as it is agreeable."
+
+"This is well, captain Willoughby," put in the major, in order to
+anticipate any objections from his father; "and the sooner a thing of
+this sort is done, the better will it be for all concerned. I am ready
+to proceed this instant; and I take it this worthy man--I think you
+called him Strides--is quite as willing."
+
+Joel signified his assent; and the captain, perceiving no means of
+retreat, was fain to yield. He took the major into the bed-room,
+however, and held a minute's private discourse, when he returned, and
+bade the two go forth together.
+
+"Your companion has his instructions, Joel," the captain observed, as
+they left the library together; "and you will follow his advice. Show
+the white flag as soon as you quit the gate; if they are true warriors,
+it must be respected."
+
+Robert Willoughby was too intent on business, and too fearful of the
+reappearance and reproachful looks of Maud, to delay. He had passed the
+court, and was at the outer gate, before any of the garrison even noted
+his appearance among them. Here, indeed, the father's heart felt a
+pang; and, but for his military pride, the captain would gladly have
+recalled his consent. It was too late, however; and, squeezing his
+hand, he suffered his son to pass outward. Joel followed steadily, as
+to appearances, though not without misgivings as to what might be the
+consequences to himself and his growing family.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVII.
+
+  "I worship not the sun at noon,
+  The wandering stars, the changing moon,
+  The wind, the flood, the flame;
+  I will not bow the votive knee
+  To wisdom, virtue, liberty;
+  There is no god, but God for me,
+  Jehovah is his name."
+
+  Montgomery.
+
+So sudden and unexpected had been the passage of Robert Willoughby
+through the court, and among the men on post without the inner gates,
+that no one recognised his person. A few saw that a stranger was in
+their midst; but, under his disguise, no one was quick enough of eye
+and thought to ascertain who that stranger was. The little white flag
+that they displayed, denoted the errand of the messengers; the rest was
+left to conjecture.
+
+As soon as captain Willoughby ascertained that the alarm of the morning
+was not likely to lead to any immediate results, he had dismissed all
+the men, with the exception of a small guard, that was stationed near
+the outer gait, under the immediate orders of serjeant Joyce. The
+latter was one of those soldiers who view the details of the profession
+as forming its great essentials; and when he saw his commander about to
+direct a _sortie_, it formed his pride not to ask questions, and
+to seem to know nothing about it. To this, Jamie Allen, who composed
+one of the guard, quietly assented; but it was a great privation to the
+three or four New England-men to be commanded not to inquire into the
+why and wherefore.
+
+"Wait for orders, men, wait for orders," observed the serjeant, by way
+of quieting an impatience that was very apparent. "If his honour, the
+captain, wished us to be acquainted with his movements, he would direct
+a general parade, and lay the matter before us, as you know he always
+does, on proper occasions. 'Tis a flag going out, as you can see, and
+should a truce follow, we'll lay aside our muskets, and seize the
+plough-shares; should it be a capitulation--I know our brave old
+commander too well to suppose it possible--but _should_ it be even
+_that_, we'll ground arms like men, and make the best of it."
+
+"And should Joel, and the other man, who is a stranger to me, be
+scalped?" demanded one of the party.
+
+"Then we'll avenge their scalps. That was the way with us, when my Lord
+Howe fell--'avenge his death! cried our colonel; and on we pushed,
+until near two thousand of us fell before the Frenchmen's trenches. Oh!
+_that_ was a sight worth seeing, and a day to talk of!"
+
+"Yes, but you were threshed soundly, serjeant, as I've heard from many
+that were there."
+
+"What of that, sir! we obeyed orders. 'Avenge his death!' was the cry;
+and on we pushed, in obedience, until there were not men enough left in
+our battalion to carry the wounded to the rear."
+
+"And what did you do with them?" asked a youth, who regarded the
+serjeant as another Cæsar--Napoleon not having come into notice in
+1776.
+
+"We let them lie where they fell. Young man, war teaches us all the
+wholesome lesson that impossibilities are impossible to be done. War is
+the great schoolmaster of the human race; and a learned man is he who
+has made nineteen or twenty campaigns."
+
+"If he live to turn his lessons to account"--remarked the first
+speaker, with a sneer.
+
+"If a man is to die in battle, sir, he had better die with his mind
+stored with knowledge, than be shot like a dog that has outlived his
+usefulness. Every pitched battle carries out of the world learning upon
+learning that has been got in the field. Here comes his honour, who
+will confirm all I tell you, men. I was letting these men, sir,
+understand that the army and the field are the best schools on earth.
+Every old soldier will stick to that, your honour."
+
+"We are apt to think so, Joyce--have the arms been inspected this
+morning?"
+
+"As soon as it was light, I did that myself, sir."
+
+"Flints, cartridge-boxes and bayonets, I hope?"
+
+"Each and all, sir. Does your honour remember the morning we had the
+affair near Fort du Quesne?"
+
+"You mean Braddock's defeat, I suppose, Joyce?"
+
+"I call nothing a defeat, captain Willoughby. We were roughly handled
+that day, sir; but I am not satisfied it was a defeat. It is true, we
+fell back, and lost some arms and stores; but, in the main, we stuck to
+our colours, considering it was in the woods. No, sir; I do not call
+that a defeat, by any means."
+
+"You will at least own we were hard pressed, and might have fared worse
+than we did, had it not been for a certain colonial corps, that
+manfully withstood the savages?"
+
+"Yes, sir; that I allow. I remember the corps, and its commander, a
+colonel Washington, with your honour's permission."
+
+"It was, indeed, Joyce. And do you happen to know what has became of
+this same colonel Washington?"
+
+"It never crossed my mind to inquire, sir, as he was a provincial. I
+dare say he may have a regiment--or even a brigade by this time; and
+good use would he make of either."
+
+"You have fallen far behind his fortunes, Joyce. The man is a
+commander-in-chief--a captain-general."
+
+"Your honour is jesting--since many of his seniors are still living."
+
+"This is the man who leads the American armies, in the war with
+England."
+
+"Well, sir, in _that_ way, he may indeed get a quick step, or two.
+I make no doubt, sir, so good a soldier will know how to obey orders."
+
+"From which I infer you think him right, in the cause he has espoused?"
+
+"Bless your honour, sir, I think nothing about it, and care nothing
+about it. If the gentleman has taken service with congress, as they
+call the new head-quarters, why he ought to obey congress; and if he
+serve the king, His Majesty's orders should be attended to."
+
+"And, in this crisis, serjeant, may I ask in what particular service
+you conceive yourself to be, just at the present moment?"
+
+"Captain Willoughby's, late of His Majesty's ---th Regiment of Foot, at
+your honour's command."
+
+"If all act in the same spirit, Joyce, we shall do well enough at the
+Knoll, though twice as many savages brave us as are to be seen on yon
+rocks," returned the captain, smiling.
+
+"And why should they no?" demanded Jamie Allen, earnestly. "Ye're laird
+here, and we've no the time, nor the grace, to study and understand the
+orthodoxy and heterodoxy of the quarrel atween the House of Hanover and
+the houses of these Americans; so, while we a'stand up for the house
+and household of our old maister, the Lord will smile on our efforts,
+and lead us to victory."
+
+"Divil bur-r-n me, now, Jamie," said Mike, who having seen the major to
+the gate, now followed his father, in readiness to do him any good turn
+that might offer--"Divil bur-r-n me, now, Jamie, if ye could have said
+it better had ye just aised yer conscience to a proper praist, and were
+talking on a clane breast! Stick up for the captain, says I, and the
+Lord will be of our side!"
+
+The serjeant nodded approbation of this sentiment, and the younger
+Pliny, who happened also to be within hearing, uttered the sententious
+word "gosh" and clenched his fist, which was taken as proof of assent
+also, on his part. But, the Americans of the guard, all of whom were
+the tools of Joel's and the miller's arts, manifested a coldness that
+even exceeded the usual cold manner of their class. These men meant
+right; but they had been deluded by the falsehoods, machinations, and
+frauds of a demagogue, and were no longer masters of their own opinions
+or acts. It struck the captain that something was wrong; but, a
+foreigner by birth himself, he had early observed, and long known, the
+peculiar exterior and phlegm of the people of the country, which so
+nearly resemble the stoicism of the aborigines, as to induce many
+writers to attribute both alike to a cause connected with climate. The
+present was not a moment however, nor was the impression strong enough
+to induce the master of the place to enter into any inquiries. Turning
+his eyes in the direction of the two bearers of the flag, he there
+beheld matter for new interest, completely diverting his thoughts from
+what had just passed.
+
+"I see they have sent two men to meet our messengers serjeant," he
+said--"This looks as if they understood the laws of war."
+
+"Quite true, your honour. They should now blindfold our party, and lead
+them within their own works, before they suffer them to see at all;
+though there would be no great advantage in it, as Strides is as well
+acquainted with every inch of that rock as I am with the manual
+exercise."
+
+"Which would seem to supersede the necessity of the ceremony you have
+mentioned?"
+
+"One never knows, your honour. Blindfolding is according to the rules,
+and I should blindfold a flag before I let him approach, though the
+hostile ranks stood drawn up, one on each side of a parade ground. Much
+is gained, while nothing is ever lost, by sticking to the rules of a
+trade."
+
+The captain smiled, as did all the Americans of the guard; the last
+having too much sagacity not to perceive that a thing might be
+overdone, as well as too little attended to. As for Jamie and Mike,
+they both received the serjeant's opinions as law; the one from having
+tried the troops of the line at Culloden, and the other on account of
+divers experiences through which he had gone, at sundry fairs, in his
+own green island. By this time, however, all were too curious in
+watching the result of the meeting, to continue the discourse.
+
+Robert Willoughby and Joel had moved along the lane towards the rocks,
+without hesitating, keeping their little flag flying. It did not appear
+that their approach produced any change among the savages, who were now
+preparing their breakfasts, until they had got within two hundred yards
+of the encampment, when two of the red-men, having first laid aside
+their arms, advanced to meet their visiters. This was the interview
+which attracted the attention of those at the Hut, and its progress was
+noted with the deepest interest.
+
+The meeting appeared to be friendly. After a short conference, in which
+signs seemed to be a material agent in the communications, the four
+moved on in company, walking deliberately towards the rocks. Captain
+Willoughby had sent for his field-glass, and could easily perceive much
+that occuired in the camp, on the arrival of his son. The major's
+movements were calm and steady, and a feeling of pride passed over the
+father's heart, as he noted this, amid a scene that was well adapted to
+disturbing the equilibrium of the firmest mind. Joel certainly betrayed
+nervousness, though he kept close at his companion's side, and together
+they proceeded into the very centre of the party of strangers.
+
+The captain observed, also, that this arrival caused no visible
+sensation among the red-men. Even those the major almost touched in
+passing did not look up to note his appearance, while no one seemed to
+speak, or in any manner to heed him. The cooking and other preparations
+for the breakfast proceeded precisely as if no one had entered the
+camp. The two who had gone forth to meet the flag alone attended its
+bearers, whom they led through the centre of the entire party; stopping
+only on the side opposite to the Hut, where there was an open space of
+flat rock, which it had not suited the savages to occupy.
+
+Here the four halted, the major turning and looking back like a soldier
+who was examining his ground. Nor did any one appear disposed to
+interrupt him in an employment that serjeant Joyce pronounced to be
+both bold and against the usages of war to permit. The captain thought
+the stoicism of the savages amounted to exaggeration, and it renewed
+his distrust of the real characters of his visiters. In a minute or
+two, however, some three or four of the red-men were seen consulting
+together apart, after which they approached the bearers of the flag,
+and some communications passed between the two sides. The nature of
+these communications could not be known, of course, though the
+conference appeared to be amicable. After two or three minutes of
+conversation, Robert Willoughby, Strides, the two men who had advanced
+to meet them, and the four chiefs who had joined the group, left the
+summit of the rock in company, taking a foot-path that descended in the
+direction of the mills. In a short time they all disappeared in a body.
+
+The distance was not so great but these movements could easily be seen
+by the naked eye, though the glass was necessary to discover some of
+the details. Captain Willoughby had planted the instrument among the
+palisades, and he kept his gaze riveted on the retiring group as long
+as it was visible; then, indeed, he looked at his companions, as if to
+read their opinions in their countenances. Joyce understood the
+expression of his face; and, saluting in the usual military manner, he
+presumed to speak, in the way of reply.
+
+"It seems all right, your honour, the bandage excepted," said the
+serjeant. "The flag has been met at the outposts, and led into the
+camp; there the officer of the day, or some savage who does the duty,
+has heard his errand; and, no doubt, they have all now gone to head-
+quarters, to report."
+
+"I desired my son, Joyce--"
+
+"Whom, your honour--?"
+
+The general movement told the captain how completely his auditors were
+taken by surprise, at this unlooked-for announcement of the presence of
+the major at the Knoll. It was too late to recall the words, however,
+and there was so little prospect of Robert's escaping the penetration
+of Joel, the father saw no use in attempting further concealment.
+
+"I say I desired my son, major Willoughby, who is the bearer of that
+flag," the captain steadily resumed, "to raise his hat in a particular
+manner, if all seemed right; or to make a certain gesture with his left
+arm, did he see anything that required us to be more than usually on
+our guard."
+
+"And which notice has he given to the garrison, if it be your honour's
+pleasure to let us know?"
+
+"Neither. I thought he manifested an intention to make the signal with
+the hat, when the chiefs first joined him; but he hesitated, and
+lowered his hand without doing as I had expected. Then, again, just as
+he disappeared behind the rocks, the left arm was in motion, though not
+in a way to complete the signal."
+
+"Did he seem hurried, your honour, as if prevented from communicating
+by the enemy?"
+
+"Not at all, Joyce. Irresolution appeared to be at the bottom of it, so
+far as I could judge."
+
+"Pardon me, your honour; uncertainty would be a better word, as applied
+to so good a soldier. Has major Willoughby quitted the king's service,
+that he is among us, sir, just at his moment?"
+
+"I will tell you his errand another time, serjeant. At present, I can
+think only of the risk he runs. These Indians are lawless wretches; one
+is never sure of then faith."
+
+"They are bad enough, sir; but no man can well be so bad as to
+disregard the rights of a flag," answered the serjeant, in a grave and
+slightly important manner. "Even the French, your honour, have always
+respected our _flags_."
+
+"That is true; and, yet, I wish we could overlook that position at the
+mill. It's a great advantage to them, Joyce, that they can place
+themselves behind such a cover, when they choose!"
+
+The serjeant looked at the encampment a moment; then his eye followed
+the woods, and the mountain sides, that skirted the little plain, until
+his back was fairly turned upon the supposed enemy, and he faced the
+forest in the rear of the Hut.
+
+"If it be agreeable to your honour, a detachment can be detailed to
+make a demonstration"--Joyce did not exactly understand this word, but
+it sounded military--"in the following manner: I can lead out the
+party, by the rear of the house, using the brook as a covered-way. Once
+in the woods, it will be easy enough to make a flank movement upon the
+enemy's position; after which, the detachment can be guided by
+circumstances."
+
+This was very martial in sound, and the captain felt well assured that
+Joyce was the man to attempt carrying out his own plan; but he made no
+answer, sighing and shaking his head, as he walked away towards the
+house. The chaplain followed, leaving the rest to observe the savages.
+
+"Ye're proposition, serjeant, no seems to give his honour much
+satisfaction," said the mason, as soon as his superior was out of
+hearing. "Still, it was military, as I know by what I saw mysal' in the
+Forty-five. Flainking, and surprising, and obsairving, and
+demonstrating, and such devices, are the soul of war, and are a' on the
+great highway to victory. Had Chairlie's men obsairved, and
+particularised mair, there might have been a different family on the
+throne, an' the prince wad ha' got his ain ag'in. I like your idea
+much, serjaint, and gin' ye gang oot to practise it, I trust ye 'll no
+forget that ye've an auld fri'nd here, willing to be of the pairty."
+
+"I didn't think the captain much relished the notion of being
+questioned about his son's feelin's, and visit up here, at a time like
+this," put in one of the Americans.
+
+"There's bowels in the man's body!" cried Mike, "and it isn't the likes
+of him that has no falin'. Ye don't know what it is to be a father, or
+ye'd groan in spirit to see a child of yer own in the grip of fiery
+divils like them same. Isn't he a pratty man, and wouldn't I be
+sorrowful to hear that he had come to har-r-m? Ye've niver asked,
+serjeant, how the majjor got into the house, and ye a military sentry
+in the bargain!"
+
+"I suppose he came by command, Michael, and it is not the duty of the
+non-commissioned officers to question their superiors about anything
+that has happened out of the common way. I take things as I find them,
+and obey orders. I only hope that the son, as a field-officer, will not
+out-rank the father, which would be unbecoming: though date of
+commissions, and superiority, must be respected."
+
+"I rather think if a major in the king's service was to undertake to
+use authority here," said the spokesman of the Americans, a little
+stiffly, "he wouldn't find many disposed to follow at his heels."
+
+"Mutiny would not fare well, did it dare to lift its head in this
+garrison"--answered the serjeant, with a dignity that might better have
+suited the mess-room of a regular regiment, than the situation in which
+he was actually placed. "Both captain Willoughby and myself have seen
+mutiny attempted, but neither has ever seen it succeed."
+
+"Do you look on us as lawful, enlisted soldiers?" demanded one of the
+labourers, who had a sufficient smattering of the law, to understand
+the difference between a mercenary and a volunteer. "If I'm regimented,
+I should at least like to know in whose service it is?"
+
+"Ye're over-quick at yer objections and sentiments," said Jamie Allen,
+coolly, "like most youths, who see only their ain experience in the
+airth, and the providence o' the Lord. Enlisted we are, a' of us, even
+to Michael here, and it's in the sairvice of our good master, his
+honour captain Willoughby; whom, with his kith and kin, may the Lord
+presairve from this and all other dangers."
+
+The word master would, of itself, be very likely to create a revolt to-
+day, in such a corps as it was the fortune of our captain to command,
+though to that of "boss" there would not he raised the slightest
+objection. But the English language had not undergone half of its
+present mutations in the year 1776; and no one winced in admitting that
+he served a "master," though the gorges of several rose at the idea of
+being engaged in the service of any one, considered in a military point
+of view. It is likely the suggestion of the mason would have led to a
+hot discussion, had not a stir among the savages, just at that instant,
+called off the attention of all present, to matters of more importance
+than even an angry argument.
+
+The movement seemed to be general, and Joyce ordered his men to stand
+to their arms; still he hesitated about giving the alarm. Instead of
+advancing towards the Hut, however, the Indians raised a general yell,
+and went over the cliffs, disappearing in the direction of the mill,
+like a flock of birds taking wing together. After waiting half an hour,
+in vain, to ascertain if any signs of the return of the Indians were to
+be seen, the serjeant went himself to report the state of things to his
+commander.
+
+Captain Willoughby had withdrawn to make his toilet for the day, when
+he saw the last of his son and the overseer. While thus employed he had
+communicated to his wife all that had occurred; and Mrs. Willoughby, in
+her turn, had told the same to her daughters. Maud was much the most
+distressed, her suspicions of Joel being by far the most active and the
+most serious. From the instant she learned what had passed, she began
+to anticipate grave consequences to Robert Willoughby, though she had
+sufficient fortitude, and sufficient consideration for others, to keep
+most of her apprehensions to herself.
+
+When Joyce demanded his audience, the family was at breakfast, though
+little was eaten, and less was said. The serjeant was admitted, and he
+told his story with military precision.
+
+"This has a suspicious air, Joyce," observed the captain, after musing
+a little; "to me it seems like an attempt to induce us to follow, and
+to draw us into an ambuscade."
+
+"It may be that, your honour; or, it may be a good honest retreat.
+_Two_ prisoners is a considerable exploit for savages to achieve. I
+have known them count _one_ a victory."
+
+"Be not uneasy, Wilhelmina; Bob's rank will secure him good treatment,
+his exchange being far more important to his captors, if captors they
+be, than his death. It is too soon to decide on such a point, serjeant.
+After all, the Indians may be at the mills, in council. On a war-path,
+all the young men are usually consulted, before any important step is
+taken. Then, it may be the wish of the chiefs to impress our flag-
+bearers with an idea of their force."
+
+"All that is military, your honour, and quite possible. Still, to me
+the movement seems as if a retreat was intended, in fact, or that the
+_appearance_ of one was in view."
+
+"I will soon know the truth," cried the chaplain. "I, a man of peace,
+can surely go forth, and ascertain who these people are, and what is
+their object."
+
+"You, Woods! My dear fellow, do you imagine a tribe of blood-thirsty
+savages will respect you, or your sacred office? You have a sufficient
+task with the king's forces, letting his enemies alone. You are no
+missionary to still a war-cry."
+
+"I beg pardon, sir"--put in the serjeant--"his reverence is more than
+half right"--here the chaplain rose, and quitted the room in haste,
+unobserved by the two colloquists--"There is scarce a tribe in the
+colony, your honour, that has not some knowledge of our priesthood; and
+I know of no instance in which the savages have ever ill-treated a
+divine."
+
+"Poh, poh, Joyce; this is much too sentimental for your Mohawks, and
+Oneidas, and Onondagas, and Tuscaroras. They will care no more for
+little Woods than they care for the great woods through which they
+journey on their infernal errands."
+
+"One cannot know, Hugh"--observed the anxious mother--"Our dear Robert
+is in their hands; and, should Mr. Woods be really disposed to go on
+this mission of mercy, does it comport with our duty as parents to
+oppose it?"
+
+"A mother is all mother"--murmured the captain, who rose from table,
+kissed his wife's cheek affectionately, and left the room, beckoning to
+the serjeant to follow.
+
+Captain Willoughby had not been gone many minutes when the chaplain
+made his appearance, attired in his surplice, and wearing his best wig;
+an appliance that all elderly gentlemen in that day fancied necessary
+to the dignity and gravity of their appearance. Mrs. Willoughby, to own
+the truth, was delighted. If this excellent woman was ever unjust, it
+was in behalf of her children; solicitude for whom sometimes induced
+her to overlook the rigid construction of the laws of equality.
+
+"We will see which best understands the influence of the sacred office,
+captain Willoughby, or myself;" observed the chaplain, with a little
+more importance of manner than it was usual for one so simple to
+assume. "I do not believe the ministry was instituted to be brow-beaten
+by tribes of savages, any more than it is to be silenced by the
+unbeliever, or schismatic."
+
+It was very evident that the Rev. Mr. Woods was considerably excited;
+and this was a condition of mind so unusual with him, as to create a
+species of awe in the observers. As for the two young women, deeply as
+they were interested in the result, and keenly as Maud, in particular,
+felt everything which touched the fortunes of Robert Willoughby,
+neither would presume to interfere, when they saw one whom they had
+been taught to reverence from childhood, acting in a way that so little
+conformed to his ordinary manner. As for Mrs. Willoughby, her own
+feelings were so much awakened, that never had Mr. Woods seemed so
+evangelical and like a saint, as at that very moment; and it would not
+have been difficult to persuade her that he was acting under something
+very like righteous superhuman impulses.
+
+Such, however, was far from being the case. The worthy priest had an
+exalted idea of his office; and, to fancy it might favorably impress
+even savages, was little more than carrying out his every-day notions
+of its authority. He conscientiously believed that he, himself, a
+regularly ordained presbyter, would be more likely to succeed in the
+undertaking before him, than a mere deacon; were a bishop present, he
+would cheerfully have submitted to his superior claims to sanctity and
+success. As for arch-bishops, arch-deacons, deans, rural deans, and all
+the other worldly machinery which has been superadded to the church,
+the truth compels us to add, that our divine felt no especial reverence
+since he considered them as so much clerical surplusage, of very
+questionable authority, and of doubtful use. He adhered strictly to the
+orders of divine institution, to these he attached so much weight, as
+to be entirely willing, in his own person, to demonstrate how little
+was to be apprehended, when their power was put forth, even against
+Indians, in humility and faith.
+
+"I shall take this sprig of laurel in my hand, in lieu of the olive-
+branch," said the excited chaplain, "as the symbol of peace. It is not
+probable that savages can tell one plant from the other; and if they
+could, it will be easy to explain that olives do not grow in America.
+It is an eastern tree, ladies, and furnishes the pleasant oil we use on
+our salads. I carry with me, notwithstanding, the oil which proves a
+balm to many sorrows; that will be sufficient."
+
+"You will bid them let Robert return to us, without delay?" said Mrs.
+Willoughby, earnestly.
+
+"I shall bid them respect God and their consciences. I cannot now stop
+to rehearse to you the mode of proceeding I shall adopt; but it is all
+arranged in my own mind. It will be necessary to call the Deity the
+'Great Spirit' or 'Manitou'--and to use many poetical images; but this
+can I do, on an emergency. Extempore preaching is far from agreeable to
+me, in general; nor do I look upon it, in this age of the world, as
+exactly canonical; nevertheless, it shall be seen I know how to submit
+even to _that_, when there is a suitable necessity."
+
+It was so seldom Mr. Woods used such magnificent ideas, or assumed a
+manner in the least distinguishable from one of the utmost simplicity,
+that his listeners now felt really awed; and when he turned to bless
+them, as he did with solemnity and affection, the two daughters knelt
+to receive his benedictions. These delivered, he walked out of the
+room, crossed the court, and proceeded straightway to the outer gate.
+
+It was, perhaps, fortunate to the design of the Rev. Mr. Woods, that
+neither the captain nor the serjeant was in the way, to arrest it. This
+the former would certainly have done, out of regard to his friend, and
+the last out of regard to "orders." But these military personages were
+in the library, in deep consultation concerning the next step necessary
+to take. This left the coast clear, no one belonging to the guard
+conceiving himself of sufficient authority to stop the chaplain, more
+especially when he appeared in his wig and surplice. Jamie Allen was a
+corporal, by courtesy; and, at the first summons, he caused the outer
+gate to be unlocked and unbarred, permitting the chaplain to make his
+egress, attended by his own respectful bows. This Jamie did, out of
+reverence to religion, generally; though the surplice ever excited his
+disgust; and, as for the Liturgy, he deemed it to be a species of
+solemn mockery of worship.
+
+The captain did not reappear outside of the court, until the chaplain,
+who had made the best of his way towards the rocks, was actually
+stalking like a ghost among ruins, through the deserted shantees of the
+late encampment.
+
+"What in the name of Indian artifice is the white animal that I see
+moving about on the rocks?" demanded the captain, whose look was first
+turned in the direction of the camp.
+
+"It seems an Indian wrapped up in a shirt, your honour--as I live, sir,
+it has a cocked hat on its head!"
+
+"Na--na"--interrupted Jamie, "ye'll no be guessing the truth this time,
+without the aid of a little profane revelation. The chiel ye see yan,
+yer honour, is just chaplain Woods."
+
+"Woods--the devil!"
+
+"Na--na--yer honour, it's the reverend gentleman, hissel', and no the
+de'il, at a'. He's in his white frock--though why he didn't wear his
+black gairment is more than I can tell ye--but there he is, walking
+about amang the Indian dwellings, all the same as if they were so many
+pews in his ain kirk."
+
+"And, how came you to let him pass the gate, against orders?"
+
+"Well, and it is aboot the orders of the priesthood, that he so often
+preaches, and seeing him in the white gairment, and knowing ye've so
+many fast-days, and Christmas', in the kirk o' England, I fancied it
+might be a bit matter o' prayer he wished to offer up, yan, in the
+house on the flat; and so I e'en thought church prayers better than no
+prayers at all, in such a strait."
+
+As it was useless to complain, the captain was fain to submit, even
+beginning to hope some good might come of the adventure, when he saw
+Mr. Woods walking unmolested through the deserted camp. The glass was
+levelled, and the result was watched in intense interest.
+
+The chaplain first explored every shantee, fearlessly and with
+diligence. Then he descended the rocks, and was lost to view, like
+those who had preceded him. A feverish hour passed, without any symptom
+of human life appearing in the direction of the mills. Sometimes those
+who watched, fancied they beheld a smoke beginning to steal up over the
+brow of the rocks, the precursor of the expected conflagration; but a
+few moments dispersed the apprehension and the fancied smoke together.
+The day advanced, and yet the genius of solitude reigned over the
+mysterious glen. Not a sound emerged from it, not a human form was seen
+near it, not a sign of a hostile assault or of a friendly return could
+be detected. All in that direction lay buried in silence, as if the
+ravine had swallowed its tenants, in imitation of the grave.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVIII.
+
+  To deck my list by Nature were design'd
+  Such shining expletives of human kind;
+  Who want, while through blank life they dream along,
+  Sense to be right, and passion to be wrong.
+
+  Young.
+
+The disappearance of Mr. Woods occasioned no uneasiness at first. An
+hour elapsed before the captain thought it necessary to relate the
+occurrence to his family, when a general panic prevailed among the
+females. Even Maud had hoped the savages would respect the sacred
+character of the divine, though she knew not why; and here was one of
+her principal grounds of hope, as connected with Robert Willoughby,
+slid from beneath her feet.
+
+"What _can_ we do, Willoughby?" asked the affectionate mother,
+almost reduced to despair. "I will go myself, in search of my son--they
+will respect _me_, a woman and a mother."
+
+"You little know the enemy we have to deal with, Wilhelmina, or so rash
+a thought could not have crossed your mind. We will not be precipitate;
+a few hours may bring some change to direct us. One thing I learn from
+Woods' delay. The Indians cannot be far off, and he must be with them,
+or in their hands; else would he return alter having visited the mills
+and the houses beneath the cliffs."
+
+This sounded probable, and all felt there was a relief in fancying that
+their friends were still near them, and were not traversing the
+wilderness as captives.
+
+"I feel less apprehension than any of you," observed Beulah, in her
+placid manner. "If Bob is in the hands of an American party, the
+brother-in-law of Evert Beekman cannot come to much harm; with British
+Indians he will be respected for his own sake, as soon as he can make
+himself known."
+
+"I have thought of all this, my child"--answered the father,
+musing--"and there is reason in it. It will be difficult, however, for
+Bob to make his real character certain, in his present circumstances.
+He does not appear the man he is; and should there even be a white
+among his captors who can read, he has not a paper with him to sustain
+his word."
+
+"But, he promised me faithfully to use Evert's name, did he ever fall
+into American hands"--resumed Beulah, earnestly--"and Evert has said,
+again and again, that _my_ brother could never be his enemy."
+
+"Heaven help us all, dear child!" answered the captain, kissing his
+daughter--"It is, indeed, a cruel war, when such aids are to be called
+in for our protection. We will endeavour to be cheerful,
+notwithstanding; for we know of nothing yet, that ought to alarm us,
+out of reason; all may come right before the sun set."
+
+The captain looked at his family, and endeavoured to smile, but he met
+no answering gleam of happiness on either face; nor was his own effort
+very successful. As for his wife, she was never known to be aught but
+miserable, while any she loved were in doubtful safety. She lived
+entirely out of herself, and altogether for her husband, children, and
+friends; a woman less selfish, or one more devoted to the affections,
+never existing. Then Beulah, with all her reliance on the magic of
+Evert's name, and with the deep feelings that had been awakened within
+her, as a wife and a mother, still loved her brother as tenderly as
+ever. As for Maud, the agony she endured was increased by her efforts
+to keep it from breaking out in some paroxysm that might betray her
+secret; and her features were getting an expression of stern
+resolution, which, blended with her beauty, gave them a grandeur her
+father had never before seen in her bright countenance.
+
+"This child suffers on Bob's account more than any of us"--observed the
+captain, drawing his pet towards him, placing her kindly on his knee,
+and folding her to his bosom. "She has no husband yet, to divide her
+heart; all her love centres in her brother."
+
+The look which Beulah cast upon her father was not reproachful, for
+that was an expression she would not have indulged with him; but it was
+one in which pain and mortification were so obvious, as to induce the
+mother to receive her into her own arms.
+
+"Hugh, you are unjust to Beulah"--said the anxious mother--"Nothing can
+ever cause this dear girl, either, to forget to feel for any of us."
+
+The captain's ready explanation, and affectionate kiss, brought a smile
+again to Beulah's face, though it shone amid tears. All was, however,
+immediately forgotten; for the parties understood each other, and Maud
+profited by the scene to escape from the room. This flight broke up the
+conference; and the captain, after exhorting his wife and daughter to
+set an example of fortitude to the rest of the females, left the house,
+to look after his duties among the men.
+
+The absence of Joel cast a shade of doubt over the minds of the
+disaffected. These last were comparatively numerous, comprising most of
+the native Americans in the Hut, the blacks and Joyce excepted. Strides
+had been enabled to effect his purposes more easily with his own
+countrymen by working on their good qualities, as well as on their bad.
+Many of these men--most of them, indeed--meant well, but their
+attachment to the cause of their native land laid them open to
+assaults, against which Mike and Jamie Allen were insensible. Captain
+Willoughby was an Englishman, in the first place; he was an old army-
+officer, in the next; and he had an only son who was confessedly in
+open arms against the independence of America. It is easy to see how a
+demagogue like Joel, who had free access to the ears of his comrades,
+could improve circumstances like these to his own particular objects.
+Nevertheless, he had difficulties to contend with. If it were true that
+parson Woods still insisted on praying for the king, it was known that
+the captain laughed at him for his reverence for Cæsar; if Robert
+Willoughby were a major in the royal forces, Evert Beekman was a
+colonel in the continentals; if the owner of the manor were born in
+England, his wife and children were born in America; and he, himself,
+was often heard to express his convictions of the justice of most of
+that for which the provincials were contending--_all_, the worthy
+captain had not yet made up his mind to concede to them.
+
+Then, most of the Americans in the Hut entertained none of the selfish
+and narrow views of Joel and the miller. Their wish was to do right, in
+the main; and though obnoxious to the charge of entertaining certain
+prejudices that rendered them peculiarly liable to become the dupes of
+a demagogue, they submitted to many of the better impulses, and were
+indisposed to be guilty of any act of downright injustice. The perfect
+integrity with which they had ever been treated, too, had its
+influence; nor was the habitual kindness of Mrs. Willoughby to their
+wives and children forgotten; nor the gentleness of Beulah, or the
+beauty, spirit, and generous impulses of Maud. In a word, the captain,
+when he went forth to review his men, who were now all assembled under
+arms within the palisades for that purpose, went to meet a wavering,
+rather than a positively disaffected or rebellious body.
+
+"Attention!" cried Joyce, as his commanding officer came in front of a
+line which contained men of different colours, statures, ages, dresses,
+countries, habits and physiognomies, making it a sort of epitome of the
+population of the whole colony, as it existed in that day--"Attention!
+Present, arms."
+
+The captain pulled off his hat complacently, in return to this salute,
+though he was obliged to smile at the array which met his eyes. Every
+one of the Dutchmen had got his musket to an order, following a sort of
+fugleman of their own; while Mike had invented a "motion" that would
+have puzzled any one but himself to account for. The butt of the piece
+was projected towards the captain, quite out of line, while the barrel
+rested on his own shoulder. Still, as his arms were extended to the
+utmost, the county Leitrim-man fancied he was performing much better
+than common. Jamie had correct notions of the perpendicular, from
+having used the plumb-bob so much, though even he made the trifling
+mistake of presenting arms with the lock outwards. As for the Yankees,
+they were all tolerably exact, in everything but time, and the line;
+bringing their pieces down, one after another, much as they were in the
+practice of following their leaders, in matters of opinion. The negroes
+defied description; nor was it surprising they failed, each of them
+thrusting his head forward to see how the "motions" looked, in a way
+that prevented any particular attention to his own part of the duty.
+The serjeant had the good sense to see that his drill had not yet
+produced perfection, and he brought his men to a shoulder again, as
+soon as possible. In this he succeeded perfectly, with the exception
+that just half of the arms were brought to the right, and the other
+half to the left shoulders.
+
+"We shall do better, your honour, as we get a little more drill"--said
+Joyce, with an apologetic salute--"Corporal Strides has a tolerable
+idea of the manual, and he usually acts as our fugleman. When he gets
+back, we shall improve."
+
+"When he gets back, serjeant--can you, or any other man, tell when that
+will be?"
+
+"Yes, yer honour," sputtered Mike, with the eagerness of a boy. "I'se
+the man to tell yees that same."
+
+"_You_?--What can _you_ know, that is not known to all of us,
+my good Michael?"
+
+"I knows what I sees; and if yon isn't Misther Strhides, then I am not
+acquainted with his sthraddle."
+
+Sure enough, Joel appeared at the gate, as Mike concluded his
+assertions. How he got there, no one knew; for a good look-out had been
+kept in the direction of the mill; and, yet here was the overseer
+applying for admission, as if he had fallen from the clouds! Of course,
+the application was not denied, though made in a manner so unexpected,
+and Joel stood in front of his old comrades at the hoe and plough, if
+not in arms, in less than a minute. His return was proclaimed through
+the house in an incredibly short space of time, by the aid of the
+children, and all the females came pouring out from the court to learn
+the tidings, led by Mrs. Strides and her young brood.
+
+"Have you anything to communicate to me in private, Strides?" the
+captain demanded, maintaining an appearance of _sang froid_ that
+he was far from feeling--"or, can your report be made here, before the
+whole settlement?"
+
+"It's just as the captain pleases," answered the wily demagogue;
+"though, to my notion, the people have a right to know all, in an
+affair that touches the common interest."
+
+"Attention! men"--cried the serjeant--"By platoons, to the right"
+
+"No matter, Joyce," interrupted the captain, waving his hand--"Let the
+men remain. You have held communications with our visiters, I know,
+Strides?"
+
+"We have, captain Willoughby, and a desperate sort of visiters be they!
+A more ugly set of Mohawks and Onondagas I never laid eyes on."
+
+"As for their appearance, it is matter of indifference to me--what is
+the object of their visit?"
+
+"I mean ugly behaved, and they deserve all I say of 'em. Their ar'nd,
+according to their own tell, is to seize the captain, and his family,
+in behalf of the colonies."
+
+As Joel uttered this, he cast a glance along the line of faces paraded
+before him, in order to read the effect it might produce. That it was
+not lost on some, was as evident as that it was on others. The captain,
+however, appeared unmoved, and there was a slight air of incredulity in
+the smile that curled his lip.
+
+"This, then, you report as being the business of the party in coming to
+this place!" he said, quietly.
+
+"I do, sir; and an ugly ar'nd it is, in times like these."
+
+"Is there any person in authority in a party that pretends to move
+about the colony, with such high duties?"
+
+"There's one or two white men among 'em, if that's what the captain
+means; they pretend to be duly authorised and appointed to act in
+behalf of the people."
+
+At each allusion to the people, Joel invariably looked towards his
+particular partisans, in order to note the effect the use of the word
+might produce. On the present occasion, he even ventured to wink at the
+miller.
+
+"If acting on authority, why do they keep aloof?--I have no such
+character for resisting the laws, that any who come clothed with its
+mantle need fear resistance."
+
+"Why, I s'pose they reason in some such manner as this. There's
+_two_ laws in operation at this time; the king's law, and the
+people's law. I take it, this party comes in virtue of the people's
+law, whereas it is likely the law the captain means is the king's law.
+The difference is so great, that one or t'other carries the day, just
+as the king's friends or the people's friends happen to be the
+strongest. These men don't like to trust to _their_ law, when the
+captain may think it safest to trust a little to his'n."
+
+"And all this was told you, Strides, in order to be repeated to me?"
+
+"Not a word on't; it's all my own consait about the matter. Little
+passed between us."
+
+"And, now," said the captain, relieving his breast by a long sigh, "I
+presume I may inquire about your companion. You probably have
+ascertained who he is?"
+
+"Lord, captain Willoughby, I was altogether dumbfounded, when the truth
+came upon me of a sudden! I never should have known the major in that
+dress, in the world, or out of the world either; but he walks so like
+the captain, that as I followed a'ter him, I said to myself, who
+_can_ it be?--and then the walk came over me, as it might be; and
+then I remembered last night, and the stranger that was out with the
+captain, and how he occupied the room next to the library, and them
+things; and so, when I come to look in his face, there was the major
+sure enough!"
+
+Joel lied famously in this account; but he believed himself safe, as no
+one could very well contradict him.
+
+"Now, you have explained the manner in which you recognised my son,
+Strides," added the captain, "I will thank you to let me know what has
+become of him?"
+
+"He's with the savages. Having come so far to seize the father, it
+wasn't in natur' to let the son go free, when he walked right into the
+lion's den, like."
+
+"And how could the savages know he _was_ my son? Did they, too,
+recognise the family walk?"
+
+Strides was taken aback at this question, and he even had the grace to
+colour a little. He saw that he was critically placed; for, in addition
+to the suggestions of conscience, he understood the captain
+sufficiently to know he was a man who would not trifle, in the event of
+his suspicions becoming active. He knew he deserved the gallows, and
+Joyce was a man who would execute him in an instant, did his commander
+order it. The idea fairly made the traitor tremble in his shoes.
+
+"Ah! I've got a little ahead of my story," he said, hastily. "But,
+perhaps I had best tell everything as it happened--"
+
+"That will be the simplest and clearest course. In order that there be
+no interruption, we will go into my room, where Joyce will follow us,
+as soon as he has dismissed his men."
+
+This was done, and in a minute or two the captain and Joel were seated
+in the library, Joyce respectfully standing; the old soldier always
+declining to assume any familiarity with his superior. We shall give
+the substance of most of Joel's report in our own language; preferring
+it, defective as it is, to that of the overseer's, which was no bad
+representative of his cunning, treacherous and low mind.
+
+It seems, then, that the bearers of the flag were amicably received by
+the Indians. The men towards whom they were led on the rocks, were the
+chiefs of the party, who treated them with proper respect. The sudden
+movement was explained to them, as connected with their meal; and the
+chiefs, accompanied by the major and Strides, proceeded to the house of
+the miller. Here, by means of a white man for an interpreter, the major
+had demanded the motive of the strangers in coming into the settlement.
+The answer was a frank demand for the surrender of the Hut, and all it
+contained, to the authorities of the continental congress. The major
+had endeavoured to persuade a white man, who professed to hold the
+legal authority for what was doing, of the perfectly neutral
+disposition of his father, when, according to Joel's account, to his
+own great astonishment, the argument was met by the announcement of
+Robert Willoughby's true character, and a sneering demand if it were
+likely a man who had a son in the royal army, and who had kept that son
+secreted in his own house, would be very indifferent to the success of
+the royal cause.
+
+"They've got a wonderful smart man there for a magistrate, I can tell
+you," added Joel, with emphasis, "and he ra'ally bore as hard on the
+major as a lawyer before a court. How he found out that the major was
+at the Hut is a little strange, seein' that none of us know'd of it;
+but they've got extraor'nary means, now-a-days."
+
+"And, did major Willoughby admit his true character, when charged with
+being in the king's service?"
+
+"He did--and like a gentleman. He only insisted that his sole ar'nd out
+here was to see his folks, and that he intended to go back to York the
+moment he had paid his visit."
+
+"How did the person you mention receive his explanations?"
+
+"Waal, to own the truth, he laugh'd at it, like all natur'. I don't
+believe they put any great weight on a syllable the major told 'em. I
+never see critturs with such onbelievin' faces! After talking as long
+as suited themselves, they ordered the major to be shut up in a
+buttery, with a warrior at the door for a sentinel; a'ter which they
+took to examining me."
+
+Joel then proceeded with an account--his own account, always, be it
+remembered--of what passed between himself and the strangers. They had
+questioned him closely touching the nature of the defences of the Hut,
+the strength of the garrison, its disposition, the number and quality
+of the arms, and the amount of the ammunition.
+
+"You may depend on't, I gave a good account," continued the overseer,
+in a self-satisfied way. "In the first place, I told 'em, the captain
+had a lieutenant with him that had sarved out the whull French war;
+then I put the men up to fifty at once, seein' it was just as easy to
+say that, as thirty or thirty-three. As to the arms, I told 'em more
+than half the pieces were double-barrelled; and that the captain, in
+particular, carried a rifle that had killed nine savages in one fight."
+
+"You were much mistaken in that, Joel. It is true, that a celebrated
+chief once fell by this rifle; even that is not a matter for boasting."
+
+"Waal, them that told me on't, said that _two_ had fallen before
+it, and I put it up to nine at once, to make a good story better. Nine
+men had a more desperate sound than two; and when you _do_ begin
+to brag, a man shouldn't be backward. I thought, howsever, that they
+was most non-plussed, when I told 'em of the field-piece."
+
+"The field-piece, Strides!--Why did you venture on an exaggeration that
+any forward movement of theirs must expose?"
+
+"We'll see to that, captain--we'll see to that. Field-pieces are
+desperate dampers to Indian courage, so I thought I'd just let 'em have
+a six-pounder, by way of tryin' their natur's. They look'd like men
+goin' to execution, when I told 'em of the cannon, and what a history
+it had gone through."
+
+"And what may have been this history, pray?"
+
+"I just told 'em it was the very gun the captain had took from the
+French, about which we've all heer'n tell; and that, as everybody
+knows, was a desperate piece, havin' killed more than a hundred
+reg'lars, before the captain charged baggonet on it, and carried it
+off."
+
+This was a very artful speech, since it alluded to the most
+distinguished exploit of captain Willoughby's military life; one of
+which it would have been more than human, had he not been a little
+proud. All who knew him, had heard of this adventure, and Joel
+cunningly turned it to account, in the manner seen. The allusion served
+to put to sleep, for the moment at least, certain very unpleasant
+suspicions that were getting to be active in his superior's mind.
+
+"There was no necessity, Strides, for saying anything about that
+affair"--the captain, modestly, interposed. "It happened a long time
+since, and might well be forgotten. Then, you know we have no gun to
+support your account, when our deficiency is ascertained, it will all
+be set down to the true cause--a wish to conceal our real weakness."
+
+"I beg your honour's pardon," put in Joyce--"I think Strides has acted
+in a military manner in this affair. It is according to the art of war
+for the besieged to pretend to but stronger than they are; and even
+besiegers sometimes put a better face than the truth will warrant, on
+their strength. Military accounts, as your honour well knows, never
+pass exactly for gospel, unless it be with the raw hands."
+
+"Then," added Joel, "I know'd what I was about, seem that we had a
+cannon ready for use, as soon as it could be mounted."
+
+"I think I understand Strides, your honour," resumed the serjeant. "I
+have carved a 'quaker' as an ornament for the gateway, intending to saw
+it in two, in the middle, and place the pieces, crosswise, over the
+entrance, as your honour has often seen such things in garrisons--like
+the brass ornaments on the artillery caps, I mean, your honour. Well,
+this gun is finished and painted, and I intended to split it, and have
+it up this very week. I suppose Joel has had it in his mind, quaker
+fashion."
+
+"The Serjeant's right. That piece looks as much like a real cannon as
+one of our cathechisms is like another. The muzzle is more than a foot
+deep, and has a plaguy gunpowder look!"
+
+"But this gun is not mounted; even if it were, it could only be set up
+for show," observed the captain.
+
+"Put that cannon up once, and I'll answer for it that no Injin faces
+it. 'Twill be as good as a dozen sentinels," answered Joel. "As for
+mountin', I thought of that before I said a syllable about the crittur.
+There's the new truck-wheels in the court, all ready to hold it, and
+the carpenters can put the hinder part to the whull, in an hour or two,
+and that in a way no Injin could tell the difference between it and a
+ra'al cannon, at ten yards."
+
+"This is plausible, your honour," said Joyce, respectfully, "and it
+shows that corporal Strides"--Joel insisted he was a serjeant, but the
+real Simon Pure never gave him a title higher than that of
+corporal--"and it shows that corporal Strides has an idea of war. By
+mounting that piece, and using it with discretion--refusing it, at the
+right moment, and showing it at another--a great deal might be done
+with it, either in a siege or an assault. If your honour will excuse
+the liberty, I would respectfully suggest that it might be well to set
+the quaker on his legs, and plant him at the gate, as an exhorter."
+
+The captain reflected a moment, and then desired the overseer to
+proceed in his account. The rest of Joel's story was soon told. He had
+mystified the strangers, according to his own account of the matter, so
+thoroughly, by affecting to withhold nothing, that they considered him
+as a sort of ally, and did not put him in confinement at all. It is
+true, he was placed _en surveillance_; but the duty was so
+carelessly performed, that, at the right moment, he had passed down the
+ravine, a direction in which a movement was not expected, and buried
+himself in the woods, so very effectually that it would have baffled
+pursuit, had any been attempted. After making a very long _détour_,
+that consumed hours, he turned the entire valley, and actually reached
+the Hut, under the cover of the rivulet and its bushes, or precisely
+by the route in which he and Mike had gone forth, in quest of Maud,
+the evening of the major's arrival. This latter fact, however, Joel
+had reasons of his own for concealing.
+
+"You have told us nothing of Mr. Woods, Strides," the captain observed,
+when Joel's account was ended.
+
+"Mr. Woods! I can tell the captain nothing of that gentleman; I
+supposed he was here."
+
+The manner in which the chaplain had left the Hut, and his
+disappearance in the ravine, were then explained to the overseer, who
+evidently had quitted the mill, on his return, before the divine
+performed his exploit. There was a sinister expression in Joel's eyes,
+as he heard the account, that might have given the alarm to men more
+suspicious than the two old soldiers; but he had the address to conceal
+all he felt or thought.
+
+"If Mr. Woods has gone into the hands of the Injins, in his church
+shirt," rejoined the overseer, "his case is hopeless, so far as
+captivity is consarned. One of the charges ag'in the captain is, that
+the chaplain he keeps prays as regulairly for the king as he used to do
+when it was lawful, and agreeable to public feelin'."
+
+"This you heard, while under examination before the magistrate you have
+named?" demanded the captain.
+
+"As good as that, and something more to the same p'int. The 'squire
+complained awfully of a minister's prayin' for the king and r'yal
+family, when the country was fightin' 'em."
+
+"In that, the Rev. Mr. Woods only obeys orders," said the serjeant.
+
+"But they say not. The orders is gone out, now, _they_ pretend,
+for no man to pray for any on 'em."
+
+"Ay--orders from the magistrates, perhaps. But the Rev. Mr. Woods is a
+divine, and has his own superiors in the church, and _they_ must
+issue the commands that he obeys. I dare to say, your honour, if the
+archbishop of Canterbury, or the commander-in-chief of the church,
+whoever he may be, should issue a general order directing all the
+parsons not to pray for King George, the Rev. Mr. Woods would have no
+scruple about obeying. But, it's a different thing when a justice of
+the peace undertakes to stand fugleman for the clergy. It's like a navy
+captain undertaking to wheel a regiment."
+
+"Poor Woods!" exclaimed the captain--"Had he been ruled by me, he would
+have dropped those prayers, and it would have been better for us both.
+But, he is of your opinion, serjeant, and thinks that a layman can have
+no authority over a gownsman."
+
+"And isn't he right, your honour! Think what a mess of it the militia
+officers make, when they undertake to meddle with a regular corps. Some
+of our greatest difficulties in the last war came from such awkward
+hands attempting to manage machines of which they had no just notions.
+As for praying, your honour, I'm no wise particular _who_ I pray
+for, or _what_ I pray for, so long as it be all set down in
+general orders that come from the right head-quarters; and I think the
+Rev. Mr. Woods ought to be judged by the same rule."
+
+As the captain saw no use in prolonging the dialogue, he dismissed his
+companions. He then sought his wife, in order to make her acquainted
+with the actual state of things. This last was a painful duty, though
+Mrs. Willoughby and her daughters heard the truth with less of
+apprehension than the husband and father had anticipated. They had
+suffered so much from uncertainty, that there was a relief in learning
+the truth. The mother did not think the authorities of the colony would
+hurt her son, whom she fancied all men must, in a degree, love as she
+loved. Beulah thought of her own husband as Bob's safeguard; while Maud
+felt it to be comparative happiness to know he was unharmed, and still
+so near her.
+
+This unpleasant duty discharged, the captain began to bethink him
+seriously of his military trust. After some reflection, and listening
+to a few more suggestions from Joyce, he consented to let the "quaker"
+be put on wheels. The carpenters were immediately set at work to
+achieve this job, which the serjeant volunteered to superintend, in
+person. As for Joel, his wife and children, with the miller, occupied
+most of the morning; the day turning, and even drawing towards its
+close, ere he became visible, as had formerly been his wont, among the
+men of the settlement.
+
+All this time, everything without the palisades lay in the silence of
+nature. The sun cast its glories athwart the lovely scene, as in one of
+the Sabbaths of the woods; but man was nowhere visible. Not a hostile
+Indian, or white, exhibited himself; and the captain began to suspect
+that, satisfied with their captures, the party had commenced its return
+towards the river, postponing his own arrest for some other occasion.
+So strong did this impression become towards the close of the day, that
+he was actually engaged in writing to some friends of influence in
+Albany and on the Mohawk to interpose their names and characters in his
+son's behalf, when the serjeant, about nine o'clock, the hour when he
+had been ordered to parade the guard for the first half of the night,
+presented himself at the door of his room, to make an important report.
+
+"What now, Joyce?" demanded the captain. "Are any of our fellows
+sleepy, and plead illness?"
+
+"Worse than that, your honour, I greatly fear," was the answer. Of the
+ten men your honour commanded me to detail for the guard, five are
+missing. I set them down as deserters."
+
+"Deserters!--This is serious, indeed; let the signal be made for a
+general parade--the people cannot yet have gone to bed; we will look
+into this."
+
+As Joyce made it matter of religion "to obey orders," this command was
+immediately put in execution. In five minutes, a messenger came to
+summon the captain to the court, where the garrison was under arms. The
+serjeant stood in front of the little party, with a lantern, holding
+his muster-roll in his hand. The first glance told the captain that a
+serious reduction had taken place in his forces, and he led the
+serjeant aside to hear his report.
+
+"What is the result of your inquiries, Joyce?" he demanded, with more
+uneasiness than he would have liked to betray openly.
+
+"We have lost just half our men, sir. The miller, most of the Yankees,
+and two of the Dutchmen, are not on parade; neither is one of them to
+be found in his quarters. They have either gone over to the enemy,
+captain Willoughby, or, disliking the appearance of things here, they
+have taken to the woods for safety."
+
+"And abandoned their wives and children, serjeant! Men would scarcely
+do that."
+
+"Their wives and children have deserted too, sir. Not a chick or child
+belonging to either of the runaways is to be found in the Hut."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIX.
+
+  "For all the Welshmen, hearing thou wert dead,
+  Are gone to Bolingbroke, dispersed and fled."
+
+  _Richard III_
+
+This was startling intelligence to receive just as night had shut in,
+and under the other circumstances of the case. Touching the men who
+still remained, captain Willoughby conceived it prudent to inquire into
+their characters and names, in order to ascertain the ground he stood
+on, and to govern his future course accordingly. He put the question to
+the serjeant, therefore, as soon as he could lead him far enough from
+the little array, to be certain he was out of ear-shot.
+
+"We have Michael O'Hearn, Jamie Allen, the two carpenters, the three
+niggers, Joel, and the three Dutchmen that last came into the
+settlement, and the two lads that Strides engaged at the beginning of
+the year, left," was the answer. "These, counting your honour and
+myself, make just fifteen men; quite enough yet, I should think, to
+make good the house, in case of an assault--though I fear everything
+like an outwork must be abandoned."
+
+"On the whole, these are the best of our men," returned the captain; "I
+mean the most trustworthy. I count on Mike, Jamie, and the blacks, as
+being as much to be relied on as we are ourselves. Joel, too, is a man
+of resources, if he will but do his duty under fire."
+
+"Corporal Strides is still an untried soldier, your honour; though
+recruits, even, sometimes do wonders. Of course, I shall reduce the
+guard to half its former strength, as the men must have some sleep,
+sir."
+
+"We must depend very much on your vigilance and mine, to-night, Joyce.
+You shall take the guard till one, when I will stand it for the rest of
+the night. I will speak to the men before you dismiss them. An
+encouraging word, just now, may be worth a platoon to us."
+
+The serjeant seldom dissented from any suggestion of his commanding
+officer, and the scheme was carried out on the spot. The lantern was so
+placed as to permit the captain to see the heterogeneous row of
+countenances that was drawn up before him, and he proceeded:
+
+"It seems, my friends," he said, "that some of our people have been
+seized with a panic, and have deserted. These mistaken men have not
+only fled themselves, but they have induced their wives and children to
+follow them. A little reflection will show you to what distress all
+must be reduced by this ill-judged flight. Fifty miles from another
+settlement of any size, and more than thirty from even a single hut,
+beyond the cabin of a hunter, days must pass before they can reach a
+place of safety, even should they escape the savage foe that we know to
+be scouring the woods. The women and children will not have sufficient
+art to conceal their trail, nor sufficient strength to hold out against
+hunger and fatigue many hours. God forgive them for what they have
+done, and guide them through the difficulties and pains by which they
+are menaced! As for us, we must determine to do our whole duty, or, at
+once to retire, with the consent of each other. If there is a man among
+you, then, who apprehends the consequences of standing to his arms, and
+of defending this house, let him confess it frankly; he shall have
+leave to depart, with all that belongs to him, taking food and the
+means of subsistence and defence with him. I wish no man to remain with
+me and mine, but he who can do it cheerfully. The night is now dark,
+and, by quitting the Hut at an early hour, such a start might be gained
+over any pursuers, as to place him in comparative security before
+morning. If any such man is here, let him now speak out honestly, and
+fear nothing. The gate shall be opened for his march."
+
+The captain paused, but not a soul answered. A common sentiment of
+loyalty seemed to bind every one of the listeners to his duty. The dark
+eyes of the negroes rolled along the short rank to see who would be the
+first to desert their master, and grins of delight showed the
+satisfaction with which they noted the effect of the appeal. As for
+Mike, he felt too strongly to keep silence, and he muttered the passing
+impressions aloud.
+
+"Och!"--growled the county Leitrim-man--"Is it a good journey that I
+wish the runaways? That it isn't, nor many a good male either, as they
+trudge alang t'rough the woods, with their own consciences forenent
+their eyes, pricking them up to come back, like so many t'ieves of the
+wor-r-ld, as they are, every mother's son of 'em, women and all. I'd
+nivir do _that_; no, not if my head was _all_ scalp, down to
+the soles of my fut, and an Injin was at every inch of it, to cut out
+his summer clothes of my own skin. Talk of religion amang sich
+crathures!--Why, there isn't enough moral in one of thim to carry him
+through the shortest prayer the Lord allows a Christian to utter. Divil
+burn 'em say I, and that's my kindest wish in their behalf."
+
+The captain waited patiently for this soliloquy to terminate; then he
+dismissed the men, with a few more words of encouragement, and his
+thanks for the fidelity they, at least, had shown. By this time the
+night had got to be dark, and the court was much more so, on account of
+the shadows of the buildings, than places in the open air. As the
+captain turned aside to give his last instructions to Joyce, he
+discovered, by the light of the lantern the latter held, a figure
+standing at no great distance, quite dimly seen on account of its
+proximity to the walls of the Hut. It was clearly a man; and as all the
+males able to bear arms, a single sentinel outside the court excepted,
+were supposed to be in the group that had not yet separated, the
+necessity of ascertaining the character of this unlooked-for visiter
+flashed on the minds of both the old soldiers at the same instant.
+Joyce raised the lantern, as they moved quickly towards the motionless
+form, and its light glanced athwart a pair of wild, glowing, dark eyes,
+and the red visage of an Indian.
+
+"Nick!" exclaimed the captain, "is that you?--What has brought you here
+again, and how have you entered the palisades?--Do you come as a
+friend, to aid us, or as an enemy?"
+
+"Too much question, cap'in--too much like squaw; ask all togeder. Go to
+book-room; Nick follow; tell all he got to say."
+
+The captain whispered the serjeant to ascertain whether the watch
+without was vigilant, when he led the way to the library, where, as he
+expected, he found his wife and daughters, anxiously waiting his
+appearance.
+
+"Oh! Hugh, I trust it is not as bad as we feared!" cried the mother, as
+the captain entered the room, closely attended by the Tuscarora; "our
+men cannot be so heartless as to desert us at such a moment!"
+
+The captain kissed his wife, said a word or two of encouragement, and
+pointed to the Indian.
+
+"Nick!" exclaimed all three of the females, in a breath. Though the
+tones of their voices denoted very different sensations, at the
+unexpected appearance of their old acquaintance. Mrs. Willoughby's
+exclamation was not without pleasure, for _she_ thought the man
+her friend. Beulah's was filled with alarm, little Evert and savage
+massacres suddenly crossing the sensitive mind of the young mother;
+while Maud's tone had much of the stern resolution that she had
+summoned to sustain her in a moment of such fearful trial.
+
+"Yes, Nick--Sassy Nick," repeated the Indian, in his guttural
+voice--"Ole friend--you no glad see him?"
+
+"That will depend on your errand," interposed the captain. "Are you one
+of the party that is now lying at the mill?--but, stop; how did you get
+within the palisades? First answer me _that_."
+
+"Come in. Tree no good to stop Injin. Can't do it wid branches, how do
+it widout? Want plenty of musket and plenty of soldier to do _dat_.
+Dis no garrison, cap'in, to make Nick afeard. Always tell him
+too much hole to be tight."
+
+"This is not answering my question, fellow. By what means did you pass
+the palisades?"
+
+"What means?--Injin means, sartain. Came like cat, jump like deer,
+slide like snake. Nick great Tuscarora chief; know well how warrior
+march, when he dig up hatchet."
+
+"And Nick has been a great hanger-on of garrisons, and should know the
+use that I can make of his back. You will remember, Tuscarora, that I
+have had you flogged, more than once, in my day."
+
+This was said menacingly, and with more warmth, perhaps, than was
+prudent. It caused the listeners to start, as if a sudden and new
+danger rose before their eyes, and the anxious looks he encountered
+warned the captain that he was probably going too far. As for Nick,
+himself, the gathering thunder-cloud is not darker than his visage
+became at the words he heard; it seemed by the moral writhing of his
+spirit as if every disgracing blow he had received was at that instant
+torturing his flesh anew, blended with the keenest feelings of
+ignominy. Captain Willoughby was startled at the effect he had
+produced; but it was too late to change his course; and he remained in
+dignified quiet, awaiting the workings of the Tuscarora's mind.
+
+It was more than a minute ere Nick made any reply. Gradually, but very
+slowly, the expression of his visage changed. It finally became as
+stoical in expression as severe training could render the human
+countenance, and as unmoved as marble. Then he found the language he
+wanted.
+
+"Listen," said the Indian, sternly. "Cap'in ole man. Got a head like
+snow on rock. He bold soldier; but he no got wisdom enough for gray
+hair. Why he put he hand rough, on place where whip strike? Wise man
+nebber do _aat_. Last winter he cold; fire wanted to make him
+warm. Much ice, much storm, much snow. World seem bad--fit only for
+bear, and snake, dat hide in rock. Well; winter gone away; ice gone
+away; snow gone away; storm gone away. Summer come, in his place.
+Ebbery t'ing _good_--ebbery t'ing _pleasant_. Why t'ink of
+winter, when summer come, and drive him away wid pleasant sky?"
+
+"In order to provide for its return. He who never thought of the evil
+day, in the hour of his prosperity, would find that he has forgotten,
+not only a duty, but the course of wisdom."
+
+"He _not_ wise!" said Nick, sternly. "Cap'in pale-face chief. He
+got garrison; got soldier; got musket. Well, he flog warrior's back;
+make blood come. Dat bad enough; worse to put finger on ole sore, and
+make 'e pain, and 'e shame, come back ag'in."
+
+"Perhaps it would have been more generous, Nick, to have said nothing
+about it; but, you see how I am situated; an enemy without, my men
+deserting, a bad look-out, and one finding his way into my very court-
+yard, and I ignorant of the means."
+
+"Nick tell cap'in all about means. If red-men outside, shoot
+_'em_; if garrison run away, flog garrison; if don't know, l'arn;
+but, don't flog back, ag'in, on ole sore!"
+
+"Well, well, say no more about it, Nick. Here is a dollar to keep you
+in rum, and we will talk of other matters."
+
+Nick heeded not the money, though it was held before his eyes, some
+little time, to tempt him. Perceiving that the Tuscarora was now acting
+as a warrior and a chief, which Nick would do, and do well, on
+occasion, the captain pocketed the offering, and regulated his own
+course accordingly.
+
+"At all events, I have a right to insist on knowing, first, by what
+means you entered the palisades; and, second, what business has brought
+you here, at night, and so suddenly."
+
+"Ask Nick, cap'in, all he right to ask; but, don't touch ole flog. How
+I cross palisade? Where your sentinel to stop Injin? One at gate; well,
+none all round, t'other place. Get in, up here, down dere, over yonder.
+Ten, twenty, t'ree spot--s'pose him tree? climb him. S'pose him
+palisade?--climb him, too. What help?--Soldier out at gate when Nick
+get over t'other end! Come in court, too, when he want. Half gate half
+no gate. So easy, 'shamed to brag of. Cap'in once Nick's friend--went
+on same war-path--dat in ole time. Both warrior; both went ag'in French
+garrison. Well; who crept in, close by cannon, open gate, let pale-men
+in. Great Tuscarora do _dat_; no flog, _den_--no talk of ole
+sore, dat night!"
+
+"This is all true enough, Wyandotté"--This was Nick's loftiest
+appellation; and a grim, but faint smile crossed his visage, as he
+heard it, again, in the mouth of one who had known him when its sound
+carried terror to the hearts of his enemies--"This is all true,
+Wyandotté, and I have even given you credit for it. On that occasion
+you were bold as the lion, and as cunning as a fox--you were much
+honoured for that exploit."
+
+"No ole sore in _dat_, um?" cried Nick, in a way so startling as
+to sicken Mrs. Willoughby to the heart. "No call Nick dog, dat night.
+He _all_ warrior, den--all face; no _back_."
+
+"I have said you were honoured for your conduct, Nick, and paid for it.
+Now, let me know what has brought you here to-night, and whence you
+come."
+
+There was another pause. Gradually, the countenance of the Indian
+became less and less fierce, until it lost its expression of malignant
+resentment in one in which human emotions of a kinder nature
+predominated.
+
+"Squaw good," he said, even gently, waving his hand towards Mrs.
+Willoughby--"Got son; love him like little baby. Nick come six, two
+time before, runner from her son."
+
+"My son, Wyandotté!" exclaimed the mother--"Bring you any tidings, now,
+from my boy?"
+
+"No bring tidin'--too heavy; Indian don't love to carry load--bring
+_letter_"
+
+The cry from the three females was now common, each holding out her
+hand, with an involuntary impulse, to receive the note. Nick drew the
+missive from a fold of his garment, and placed it in the hand of Mrs.
+Willoughby, with a quiet grace that a courtier might have wished to
+equal, in vain.
+
+The note was short, and had been written in pencil, on a leaf torn from
+some book of coarse paper. The handwriting however, was at once
+recognised as Robert Willoughby's though there was no address, nor any
+signature. The paper merely contained the following--
+
+"Trust to your defences, and to nothing else. This party has many white
+men in it, disguised as Indians. I am suspected, if not known. You will
+be tampered with, but the wisest course is to be firm. If Nick is
+honest, he can tell you more; if false, this note will be shown, even
+though it be delivered. Secure the inner gates, and depend more on the
+house itself, than on the palisades. Fear nothing for me--my life can
+be in no danger."
+
+This note was read by each, in succession, Maud turning aside to
+conceal the tears that fell fast on the paper, as she perused it. She
+read it last, and was enabled to retain it; and precious to her heart
+was the boon, at such a moment, when nearly every sensation of her
+being centred in intense feeling in behalf of the captive.
+
+"We are told to inquire the particulars of you, Nick," observed the
+captain; "I hope you will tell us nothing but truth. A lie is so
+unworthy a warrior's mouth!"
+
+"Nick didn't lie 'bout beaver dam! Cap'in no find him good, as Indian
+say?"
+
+"In that you dealt honestly, and I give you credit for it. Has any one
+seen this letter but ourselves, yourself, and the person who wrote it?"
+
+"What for ask? If Nick say no, cap'in t'ink he lie. Even fox tell trut'
+some time; why not Injin? Nick say no."
+
+"Where did you leave my son, and when?--Where is the party of red-skins
+at this moment?"
+
+"All pale-face in hurry! Ask ten, one, four question, altogeder. Well;
+answer him so. Down here, at mill; down dere, at mill; half an hour,
+six, two, ten o'clock."
+
+"I understand you to say that major Willoughby was at the mill when you
+saw him last, and that this was only half an hour since?"
+
+The Tuscarora nodded his head in assent, but made no other reply. Even
+as he did this, his keen eyes rolled over the pallid faces of the
+females in a way to awaken the captain's distrust, and he resumed his
+questions in a tone that partook more of the military severity of his
+ancient habits than of the gentler manner he had been accustomed to use
+of late years.
+
+"You know me, Nick," he said sternly, "and ought to dread my
+displeasure."
+
+"What cap'in mean, now?" demanded the Indian, quietly.
+
+"That the same whip is in this fort that I always kept in the other, in
+which you knew me to dwell; nor have I forgotten how to use it."
+
+The Tuscarora gazed at the captain with a very puzzling expression,
+though, in the main, his countenance appeared to be ironical rather
+than fierce.
+
+"What for, talk of whip, now?" he said. "Even Yengeese gen'ral hide
+whip, when he see enemy. Soldier can't fight when back sore. When
+battle near, den all good friend; when battle over, den flog, flog,
+flog. Why talk so?--Cap'in nebber strike _Wyandotté_."
+
+"Your memory must be short, to say this! I thought an Indian kept a
+better record of what passed."
+
+"No man _dare_ strike Wyandotté!" exclaimed the Indian, with
+energy. "No man--pale-face or red-skin, _can_ give blow on back of
+Wyandotté, and see sun set!"
+
+"Well--well--Nick; we will not dispute on this point, but let bye-gones
+be bye-gones. What _has_ happened, _has_ happened, and I hope
+will never occur again."
+
+"Dat happen to Nick--Sassy Nick--poor, drunken Nick--to Wyandotté,
+nebber!"
+
+"I believe I begin to understand you, now, Tuscarora, and am glad I
+have a chief and a warrior in my house, instead of a poor miserable
+outcast. Shall I have the pleasure of filling you a glass in honour of
+our old campaigns?"
+
+"Nick alway dry--Wyandotté know no thirst. Nick, beggar--ask for
+rum--_pray_ for rum--_t'ink_ of rum, _talk_ of rum, _laugh_ for rum,
+_cry_ for rum. Wyandotté don't know rum, when he see him. Wyandotté
+beg not'in'; no, not his scalp."
+
+"All this sounds well, and I am both willing and glad, chief, to
+receive you in the character in which you give me to understand you
+have now come. A warrior of Wyandotté's high name is too proud to carry
+a forked tongue in his mouth, and I shall hear nothing but truth. Tell
+me, then, all you know about this party at the mill; what has brought
+it here, how you came to meet my son, and what will be the next step of
+his captors. Answer the questions in the order in which I put them."
+
+"Wyandotté not newspaper to tell ebbery t'ing at once. Let cap'in talk
+like one chief speaking to anoder."
+
+"Then, tell me first, what you know of this party at the mill. Are
+there many pale-faces in it?"
+
+"Put 'em in the river," answered the Indian, sententiously; "water tell
+the trut'."
+
+"You think that there are many among them that would wash white?"
+
+"Wyandotté _know_ so. When did red warriors ever travel on their
+path like hogs in drove? _One_ red-man there, as Great Spirit make
+him; by his side _two_ red-men as _paint_ make 'em. This soon
+told on trail."
+
+"You struck their trail, then, and joined their company, in that
+manner?"
+
+Another nod indicated the assent of the Indian. Perceiving that the
+Tuscarora did not intend to speak, the captain continued his
+interrogatories.
+
+"And how did the trail betray this secret, chief?" he asked.
+
+"Toe turn out--step too short--trail too broad--trail too plain--march
+too short."
+
+"You must have followed them some distance, Wyandotté, to learn all
+this?"
+
+"Follow from Mohawk--join 'em at mill. Tuscarora don't like too much
+travel with Mohawk."
+
+"But, according to your account, there cannot be a great many red-skins
+in the party, if the white men so much out-number them."
+
+Nick, now, raised his right hand, showing all the fingers and the
+thumb, at each exhibition, four several times. Then he raised it once,
+showing only the fore-finger and thumb.
+
+"This makes twenty-two, Nick--Do you include yourself in the number?"
+
+"Wyandotté, a Tuscarora--he count _Mohawks_"
+
+"True--Are there any other red-men among them?"
+
+"Oneida, so"--holding up four fingers only. After which he held up a
+single finger, adding--"Onondaga, so."
+
+"Twenty-two Mohawks, four Oneidas, and a single Onondaga, make twenty-
+seven in all. To these, how many whites am I to add?--You counted them,
+also?"
+
+The Indian now showed both hands, with all the fingers extended,
+repeating the gestures four times; then he showed one hand entire, and
+two fingers on the other.
+
+"Forty-seven. Add these to the red-skins, and we get seventy-four for
+the total. I had supposed them rather stronger than this, Wyandotté?"
+
+"No stronger--no weaker--just so. Good many ole womans, too, among
+pale-faces."
+
+"Old women!--You are not speaking literally, Nick? All that I have seen
+appear to be men."
+
+"Got beard; but ole woman, too. Talk--talk--talk;--do not'in'.
+_Dat_ what Injin call ole woman. Party, poor party; cap'in beat 'em,
+if he fight like ole time."
+
+"Well, this is encouraging, Wilhelmina, and Nick seems to be dealing
+fairly with us."
+
+"Now, inquire more about Robert, Hugh"--said the wife, in whose
+maternal heart her children were always uppermost.
+
+"You hear, Nick; my wife is desirous of learning something about her
+son, next."
+
+During the preceding dialogue, there had been something equivocal in
+the expression of the Indian's face. Every word he uttered about the
+party, its numbers, and his own manner of falling in with it, was true,
+and his countenance indicated that he was dealing fairly. Still, the
+captain fancied that he could detect a covert fierceness in his eye and
+air, and he felt uneasiness even while he yielded him credence. As soon
+as Mrs. Willoughby, however, interposed, the gleam of ferocity that
+passed so naturally and readily athwart the swarthy features of the
+savage, melted into a look of gentleness, and there were moments when
+it might be almost termed softness.
+
+"Good to have moder"--said Nick, kindly. "Wyandotté got no squaw--wife
+dead, moder dead, sister dead--all gone to land of spirits--bye'm-by,
+chief follow. No one throw stone on his grave! Been on death-path long
+ago, but cap'in's squaw say 'stop, Nick; little too soon, now; take
+medicine, and get well.' Squaw made to do good. Chief alway like 'e
+squaw, when his mind not wild with war."
+
+"And _your_ mind, Wyandotté, is not wild with war, now," answered
+Mrs. Willoughby, earnestly. "You will help a mother, then, to get her
+son out of the hands of merciless enemies?"
+
+"Why you t'ink merciless? Because pale-face dress like Injin, and try
+to cheat?"
+
+"That may be one reason; but I fear there are many others. Tell me,
+Wyandotté, how came you to discover that Robert was a prisoner, and by
+what means did he contrive to give you his letter?"
+
+The Indian assumed a look of pride, a little blended with hauteur; for
+he felt that he was manifesting the superiority of a red-man over the
+pale-face, as he related the means through which he had made his
+discoveries.
+
+"Read book on ground," Nick answered gravely. "Two book alway open
+before chief; one in sky, t'other on ground. Book in sky, tell
+weather--snow, rain, wind, thunder, lightning, war--book on ground,
+tell what happen."
+
+"And what had this book on the ground to do with my son, Wyandotté?"
+
+"Tell all about him. Major's trail first seen at mill. No moccasin--
+much boot. Soldier boot like letter--say great deal, in few word. First
+t'ink it cap'in; but it too short. Den _know_ it Major."
+
+"This sounds very well, Nick," interrupted the captain, "though you
+will excuse me if I say it is going a little too far. It seems
+impossible that you should know that the print of the foot was that of
+my son. How _could_ you be certain of this?"
+
+"How _could_, eh? Who follow trail from house, here, to Hudson
+river? T'ink Nick blind, and can't see? Tuscarora read _his_ book
+well as pale-face read bible." Here Nick looked round him a moment,
+raised his fore-finger, dropped his voice, and added earnestly--"see
+him at Bunker Hill--know him among ten, six, two t'ousand warrior. Know
+dat foot, if meet him in Happy Hunting Ground."
+
+"And why my son's foot, in particular? The boot is often changed, can
+never be exactly like its predecessor, and one boot is so much like
+another, that to me the thing seems impossible. This account of the
+boot, Nick, makes me distrust your whole story."
+
+"What distrust?" demanded the Indian like lightning.
+
+"It means doubt, uncertainty--distrust."
+
+"Don't believe, ha?"
+
+"Yes, that is it, substantially. Don't more than _half_ believe,
+perhaps, would be nearer to the mark."
+
+"Why, ole soldier alway distrust; squaw nebber? Ask moder--ha!--you
+t'ink Nick don't know son's trail--handsome trail, like young chief's?"
+
+"I can readily believe Nick might recognise Bob's trail, Hugh"--
+expostulated Mrs. Willoughby. "He has a foot in a thousand--you may
+remember how every one was accustomed to speak of his beautiful foot,
+even when he was a boy. As a man, I think it still more remarkable."
+
+"Ay, go on, Nick, in this way, and my wife will believe all you say.
+There is no distrust in a mother's partiality, certainly. You are an
+old courtier, and would make your way at St. James's."
+
+"Major nebber tell about foot?" asked Nick, earnestly.
+
+"I remember nothing; and had he spoken of any such thing, I must have
+heard it. But, never mind the story, now; you saw the foot-print, and
+knew it for my son's. Did you ask to be admitted to his prison? or was
+your intercourse secret?"
+
+"Wyandotté too wise to act like squaw, or boy. See him, widout look.
+Talk, widout speak--hear, widout ear. Major write letter, Nick take
+him. All done by eye and hand; not'in' done by tongue, or at Council
+Fire. Mohawk blind like owl!"
+
+"May I believe you, Tuscarora; or, incited by demons, do you come to
+deceive me?"
+
+"Ole warrior look two time before he go; t'ink ten time before he say,
+yes. All good. Nick no affronted. Do so himself, and t'ink it right.
+Cap'in _may_ believe all Nick say."
+
+"Father!" cried Maud, with simple energy, "I will answer for the
+Indian's honesty. He has guided Robert so often, and been with him in
+so many trying scenes, he never _can_ have the heart to betray
+him, or us. Trust him, then he may be of infinite service."
+
+Even captain Willoughby, little disposed as he was to judge Nick
+favourably, was struck with the gleam of mamy kindness that shot across
+the dark face of the Indian, as he gazed at the glowing cheek and
+illuminated countenance of the ardent and beautiful girl.
+
+"Nick seems disposed to make a truce with _you_, at least, Maud,"
+he said, smiling, "and I shall now know where to look for a mediator,
+whenever any trouble arises between us."
+
+"I have known Wyandotté, dear sir, from childhood, and he has ever been
+my friend. He promised me, in particular, to be true to Bob, and I am
+happy to say he has ever kept his word."
+
+This was telling but half the story. Maud had made the Indian many
+presents, and most especially had she attended to his wants, when it
+was known he was to be the major's guide, the year previously, on his
+return to Boston. Nick had known her real father, and was present at
+his death. He was consequently acquainted with her actual position in
+the family of the Hutted Knoll; and, what was of far more consequence
+in present emergencies, he had fathomed the depths of her heart, in a
+way our heroine could hardly be said to have done herself. Off her
+guard with such a being, Maud's solicitude, however, had betrayed her,
+and the penetrating Tuscarora had discerned that which had escaped the
+observation of father, and mother, and sister. Had Nick been a pale-
+face, of the class of those with whom he usually associated, his
+discovery would have gone through the settlement, with scoffings and
+exaggerations; but this forest gentleman, for such was Wyandotté, in
+spite of his degradation and numerous failings, had too much
+consideration to make a woman's affections the subject of his
+coarseness and merriment. The secrets of Maud would not have been more
+sacred with her own brother, had such a relative existed to become her
+confidant, than it was with Saucy Nick.
+
+"Nick gal's friend," observed the Indian, quietly; "dat enough; what
+Nick say, Nick mean. What Nick _mean_, he _do_. Come, cap'in;
+time to quit squaw, and talk about war."
+
+At this hint, which was too plain to be misunderstood, captain
+Willoughby bade the Indian withdraw to the court, promising to follow
+him, as soon as he could hold a short conference with Joyce, who was
+now summoned to the council. The subject of discussion was the manner
+in which the Tuscarora had passed the stockade, and the probability of
+his being true. The serjeant was disposed to distrust all red-men, and
+he advised putting Nick under arrest, and to keep him in durance, until
+the return of light, at least.
+
+"I might almost say, your honour, that such are orders, sir. The advice
+to soldiers carrying on war with savages, tells us that the best course
+is to pay off treachery with treachery; and treachery is a red-skin's
+manual exercise. There is O'Hearn will make a capital sentinel, for the
+fellow is as true as the best steel in the army. Mr. Woods' room is
+empty, and it is so far out of the way that nothing will be easier than
+to keep the savage snug enough. Besides, by a little management, he
+might fancy we were doing him honour all the while."
+
+"We will see, serjeant," answered the captain. "It has a bad
+appearance, and yet it may be the wisest thing we can do. Let us first
+go the rounds, taking Nick with us for safety, and determine
+afterwards."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XX.
+
+  "His hand was stay'd--he knew not why;
+  'Twas a presence breathed around--
+  A pleading from the deep-blue sky,
+  And up from the teeming ground.
+  It told of the care that lavish'd had been
+  In sunshine and in dew--
+  Of the many things that had wrought a screen
+  When peril round it grew."
+
+  Mrs. Seba Smith.
+
+The desertions gave not only the captain, but his great support and
+auxiliary, the serjeant, the gravest apprehensions. A disposition of
+that nature is always contagious, men abandoning a failing cause much
+as rats are known to quit a sinking ship. It is not a matter of
+surprise, therefore, that the distrust which accompanied the unexpected
+appearance of the Tuscarora, became associated with this falling off in
+the loyalty of the garrison, in the minds of the two old soldiers.
+
+"I do think, your honour," said Joyce, as they entered the court
+together, "that we may depend on O'Hearn, and Jamie, and Strides. The
+latter, as a matter of course, being a corporal, or serjeant as he
+calls himself; and the two first, as men who have no ties but such as
+would be likely to keep them true to this family. But here is the
+corporal to speak for himself."
+
+As this was said, corporal Strides, as the serjeant persisted in
+terming Joel, on the ground that being but one step higher himself, the
+overseer could justly claim no rank of greater pretension, approached
+the captain, taking care to make the military salute which Joyce had
+never succeeded before in extracting from him, notwithstanding a
+hundred admonitions on the subject.
+
+"This is a distressing affair, captain Willoughby," observed Joel, in
+his most jesuitical manner; "and to me it is altogether onaccountable!
+It does seem to me ag'in natur', for a man to desart his own household
+and hum' (Joel meant '_home_') in the hour of trial. If a fellow-
+being wunt (Anglice 'wont') stand by his wife and children, he can
+hardly be expected to do any of his duties."
+
+"Quite true. Strides," answered the confiding captain, "though these
+deserters are not altogether as bad as you represent, since, you will
+remember, they have carried their wives and children with them."
+
+"I believe they have, sir--yes, that must be allowed to be true, and
+that it is, which to me seems the most extr'or'nary. The very men that
+a person would calcilate on the most, or the heads of families, have
+desarted, while them that remain behind are mostly single!"
+
+"If we single men have no wives and children of our own to fight for,
+Strides," observed Joyce, with a little military stiffness, "we have
+the wife and children of captain Willoughby; no man who wishes to sell
+his life dearly, need look for a better motive."
+
+"Thank you, serjeant," the captain said, feelingly--"On _you_, I
+can rely as on myself. So long as I have _you_, and Joel, here,
+and Mike and the blacks, and the rest of the brave fellows who have
+stood by me thus far, I shall not despair. _We_ can make good the
+house against ten times our own number. But, it is time to look to the
+Indians."
+
+"I was going to speak to the captain about Nick," put in Joel, who had
+listened to the eulogium on his own fidelity with some qualms of
+conscience. "I can't say I like the manner he has passed between the
+two parties; and that fellow has always seemed to me as if he owed the
+captain a mortal grudge; when an Injin _does_ owe a grudge, he is
+pretty sartain to pay it, in full."
+
+"This has passed over my mind, too, I will confess, Joel; yet Nick and
+I have been on reasonably good terms, when one comes to remember his
+character, on the one side, and the fact that I have commanded a
+frontier garrison on the other. If I have had occasion to flog him a
+few times, I have also had occasion to give him more rum than has done
+him good, with now and then a dollar."
+
+"There I think the captain miscalcilates," observed Joel with a
+knowledge of human nature that would have been creditable to him, had
+he practised on it himself. "No man is thankful for rum when the
+craving is off, sin' he knows he has been taking an inimy into his
+stomach; and as for the money, it was much the same as giving the
+liquor, seem' that it went for liquor as soon as he could trot down to
+the mill. A man will seek his revenge for rum, as soon as for anything
+else, when he gets to feel injuries uppermost. Besides, I s'pose the
+captain knows an injury will be remembered long a'ter a favour is
+forgotten."
+
+"This may be true, Strides, and certainly I shall keep my eyes on the
+Indian. Can you mention any particular act, that excites your
+suspicion?"
+
+"Don't the captain think Nick may have had suthin' to do with the
+desartions?--A dozen men would scarce desart all at once, as it might
+be, onless someone was at the bottom of it."
+
+This was true enough, certainly, though Joel chose to keep out of view
+all his own machinations and arts on the subject. The captain was
+struck by the suggestion, and he determined to put his first intention
+in respect to Nick in force immediately. Still, it was necessary to
+proceed with caution, the state of the Hut rendering a proper watch and
+a suitable prison difficult to be obtained. These circumstances were
+mentioned to the overseer, who led the way to the part of the buildings
+occupied by his own family; and, throwing open the doors,
+ostentatiously exhibited Phoebe and her children in their customary
+beds, at a moment when so many others had proved recreant. His
+professed object was to offer a small closet in his own rooms as a
+prison for Nick, remarking he must be an ingenious savage indeed, if he
+could escape the vigilance of as many watchful eyes as would then be on
+him.
+
+"I believe you, Strides," said the captain, smiling as he walked away
+from the place; "if he can escape Phoebe and _her_ children, the
+fellow must be made of quicksilver. Still, I have a better prison in
+view. I am glad to see this proof, however, of your own fidelity, by
+finding all your family in their beds; for those are not wanting who
+would have me suspect even _you_"
+
+"Me!--Well, if the captain can't count on his own overseer, I should
+like to ask such persons on whom he _can_ count? Madam Willoughby
+and the young ladies isn't more likely to remain true than I am,
+myself, I should think--What in reason, or natur', or all lawful
+objects, could make _me_----"
+
+Joel was about to run into that excess of vindication that is a little
+apt to mark guilt; but, the captain cut him short, by telling him it
+was unnecessary, recommending vigilance, and walking away in search of
+Nick.
+
+The Indian was found standing beneath the arch of the gateway, upright,
+motionless, and patient. A lantern was kept burning here, the place
+being used as a sort of guard-house; and, by its light, it was easy to
+perceive the state of the still unhung leaf of the passage. This leaf,
+however, was propped in its place, by strong timbers; and, on the
+whole, many persons would think it the most secure half of the gate.
+Captain Willoughby observed that the Indian was studying this
+arrangement when he entered the place himself. The circumstance caused
+him uneasiness, and quickened his determination to secure the Indian.
+
+"Well, Nick," he said, concealing his intention under an appearance of
+indifference, "you see our gates are well fastened, and steady hands
+and quick eyes will do the rest. It is getting late, and I wish to have
+you comfortably lodged before I lie down myself. Follow me, and I will
+show you to a place where you will be at your ease."
+
+The Tuscarora understood the captain's object the instant he spoke of
+giving him comfortable lodgings, a bed being a thing that was virtually
+unknown to his habits. But, he raised no objections, quietly treading
+in the other's footsteps, until both were in the bed-room of the absent
+Mr. Woods. The apartments of the chaplain were above the library, and,
+being in the part of the house that was fortified by the cliff, they
+had dormer windows that looked toward the forest. The height of these
+windows the captain thought would be a sufficient security against
+flight; and by setting Mike and one of the Plinys on the look-out, to
+relieve each other at intervals of four hours, he thought the Tuscarora
+might be kept until the return of light. The hour when he most
+apprehended danger was that which just precedes the day, sleep then
+pressing the heaviest on the sentinel's eyelids, and rest having
+refreshed the assailants.
+
+"Here, Wyandotté, I intend you shall pass the night," said the captain,
+assuming as much courtesy of manner as if he were doing the honours of
+his house to an invited and honoured guest. "I know you despise a bed,
+but there are blankets, and by spreading them on the floor, you can
+make your own arrangements."
+
+Nick made a gesture of assent, looking cautiously around him, carefully
+avoiding every appearance of curiosity at the same time, more in pride
+of character, however, than in cunning. Nevertheless, he took in the
+history of the locality at a glance.
+
+"It is well," he said; "a Tuscarora chief no t'ink of sleep. Sleep come
+standing, walking; _where_ he will, _when_ he will. Dog eats,
+den lie down to sleep; warrior always ready. Good bye, cap'in--to-
+morrow see him ag'in."
+
+"Good night, Nick. I have ordered your old friend Mike, the Irishman,
+to come and sit in your room, lest you might want something in the
+night. You are good friends with Mike, I believe; I chose him on that
+account."
+
+The Indian understood this, too; but not an angry gleam, no smile, nor
+any other sign, betrayed his consciousness of the captain's motives.
+
+"Mike _good_" he answered, with emphasis. "Long tongue--short
+t'ink. Say much; mean little. Heart sound, like hard oak--mind, like
+spunk--burn quick, no too much strong."
+
+This sententious and accurate delineation of the county Leitrim-man's
+characteristics induced a smile in the captain; but, O'Hearn entering
+at the moment, and possessing his entire confidence, he saw no use in
+replying. In another minute the two worthies were left in possession of
+the bed-room, Michael having received a most solemn injunction not to
+be tempted to drink.
+
+It was now so late, the captain determined to let the regular watches
+of the night take their course. He held a short consultation with
+Joyce, who took the first ward, and then threw himself on a mattrass,
+in his clothes, his affectionate wife having done the same thing, by
+the side of her daughters and grandson in an adjoining room. In a short
+time, the sounds of footsteps ceased in the Hut; and, one unacquainted
+with the real state of the household, might have fancied that the peace
+and security of one of its ancient midnights were reigning about the
+Knoll.
+
+It was just two in the morning, when the serjeant tapped lightly at the
+door of his commanding officer's room. The touch was sufficient to
+bring the captain to his feet, and he instantly demanded the news.
+
+"Nothing but sentry-go, your honour," replied Joyce. "I am as fresh as
+a regiment that is just marching out of barracks, and can easily stand
+the guard till daylight. Still, as it was orders to call your honour at
+two, I could do no less, you know, sir."
+
+"Very well, serjeant--I will just wash my eyes, and be with you in a
+minute. How has the night gone?"
+
+"Famously quiet, sir. Not even an owl to trouble it. The sentinels have
+kept their eyes wide open, dread of the scalping-knife being a good
+wakener, and no sign of any alarm has been seen. I will wait for your
+honour, in the court, the moment of relieving guard being often chosen
+by a cunning enemy for the assault."
+
+"Yes," sputtered the captain, his face just emerging from the
+water--"if he happen to know when that is."
+
+In another minute, the two old soldiers were together in the court,
+waiting the return of Jamie Allen with his report, the mason having
+been sent round to the beds of the fresh men to call the guard. It was
+not long, however, before the old man was seen hastening towards the
+spot where Joyce had bid him come.
+
+"The Lord ha' maircy on us, and on a' wretched sinners!" exclaimed
+Jamie, as soon as near enough to be heard without raising his voice on
+too high a key--"there are just the beds of the three Connecticut lads
+that were to come into the laird's guard, as empty as a robin's nest
+fra' which the yang ha' flown!"
+
+"Do you mean, Jamie, that the boys have deserted?"
+
+"It's just that; and no need of ca'ing it by anither name. The Hoose o'
+Hanover wad seem to have put the de'il in a' the lads, women and
+children included, and to have raised up a spirit o' disaffection, that
+is fast leaving us to carry on this terrible warfare with our ain
+hearts and bodies."
+
+"With your honour's permission," said the serjeant, "I would ask
+corporal Allen if the deserters have gone off with their arms and
+accoutrements?"
+
+"Airms? Ay, and legs, and a' belonging to 'em, with mair that is the
+lawfu' property of the laird. Not so much as a flint is left behind."
+
+"Then we may count on seeing all the fellows in the enemy's ranks," the
+serjeant quietly remarked, helping himself to the tobacco from which he
+had refrained throughout the previous hours of the night, Joyce being
+too much of a _martinet_ to smoke or chew on duty. "It's up-hill
+work, your honour, when every deserter counts two, in this manner. The
+civil wars, however, are remarkable for this sort of wheeling, and
+facing to the right-about; the same man often changing his colours two
+or three times in a campaign."
+
+Captain Willoughby received the news of this addition to his ill luck
+with an air of military stoicism, though he felt, in reality, more like
+a father and a husband on the occasion than like a hero. Accustomed to
+self-command, he succeeded in concealing the extent of his uneasiness,
+while he immediately set about inquiring into the extent of the evil.
+
+"Joel is to join my watch," he said, "and _he_ may throw some
+light on this affair. Let us call him, at once, for a few minutes may
+prove of importance."
+
+Even while speaking, the captain crossed the court, accompanied by the
+serjeant and mason; and, ceremony being little attended to on such
+occasions, they all entered the quarters of Strides, in a body. The
+place was empty! Man, woman, and children had abandoned the spot,
+seemingly in a body; and this, too, far from empty-handed. The manner
+in which the room had been stripped, indeed, was the first fact which
+induced the captain to believe that a man so much and so long trusted
+would desert him in a strait so serious. There could be no mistake;
+and, for a moment, the husband and father felt such a sinking of the
+heart as would be apt to follow the sudden conviction that his enemies
+must prevail.
+
+"Let us look further, Joyce," he said, "and ascertain the extent of the
+evil at once."
+
+"This is a very bad example, your honour, that corporal Strides has set
+the men, and we may expect to hear of more desertions. A non-
+commissioned officer should have had too much pride for this! I have
+always remarked, sir, in the army, that when a non-commissioned officer
+left his colours, he was pretty certain to carry off a platoon with
+him."
+
+The search justified this opinion of the serjeant. A complete
+examination of the quarters of all the men having been made, it was
+ascertained that every white man in the Hut, the serjeant, Jamie Allen,
+and a young New England labourer of the name of Blodget excepted, had
+abandoned the place. Every man had carried off with him his arms and
+ammunition, leaving the rooms as naked of defence as they had been
+before they were occupied. Women and children, too, were all gone,
+proving that the flights had been made deliberately, and with concert.
+This left the Hut to be defended by its owner, the serjeant, the two
+Plinys and a young descendant of the same colour, Jamie Allen, Blodget
+and Mike, who had not yet been relieved from his ward over the Indian;
+eight men in all, who might possibly receive some assistance from the
+four black females in the kitchen.
+
+The captain examined this small array of force, every man but Mike
+being up and in the line, with a saddened countenance; for he
+remembered what a different appearance it made only the previous day,
+when he had his gallant son too, with him, a host in himself. It added
+mortification to regret, also, when he remembered that this great loss
+had been made without a single blow having been struck in defence of
+his precious family, and his lawful rights.
+
+"We must close the gate of the court, and bar it at once, Joyce," the
+captain said, as soon as fully apprised of the true state of his force.
+"It will be quite sufficient if we make good the house, with this
+handful of men; giving up all hope of doing anything with the stockade.
+It is the facility offered by the open gateway that has led to all this
+mischief."
+
+"I don't know, your honour. When desertion once fairly gets into a
+man's mind, it's wonderful the means he will find to bring about his
+wishes. Corporal Strides, no doubt has passed his family and his kit
+through both gates; for, being in authority, our people were hardly
+disciplined enough to understand the difference between a non-
+commissioned officer _on_ guard and one _off_ guard; but,
+there were a hundred ways to mischief, even had there been no gate.
+Jamie, take one of the blacks, and bar the inner gate. What is your
+honour's pleasure next?"
+
+"I wish my mind were at ease on the subject of the Tuscarora. With
+Nick's assistance as a runner and spy, and even as a sharp-shooter, we
+should be vastly stronger. See to the gate yourself, serjeant, then
+follow me to Mr. Woods' room."
+
+This was done, the captain waiting for his companion on the threshold
+of the outer door. Ascending the narrow stairs, they were soon on the
+floor above, and were happy to find the door of the Tuscarora's prison
+fastened without, as they had left it; this precaution having been
+taken as a salutary assistance to O'Hearn's sagacity. Undoing these
+fastenings, the serjeant stepped aside to allow his superior to precede
+him, as became their respective stations. The captain advanced, holding
+the lantern before him, and found an empty room. Both Nick and Mike
+were gone, though it was not easy to discover by what means they had
+quitted the place. The door was secure, the windows were down, and the
+chimney was too small to allow of the passage of a human body. The
+defection of the Irishman caused the captain great pain, while it
+produced surprise even in the serjeant. Mike's fidelity had been
+thought of proof; and, for an instant, the master of the place was
+disposed to believe some evil spirit had been at work to corrupt his
+people.
+
+"This is more than I could have expected, Joyce!" he said, as much in
+sorrow as in anger. "I should have as soon looked for the desertion of
+old Pliny as that of Mike!"
+
+"It is extr'or'nary, sir; but one is never safe without in-and-in
+discipline. A drill a week, and that only for an hour or two of a
+Saturday afternoon, captain Willoughby, may make a sort of country
+militia, but it will do nothing for the field. 'Talk of enlisting men
+for a year, serjeant Joyce,' said old colonel Flanker to me, one day in
+the last war--'why it will take a year to teach a soldier how to eat.
+Your silly fellows in the provincial assemblies fancy because a man has
+teeth, and a stomach, and an appetite, that he knows how to _eat_;
+but eating is an _art_, serjeant; and military eating above all
+other branches of it; and I maintain a soldier can no more learn how to
+eat, as a soldier, the colonel meant, your honour, than he can learn to
+plan a campaign by going through the manual exercise.' For my part,
+captain Willoughby, I have always thought it took a man his first five
+years' enlistment to learn how to obey orders."
+
+"I had thought that Irishman's heart in the right place, Joyce, and
+counted as much on him as I did on you!"
+
+"On me, captain Willoughby!" answered the serjeant, in a tone of
+mortification. "I should think your honour would have made some
+difference between your old orderly--a man who had served thirty years
+in your own regiment, and most of the time in your own company, and a
+bit of a wild Hibernian of only ten years' acquaintance, and he a man
+who never saw a battalion paraded for real service!"
+
+"I see my error now, Joyce; but Michael had so much blundering honesty
+about him, or seemed to have, that I have been his dupe. It is too
+late, however, to repine; the fellow is gone; it only remains to
+ascertain the manner of his flight. May not Joel have undone the
+fastenings of the door, and let him and the Indian escape together, in
+common with the rest of the deserters?"
+
+"I secured that door, sir, with my own hands, in a military manner, and
+know that it was found as I left it. The Rev. Mr. Woods' bed seems to
+have been disturbed; perhaps that may furnish a clue."
+
+A clue the bed did furnish, and it solved the problem. The bed-cord was
+removed, and both the sheets and one of the blankets were missing. This
+directed the inquiry to the windows, one of which was not closed
+entirely. A chimney stood near the side of this window, and by its aid
+it was not difficult to reach the ridge of the roof. On the inner side
+of the roof was the staging, or walk, already mentioned; and, once on
+that, a person could make the circuit of the entire roof, in perfect
+safety. Joyce mounted to the ridge, followed by the captain, and gained
+the staging with a little effort, whence they proceeded round the
+buildings to ascertain if the rope was not yet hanging over the
+exterior, as a means of descent. It was found as expected, and
+withdrawn lest it might be used to introduce enemies within the house.
+
+These discoveries put the matter of Michael's delinquency at rest. He
+had clearly gone off with his prisoner, and might next be looked for in
+the ranks of the besiegers. The conviction of this truth gave the
+captain more than uneasiness; it caused him pain, for the county
+Leitrim-man had been a favourite with the whole family, and most
+especially with his daughter Maud.
+
+"I do not think you and the blacks will leave me, Joyce," he observed,
+as the serjeant and himself descended, by the common passage, to the
+court. "On _you_ I can rely, as I would rely on my noble son, were
+he with me at this moment."
+
+"I beg your honour's pardon--few words tell best for a man, deeds being
+his duty--but, if your honour will have the condescension just to issue
+your orders, the manner in which they shall be obeyed will tell the
+whole story."
+
+"I am satisfied of that, serjeant; we must put shoulder to shoulder,
+and die in the breach, should it be necessary, before we give up the
+place."
+
+By this time the two old soldiers were again in the court, where they
+found all their remaining force, of the male sex; the men being too
+uneasy, indeed, to think of going to their pallets, until better
+assured of their safety. Captain Willoughby ordered Joyce to draw them
+up in line again, when he addressed them once more in person.
+
+"My friends," the captain commenced, "there would be little use in
+attempting to conceal from you our real situation; nor would it be
+strictly honest. You see here every man on whom I can now depend for
+the defence of my fireside and family. Mike has gone with the rest, and
+the Indian has escaped in his company. You can make up your own
+opinions of our chances of success, but my resolution is formed. Before
+I open a gate to the merciless wretches without, who are worse than the
+savages of the wilderness, possessing all their bad and none of their
+redeeming qualities, it is my determination to be buried under the
+ruins of this dwelling. But you are not bound to imitate my example;
+and, if any man among you, black or white, regrets being here at this
+moment, he shall still have arms and ammunition, and food given him,
+the gates shall be opened and he may go freely to seek his safety in
+the forest. For God's sake let there be no more desertions; he that
+wishes to quit me, may now quit me unmolested; but, after this moment,
+martial law will _be_, enforced, and I shall give orders to shoot
+down any man detected in treachery, as I would shoot down a vicious
+dog."
+
+This address was heard in profound silence. No man stirred, nor did any
+man speak.
+
+"Blodget," continued the captain, "you have been with me a shorter time
+than any other person present, and cannot feel the same attachment to
+me and mine as the rest. You are the only native American among us,
+Joyce excepted--for we count the blacks as nothing in respect to
+country--may feel that I am an Englishman born, as I fear has been the
+case with the rest of your friends. Perhaps I ought not to ask you to
+remain. Take your arms, then, and make the best of your way to the
+settlements. Should you reach Albany, you might even serve me
+essentially by delivering a letter I will confide to you, and which
+will bring us effectual succour."
+
+The young man did not answer, though his fingers worked on the barrel
+of his musket, and he shifted his weight, from leg to leg, like one
+whose inward feelings were moved.
+
+"I believe I understand you, captain Willoughby," he said, at length,
+"though I think you don't understand me. I know you old country people
+think meanly of us new country people, but I suppose that's in the
+nature of things; then, I allow Joel Strides' conduct has been such as
+to give you reason to judge us harshly. But there is a difference among
+_us_, as well as among the English; and some of us--won't say I am
+such a man, but actions speak louder than words, and all will be known
+in the end--but _some_ of us will be found true to our bargains,
+as well as other men."
+
+"Bravely answered, my lad," cried the serjeant, heartily, and looking
+round at his commander with exultation, to congratulate him on having
+such a follower--"This is a man who will obey orders through thick and
+thin, I'll answer for it, your honour. Little does he care who's king
+or who's governor, so long as he knows his captain and his corps."
+
+"There you are mistaken, serjeant Joyce," the youth observed, firmly.
+"I'm for my country, and I'd quit this house in a minute, did I believe
+captain Willoughby meant to help the crown. But I have lived long
+enough here to know he is at the most neutral; though I think he rather
+favours the side of the colonies than that of the crown."
+
+"You have judged rightly, Blodget," observed the captain. "I do not
+quite like this declaration of independence, though I can scarce blame
+congress for having made it. Of the two, I think the Americans nearest
+right, and I now conceive myself to be more of an American than an
+Englishman. I wish this to be understood, Joyce."
+
+"Do you, sir?--It's just as your honour pleases. I didn't know which
+side it was your pleasure to support, nor does it make any great
+difference with most of us. Orders are orders, let them come from king
+or colonies. I would take the liberty of recommending, your honour,
+that this young man be promoted. Strides' desertion has left a vacancy
+among the corporals, and we shall want another for the guard. It would
+hardly do to make a nigger a corporal."
+
+"Very well, Joyce, have it as you wish," interrupted the captain, a
+little impatiently; for he perceived he had a spirit to deal with in
+Blodget that must hold such trifles at their true value. "Let it be
+corporal Allen and corporal Blodget in future."
+
+"Do you hear, men?--These are general orders. The relieved guard will
+fall out, and try to get a little sleep, as we shall parade again half
+an hour before day."
+
+Alas! the relieved guard, like the relief itself, consisted of only two
+men, corporal Blodget and Pliny the younger; old Pliny, in virtue of
+his household work, being rated as an idler. These five, with the
+captain and the serjeant, made the number of the garrison seven, which
+was the whole male force that now remained.
+
+Captain Willoughby directed Joyce and his two companions to go to their
+pallets, notwithstanding, assuming the charge of the look-out himself,
+and profiting by the occasion to make himself better acquainted with
+the character of his new corporal than circumstances had hitherto
+permitted.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXI.
+
+ "For thee they fought, for thee they fell,
+  And their oath was on thee laid;
+  To thee the clarions raised their swell,
+  And the dying warriors pray'd."
+
+  Percival.
+
+The distaste for each other which existed between the people of New
+England and those of the adjoining colonies, anterior to the war of the
+revolution, is a matter of history. It was this feeling that threw
+Schuyler, one of the ablest and best men in the service of his country,
+into the shade, a year later than the period of which we are writing.
+This feeling was very naturally produced, and, under the circumstances,
+was quite likely to be active in a revolution. Although New England and
+New York were contiguous territories, a wide difference existed between
+their social conditions. Out of the larger towns, there could scarcely
+be said to be a gentry at all, in the former; while the latter, a
+conquered province, had received the frame-work of the English system,
+possessing Lords of the Manor, and divers other of the fragments of the
+feudal system. So great was the social equality throughout the interior
+of the New England provinces, indeed, as almost to remove the commoner
+distinctions of civilised associations, bringing all classes
+surprisingly near the same level, with the exceptions of the very low,
+or some rare instance of an individual who was raised above his
+neighbours by unusual wealth, aided perhaps by the accidents of birth,
+and the advantages of education.
+
+The results of such a state of society are easily traced. Habit had
+taken the place of principles, and a people accustomed to see even
+questions of domestic discipline referred, either to the church or to
+public sentiment, and who knew few or none of the ordinary distinctions
+of social intercourse, submitted to the usages of other conditions of
+society, with singular distaste and stubborn reluctance. The native of
+New England deferred singularly to great wealth, in 1776 as he is known
+to defer to it to-day; but it was opposed to all his habits and
+prejudices to defer to social station. Unused to intercourse with what
+was then called the great world of the provinces, he knew not how to
+appreciate its manners or opinions; and, as is usual with the
+provincial, he affected to despise that which he neither practised nor
+understood. This, at once, indisposed him to acknowledge the
+distinctions of classes; and, when accident threw him into the
+adjoining province, he became marked, at once, for decrying the usages
+he encountered, comparing them, with singular self-felicitation, to
+those he had left behind him; sometimes with justice beyond a doubt,
+but oftener in provincial ignorance and narrow bigotry.
+
+A similar state of things, on a larger scale, has been witnessed, more
+especially in western New York, since the peace of '83; the great
+inroads of emigrants from the New England states having almost
+converted that district of country into an eastern colony. Men of the
+world, while they admit how much has been gained in activity, available
+intelligence of the practical school, and enterprise, regret that the
+fusion has been quite so rapid and so complete; it being apparently a
+law of nature that nothing precious that comes of man shall be enjoyed
+altogether without alloy.
+
+The condition in which captain Willoughby was now placed, might have
+been traced to causes connected with the feelings and habits above
+alluded to. It was distasteful to Joel Strides, and one or two of his
+associates, to see a social chasm as wide as that which actually
+existed between the family of the proprietor of the Knoll and his own,
+growing no narrower; and an active cupidity, with the hopes of
+confiscations, or an abandonment of the estate, came in aid of this
+rankling jealousy of station; the most uneasy, as it is the meanest of
+all our vices. Utterly incapable of appreciating the width of that void
+which separates the gentleman from the man of coarse feelings and
+illiterate vulgarity, he began to preach that doctrine of exaggerated
+and mistaken equality which says "one man is as good as another," a
+doctrine that is nowhere engrafted even on the most democratic of our
+institutions to-day, since it would totally supersede the elections,
+and leave us to draw lots for public trusts, as men are drawn for
+juries. On ordinary occasions, the malignant machinations of Strides
+would probably have led to no results; but, aided by the opinions and
+temper of the times, he had no great difficulty in undermining his
+master's popularity, by incessant and well-digested appeals to the envy
+and cupidity of his companions. The probity, liberality, and manly
+sincerity of captain Willoughby, often counteracted his schemes, it is
+true; but, as even the stone yields to constant attrition, so did Joel
+finally succeed in overcoming the influence of these high qualities, by
+dint of perseverance, and cunning, not a little aided by certain
+auxiliaries freely obtained from the Father of Lies.
+
+As our tale proceeds, Joel's connection with the late movement will
+become more apparent, and we prefer leaving the remainder of the
+explanations to take their proper places in the course of the
+narrative.
+
+Joyce was so completely a matter of drill, that he was in a sound sleep
+three minutes after he had lain down, the negro who belonged to his
+guard imitating his industry in this particular with equal coolness. As
+for the thoughtful Scotchman, Jamie Allen, sleep and he were strangers
+that night. To own the truth, the disaffection of Mike not only
+surprised, but it disappointed him. He remained in the court,
+therefore, conversing on the subject with the "laird," after his
+companions had fallen asleep.
+
+"I wad na hae' thought that o' Michael," he said, "for the man had an
+honest way with him, and was so seeming valiant, that I could na hae'
+supposed him capable of proving a desairter. Mony's the time that I've
+heard him swear--for Michael was an awfu' hand at that vice, when his
+betters were no near to rebuke him--but often has he swore that Madam,
+and her winsome daughters, were the pride of his een; ay, and their
+delight too!"
+
+"The poor fellow has yielded to my unlucky fortune, Jamie," returned
+the captain, "and I sometimes think it were better had you all imitated
+his example."
+
+"Begging pairdon, captain Willoughby, for the familiarity, but ye're
+just wrang, fra' beginning to end, in the supposition. No man with a
+hairt in his body wad desairt ye in a time like this, and no mair 's to
+be said in the matter. Nor do I think that luuk has had anything to do
+with Michael's deficiency, unless ye ca' it luuk to be born and
+edicated in a misguiding religion. Michael's catholicity is at the
+bottom of his backsliding, ye'll find, if ye look closely into the
+maiter."
+
+"I do not see how that is to be made out, Allen; all sects of the
+Christian religion, I believe, teaching us to abide by our engagements,
+and to perform our duties."
+
+"Na doubt--na doubt, 'squire Willoughby--there's a seeming desire to
+teach as much in a' churches; but ye'll no deny that the creatur' o'
+Rome wears a mask, and that catholicity is, at the best, but a wicked
+feature to enter into the worship of God."
+
+"Catholicism, Jamie, means adherence to the catholic church--"
+
+"Just that--just that"--interrupted the Scot, eagerly--and it's that o'
+which I complain. All protestants--wather fully disposed, or ainly
+half-disposed, as may be the case with the English kirk--all
+protestants agree in condemning the varry word catholic, which is a
+sign and a symbol of the foul woman o' Babylon."
+
+"Then, Jamie, they agree in condemning what they don't understand. I
+should be sorry to think I am not a member of the catholic church
+myself."
+
+Yersal'!--No, captain Willoughby, ye're no catholic, though you are a
+bit akin to it, perhaps. I know that Mr. Woods, that's now in the hands
+o' the savages, prays for the catholics, and professes to believe in
+what he ca's the 'Holy Catholic Kirk;' but, then, I've always supposed
+that was in the way o' Christian charity like; for one is obleeged to
+use decent language, ye'll be acknowledging, sir, in the pulpit, if
+it's only for appearance's sake."
+
+"Well--well--Jamie; a more fitting occasion may occur for discussing
+matters of this nature, and we will postpone the subject to another
+time. I may have need of your services an hour or two hence, and it
+will be well for every man to come to the work fresh and clear-headed.
+Go to your pallet then, and expect an early call."
+
+The mason was not a man to oppose such an order coming from the
+'laird;' and he withdrew, leaving the captain standing in the centre of
+the court quite alone. We say alone, for young Blodget had ascended to
+the gallery or staging that led around the inner sides of the roofs,
+while the negro on guard was stationed at the gateway, as the only
+point where the Hut could be possibly carried by a _coup-de-main._
+As the first of these positions commanded the best exterior view from
+the inside of the buildings, the captain mounted the stairs he had so
+recently descended, and joined the young Rhode Islander at his post.
+
+The night was star-light, but the elevation at which the two watchers
+were placed, was unfavourable to catching glimpses of any lurking
+enemy. The height confounded objects with the ground on which they were
+placed, though Blodget told the captain he did not think a man could
+cross the palisades without his being seen. By moving along the staging
+on the southern side of the quadrangle, he could keep a tolerable look-
+out, on the front and two flanks, at the same time. Still, this duty
+could not be performed without considerable risk, as the head and
+shoulders of a man moving along the ridge of the building would be
+almost certain to attract the eye of any Indian without. This was the
+first circumstance that the captain remarked on joining his companion,
+and gratitude induced him to point it out, in order that the other
+might, in a degree at least, avoid the danger.
+
+"I suppose, Blodget, this is the first of your service," said captain
+Willoughby, "and it is not easy to impress on a young man the
+importance of unceasing vigilance against savage artifices."
+
+"I admit the truth of all you say, sir," answered Blodget, "though I do
+not believe any attempt will be made on the house, until the other side
+has sent in what the serjeant calls another flag."
+
+"What reason have you for supposing this?" asked the captain, in a
+little surprise.
+
+"It seems unreasonable for men to risk their lives when an easier way
+to conquest may seem open to them. That is all I meant, captain
+Willoughby."
+
+"I believe I understand you, Blodget. You think Joel and his friends
+have succeeded so well in drawing off my men, that they may be inclined
+to wait a little, in order to ascertain if further advantages may not
+be obtained in the same way."
+
+Blodget confessed that he had some such thoughts in his mind, while, at
+the same time, he declared that he believed the disaffection would go
+no further.
+
+"It is not easy for it to do so," returned the captain, smiling a
+little bitterly, as he remembered how many who had eaten of his bread,
+and had been cared for by him, in sickness and adversity, had deserted
+him in his need, "unless they persuade my wife and daughters to follow
+those who have led the way."
+
+Respect kept Blodget silent for a minute; then uneasiness induced him
+to speak.
+
+"I hope captain Willoughby don't distrust any who now remain with him,"
+he said. "If so, I know I must be the person."
+
+"Why you, in particular, young man? With you, surely, have every reason
+to be satisfied."
+
+"It cannot be serjeant Joyce, for he will stay until he get your orders
+to march," the youth replied, not altogether without humour in his
+manner; "and, as for the Scotchman, he is old, and men of his years are
+not apt to wait so long, if they intend to be traitors. The negroes all
+love you, as if you were their father, and there is no one but me left
+to betray you."
+
+"I thank you for this short enumeration of my strength, Blodget, since
+it gives me new assurance of my people's fidelity. You I _will_
+not distrust; the others I _cannot_, and there is a feeling of
+high confidence--What do you see?--why do you lower your piece, and
+stand at guard, in this manner?"
+
+"That is a man's form, sir, on the right of the gate, trying to climb
+the palisades. I have had my eye on it, for some time, and I feel sure
+of my aim."
+
+"Hold an instant, Blodget; let us be certain before we act."
+
+The young man lowered the butt of his piece, waiting patiently and
+calmly for his superior to decide. There was a human form visible, sure
+enough, and it was seen slowly and cautiously rising until it reached
+the summit of the stockade, where it appeared to pause to reconnoitre.
+Whether it were a pale-face or a red-skin, it was impossible to
+distinguish, though the whole movement left little doubt that an
+assailant or a spy was attempting to pass the outer defences.
+
+"We cannot spare that fellow," said the captain, with a little regret
+in his manner; "it is more than we can afford. You must bring him down,
+Blodget. The instant you have fired, come to the other end of the
+stage, where we will watch the result."
+
+This arranged, the captain prudently passed away from the spot, turning
+to note the proceedings of his companion, the moment he was at the
+opposite angle of the gallery. Blodget was in no haste. He waited until
+his aim was certain; then the stillness of the valley was rudely broken
+by the sharp report of a rifle, and a flash illumined its obscurity.
+The figure fell outward, like a bird shot from its perch, lying in a
+ball at the foot of the stockade. Still, no cry or groan gave evidence
+of nature surprised by keen and unexpected anguish. At the next instant
+Blodget was by captain Willoughby's side. His conduct was a pledge of
+fidelity that could not be mistaken, and a warm squeeze of the hand
+assured the youth of his superior's approbation.
+
+It was necessary to be cautious, however, and to watch the result with
+ceaseless vigilance. Joyce and the men below had taken the alarm, and
+the serjeant with his companions were ordered up on the stage
+immediately, leaving the negro, alone, to watch the gate. A message was
+also sent to the females, to give them confidence, and particularly to
+direct the blacks to arm, and to repair to the loops.
+
+All this was done without confusion, and with so little noise as to
+prevent those without from understanding what was in progress. Terror
+kept the negroes silent, and discipline the others. As every one had
+lain down in his or her clothes, it was not a minute before every being
+in the Hut was up, and in motion. It is unnecessary to speak of the
+mental prayers and conflicting emotions with which Mrs. Willoughby and
+her daughters prepared themselves for the struggle; and, yet, even the
+beautiful and delicate Maud braced her nerves to meet the emergency of
+a frontier assault. As for Beulah, gentle, peaceful, and forgiving as
+she was by nature, the care of little Evert aroused all the mother
+within her, and something like a frown that betokened resolution was,
+for a novelty, seen on her usually placid face.
+
+A moment sufficed to let Joyce and his companions into the state of
+affairs. There now being four armed men on the stage, one took each of
+the three exposed sides of the buildings to watch, leaving the master
+of the house to move from post to post, to listen to suggestions, hear
+reports, and communicate orders.
+
+The dark object that lay at the foot of the palisades was pointed out
+to the serjeant the instant he was on the stage, and one of his offices
+was to observe it, in order to ascertain if it moved, or whether any
+attempts were made to carry off the body. The American Indians attach
+all the glory or shame of a battle to the acquisition or loss of
+scalps, and one of their practices was to remove those who had fallen,
+at every hazard, in order to escape the customary mutilation. Some
+tribes even believed it disgrace to suffer a dead body to be struck by
+the enemy, and many a warrior has lost his life in the effort to save
+the senseless corpse of a comrade from this fancied degradation.
+
+As soon as the little stir created in the Hut by the mustering of the
+men was over, a stillness as profound as that which had preceded the
+alarm reigned around the place. No noise came from the direction of the
+mill; no cry, or call, or signal of battle was heard; everything lay in
+the quiet of midnight. Half an hour thus passed, when the streak of
+light that appeared in the east announced the approach of day.
+
+The twenty minutes that succeeded were filled with intense anxiety. The
+slow approach of light gradually brought out object after object in the
+little panorama, awakening and removing alike, conjectures and
+apprehensions. At first the grey of the palisades became visible; then
+the chapel, in its sombre outlines; the skirts of the woods; the
+different cabins that lined them; the cattle in the fields, and the
+scattering trees. As for Joyce, he kept his gaze fastened on the object
+at the foot of the stockade, expecting every instant there would be an
+attempt to carry it off.
+
+At length, the light became so strong as to allow the eye to take in
+the entire surface of the natural _glacis_ without the defences,
+bringing the assurance that no enemy was near. As the ground was
+perfectly clear, a few fruit-trees and shrubs on the lawn excepted, and
+by changing positions on the stage, these last could now be examined on
+all sides, nothing was easier than to make certain of this fact. The
+fences, too, were light and open, rendering it impossible for any
+ambush or advancing party to shelter itself behind them. In a word,
+daylight brought the comfortable assurance to those within the
+palisades that another night was passed without bringing an assault.
+
+"We shall escape this morning, I do believe, Joyce," said the captain,
+who had laid down his rifle, and no longer felt it necessary to keep
+the upper portions of his body concealed behind the roof--"Nothing can
+be seen that denotes an intention to attack, and not an enemy is near."
+
+"I will take one more thorough look, your honour," answered the
+serjeant, mounting to the ridge of the building, where he obtained the
+immaterial advantage of seeing more at the same time, at the risk of
+exposing his whole person, should any hostile rifle be in reach of a
+bullet--"then we may be certain."
+
+Joyce was a man who stood just six feet in his stockings, and, losing
+no part of this stature by his setting up, a better object for a sharp-
+shooter could not have been presented than he now offered. The crack of
+a rifle soon saluted the ears of the garrison; then followed the
+whizzing of the bullet as it came humming through the air towards the
+Hut. But the report was so distant as at once to announce that the
+piece was discharged from the margin of the forest; a certain evidence
+of two important facts; one, that the enemy had fallen back to a cover;
+the other, that the house was narrowly watched.
+
+Nothing tries the nerves of a young soldier more than the whizzing of a
+distant fire. The slower a bullet or a shot approaches, the more noise
+it makes; and, the sound continuing longer than is generally imagined,
+the uninitiated are apt to imagine that the dangerous missile is
+travelling on an errand directly towards themselves. Space appears
+annihilated, and raw hands are often seen to duck at a round shot that
+is possibly flying a hundred yards from them.
+
+On the present occasion, the younger Pliny fairly squatted below the
+root Jamie thought it prudent to put some of his own masonry, which was
+favourably placed in an adjacent chimney for such a purpose, between
+him and the spot whence the report proceeded; while even Blodget looked
+up into the air, as if he expected to _see_ where the bullet was
+going. Captain Willoughby had no thought of the missile he was looking
+for the smoke in the skirts of the woods, to note the spot; while
+Joyce, with folded arms, stood at rest on the ridge, actually examining
+the valley in another direction, certain that a fire so distant could
+not be very dangerous.
+
+Jamie's calculation proved a good one. The bullet struck against the
+chimney, indented a brick, and fell upon the shingles of the roof.
+Joyce descended at the next instant, and he coolly picked up, and kept
+tossing the flattened bit of lead in his hand, for the next minute or
+two, with the air of a man who seemed unconscious of having it at all.
+
+"The enemy is besieging us, your honour," said Joyce, "but he will not
+attack at present. If I might presume to advise, we shall do well to
+leave a single sentinel on this stage, since no one can approach the
+palisades without being seen, if the man keeps in motion."
+
+"I was thinking of this myself, serjeant; we will first post Blodget
+here. We can trust him; and, as the day advances, a-less intelligent
+sentinel will answer. At the same time, he must be instructed to keep
+an eye in the rear of the Hut, danger often coming from the quarter
+least expected."
+
+All this was done, and the remainder of the men descended to the court.
+Captain Willoughby ordered the gate unbarred, when he passed outside,
+taking the direction towards the lifeless body, which still lay where
+it had fallen, at the foot of the stockades. He was accompanied by
+Joyce and Jamie Allen, the latter carrying a spade, it being the
+intention to inter the savage as the shortest means of getting rid of a
+disagreeable object. Our two old soldiers had none of the sensitiveness
+on the subject of exposure that is so apt to disturb the tyro in the
+art of war. With sentinels properly posted, they had no apprehensions
+of dangers that did not exist, and they moved with confidence and
+steadily wherever duty called. Not only was the inner gate opened and
+passed, but the outer also, the simple precaution of stationing a man
+at the first being the only safeguard taken.
+
+When outside of the palisades, the captain and his companions proceeded
+at once towards the body. It was now sunrise, and a rich light was
+illuminating the hill-tops, though the direct rays of the luminary had
+not yet descended to the valley. There lay the Indian, precisely as he
+had fallen, no warrior having interposed to save him from the scalping-
+knife. His head had reached the earth first, and the legs and body were
+tumbled on it, in a manner to render the form a confused pile of legs
+and blanket, rather than a bold savage stretched in the repose of
+death.
+
+"Poor fellow!" exclaimed the captain, as the three approached the spot;
+"it is to be hoped Blodget's bullet did its commission faithfully, else
+the fall must have hurt him sadly."
+
+"By Jove, 'tis nothing but a stuffed soldier!" cried Joyce, rolling the
+ingeniously contrived bundle over with his foot; "and here, the lad's
+ball has passed directly through its head! This is Injin deviltry, sir;
+it has been tried, in order to see whether our sentinels were or were
+not asleep."
+
+"To me, Joyce, it seems more like a white man's clumsiness. The fellow
+has been made to resemble an Indian, but people of our own colour have
+had a hand in the affair."
+
+"Well, sir, let that be as it may, it is lucky our youngster had so
+quick, an eye, and so nimble a finger. See, your honour; here is the
+pole by which the effigy was raised to the top of the palisades, and
+here is the trail on the grass yet, by which his supporter has crept
+off. The fellow seems to have scrambled along in a hurry; his trail is
+as plain as that of a whole company."
+
+The captain examined the marks left on the grass, and was of opinion
+that more than one man had been employed to set up the decoy figure, a
+circumstance that seemed probable in itself, when the weight of the
+image and the danger of exposure were remembered.--Let that be as it
+might, he was rejoiced on reflection that no one was hurt, and he still
+retained the hope of being able to come to such an understanding with
+his invaders as to supersede the necessity of actual violence.
+
+"At all events, your honour, I will carry the quaker in," said Joyce,
+tossing the stuffed figure on a shoulder. "He do to man the quaker gun
+at least, and may be of use in frightening some one of the other side,
+more than he has yet frightened us."
+
+Captain Willoughby did not object, though he reminded Joyce that the
+desertions had probably put the enemy in possession of a minute
+statement of their defences and force, including the history of the
+wooden gun. If Joel and his fellow-delinquents had joined the party at
+the mill, the name, age, character and spirit of every man remaining in
+the garrison were probably known to its leaders; and neither quakers
+nor paddies would count for much in opposing an assault.
+
+The captain came within the gate of the palisades last, closing,
+barring, and locking it with his own hands, when all immediate
+apprehensions from the enemy ceased. He knew, certainly, that it would
+probably exceed his present means of resistance, to withstand a
+vigorous assault; but, on the other hand, he felt assured that Indians
+would never approach a stockade in open day, and expose themselves to
+the hazards of losing some fifteen or twenty of their numbers, before
+they could carry the place. This was opposed to all their notions of
+war, neither honour nor advantage tempting them to adopt it. As for the
+first, agreeably to savage notions, glory was to be measured by the
+number of scalps taken and lost; and, counting all the women left in
+the Hut, there would not be heads enough to supply a sufficient number
+to prove an offset to those which would probably be lost in the
+assault.
+
+All this did the captain discuss in few words, with the serjeant, when
+he proceeded to join his anxious and expecting wife and daughters.
+
+"God has looked down upon us in mercy, and protected us this night,"
+said the grateful Mrs. Willoughby, with streaming eyes, as she received
+and returned her husband's warm embrace. "We cannot be too thankful,
+when we look at these dear girls, and our precious little Evert. If
+Robert were only with us now, I should be entirely happy!"
+
+"Such is human nature, my little Maud"--answered the captain, drawing
+his darling towards himself and kissing her polished forehead. "The
+very thoughts of being in our actual strait would have made your mother
+as miserable as her worst enemy could wish--if, indeed, there be such a
+monster on earth as _her_ enemy--and, now she protests she is
+delighted because our throats were not all cut last night. We are safe
+enough for the day I think, and not another night shall one of you pass
+in the Hut, if I can have my way. If there be such a thing as
+desertion, there is such a thing as evacuation also."
+
+"Hugh!--What _can_ you, _do_ you mean! Remember, we are
+surrounded by a wilderness."
+
+"I know our position reasonably well, wife of mine, and intend to turn
+that knowledge to some account, God willing, and aiding. I mean to
+place old Hugh Willoughby by the side of Xenophon and Washington, and
+let the world see what a man is capable of, on a retreat, when he has
+such a wife, two such daughters, and a grandson like that, on his
+hands. As for Bob, I would not have him here, on any account. The young
+dog would run away with half the glory."
+
+The ladies were too delighted to find their father and husband in such
+spirits, to be critical, and all soon after sat down to an early
+breakfast, to eat with what appetite they could.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXII.
+
+  Yet I well remember
+  The favours of these men: were they not mine?
+  Did they not sometimes cry, all hail! to me?
+  So Judas did to Christ: but he, in twelve
+  Found truth in all but one; I in twelve thousand none.
+
+  _Richard II_.
+
+That which captain Willoughby had said in seeming pleasantry he
+seriously meditated. The idea of passing another night in the Hut,
+supported by only six men, with more than ten times that number
+besieging him, and with all the secrets of his defences known, through
+the disaffection of his retainers, was, to the last degree, painful to
+him. Had his own life, alone, been at risk, military pride might have
+tempted him to remain; but his charge was far too precious to be
+exposed on account of considerations so vain.
+
+No sooner, therefore, was the breakfast over, than captain summoned
+Joyce to a consultation on the contemplated movement. The interview
+took place in the library, whither the serjeant repaired, on receiving
+his superior's orders. As to the party without, no apprehension was
+felt, so long as the sentinels were even moderately vigilant, and the
+day lasted.
+
+"I suppose, serjeant," commenced captain Willoughby, "a soldier of your
+experience is not to be taught what is the next resort of a commanding
+officer, when he finds himself unable to make good his ground against
+his enemy in front?"
+
+"It is to retreat, your honour. The road that cannot be passed, must be
+turned."
+
+"You have judged rightly. It is now my intention to evacuate the Hut,
+and to try our luck on a march to the rear. A retreat, skilfully
+executed, is a creditable thing; and any step appears preferable to
+exposing the dear beings in the other room to the dangers of a night
+assault."
+
+Joyce appeared struck with the suggestion; though, if one might have
+judged from the expression of his countenance, far from favourably. He
+reflected a moment ere he answered.
+
+"Did your honour send for me," he then inquired, "to issue orders for
+this retreat, or was it your pleasure to hear anything I might have to
+say about it?"
+
+"The last--I shall give no orders, until I know your opinion of the
+measure."
+
+"It is as much the duty of an inferior to speak his mind freely, when
+he is called for an opinion, captain Willoughby, as it is to obey in
+silence, when he gets nothing but orders. According to my views of the
+matter, we shall do better to stand our ground, and try to make good
+the house against these vagabonds, than to trust to the woods."
+
+"Of course you have your reasons for this opinion, Joyce?"
+
+"Certainly, your honour. In the first place, I suppose it to be against
+the rules of the art of war to evacuate a place that is well
+provisioned, without standing an assault. This we have not yet done. It
+is true, sir, that our ranks are thinned by desertions; but I never
+heard of a garrisoned town, or a garrisoned house, capitulating on
+account of a few deserters; and, I take it, evacuation is only the next
+step before capitulation."
+
+"But our desertions, Joyce, have not been _few_, but _many._
+Three times as many have left us, if we include our other losses, as
+remain. It matters not whence the loss proceeds, so long as it is a
+loss."
+
+"A retreat, with women and baggage, is always a ticklish operation,
+your honour, especially if an enemy is pressing your rear! Then we have
+a wilderness before us, and the ladies could hardly hold out for so
+long a march as that from this place to the Mohawk; short of which
+river they will hardly be as safe as they are at present."
+
+"I have had no such march in view, Joyce. You know there is a
+comfortable hut, only a mile from this very spot on the mountain side,
+where we commenced a clearing for a sheep-pasture, only three summers
+since. The field is in rich grass; and, could we once reach the cabin,
+and manage to drive a cow or two up there, we might remain a month in
+security. As for provisions and clothes, we could carry enough on our
+backs to serve us all several weeks; especially if assisted by the
+cows."
+
+"I'm glad your honour has thought of this idea," said the serjeant, his
+face brightening as he listened; "it will be a beautiful operation to
+fall back on that position, when we can hold out no longer in this. The
+want of some such arrangement has been my only objection to this post,
+captain Willoughby; for, we have always seemed to me, out here in the
+wilderness, like a regiment drawn up with a ravine or a swamp in its
+rear."
+
+"I am glad to find you relishing the movement for any cause, serjeant.
+It is my intention at present to make the necessary arrangements to
+evacuate the Hut, while it is light; and, as soon as it is dark, to
+retreat by the gates, the palisades, and the rivulet--How now, Jamie?
+You look as if there were news to communicate?"
+
+Jamie Allen, in truth, had entered at that instant in so much haste as
+to have overlooked the customary ceremony of sending in his name, or
+even of knocking.
+
+"News!" repeated the mason, with a sort of wondering smile "and it's
+just that I've come to bring. Wad ye think it, baith, gentlemen, that
+our people are in their am cabins ag'in, boiling their pots, and frying
+their pork, a' the same as if the valley was in a state of
+tranquillity, and we so many lairds waiting for them to come and do our
+pleasure!"
+
+"I do not understand you, Jamie--whom do you mean by 'our people'?"
+
+"Sure, just the desairters; Joel, and the miller, and Michael, and the
+rest."
+
+"And the cabins--and the pots--and the pork--it is gibberish to me."
+
+"I hae what ye English ca' an aiccent, I know; but, in my judgment,
+captain Willoughby, the words may be comprehended without a dictionary.
+It's just that Joel Strides, and Daniel the miller, and the rest o'
+them that fleed, the past night, have gane into their ain abodes, and
+have lighted their fires, and put over their pots and kettles, and set
+up their domestic habitudes, a' the same as if this Beaver Dam was ain
+o' the pairks o' Lonnon!"
+
+"The devil they have! Should this be the case, serjeant, our sortie may
+be made at an earlier hour than that mentioned. I never will submit to
+such an insult."
+
+Captain Willoughby was too much aroused to waste many words; and,
+seizing his hat, he proceeded forthwith to take a look for himself. The
+stage, or gallery on the roofs, offering the best view, in a minute he
+and his two companions were on it.
+
+"There; ye'll be seein' a smoke in Joel's habitation, with your own
+een; and, yon is anither, in the dwelling of his cousin Seth," said
+Jamie, pointing in the direction he named.
+
+"Smoke there is, of a certainty; but the Indians may have lighted fires
+in the kitchen, to do their own cooking. This looks like investing us,
+serjeant, rather more closely than the fellows have done before."
+
+"I rather think not, your honour--Jamie is right, or my eyes do not
+know a man from a woman. That is certainly a female in the garden of
+Joel, and I'll engage it's Phoebe, pulling onions for his craving
+stomach, the scoundrel!"
+
+Captain Willoughby never moved without his little glass, and it was
+soon levelled at the object mentioned.
+
+"By Jupiter, you are right, Joyce"--he cried. "It is Phoebe, though the
+hussy is coolly weeding, not culling the onions! Ay--and now I see Joel
+himself! The rascal is examining some hoes, with as much philosophy as
+if he were master of them, and all near them. This is a most singular
+situation to be in!"
+
+This last remark was altogether just. The situation of those in the Hut
+was now singular indeed. Further examination showed that every cabin
+had its tenant, no one of the party that remained within the palisades
+being a householder. By using the glass, and pointing it, in
+succession, at the different dwellings, the captain in due time
+detected the presence of nearly every one of the deserters. Not a man
+of them all, in fact, was missing, Mike alone excepted. There they
+were, with their wives and children, in quiet possession of their
+different habitations. Nor was this all; the business of the valley
+seemed as much on their minds as had been their practice for years.
+Cows were milked, the swine were fed, poultry was called and cared for,
+and each household was also making the customary preparations for the
+morning meal.
+
+So absorbed was the captain with this extraordinary scene, that he
+remained an hour on the staging, watching the course of events. The
+breakfasts were soon over, having been later than common, and a little
+hurried; then commenced the more important occupations of the day. A
+field was already half ploughed, in preparation for a crop of winter
+grain; thither Joel himself proceeded, with the necessary cattle,
+accompanied by the labourers who usually aided him in that particular
+branch of husbandry. Three ploughs were soon at work, with as much
+regularity and order as if nothing had occurred to disturb the
+tranquillity of the valley. The axes of the wood-choppers were next
+heard, coming out of the forest, cutting fuel for the approaching
+winter; and a half-finished ditch had its workmen also, who were soon
+busy casting up the soil, and fashioning their trench. In a word, all
+the suspended toil was renewed with perfect system and order.
+
+"This beats the devil himself, Joyce!" said the captain, after a half-
+hour of total silence. "Here are all these fellows at work as coolly as
+if I had just given them their tasks, and twice as diligently. Their
+unusual industry is a bad symptom of itself!"
+
+"Your honour will remark one circumstance. Not a rascal of them all
+comes within the fair range of a musket, for, as to throwing away
+ammunition at such distances, it would be clearly unmilitary, and might
+be altogether useless."
+
+"I have half a mind to scatter them with a volley"--said the captain,
+doubtingly. "Bullets would take effect among those ploughmen, could
+they only be made to hit."
+
+"And amang the cattle, too," observed the Scotsman, who had an eye on
+the more economical part of the movement, as well as on that which was
+military. "A ball would slay a horse as well as a man in such a
+skairmish."
+
+"This is true enough, Jamie; and it is not exactly the sort of warfare
+I could wish, to be firing at men who were so lately my friends. I do
+not see, Joyce, that the rascals have any arms with them?"
+
+"Not a musket, sir. I noticed that, when Joel first detailed his
+detachments. Can it be possible that the savages have retired?"
+
+"Not they; else would Mr. Strides and his friends have gone with them.
+No, serjeant, there is a deep plan to lead us into some sort of ambush
+in this affair, and we will be on the look-out for them."
+
+Joyce stood contemplating the scene for some, time, in profound
+silence, when he approached the captain formally, and made the usual
+military salute; a ceremony he had punctiliously observed, on all
+proper occasions, since the garrison might be said to be placed under
+martial law.
+
+"If it's your honour's pleasure," he said, "I will detail a detachment,
+and go out and bring in two or three of these deserters; by which means
+we shall get into their secrets."
+
+"A detachment, Joyce!" answered the captain, eyeing his subordinate a
+little curiously--"What troops do you propose to tell-off for the
+service?"
+
+"Why, your honour, there's corporal Allen and old Pliny off duty; I
+think the thing might be done with them, if your honour would have the
+condescension to order corporal Blodget, with the two other blacks, to
+form as a supporting party, under the cover of one of the fences."
+
+"A disposition of my force that would leave captain Willoughby for a
+garrison! I thank you, serjeant, for your offer and gallantry, but
+prudence will not permit it. We may set down Strides and his companions
+as so many knaves, and----"
+
+"That may ye!" cried Mike's well-known voice, from the scuttle that
+opened into the garrets, directly in front of which the two old
+soldiers were conversing--"That may ye, and no har-r-m done the trut',
+or justice, or for that matther, meself. Och! If I had me will of the
+blackguards, every rogue of 'em should be bound hand and fut and laid
+under that pratthy wather-fall, yon at the mill, until his sins was
+washed out of him. Would there be confessions then?--That would there;
+and sich letting out of sacrets as would satisfy the conscience of a
+hog!"
+
+By the time Mike had got through this sentiment he was on the staging,
+where he stood hitching up his nether garment, with a meaning grin on
+his face that gave a peculiar expression of heavy cunning to the
+massive jaw and capacious mouth, blended with an honesty and good-
+nature that the well-meaning fellow was seldom without when he
+addressed any of the captain's family. Joyce glanced at the captain,
+expecting orders to seize the returned run-away; but his superior read
+at once good faith in the expression of his old retainer's countenance.
+
+"You have occasioned us a good deal of surprise, O'Hearn, on more
+accounts than one," observed the captain, who thought it prudent to
+assume more sternness of manner than his feelings might have actually
+warranted. "You have not only gone off yourself, but you have suffered
+your prisoner to escape with you. Then your manner of getting into the
+house requires an explanation. I shall hear what you have to say before
+I make up my mind as to your conduct."
+
+"Is it spake I will?--That will I, and as long as it plase yer honour
+to listen. Och! Isn't that Saucy Nick a quare one? Divil burn me if I
+thinks the likes of him is to be found in all Ameriky, full as it is of
+Injins and saucy fellies! Well, now, I suppose, sarjeant, ye've set me
+down as sin riding off with Misther Joel and his likes, if ye was to
+open yer heart, and spake yer thrue mind?"
+
+"You have been marked for a deserter, O'Hearn, and one, too, that
+deserted from post."
+
+"Post! Had I been _that_, I shouldn't have stirred, and ye'd be
+wanting in the news I bring ye from the Majjor, and Mr. Woods, and the
+savages, and the rest of the varmints."
+
+"My son!--Is this possible, Michael? Have you seen _him_, or can
+you tell us anything of his state?"
+
+Mike now assumed a manner of mysterious importance, laying a finger on
+his nose, and pointing towards the sentinel and Jamie.
+
+"It's the sarjeant that I considers as one of the family," said the
+county Leitrim-man, when his pantomime was through, "but it isn't
+dacent to be bawling out sacrets through a whole nighbourhood; and
+then, as for _Ould_ Nick--or Saucy Nick, or whatever ye calls
+him--Och! isn't he a _pratthy_ Injin! Ye'll mar-r-ch t'rough
+Ameriky, and never see his aiquel!"
+
+"This will never do, O'Hearn. Whatever you have to say must be said
+clearly, and in the simplest manner. Follow to the library, where I
+will hear your report. Joyce, you will accompany us."
+
+"Let him come, if he wishes to hear wonderful achaivements!" answered
+Mike, making way for the captain to descend the steps; then following
+himself, talking as he went. "He'll niver brag of his campaigns ag'in
+to the likes of me, seeing that I've outdone him, ten--ay, forty times,
+and boot. Och! that Nick's a divil, and no har-r-m said!"
+
+"In the first place, O'Hearn," resumed the captain, as soon as the
+three were alone in the library--"you must explain your own desertion."
+
+"Me!--Desart! Sure, it isn't run away from yer honour, and the Missus,
+and Miss Beuly, and pratthy Miss Maud, and the child, that's yer
+honour's m'aning?"
+
+This was said with so much nature and truth, that the captain had not
+the heart to repeat the question, though Joyce's more drilled feelings
+were less moved. The first even felt a tear springing to his eye, and
+he no longer distrusted the Irishman's fidelity, as unaccountable as
+his conduct did and must seem to his cooler judgment. But Mike's
+sensitiveness had taken the alarm, and it was only to be appeased by
+explanations.
+
+"Yer honour's not sp'aking when I questions ye on that same?" he
+resumed, doubtingly.
+
+"Why, Mike, to be sincere, it did look a little suspicious when you not
+only went, off yourself, but you let the Indian go off with you."
+
+"Did it?"--said Mike, mus'ng--"No, I don't allow that, seein' that the
+intent and object was good. And, then, I never took the Injin wid
+_me_; but 'twas I, meself, that went wid _him_."
+
+"I rather think, your honour," said Joyce, smiling, "we'll put
+O'Hearn's name in its old place on the roster, and make no mark against
+him at pay-day."
+
+"I think it will turn out so, Joyce. We must have patience, too, and
+let Mike tell his story in his own way."
+
+"Is it tell a story, will I? Ah!--Nick's the cr'ature for that same!
+See, he has given me foor bits of sticks, every one of which is to tell
+a story, in its own way. This is the first; and it manes let the
+captain into the sacret of your retrait; and how you got out of the
+windie, and how you comes near to breaking yer neck by a fall becaase
+of the fut's slipping; and how ye wint down the roof by a rope, the
+divil a bit fastening it to yer neck, but houlding it in yer hand with
+sich a grip as if 'twere the fait' of the church itself; and how Nick
+led ye to the hole out of which ye hot' wint, as if ye had been two
+cats going t'rough a door!"
+
+Mike stopped to grin and look wise, as he recounted the manner of the
+escape, the outlines of which, however, were sufficiently well known to
+his auditors before he, began.
+
+"Throw away that stick, now, and let us know where this hole is, and
+what you mean by it."
+
+"No"--answered Mike, looking at the stick, in a doubting manner--"I'll
+not t'row it away, wid yer honour's l'ave, 'till I've told ye how we
+got into the brook, forenent the forest, and waded up to the woods,
+where we was all the same as if we had been two bits of clover tops hid
+in a haymow. That Nick is a cr'ature at consailment!"
+
+"Go on," said the captain, patiently, knowing that there was no use in
+hurrying one of Mike's peculiar mode of communicating his thoughts.
+"What came next?"
+
+"That will I; and the r'ason comes next, as is seen by this oder stick.
+And, so, Nick and meself was in the chaplain's room all alone, and
+n'ither of us had any mind to dhrink; Nick becaase he was a prisoner
+and felt crass, and full of dignity like; and meself becaase I was a
+sentinel; and sarjeant Joyce, there, had tould me, the Lord knows how
+often, that if I did my duty well, I might come to be a corporal, which
+was next in rank to himself; barring, too, that I was a sentinel, and a
+drunken sentinel is a disgrace to a man, sowl and body, and musket."
+
+"And so neither of you drank?"--put in the captain, by way of a
+reminder.
+
+"For that same r'ason, and one betther still, as we had nothin' _to_
+dhrink. Well, says Nick--'Mike,' says he--'you like cap'in, and
+Missus, and Miss Beuly, and Miss Maud, and the babby?' Divil burn ye,
+Nick,' says I, 'why do ye ask so foolish a question? Is it likes ye
+would know? Well--then just ask yerself if you likes yer own kith and
+kin, and ye've got yer answer.'"
+
+"And Nick made his proposal, on getting this answer," interrupted the
+captain, "which was--"
+
+"Here it is, on the stick. 'Well,' says Nick, says he--'run away wid
+Nick, and see Majjor; bring back news. Nick cap'in friend, but cap'in
+don't know it--won't believe'--Fait', I can't _tell_ yer honour
+all Nick said, in his own manner; and so, wid yer Pave, I'll just tell
+it in my own way."
+
+"Any way, Mike, so that you do but tell it."
+
+"Nick's a cr'ature! His idee was for us two to get out of the windie,
+and up on the platform, and to take the bedcord, and other things, and
+slide down upon the ground--and we _did_ it! As sure as yer honour
+and the sarjeant is there, we did _that same_, and no bones broke!
+'Well,' says I, 'Nick, ye're here, sure enough, but how do you mane to
+get _out_ of here? Is it climb the palisades ye will, and be shot
+by a sentinel?'--if there was one, which there wasn't, yer honour,
+seeing that all had run away--'or do ye mane to stay here,' says I,
+'and be taken a prisoner of war ag'in, in which case ye'll be two
+prisoners, seem' that ye've been taken wonst already, will ye Nick?'
+says I. So Nick never spoke, but he held up his finger, and made a sign
+for me to follow, as follow I did; and we just crept through the
+palisade, and a mhighty phratty walk we had of it, alang the meadies,
+and t'rough the lanes, the rest of the way."
+
+"You crept through the palisades, Mike! There is no outlet of
+sufficient size."
+
+"I admits the hole is a tight squaze, but 'twill answer. And then it's
+just as good for an inlet as it is for an outlet, seein' that I came
+t'rough it this very marnin'. Och! Nick's a cr'ature! And how d'ye
+think that hole comes there, barring all oversights in setting up the
+sticks?"
+
+"It has not been made intentionally, I should hope, O'Hearn?"
+
+"'Twas made by Joel, and that by just sawing off a post, and forcin'
+out a pin or two, so that the palisade works like a door. Och! it's
+nately contrived, and it manes mischief."
+
+"This must be looked to, at once," cried the captain; "lead the way,
+Mike, and show us the spot."
+
+As the Irishman was nothing loth, all three were soon in the court,
+whence Mike led the way through the gate, round to the point where the
+stockade came near the cliffs, on the eastern side of the buildings.
+This was the spot where the path that led down to the spring swept
+along the defences, and was on the very route by which the captain
+contemplated retreating, as well as on that by which Maud had entered
+the Hut, the night of the invasion. At a convenient place, a palisade
+had been sawed off, so low in the ground that the sods, which had been
+cut and were moveable, concealed the injury, while the heads of the
+pins that ought to have bound the timber to the cross-piece, were in
+their holes, leaving everything apparently secure. On removing the
+sods, and pushing the timber aside, the captain ascertained that a man
+might easily pass without the stockade. As this corner was the most
+retired within the works, there was no longer any doubt that the hole
+had been used by all the deserters, including the women and children.
+In what manner it became known to Nick, however, still remained matter
+of conjecture.
+
+Orders were about to be given to secure this passage, when it occurred
+to the captain it might possibly be of use in effecting his own
+retreat. With this object in view, then, he hastened away from the
+place, lest any wandering eye without might detect his presence near
+it, and conjecture the cause. On returning to the library, the
+examination of Mike was resumed.
+
+As the reader must be greatly puzzled with the county Leitrim-man's
+manner of expressing himself, we shall relate the substance of what he
+now uttered, for the sake of brevity. It would seem that Nick had
+succeeded in persuading Mike, first, that he, the Tuscarora, was a fast
+friend of the captain and his family, confined by the former, in
+consequence of a misconception of the real state of the Indian's
+feelings, much to the detriment of all their interests; and that no
+better service could be rendered the Willoughbys than to let Nick
+depart, and for the Irishman to go with him. Mike, however, had not the
+slightest idea of desertion, the motive which prevailed on him to quit
+the Hut being a desire to see the major, and, if possible, to help him
+escape. As soon as this expectation was placed before his eyes, Mike
+became a convert to the Indian's wishes. Like all exceedingly zealous
+men, the Irishman had an itching propensity to be doing, and he was
+filled with a sort of boyish delight at the prospect of effecting a
+great service to those whom he so well loved, without their knowing it.
+Such was the history of Michael's seeming desertion; that of what
+occurred after he quitted the works remains to be related.
+
+The Tuscarora led his companion out of the Hut, within half an hour
+after they had been left alone together, in the room of Mr. Woods. As
+this was subsequently to Joel's flight, Nick, in anticipation of this
+event, chose to lie in ambush a short time, in order to ascertain
+whether the defection was likely to go any further. Satisfied on this
+head, he quietly retired towards the mill. After making a sufficient
+_dêtour_ to avoid being seen from the house, Nick gave himself no
+trouble about getting into the woods, or of practising any of the
+expedients of a time of real danger, as had been done by all of the
+deserters; but he walked leisurely across the meadows, until he struck
+the highway, along which he proceeded forthwith to the rocks. All this
+was done in a way that showed he felt himself at home, and that he had
+no apprehensions of falling into an ambush. It might have arisen from
+his familiarity with the ground; or, it might have proceeded from the
+consciousness that he was approaching friends, instead of enemies.
+
+At the rocks, however, Nick did not deem it wise to lead Mike any
+farther, without some preliminary caution. The white man was concealed
+in one of the clefts, therefore, while the Indian pursued his way
+alone. The latter was absent an hour; at the end of that time he
+returned, and, after giving Mike a great many cautions about silence
+and prudence, he led him to the cabin of the miller, in the buttery of
+which Robert Willoughby was confined. To this buttery there was a
+window; but, as it was so small as to prevent escape, no sentinel had
+been placed on the outside of the building. For his own comfort, too,
+and in order to possess his narrow lodgings to himself, the major had
+given a species of parole, by which he was bound to remain in duresse,
+until the rising of the next sun. Owing to these two causes, Nick had
+been enabled to approach the window, and to hold communications with
+the prisoner. This achieved, he returned to the rocks, and led Mike to
+the same spot.
+
+Major Willoughby had not been able to write much, in consequence of the
+darkness. That which he communicated, accordingly, had to pass through
+the fiery ordeal of the Irishman's brains. As a matter of course it did
+not come with particular lucidity, though Mike did succeed in making
+his auditors comprehend this much.
+
+The major was substantially well treated, though intimations had been
+given that he would be considered as a spy. Escape seemed next to
+impossible; still, he should not easily abandon the hope. From all he
+had seen, the party was one of that irresponsible character that would
+render capitulation exceedingly hazardous, and he advised his father to
+hold out to the last. In a military point of view, he considered his
+captors as contemptible, being without a head; though many of the
+men:--the savages in particular--appeared to be ferocious and
+reckless. The whole party was guarded in discourse, and little was said
+in English, though he was convinced that many more whites were present
+than he had at first believed. Mr. Woods he had not seen, nor did he
+know anything of his arrest or detention.
+
+This much Mike succeeded in making the captain comprehend, though a
+great deal was lost through the singular confusion that prevailed in
+the mind of the messenger. Mike however, had still another
+communication, which we reserve for the ears of the person to whom it
+was especially sent.
+
+This news produced a pause in captain Willoughby's determination. Some
+of the fire of youth awoke within him, and he debated with himself on
+the possibility of making a sortie, and of liberating his son, as a
+step preliminary to victory; or, at least, to a successful retreat.
+Acquainted with every foot of the ground, which had singular facilities
+for a step so bold, the project found favour in his eyes each minute,
+and soon became fixed.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIII.
+
+  Yet I well remember
+  The favours of these men: were they not mine?
+  Did they not sometimes cry, all hail! to me?
+  So Judas did to Christ: but he, in twelve
+  Found truth in all but one; I in twelve thousand none.
+
+  Willis.
+
+While the captain and Joyce were digesting their plans Mike proceeded
+on an errand of peculiar delicacy with which he had been entrusted by
+Robert Willoughby. The report that he had returned flew through the
+dwellings, and many were the hearty greetings and shakings of the hand
+that the honest fellow had to undergo from the Plinys and Smashes, ere
+he was at liberty to set about the execution of this trust. The
+wenches, in particular, having ascertained that Mike had not broken his
+fast, insisted on his having a comfortable meal, in a sort of servants'
+hall, before they would consent to his quitting their sight. As the
+county Leitrim-man was singularly ready with a knife and fork, he made
+no very determined opposition, and, in a few minutes, he was hard at
+work, discussing a cold ham, with the other collaterals of a
+substantial American breakfast.
+
+The blacks, the Smashes inclusive, had been seriously alarmed at the
+appearance of the invading party. Between them and the whole family of
+red-men there existed a sort of innate dislike; an antipathy that
+originated in colour, and wool, and habits, and was in no degree
+lessened by apprehensions on the score of scalps.
+
+"How you look, ole Plin, widout wool?" Big Smash had reproachfully
+remarked, not five minutes before Mike made his appearance in the
+kitchen, in answer to some apologetic observation of her husband, as to
+the intentions of the savages being less hostile than he had at first
+imagined; "why you say dey _no_ murder, and steal and set fire,
+when you know dey's Injin! Natur' be natur'; and dat I hear dominie
+Woods say t'ree time one Sunday. What 'e dominie say _often_, he
+mean, and dere no use in saying dey don't come to do harm."
+
+As Great Smash was an oracle in her own set, there was no gainsaying
+her dogmas, and Pliny the elder was obliged to succumb. But the
+presence of Mike, one who was understood to have been out, _near_,
+if not actually _in_, the enemy's camp, and a great favourite in
+the bargain, was a circumstance likely to revive the discourse. In
+fact, all the negroes, crowded into the hall, as soon as the Irishman
+was seated at table, one or two eager to talk, the rest as eager to
+listen.
+
+"How near you been to sabbage, Michael?" demanded Big Smash, her two
+large coal-black eyes seeming to open in a degree proportioned to her
+interest in the answer.
+
+"I wint as nigh as there was occasion, Smash, and that was nigher than
+the likes of yer husband there would be thinking of travelling. Maybe
+'twas as far as from my plate here to yon door; maybe not quite so far.
+They 're a dhirty set, and I wish to go no nearer."
+
+"What dey look like, in 'e dark?" inquired Little Smash--"Awful as by
+daylight?"
+
+"It's not meself that stopped to admire 'em. Nick and I had our
+business forenent us, and when a man is hurried, it isn't r'asonable to
+suppose he can kape turning his head about to see sights."
+
+"What dey do wid Misser Woods?--What sabbage want wid dominie?"
+
+"Sure enough, little one; and the question is of yer own asking. A
+praist, even though he should be only a heretic, can have no great call
+for his sarvices, in _sich_ a congregation. And, I don't think the
+fellows are blackguards enough to scalp a parson."
+
+Then followed a flood of incoherent questions that were put by all the
+blacks in a body, accompanied by divers looks ominous of the most
+serious disasters, blended with bursts of laughter that broke out of
+their risible natures in a way to render the medley of sensations as
+ludicrous as it was strange. Mike soon found answering a task too
+difficult to be attempted, and he philosophically came to a
+determination to confine his efforts to masticating.
+
+Notwithstanding the terror that actually prevailed among the blacks, it
+was not altogether unmixed with a resolution to die with arms in their
+hands, in preference to yielding to savage clemency. Hatred, in a
+measure, supplied the place of courage, though both sexes had
+insensibly imbibed some of that resolution which is the result of
+habit, and of which a border life is certain to instil more or less
+into its subjects, in a form suited to border emergencies. Nor was this
+feeling confined to the men; the two Smashes, in particular, being
+women capable of achieving acts that would be thought heroic under
+circumstances likely to arouse their feelings.
+
+"Now, Smashes," said Mike, when, by his own calculation, he had about
+three minutes to the termination of his breakfast before him, "ye'll do
+what I tells ye, and no questions asked. Ye'll find the laddies,
+Missus, and Miss Beuly, and Miss Maud, and ye'll give my humble
+respects to 'em all--divil the bit, now, will ye be overlooking either
+of the t'ree, but ye'll do yer errand genteely and like a laddy
+yerself--and ye'll give my jewty and respects to 'em _all_, I
+tells ye, and say that Michael O'Hearn asks the honour of being allowed
+to wish 'em good morning."
+
+Little Smash screamed at this message; yet she went, forthwith, and
+delivered it, making reasonably free with Michael's manner and
+gallantry in so doing.
+
+"O'Hearn has something to tell us from Robert"--said Mrs. Willoughby,
+who had been made acquainted with the Irishman's exploits and return;
+"he must be suffered to come in as soon as he desires."
+
+With this reply, Little Smash terminated her mission.
+
+"And now, laddies and gentlemen," said Mike, with gravity, as he rose
+to quit the servants' hall, "my blessing and good wishes be wid ye. A
+hearty male have I had at yer hands and yer cookery, and good thanks it
+desarves. As for the Injins, jist set yer hearts at rest, as not one of
+ye will be scalp'd the day, seeing that the savages are all to be
+forenent the mill this morning, houlding a great council, as I knows
+from Nick himself. A comfortable time, then, ye may all enjoy, wid yer
+heads on yer shoulters, and yer wool on yer heads."
+
+Mike's grin, as he retreated, showed that he meant to be facetious,
+having all the pleasantry that attends a full stomach uppermost in his
+animal nature at that precise moment. A shout rewarded this sally, and
+the parties separated with mutual good humour and good feeling. In this
+state of mind, the county Leitrim-man was ushered into the presence of
+the ladies. A few words of preliminary explanations were sufficient to
+put Mike in the proper train, when he came at once to his subject.
+
+"The majjor is no way down-hearted," he said, "and he ordered me to
+give his jewty and riverence, and obligations, to his honoured mother
+and his sisters. 'Tell 'em, Mike,' says he, says the majjor, 'that I
+feels for 'em, all the same as if I was their own fader; and tell 'em,'
+says he, 'to keep up their spirits, and all will come right in the ind.
+This is a throublesome wor-r-ld, but they that does their jewties to
+God and man, and the church, will not fail, in the long run, to wor-r-k
+their way t'rough purgatory even, into paradise.'"
+
+"Surely my son--my dear Robert--never sent us such a message as this,
+Michael?"
+
+"Every syllable of it, and a quantity moor that has slipped my memory,"
+answered the Irishman, who was inventing, but who fancied he was
+committing a very pious fraud--"'Twould have done the Missuses heart
+good to have listened to the majjor, who spoke more in the
+cha_rack_ter of a praist, like, than in that of a souldier."
+
+All three of the ladies looked a little abashed, though there was a
+gleam of humour about the mouth of Maud, that showed she was not very
+far from appreciating the Irishman's report at its just value. As for
+Mrs. Willoughby and Beulah, less acquainted with Mike's habits, they
+did not so readily penetrate his manner of substituting his own
+desultory thoughts for the ideas of others.
+
+"As I am better acquainted with Mike's language, dear mother"--
+whispered Maud--"perhaps it will be well if I take him into the library
+and question him a little between ourselves about what actually passed.
+Depend on it, I shall get the truth."
+
+"Do, my child, for it really pains me to hear Robert so much
+misrepresented--and, as Evert must now begin to have ideas, I really do
+not like that his uncle should be so placed before the dear little
+fellow's mind."
+
+Maud did not even smile at this proof of a grandmother's weakness,
+though she felt and saw all its absurdity. Heart was ever so much
+uppermost with the excellent matron, that it was not easy for those she
+loved to regard anything but her virtues; and least of all did her
+daughter presume to indulge in even a thought that was ludicrous at her
+expense. Profiting by the assent, therefore, Maud quietly made a motion
+for Mike to follow, and proceeded at once to the room she had named.
+
+Not a word was exchanged between the parties until both were in the
+library, when Maud carefully closed the door, her face pale as marble,
+and stood looking inquiringly at her companion. The reader will
+understand that, Mr. Woods and Joyce excepted, not a soul at the Hut,
+out of the limits of the Willoughby connection, knew anything of our
+heroine's actual relation to the captain and his family. It is true,
+some of the oldest of the blacks had once some vague notions on the
+subject; but _their_ recollections had become obscured by time,
+and habit was truly second nature with all of the light-hearted race.
+
+"_That_ was mighty injanious of you, Miss Maud!" Mike commenced,
+giving one of his expressive grins again, and fairly winking. "It shows
+how fri'nds wants no spache but their own minds. Barrin' mistakes and
+crass-accidents, I'm sartain that Michael O'Hearn can make himself
+understood any day by Miss Maud Willoughby, an' niver a word said."
+
+"Your success then, Mike, will be greater at dumb-show than it always
+is with your tongue," answered the young lady, the blood slowly
+returning to her cheek, the accidental use of the name of Willoughby
+removing the apprehension of anything immediately embarrassing; "what
+have you to tell me that you suppose I have anticipated?"
+
+"Sure, the like o' yees needn't be tould, Miss Maud, that the majjor
+bad me spake to ye by yerself, and say a word that was not to be
+overheerd by any one else."
+
+"This is singular--extraordinary even--but let me know more, though the
+messenger be altogether so much out of the common way!"
+
+"I t'ought ye 'd say _that_, when ye come to know me. Is it meself
+that 's a messenger? and where is there another that can carry news
+widout spilling any by the way? Nick's a cr'ature, I allows; but the
+majjor know'd a million times bhetter than to trust an Injin wid sich a
+jewty. As for Joel, and _that_ set of vagabonds, we'll grind 'em
+all in the mill, before we've done wid 'em. Let 'em look for no
+favours, if they wishes no disapp'intment."
+
+Maud sickened at the thought of having any of those sacred feelings
+connected with Robert Willoughby that she had so long cherished in her
+inmost heart, rudely probed by so unskilful a hand; though her last
+conversation with the young soldier had told so much, even while it
+left so much unsaid, that she could almost kneel and implore Mike to be
+explicit. The reserve of a woman, notwithstanding, taught her how to
+preserve her sex's decorum, and to maintain appearances.
+
+"If major Willoughby desired you to communicate anything to me, in
+particular," she said, with seeming composure, "I am ready to hear it."
+
+"Divil the word did he desire, Miss Maud, for everything was in
+whispers between us, but jist what I'm about to repait. And here's my
+stick, that Nick tould me to kape as a reminderer; it 's far bhetter
+for me than a book, as I can't read a syllable. 'And now, Mike,' says
+the majjor, says he, 'conthrive to see phratty Miss Maud by
+herself'----"
+
+"_Pretty_ Miss Maud!" interrupted the young lady, involuntarily.
+
+"Och! it's meself that says _that_, and sure there 's plenty of
+r'ason for it; so we'll agree it's all right and proper--'phratty Miss
+Maud by herself, letting no mortal else know what you are about.
+_That_ was the majjor's."
+
+"It is very extraordinary!--Perhaps it will be better Michael, if you
+tell me nothing but what is strictly the major's. A message should be
+delivered as nearly like the words that were actually sent as
+possible."
+
+"Wor-r-ds!--And it isn't wor-r-ds at all, that I have to give ye."
+
+"If not a message in words, in what else can it be?--Not in sticks,
+surely."
+
+"In _that_"--cried Mike, exultingly--"and, I'll warrant, when the
+trut' comes out, that very little bit of silver will be found as good
+as forty Injin scalps."
+
+Although Mike put a small silver snuff-box that Maud at once recognised
+as Robert Willoughby's property into the young lady's hand, nothing was
+more apparent than the circumstance that he was profoundly ignorant of
+the true meaning of what he was doing. The box was very beautiful, and
+his mother and Beulah had often laughed at the major for using an
+article that was then deemed _de rigueur_ for a man of extreme
+_ton_, when all his friends knew he never touched snuff. So far from
+using the stimulant, indeed, he never would show how the box was
+opened, a secret spring existing; and he even manifested or betrayed
+shyness on the subject of suffering either of his sisters to search for
+the means of doing so.
+
+The moment Maud saw the box, her heart beat tumultuously. She had a
+presentiment that her fate was about to be decided. Still, she had
+sufficient self-command to make an effort to learn all her companion
+had to communicate.
+
+"Major Willoughby gave you this box," she said, her voice trembling in
+spite of herself. "Did he send any message with it? Recollect yourself;
+the words may be very important."
+
+"Is it the wor-r-ds? Well, it's little of _them_ that passed
+between us, barrin' that the Injins was so near by, that it was whisper
+we did, and not a bit else."
+
+"Still there _must_ have been _some_ message."
+
+"Ye are as wise as a sarpent, Miss Maud, as Father O'Loony used to tell
+us all of a Sunday! Was it wor-r-ds!--Give _that_ to Miss Maud,'
+says the majjor, says he, 'and tell her she is now _misthress of my
+sacret._"
+
+"Did he say this, Michael?--For heaven's sake, be certain of what you
+tell me."
+
+"Irish Mike--Masser want you in monstrous hurry," cried the youngest of
+the three black men, thrusting his glistening lace into the door,
+announcing the object of the intrusion, and disappearing almost in the
+same instant.
+
+"Do not leave me, O'Hearn," said Maud, nearly gasping for breath, "do
+not leave me without an assurance there is no mistake."
+
+"Divil bur-r-n me if I 'd brought the box, or the message, or anything
+like it, phretty Miss Maud, had I t'ought it would have done this har-
+r-m."
+
+"Michael O'Hearn," called the serjeant from the court, in his most
+authoritative military manner, and that on a key that would not brook
+denial.
+
+Mike did not dare delay; in half a minute Maud found herself standing
+alone, in the centre of the library, holding the well-known snuff-box
+of Robert Willoughby in her little hand. The renowned caskets of Portia
+had scarcely excited more curiosity in their way than this little
+silver box of the major's had created in the mind of Maud. In addition
+to his playful evasions about letting her and Beulah pry into its
+mysteries, he had once said to herself, in a grave and feeling manner,
+"When you get at the contents of this box, dear girl, you will learn
+the great secret of my life." These words had made a deep impression at
+the time--it was in his visit of the past year--but they had been
+temporarily forgotten in the variety of events and stronger sensations
+that had succeeded. Mike's message, accompanied by the box itself,
+however, recalled them, and Maud fancied that the major, considering
+himself to be in some dangerous emergency, had sent her the bauble in
+order that she might learn what that secret was. Possibly he meant her
+to communicate it to others. Persons in our heroine's situation feel,
+more than they reason; and it is possible Maud might have come to some
+other conclusion had she been at leisure, or in a state of mind to
+examine all the circumstances in a more logical manner.
+
+Now she was in possession of this long-coveted box--coveted at least so
+far as a look into its contents were concerned--Maud not only found
+herself ignorant of the secret by which it was opened, but she had
+scruples about using the means, even had she been in possession of
+them. At first she thought of carrying the thing to Beulah, and of
+asking if she knew any way of getting at the spring; then she shrunk
+from the exposure that might possibly attend such a step. The more she
+reflected, the more she felt convinced that Robert Willoughby would not
+have sent _her_ that particular box, unless it were connected with
+herself, in some way more than common; and ever since the conversation
+in the painting-room she had seen glimmerings of the truth, in relation
+to his feelings. These glimmerings too, had aided her in better
+understanding her own heart, and all her sentiments revolted at the
+thought of having a witness to any explanation that might relate to the
+subject. In every event she determined, after a few minutes of thought,
+not to speak of the message, or the present, to a living soul.
+
+In this condition of mind, filled with anxiety, pleasing doubts,
+apprehensions, shame, and hope, all relieved, however, by the secret
+consciousness of perfect innocence, and motives that angels might avow,
+Maud stood, in the very spot where Mike had left her, turning the box
+in her hands, when accidentally she touched the spring, and the lid
+flew open. To glance at the contents was an act so natural and
+involuntary as to anticipate reflection.
+
+Nothing was visible but a piece of white paper, neatly folded, and
+compressed into the box in a way to fill its interior. "Bob has
+written," thought Maud--"Yet how could he do this? He was in the dark,
+and had not pen or paper!" Another look rendered this conjecture still
+more improbable, as it showed the gilt edge of paper of the quality
+used for notes, an article equally unlikely to be found in the mill and
+in his own pocket. "Yet it must be a note," passed through her mind,
+"and of course it was written before he left the Hut--quite likely
+before he arrived--possibly the year before, when he spoke of the box
+as containing the evidence of the great secret of his life."
+
+Maud now wished for Mike, incoherent, unintelligible, and blundering as
+he was, that she might question him still further as to the precise
+words of the message. "Possibly Bob did not intend me to open the-box
+at all," she thought, "and meant merely that I should keep it until he
+could return to claim it. It contains a great secret; and, because he
+wishes to keep this secret from the Indians, it does not follow that he
+intends to reveal it to me. I will shut the box again, and guard his
+secret as I would one of my own."
+
+This was no sooner _thought_ than it was _done_. A pressure
+of the lid closed it, and Maud heard the snap of the spring with a
+start. Scarcely was the act performed ere she repented it. "Bob would
+not have sent the box without some particular object," she went on to
+imagine; "and had he intended it not to be opened, he would have told
+as much to O'Hearn. How easy would it have been for him to say, and for
+Mike to repeat, 'tell her to keep the box till I ask for it--it
+contains a secret, and I wish my captors not to learn it.' No, he has
+sent the box with the design that I should examine its contents. His
+very life may depend on my doing so; yes, and on my doing so this
+minute!"
+
+This last notion no sooner glanced athwart our heroine's mind, than she
+began diligently to search for the hidden spring. Perhaps curiosity had
+its influence on the eagerness to arrive at the secret, which she now
+manifested; possibly a tenderer and still more natural feeling lay
+concealed behind it all. At any rate, her pretty little fingers never
+were employed more nimbly, and not a part of the exterior of the box
+escaped its pressure. Still, the secret spring eluded her search. The
+box had two or three bands of richly chased work on each side of the
+place of opening, and amid these ornaments Maud felt certain that the
+little projection she sought must lie concealed. To examine these,
+then, she commenced in a regular and connected manner, resolved that
+not a single raised point should be neglected. Accident, however, as
+before, stood her friend; and, at a moment when she least expected it,
+the lid flew back, once more exposing the paper to view.
+
+Maud had been too seriously alarmed about re-opening the box, to
+hesitate a moment now, as to examining its contents. The paper was
+removed, and she began to unfold it slowly, a slight tremor passing
+through her frame as she did so. For a single instant she paused to
+scent the delightful and delicate perfume that seemed to render the
+interior sacred; then her fingers resumed their office. At each
+instant, her eyes expected to meet Robert Willoughby's well known
+handwriting. But the folds of the paper opened on a blank. To Maud's
+surprise, and, for a single exquisitely painful moment, she saw that a
+lock of hair was all the box contained, besides the paper in which it
+was enveloped. Her look became anxious, and her face pale; then the
+eyes brightened, and a blush that might well be likened to the tints
+with which the approach of dawn illumines the sky, suffused her cheeks,
+as, holding the hair to the light, the long ringlets dropped at length,
+and she recognised one of those beautiful tresses, of which so many
+were falling at that very moment, in rich profusion around her awn
+lovely face. To unloosen her hair from the comb, and to lay the secret
+of Bob Willoughby by its side, in a way to compare the glossy shades,
+was the act of only a moment; it sufficed, however, to bring a perfect
+conviction of the truth. It was a memorial of herself, then, that
+Robert Willoughby so prized, had so long guarded with care, and which
+he called the secret of his life!
+
+It was impossible for Maud not to understand all this. Robert
+Willoughby loved her; he had taken this mode of telling his passion. He
+had been on the point of doing this in words the very day before; and
+now he availed himself of the only means that offered of completing the
+tale. A flood of tenderness gushed to the heart of Maud, as she passed
+over all this in her mind; and, from that moment, she ceased to feel
+shame at the recollection of her own attachment. She might still have
+shrunk a little from avowing it to her father, and mother, and Beulah;
+but, as to herself the world, and the object of her affections, she now
+stood perfectly vindicated in her own eyes.
+
+That was a precious half-hour which succeeded. For the moment, all
+present dangers were lost sight of, in the glow of future hopes. Maud's
+imagination portrayed scenes of happiness, in which domestic duties,
+Bob beloved, almost worshipped, and her father and mother happy in the
+felicity of their children, were the prominent features; while Beulah
+and little Evert filled the back-ground of the picture in colours of
+pleasing softness. But these were illusions that could not last, for
+ever, the fearful realities of her situation returning with the greater
+consciousness of existence. Still, Bob might now be loved, without
+wounding any of the sensitiveness of her sex's opinions; and dearly,
+engrossingly, passionately was he rewarded, for the manner in which he
+had thought of letting her know the true state of his heart, at a
+moment when he had so much reason to think only of himself.
+
+It was time for Maud to return to her mother and sister. The box was
+carefully concealed, leaving the hair in its old envelope, and she
+hurried to the nursery. On entering the room, she found that her father
+had just preceded her. The captain was grave, more thoughtful than
+usual, and his wife, accustomed to study his countenance for so much of
+her happiness, saw at once that something lay heavy on his mind.
+
+"Has anything out of the way happened, Hugh?" she asked, "to give you
+uneasiness?"
+
+Captain Willoughby drew a chair to the side of that of his wife, seated
+himself, and took her hand before he answered. Little Evert, who sat on
+her knee, was played with, for a moment, as if to defer a disagreeable
+duty; not till then did he even speak.
+
+"You know, dearest Wilhelmina," the captain finally commenced, "that
+there have never been any concealments between us, on the score of
+danger, even when I was a professed soldier, and might be said to carry
+my life in my hand."
+
+"You have ever found me reasonable, I trust, while feeling like a
+woman, mindful of my duty as a wife?"
+
+"I have, love; this is the reason I have always dealt with you so
+frankly."
+
+"We understand each other, Hugh. Now tell me the worst at once."
+
+"I am not certain you will think there is any worst about it,
+Wilhelmina, as Bob's liberty is the object. I intend to go out myself,
+at the head of all the white men that remain, in order to deliver him
+from the hands of his enemies. This will leave you, for a time--six or
+seven hours perhaps--in the Hut, with only the three blacks as a guard,
+and with the females. You need have no apprehension of an assault,
+however, everything indicating a different intention on the part of our
+enemies; on that score you may set your hearts at rest."
+
+"All my apprehensions and prayers will be for you, my husband--for
+ourselves, we care not."
+
+"This I expected; it is to lessen these very apprehensions that I have
+come to tell you my whole plan."
+
+Captain Willoughby now related, with some minuteness, the substance of
+Mike's report, and his own plan, of the last of which we have already
+given an outline. Everything had been well matured in his mind, and all
+promised success. The men were apprised of the service on which they
+were to be employed, and every one of them had manifested the best
+spirit. They were then busy in equipping themselves; in half an hour
+they would be ready to march.
+
+To all this Mrs. Willoughby listened like a soldier's wife, accustomed
+to the risks of a frontier warfare, though she felt like a woman.
+Beulah pressed little Evert to her heart, while her pallid countenance
+was turned to her father with a look that seemed to devour every
+syllable. As for Maud, a strange mixture of dread and wild delight were
+blended in her bosom. To have Bob liberated, and restored to them, was
+approaching perfect happiness, though it surpassed her powers not to
+dread misfortunes. Nevertheless, the captain was so clear in his
+explanations, so calm in his manner, and of a judgment so approved,
+that his auditors felt far less concern than might naturally have been
+expected.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIV.
+
+  "March--march--march!
+  Making sounds as they tread,
+  Ho-ho! how they step,
+  Going down to the dead."
+
+  Coxe.
+
+The time Maud consumed in her meditations over the box and its
+contents, had been employed by the captain in preparations for his
+enterprise. Joyce, young Blodget, Jamie and Mike, led by their
+commander in person, were to compose the whole force on the occasion;
+and every man had been busy in getting his arms, ammunition and
+provisions ready, for the last half-hour. When captain Willoughby,
+therefore, had taken leave of his family, he found the party in a
+condition to move.
+
+The first great desideratum was to quit the Hut unseen. Joel and his
+followers were still at work, in distant fields; but they all carefully
+avoided that side of the Knoll which would have brought them within
+reach of the musket, and this left all behind the cliff unobserved,
+unless Indians were in the woods in that direction. As Mike had so
+recently passed in by that route, however, the probability was the
+whole party still remained in the neighbourhood of the mills, where all
+accounts agreed in saying they mainly kept. It was the intention of the
+captain, therefore, to sally by the rivulet and the rear of the house,
+and to gain the woods under cover of the bushes on the banks of the
+former, as had already been done by so many since the inroad.
+
+The great difficulty was to quit the house, and reach the bed of the
+stream, unseen. This step, however, was a good deal facilitated by
+means of Joel's sally-port, the overseer having taken, himself, all the
+precautions against detection of which the case well admitted.
+Nevertheless, there was the distance between the palisades and the base
+of the rocks, some forty or fifty yards, which was entirely uncovered,
+and had to be passed under the notice of any wandering eyes that might
+happen to be turned in that quarter. After much reflection, the captain
+and serjeant came to the conclusion to adopt the following mode of
+proceeding.
+
+Blodget passed the hole, by himself, unarmed, rolling down the
+declivity until he reached the stream. Here a thicket concealed him
+sufficiently, the bushes extending along the base of the rocks,
+following the curvature of the rivulet. Once within these bushes, there
+was little danger of detection. As soon as it was ascertained that the
+young man was beneath the most eastern of the outer windows of the
+northern wing, the only one of the entire range that had bushes
+directly under it, all the rifles were lowered down to him, two at a
+time, care being had that no one should appear at the window during the
+operation. This was easily effected, jerks of the rope sufficing for
+the necessary signals to haul in the line. The ammunition succeeded;
+and in this manner, all the materials of offence and defence were soon
+collected on the margin of the stream.
+
+The next step was to send the men out, one by one, imitating the
+precautions taken by Blodget. Each individual had his own provisions,
+and most of the men carried some sort of arms, such as a pistol, or a
+knife, about his person. In half an hour the four men were armed, and
+waited for the leader, concealed by the bushes on the border of the
+brook. It only remained for captain Willoughby to give some
+instructions to those he left in the Hut, and to follow.
+
+Pliny the elder, in virtue of his years, and some experience in Indian
+warfare, succeeded to the command of the garrison, in the absence of
+its chief. Had there remained a male white at the Knoll, this trust
+never could have devolved on him, it being thought contrary to the laws
+of nature for a negro to command one of the other colour; but such was
+not the fact, and Pliny the elder succeeded pretty much as a matter of
+course. Notwithstanding, he was to obey not only his particular
+_old_ mistress, but both his _young_ mistresses, who exercised
+an authority over him that was not to be disputed, without doing
+violence to all the received notions of the day. To him, then, the
+captain issued his final orders, bidding him be vigilant, and above all
+to keep the gates closed.
+
+As soon as this was done, the husband and father went to his wife and
+children to take a last embrace. Anxious not to excite too strong
+apprehensions by his manner, this was done affectionately--solemnly,
+perhaps--but with a manner so guarded as to effect his object.
+
+"I shall look for no other signal, or sign of success, Hugh," said the
+weeping wife, "than your own return, accompanied by our dearest boy.
+When I can hold you both in my arms, I shall be happy, though all the
+Indians of the continent were in the valley."
+
+"Do not miscalculate as to time, Wilhelmina. That affectionate heart of
+yours sometimes travels over time and space in a way to give its owner
+unnecessary pain. Remember we shall have to proceed with great caution,
+both in going and returning; and it will require hours to make the
+_dêtour_ I have in view. I hope to see you again before sunset, but a
+delay may carry us into the night. It may even become necessary to
+defer the final push until after dark."
+
+This was melancholy intelligence for the females; but they listened to
+it with calmness, and endeavoured to be, as well as to seem, resigned.
+Beulah received her father's kiss and blessing with streaming eyes,
+straining little Evert to her heart as he left her. Maud was the last
+embraced, He even led her, by gentle violence, to the court, keeping
+her in discourse by the way, exhorting her to support her mother's
+spirits by her own sense and steadiness.
+
+"I shall have Bob in the Hut, soon," he added, "and this will repay us
+all for more than twice the risks--all but you, little vixen; for your
+mother tells me you are getting, through some caprice of that variable
+humour of your sex, to be a little estranged from the poor fellow."
+
+"Father!"
+
+"O! I know it is not very serious still, even Beulah tells me you once
+called him a Major of Foot."
+
+"Did I?" said Maud, trembling in her whole frame lest her secret had
+been prematurely betrayed by the very attempt to conceal it. "My tongue
+is not always my heart."
+
+"I know it, darling, unless where I am concerned. Treat the son as you
+will, Maud, I am certain that you will always love the father." A
+pressure to the heart, and kisses on the forehead, eyes, and cheeks
+followed. "You have all your own papers, Maud, and can easily
+understand your own affairs. When examined into, it will be seen that
+every shilling of your fortune has gone to increase it; and, little
+hussy, you are now become something like a great heiress."
+
+"What does this mean, dearest, dearest father? Your words frighten me!"
+
+"They should not, love. Danger is never increased by being prepared to
+meet it. I have been a steward, and wish it to be known that the duty
+has not been unfaithfully discharged. That is all. A hundred-fold am I
+repaid by possessing so dutiful and sweet a child."
+
+Maud fell on her father's bosom and sobbed. Never before had he made so
+plain allusions to the true relations which existed between them; the
+papers she possessed having spoken for themselves, and having been
+given in silence. Nevertheless, as he appeared disposed to proceed no
+further, at present, the poor girl struggled to command herself,
+succeeded in part, rose, received her father's benediction, most
+solemnly and tenderly delivered, and saw him depart, with an air of
+calmness that subsequently astonished even herself.
+
+We must now quit the interesting group that was left behind in the Hut,
+and accompany the adventurers in their march.
+
+Captain Willoughby was obliged to imitate his men, in the mode of
+quitting the palisades. He had dressed himself in the American hunting-
+shirt and trowsers for the occasion, and, this being an attire he now
+rarely used, it greatly diminished the chances of his being recognised,
+if seen. Joyce was in a similar garb, though neither Jamie nor Mike
+could ever be persuaded to assume a style that both insisted so much
+resembled that of the Indians. As for Blodget, he was in the usual
+dress of a labourer.
+
+As soon as he had reached the bottom of the cliff, the captain let the
+fact be known to Old Pliny, by using his voice with caution, though
+sufficiently loud to be heard on the staging of the roof, directly
+above his head. The black had been instructed to watch Joel and his
+companions, in order to ascertain if they betrayed, in their movements,
+any consciousness of what was in progress at the Hut. The report was
+favourable, Pliny assuring his master that "all 'e men work, sir, just
+as afore. Joel hammer away at plough-handle, tinkerin' just like
+heself. Not an eye turn dis away, massa."
+
+Encouraged by this assurance, the whole party stole through the bushes,
+that lined this part of the base of the cliffs, until they entered the
+bed of the stream. It was September, and the water was so low, as to
+enable the party to move along the margin of the rivulet dry-shod,
+occasionally stepping from stone to stone. The latter expedient,
+indeed, was adopted wherever circumstances allowed, with a view to
+leave as few traces of a trail as was practicable. Otherwise the cover
+was complete; the winding of the rivulet preventing any distant view
+through its little reaches, and the thick fringe of the bushes on each
+bank, effectually concealing the men against any passing, lateral,
+glimpse of their movements.
+
+Captain Willoughby had, from the first, apprehended an assault from
+this quarter. The house, in its elevation, however, possessed an
+advantage that would not be enjoyed by an enemy on the ground; and,
+then, the cliff offered very serious obstacles to anything like a
+surprise on that portion of the defences. Notwithstanding, he now led
+his men, keeping a look riveted on the narrow lane in his front, far
+from certain that each turn might not bring him in presence of an
+advancing party of the enemy. No such unpleasant encounter occurred;
+and the margin of the forest was gained, without any appearance of the
+foe, and seemingly without discovery.
+
+Just within the cover of the woods, a short reach of the rivulet lay
+fairly in sight, from the rear wing of the dwellings. It formed a
+beautiful object in the view; the ardent and tasteful Maud having
+sketched the silvery ribbon of water, as it was seen retiring within
+the recesses of the forest, and often calling upon others to admire its
+loveliness and picturesque effect. Here the captain halted, and made a
+signal to Old Pliny, to let him know he waited for an answer. The reply
+was favourable, the negro showing the sign that all was still well.
+This was no sooner done, than the faithful old black hurried down to
+his mistress, to communicate the intelligence that the party was safely
+in the forest; while the adventurers turned, ascended the bank of the
+stream, and pursued their way on more solid ground.
+
+Captain Willoughby and his men were now fairly engaged in the
+expedition, and every soul of them felt the importance and gravity of
+the duty he was on. Even Mike was fain to obey the order to be silent,
+as the sound of a voice, indiscreetly used, might betray the passage of
+the party to some outlying scouts of the enemy. Caution was even used
+in treading on dried sticks, lest their cracking should produce the
+same effect.
+
+The sound of the axe was heard in the rear of the cabins coming from a
+piece of woodland the captain had ordered cleared, with the double view
+of obtaining fuel, and of increasing his orchards. This little clearing
+was near a quarter of a mile from the flats, the plan being, still to
+retain a belt of forest round the latter; and it might have covered
+half-a-dozen acres of land, having now been used four or five years for
+the same purpose. To pass between this clearing and the cabins would
+have been too hazardous, and it became necessary to direct the march in
+a way to turn the former.
+
+The cow-paths answered as guides for quite a mile, Mike being
+thoroughly acquainted with all their sinuosities. The captain and
+serjeant, however, each carried a pocket compass, an instrument without
+which few ventured far into the forests. Then the blows of the axes
+served as sounds to let the adventurers know their relative position,
+and, as they circled the place whence they issued, they gave the
+constant assurance of their own progress, and probable security.
+
+The reader will probably comprehend the nature of the ground over which
+our party was now marching. The 'flats' proper, or the site of the old
+Beaver Dam, have already been described. The valley, towards the south,
+terminated at the rocks of the mill, changing its character below that
+point, to a glen, or vast ravine. On the east were mountains of
+considerable height, and of unlimited range; to the north, the level
+land extended miles, though on a platform many feet higher than the
+level of the cleared meadows; while, to the west, along the route the
+adventurers were marching, broad slopes of rolling forest spread their
+richly-wooded surfaces, filled with fair promise for the future. The
+highest swell of this undulating forest was that nearest to the Hut,
+and it was its elevation only that gave the home-scene the character of
+a valley.
+
+Captain Willoughby's object was to gain the summit of this first ridge
+of land, which would serve as a guide to his object, since it
+terminated at the line of rocks that made the water-fall, quite a mile,
+however, in the rear of the mills. It would carry him also quite beyond
+the clearing of the wood-choppers, and be effectually turning the whole
+of the enemy's position. Once at the precipitous termination caused by
+the face of rock that had been thrown to the surface by some geological
+phenomenon, he could not miss his way, since these rugged marks must of
+themselves lead him directly to the station known to be occupied by the
+body of his foes.
+
+Half an hour served to reach the desired ridge, when the party changed
+its march, pursuing a direction nearly south, along its summit.
+
+"Those axes sound nearer and nearer, serjeant," Captain Willoughby
+observed, after the march had lasted a long time in profound silence.
+"We must be coming up near the point where the men are at work."
+
+"Does your honour reflect at all on the reason why these fellows are so
+particularly industrious in a time like this?--To me it has a very
+ambuscadish sort of look!"
+
+"It cannot be connected with an ambuscade, Joyce, inasmuch as we are
+not supposed to be on a march. There can be no ambuscade, you will
+remember, practised on a garrison."
+
+"I ask your honour's pardon--may not a sortie be ambushed, as well as a
+march?"
+
+"In that sense, perhaps, you may be right. And, now you mention it, I
+think it odd there should be so much industry at wood-chopping, in a
+moment like this. We will halt as soon as the sounds are fairly abreast
+of us, when you and I can reconnoitre the men, and ascertain the
+appearance of things for ourselves."
+
+"I remember, sir, when your honour led out two companies of ours, with
+one of the Royal Irish, a major's command, of good rights, to observe
+the left flank of the French, the evening before we stormed the enemy's
+works at Ty--"
+
+"Your memory is beginning to fail you, Joyce," interrupted the captain,
+smiling. "We were far from storming those works, having lost two
+thousand men before them, and failed of seeing their inside at all."
+
+"I always look upon a soldierly attempt, your honour, the same as a
+thing that is done. A more gallant stand than we made I never
+witnessed; and, though we were driven back, I will allow, yet I call
+that assault as good as storming!"
+
+"Well, have it your own way, Joyce.--The morning before your storming,
+I remember to have led out three companies; though it was more in
+advance, than on either flank. The object was to unmask a suspected
+ambush."
+
+"That's just what I wanted to be at, your honour. The general sent you,
+as an old captain, with three companies, to spring the trap, before he
+should put his own foot into it."
+
+"He certainly did--and the movement had the desired effect."
+
+"Better and better, sir.--I remember we were fired on, and lost some
+ten or fifteen men, but I would not presume to say whether the march
+succeeded or not; for nothing was said of the affair, next day, in
+general orders, sir--"
+
+"Next day we had other matters to occupy our minds. It was a bloody and
+a mournful occasion for England and her colonies."
+
+"Well, your honour, that does not affect our movement, which, you say,
+yourself, was useful."
+
+"Very true, Joyce, though the great calamity of the succeeding day
+prevented the little success of the preceding morning from being
+mentioned in general orders. But to what does all this tend; as I know
+it must lead to something?"
+
+"It was merely meant as a respectful hint, your honour, that the
+inferior should be sent out, now, according to our own ancient rules,
+to reconn'itre the clearing, while the commander-in-chief remain with
+the main body, to cover the retreat."
+
+"I thank you, serjeant, and shall not fail to employ you, on all proper
+occasions. At present, it is my intention that we go together, leaving
+the men to take breath, in a suitable cover."
+
+This satisfied Joyce, who was content to wait for orders. As soon as
+the sounds of the axes showed that the party were far enough in
+advance, and the formation of the land assured the captain that he was
+precisely where he wished to be, the men were halted, and left secreted
+in a cover made by the top of a fallen tree. This precaution was taken,
+lest any wandering savage might get a glimpse of their persons, if they
+stood lounging about in the more open forest, during the captain's
+absence.
+
+This disposition made, the captain and serjeant, first examining the
+priming of their pieces, moved with the necessary caution towards the
+edge of the wood-chopper's clearing. The axe was a sufficient guide,
+and ere they had proceeded far the light began to shine through the
+trees, proof in itself that they were approaching an opening in the
+forest.
+
+"Let us incline to the left, your honour," said Joyce, respectfully;
+"there is a naked rock hereabouts, that completely overlooks the
+clearing, and where we can get even a peep at the Hut. I have often sat
+on it, when out with the gun, and wearied; for the next thing to being
+at home, is to see home."
+
+"I remember the place, serjeant, and like your suggestion," answered
+the captain, with an eagerness that it was very unusual for him to
+betray. "I could march with a lighter heart, after getting another look
+at the Knoll, and being certain of its security."
+
+The parties being both of a mind, it is not surprising that each looked
+eagerly for the spot in question. It was an isolated rock that rose
+some fifteen or twenty feet above the surface of the ground, having a
+width and depth about double its height--one of those common
+excrescences of the forest that usually possess interest for no one but
+the geologist. Such an object was not difficult to find in an open
+wood, and the search was soon rewarded by a discovery. Bending their
+steps that way, our two soldiers were quickly at its base. As is usual,
+the summit of this fragment of rock was covered with bushes; others
+shooting out, also, from the rich, warm earth at its base, or, to speak
+more properly, at its junction with the earth.
+
+Joyce ascended first, leaving his rifle in the captain's charge. The
+latter followed, after having passed up his own and his companion's
+arms; neither being disposed to stir without having these important
+auxiliaries at command. Once on the rock, both moved cautiously to its
+eastern brow, care being had not to go beyond the cover. Here they
+stood, side by side, gazing on the scene that was outspread before
+them, through openings in the bushes.
+
+To the captain's astonishment, he found himself within half musket shot
+of the bulk of the hostile party. A regular bivouac had been formed
+round a spring in the centre of the clearing, and bodies of trees had
+been thrown together, so as to form a species of work which was rudely,
+but effectually abbatied by the branches. In a word, one of those
+strong, rough forest encampments had been made, which are so difficult
+to carry without artillery, more especially if well defended. By being
+placed in the centre of the clearing, an assault could not be made
+without expensing the assailants, and the spring always assured to the
+garrison the great requisite, water.
+
+There was a method and order in this arrangement that surprised both
+our old soldiers. That Indians had resorted to this expedient, neither
+believed; nor would the careless, untaught and inexperienced whites of
+the Mohawk be apt to adopt it, without a suggestion from some person
+acquainted with the usages of frontier warfare. Such persons were not
+difficult to find, it is true; and it was a proof that those claiming
+to be in authority, rightfully or not, were present.
+
+There was something unlooked for, also, in the manner in which the
+party of strangers were lounging about, at a moment like that,
+seemingly doing nothing, or preparing for no service. Joyce, who was a
+man of method, and was accustomed to telling off troops, counted no
+less than forty-nine of these idlers, most of whom were lounging near
+the log entrenchment, though a few were sauntering about the clearing,
+conversing with the wood-choppers, or making their observations
+listlessly, and seemingly without any precise object in view.
+
+"This is the most extr'or'nary sight, for a military expedition, I have
+ever seen, your honour," whispered Joyce, after the two had stood
+examining the position for quite a minute in silence. "A tolerable good
+log breast-work, I will allow, sir, and men enough to make it good
+against a sharp assault; but nothing like a guard, and not so much as a
+single sentinel. This is an affront to the art. Captain Willoughby; and
+it is such an affront to us, that I feel certain we might carry the
+post by surprise, if all felt the insult as I do myself."
+
+"This is no time for rash acts or excited feelings, Joyce. Though, were
+my gallant boy with us, I do think we might make a push at these
+fellows, with very reasonable chances of success."
+
+"Yes, your honour, and without him, too. A close fire, three cheers,
+and a vigorous charge would drive every one of the rascals into the
+woods!"
+
+"Where they would rally, become the assailants in their turn, surround
+us, and either compel us to surrender, or starve us out. At all events,
+nothing of the sort must be undertaken until we have carried out the
+plan for the rescue of Major Willoughby. My hopes of success are
+greatly increased since I find the enemy has his principal post up
+here, where he must be a long half-mile from the mill, even in a
+straight line. You have counted the enemy?"
+
+"There are just forty-nine of them in sight, and I should think some
+eight or ten more sleeping about under the logs, as I occasionally
+discover a new one raising his head.--Look, sir, does your honour see
+that manoeuvre?"
+
+"Do I see what, serjeant?--There is no visible change that I discover."
+
+"Only an Indian chopping wood, Captain Willoughby which is some such
+miracle as a white man painting."
+
+The reader will have understood that all the hostile party that was
+lounging about this clearing were in Indian guise, with faces and hands
+of the well-known reddish colour that marks the American aborigines.
+The two soldiers could discover many evidences that there was deception
+in these appearances, though they thought it quite probable that real
+red men were mingled with the pale-faces. But, so little did the
+invaders respect the necessity of appearances in their present
+position, that one of these seeming savages had actually mounted a log,
+taken the axe from the hands of its owner, and begun to chop, with a
+vigour and skill that soon threw off chips in a way that no man can
+successfully imitate but the expert axe-man of the American interior.
+
+"Pretty well that, sir, for a red-skin," said Joyce, smiling "If there
+isn't white blood, ay, and Yankee blood in that chap's arm, I'll give
+him some of my own to help colour it. Step this way, your honour--only
+a foot or two--there, sir; by looking through the opening just above
+the spot where that very make-believe Injin is scattering his chips as
+if they were so many kernels of corn that he was tossing to the
+chickens, you will get a sight of the Hut."
+
+The fact was so. By altering his own position a little on the rock,
+Captain Willoughby got a full view of the entire buildings of the
+Knoll. It is true, he could not see the lawn without the works, nor
+quite all of the stockade, but the whole of the western wing, or an
+entire side-view of the dwellings, was obtained. Everything seemed as
+tranquil and secure, in and around them, as if they vegetated in a
+sabbath in the wilderness. There was something imposing even, in the
+solemn silence of their air, and the captain now saw that if he had
+been struck, and rendered uneasy by the mystery that accompanied the
+inaction and quiet of his invaders, they, in their turns, might
+experience some such sensations as they gazed on the repose of the Hut,
+and the apparent security of its garrison. But for Joel's desertion,
+indeed, and the information he had carried with him, there could be
+little doubt that the stranger must have felt the influence of such
+doubts to a very material extent. Alas! as things were, it was not
+probable they could be long imposed on, by any seeming calm.
+
+Captain Willoughby felt a reluctance to tear himself away from the
+spectacle of that dwelling which contained so many that were dear to
+him. Even Joyce gazed at the house with pleasure, for it had been his
+quarters, now, so many years, and he had looked forward to the time
+when he should breathe his last in it. Connected with his old commander
+by a tie that was inseparable, so far as human wishes could control
+human events, it was impossible that the serjeant could go from the
+place where they had left so many precious beings almost in the keeping
+of Providence, at a moment like that, altogether without emotion. While
+each was thus occupied in mind, there was a perfect stillness. The men
+of the party had been so far drilled, as to speak in low voices, and
+nothing they said was audible on the rock. The axes alone broke the
+silence of the woods, and to ears so accustomed to their blows, they
+offered no intrusion. In the midst of this eloquent calm, the bushes of
+the rock rustled, as it might be with the passage of a squirrel, or a
+serpent. Of the last the country had but few, and they of the most
+innocent kind, while the former abounded. Captain Willoughby turned,
+expecting to see one of these little restless beings, when his gaze
+encountered a swarthy face, and two glowing eyes, almost within reach
+of his arm. That this was a real Indian was beyond dispute, and the
+crisis admitting of no delay, the old officer drew a dirk, and had
+already raised his arm to strike, when Joyce arrested the blow.
+
+"This is Nick, your honour;" said the serjeant, inquiringly--"is he
+friend, or foe?"
+
+"What says he himself?" answered the captain, lowering his hand in
+doubt. "Let him speak to his own character."
+
+Nick now advanced and stood calmly and fearlessly at the side of the
+two white men. Still there was ferocity in his look, and an indecision
+in his movements. He certainly might betray the adventurers at any
+instant, and they felt all the insecurity of their situation. But
+accident had brought Nick directly in front of the opening through
+which was obtained the view of the Hut. In turning from one to the
+other of the two soldiers, his quick eye took in this glimpse of the
+buildings, and it became riveted there as by the charm of fascination.
+Gradually the ferocity left his countenance, which grew human and soft.
+
+"Squaw in wigwam"--said the Tuscarora, throwing forward a hand with its
+fore-finger pointing towards the house. "Ole squaw--young squaw. Good.
+Wyandotté sick, she cure him. Blood in Injin body; thick blood--nebber
+forget good--nebber forget bad."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXV.
+
+  "Every stride--every stamp,
+  Every footfall is bolder;
+  'Tis a skeleton's tramp,
+  With a skull on its shoulder!
+  But ho, how he steps
+  With a high-tossing head,
+  That clay-covered bone,
+  Going down to the dead!"
+
+  Coxe.
+
+Nick's countenance was a fair index to his mind; nor were his words
+intended to deceive. Never did Wyandotté forget the good, or evil, that
+was done him. After looking intently, a short time, at the Hut, he
+turned and abruptly demanded of his companions,--
+
+"Why come here? Like to see enemy between you and wigwam?"
+
+As all Nick said was uttered in a guarded tone, as if he fully entered
+into the necessity of remaining concealed from those who were in such a
+dangerous vicinity, it served to inspire confidence, inducing the two
+soldiers to believe him disposed to serve them.
+
+"Am I to trust in you as a friend?" demanded the captain, looking the
+Indian steadily in the eye.
+
+"Why won't trust? Nick no hero--gone away--Nick nebber come ag'in--
+Wyandotté hero--who no trust Wyandotté? Yengeese always trust great
+chief."
+
+"I shall take you at your word, Wyandotté, and tell you everything,
+hoping to make an ally of you. But, first explain to me, why you left
+the Hut, last night--friends do not desert friends."
+
+"Why leave wigwam?--Because wanted to. Wyandotté come when he want; go
+when he want. Nick go too.--Went to see son--come back; tell story;
+eh?"
+
+"Yes, it has happened much as you say, and I am willing to think it all
+occurred with the best motives. Can you tell me anything of Joel, and
+the others who have left me?"
+
+"Why tell?--Cap'in look; he see. Some chop--some plough--some weed--
+some dig ditch. All like ole time Bury hatchet--tired of war-path--why
+cap'in ask?"
+
+"I see all you tell me. You know, then, that those fellows have made
+friends with the hostile party?"
+
+"No need know--see. Look--Injin chop, pale-face look on! Call that
+war?"
+
+"I do see that which satisfies me the men in paint yonder are not all
+red men."
+
+"No--cap'in right--tell him so at wigwam. But dat Mohawk--dog--rascal--
+Nick's enemy!"
+
+This was said with a gleam of fierceness shooting across the swarthy
+face, and a menacing gesture of the hand, in the direction of a real
+savage who was standing indolently leaning against a tree, at a
+distance so small as to allow those on the rock to distinguish his
+features. The vacant expression of this man's countenance plainly
+denoted that he was totally unconscious of the vicinity of danger. It
+expressed the listless vacancy of an Indian in a state of perfect
+rest--his stomach full, his body at ease, his mind peaceful.
+
+"I thought Nick was not here," the captain quietly observed, smiling on
+the Tuscarora a little ironically.
+
+"Cap'in right--Nick no here. Well for dog 'tis so. Too mean for
+Wyandotté to touch. What cap'in come for? Eh! Better tell chief--get
+council widout lightin' fire."
+
+"As I see no use in concealing my plan from you, Wyandotté,"--Nick
+seemed pleased whenever this name was pronounced by others--"I shall
+tell it you, freely. Still, you have more to relate to me. Why are
+_you_ here?--And how came you to discover us?"
+
+"Follow trail--know cap'in foot--know serjeant foot--know Mike foot--
+see so many foot, follow him. Leave so many" holding up three fingers
+"in bushes--so many" holding up two fingers "come here. Foot tell
+_which_ come here--Wyandotté chief--he follow chief."
+
+"When did you first strike, or see our trail, Tuscarora?"
+
+"Up here--down yonder--over dere." Captain Willoughby understood this
+to mean, that the Indian had crossed the trail, or seen it in several
+places. "Plenty trail; plenty foot to tell all about it. Wyandotté see
+foot of friend--why he don't follow, eh?"
+
+"I hope this is all so, old warrior, and that you will prove yourself a
+friend indeed. We are out in the hope of liberating my son, and we came
+here to see what our enemies are about."
+
+The Tuscarora's eyes were like two inquisitors, as he listened; but he
+seemed satisfied that the truth was told him. Assuming an air of
+interest, he inquired if the captain knew where the major was confined.
+A few words explained everything, and the parties soon understood each
+other.
+
+"Cap'in right," observed Nick. "Son in cupboard still; but plenty
+warrior hear, to keep eye on him."
+
+"You know his position, Wyandotté, and can aid us materially, if you
+will. What say you, chief; will you take service, once more, under your
+old commander?"
+
+"Who _he_ sarve--King George--Congress--eh?"
+
+"Neither. I am neutral, Tuscarora, in the present quarrel. I only
+defend myself, and the rights which the laws assure to me, let
+whichever party govern, that may."
+
+"Dat bad. Nebber neutral in hot war. Get rob from bot' side. Alway be
+one or t'oder, cap'in."
+
+"You may be right, Nicholas, but a conscientious man may think neither
+wholly right, nor wholly wrong. I wish never to lift the hatchet,
+unless my quarrel be just."
+
+"Injin no understand _dat_. Throw hatchet at _enemy_--what
+matter what he say--good t'ing, bad t'ing. He _enemy_--dat enough.
+Take scalp from _enemy_--don't touch _friend_"
+
+"That may do for _your_ mode of warfare, Tuscarora, but It will
+hardly do for _mine_. I must feel that I have right of my side,
+before I am willing to take life."
+
+"Cap'in always talk so, eh? When he soldier, and general say shoot ten,
+forty, t'ousand Frenchmen, den he say; stop, general--no hurry--let
+cap'in t'ink.' Bye'm-by he'll go and take scalp; eh!"
+
+It exceeded our old soldier's self-command not to permit the blood to
+rush into his face, at this home-thrust; for he felt the cunning of the
+Indian had involved him in a seeming contradiction.
+
+"That was when I was in the army, Wyandotté," he answered,
+notwithstanding his confusion, "when my first, and highest duty, was to
+obey the orders of my superiors. Then I acted as a soldier; now, I hope
+to act as a man."
+
+"Well, Indian chief alway in army. Always high duty, and obey
+superior--obey Manitou, and take scalp from enemy. War-path alway
+open, when enemy at t'other end."
+
+"This is no place to discuss such questions, chief; nor have we the
+time. Do you go with us?"
+
+Nick nodded an assent, and signed for the other to quit the rocks. The
+captain hesitated a moment, during which he stood intently studying the
+scene in the clearing.
+
+"What say you, Tuscarora; the serjeant has proposed assaulting that
+breast-work?"
+
+"No good, cap'in. You fire, halloo, rush on--well, kill four, six,
+two--rest run away. Injin down at mill hear rifle; follow smoke--where
+major, den? Get major, first--t'ink about enemy afterwards."
+
+As Nick said this, he repeated the gesture to descend; and he was
+obeyed in silence. The captain now led the way back to his party; and
+soon rejoined it. All were glad to see Nick, for he was known to have a
+sure rifle; to be fearless as the turkey-cock; and to possess a
+sagacity in the woods, that frequently amounted to a species of
+intuition.
+
+"Who lead, cap'in or Injin?" asked the Tuscarora, in his sententious
+manner.
+
+"Och, Nick, ye're a cr'ature!" muttered Mike. "Divil bur-r-rn me,
+Jamie, but I t'inks the fallie would crass the very three-tops, rather
+than miss the majjor's habitation."
+
+"Not a syllable must be uttered," said the captain, raising a hand in
+remonstrance. "I will lead, and Wyandotté will march by my side, and
+give me his council, in whispers. Joyce will bring up the rear.
+Blodget, you will keep a sharp look-out to the left, while Jamie will
+do the same to the right. As we approach the mills, stragglers may be
+met in the woods, and our march must be conducted with the greatest
+caution. Now follow, and be silent."
+
+The captain and Nick led, and the whole party followed, observing the
+silence which had been enjoined on them. The usual manner of marching
+on a war-path, in the woods, was for the men to follow each other
+singly; an order that has obtained the name of 'Indian file,' the
+object being to diminish the trail, and conceal the force of the
+expedition, by each man treading in his leader's footsteps. On the
+present occasion, however, the captain induced Nick to walk at his
+side, feeling an uneasiness on the subject of the Tuscarora's fidelity
+that he could not entirely conquer. The pretext given was very
+different, as the reader will suppose. By seeing the print of a
+moccasin in company with that of a boot, any straggler that crossed the
+trail might be led to suppose it had been left by the passage of a
+party from the clearing or the mill. Nick quietly assented to this
+reasoning, and fell in by the side of the captain without remonstrance.
+
+Vigilant eyes were kept on all sides of the line of march, though it,
+was hoped and believed that the adventurers had struck upon a route too
+far west to be exposed to interruption. A quarter of a mile nearer to
+the flats might have brought them within the range of stragglers; but,
+following the summit of the ridge, there was a certain security in the
+indolence which would be apt to prevent mere idlers from sauntering up
+an ascent. At all events, no interruption occurred, the party reaching
+in safety the rocks that were a continuation of the range which formed
+the precipice at the falls--the sign that they had gone far enough to
+the south. At this period, the precipice was nearly lost in the rising
+of the lower land, but its margin was sufficiently distinct to form a
+good mask.
+
+Descending to the plateau beneath, the captain and Nick now inclined to
+the east, the intention being to come in upon the mills from the rear.
+As the buildings lay in the ravine, this could only be done by making a
+rapid descent immediately in their vicinity; a formation of the ground
+that rendered the march, until within pistol-shot of its termination,
+reasonably secure. Nick also assured his companions that he had several
+times traversed this very plateau, and that he had met no signs of
+footsteps on it; from which he inferred that the invaders had not taken
+the trouble to ascend the rugged cliffs that bounded the western side
+of the glen.
+
+The approach to the summit of the cliff was made with caution, though
+the left flank of the adventurers was well protected by the abrupt
+descent they had already made from the terrace above. This left little
+more than the right flank and the front to be watched, the falling away
+of the land forming, also, a species of cover for the rear. It is not
+surprising, then, that the verge of the ravine or glen was attained,
+and no discovery was made. The spot being favourable, the captain
+immediately led down a winding path, that was densely fringed with
+bushes, towards the level of the buildings.
+
+The glen of the mills was very narrow; so much so, as barely to leave
+sites for the buildings themselves, and three or four cabins for the
+workmen. The mills were placed in advance, as near as possible to the
+course of the water; while the habitations of the workmen were perched
+on shelves of the rocks, or such level bits of bottom-land as offered.
+Owing to this last circumstance, the house of Daniel the miller, or
+that in which it was supposed the major was still confined, stood by
+itself, and fortunately, at the very foot of the path by which the
+adventurers were descending. All this was favourable, and had been
+taken into the account as a material advantage, by Captain Willoughby
+when he originally conceived the plan of the present sortie.
+
+When the chimney of the cabin was visible over the bushes, Captain
+Willoughby halted his party, and repeated his instruction to Joyce, in
+a voice very little raised above a whisper; The serjeant was ordered to
+remain in his present position, until he received a signal to advance.
+As for the captain, himself, he intended to descend as near as might be
+to the buttery of the cabin, and reconnoitre, before he gave the final
+order. This buttery was in a lean-to, as a small addition to the
+original building was called in the parlance of the country; and, the
+object being shade and coolness, on account of the milk with which it
+was usually well stored at this season of the year, it projected back
+to the very cliff, where it was half hid in bushes and young trees. It
+had but a single small window, that was barred with wood to keep out
+cats, and such wild vermin as affected milk, nor was it either lathed
+or plastered; these two last being luxuries not often known in the log
+tenements of the frontier. Still it was of solid logs, chinked in with
+mortar, and made a very effectual prison, with the door properly
+guarded; the captive being deprived of edged tools. All this was also
+known to the father, when he set forth to effect the liberation of his
+son, and, like the positions of the buildings themselves, had been well
+weighed in his estimate of the probabilities and chances.
+
+As soon as his orders were given, Captain Willoughby proceeded down the
+path, accompanied only by Nick. He had announced his intention to send
+the Tuscarora ahead to reconnoitre, then to force himself among the
+bushes between the lean-to and the rocks, and there to open a
+communication with the major through the chinks of the logs After
+receiving Nick's intelligence, his plan was to be governed by
+circumstances, and to act accordingly.
+
+"God bless you, Joyce," said the captain, squeezing the Serjeant's hand
+as he was on the point of descending. "We are on ticklish service, and
+require all our wits about us. If anything happen to me, remember that
+my wife and daughter will mainly depend on you for protection."
+
+"I shall consider that as your honour's orders, sir, and no more need
+be said to me, Captain Willoughby."
+
+The captain smiled on his old follower, and Joyce thought that never
+had he seen the fine manly face of his superior beam with a calmer, or
+sweeter expression, than it did as he returned his own pressure of the
+hand. The two adventurers were both careful, and their descent was
+noiseless. The men above listened, in breathless silence, but the
+stealthy approach of the cat upon the bird could not have been more
+still, than that, of these two experienced warriors.
+
+The place where Joyce was left with the men, might have been fifty feet
+above the roof of the cabin, and almost perpendicularly over the narrow
+vacancy that was known to exist between the rocks and the lean-to.
+Still the bushes and trees were so thick as to prevent the smallest
+glimpse at objects below, had the shape of the cliff allowed it, while
+they even intercepted sounds. Joyce fancied, nevertheless, that he
+heard the rustling bushes, as the captain forced his way into the
+narrow space he was to occupy, and he augured well of the fact, since
+it proved that no opposition had been encountered. Half an hour of
+forest silence followed, that was only interrupted by the tumbling of
+the waters over the natural dam. At the end of that weary period, a
+shout was heard in front of the mills, and the party raised their
+pieces, in a vague apprehension that some discovery had been made that
+was about to bring on a crisis. Nothing further occurred, however, to
+confirm this impression, and an occasional burst of laughter, that
+evidently came from white men, rather served to allay the apprehension.
+
+Another half-hour passed, during which no interruption was heard. By
+this time Joyce became uneasy, a state of things having arrived for
+which no provision had been made in his instructions. He was about to
+leave his command under the charge of Jamie, and descend himself to
+reconnoitre, when a footstep was heard coming up the path. Nothing but
+the deep attention, and breathless stillness of the men could have
+rendered the sound of a tread so nearly noiseless, audible; but heard
+it was, at a moment when every sense was wrought up to its greatest
+powers. Rifles were lowered, in readiness to receive assailants, but
+each was raised again, as Nick came slowly into view. The Tuscarora was
+calm in manner, as if no incident had occurred to disconcert the
+arrangement, though his eyes glanced around him, like those of a man
+who searched for an absent person.
+
+"Where cap'in?--Where major?" Nick asked, as soon as his glance had
+taken in the faces of all present.
+
+"We must ask that of you, Nick," returned Joyce. "We have not seen the
+captain, nor had any orders from him, since he left us."
+
+This answer seemed to cause the Indian more surprise than it was usual
+for him to betray, and he pondered a moment in obvious uneasiness.
+
+"Can't stay here, alway," he muttered. "Best go see. Bye'm-by trouble
+come; then, too late."
+
+The serjeant was greatly averse to moving without orders. He had his
+instructions how to act in every probable contingency, but none that
+covered the case of absolute inaction on the part of those below.
+Nevertheless, twice the time necessary to bring things to issue had
+gone by, and neither signal, shot, nor alarm had reached his ears.
+
+"Do you know anything of the major, Nick?" the serjeant demanded,
+determined to examine the case thoroughly ere he came to a decision.
+
+"Major dere--see him at door--plenty sentinel. All good--where cap'in?"
+
+"Where did you leave him?--You can give the last account of him."
+
+"Go in behind cupboard--under rock--plenty bushes--all right--son
+dere."
+
+"This must be looked to--perhaps his honour has fallen into a fit--such
+things sometimes happen--and a man who is fighting for his own child,
+doesn't feel, Jamie, all the same as one who fights on a general
+principle, as it might be."
+
+"Na--ye 're right, sairjeant J'yce, and ye'll be doing the kind and
+prudent act, to gang doon yersal', and investigate the trainsaction
+with yer ain een."
+
+This Joyce determined to do, directing Nick to accompany him, as a
+guide. The Indian seemed glad to comply, and there was no delay in
+proceeding. It required but a minute to reach the narrow passage
+between the cliff and the lean-to. The bushes were carefully shoved
+aside, and Joyce entered. He soon caught a glimpse of the hunting-
+shirt, and then he was about to withdraw, believing that he was in
+error, in anticipating orders. But a short look at his commander
+removed all scruples; for he observed that he was seated on a
+projection of the rocks, with his body bowed forward, apparently
+leaning on the logs of the building. This seemed to corroborate the
+thought about a fit, and the serjeant pressed eagerly forward to
+ascertain the truth.
+
+Joyce touched his commander's arm, but no sign of consciousness came
+from the latter. He then raised his body upright, placing the back in a
+reclining attitude against the rocks, and started back himself when he
+caught a glimpse of the death-like hue of the face. At first, the
+notion of the fit was strong with the serjeant; but, in changing his
+own position, he caught a glimpse of a little pool of blood, which at
+once announced that violence had been used.
+
+Although the serjeant was a man of great steadiness of nerves, and
+unchangeable method, he fairly trembled as he ascertained the serious
+condition of his old and well-beloved commander. Notwithstanding, he
+was too much of a soldier to neglect anything that circumstances
+required. On examination, he discovered a deep and fatal wound between
+two of the ribs, which had evidently been inflicted with a common
+knife. The blow had passed into the heart, and Captain Willoughby was,
+out of all question, dead! He had breathed his last, within six feet of
+his own gallant son, who, ignorant of all that passed, was little
+dreaming of the proximity of one so dear to him, as well as of his dire
+condition.
+
+Joyce was a man of powerful frame, and, at that moment, he felt he was
+master of a giant's strength. First assuring himself of the fact that
+the wounded man had certainly ceased to breathe, he brought the arms
+over his own shoulders, raised the body on his back, and walked from
+the place, with less attention to caution than on entering, but with
+sufficient care to prevent exposure. Nick stood watching his movements
+with a wondering look, and as soon as there was room, he aided in
+supporting the corpse.
+
+In this manner the two went up the path, bearing their senseless
+burden. A gesture directed the party with Jamie to precede the two who
+had been below, and the serjeant did not pause even to breathe, until
+he had fairly reached the summit of the cliff; then he halted in a
+place removed from the danger of immediate discovery. The body was laid
+reverently on the ground, and Joyce renewed his examination with
+greater ease and accuracy, until perfectly satisfied that the captain
+must have ceased to breathe, nearly an hour.
+
+This was a sad and fearful blow to the whole party. No one, at such a
+moment, thought of inquiring into the manner in which their excellent
+master had received his death-blow; but every thought was bent either
+on the extent of the calamity, or on the means of getting back to the
+Hut. Joyce was the soul of the party. His rugged face assumed a stern,
+commanding expression; but every sign of weakness had disappeared. He
+gave his orders promptly, and the men even started when he spoke, so
+bent on obtaining obedience did he appear to be.
+
+The rifles were converted into a bier, the body was placed upon it, and
+the four men then raised the burthen, and began to retrace their
+footsteps, in melancholy silence. Nick led the way, pointing out the
+difficulties of the path, with a sedulousness of attention, and a
+gentleness of manner, that none present had ever before witnessed in
+the Tuscarora He even appeared to have become woman, to use one of his
+own peculiar expressions.
+
+No one speaking, and all the men working with good will, the retreat,
+notwithstanding the burthen with which it was encumbered, was made with
+a rapidity greatly exceeding the advance. Nick led the way with an
+unerring eye, even selecting better ground than that which the white
+men had been able to find on their march. He had often traversed all
+the hills, in the character of a hunter, and to him the avenues of the
+forest were as familiar as the streets of his native town become to the
+burgher. He made no offer to become one of the bearers; this would have
+been opposed to his habits; but, in all else, the Indian manifested
+gentleness and solicitude. His apprehension seemed to be, and so he
+expressed it, that the Mohawks might get the scalp of the dead man; a
+disgrace that he seemed as solicitous to avoid as Joyce himself; the
+serjeant, however, keeping in view the feelings of the survivors,
+rather than any notions of military pride.
+
+Notwithstanding the stern resolution that prevailed among the men, that
+return march was long and weary. The distance, of itself, exceeded two
+miles, and there were the inequalities and obstacles of a forest to
+oppose them. Per severance and strength, however, overcame all
+difficulties; and, at the end of two hours, the party approached the
+point where it became necessary to enter the bed of the rivulet, or
+expose their sad procession by marching in open view of any who might
+be straggling in the rear of the Hut. A species of desperate
+determination had influenced the men in their return march, rendering
+them reckless of discovery, or its consequences; a circumstance that
+had greatly favoured their object; the adventurous and bold frequently
+encountering fewer difficulties, in the affairs of war, than the
+cautious and timid. But an embarrassment now presented itself that was
+far more difficult to encounter than any which proceeded from personal
+risks. The loving family of the deceased was to be met; a wife and
+daughters apprised of the fearful loss that, in the providence of God,
+had suddenly alighted on their house.
+
+"Lower the body, men, and come to a halt," said Joyce, using the manner
+of authority, though his voice trembled "we must consult together, as
+to our next step."
+
+There was a brief and decent pause, while the party placed the lifeless
+body on the grass, face uppermost, with the limbs laid in order, and
+everything about it, disposed of in a seemliness that betokened
+profound respect for the senseless clay, even after the noble spirit
+had departed. Mike alone could not resist his strong native propensity
+to talk. The honest fellow raised a hand of his late master, and,
+kissing it with strong affection, soliloquized as follows, in a tone
+that was more rebuked by feeling, than any apprehension of
+consequences.
+
+"Little need had ye of a praist, and extreme unction," he said. "The
+likes of yerself always kapes a clane breast; and the knife that went
+into yer heart found nothing that ye need have been ashamed of! Sorrow
+come over me, but yer lass is as great a one to meself, as if I had
+tidings of the sinking of ould Ireland into the salt say, itself; a
+thing that niver _can_ happen, and niver will happen; no, not even
+at the last day; as all agree the wor-r-ld is to be burned and not
+drowned. And who'll there be to tell this same to the Missus, and Miss
+Beuly, and phratty Miss Maud, and the babby, in the bargain? Divil bur-
+r-n me, if 't will be Michael O'Hearn, who has too much sorrow of his
+own, to be running about, and d'aling it out to other people. Sarjeant,
+that will be ver own jewty, and I pities the man that has to perform
+it."
+
+"No man will see me shrink from a duty, O'Hearn," said Joyce, stiffly,
+while with the utmost difficulty he kept the tears from breaking out of
+a fountain that had not opened, in this way, for twenty years. "It may
+bear hard on my feelings--I do not say it will _not_--but duty is
+duty, and it must be done. Corporal Allen, you see the state of things;
+the commanding officer is among the casualties, and nothing would be
+simpler than our course, were it not for Madam Willoughby--God bless
+her, and have her in His holy keeping--and the young ladies. It is
+proper to deliberate a little about _them_. To you then, as an
+elderly and experienced man, I first apply for an opinion."
+
+"Sorrow's an unwelcome guest, whether it comes expected, or without any
+previous knowledge. The hairts o the widow and fairtherless must be
+stricken, and it's little that a' our consolations and expairiments
+will prevail ag'in the feelin's o' natur'. Pheeloosophy and religion
+tall us that the body's no mair than a clod o' the valley when the
+speerit has fled; but the hairt is unapt to listen to wisdom while the
+grief is fraish, and of the severity of an unlooked-for sairtainty.
+_I_ see little good, therefore, in doing mair than just sending in a
+messenger, to clear the way a little for the arrival of truth, in the
+form o' death, itsal'."
+
+"I have been thinking of this--will you take the office, Jamie, as a
+man of years and discretion?"
+
+"Na--na--ye'll be doing far better by sending a younger man. Age has
+weakened my memory, and I'll be overlooking some o' the saircumstances
+in a manner that will be unseemly for the occasion. Here is Blodget, a
+youth of ready wit, and limber tongue."
+
+"I wouldn't do it, mason, to be the owner of ten such properties as
+this!" exclaimed the young Rhode Islander, actually recoiling a step,
+as if he retreated before a dreaded foe.
+
+"Well, sairjeant, ye've Michael here, who belangs to a kirk that has so
+little seempathy with protestantism as to lessen the pain o' the
+office. Death is a near ally to religion, and Michael, by taking a
+religious view o' the maither, might bring his hairt into such a
+condition of insensibility as wad give him little to do but to tell
+what has happened, leaving God, in his ain maircy, to temper the wind
+to the shorn lamb."
+
+"You hear, O'Hearn?" said the serjeant, stiffly--"Everybody seems to
+expect that you will do this duty."
+
+"Jewty!--D 'ye call it a jewty for a man in my situation to break the
+hearts of Missus, and Miss Beuly, and phratty Miss Maud, and the babby?
+for babbies has hearts as well as the stoutest man as is going. Divil
+bur-r-n me, then, if ye gets out of my mout' so much as a hint that the
+captain's dead and gone from us, for ever and ever, amen! Ye may send
+me in, for ye 're corporals, and serjeants, and the likes of yees, and
+I'll obey as a souldier, seem' that he would have wished as much
+himself, had the breat' staid in his body, which it has not, on account
+of its l'aving his sowl on 'arth, and departing with his corporeal part
+for the mansions of happiness, the Blessed Mary have mercy on him,
+whether here or _there_--but the captain was not the man to wish a
+fait'ful follower to afflict his own wife; and so I'll have not'in' to
+do with such a message, at all at all."
+
+"Nick go"--said the Indian, calmly--"Used to carry message--carry him
+for cap'in, once more."
+
+"Well, Nick, you may do it certainly, if so disposed," answered Joyce,
+who would have accepted the services of a Chinese rather than undertake
+the office in person. "You will remember and speak to the ladies
+gently, and not break the news too suddenly."
+
+"Yes--squaw soft heart--Nick know--had moder--had wife, once--had
+darter."
+
+"Very well; this will be an advantage, men, as Nick is the only married
+man among us; and married men should best understand dealing with
+females."
+
+Joyce then held a private communication with the Tuscarora, that lasted
+some five or six minutes, when the last leaped nimbly into the bed of
+the stream, and was soon concealed by the bushes of one of its reaches.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVI.
+
+  "Heart leaps to heart--the sacred flood
+  That warms us is the same;
+  That good old man--his honest blood
+  Alike we fondly claim."
+
+  Sprague.
+
+Although Nick commenced his progress with so much seeming zeal and
+activity, his speed abated, the moment he found himself beyond the
+sight of those he had left in the woods. Before he reached the foot of
+the cliff, his trot had degenerated to a walk; and when he actually
+found he was at its base, he seated himself on a stone, apparently to
+reflect on the course he ought to pursue.
+
+The countenance of the Tuscarora expressed a variety of emotions while
+he thus remained stationary. At first, it was fierce, savage, exulting;
+then it became gentler, soft, perhaps repentant. He drew his knife from
+its buckskin sheath, and eyed the blade with a gaze expressive of
+uneasiness. Perceiving that a clot of blood had collected at the
+junction with the handle, it was carefully removed by the use of water.
+His look next passed over his whole person, in order to ascertain if
+any more of these betrayers of his fearful secret remained; after which
+he seemed more at ease.
+
+"Wyandotté's back don't ache now," he growled to himself. "Ole sore
+heal up. Why Cap'in touch him? T'ink Injin no got feelin'? Good man,
+sometime; bad man, sometime. Sometime, live; sometime, die. Why tell
+Wyandotté he flog ag'in, just as go to enemy's camp? No; back feel
+well, now--nebber smart, any more."
+
+When this soliloquy was ended, Nick arose, cast a look up at the sun,
+to ascertain how much of the day still remained, glanced towards the
+Hut, as if examining the nature of its defences, stretched himself like
+one who was weary, and peeped out from behind the bushes, in order to
+see how those who were afield, still occupied themselves. All this
+done, with singular deliberation and steadiness, he arranged his light
+dress, and prepared to present himself before the wife and daughters of
+the man, whom, three hours before, he had remorselessly murdered. Nick
+had often meditated this treacherous deed, during the thirty years
+which had elapsed between his first flogging and the present period;
+but circumstances had never placed its execution safely in his power.
+The subsequent punishments had increased the desire, for a few years;
+but time had so far worn off the craving for revenge, that it would
+never have been actively revived, perhaps, but for the unfortunate
+allusions of the victim himself, to the subject. Captain Willoughby had
+been an English soldier, of the school of the last century. He was
+naturally a humane and a just man, but he believed in the military
+axiom that "the most flogging regiments were the best fighting
+regiments;" and perhaps he was not in error, as regards the lower
+English character. It was a fatal error, however, to make in relation
+to an American savage; one who had formerly exercised the functions,
+and who had not lost all the feelings, of a chief. Unhappily, at a
+moment when everything depended on the fidelity of the Tuscarora, the
+captain had bethought him of his old expedient for insuring prompt
+obedience, and, by way of a reminder, he made an allusion to his former
+mode of punishment. As Nick would have expressed it, "the old sores
+smarted;" the wavering purpose of thirty years was suddenly and
+fiercely revived, and the knife passed into the heart of the victim,
+with a rapidity that left no time for appeals to the tribunal of God's
+mercy. In half a minute, Captain Willoughby had ceased to breathe.
+
+Such had been the act of the man who now passed through the opening of
+the palisade, and entered the former habitation of his victim. A
+profound stillness reigned in and around the Hut, and no one appeared
+to question the unexpected intruder. Nick passed, with his noiseless
+step, round to the gate, which he found secured. It was necessary to
+knock, and this he did in a way effectually to bring a porter.
+
+"Who dere?" demanded the elder Pliny, from within.
+
+"Good friend--open gate. Come wid message from cap'in."
+
+The natural distaste to the Indians which existed among the blacks of
+the Knoll, included the Tuscarora. This disgust was mingled with a
+degree of dread; and it was difficult for beings so untutored and
+ignorant, at all times to draw the proper distinctions between Indian
+and Indian. In _their_ wonder-loving imaginations, Oneidas,
+Tuscaroras, Mohawks, Onondagas, and Iroquois were all jumbled together
+in inextricable confusion, a red man being a red man, and a savage a
+savage. It is not surprising, therefore, that Pliny the elder should
+hesitate about opening the gate, and admitting one of the detested
+race, though a man so well known to them all, in the peculiar situation
+of the family. Luckily, Great Smash happened to be near, and her
+husband called her to the gate by one of the signals that, was much
+practised between them.
+
+"Who you t'ink out-dere?" asked Pliny the elder of his consort, with a
+very significant look.
+
+"How you t'ink guess, ole Plin?--You 'spose nigger wench like Albonny
+wise woman, dat she see t'rough a gate, and know ebbery t'ing, and
+little more!"
+
+"Well, _dat_ Sassy Nick. What you say _now?_"
+
+"You sartain, ole Plin?" asked Mistress Smash, with a face ominous of
+evil.
+
+"Sartain as ear. Talk wid him--he want to come in. What you t'ink?"
+
+"Nebber open gate, ole Plin, till mistress tell you. You stay here--
+dere; lean ag'in gate wid all you might; dere; now I go call Miss Maud.
+She all alone in librarim, and will know what best. Mind you lean ag'in
+gate well, ole Plin."
+
+Pliny the elder nodded assent, placed his shoulders resolutely against
+the massive timbers, and stood propping a defence that would have made
+a respectable resistance to a battering-ram, like another Atlas,
+upholding a world. His duty was short, however, his 'lady' soon
+returning with Maud, who was hastening breathlessly to learn the news.
+
+"Is it you, Nick?" called out the sweet voice of our heroine through
+the crevices of the timber.
+
+The Tuscarora started, as he so unexpectedly heard those familiar
+sounds; for an instant, his look was dark; then the expression changed
+to pity and concern, and his reply was given with less than usual of
+the abrupt, guttural brevity that belonged to his habits.
+
+"'Tis Nick--Sassy Nick--Wyandotté, Flower of the Woods," for so the
+Indian often termed Maud.--"Got news--cap'in send him. Meet party and
+go along. Nobody here; only Wyandotté. Nick see major, too--say
+somet'ing to young squaw."
+
+This decided the matter. The gate was unbarred, and Nick in the court
+in half-a-minute. Great Smash stole a glance without, and beckoned
+Pliny the elder to join her, in order to see the extraordinary
+spectacle of Joel and his associates toiling in the fields. When they
+drew in their heads, Maud and her companion were already in the
+library. The message from Robert Willoughby had induced our heroine to
+seek this room; for, placing little confidence in the delicacy of the
+messenger, she recoiled from listening to his words in the presence of
+others.
+
+But Nick was in no haste to speak. He took the chair to which Maud
+motioned, and he sate looking at her, in a way that soon excited her
+alarm.
+
+"Tell me, if your heart has any mercy in it, Wyandotté; has aught
+happened to Major Willoughby?"
+
+"He well--laugh, talk, feel good. Mind not'ing. He prisoner; don't
+touch he scalp."
+
+"Why, then, do you wear so ominous a look--your face is the very
+harbinger of evil."
+
+"Bad news, if trut' must come. What you' name, young squaw?"
+
+"Surely, surely, you must know that well, Nick! I am Maud--your old
+friend, Maud."
+
+"Pale-face hab two name--Tuscarora got t'ree. Some time, Nick--
+sometime, Sassy Nick--sometime, Wyandotté."
+
+"You know my name is Maud Willoughby," returned our heroine, colouring
+to the temples with a certain secret consciousness of her error, but
+preferring to keep up old appearances.
+
+"Dat call you' fader's name, Meredit'; no Willoughby."
+
+"Merciful Providence! and has this great secret been known to
+_you_, too, Nick!"
+
+"He no secret--know all about him. Wyandotté dere. See Major Meredit'
+shot. _He_ good chief--nebber flog--nebber strike Injin. Nick know
+fader, know moder--know squaw, when pappoose."
+
+"And why have you chosen this particular moment to tell me all this?
+Has it any relation to your message--to Bob--to Major Willoughby, I
+mean?" demanded Mauo, nearly gasping for breath.
+
+"No relation, tell you," said Nick, a little angrily. "Why make
+relation, when no relation at all. Meredit'; no Willoughby. Ask moder;
+ask major; ask chaplain--all tell trut'! No need to be so feelin'; no
+you fader, at all."
+
+"What _can_ you--what _do_ you mean, Nick? Why do you look so
+wild--so fierce--so kind--so sorrowful--so angry? You must have bad
+news to tell me."
+
+"Why bad to _you_--he no fader--only fader friend. You can't help
+it--fader die when you pappoose--why you care, now, for dis?"
+
+Maud now actually gasped for breath. A frightful glimpse of the truth
+gleamed before her imagination, though it was necessarily veiled in the
+mist of uncertainty. She became pale as death, and pressed her hand
+upon her heart, as if to still its beating. Then, by a desperate
+effort, she became more calm, and obtained the power to speak.
+
+"Oh! is it so, Nick!--_can_ it be so!" she said; "my father has
+fallen in this dreadful business?"
+
+"Fader kill twenty year ago; tell you _dat_, how often?" answered
+the Tuscarora, angrily; for, in his anxiety to lessen the shock to
+Maud, for whom this wayward savage had a strange sentiment of
+affection, that had grown out of her gentle kindnesses to himself, on a
+hundred occasions, he fancied if she knew that Captain Willoughby was
+not actually her father, her grief at his loss would be less. "Why you
+call _dis_ fader, when _dat_ fader. Nick know fader and
+moder.--Major no broder."
+
+Notwithstanding the sensations that nearly pressed her to the earth,
+the tell-tale blood rushed to Maud's cheeks, again, at this allusion,
+and she bowed her face to her knees. The action gave her time to rally
+her faculties; and catching a glimpse of the vast importance to all for
+her maintaining self-command, she was enabled to raise her face with
+something like the fortitude the Indian hoped to see.
+
+"Trifle with me no longer, Wyandotté, but let me know the worst at
+once. Is my father dead?--By father, I mean captain Willoughby?"
+
+"Mean wrong, den--no fader, tell you. Why young quaw so much like
+Mohawk?"
+
+"Man--is captain Willoughby killed?"
+
+Nick gazed intently into Maud's face for half a minute, and then he
+nodded an assent. Notwithstanding all her resolutions to be steady, our
+heroine nearly sank under the blow. For ten minutes she spoke not, but
+sat, her head bowed to her knees, in a confusion of thought that
+threatened a temporary loss of reason. Happily, a flood of tears
+relieved her, and she became more calm. Then the necessity of knowing
+more, in order that she might act intelligently, occurred to her mind,
+and she questioned Nick in a way to elicit all it suited the savage to
+reveal.
+
+Maud's first impulse was to go out to meet the body of the captain, and
+to ascertain for herself that there was actually no longer any hope.
+Nick's account had been so laconic as to leave much obscurity, and the
+blow had been so sudden she could hardly credit the truth in its full
+extent. Still, there remained the dreadful tidings to be communicated
+to those dear beings, who, while they feared so much, had never
+anticipated a calamity like this. Even Mrs. Willoughby, sensitive as
+she was, and wrapped up in those she loved so entirely, as she was
+habitually, had been so long accustomed to see and know of her
+husband's exposing himself with impunity, as to begin to feel, if not
+to think, that he bore a charmed life. All this customary confidence
+was to be overcome, and the truth was to be said. Tell the fact to her
+mother, Maud felt that she could not then; scarcely under any
+circumstances would she have consented to perform this melancholy
+office; but, so long as a shadow of doubt remained on the subject of
+her father's actual decease, it seemed cruel even to think of it. Her
+decision was to send for Beulah, and it was done by means of one of the
+negresses.
+
+So long as we feel that there are others to be sustained by our
+fortitude, even the feeblest possess a firmness to which they might
+otherwise be strangers. Maud, contrary to what her delicate but active
+frame and sweetness of disposition might seem to indicate, was a young
+woman capable of the boldest exertions, short of taking human life. Her
+frontier training had raised her above most of the ordinary weaknesses
+of her sex; and, so far as determination went, few men were capable of
+higher resolution, when circumstances called for its display. Her plan
+was now made up to go forth and meet the body, and nothing short of a
+command from her mother could have stopped her. In this frame of mind
+was our heroine, when Beulah made her appearance.
+
+"Maud!" exclaimed the youthful matron, "what has happened!--why are you
+so pale!--why send for me? Does Nick bring us any tidings from the
+mill?"
+
+"The worst possible, Beulah. My father--my dear, dear father is hurt.
+They have borne him as far as the edge of the woods, where they have
+halted, in order not to take us by surprise. I am going to meet the--to
+meet the men, and to bring father in. You must prepare mother for the
+sad, sad tidings--yes, Beulah, for the worst, as everything depends on
+the wisdom and goodness of God!"
+
+"Oh! Maud, this is dreadful!" exclaimed the sister, sinking into a
+chair--"What will become of mother--of little Evert--of us all!"
+
+"The providence of the Ruler of heaven and earth will care for us. Kiss
+me, dear sister--how cold you are--rouse yourself, Beulah, for mother's
+sake. Think how much more _she_ must feel than we possibly can,
+and then be resolute."
+
+"Yes, Maud--very true--no woman can feel like a wife--unless it be a
+mother--"
+
+Here Beulah's words were stopped by her fainting.
+
+"You see, Smash," said Maud, pointing to her sister with a strange
+resolution, "she must have air, and a little water--and she has salts
+about her, I know. Come, Nick; we have no more time to waste--you must
+be my guide."
+
+The Tuscarora had been a silent observer of this scene, and if it did
+not awaken remorse in his bosom, it roused feelings that had never
+before been its inmates. The sight of two such beings suffering under a
+blow that his own hand had struck, was novel to him, and he knew not
+which to encourage most, a sentiment allied to regret, or a fierce
+resentment, that any should dare thus to reproach, though it were only
+by yielding to the grief natural to their situation. But Maud had
+obtained a command over him, that he knew not how to resist, and he
+followed her from the room, keeping his eyes riveted the while on the
+pallid face of Beulah. The last was recalled from her insensibility,
+however, in the course of a few minutes, through the practised
+attentions of the negresses.
+
+Maud waited for nothing. Motioning impatiently for the Tuscarora to
+lead the way, she glided after him with a rapidity that equalled his
+own loping movement. She made no difficulties in passing the stockade,
+though Nick kept his eyes on the labourers, and felt assured their
+_exeunt_ was not noticed. Once by the path that led along the
+rivulet, Maud refused all precautions, but passed swiftly over it,
+partially concealed by its bushes. Her dress was dark, and left little
+liability to exposure. As for Nick, his forest attire, like the hunting
+shirt of the whites, was expressly regulated by the wish to go to and
+fro unseen.
+
+In less than three minutes after the Indian and Maud had passed the
+gate, they were drawing near to the melancholy group that had halted in
+the forest. Our heroine was recognised as she approached, and when she
+came rushing up to the spot, all made way, allowing her to fall upon
+her knees by the side of the lifeless body, bathing the placid face of
+the dead with her tears, and covering it with kisses.
+
+"Is there no hope--oh! Joyce," she cried, "_can_ it be possible
+that my father is actually dead?"
+
+"I fear, Miss Maud, that his honour has made his last march. He has
+received orders to go hence, and, like a gallant soldier as he was, he
+has obeyed, without a murmur;" answered the serjeant, endeavouring to
+appear firm and soldier-like, himself. "We have lost a noble and humane
+commander, and you a most excellent and tender father."
+
+"No fader,"--growled Nick, at the serjeant's elbow, twitching his
+sleeve, at the same time, to attract attention. 'Serjeant know
+_her_ fader. He by; I by, when Iroquois shoot him."
+
+"I do not understand you, Tuscarora, nor do I think you altogether
+understand _us_; the less you say, therefore, the better for all
+parties. It is our duty, Miss Maud, to say 'God's will be done,' and
+the soldier who dies in the discharge of his duty is never to be
+pitied. I sincerely wish that the Rev. Mr. Woods was here; he would
+tell you all this in a manner that would admit of no dispute; as for
+myself, I am a plain man, Miss Maud, and my tongue cannot utter one-
+half that my heart feels at this instant."
+
+"Ah! Joyce, what a friend--what a parent has it pleased God to call to
+himself!"
+
+"Yes, Miss Maud, that may be said with great justice--if his honour has
+left us in obedience to general orders, it is to meet promotion in a
+service that will never weary, and never end."
+
+"So kind; so true; so gentle; so just; so affectionate!" said Maud,
+wringing her hands.
+
+"And so brave, young lady. His honour, captain Willoughby, wasn't one
+of them that is always talking, and writing, and boasting about
+fighting; but when anything was to be _done_, the Colonel always
+knew whom to send on the duty. The army couldn't have lost a braver
+gentleman, had he remained in it."
+
+"Oh! my father--my father,"--cried Maud, in bitterness of sorrow,
+throwing herself on the body and embracing it, as had been her wont in
+childhood--"would that I could have died for you!"
+
+"Why you let go on so," grumbled Nick, again. "_No_ her fader--you
+know _dat_, serjeant."
+
+Joyce was not in a state to answer. His own feelings had been kept in
+subjection only by military pride, but they now had become so nearly
+uncontrollable, that he found himself obliged to step a little aside in
+order to conceal his weakness. As it was, large tears trickled down his
+rugged face, like water flowing from the fissures of the riven oak
+Jamie Allen's constitutional prudence, however, now became active,
+admonishing the party of the necessity of their getting within the
+protection of the Hut.
+
+"Death is at a' times awfu'," said the mason, "but it must befall young
+and auld alike. And the affleection it brings cometh fra' the heart,
+and is a submission to the la' o' nature. Nevertheless we a' hae our
+duties, so lang as we remain in the flesh, and it is time to be
+thinking o' carryin' the body into some place o' safety, while we hae a
+prudent regard to our ain conditions also."
+
+Maud had risen, and, hearing this appeal, she drew back meekly, assumed
+a manner of forced composure, and signed to the men to proceed. On this
+intimation, the body was raised, and the melancholy procession resumed
+its march.
+
+For the purpose of concealment, Joyce led the way into the bed of the
+stream, leaving Maud waiting their movements, a little deeper within
+the forest. As soon as he and his fellow-bearers were in the water,
+Joyce turned and desired Nick to escort the young lady in, again, on
+dry land, or by the path along which she had come out. This said, the
+serjeant and his companions proceeded. Maud stood gazing on the sad
+spectacle like one entranced, until she felt a sleeve pulled, and
+perceived the Tuscarora at her side.
+
+"No go to Hut," said Nick, earnestly; "go wid Wyandotté."
+
+"Not follow my dear father's remains--not go to my beloved mother in
+her anguish. You know not what you ask, Indian--move, and let me
+proceed."
+
+"No go home--no use--no good. Cap'in dead--what do widout commander.
+Come wid Wyandotté--find major--den do some good."
+
+Maud fairly started in her surprise. There seemed something so truly
+useful, so consoling, so dear in this proposal, that it instantly
+caught her ear.
+
+"Find the Major!" she answered. "Is that possible, Nick? My poor father
+perished in making that attempt--what hope can there be then for
+_my_ success?"
+
+"Plenty hope--much as want--all, want. Come wid Wyandotté--he great
+chief--show young squaw where to find broder."
+
+Here was a touch of Nick's consummate art. He knew the female bosom so
+well that he avoided any allusion to his knowledge of the real relation
+between Robert Willoughby and Maud, though he had so recently urged her
+want of natural affinity to the family, as a reason why she should not
+grieve. By keeping the Major before her eyes as a brother, the chances
+of his own success were greatly increased. As for Maud, a tumult of
+feeling came over her heart at this extraordinary proposal. To liberate
+Bob, to lead him into the Hut, to offer his manly protection to her
+mother, and Beulah, and little Evert, at such an instant, caught her
+imagination, and appealed to all her affections.
+
+"Can you do this, Tuscarora"--she asked, earnestly, pressing her hand
+on her heart as if to quiet its throbbings. "Can you really lead me to
+Major Willoughby, so that I may have some hope of liberating him?"
+
+"Sartain--you go, he come. I go, he no come. Don't love Nick--t'ink all
+Injin, one Injin--t'ink one Injin, all Injin. You go, he come--he stay,
+find more knife, and die like Cap'in. Young squaw follow Wyandotté, and
+see."
+
+Maud needed no more. To save the life of Bob, her well-beloved, he who
+had so long been beloved in secret, she would have gone with one far
+less known and trusted than the Tuscarora. She made an eager gesture
+for him to proceed, and they were soon on their way to the mill,
+threading the mazes of the forest.
+
+Nick was far from observing the precautions that had been taken by the
+captain, in his unfortunate march out. Acquainted with every inch of
+ground in the vicinity of the Dam, and an eye-witness of the
+dispositions of the invaders, he had no occasion for making the long
+_détour_ already described, but went to work in a much more
+direct manner. Instead of circling the valley, and the clearing, to the
+westward, he turned short in the contrary direction, crossed the
+rivulet on the fallen tree, and led the way along the eastern margin of
+the flats. On this side of the valley he knew there were no enemies,
+and the position of the huts and barns enabled him to follow a path,
+that was just deep enough in the forest to conceal his movements. By
+taking this course, besides having the advantage of a clear and beaten
+path, most of the way, the Tuscarora brought the whole distance within
+a mile.
+
+As for Maud, she asked no questions, solicited no pauses, manifested no
+physical weakness. Actively as the Indian moved among the trees, she
+kept close in his footsteps; and she had scarcely begun to reflect on
+the real nature of the undertaking in which she was engaged, when the
+roar of the rivulet, and the formation of the land, told her they had
+reached the edge of the glen below the mills. Here Nick told her to
+remain stationary a moment, while he advanced to a covered point of the
+rocks, to reconnoitre. This was the place where the Indian had made his
+first observations of the invaders of the valley, ascertaining their
+real character before he trusted his person among them. On the present
+occasion, his object was to see if all remained, in and about the
+mills, as when he had last left the spot.
+
+"Come"--said Nick, signing for Maud to follow him--"we go--fools sleep,
+and eat, and talk. Major prisoner now; half an hour, Major free."
+
+This was enough for the ardent, devoted, generous-hearted Maud. She
+descended the path before her as swiftly as her guide could lead, and,
+in five more minutes, they reached the bank of the stream, in the glen,
+at a point where a curvature hid the rivulet from those at the mill.
+Here an enormous pine had been laid across the torrent; and, flattened
+on its upper surface, it made a secure bridge for those who were sure
+of foot, and steady of eye. Nick glanced back at his companion, as he
+stepped upon this bridge, to ascertain if she were equal to crossing
+it, a single glance sufficing to tell him apprehensions were
+unnecessary. Half a minute placed both, in safety, on the western bank.
+
+"Good!" muttered the Indian; "young squaw make wife for warrior."
+
+But Maud heard neither the compliment nor the expression of countenance
+which accompanied it. She merely made an impatient gesture to proceed.
+Nick gazed intently at the excited girl; and there was an instant when
+he seemed to waver in his own purpose; but the gesture repeated, caused
+him to turn, and lead the way up the glen.
+
+The progress of Nick now, necessarily, became more guarded and slower.
+He was soon obliged to quit the common path, and to incline to the
+left, more against the side of the cliff, for the purposes of
+concealment. From the time he had struck the simple bridge, until he
+took this precaution, his course had lain along what might have been
+termed the common highway, on which there was always the danger of
+meeting some messenger, travelling to or from the valley.
+
+But Nick was at no loss for paths. There were plenty of them; and the
+one he took soon brought him out into that by which Captain Willoughby
+had descended to the lean-to. When the spot was reached where Joyce had
+halted, Nick paused; and, first listening intently, to catch the sound
+of noises, if any might happen to be in dangerous proximity, he
+addressed his companion:
+
+"Young squaw bold," he said, encouragingly; "now want heart of
+warrior."
+
+"I can follow, Nick--having come so far, why distrust me, now?"
+
+"'Cause he here--down dere--woman love man; man love woman--dat right;
+but, no show it, when scalp in danger."
+
+"Perhaps I do not understand you, Tuscarora--but, my trust is in God;
+he is a support that can uphold any weakness."
+
+"Good!--stay here--Nick come back, in minute."
+
+Nick now descended to the passage between the rocks and the lean-to, in
+order to make certain that the major still remained in his prison,
+before he incurred any unnecessary risk with Maud. Of this fact he was
+soon assured; after which he took the precaution to conceal the pool of
+blood, by covering it with earth and stones. Making his other
+observations with care, and placing the saw and chisel, with the other
+tools, that had fallen from the captain's hand, when he received his
+death-wound, in a position to be handy, he ascended the path, and
+rejoined Maud. No word passed between our heroine and her guide. The
+latter motioned for her to follow; then he led the way down to the
+cabin. Soon, both had entered the narrow passage; and Maud, in
+obedience to a sign from her companion, seated herself on the precise
+spot where her father had been found, and where the knife had passed
+into his heart. To all this, however, Nick manifested the utmost
+indifference. Everything like ferocity had left his face; to use his
+own figurative language, his sores smarted no longer; and the
+expression of his eye was friendly and gentle. Still it showed no signs
+of compunction.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVII.
+
+                   "Her pallid face displayed
+  Something, methought, surpassing mortal beauty.
+  She presently turn'd round, and fixed her large, wild eyes.
+  Brimming with tears, upon me, fetch'd a sigh,
+  As from a riven heart, and cried: He's dead!"
+
+  Hillhouse.
+
+Maud had been so earnest, and so much excited, that the scarcely
+reflected on the singularity and novelty of her situation, until she
+was seated, as described at the close of the last chapter. Then,
+indeed, she began to think that she had embarked in an undertaking of
+questionable prudence, and to wonder in what manner she was to be
+useful. Still her heart did not fail her, or her hopes altogether sink.
+She saw that Nick was grave and occupied, like a man who intended to
+effect his purpose at every hazard; and that purpose she firmly
+believed was the liberation of Robert Willoughby.
+
+As for Nick, the instant his companion was seated, and he had got a
+position to his mind, he set about his business with great assiduity.
+It has been said that the lean-to like the cabin, was built of logs; a
+fact that constituted the security of the prisoner. The logs of the
+lean-to, however, were much smaller than those of the body of the
+house, and both were of the common white pine of the country; a wood of
+durable qualities, used as it was here, but which yielded easily to
+edged tools. Nick had a small saw, a large chisel, and his knife. With
+the chisel, he cautiously commenced opening a hole of communication
+with the interior, by removing a little of the mortar that filled the
+interstices between the logs. This occupied but a moment. When
+effected, Nick applied an eye to the hole and took a look within. He
+muttered the word "good," then withdrew his own eye, and, by a sign,
+invited Maud to apply one of hers. This our heroine did, and saw Robert
+Willoughby, reading within a few feet of her, with a calmness of air,
+that at once announced his utter ignorance of the dire event that had
+so lately occurred, almost within reach of his arm.
+
+"Squaw speak," whispered Nick; "voice sweet as wren--go to Major's ear
+like song of bird.--Squaw speak music to young warrior."
+
+Maud drew back, her heart beat violently, her breathing became
+difficult, and the blood rushed to her temples. But an earnest motion
+from Nick reminded her this was no time for hesitation, and she applied
+her mouth to the hole.
+
+"Robert--_dear_ Robert," she said, in a loud whisper, "we are
+here--have come to release you."
+
+Maud's impatience could wait no longer; but her eye immediately
+succeeded her mouth. That she was heard was evident from the
+circumstance that the book fell from the Major's hand, in a way to show
+how completely he was taken by surprise. "He knows even my whispers,"
+thought Maud, her heart beating still more violently, as she observed
+the young soldier gazing around him, with a bewildered air, like one
+who fancied he had heard the whisperings of some ministering angel. By
+this time, Nick had removed a long piece of the mortar; and he too, was
+looking into the buttery. By way of bringing matters to an
+understanding, the Indian thrust the chisel through the opening, and,
+moving it, he soon attracted Willoughby's attention. The latter
+instantly advanced, and applied his own eye to the wide crack, catching
+a view of the swarthy face of Nick.
+
+Willoughby knew that the presence of this Indian, at such a place, and
+under such circumstances, indicated the necessity of caution. He did
+not speak, therefore; but, first making a significant gesture towards
+the door of his narrow prison, thus intimating the close proximity of
+sentinels, he demanded the object of this visit, in a whisper.
+
+"Come to set major free," answered Nick.
+
+"Can I trust you, Tuscarora? Sometimes you seem a friend, sometimes an
+enemy. I know that you appear to be on good terms with my captors."
+
+"Dat good--Injin know how to look two way--warrior _must_, if
+great warrior."
+
+"I wish I had some proof, Nick, that you are dealing with me in good
+faith."
+
+"Call _dat_ proof, den!" growled the savage, seizing Maud's little
+Land, and passing it through the opening, before the startled girl was
+fully aware of what he meant to do.
+
+Willoughby knew the hand at a glance. He would have recognised it, in
+that forest solitude, by its symmetry and whiteness, its delicacy and
+its fullness; but one of the taper fingers wore a ring that, of late,
+Maud had much used; being a diamond hoop that she had learned was a
+favourite ornament of her real mother's. It is not surprising,
+therefore, that he seized the pledge that was thus strangely held
+forth, and had covered it with kisses, before Maud had presence of mind
+sufficient, or strength to reclaim it. This she would not do, however,
+at such a moment, without returning all the proofs of ardent affection
+that were lavished on her own hand, by giving a gentle pressure to the
+one in which it was clasped.
+
+"This is so strange, Maud!--so every way extraordinary, that I know not
+what to think," the young man whispered soon as he could get a glimpse
+of the face of the sweet girl. "Why are you here, beloved, and in such
+company?"
+
+"You will trust _me_, Bob--Nick comes as your friend. Aid him all
+you can, now, and be silent. When free, then will be the time to learn
+all."
+
+A sign of assent succeeded, and the major withdrew a step, in order to
+ascertain the course Nick meant to pursue. By this time, the Indian was
+at work with his knife, and he soon passed the chisel in to the
+prisoner, who seized it, and commenced cutting into the logs, at a
+point opposite to that where the Tuscarora was whittling away the wood.
+The object was to introduce the saw, and it required some labour to
+effect such a purpose. By dint of application, however, and by cutting
+the log above as well as that below, sufficient space was obtained in
+the course of a few minutes. Nick then passed the saw in, through the
+opening, it exceeding his skill to use such a tool with readiness.
+
+By this time, Willoughby was engaged with the earnestness and zeal of
+the captive who catches a glimpse of liberty. Notwithstanding, he
+proceeded intelligently and with caution. The blanket given him by his
+captors, as a pallet, was hanging from a nail, and he took the
+precaution to draw this mil, and to place it above the spot selected
+for the cut, that he might suspend the blanket so as to conceal what he
+was at, in the event of a visit from without. When all was ready, and
+the blanket was properly placed, he began to make long heavy strokes
+with the tool, in a way to deaden the sound. This was a delicate
+operation; but the work's being done behind the blanket, had some
+effect in lessening the noise. As the work proceeded, Willoughby's
+hopes increased; and he was soon delighted to hear from Nick, that it
+was time to insert the saw in another place. Success is apt to induce
+carelessness; and, as the task proceeded, Willoughby's arm worked with
+greater rapidity, until a noise at the door gave the startling
+information that he was about to be visited. There was just time to
+finish the last cut, and to let the blanket fall, before the door
+opened. The saw-dust and chips had all been carefully removed, as the
+work proceeded, and of these none were left to betray the secret.
+
+There might have been a quarter of a minute between the moment when
+Willoughby seated himself, with his book in his hand, and that in which
+the door opened. Short as was this interval, it sufficed for Nick to
+remove the piece of log last cut, and to take away the handle of the
+saw; the latter change permitting the blanket to hang so close against
+the logs as completely to conceal the hole. The sentinel who appeared
+was an Indian in externals, but a dull, white countryman in fact and
+character.
+
+"I thought I heard the sound of a saw, major," he said listlessly; "yet
+everything looks quiet, and in its place here!"
+
+"Where should I get such a tool?" Willoughby coolly replied; "and what
+is there here to saw?"
+
+"'Twas as nat'ral, too, as the carpenter himself could make it, in
+sound!"
+
+"Possibly the mill has been set in motion by some of your idlers, and
+you have heard the large saw, which, at a distance, may sound like a
+smaller one near by."
+
+The man looked incredulously at his prisoner for a moment; then he drew
+to the door, with the air of one who was determined to assure himself
+of the truth, calling aloud as he did so, to one of his companions to
+join him. Willoughby knew that no time was to be lost. In half-a-
+minute, he had passed the hole, dropped the blanket before it, had
+circled the slender waist of Maud with one arm, and was shoving aside
+the bushes with the other, as he followed Nick from the straitened
+passage between the lean-to and the rock. The major seemed more bent on
+bearing Maud from the spot, than on saving himself. Her feet scarce
+touched the ground, as he ascended to the place where Joyce had halted.
+Here Nick stood an instant, with a finger raised in intense listening.
+His practised ears caught the sound of voices in the lean-to, then
+scarce fifty feet distant. Men called to each other by name, and then a
+voice directly beneath them, proclaimed that a head was already thrust
+through the hole.
+
+"Here is your saw, and here is its workmanship!" exclaimed this voice.
+
+"And here is blood, too," said another. "See! the ground has been a
+pool beneath those stones."
+
+Maud shuddered, as if the soul were leaving its earthly tenement, and
+Willoughby signed impatiently for Nick to proceed. But the savage, for
+a brief instant, seemed bewildered The danger below, however,
+increased, and evidently drew so near, that he turned and glided up the
+ascent. Presently, the fugitives reached the descending path, that
+diverged from the larger one they were on, and by which Nick and Maud
+had so recently come diagonally up this cliff. Nick leaped into it, and
+then the intervening bushes concealed their persons from any who might
+continue on the upward course. There was an open space, however, a
+little lower down; and the quick-witted savage came to a stand under a
+close cover, believing flight to be useless should their pursuers
+actually follow on their heels.
+
+The halt had not been made half-a-dozen seconds, when the voices of the
+party ascending in chase, were heard above the fugitives. Willoughby
+felt an impulse to dash down the path, bearing Maud in his arms, but
+Nick interposed his own body to so rash a movement. There was not time
+for a discussion, and the sounds of voices, speaking English too
+distinctly to pass for any but those of men of English birth, or
+English origin, were heard disputing about the course to be taken, at
+the point of junction between the two paths.
+
+"Go by the lower," called out one, from the rear; "he will run down the
+stream, and make for the settlements on the Hudson. Once before, he has
+done this, as I know from Strides himself."
+
+"D---n Strides!" answered another, more in front. "He is a sniveling
+scoundrel, who loves liberty, as a hog loves corn for the sake of good
+living. I say go the _upper_, which will carry him on the heights,
+and bring him out near his father's garrison."
+
+"Here are marks of feet on the upper," observed a third, "though they
+seem to be coming _down_, instead of going _up_ the hill."
+
+"It is the trail of the fellows who have helped him to escape. Push
+_up_ the hill, and we shall have them all in ten minutes. Push
+_up_--push _up_."
+
+This decided the matter. It appeared to Willoughby that at least a
+dozen men ran up the path, above his head, eager in the pursuit, and
+anticipating success. Nick waited no longer, but glided down the cliff,
+and was soon in the broad path which led along the margin of the
+stream, and was the ordinary thoroughfare in going to or from the
+Knoll. Here the fugitives, as on the advance, were exposed to the
+danger of accidental meetings; but, fortunately, no one was met, or
+seen, and the bridge was passed in safety. Turning short to the north,
+Nick plunged into the woods again, following the cow-path by which he
+had so recently descended to the glen. No pause was made even here.
+Willoughby had an arm round the waist of Maud, and bore her forward,
+with a rapidity to which her own strength was altogether unequal. In
+less than ten minutes from the time the prisoner had escaped, the
+fugitives reached the level of the rock of the water-fall, or that of
+the plain of the Dam. As it was reasonably certain that none of the
+invaders had passed to that side of the valley, haste was no longer
+necessary, and Maud was permitted to pause for breath.
+
+The halt was short, however, our heroine, herself, now feeling as if
+the major could not be secure until he was fairly within the palisades.
+In vain did Willoughby try to pacify her fears and to assure her of his
+comparative safety; Maud's nerves were excited, and then she had the
+dreadful tidings, which still remained to be told pressing upon her
+spirits, and quickening all her natural impulses and sentiments.
+
+Nick soon made the signal to proceed, and then the three began to
+circle the flats, as mentioned in the advance of Maud and her
+companion. When they reached a favourable spot, the Indian once more
+directed a halt, intimating his own intention to move to the margin of
+the woods, in order to reconnoitre. Both his companions heard this
+announcement with satisfaction, for Willoughby was eager to say to Maud
+directly that which he had so plainly indicated by means of the box,
+and to extort from her a confession that she was not offended; while
+Maud herself felt the necessity of letting the major know the
+melancholy circumstance that yet remained to be told. With these widely
+distinct feelings uppermost, our two lovers saw Nick quit them, each
+impatient, restless and uneasy.
+
+Willoughby had found a seat for Maud, on a log, and he now placed
+himself at her side, and took her hand, pressing it silently to his
+heart.
+
+"Nick has then been a true man, dearest Maud," he said,
+"notwithstanding all my doubts and misgivings of him."
+
+"Yes; he gave me to understand you would hardly trust him, and that was
+the reason I was induced to accompany him. We both thought, Bob, you
+would confide in _me_!"
+
+"Bless you--bless you--beloved Maud--but have you seen Mike--has
+_he_ had any interview with you--in a word, did he deliver you my
+box?"
+
+Maud's feelings had been so much excited, that the declaration of
+Willoughby's love, precious as it was to her heart failed to produce
+the outward signs that are usually exhibited by the delicate and
+sensitive of her sex, when they listen to the insinuating language for
+the first time. Her thoughts were engrossed with her dreadful secret,
+and with the best and least shocking means of breaking it to the major.
+The tint on her cheek, therefore, scarce deepened, as this question was
+put to her, while her eye, full of earnest tenderness, still remained
+riveted on the face of her companion.
+
+"I have seen Mike, dear Bob," she answered, with a steadiness that had
+its rise in her singleness of purpose--"and he _has_ shown me--
+_given_ me, the box."
+
+"But have you understood me, Maud?--You will remember that box
+contained the great secret of my life!"
+
+"This I well remember--yes, the box contains the great secret of your
+life."
+
+"But--you cannot have understood me, Maud--else would you not look so
+unconcerned--so vacantly--I am not understood, and am miserable!"
+
+"No--no--no"--interrupted Maud, hurriedly--"I understand _all_ you
+have wished to say, and you have no cause to be--" Maud's voice became
+choked, for she recollected the force of the blow that she had in
+reserve.
+
+"This is so strange!--altogether so unlike your usual manner, Maud,
+that there must be some mistake. The box contained nothing but your own
+hair, dearest."
+
+"Yes; nothing else. It was _my_ hair; I knew it the instant I saw
+it."
+
+"And did it tell you no secret?--Why was Beulah's hair not with it? Why
+did I cherish _your_ hair, Maud, and your's alone? You have not
+understood me!"
+
+"I have, dear, dear Bob!--You love me--you wished to say we are not
+brother and sister, in truth; that we have an affection that is far
+stronger--one that will bind us together for life. Do not look so
+wretched, Bob; I understand everything you wish to say."
+
+"This is so very extraordinary!--So unlike yourself, Maud, I know not
+what to make of it! I sent you that box, beloved one, to say that you
+had my whole heart; that I thought of you day and night; that you were
+the great object of my existence, and that, while misery would be
+certain without you, felicity would be just as certain with you; in a
+word, that I love you, Maud, and can never love another."
+
+"Yes, so I understood you, Bob."--Maud, spite of her concentration of
+feeling on the dreadful secret, could not refrain from blushing--"It
+was too plain to be mistaken."
+
+"And how was my declaration received? Tell me at once, dear girl, with
+your usual truth of character, and frankness--_can_ you, _will_
+you love me in return?"
+
+This was a home question, and, on another occasion, it might have
+produced a scene of embarrassment and hesitation. But Maud was
+delighted with the idea that it was in her power to break the violence
+of the blow she was about to inflict, by setting Robert Willoughby's
+mind at ease on this great point.
+
+"I _do_ love you, Bob," she said, with fervent affection beaming
+in every lineament of her angel face--"_have_ loved you, for
+years--how could it be otherwise? I have scarce seen any other to
+love; and how see you, and refrain?"
+
+"Blessed, blessed, Maud--but this is so strange--I fear you do not
+understand me--I am not speaking of such affection as Beulah bears me,
+as brother and sister feel; I speak of the love that my mother bore my
+father--of the love of man and wife"----
+
+A groan from Maud stopped the vehement young man, who received his
+companion in his arms, as she bowed her head on his bosom, half
+fainting.
+
+"Is this resentment, dearest, or is it consent?" he asked, bewildered
+by all that passed.
+
+"Oh! Bob--Father--father--father!"
+
+"My father!--what of him, Maud? Why has the allusion to him brought you
+to this state?"
+
+"They have killed him, dearest, dearest Bob; and you must now be
+father, husband, brother, son, all in one. We have no one left but
+you!"
+
+A long pause succeeded. The shock was terrible to Robert Willoughby,
+but he bore up against it, like a man. Maud's incoherent and unnatural
+manner was now explained, and while unutterable tenderness of manner--a
+tenderness that was increased by what had just passed--was exhibited by
+each to the other, no more was said of love. A common grief appeared to
+bind their hearts closer together, but it was unnecessary to dwell on
+their mutual affection in words. Robert Willoughby's sorrow mingled
+with that of Maud, and, as he folded her to his heart, their faces were
+literally bathed in each other's tears.
+
+It was some time before Willoughby could ask, or Maud give, an
+explanation. Then the latter briefly recounted all she knew, her
+companion listening with the closest attention. The son thought the
+occurrence as extraordinary as it was afflicting, but there was not
+leisure for inquiry.
+
+It was, perhaps, fortunate for our lovers that Nick's employment kept
+him away. For nearly ten minutes longer did he continue absent; then he
+returned, slowly, thoughtful, and possibly a little disturbed. At the
+sound of his footstep, Willoughby released Maud from his arms, and both
+assumed an air of as much tranquillity as the state of their feelings
+would allow.
+
+"Better march"--said Nick, in his sententious manner--"Mohawk very
+mad."
+
+"Do you see the signs of this?" asked the major, scarce knowing what he
+said.
+
+"Alway make Injin mad; lose scalp. Prisoner run away, carry scalp with
+him."
+
+"I rather think, Nick, you do my captors injustice; so far from
+desiring anything so cruel, they treated me well enough, considering
+the circumstances, and that we are in the woods."
+
+"Yes; spare scalp, 'cause t'ink rope ready. Nebber trust Mohawk--all
+bad Injin."
+
+To own the truth, one of the great failings of the savages of the
+American forests, was to think of the neighbouring tribes, as the
+Englishman is known to think of the Frenchman, and vice versa; as the
+German thinks of both, and all think of the Yankee. In a word, his own
+tribe contains everything that is excellent, with the Pawnee, the Osage
+and Pottawattomie, as Paris contains all that is perfect in the eyes of
+the _bourgeois_, London in those of the cockney, and this virtuous
+republic in those of its own enlightened citizens; while the hostile
+communities are remorselessly given up to the tender solicitude of
+those beings which lead nations, as well as individuals, into the sinks
+of perdition. Thus Nick, liberalized as his mind had comparatively
+become by intercourse with the whites, still retained enough of the
+impressions of childhood, to put the worst construction on the acts of
+all his competitors, and the best on his own. In this spirit, then, he
+warned his companions against placing any reliance on the mercy of the
+Mohawks.
+
+Major Wilioughby, however, had now sufficient inducements to move,
+without reference to the hostile intentions of his late captors. That
+his escape would excite a malignant desire for vengeance, he could
+easily believe; but his mother, his revered heart-broken mother, and
+the patient, afflicted Beulah, were constantly before him, and gladly
+did he press on, Maud leaning on his arm, the instant Nick led the way.
+To say that the lovely, confiding being who clung to his side, as the
+vine inclines to the tree, was forgotten, or that he did not retain a
+vivid recollection of all that she had so ingenuously avowed in his
+favour, would not be rigidly accurate, though the hopes thus created
+shone in the distance, under the present causes of grief, as the sun's
+rays illumine the depths of the heavens, while his immediate face is
+entirely hidden by an eclipse.
+
+"Did you see any signs of a movement against the house, Nick?" demanded
+the major, when the three had been busily making their way, for several
+minutes, round the margin of the forest.
+
+The Tuscarora turned, nodded his head, and glanced at Maud.
+
+"Speak frankly, Wyandotté--"
+
+"Good!" interrupted the Indian with emphasis, assuming a dignity of
+manner the major had never before witnessed. "Wyandotté come--Nick gone
+away altogeder. Nebber see Sassy Nick, ag'in, at Dam."
+
+"I am glad to hear this, Tuscarora, and as Maud says, you may speak
+plainly."
+
+"T'ink, den, best be ready. Mohawk feel worse dan if he lose ten,
+t'ree, six scalp. Injin know Injin feelin'. Pale-face can't stop red-
+skin, when blood get up."
+
+"Press on, then, Wyandotté, for the sake of God--let me, at least, die
+in defence of my beloved mother!"
+
+"Moder; good!--Doctor Tuscarora, when death grin in face! She _my_
+moder, too!"
+
+This was said energetically, and in a manner to assure his listeners
+that they had a firm ally in this warlike savage. Little did either
+dream, at that instant, that this same wayward being--the creature of
+passion, and the fierce avenger of all his own fancied griefs, was the
+cause of the dreadful blow that had so recently fallen on them.
+
+The sun still wanted an hour of setting, when Nick brought his
+companions to the fallen tree, by which they were again to cross the
+rivulet. Here he paused, pointing to the roofs of the Hut, which were
+then just visible through the trees; as much as to say that his duty,
+as a guide, was done.
+
+"Thank you, Wyandotté," said Willoughby; "if it be the will of God to
+carry us safely through the crisis, you shall be well rewarded for this
+service."
+
+"Wyandotté chief--want no dollar. Been Injin runner--now be Injin
+warrior. Major follow--squaw follow--Mohawk in hurry."
+
+This was enough. Nick passed out of the forest on a swift walk--but for
+the female, it would have been his customary, loping trot--followed by
+Willoughby; his arm, again, circling the waist of Maud, whom he bore
+along scarce permitting her light form to touch the earth. At this
+instant, four or five conches sounded, in the direction of the mills,
+and along the western margin of the meadows. Blast seemed to echo
+blast; then the infernal yell, known as the war-whoop, was heard all
+along the opposite face of the buildings. Judging from the sounds, the
+meadows were alive with assailants, pressing on for the palisades.
+
+At this appalling moment, Joyce appeared on the ridge of the roof,
+shouting, in a voice that might have been heard to the farthest point
+in the valley--
+
+"Stand to your arms, my men," he cried; "here the scoundrels come; hold
+your fire until they attempt to cross the stockade."
+
+To own the truth, there was a little bravado in this, mingled with the
+stern courage that habit and nature had both contributed to lend the
+serjeant. The veteran knew the feebleness of his garrison, and fancied
+that warlike cries, from himself, might counterbalance the yells that
+were now rising from all the fields in front of the house.
+
+As for Nick and the major, they pressed forward, too earnest and
+excited, to speak. The former measured the distance by his ear; and
+thought there was still time to gain a cover, if no moment was lost. To
+reach the foot of the cliff, took just a minute; to ascend to the hole
+in the palisade, half as much time; and to pass it, a quarter. Maud was
+dragged ahead, as much as she ran; and the period when the three were
+passing swiftly round to the gate, was pregnant with imminent risk.
+They were seen, and fifty rifles were discharged, as it might be, at a
+command. The bullets pattered against the logs of the Hut, and against
+the palisades, but no one was hurt. The voice of Willoughby opened the
+gate, and the next instant the three were within the shelter of the
+court.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVIII.
+
+  "They have not perish'd--no!
+  Kind words, remembered voices, once so sweet,
+  Smiles, radiant long ago,
+  And features, the great soul's apparent seat;
+
+  "All shall come back, each tie
+  Of pure affection shall be knit again;
+  Alone shall evil die,
+  And sorrow dwell a prisoner in thy reign.
+
+  "And then shall I behold
+  Him, by whose kind paternal side I sprung,
+  And her, who still and cold,
+  Fills the next grave--the beautiful and young."
+
+  Bryant's Past.
+
+The scene that followed passed like a hurricane sweeping over the
+valley. Joyce had remained on the ridge of the roof, animating his
+little garrison, and endeavouring to intimidate his enemies, to the
+last moment. The volley of bullets had reached the palisades and the
+buildings, and he was still unharmed. But the sound of the major's
+voice below, and the cry that Miss Maud and Nick were at the gate,
+produced a sudden change in all his dispositions for the defence. The
+serjeant ran below himself, to report and receive his orders from the
+new commander, while all the negroes, females as well as males, rushed
+down into the court, to meet their young master and mistress.
+
+It is not easy to describe the minute that succeeded, after Willoughby
+and Maud were surrounded by the blacks. The delight of these untutored
+beings was in proportion to their recent sorrow. The death of their
+master, and the captivity of Master Bob and Miss Maud, had appeared to
+them like a general downfall of the family of Willoughby; but here was
+a revival of its hopes, that came as unexpectedly as its previous
+calamities. Amid the clamour, cries, tears, lamentations, and bursts of
+uncontrollable delight, Joyce could scarce find a moment in which to
+discharge his duty.
+
+"I see how it is, serjeant," exclaimed Willoughby; "the assault is now
+making, and you desire orders."
+
+"There is not an instant to lose, Major Willoughby; the enemy are at
+the palisades already, and there is no one at his station but Jamie and
+young Blodget."
+
+"To your posts, men--to your posts, everybody. The house shall be made
+good at all hazards. For God's sake, Joyce, give me arms. I feel that
+my father's wrongs are to be revenged."
+
+"Robert--dear, dear Robert," said Maud, throwing her arms on his
+shoulders, "this is no moment for such bitter feelings. Defend us, as I
+know you will, but defend us like a Christian."
+
+One kiss was all that the time allowed, and Maud rushed into the house
+to seek her mother and Beulah, feeling as if the tidings of Bob's
+return might prove some little alleviation to the dreadful blow under
+which they must be suffering.
+
+As for Willoughby, he had no time for pious efforts at consolation. The
+Hut was to be made good against a host of enemies; and the cracking of
+rifles from the staging and the fields, announced that the conflict had
+begun in earnest. Joyce handed him a rifle, and together they ascended
+rapidly to the roofs. Here they found Jamie Allen and Blodget, loading
+and firing as fast as they could, and were soon joined by all the
+negroes. Seven men were now collected on the staging; and placing three
+in front, and two on each wing, the major's dispositions were made;
+moving, himself, incessantly, to whatever point circumstances called.
+Mike, who knew little of the use of fire-arms, was stationed at the
+gate, as porter and warder.
+
+It was so unusual a thing for savages to attack by daylight, unless
+they could resort to surprise, that the assailants were themselves a
+little confused. The assault was made, under a sudden feeling of
+resentment at the escape of the prisoner, and contrary to the wishes of
+the principal white men in the party, though the latter were dragged in
+the train of events, and had to seem to countenance that of which they
+really disapproved. These sudden outbreakings were sufficiently common
+in Indian warfare, and often produced memorable disasters. On the
+present occasion, however, the most that could occur was a repulse, and
+to this the leaders, demagogues who owed their authority to the
+excesses and necessities of the times, were fain to submit, should it
+happen.
+
+The onset had been fierce and too unguarded. The moment the volley was
+fired at the major, the assailants broke cover, and the fields were
+alive with men. This was the instant when the defence was left to Allen
+and Blodget, else might the exposure have cost the enemy dear. As it
+was, the last brought down one of the boldest of the Indians while the
+mason fired with good will, though with less visible effect. The yell
+that followed this demonstration of the apparent force of the garrison,
+was a wild mixture of anger and exultation, and the rush at the
+palisades was general and swift. As Willoughby posted his
+reinforcement, the stockade was alive with men, some ascending, some
+firing from its summit, some aiding others to climb, and one falling
+within the enclosure, a second victim to Blodget's unerring aim.
+
+The volley that now came from the roofs staggered the savages, most of
+whom fell outward, and sought cover in their usual quick and dexterous
+manner. Three or four, however, thought it safer to fall within the
+palisades, seeking safety immediately under the sides of the buildings.
+The view of these men, who were perfectly safe from the fire of the
+garrison so long as the latter made no sortie, gave an idea to those
+without, and produced, what had hitherto been wanting, something like
+order and concert in the attack. The firing now became desultory and
+watchful on both sides, the attacking party keeping themselves covered
+by the trees and fences as well as they could, while the garrison only
+peered above the ridge of the roof, as occasions required.
+
+The instant the outbreak occurred, all the _ci-devant_ dependants
+of captain Willoughby, who had deserted, abandoned their various
+occupations in the woods and fields, collecting in and around the
+cabins, in the midst of their wives and children. Joel, alone, was not
+to be seen. He had sought his friends among the leaders of the party,
+behind a stack of hay, at a respectful distance from the house, and to
+which there was a safe approach by means of the rivulet and its fringe
+of bushes. The little council that was held at this spot took place
+just as the half-dozen assailants who had fallen within the palisades
+were seen clustering along under the walls of the buildings.
+
+"Natur' gives you a hint how to conduct," observed Joel, pointing out
+this circumstance to his principal companions, as they all lay peering
+over the upper portions of the stack, at the Hut. "You see them men
+under the eaves--they're a plaguy sight safer up there, than we be down
+here; and; if 'twere'n't for the look of the thing, I wish I was with
+'em. That house will never be taken without a desperate sight of
+fightin'; for the captain is an old warrior, and seems to like to snuff
+gunpowder"--the reader will understand none knew of the veteran's death
+but those in the house--"and won't be for givin' up while he has a
+charge left. If I had twenty men--no, thirty would be better, where
+these fellows be, I think the place could be carried in a few minutes,
+and then liberty would get its rights, and your monarchy-men would be
+put down as they all desarve."
+
+"What do then?" demanded the leading Mohawk, in his abrupt guttural
+English. "No shoot--can't kill log."
+
+"No, chief, that's reasonable, an' ongainsayable, too; but only one-
+half the inner gate is hung, and I've contrived matters so, on purpose,
+that the props of the half that isn't on the hinges can be undone, all
+the same as onlatching the door. If I only had the right man here, now,
+the business should be done, and that speedily."
+
+"Go 'self," answered the Mohawk, not without an expression of distrust
+and contempt.
+
+"Every man to his callin', chief. My trade is peace, and politics, and
+liberty, while your's is war. Howsever, I can put you, and them that
+likes fightin', on the trail, and then we'll see how matters can be
+done. Mortality! How them desperate devils on the roof do keep blazin'
+away! It wouldn't surprise me if they shot somebody, or get hurt
+themselves!"
+
+Such were the deliberations of Joel Strides on a battle. The Indian
+leaders, however, gave some of their ordinary signals, to bring their
+'young men' more under command and, sending messengers with orders in
+different directions, they left the haystack, compelling Joel to
+accompany them.
+
+The results of these movements were soon apparent. The most daring of
+the Mohawks made their way into the rivulet, north of the buildings,
+and were soon at the foot of the cliff. A little reconnoitring told
+them that the hole which Joel had pointed out, had not been closed
+since the entrance of Willoughby and his companions. Led by their
+chief, the warriors stole up the ascent, and began to crawl through the
+same inlet which had served as an outlet to so many deserters, the
+previous night, accompanied by their wives and children.
+
+The Indians in front had been ordered to occupy the attention of the
+garrison, while this movement was in the course of execution. At a
+signal, they raised a yell, unmasked them, fired one volley, and seemed
+to make another rush at the works. This was the instant chosen for the
+passage of the hole, and the seven leading savages effected their
+entrance within the stockade, with safety. The eighth man was shot by
+Blodget, in the hole itself. The body was instantly withdrawn by the
+legs, and all in the rear fell back under the cover of the cliff.
+
+Willoughby now understood the character of the assault. Stationing
+Joyce, with a party to command the hole, he went himself into the
+library, accompanied by Jamie and Blodget, using a necessary degree of
+caution. Fortunately the windows were raised, and a sudden volley
+routed all the Indians who had taken shelter beneath the rocks. These
+men, however, fled no further than the rivulet, where they rallied
+under cover of the bushes, keeping up a dropping fire at the windows.
+For several minutes, the combat was confined to this spot; Willoughby,
+by often shifting from window to window along the rear of the house,
+getting several volleys that told, at the men under the cover.
+
+As yet, all the loss had been on the side of the assailants, though
+several of the garrison, including both Willoughby and Joyce, had
+divers exceedingly narrow escapes. Quite a dozen of the assailants had
+suffered, though only four were killed outright. By this time, the
+assault had lasted an hour, and the shades of evening were closing
+around the place. Daniel, the miller, had been sent by Joel to spring
+the mine they had prepared together, but, making the mistake usual with
+the uninitiated, he had hung back, to let others pass the hole first,
+and was consequently carried down in the crowd, within the cover of the
+bushes of the rivulet.
+
+Willoughby had a short consultation with Joyce, and then he set
+seriously about the preparations necessary for a light defence. By a
+little management, and some persona, risk, the bullet-proof shutters of
+the north wing of the Hut were all closed, rendering the rear of the
+buildings virtually impregnable. When this was done, and the gates of
+the area were surely shut, the place was like a ship in a gale, under
+short canvass and hove-to. The enemy within the palisades were
+powerless, to all appearance, the walls of stone preventing anything
+like an application of fire. Of the last, however, there was a little
+danger on the roof, the Indians frequently using arrows for this
+purpose, and water was placed on the staging in readiness to be used on
+occasion.
+
+All these preparations occupied some time, and it was quite dark ere
+they were completed. Then Willoughby had a moment for reflection; the
+firing having entirely ceased, and nothing further remaining to do.
+
+"We are safe for the present, Joyce," the major observed, as he and the
+serjeant stood together on the staging, after having consulted on the
+present aspect of things; "and I have a solemn duty, yet, to perform--
+my dear mother--and the body of my father--"
+
+"Yes, sir; I would not speak of either, so long as it was your honour's
+pleasure to remain silent on the subject. Madam Willoughby is sorely
+cut down, as you may imagine, sir; and, as for my gallant old
+commander, he died in his harness, as a soldier should."
+
+"Where have you taken the body?--has my mother seen it?"
+
+"Lord bless you, sir, Madam Willoughby had his honour carried into her
+own room, and there she and Miss Beulah"--so all of the Hut still
+called the wife of Evert Beekman--"she and Miss Beulah, kneel, and
+pray, and weep, as you know, sir, ladies will, whenever anything severe
+comes over their feelings--God bless them both, we all say, and think,
+ay, and pray, too, in our turns, sir."
+
+"Very well, Joyce. Even a soldier may drop a tear over the dead body of
+his own father. God only knows what this night will bring forth, and I
+may never have a moment as favourable as this, for discharging so
+solemn a duty."
+
+"Yes, your honour"--Joyce fancied that the major had succeeded to this
+appellation by the decease of the captain--"yes, your honour, the
+commandments, that the Rev. Mr. Woods used to read to us of a Sunday,
+tell us all about that; and it is quite as much the duty of a Christian
+to mind the commandments, I do suppose, as it is for a soldier to obey
+orders. God bless you, sir, and carry you safe through the affair. I
+had a touch of it with Miss Maud, myself, and know what it is. It's bad
+enough to lose an old commander in so sudden a way like, without having
+to _feel_ what has happened in company with so sweet ladies, as
+these we have in the house. As for these blackguards down inside the
+works, let them give you no uneasiness; it will be light work for us to
+keep them busy, compared to what your honour has to do."
+
+It would seem by the saddened manner in which Willoughby moved away,
+that he was of the same way of thinking as the serjeant, on this
+melancholy subject. The moment, however, was favourable for the object,
+and delay could not be afforded. Then Willoughby's disposition was to
+console his mother, even while he wept with her over the dead body of
+him they had lost.
+
+Notwithstanding the wild uproar that had so prevailed, not only
+without, but within the place, the portion of the house that was
+occupied by the widowed matron and her daughters, was silent as the
+grave. All the domestics were either on the staging, or at the loops,
+leaving the kitchens and offices deserted. The major first entered a
+little ante-chamber, that opened between a store-room, and the
+apartment usually occupied by his mother; this being the ordinary means
+of approach to her room. Here he paused, and listened quite a minute,
+in the hope of catching some sound from within that might prepare him
+for the scene he was to meet. Not a whisper, a moan, or a sob could be
+heard; and he ventured to tap lightly at the door. This was unheeded;
+waiting another minute, as much in dread as in respect, he raised the
+latch with some such awe, as one would enter into a tomb of some
+beloved one. A single lamp let him into the secrets of this solemn
+place.
+
+In the centre of the room, lay stretched on a large table, the manly
+form of the author of his being. The face was uppermost, and the limbs
+had been laid, in decent order, as is usual with the dead that have
+been cared for. No change had been made in the dress, however, the
+captain lying in the hunting-shirt in which he had sallied forth; the
+crimson tint which disfigured one breast, having been sedulously
+concealed by the attention of Great Smash. The passage from life to
+eternity had been so sudden, as to leave the usual benignant expression
+on the countenance of the corpse; the paleness which had succeeded the
+fresh ruddy tint of nature, alone denoting that the sleep was not a
+sweet repose, but that of death.
+
+The body of his father was the first object that met the gaze of the
+major. He advanced, leaned forward, kissed the marble-like forehead,
+with reverence, and groaned in the effort to suppress an unmanly
+outbreaking of sorrow. Then he turned to seek the other well-beloved
+faces. There sat Beulah, in a corner of the room, as if to seek shelter
+for her infant, folding that infant to her heart, keeping her look
+riveted, in anguish, on the inanimate form that she had ever loved
+beyond a daughter's love. Even the presence of her brother scarce drew
+a glance away from the sad spectacle; though, when it at length did,
+the youthful matron bowed her face down to that of her child, and wept
+convulsively. She was nearest to the major, who moved to her side, and
+kissed the back of her neck, with kind affection. The meaning was
+understood; and Beulah, while unable to look up, extended a hand to
+meet the fraternal pressure it received.
+
+Maud was near, kneeling at the side of the bed. Her whole attitude
+denoted the abstraction of a mind absorbed in worship and solicitation.
+Though Willoughby's heart yearned to raise her in his arms; to console
+her, and bid her lean on himself, in future, for her earthly support,
+he too much respected her present occupation, to break in upon it with
+any irreverent zeal of his own. His eye turned from this loved object,
+therefore, and hurriedly looked for his mother.
+
+The form of Mrs. Willoughby had escaped the first glances of her son,
+in consequence of the position in which she had placed herself. The
+stricken wife was in a corner of the room, her person partly concealed
+by the drapery of a window-curtain; though this was evidently more the
+effect of accident, than of design. Willoughby started, as he caught
+the first glance of his beloved parent's face; and he felt a chill pass
+over his whole frame. There she sat upright, motionless, tearless,
+without any of the alleviating weaknesses of a less withering grief,
+her mild countenance exposed to the light of the lamp, and her eyes
+riveted on the face of the dead. In this posture had she remained for
+hours; no tender cares on the part of her daughters; no attentions from
+her domestics; no outbreaking of her own sorrows, producing any change.
+Even the clamour of the assault had passed by her like the idle wind.
+
+"My mother--my poor--dear--heart-broken mother!" burst from Willoughby,
+at this sight, and he stepped quickly forward, and knelt at her feet.
+
+But Bob--the darling Bob--his mother's pride and joy, was unheeded. The
+heart, which had so long beaten for others only; which never seemed to
+feel a wish, or a pulsation, but in the service of the objects of its
+affection, was not sufficiently firm to withstand the blow that had
+lighted on it so suddenly. Enough of life remained, however, to support
+the frame for a while; and the will still exercised its power over the
+mere animal functions. Her son shut out the view of the body, and she
+motioned him aside with an impatience of manner he had never before
+witnessed from the same quarter. Inexpressibly shocked, the major took
+her hands, by gentle compulsion, covering them with kisses, and
+literally bathing them in tears.
+
+"Oh! mother--dearest, dearest mother!" he cried, "_will_ you
+not--_do_ you not know _me_--Robert--Bob--your much-indulged,
+grateful, affectionate son. If father is gone into the immediate
+presence of the God he revered and served, I am still left to be a
+support to your declining years. Lean on me, mother, next to your
+Father in Heaven."
+
+"Will he ever get up, Robert?" whispered the widowed mother. "You speak
+too loud, and may rouse him before his time. He promised me to bring
+you back; and he ever kept his promises. He had a long march, and is
+weary, See, how sweetly he sleeps!"
+
+Robert Willoughby bowed his head to his mother's knees, and groaned
+aloud. When he raised his face again, he saw the arms of Maud elevated
+towards heaven, as if she would pluck down that consolation for her
+mother, that her spirit was so fervently asking of the Almighty. Then
+he gazed into the face of his mother again; hoping to catch a gleam of
+some expression and recognition, that denoted more of reason. It was in
+vain; the usual placidity, the usual mild affection were there; but
+both were blended with the unnatural halo of a mind excited to disease,
+if not to madness. A slight exclamation, which sounded like alarm, came
+from Beulah; and turning towards his sister, Willoughby saw that she
+was clasping Evert still closer to her bosom, with her eyes now bent on
+the door. Looking in the direction of the latter, he perceived that
+Nick had stealthily entered, the room.
+
+The unexpected appearance of Wyandotté might well alarm the youthful
+mother. He had applied his war-paint since entering the Hut; and this,
+though it indicated an intention to fight in defence of the house, left
+a picture of startling aspect. There was nothing hostile intended by
+this visit, however. Nick had come not only in amity, but in a kind
+concern to see after the females of the family, who had ever stood high
+in his friendship, notwithstanding the tremendous blow he had struck
+against their happiness. But he had been accustomed to see those close
+distinctions drawn between individuals and colours; and, the other
+proprieties admitted, would not have hesitated about consoling the
+widow with the offer of his own hand. Major Willoughby, understanding,
+from the manner of the Indian, the object of his visit, suffered him to
+pursue his own course, in the hope it might rouse his mother to a
+better consciousness of objects around her.
+
+Nick walked calmly up to the table, and gazed at the face of his victim
+with a coldness that proved he felt no compunction. Still he hesitated
+about touching the body, actually raising his hand, as if with that
+intent, and then withdrawing it, like one stung by conscience.
+Willoughby noted the act; and, for the first time, a shadowy suspicion
+glanced on his mind. Maud had told him all she knew of the manner of
+his father's death, and old distrusts began to revive, though so
+faintly as to produce no immediate results.
+
+As for the Indian, the hesitating gesture excepted, the strictest
+scrutiny, or the keenest suspicion could have detected no signs of
+feeling. The senseless form before him was not less moved than he
+appeared to be, so far as the human eye could penetrate. Wyandotté
+_was_ unmoved. He believed that, in curing the sores on his own back
+in this particular manner, he had done what became a Tuscarora warrior
+and a chief. Let not the self-styled Christians of civilized society
+affect horror at this instance of savage justice, so long as they go
+the whole length of the law of their several communities, in avenging
+their own fancied wrongs, using the dagger of calumny instead of the
+scalping-knife, and rending and tearing _their_ victims, by the
+agency of gold and power, like so many beasts of the field, in all the
+forms and modes that legal vindictiveness will either justify or
+tolerate; often exceeding those broad limits, indeed, and seeking
+impunity behind perjuries and frauds.
+
+Nick's examination of the body was neither hurried nor agitated. When
+it was over, he turned calmly to consider the daughters of the
+deceased.
+
+"Why you cry--why you 'fear'd," he said, approaching Beulah, and
+placing his swarthy hand on the head of her sleeping infant.--"Good
+squaw--good pappoose. Wyandotté take care 'em in woods. Bye'm-by go to
+pale-face town, and sleep quiet."
+
+This was rudely said, but it was well meant. Beulah so received it; and
+she endeavoured to smile her gratitude in the face of the very being
+from whom, more than from all of earth, she would have turned in
+horror, could her mental vision have reached the fearful secret that
+lay buried in his own bosom. The Indian understood her look; and making
+a gesture of encouragement, he moved to the side of the woman whom his
+own hand had made a widow.
+
+The appearance of Wyandotté produced no change in the look or manner of
+the matron. The Indian took her hand, and spoke.
+
+"Squaw _berry_ good," he said, with emphasis. "Why look so sorry--
+cap'in gone to happy huntin'-ground of his people. All good dere--chief
+time come, _must_ go."
+
+The widow knew the voice, and by some secret association it recalled
+the scenes of the past, producing a momentary revival of her faculties.
+
+"Nick, _you_ are my friend," she said, earnestly. "Go speak to
+him, and see if _you_ can wake him up."
+
+The Indian fairly started, as he heard this strange proposal. The
+weakness lasted only for a moment, however, and he became as stoical,
+in appearance at least, as before.
+
+"No," he said; "squaw quit cap'in, now. Warrior go on last path, all
+alone--no want companion.--She look at grave, now and den, and be
+happy."
+
+"Happy!" echoed the widow, "what is _that_, Nick?--what is
+_happy_, my son? It seems a dream--I _must_ have known what it
+was; but I forget it all now. Oh! it was cruel, cruel, cruel, to stab a
+husband, and a father--wasn't it, Robert?--What say you, Nick--shall I
+give you more medicine?--You'll die, Indian, unless you take it--mind
+what a Christian woman tells you, and be obedient.--Here, let me hold
+the cup--there; now you'll live!"
+
+Nick recoiled an entire step, and gazed at the still beautiful victim
+of his ruthless revenge, in a manner no one had ever before noted in
+his mien. His mixed habits left him in ignorance of no shade of the
+fearful picture before his eyes, and he began better to comprehend the
+effects of the plow he had so hastily struck--a blow meditated for
+years, though given at length under a sudden and vehement impulse. The
+widowed mother, however, was past noting these changes.
+
+"No--no--no--Nick," she added, hurriedly, scarce speaking above a
+whisper, "do not awake him! God will do that, when he summons his
+blessed ones to the foot of his throne. Let us all lie down, and sleep
+with him. Robert, do you lie there, at his side, my noble, noble boy;
+Beulah, place little Evert and yourself at the other side; Maud, your
+place is by the head; I will sleep at his feet; while Nick shall watch,
+and let us know when it will be time to rise and pray"
+
+The general and intense--almost spell-bound--attention with which all
+in the room listened to these gentle but touching wanderings of a mind
+so single and pure, was interrupted by yells so infernal, and shrieks
+so wild and fearful, that it seemed, in sooth, as if the last trump had
+sounded, and men were passing forth from their graves to judgment.
+Willoughby almost leaped out of the room, and Maud followed, to shut
+and bolt the door, when her waist was encircled by the arm of Nick, and
+she found herself borne forward towards the din.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIX.
+
+  "O, Time and Death! with certain pace,
+  Though still unequal, hurrying on,
+  O'erturning, in your awful race,
+  The cot, the palace, and the throne!"
+
+  Sands.
+
+Maud had little leisure for reflection. The yells and shrieks were
+followed by the cries of combatants, and the crack of the rifle. Nick
+hurried her along at a rate so rapid that she had not breath to
+question or remonstrate, until she found herself at the door of a small
+store-room, in which her mother was accustomed to keep articles of
+domestic economy that required but little space. Into this room Nick
+thrust her, and then she heard the key turn on her egress. For a single
+moment, Wyandotté stood hesitating whether he should endeavour to get
+Mrs. Willoughby and her other daughter into the same place of security;
+then, judging of the futility of the attempt, by the approach of the
+sounds within, among which he heard the full, manly voice of Robert
+Willoughby, calling on the garrison to be firm, he raised an answering
+yell to those of the Mohawks, the war-whoop of his tribe, and plunged
+into the fray with the desperation of one who ran a muck, and with the
+delight of a demon.
+
+In order to understand the cause of this sudden change, it will be
+necessary to return a little, in the order of time. While Willoughby
+was with his mother and sisters, Mike had charge of the gate. The rest
+of the garrison was either at the loops, or was stationed on the roofs.
+As the darkness increased, Joel mustered sufficient courage to crawl
+through the hole, and actually reached the gate. Without him, it was
+found impossible to spring his mine, and he had been prevailed on to
+risk this much, on condition it should not be asked of him to do such
+violence to his feelings as to enter the court of a house in which he
+had seen so many happy days.
+
+The arrangement, by which this traitor intended to throw a family upon
+the tender mercies of savages, was exceedingly simple. It will be
+remembered that only one leaf of the inner gate was hung, the other
+being put in its place, where it was sustained by a prop. This prop
+consisted of a single piece of timber, of which one end rested on the
+ground, and the other on the centre of the gate; the last being
+effectually prevented from slipping by pins of wood, driven into the
+massive wood-work of the gate, above its end. The lower end of the prop
+rested against a fragment of rock that nature had placed at this
+particular spot. As the work had been set up in a hurry, it was found
+necessary to place wedges between the lower end of the prop and the
+rock, in order to force the leaf properly into its groove, without
+which it might have been canted to one side, and of course easily
+overturned by the exercise of sufficient force from without.
+
+To all this arrangement, Joel had been a party, and he knew, as a
+matter of course, its strong and its weak points. Seizing a favourable
+moment, he had loosened the wedges, leaving them in their places,
+however, but using the precaution to fasten a bit of small but strong
+cord to the most material one of the three, which cord he buried in the
+dirt, and led half round a stick driven into the earth, quite near the
+wall, and thence through a hole made by one of the hinges, to the outer
+side of the leaf. The whole had been done with so much care as to
+escape the vigilance of casual observers, and expressly that the
+overseer might assist his friends in entering the place, after he
+himself had provided for his own safety by flight. The circumstance
+that no one trod on the side of the gateway where the unhung leaf
+stood, prevented the half-buried cord from being disturbed by any
+casual footstep.
+
+As soon as Joel reached the wall of the Hut, his first care was to
+ascertain if he were safe from missiles from the loops. Assured of this
+fact, he stole round to the gate, and had a consultation with the
+Mohawk chief, on the subject of springing the mine. The cord was found
+in its place; and, hauling on it gently, Joel was soon certain that he
+had removed the wedge, and that force might speedily throw down the
+unhung leaf. Still, he proceeded with caution. Applying the point of a
+lever to the bottom of the leaf, he hove it back sufficiently to be
+sure it would pass inside of its fellow; and then he announced to the
+grave warrior, who had watched the whole proceeding, that the time was
+come to lend his aid.
+
+There were a dozen reckless whites, in the cluster of savages collected
+at the gate; and enough of these were placed at handspikes to effect
+the intended dislodgement. The plan was this: while poles were set
+against the upper portion of the leaf, to force it within the line of
+the suspended part, handspikes and crowbars, of which a sufficiency had
+been provided by Joel's forethought, were to be applied between the
+hinge edge and the wall, to cast the whole over to the other side.
+
+Unluckily, Mike had been left at the gate as the sentinel. A more
+upfortunate selection could not have been made; the true-hearted fellow
+having so much self-confidence, and so little forethought, as to
+believe the gates impregnable. He had lighted a pipe, and was smoking
+as tranquilly as he had ever done before, in his daily indulgences of
+this character, when the unhung leaf came tumbling in upon the side
+where he sat; nothing saving his head but the upper edge's lodging
+against the wall. At the same moment, a dozen Indians leaped through
+the opening, and sprang into the court, raising the yells already
+described. Mike followed, armed with his shillelah, for his musket was
+abandoned in the surprise, and he began to lay about him with an
+earnestness that in nowise lessened the clamour. This was the moment
+when Joyce, nobly sustained by Blodget and Jamie Allen, poured a volley
+into the court, from the roofs; when the fray became general. To this
+point had the combat reached, when Willoughby rushed into the open air
+followed, a few instants later, by Nick.
+
+The scene that succeeded is not easily described. It was a _mélée_
+in the dark, illuminated, at instants, by the flashes of guns, and
+rendered horrible by shrieks, curses, groans and whoops. Mike actually
+cleared the centre of the court, where he was soon joined by
+Willoughby, when, together, they made a rush at a door, and actually
+succeeded in gaining their own party on the roof. It was not in nature
+for the young soldier to remain here, however, while his mother,
+Beulah, and, so far as he knew, Maud, lay exposed to the savages below.
+Arnid a shower of bullets he collected his whole force, and was on the
+point of charging into the court, when the roll of a drum without,
+brought everything to a stand. Young Blodget, who had displayed the
+ardour of a hero, and the coolness of a veteran throughout the short
+fray, sprang down the stairs unarmed, at this sound, passed through the
+astonished crowd in the court, unnoticed, and rushed to the outer gate.
+He had barely time to unbar it, when a body of troops marched through,
+led by a tall, manly-looking chief, who was accompanied by one that
+the young man instantly recognised, in spite of the darkness, for Mr.
+Woods, in his surplice. At the next moment, the strangers had entered,
+with military steadiness, into the court, to the number of, at least,
+fifty, ranging themselves in order across its area.
+
+"In the name of Heaven, who are you?" called out Willoughby, from a
+window. "Speak at once, or we fire."
+
+"I am Colonel Beekman, at the head of a regular force," was the answer,
+"and if, as I suspect, you are Major Willoughby, you know you are safe.
+In the name of Congress, I command all good citizens to keep the peace,
+or they will meet with punishment for their contumacy."
+
+This announcement ended the war, Beekman and Willoughby grasping each
+other's hands fervently, at the next instant.
+
+"Oh! Beekman!" exclaimed the last, "at what a moment has God sent you
+hither! Heaven be praised! notwithstanding all that has happened, you
+will find your wife and child safe. Place sentinels at both gates; for
+treachery has been at work here, and I shall ask for rigid justice."
+
+"Softly--softly--my good fellow," answered Beekman, pressing his hand.
+"Your own position is a little delicate, and we must proceed with
+moderation. I learned, just in time, that a party was coming hither,
+bent on mischief; and obtaining the necessary authority, I hastened to
+the nearest garrison, obtained a company, and commenced my march as
+soon as possible. Had we not met with Mr. Woods, travelling for the
+settlements in quest of succour, we might have been too late. As it
+was, God be praised!--I think we have arrived in season."
+
+Such were the facts. The Indians had repelled the zealous chaplain, as
+a madman; compelling him to take the route toward the settlements,
+however; their respect for this unfortunate class of beings, rendering
+them averse to his rejoining their enemies. He could, and did impart
+enough to Beekman to quicken his march, and to bring him and his
+followers up to the gate at a time when a minute might have cost the
+entire garrison their lives.
+
+Anxious as he was to seek Beulah and his child, Beekman had a soldier's
+duties to perform, and those he would not neglect. The sentinels were
+posted, and orders issued to light lanterns, and to make a fire in the
+centre of the court, so that the actual condition of the field of
+battle might be ascertained. A surgeon had accompanied Beekman's party,
+and he was already at work, so far as the darkness would allow. Many
+hands being employed, and combustibles easy to be found, ere long the
+desired light was gleaming on the terrible spectacle.
+
+A dozen bodies wexre stretched in the court, of which, three or four
+were fated never to rise again, in life. Of the rest, no less than four
+had fallen with broken heads, inflicted by O'Hearn's shillelah. Though
+these blows were not fatal, they effectually put the warriors _hors
+de combat_. Of the garrison, not one was among the slain, in this
+part of the field. On a later investigation, however, it was
+ascertained that the poor old Scotch mason had received a mortal hurt,
+through a window, and this by the very last shot that had been fired.
+On turning over the dead of the assailants, too, it was discovered that
+Daniel the Miller was of the number. A few of the Mohawks were seen,
+with glowing eyes, in corners of the court, applying their own rude
+dressings to their various hurts; succeeding, on the whole, in
+effecting the great purpose of the healing art, about as well as those
+who were committed to the lights of science.
+
+Surprisingly few uninjured members of the assaulting party, however,
+were to be found, when the lanterns appeared. Some had slipped through
+the gate before the sentinels were posted; others had found their way
+to the roof, and thence, by various means to the ground; while a few
+lay concealed in the buildings, until a favourable moment offered to
+escape. Among all those who remained, not an individual was found who
+claimed to be in any authority. In a word, after five minutes of
+examination, both Beekman and Willoughby were satisfied that there no
+longer existed a force to dispute with them the mastery of the Hut.
+
+"We have delayed too long relieving the apprehensions of those who are
+very dear to us, Major Willoughby," Beekman at length observed. "If you
+will lead the way to the parts of the buildings where your--_my_
+mother, and wife, are to be found, I will now follow you."
+
+"Hold, Beekman--there yet remains a melancholy tale to be told--nay,
+start not--I left our Beulah, and your boy, in perfect health, less
+than a quarter of an hour since. But my honoured, honourable, revered,
+beloved father has been killed in a most extraordinary manner, and you
+will find his widow and daughters weeping over his body."
+
+This appalling intelligence produced a halt, during which Willoughby
+explained all he knew of the manner of his father's death, which was
+merely the little he had been enabled to glean from Maud. As soon as
+this duty was performed, the gentlemen proceeded together to the
+apartment of the mourners, each carrying a light.
+
+Willoughby made an involuntary exclamation, when he perceived that the
+door of his mother's room was open. He had hoped Maud would have had
+the presence of mind to close and lock it; but here he found it,
+yawning as if to invite the entrance of enemies. The light within, too,
+was extinguished, though, by the aid of the lanterns, he saw large
+traces of blood in the ante-room, and the passages he was obliged to
+thread. All this hastened his steps. Presently he stood in the chamber
+of death.
+
+Short as had been the struggle, the thirst for scalps had led some of
+the savages to this sanctuary. The instant the Indians had gained the
+court, some of the most ferocious of their number had rushed into the
+building, penetrating its recesses in a way to defile them with
+slaughter. The first object that Willoughby saw was one of these
+ruthless warriors, stretched on the floor, with a living Indian,
+bleeding at half a dozen wounds, standing over him; the eye-balls of
+the latter were glaring like the tiger's that is suddenly confronted to
+a foe. An involuntary motion was made towards the rifle he carried, by
+the major; but the next look told him that the living Indian was Nick.
+Then it was, that he gazed more steadily about him, and took in all the
+horrible truths of that fatal chamber.
+
+Mrs. Willoughby was sealed in the chair where she had last been seen,
+perfectly dead. No mark of violence was ever found on her body,
+however, and there is no doubt that her constant spirit had followed
+that of her husband to the other world, in submission to the blow which
+had separated them. Beulah had been shot; not, as was afterwards
+ascertained, by any intentional aim, but by one of those random
+bullets, of which so many had been flying through the buildings. The
+missile had passed through her heart, and she lay pressing the little
+Evert to her bosom, with that air of steady and unerring affection
+which had marked every act of her innocent and feeling life. The boy
+himself, thanks to the tiger-like gallantry of Nick, had escaped
+unhurt. The Tuscarora had seen a party of six take the direction of
+this chamber, and he followed with an instinct of their intentions.
+When the leader entered the room, and found three dead bodies, he
+raised a yell that betokened his delight at the prospect of gaining so
+many scalps; at the next instant, while his fingers were actually
+entwined in the hair of Captain Willoughby, he fell by a blow from
+Wyandotté. Nick next extinguished the lamp, and then succeeded a scene,
+which none of the actors, themselves, could have described. Another
+Mohawk fell, and the remainder, ailer suffering horribly from the keen
+knife of Nick, as well as from blows received from each other, dragged
+themselves away, leaving the field to the Tuscarora. The latter met the
+almost bewildered gaze of the major with a smile of grim triumph, as he
+pointed to the three bodies of the beloved ones, and said--
+
+"See--all got scalp! Deat', nothin'--scalp, ebbery t'ing."
+
+We shall not attempt to describe the outbreaking of anguish from the
+husband and brother. It was a moment of wild grief, that bore down all
+the usual restraints of manhood, though it was such a moment as an
+American frontier residence has often witnessed. The quiet but deep-
+feeling nature of Beekman received a shock that almost produced a
+dissolution of his earthly being. He succeeded, however, in raising the
+still warm body of Beulah from the floor, and folding it to his heart.
+Happily for his reason, a flood of tears, such as women shed, burst
+from his soul, rather than from his eyes, bedewing her still sweet and
+placid countenance.
+
+To say that Robert Willoughby did not feel the desolation, which so
+suddenly alighted on a family that had often been quoted for its mutual
+affection and happiness, would be to do him great injustice. He even
+staggered under the blow; yet his heart craved further information. The
+Indian was gazing intently on the sight of Beekman's grief, partly in
+wonder, but more in sympathy, when he felt an iron pressure of his arm.
+
+"Maud--Tuscarora"--the major rather groaned than whispered in his ear,
+"know you anything of Maud?"
+
+Nick made a gesture of assent; then motioned for the other to follow.
+He led the way to the store-room, produced the key, and throwing open
+the door, Maud was weeping on Robert Willoughby's bosom in another
+instant. He would not take her to the chamber of death, but urged her,
+by gentle violence, to follow him to the library.
+
+"God be praised for this mercy!" exclaimed the ardent girl, raising her
+hands and streaming eyes to heaven. "I know not, care not, who is
+conqueror, since _you_ are safe!"
+
+"Oh! Maud--beloved one--we must now be all in all to each other. Death
+has stricken the others."
+
+This was a sudden and involuntary announcement, though it was best it
+should be so under the circumstances. It was long before Maud could
+hear an outline, even, of the details, but she bore them better than
+Willoughby could have hoped. The excitement had been so high, as to
+brace the mind to meet any human evil. The sorrow that came afterwards,
+though sweetened by so many tender recollections, and chastened hopes,
+was deep and enduring.
+
+Our picture would not have been complete, without relating the
+catastrophe that befell the Hutted Knoll; but, having discharged this
+painful duty, we prefer to draw a veil over the remainder of that
+dreadful night. The cries of the negresses, when they learned the death
+of their old and young mistress, disturbed the silence of the place for
+a few minutes and then a profound stillness settled on the buildings,
+marking them distinctly as the house of mourning. On further inquiry,
+too, it was ascertained that Great Smash, after shooting an Oneida, had
+been slain and scalped. Pliny the younger, also, fell fighting like a
+wild beast to defend the entrance to his mistresses' apartments.
+
+The following day, when light had returned, a more accurate idea was
+obtained of the real state of the valley. All of the invading party,
+the dead and wounded excepted, had made a rapid retreat, accompanied by
+most of the deserters and their families. The name, known influence,
+and actual authority of Colonel Beekman had wrought this change; the
+irregular powers that had set the expedition in motion, preferring to
+conceal their agency in the transaction, rather than make any hazardous
+attempt to claim the reward of patriotic service, as is so often done
+in revolutions, for merciless deeds and selfish acts. There had been no
+real design on the part of the whites to injure any of the family in
+their persons; but, instigated by Joel, they had fancied the occasion
+favourable for illustrating their own public virtue, while they placed
+themselves in the way of receiving fortune's favours. The assault that
+actually occurred, was one of those uncontrollable outbreakings of
+Indian ferocity, that have so often set at defiance the restraints of
+discipline.
+
+Nick was not to be found either. He had been last seen dressing his
+wounds, with Indian patience, and Indian skill, preparing to apply
+herbs and roots, in quest of which he went into the forest about
+midnight. As he did not return Willoughby feared that he might be
+suffering alone, and determined to have a search made, as soon as he
+had performed the last sad offices for the dead.
+
+Two days occurred, however, before this melancholy duty was discharged.
+The bodies of all the savages who had fallen were interred the morning
+after the assault; but that of Jamie Allen, with those of the principal
+persons of the family, were kept for the pious purposes of affection,
+until the time mentioned.
+
+The funeral was a touching sight. The captain, his wife, and daughter,
+were laid, side by side, near the chapel; the first and last of their
+race that ever reposed in the wilds of America. Mr. Woods read the
+funeral service, summoning all his spiritual powers to sustain him, as
+he discharged this solemn office of the church. Willoughby's arm was
+around the waist of Maud, who endeavoured to reward his tender
+assiduities by a smile, but could not. Colonel Beekman held little
+Evert in his arms, and stood over the grave with the countenance of a
+resolute man stricken with grief--one of the most touching spectacles
+of our nature.
+
+"_I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord_," sounded in
+the stillness of that valley like a voice from heaven, pouring out
+consolation on the bruised spirits of the mourners. Maud raised her
+face from Willoughby's shoulder, and lifted her blue eyes to the
+cloudless vault above her; soliciting mercy, and offering resignation
+in the look. The line of troops in the back-ground moved, as by a
+common impulse, and then a breathless silence showed the desire of
+these rude beings not to lose a syllable.
+
+A round red spot formed on each of the cheeks of Mr. Woods as he
+proceeded, and his voice gathered strength, until its lowest
+intonations came clear and distinct on every ear. Just as the bodies
+were about to be lowered into their two receptacles, the captain, his
+wife and daughter being laid in the same grave, Nick came with his
+noiseless step near the little group of mourners. He had issued from
+the forest only a few minutes before, and understanding the intention
+of the ceremony, he approached the spot as fast as weakness and wounds
+would allow. Even he listened with profound attention to the chaplain,
+never changing his eye from his face, unless to glance at the coffins
+as they lay in their final resting-place.
+
+"_I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto me, write, From henceforth
+blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; even so saith the Spirit, for
+they rest from their labours_," continued the chaplain, his voice
+beginning to betray a tremor; then the gaze of the Tuscarora became
+keen as the panther's glance at his discovered victim. Tears followed,
+and, for a moment, the voice was choked.
+
+"Why you woman?" demanded Nick, fiercely. "Save all 'e scalp!"
+
+This strange interruption failed to produce any effect. First Beekman
+yielded; Maud and Willoughby followed; until Mr. Woods, himself, unable
+to resist the double assaults of the power of sympathy and his own
+affection, closed the book and wept like a child.
+
+It required minutes for the mourners to recover their self-command.
+When the latter returned, however, all knelt on the grass, the line of
+soldiers included, and the closing prayers were raised to the throne of
+God.
+
+This act of devotion enabled the mourners to maintain an appearance of
+greater tranquillity until the graves were filled. The troops advanced,
+and fired three volleys over the captain's grave, when all retired
+towards the Hut. Maud had caught little Evert from the arms of his
+father, and, pressing him to her bosom, the motherless babe seemed
+disposed to slumber there. In this manner she walked away, attended
+closely by the father, who now cherished his boy as an only treasure.
+
+Willoughby lingered the last at the grave, Nick alone remaining near
+him. The Indian had been struck by the exhibition of deep sorrow that
+he had witnessed, and he felt an uneasiness that was a little
+unaccountable to himself. It was one of the caprices of this strange
+nature of ours, that he should feel a desire to console those whom he
+had so deeply injured himself. He drew near to Robert Willoughby,
+therefore, and, laying a hand on the latter's arm, drew his look in the
+direction of his own red and speaking face.
+
+"Why so sorry, major?" he said. "Warrior nebber die but once--
+_must_ die sometime."
+
+"There lie my father, my mother, and my only sister, Indian--is not
+that enough to make the stoutest heart bend? You knew them, too, Nick--
+did you ever know better?"
+
+"Squaw good--both squaw good--Nick see no pale-face squaw he like so
+much."
+
+"I thank you, Nick! This rude tribute to the virtues of my mother and
+sister, is far more grateful to me than the calculating and regulated
+condolence of the world."
+
+"No squaw _so_ good as ole one--she, all heart--love every body,
+but self."
+
+This was so characteristic of his mother, that Willoughby was startled
+by the sagacity of the savage, though reflection told him so long an
+acquaintance with the family must have made a dog familiar with this
+beautiful trait in his mother.
+
+"And my father, Nick!" exclaimed the major, with feeling--"my noble,
+just, liberal, gallant father!--He, too, you knew well, and must have
+loved."
+
+"No so good as squaw," answered the Tuscarora, sententiously, and not
+altogether without disgust in his manner.
+
+"We are seldom as good as our wives, and mothers, and sisters, Nick,
+else should we be angels on earth. But, allowing for the infirmities of
+us men, my father was just and gocd."
+
+"Too much flog"--answered the savage, sternly--"make Injin's back
+sore."
+
+This extraordinary speech struck the major less, at the time, than it
+did, years afterwards, when he came to reflect on all the events and
+dialogues of this teeming week. Such was also the case as to what
+followed.
+
+"You are no flatterer, Tuscarora, as I have always found in our
+intercourse. If my father ever punished you with severity, you will
+allow, me, at least, to imagine it was merited."
+
+"Too much flog, I say," interrupted the savage, fiercely. "No
+difference, chief or not. Touch ole sore too rough. Good, some; bad,
+some. Like weather--now shine; now storm."
+
+"This is no time to discuss these points, Nick. You have fought nobly
+for us, and I thank you. Without your aid, these beloved ones would
+have been mutilated, as well as slain; and Maud--my own blessed Maud--
+might now have been sleeping at their sides."
+
+Nick's face was now all softness again, and he returned the pressure of
+Willoughby's hand with honest fervor. Here they separated. The major
+hastened to the side of Maud, to fold her to his heart, and console her
+with his love. Nick passed into the forest, returning no more to the
+Hut. His path led him near the grave. On the side where lay the body of
+Mrs. Willoughby, he threw a flower he had plucked in the meadow; while
+he shook his finger menacingly at the other, which hid the person of
+his enemy. In this, he was true to his nature, which taught him never
+to forget a favour, or forgive an injury.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXX.
+
+  "I shall go on through all eternity,
+  Thank God, I only am an embryo still:
+  The small beginning of a glorious soul,
+  An atom that shall fill immensity."
+
+  Coxe.
+
+A fortnight elapsed ere Willoughby and his party could tear themselves
+from a scene that had witnessed so much domestic happiness; but on
+which had fallen the blight of death. During that time, the future
+arrangements of the survivors were completed. Beekman was made
+acquainted with the state of feeling that existed between his brother-
+in-law and Maud, and he advised an immediate union.
+
+"Be happy while you can," he said, with bitter emphasis. "We live in
+troubled times, and heaven knows when we shall see better. Maud has not
+a blood-relation in all America, unless there may happen to be some in
+the British army. Though we should all be happy to protect and cherish
+the dear girl, she herself would probably, prefer to be near those whom
+nature has appointed her friends. To me, she will always seem a sister,
+as you must ever be a brother. By uniting yourselves at once, all
+appearances of impropriety will be avoided; and in time, God averting
+evil, you can introduce your wife to her English connections."
+
+"You forget, Beekman, that you are giving this advice to one who is a
+prisoner on parole, and one who may possibly be treated as a spy."
+
+"No--that is impossible. Schuyler, our noble commander, is both just
+and a gentleman. He will tolerate nothing of the sort. Your exchange
+can easily be effected, and, beyond your present difficulties, I can
+pledge myself to be able to protect you."
+
+Willoughby was not averse to following this advice; and he urged it
+upon Maud, as the safest and most prudent course they could pursue. Our
+heroine, however, was so reluctant even to assuming the appearance of
+happiness, so recently after the losses she had experienced, that the
+lover's task of persuasion was by no means easy. Maud was totally free
+from affectation, while she possessed the keenest sense of womanly
+propriety. Her intercourse with Robert Willoughby had been of the
+tenderest and most confidential nature, above every pretence of
+concealment, and was rendered sacred by the scenes through which they
+had passed. Her love, her passionate, engrossing attachment, she did
+not scruple to avow; but she could not become a bride while the stains
+of blood seemed so recent on the very hearth around which they were
+sitting. She still saw the forms of the dead, in their customary
+places, heard their laughs, the tones of their affectionate voices, the
+maternal whisper, the playful, paternal reproof, or Beulah's gentle
+call.
+
+"Yet, Robert," said Maud, for she could now call him by that name, and
+drop the desperate familiarity of 'Bob,'--"yet, Robert, there would be
+a melancholy satisfaction in making our vows at the altar of the little
+chapel, where we have so often worshipped together--the loved ones who
+are gone and we who alone remain."
+
+"True, dearest Maud; and there is another reason why we should quit
+this place only as man and wife. Beekman has owned that a question will
+probably be raised among the authorities at Albany concerning the
+nature of my visit here. It might relieve him from an appeal to more
+influence than would be altogether pleasant, did I appear as a
+bridegroom rather than as a spy."
+
+The word "spy" settled the matter. All ordinary considerations were
+lost sight of, under the apprehensions it created, and Maud frankly
+consented to become a wife that very day. The ceremony was performed by
+Mr. Woods accordingly, and the little chapel witnessed tears of bitter
+recollections mingling with the smiles with which the bride received
+the warm embrace of her husband, after the benediction was pronounced.
+Still, all felt that, under the circumstances, delay would have been
+unwise. Maud saw a species of holy solemnity in a ceremony so closely
+connected with scenes so sad.
+
+A day or two after the marriage, all that remained of those who had so
+lately crowded the Hut, left the valley together. The valuables were
+packed and transported to boats lying in the stream below the mills.
+All the cattle, hogs, &c., were collected and driven towards the
+settlements; and horses were prepared for Maud and the females, who
+were to thread the path that led to Fort Stanwix. In a word, the Knoll
+was to be abandoned, as a spot unfit to be occupied in such a war. None
+but labourers, indeed, could, or would remain, and Beekman thought it
+wisest to leave the spot entirely to nature, for the few succeeding
+years.
+
+There had been some rumours of confiscations by the new state, and
+Willoughby had come to the conclusion that it would be safer to
+transfer this property to one who would be certain to escape such an
+infliction, than to retain it in his own hands. Little Evert was
+entitled to receive a portion of the captain's estate by justice, if
+not by law. No will had been found, and the son succeeded as heir-at-
+law. A deed was accordingly drawn up by Mr. Woods, who understood such
+matters, and being duly executed, the Beaver Dam property was vested in
+fee in the child. His own thirty thousand pounds, the personals he
+inherited from his mother, and Maud's fortune, to say nothing of the
+major's commission, formed an ample support for the new-married pair.
+When all was settled, and made productive, indeed, Willoughby found
+himself the master of between three and four thousand sterling a year,
+exclusively of his allowances from the British government, an ample
+fortune for that day. In looking over the accounts of Maud's fortune,
+he had reason to admire the rigid justice, and free-handed liberality
+with which his father had managed her affairs. Every farthing of her
+income had been transferred to capital, a long minority nearly doubling
+the original investment. Unknown to himself, he had married one of the
+largest heiresses then to be found in the American colonies. This was
+unknown to Maud, also; though it gave her great delight on her
+husband's account, when she came to learn the truth.
+
+Albany was reached in due time, though not without encountering the
+usual difficulties. Here the party separated. The remaining Plinys and
+Smashes were all liberated, handsome provisions made for their little
+wants, and good places found for them, in the connection of the family
+to which they had originally belonged. Mike announced his determination
+to enter a corps that was intended expressly to fight the Indians. He
+had a long score to settle, and having no wife or children, he thought
+he might amuse himself in this way, during a revolution, as well as in
+any other.
+
+"If yer honour was going anywhere near the county Leitrim," he said, in
+answer to Willoughby's offer to keep him near himself, "I might travel
+in company; seein' that a man likes to look on ould faces, now and
+then. Many thanks for this bag of gold, which will sarve to buy scalps
+wid'; for divil bur-r-n me, if I don't carry on _that_ trade, for
+some time to come. T'ree cuts wid a knife, half a dozen pokes in the
+side, and a bullet scraping; the head, makes a man mindful of what has
+happened; to say nothing of the captain, and Madam Willoughby, and Miss
+Beuly--God for ever bless and presarve 'em all t'ree--and, if there was
+such a thing as a bit of a church in this counthry, wouldn't I use this
+gould for masses?--_dat_ I would, and let the scalps go to the
+divil!"
+
+This was an epitome of the views of Michael O'Hearn. No arguments of
+Willoughby's could change his resolution; but he set forth, determined
+to illustrate his career by procuring as many Indian scalps, as an
+atonement for the wrongs done "Madam Willoughby and Miss Beuly," as
+came within his reach.
+
+"And you, Joyce," said the major, in an interview he had with the
+serjeant, shortly after reaching Albany; "I trust _we_ are not to
+part. Thanks to Colonel Beekman's influence and zeal, I am already
+exchanged, and shall repair to New York next week. You are a soldier;
+and these are times in which a _good_ soldier is of some account.
+I think I can safely promise you a commission in one of the new
+provincial regiments, about to be raised."
+
+"I thank your honour, but do not feel at liberty to accept the offer. I
+took service with Captain Willoughby for life; had he lived, I would
+have followed wherever he led. But that enlistment has expired; and I
+am now like a recruit before he takes the bounty. In such cases, a man
+has always a right to pick his corps. Politics I do not much
+understand; but when the question comes up of pulling a trigger
+_for_ or _against_ his country, an _unengaged_ man has a
+right to choose. Between the two, meaning no reproach to yourself,
+Major Willoughby, who had regularly taken service with the other side,
+before the war began--but, between the two, I would rather fight an
+Englishman, than an American."
+
+"You may possibly be right, Joyce; though, as you say, my service is
+taken. I hope you follow the dictates of conscience, as I am certain I
+do myself. We shall never meet in arms, however, if I can prevent it.
+There is a negotiation for a lieutenant-colonelcy going on, which, if
+it succeed, will carry me to England. I shall never serve an hour
+longer against these colonies, if it be in my power to avoid it."
+
+"_States_, with your permission, Major Willoughby," answered the
+serjeant, a little stiffly. "I am glad to hear it, sir; for, though I
+wish my enemies good soldiers, I would rather not have the son of my
+old captain among them. Colonel Beekman has offered to make me
+serjeant-major of his own regiment; and we both of us join next week."
+
+Joyce was as good as his word. He became serjeant-major, and, in the
+end, lieutenant and adjutant of the regiment he had mentioned. He
+fought in most of the principal battles of the war, and retired at the
+peace, with an excellent character. Ten years later, he fell, in one of
+the murderous Indian affairs, that occurred during the first
+oresidential term, a grey-headed captain of foot. The manner of his
+death was not to be regretted, perhaps, as it was what he had always
+wished might happen; but, it was a singular fact, that Mike stood over
+his body, and protected it from mutilation; the County Leitrim-man
+having turned soldier by trade, re-enlisting regularly, as soon as at
+liberty, and laying up scalps on all suitable occasions.
+
+Blodget, too, had followed Joyce to the wars. The readiness and
+intelligence of this young man, united to a courage of proof, soon
+brought him forward, and he actually came out of the revolution a
+captain. His mind, manners and information advancing with himself, he
+ended his career, not many years since, a prominent politician in one
+of the new states; a general in the militia--no great preferment, by
+the way, for one who had been a corporal at the Hut--and a legislator.
+Worse men have often acted in all these capacities among us; and it was
+said, with truth, at the funeral of General Blodget, an accident that
+does not always occur on such occasions, that "another revolutionary
+hero is gone." Beekman was never seen to smile, from the moment he
+first beheld the dead body of Beulah, lying with little Evert in her
+arms. He served faithfully until near the close of the war, falling in
+battle only a few months previously to the peace. His boy preceded him
+to the grave, leaving, as confiscations had gone out of fashion by that
+time, his uncle heir-at-law, again, to the same property that he had
+conferred on himself.
+
+As for Willoughby and Maud, they were safely conveyed to New York,
+where the former rejoined his regiment. Our heroine here met her great-
+uncle, General Meredith, the first of her own blood relations whom she
+had seen since infancy. Her reception was grateful to her feelings;
+and, there being a resemblance in years, appearance and manners, she
+transferred much of that affection which she had thought interred for
+ever in the grave of her reputed father, to this revered relative. He
+became much attached to his lovely niece, himself; and, ten years
+later, Willoughby found his income quite doubled, by his decease.
+
+At the expiration of six months, the gazette that arrived from England,
+announced the promotion of "Sir Robert Willoughby, Bart., late major in
+the ---th, to be lieutenant colonel, by purchase, in His Majesty's
+---th regiment of foot." This enabled Willoughby to quit America; to
+which quarter of the world he had no occasion to be sent during the
+remainder of the war.
+
+Of that war, itself, there is little occasion to speak. Its progress
+and termination have long been matters of history. The independence of
+America was acknowledged by England in 1783; and, immediately after,
+the republicans commenced the conquest of their wide-spread domains, by
+means of the arts of peace. In 1785, the first great assaults were made
+on the wilderness, in that mountainous region which has been the
+principal scene of our tale. The Indians had been driven off, in a
+great measure, by the events of the revolution; and the owners of
+estates, granted under the crown, began to search for their lands in
+the untenanted woods. Such isolated families, too, as had taken refuge
+in the settlements, now began to return to their deserted possessions;
+and soon the smokes of clearings were obscuring the sun. Whitestown,
+Utica, on the site of old Fort Stanwix, Cooperstown, for years the seat
+of justice for several thousand square miles of territory, all sprang
+into existence between the years 1785 and 1790. Such places as Oxford,
+Binghamton, Norwich, Sherburne, Hamilton, and twenty more, that now dot
+the region of which we have been writing, did not then exist, even in
+name; for, in that day, the appellation and maps came after the place;
+whereas, now, the former precede the last.
+
+The ten years that elapsed between 1785 and 1795, did wonders for all
+this mountain district. More favourable lands lay spread in the great
+west, but the want of roads, and remoteness from the markets, prevented
+their occupation. For several years, therefore, the current of
+emigration which started out of the eastern states, the instant peace
+was proclaimed, poured its tide into the counties mentioned in our
+opening chapter--_counties_ as they are to-day; _county_ ay,
+and fragment of a county, too, as they were then.
+
+The New York Gazette, a journal that frequently related facts that
+actually occurred, announced in its number of June 11th, 1795, "His
+Majesty's Packet that has just arrived"--it required half a century to
+teach the journalists of this country the propriety of saying "His
+_Britannic_ Majesty's Packet," instead of "His Majesty's," a bit of
+good taste, and of good sense, that many of them have yet to
+learn--"has brought _out_," _home_ would have been better
+"among her passengers, Lieutenant-General Sir Robert Willoughby, and
+his lady, both of whom are natives of this state. We welcome them back
+to their land of nativity where we can assure them they will be
+cordially received notwithstanding old quarrels. _Major_
+Willoughby's kindness to American prisoners is gratefully remembered;
+nor is it forgotten that he desired to exchange to another regiment in
+order to avoid further service in this country."
+
+It will be conceded, this was a very respectable puff for the year
+1795, when something like moderation, truth, and propriety were
+observed upon such occasions. The effect was to bring the English
+general's name into the mouths of the whole state; a baronet causing a
+greater sensation then, in America, than a duke would produce to-day.
+It had the effect, however, of bringing around General Willoughby many
+of his father's, and his own old friends, and he was as well received
+in New York, twelve years after the termination of the conflict, as if
+he had fought on the other side. The occurrence of the French
+revolution, and the spread of doctrines that were termed Jacobinical,
+early removed all the dissensions between a large portion of the whigs
+of America and the tories of England, on this side of the water at
+least; and Providence only can tell what might have been the
+consequences, had this feeling been thoroughly understood on the other.
+
+Passing over all political questions, however, our narrative calls us
+to the relation of its closing scene. The visit of Sir Robert and Lady
+Willoughby to the land of their birth was, in part, owing to feeling;
+in part, to a proper regard for the future provision of their children.
+The baronet had bought the ancient paternal estate of his family in
+England, and having two daughters, besides an only son, it occurred to
+him that the American property, called the Hutted Knoll, might prove a
+timely addition to the ready money he had been able to lay up from his
+income. Then, both he and his wife had a deep desire to revisit those
+scenes where they had first learned to love each other, and which still
+held the remains of so many who were dear to them.
+
+The cabin of a suitable sloop was therefore engaged, and the party,
+consisting of Sir Robert, his wife, a man and woman servant, and a sort
+of American courier, engaged for the trip, embarked on the morning of
+the 25th of July. On the afternoon of the 30th, the sloop arrived in
+safety at Albany, where a carriage was hired to proceed the remainder
+of the way by land. The route by old Fort Stanwix, as Utica was still
+generally called, was taken. Our travellers reached it on the evening
+of the third day; the 'Sands, which are now traversed in less than an
+hour, then occupying more than half of the first day. When at Fort
+Stanwix, a passable country road was found, by which the travellers
+journeyed until they reached a tavern that united many of the comforts
+of a coarse civilisation, with frontier simplicity. Here they were
+given to understand they had only a dozen miles to go, in order to
+reach the Knoll.
+
+It was necessary to make the remainder of the journey on horseback. A
+large, untenanted estate lay between the highway and the valley, across
+which no public road had yet been made. Foot-paths, however, abounded,
+and the rivulet was found without any difficulty. It was, perhaps,
+fortunate for the privacy of the Knoll, that it lay in the line of no
+frequented route, and, squatters being rare in that day, Willoughby
+saw, the instant he struck the path that followed the sinuosities of
+the stream, that it had been seldom trodden in the interval of the
+nineteen-years which had occurred since he had last seen it himself.
+The evidences of this fact increased, as the stream was ascended, until
+the travellers reached the mill, when it was found that the spirit of
+destruction, which so widely prevails in the loose state of society
+that exists in all new countries, had been at work. Every one of the
+buildings at the falls had been burnt; probably as much because it was
+in the power of some reckless wanderer to work mischief, as for any
+other reason. That the act was the result of some momentary impulse,
+was evident in the circumstance that the mischief went no further. Some
+of the machinery had been carried away, however, to be set up in other
+places, on a principle that is very widely extended through all border
+settlements, which considers the temporary disuse of property as its
+virtual abandonment.
+
+It was a moment of pain and pleasure, strangely mingled, when
+Willoughby and Maud reached the rocks, and got a first view of the
+ancient Beaver Dam. All the buildings remained, surprisingly little
+altered to the eye by the lapse of years. The gates had been secured
+when they left the place, in 1776; and the Hut, having no accessible
+external windows, that dwelling remained positively intact. It is true,
+quite half the palisadoes were rotted down; but the Hut, itself, had
+resisted the ravages of time. A fire had been kindled against its side,
+but the stone walls had opposed an obstacle to its ravages; and an
+attempt, by throwing a brand upon the roof, had failed of its object,
+the shingles not igniting. On examination, the lock of the inner gate
+was still secure. The key had been found, and, on its application, an
+entrance was obtained into the court.
+
+What a moment was that, when Maud, fresh from the luxuries of an
+English home, entered this long and well remembered scene of her youth!
+Rank grasses were growing in the court, but they soon disappeared
+before the scythes that had been brought, in expectation of the
+circumstance. Then, all was clear for an examination of the house. The
+Hut was exactly in the condition in which it had been left, with the
+exception of a little, and a very little, dust collected by time.
+
+Maud was still in the bloom of womanhood, feminine, beautiful, full of
+feeling, and as sincere as when she left these woods, though her
+feelings were tempered a little by intercourse with the world. She went
+from room to room, hanging on Willoughby's arm, forbidding any to
+follow. All the common furniture had been left in the house, in
+expectation it would be inhabited again, ere many years; and this
+helped to preserve the identity. The library was almost entire; the
+bed-rooms, the parlours, and even the painting-room, were found very
+much as they would have appeared, after an absence of a few months.
+Tears flowed in streams down the cheeks of Lady Willoughby, as she went
+through room after room, and recalled to the mind of her husband the
+different events of which they had been the silent witnesses. Thus
+passed an hour or two of unutterable tenderness, blended with a species
+of holy sorrow. At the end of that time, the attendants, of whom many
+had been engaged, had taken possession of the offices, &c., and were
+bringing the Hut once more into a habitable condition. Soon, too, a
+report was brought that the mowers, who had been brought in
+anticipation of their services being wanted, had cut a broad swathe to
+the ruins of the chapel, and the graves of the family.
+
+It was now near the setting of the sun, and the hour was favourable for
+the melancholy duty that remained. For bidding any to follow,
+Willoughby proceeded with Maud to the graves. These had been dug within
+a little thicket of shrubs, planted by poor Jamie Allen, under Maud's
+own directions. She had then thought that the spot might one day be
+wanted. These bushes, lilacs, and ceringos, had grown to a vast size,
+in that rich soil. They completely concealed the space within, an area
+of some fifty square feet, from the observation of those without. The
+grass had been cut over all, however, and an opening made by the mowers
+gave access to the graves. On reaching this opening, Willoughby started
+at hearing voices within the inclosure; he was about to reprove the
+intruders, when Maud pressed his arm, and whispered--
+
+"Listen, Willoughby--those voices sound strangely to my ears! We have
+heard them before."
+
+"I tell ye, Nick--ould Nicky, or Saucy Nick, or whatever's yer name,"
+said one within in a strong Irish accent "that Jamie, the mason that
+was, is forenent ye, at this minute, under that bit of a sod--and, it's
+his honour, and Missus, and Miss Beuly, that is buried here. Och! ye're
+a cr'ature, Nick; good at takin' scalps, but ye knows nothin' of
+graves; barrin' the quhantity ye've helped to fill."
+
+"Good"--answered the Indian. "Cap'in here; squaw here; darter here.
+Where son?--where t'other gal?"
+
+"Here," answered Willoughby, leading Maud within the hedge. "I am
+Robert Willoughby, and this is Maud Meredith, my wife."
+
+Mike fairly started; he even showed a disposition to seize a musket
+which lay on the grass. As for the Indian, a tree in the forest could
+not have stood less unmoved than he was at this unexpected
+interruption. Then all four stood in silent admiration, noting the
+changes which time had, more or less, wrought in all.
+
+Willoughby was in the pride of manhood. He had served with distinction,
+and his countenance and frame both showed it, though neither had
+suffered more than was necessary to give him a high military air, and a
+look of robust vigour. As for Maud, with her graceful form fully
+developed by her riding-habit, her soft lineaments and polished
+expression, no one would have thought her more than thirty, which was
+ten years less than her real age. With Mike and Nick it was very
+different. Both had grown old, not only in fact, but in appearance. The
+Irishman was turned of sixty, and his hard, coarse-featured face, burnt
+as red as the sun in a fog, by exposure and Santa Cruz, was getting to
+be wrinkled and a little emaciated. Still, his frame was robust and
+powerful. His attire was none of the best, and it was to be seen at a
+glance that it was more than half military. In point of fact, the poor
+fellow had been refused a reinlistment in the army, on account of his
+infirmities and years, and America was not then a country to provide
+retreats for her veterans. Still, Mike had an ample pension for wounds,
+and could not be said to be in want. He had suffered in the same battle
+with Joyce, in whose company he had actually been corporal O'Hearn,
+though his gallant commander had not risen to fight again, as had been
+the case with the subordinate.
+
+Wyandotté exhibited still greater changes. He had seen his threescore
+and ten years; and was fast falling into the "sere and yellow leaf."
+His hair was getting grey, and his frame, though still active and
+sinewy, would have yielded under the extraordinary marches he had once
+made. In dress, there was nothing to remark; his ordinary Indian attire
+being in as good condition as was usual for the man. Willoughby
+thought, however, that his eye was less wild than when he knew him
+before; and every symptom of intemperance had vanished, not only from
+his countenance, but his person.
+
+From the moment Willoughby appeared, a marked change came over the
+countenance of Nick. His dark eye, which still retained much of its
+brightness, turned in the direction of the neighbouring chapel, and he
+seemed relieved when a rustling in the bushes announced a footstep.
+There had not been another word spoken when the lilacs were shoved
+aside, and Mr. Woods, a vigorous little man, in a green old age,
+entered the area. Willoughby had not seen the chaplain since they
+parted at Albany, and the greetings were as warm as they were
+unexpected.
+
+"I have lived a sort of hermit's life, my dear Bob, since the death of
+your blessed parents," said the divine, clearing his eyes of tears;
+"now and then cheered by a precious letter from yourself and Maud--I
+call you both by the names I gave you both in baptism--and it was, 'I,
+_Maud_, take thee, _Robert_,' when you stood before the
+altar in that little edifice--you will pardon me if I am too familiar
+with a general officer and his lady"
+
+"Familiar!" exclaimed both in a breath;--and Maud's soft, white hand
+was extended towards the chaplain, with reproachful earnestness;--"We,
+who were made Christians by you, and who have so much reason to
+remember and love you always!"
+
+"Well, well; I see you are Robert and Maud, still"--dashing streaming
+tears from his eyes now. "Yes, I did bring you both into God's visible
+church on earth, and you were baptised by one who received his
+ordination from the Archbishop of Canterbury himself,"--Maud smiled a
+little archly--"and who has never forgotten his ordination vows, as he
+humbly trusts. But you are not the only Christians I have made--I now
+rank Nicholas among the number"--
+
+"Nick!" interrupted Sir Robert--"Wyandotté!" added his wife, with a
+more delicate tact.
+
+"I call him Nicholas, now, since he was christened by that name--there
+is no longer a Wyandotté, or a Saucy Nick. Major Willoughby, I have a
+secret to communicate--I beg pardon, Sir Robert--but you will excuse
+old habits--if you will walk this way."
+
+Willoughby was apart with the chaplain a full half-hour, during which
+time Maud wept over the graves, the rest standing by in respectful
+silence. As for Nick, a stone could scarcely have been more fixed than
+his attitude. Nevertheless, his mien was rebuked, his eye downcast;
+even his bosom was singularly convulsed. He knew that the chaplain was
+communicating to Willoughby the manner in which he had slain his
+father. At length, the gentlemen returned slowly towards the graves;
+the general agitated, frowning, and flushed. As for Mr. Woods, he was
+placid and full of hope. Willoughby had yielded to his expostulations
+and arguments a forgiveness, which came reluctantly, and perhaps as
+much for the want of a suitable object for retaliation, as from a sense
+of Christian duty.
+
+"Nicholas," said the chaplain, "I have told the general all."
+
+"He know him!" cried the Indian, with startling energy.
+
+"I do, Wyandotté; and sorry have I been to learn it. You have made my
+heart bitter."
+
+Nick was terribly agitated. His youthful and former opinions maintained
+a fearful struggle with those which had come late in life; the result
+being a wild admixture of his sense of Indian justice, and submission
+to the tenets of his new, and imperfectly-comprehended faith. For a
+moment, the first prevailed. Advancing, with a firm step, to the
+general, he put his own bright and keen tomahawk into the other's
+hands, folded his arms on his bosom, bowed his head a little, and said,
+firmly--
+
+"Strike--Nick kill cap'in--Major kill Nick."
+
+"No, Tuscarora, no," answered Sir Robert Willoughby, his whole soul
+yielding before this act of humble submission--"May God in heaven
+forgive the deed, as I now forgive you."
+
+There was a wild smile gleaming on the face of the Indian; he grasped
+both hands of Willoughby in his own. He then muttered the words, "God
+forgive," his eye rolled upward at the clouds, and he fell dead on the
+grave of his victim. It was thought, afterwards, that agitation had
+accelerated the crisis of an incurable affection of the heart.
+
+A few minutes of confusion followed. Then Mike, bare-headed, his old
+face flushed and angry, dragged from his pockets a string of strange-
+looking, hideous objects, and laid them by the Indian's side. They were
+human scalps, collected by himself, in the course of many campaigns,
+and brought, as a species of hecatomb, to the graves of the fallen.
+
+"Out upon ye, Nick!" he cried. "Had I known the like of that, little
+would I have campaigned in yer company! Och! 'twas an undacent deed,
+and a hundred confessions would barely wipe it from yer sowl. It's a
+pity, too, that ye've died widout absolution from a praist, sich as
+I've tould ye off. Barrin' the brache of good fellieship, I could have
+placed yer own scalp wid the rest, as a p'ace-offering, to his Honour,
+the Missus and Miss Beuly----"
+
+"Enough," interrupted Sir Robert Willoughby, with an authority of
+manner that Mike's military habits could not resist; "the man has
+repented, and is forgiven. Maud, love, it is time to quit this
+melancholy scene; occasions will offer to revisit it."
+
+In the end, Mr. Woods took possession of the Hut, as a sort of
+hermitage, in which to spend the remainder of his days. He had toiled
+hard for the conversion of Nick, in gratitude for the manner in which
+he had fought in defence of the females. He now felt as keen a desire
+to rescue the Irishman from the superstitions of what he deemed an
+error quite as fatal as heathenism. Mike consented to pass the
+remainder of his days at the Knoll, which was to be, and in time,
+_was_, renovated, under their joint care.
+
+Sir Robert and Lady Willoughby passed a month in the valley. Nick had
+been buried within the bushes; and even Maud had come to look upon this
+strange conjunction of graves, with the eye of a Christian, blended
+with the tender regrets of a woman. The day that the general and his
+wife left the valley for ever, they paid a final visit to the graves.
+Here Maud wept for an hour. Then her husband, passing an arm around her
+waist, drew her gently away; saying, as they were quitting the
+inclosure--
+
+"They are in Heaven, dearest--looking down in love, quite likely, on
+us, the objects of so much of their earthly affection. As for
+Wyandotté, he lived according to his habits and intelligence, and
+happily died under the convictions of a conscience directed by the
+lights of divine grace. Little will the deeds of this life be
+remembered, among those who have been the true subjects of its blessed
+influence. If this man were unmerciful in his revenge, he also
+remembered my mother's kindnesses, and bled for her and her daughters.
+Without his care, my life would have remained unblessed with your love,
+my ever-precious Maud! He never forgot a favour, or forgave an injury."
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WYANDOTTE***
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+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN"
+    "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd">
+<html>
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Wyandotte, by James Fenimore Cooper</title>
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+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Wyandotte, by James Fenimore Cooper</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>
+
+Title: Wyandotte
+
+Author: James Fenimore Cooper
+
+Release Date: December 11, 2003  [eBook #10434]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: iso-8859-1
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WYANDOTTE***
+
+
+</pre>
+<center><b>E-text prepared by Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders</b></center>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr />
+<h1>Wyandott&eacute;;</h1>
+
+<p align="center">or,</p>
+
+<h2 class="subtitle">The Hutted Knoll.</h2>
+
+<h3>A Tale.</h3>
+
+<h2 class="author">By J. Fenimore Cooper.</h2>
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<div class="epi">
+<p>    "I venerate the Pilgrim's cause,<br />
+    Yet for the red man dare to plead:<br />
+    We bow to Heaven's recorded laws,<br />
+    He turns to Nature for his creed."</p>
+
+<p>    Sprague.</p>
+<br />
+<br />
+</div>
+
+<h3>Complete in One Volume.</h3>
+
+
+<h4>1871.</h4>
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter" id="preface">
+<h2>Preface.</h2>
+
+
+
+<p>The history of the borders is filled with legends of the sufferings of
+isolated families, during the troubled scenes of colonial warfare. Those
+which we now offer to the reader, are distinctive in many of their leading
+facts, if not rigidly true in the details. The first alone is necessary to
+the legitimate objects of fiction.</p>
+
+<p>One of the misfortunes of a nation, is to hear little besides its own
+praises. Although the American revolution was probably as just an effort
+as was ever made by a people to resist the first inroads of oppression,
+the cause had its evil aspects, as well as all other human struggles. We
+have been so much accustomed to hear everything extolled, of late years,
+that could be dragged into the remotest connection with that great event,
+and the principles which led to it, that there is danger of overlooking
+truth, in a pseudo patriotism. Nothing is really patriotic, however, that
+is not strictly true and just; any more than it is paternal love to
+undermine the constitution of a child by an indiscriminate indulgence in
+pernicious diet. That there were demagogues in 1776, is as certain as that
+there are demagogues in 1843, and will probably continue to be demagogues
+as long as means for misleading the common mind shall exist.</p>
+
+<p>A great deal of undigested morality is uttered to the world, under the
+disguise of a pretended public virtue. In the eye of reason, the man who
+deliberately and voluntarily contracts civil engagements is more strictly
+bound to their fulfilment, than he whose whole obligations consist of an
+accident over which he had not the smallest control, that of birth; though
+the very reverse of this is usually maintained under the influence of
+popular prejudice. The reader will probably discover how we view this
+master, in the course of our narrative.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps this story is obnoxious to the charge of a slight anachronism, in
+representing the activity of the Indians a year earlier than any were
+actually employed in the struggle of 1775. During the century of warfare
+that existed between the English and French colonies, the savage tribes
+were important agents in furthering the views of the respective
+belligerents. The war was on the frontiers, and these fierce savages were,
+in a measure, necessary to the management of hostilities that invaded
+their own villages and hunting-grounds. In 1775, the enemy came from the
+side of the Atlantic, and it was only after the struggle had acquired
+force, that the operations of the interior rendered the services of such
+allies desirable. In other respects, without pretending to refer to any
+real events, the incidents of this tale are believed to be sufficiently
+historical for all the legitimate purposes of fiction.</p>
+
+<p>In this book the writer has aimed at sketching several distinct varieties
+of the human race, as true to the governing impulses of their educations,
+habits, modes of thinking and natures. The red man had his morality, as
+much as his white brother, and it is well known that even Christian ethics
+are coloured and governed, by standards of opinion set up on purely human
+authority. The honesty of one Christian is not always that of another, any
+more than his humanity, truth, fidelity or faith. The spirit must quit its
+earthly tabernacle altogether, ere it cease to be influenced by its tints
+and imperfections.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h2>The Hutted Knoll.</h2>
+
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch01">
+<h2>Chapter I.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  "An acorn fell from an old oak tree,<br />
+  And lay on the frosty ground--<br />
+  'O, what shall the fate of the acorn be?'<br />
+  Was whispered all around<br />
+  By low-toned voices chiming sweet, <br />
+  Like a floweret's bell when swung--<br />
+  And grasshopper steeds were gathering fleet, <br />
+  And the beetle's hoofs up-rung."</p>
+
+<p>  Mrs. Seba Smith.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>There is a wide-spread error on the subject of American scenery. From the
+size of the lakes, the length and breadth of the rivers, the vast
+solitudes of the forests, and the seemingly boundless expanse of the
+prairies, the world has come to attach to it an idea of grandeur; a word
+that is in nearly every case, misapplied. The scenery of that portion of
+the American continent which has fallen to the share of the Anglo-Saxon
+race, very seldom rises to a scale that merits this term; when it does, it
+is more owing to the accessories, as in the case of the interminable
+woods, than to the natural face of the country. To him who is accustomed
+to the terrific sublimity of the Alps, the softened and yet wild grandeur
+of the Italian lakes, or to the noble witchery of the shores of the
+Mediterranean, this country is apt to seem tame, and uninteresting as a
+whole; though it certainly has exceptions that carry charms of this nature
+to the verge of loveliness.</p>
+
+<p>Of the latter character is the face of most of that region which lies in
+the angle formed by the junction of the Mohawk with the Hudson, extending
+as far south, or even farther, than the line of Pennsylvania, and west to
+the verge of that vast rolling plain which composes Western New York. This
+is a region of more than ten thousand square miles of surface, embracing
+to-day, ten counties at least, and supporting a rural population of near
+half a million of souls, excluding the river towns.</p>
+
+<p>All who have seen this district of country, and who are familiar with the
+elements of charming, rather than grand scenery it possesses, are agreed
+in extolling its capabilities, and, in some instances, its realities. The
+want of high finish is common to everything of this sort in America; and,
+perhaps we may add, that the absence of picturesqueness as connected with
+the works of man, is a general defect; still, this particular region, and
+all others resembling it--for they abound on the wide surface of the
+twenty-six states--has beauties of its own, that it would be difficult to
+meet with in any of the older portions of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>They who have done us the honour to read our previous works, will at once
+understand that the district to which we allude, is that of which we have
+taken more than one occasion to write; and we return to it now, less with
+a desire to celebrate its charms, than to exhibit them in a somewhat
+novel, and yet perfectly historical aspect. Our own earlier labours will
+have told the reader, that all of this extended district of country, with
+the exception of belts of settlements along the two great rivers named,
+was a wilderness, anterior to the American revolution. There was a minor
+class of exceptions to this general rule, however, to which it will be
+proper to advert, lest, by conceiving us too literally, the reader may
+think he can convict us of a contradiction. In order to be fully
+understood, the explanations shall be given at a little length.</p>
+
+<p>While it is true, then, that the mountainous region, which now contains
+the counties of Schoharie, Otsego, Chenango, Broome, Delaware, &amp;c., was a
+wilderness in 1775, the colonial governors had begun to make grants of its
+lands, some twenty years earlier. The patent of the estate on which we are
+writing lies before us; and it bears the date of 1769, with an Indian
+grant annexed, that is a year or two older. This may be taken as a mean
+date for the portion of country alluded to; some of the deeds being older,
+and others still more recent. These grants of land were originally made,
+subject to quit-rents to the crown; and usually on the payment of heavy
+fees to the colonial officers, after going through the somewhat
+supererogatory duty of "extinguishing the Indian title," as it was called.
+The latter were pretty effectually "extinguished" in that day, as well as
+in our own; and it would be a matter of curious research to ascertain the
+precise nature of the purchase-money given to the aborigines. In the case
+of the patent before us, the Indian right was "extinguished" by means of a
+few rifles, blankets, kettles, and beads; though the grant covers a
+nominal hundred thousand, and a real hundred and ten or twenty thousand
+acres of land.</p>
+
+<p>The abuse of the grants, as land became more valuable, induced a law,
+restricting the number of acres patented to any one person, at any one
+time, to a thousand. Our monarchical predecessors had the same facilities,
+and it may be added, the same propensities, to rendering a law a dead
+letter, as belongs to our republican selves. The patent on our table,
+being for a nominal hundred thousand acres, contains the names of one
+hundred different grantees, while three several parchment documents at its
+side, each signed by thirty-three of these very persons, vest the legal
+estate in the first named, for whose sole benefit the whole concession was
+made; the dates of the last instruments succeeding, by one or two days,
+that of the royal patent itself.</p>
+
+<p>Such is the history of most of the original titles to the many estates
+that dotted the region we have described, prior to the revolution. Money
+and favouritism, however were not always the motives of these large
+concessions. Occasionally, services presented their claims; and many
+instances occur in which old officers of the army, in particular, received
+a species of reward, by a patent for land, the fees being duly paid, and
+the Indian title righteously "extinguished." These grants to ancient
+soldiers were seldom large, except in the cases of officers of rank; three
+or four thousand well-selected acres, being a sufficient boon to the
+younger sons of Scottish lairds, or English squires, who had been
+accustomed to look upon a single farm as an estate.</p>
+
+<p>As most of the soldiers mentioned were used to forest life, from having
+been long stationed at frontier posts, and had thus become familiarized
+with its privations, and hardened against its dangers, it was no unusual
+thing for them to sell out, or go on half-pay, when the wants of a family
+began to urge their claims, and to retire to their "patents," as the land
+itself, as well as the instrument by which it was granted, was invariably
+termed, with a view of establishing themselves permanently as landlords.</p>
+
+<p>These grants from the crown, in the portions of the colony of New York
+that lie west of the river counties, were generally, if not invariably,
+simple concessions of the fee, subject to quit-rents to the king, and
+reservations of mines of the precious metals, without any of the
+privileges of feudal seignory, as existed in the older manors on the
+Hudson, on the islands, and on the Sound. Why this distinction was made,
+it exceeds our power to say; but, that the fact was so, as a rule, we have
+it in proof, by means of a great number of the original patents,
+themselves, that have been transmitted to us from various sources. Still,
+the habits of "home" entailed the name, even where the thing was not to be
+found. Titular manors exist, in a few instances, to this day, where no
+manorial rights were ever granted; and manor-houses were common
+appellations for the residences of the landlords of large estates, that
+were held in fee, without any exclusive privileges, and subject to the
+reservation named. Some of these manorial residences were of so primitive
+an appearance, as to induce the belief that the names were bestowed in
+pleasantry; the dwellings themselves being of logs, with the bark still on
+them, and the other fixtures to correspond. Notwithstanding all these
+drawbacks, early impressions and rooted habits could easily transfer terms
+to such an abode; and there was always a saddened enjoyment among these
+exiles, when they could liken their forest names and usages to those they
+had left in the distant scenes of their childhood.</p>
+
+<p>The effect of the different causes we have here given was to dot the
+region described, though at long intervals, with spots of a semi-civilized
+appearance, in the midst of the vast--nay, almost boundless--expanse of
+forest. Some of these early settlements had made considerable advances
+towards finish and comfort, ere the war of '76 drove their occupants to
+seek protection against the inroads of the savages; and long after the
+influx of immigration which succeeded the peace, the fruits, the meadows,
+and the tilled fields of these oases in the desert, rendered them
+conspicuous amidst the blackened stumps, piled logs, and smooty fallows of
+an active and bustling settlement. At even a much later day, they were to
+be distinguished by the smoother surfaces of their fields, the greater
+growth and more bountiful yield of their orchards, and by the general
+appearance of a more finished civilization, and of greater age. Here and
+there, a hamlet had sprung up; and isolated places, like Cherry Valley
+and Wyoming, were found, that have since become known to the general
+history of the country.</p>
+
+<p>Our present tale now leads us to the description of one of those early,
+personal, or family settlements, that had grown up, in what was then a
+very remote part of the territory in question, under the care and
+supervision of an ancient officer of the name of Willoughby. Captain
+Willoughby, after serving many years, had married an American wife, and
+continuing his services until a son and daughter were born, he sold his
+commission, procured a grant of land, and determined to retire to his new
+possessions, in order to pass the close of his life in the tranquil
+pursuits of agriculture, and in the bosom of his family. An adopted child
+was also added to his cares. Being an educated as well as a provident man,
+Captain Willoughby had set about the execution of this scheme with
+deliberation, prudence, and intelligence. On the frontiers, or lines, as
+it is the custom to term the American boundaries, he had become acquainted
+with a Tuscarora, known by the English <i>sobriquet</i> of "Saucy Nick." This
+fellow, a sort of half-outcast from his own people, had early attached
+himself to the whites, had acquired their language, and owing to a
+singular mixture of good and bad qualities, blended with great native
+shrewdness, he had wormed himself into the confidence of several
+commanders of small garrisons, among whom was our captain. No sooner was
+the mind of the latter made up, concerning his future course, than he sent
+for Nick, who was then in the fort; when the following conversation took
+place:</p>
+
+<p>"Nick," commenced the captain, passing his hand over his brow, as was his
+wont when in a reflecting mood; "Nick, I have an important movement in
+view, in which you can be of some service to me."</p>
+
+<p>The Tuscarora, fastening his dark basilisk-like eyes on the soldier,
+gazed a moment, as if to read his soul; then he jerked a thumb backward,
+over his own shoulder, and said, with a grave smile--</p>
+
+<p>"Nick understand. Want six, two, scalp off Frenchman's head; wife and
+child; out yonder, over dere, up in Canada. Nick do him--what you give?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, you red rascal, I want nothing of the sort--it is peace now, (this
+conversation took place in 1764), and you know I never bought a scalp, in
+time of war. Let me hear no more of this."</p>
+
+<p>"What you want, <i>den</i>?" asked Nick, like one who was a good deal puzzled.</p>
+
+<p>"I want land--<i>good</i> land--little, but <i>good</i>. I am about to get a
+grant--a patent--"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," interrupted Nick, nodding; "I know <i>him</i>--paper to take away
+Indian's hunting-ground."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I have no wish to do that--I am willing to pay the red men
+reasonably for their right, first."</p>
+
+<p>"Buy Nick's land, den--better dan any oder."</p>
+
+<p>"Your land, knave!--You own no land--belong to no tribe--have no rights to
+sell."</p>
+
+<p>"What for ask Nick help, den?"</p>
+
+<p>"What for?--Why because you <i>know</i> a good deal, though you own literally
+nothing. That's what for."</p>
+
+<p>"Buy Nick <i>know</i>, den. Better dan he great fader <i>know</i>, down at York."</p>
+
+<p>"That is just what I do wish to purchase. I will pay you well, Nick, if
+you will start to-morrow, with your rifle and a pocket-compass, off here
+towards the head-waters of the Susquehannah and Delaware, where the
+streams run rapidly, and where there are no fevers, and bring me an
+account of three or four thousand acres of rich bottom-land, in such a way
+as a surveyor can find it, and I can get a patent for it. What say you,
+Nick; will you go?"</p>
+
+<p>"He not wanted. Nick sell 'e captain, his own land: here in 'e fort."</p>
+
+<p>"Knave, do you not know me well enough not to trifle, when I am serious?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nick ser'ous too--Moravian priest no ser'ouser more dan Nick at dis
+moment. Got land to sell."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby had found occasion to punish the Tuscarora, in the
+course of his services; and as the parties understood each other perfectly
+well, the former saw the improbability of the latter's daring to trifle
+with him.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is this land of yours, Nick," he inquired, after studying the
+Indian's countenance for a moment. "Where does it lie, what is it like,
+how much is there of it, and how came you to own it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ask him just so, ag'in," said Nick, taking up four twigs, to note down
+the questions, <i>seriatim</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The captain repeated his inquiries, the Tuscarora laying down a stick at
+each separate interrogatory.</p>
+
+<p>"Where he be?" answered Nick, taking up a twig, as a memorandum. "He out
+dere--where he want him--where he say.--One day's march from Susquehanna."</p>
+
+<p>"Well; proceed."</p>
+
+<p>"What he like?--Like land, to be sure. T'ink he like water! Got <i>some</i>
+water--no too much--got some land--got no tree--got some tree. Got good
+sugar-bush--got place for wheat and corn."</p>
+
+<p>"Proceed."</p>
+
+<p>"How much of him?" continued Nick, taking up another twig; "much as he
+want--want little, got him--want more, got him. Want none at all, got none
+at all--got what he want."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on."</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure. How came to own him?--How a pale face come to own America?
+<i>Discover</i> him--ha!--Well, Nick discover land down yonder, up dere, over
+here."</p>
+
+<p>"Nick, what the devil do you mean by all this?"</p>
+
+<p>"No mean devil, at all--mean land--<i>good</i> land. <i>Discover</i> him--know where
+he is--catch beaver dere, three, two year. All Nick say, true as word of
+honour; much more too."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean it is an old beaver-dam destroyed?" asked the captain,
+pricking up his ears; for he was too familiar with the woods, not to
+understand the value of such a thing.</p>
+
+<p>"No destroy--stand up yet--good as ever.--Nick dere, last season."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, then, do you tell of it? Are not the beaver of more value to you,
+than any price you may receive for the land?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cotch him all, four, two year ago--rest run away. No find beaver to stay
+long, when Indian once know, two time, where to set he trap. Beaver
+cunninger 'an pale face--cunning as bear."</p>
+
+<p>"I begin to comprehend you, Nick. How large do you suppose this pond to
+be?"</p>
+
+<p>"He 'm not as big as Lake Ontario. S'pose him smaller, what den? Big
+enough for farm."</p>
+
+<p>"Does it cover one or two hundred acres, think you?--Is it as large as the
+clearing around the fort?"</p>
+
+<p>"Big as two, six, four of him. Take forty skin, dere one season. Little
+lake; all 'e tree gone."</p>
+
+<p>"And the land around it--is it mountainous and rough, or will it be good
+for corn?"</p>
+
+<p>"All sugar-bush--what you want better? S'pose you want corn; <i>plant</i> him.
+S'pose you want sugar; <i>make</i> him."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby was struck with this description, and he returned to
+the subject, again and again. At length, after extracting all the
+information he could get from Nick, he struck a bargain with the fellow. A
+surveyor was engaged, and he started for the place, under the guidance of
+the Tuscarora. The result showed that Nick had not exaggerated. The pond
+was found, as he had described it to be, covering at least four hundred
+acres of low bottom-land; while near three thousand acres of higher
+river-flat, covered with beach and maple, spread around it for a
+considerable distance. The adjacent mountains too, were arable, though
+bold, and promised, in time, to become a fertile and manageable district.
+Calculating his distances with judgment, the surveyor laid out his metes
+and bounds in such a manner as to include the pond, all the low-land, and
+about three thousand acres of hill, or mountain, making the materials for
+a very pretty little "patent" of somewhat more than six thousand acres of
+capital land. He then collected a few chiefs of the nearest tribe, dealt
+out his rum, tobacco, blankets, wampum, and gunpowder, got twelve Indians
+to make their marks on a bit of deer-skin, and returned to his employer
+with a map, a field-book, and a deed, by which the Indian title was
+"extinguished." The surveyor received his compensation, and set off on a
+similar excursion, for a different employer, and in another direction.
+Nick got his reward, too, and was well satisfied with the transaction.
+This he afterwards called "sellin' beaver when he all run away."</p>
+
+<p>Furnished with the necessary means, Captain Willoughby now "sued out his
+patent," as it was termed, in due form. Having some influence, the affair
+was soon arranged; the grant was made by the governor in council, a
+massive seal was annexed to a famous sheet of parchment, the signatures
+were obtained, and "Willoughby's Patent" took its place on the records of
+the colony, as well as on its maps. We are wrong as respects the latter
+particular; it did not take <i>its</i> place, on the maps of the colony, though
+it took <i>a</i> place; the location given for many years afterwards, being
+some forty or fifty miles too far west. In this peculiarity there was
+nothing novel, the surveys of all new regions being liable to similar
+trifling mistakes. Thus it was, that an estate, lying within
+five-and-twenty miles of the city of New York, and in which we happen to
+have a small interest at this hour, was clipped of its fair proportions,
+in consequence of losing some miles that run over obtrusively into another
+colony; and, within a short distance of the spot where we are writing, a
+"patent" has been squeezed entirely out of existence, between the claims
+of two older grants.</p>
+
+<p>No such calamity befell "Willoughby's Patent," however. The land was
+found, with all its "marked or <i>blazed</i> trees," its "heaps of stones,"
+"large butternut corners," and "dead oaks." In a word, everything was as
+it should be; even to the quality of the soil, the beaver-pond, and the
+quantity. As respects the last, the colony never gave "struck measure;" a
+thousand acres on paper, seldom falling short of eleven or twelve hundred
+in soil. In the present instance, the six thousand two hundred and
+forty-six acres of "Willoughby's Patent," were subsequently ascertained to
+contain just seven thousand and ninety-two acres of solid ground.</p>
+
+<p>Our limits and plan will not permit us to give more than a sketch of the
+proceedings of the captain, in taking possession; though we feel certain
+that a minute account of the progress of such a settlement would possess a
+sort of Robinson Crusoe-like interest, that might repay the reader. As
+usual, the adventurers commenced their operations in the spring. Mrs.
+Willoughby, and the children, were left with their friends, in Albany;
+while the captain and his party pioneered their way to the patent, in the
+best manner they could. This party consisted of Nick, who went in the
+capacity of hunter, an office of a good deal of dignity, and of the last
+importance, to a set of adventurers on an expedition of this nature. Then
+there were eight axe-men, a house-carpenter, a mason, and a mill-wright.
+These, with Captain Willoughby, and an invalid sergeant, of the name of
+Joyce, composed the party.</p>
+
+<p>Our adventurers made most of their journey by water. After finding their
+way to the head of the Canaideraga, mistaking it for the Otsego, they
+felled trees, hollowed them into canoes, embarked, and, aided by a yoke of
+oxen that were driven along the shore, they wormed their way, through the
+Oaks, into the Susquehanna, descending that river until they reached the
+Unadilla, which stream they ascended until they came to the small river,
+known in the parlance of the country, by the erroneous name of a creek,
+that ran through the captain's new estate. The labour of this ascent was
+exceedingly severe; but the whole journey was completed by the end of
+April, and while the streams were high. Snow still lay in the woods; but
+the sap had started, and the season was beginning to show its promise.</p>
+
+<p>The first measure adopted by our adventurers was to "hut." In the very
+centre of the pond, which, it will be remembered, covered four hundred
+acres, was an island of some five or six acres in extent. It was a rocky
+knoll, that rose forty feet above the surface of the water, and was still
+crowned with noble pines, a species of tree that had escaped the ravages
+of the beaver. In the pond, itself, a few "stubs" alone remained, the
+water having killed the trees, which had fallen and decayed. This
+circumstance showed that the stream had long before been dammed;
+successions of families of beavers having probably occupied the place, and
+renewed the works, for centuries, at intervals of generations. The dam in
+existence, however, was not very old; the animals having fled from their
+great enemy, man, rather than from any other foe.</p>
+
+<p>To the island Captain Willoughby transferred all his stores, and here he
+built his hut. This was opposed to the notions of his axe-men, who,
+rightly enough, fancied the mainland would be more convenient; but the
+captain and the sergeant, after a council of war, decided that the
+position on the knoll would be the most military, and might be defended
+the longest, against man or beast. Another station was taken up, however,
+on the nearest shore, where such of the men were permitted to "hut," as
+preferred the location.</p>
+
+<p>These preliminaries observed, the captain meditated a bold stroke against
+the wilderness, by draining the pond, and coming at once into the
+possession of a noble farm, cleared of trees and stumps, as it might be by
+a <i>coup de main</i>. This would be compressing the results of ordinary years
+of toil, into those of a single season, and everybody was agreed as to the
+expediency of the course, provided it were feasible.</p>
+
+<p>The feasibility was soon ascertained. The stream which ran through the
+valley, was far from swift, until it reached a pass where the hills
+approached each other in low promontories; there the land fell rapidly
+away to what might be termed a lower terrace. Across this gorge, or
+defile, a distance of about five hundred feet, the dam had been thrown, a
+good deal aided by the position of some rocks that here rose to the
+surface, and through which the little river found its passage. The part
+which might be termed the key-stone of the dam, was only twenty yards
+wide, and immediately below it, the rocks fell away rapidly, quite sixty
+feet, carrying down the waste water in a sort of fall. Here the
+mill-wright announced his determination to commence operations at once,
+putting in a protest against destroying the works of the beavers. A pond
+of four hundred acres being too great a luxury for the region, the man was
+overruled, and the labour commenced.</p>
+
+<p>The first blow was struck against the dam about nine o'clock, on the 2d
+day of May, 1765, and, by evening, the little sylvan-looking lake, which
+had lain embedded in the forest, glittering in the morning sun, unruffled
+by a breath of air, had entirely disappeared! In its place, there remained
+an open expanse of wet mud, thickly covered with pools and the remains of
+beaver-houses, with a small river winding its way slowly through the
+slime. The change to the eye was melancholy indeed; though the prospect
+was cheering to the agriculturist. No sooner did the water obtain a little
+passage, than it began to clear the way for itself, gushing out in a
+torrent, through the pass already mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>The following morning, Captain Willoughby almost mourned over the works of
+his hands. The scene was so very different from that it had presented when
+the flats were covered with water, that it was impossible not to feel the
+change. For quite a month, it had an influence on the whole party. Nick,
+in particular, denounced it, as unwise and uncalled for, though he had
+made his price out of the very circumstance in prospective; and even
+Sergeant Joyce was compelled to admit that the knoll, an island no longer,
+had lost quite half its security as a military position. The next month,
+however, brought other changes. Half the pools had vanished by drainings
+and evaporation; the mud had begun to crack, and, in some places to
+pulverize; while the upper margin of the old pond had become sufficiently
+firm to permit the oxen to walk over it, without miring. Fences of trees,
+brush, and even rails, enclosed, on this portion of the flats, quite fifty
+acres of land; and Indian corn, oats, pumpkins, peas, potatoes, flax, and
+several other sorts of seed, were already in the ground. The spring proved
+dry, and the sun of the forty-third degree of latitude was doing its work,
+with great power and beneficence. What was of nearly equal importance, the
+age of the pond had prevented any recent accumulation of vegetable matter,
+and consequently spared those who laboured around the spot, the impurities
+of atmosphere usually consequent on its decay. Grass-seed, too, had been
+liberally scattered on favourable places, and things began to assume the
+appearance of what is termed "living."</p>
+
+<p>August presented a still different picture. A saw-mill was up, and had
+been at work for some time. Piles of green boards began to make their
+appearance, and the plane of the carpenter was already in motion. Captain
+Willoughby was rich, in a small way; in other words, he possessed a few
+thousand pounds besides his land, and had yet to receive the price of his
+commission. A portion of these means were employed judiciously to advance
+his establishment; and, satisfied that there would be no scarcity of
+fodder for the ensuing winter, a man had been sent into the settlements
+for another yoke of cattle, and a couple of cows. Farming utensils were
+manufactured on the spot, and sleds began to take the place of carts; the
+latter exceeding the skill of any of the workmen present.</p>
+
+<p>October offered its products as a reward for all this toil. The yield was
+enormous, and of excellent quality. Of Indian corn, the captain gathered
+several hundred bushels, besides stacks of stalks and tops. His turnips,
+too, were superabundant in quantity, and of a delicacy and flavour
+entirely unknown to the precincts of old lands. The potatoes had not done
+so well; to own the truth, they were a little watery, though there were
+enough of them to winter every hoof he had, of themselves. Then the peas
+and garden truck were both good and plenty; and a few pigs having been
+procured, there was the certainty of enjoying a plenty of that important
+article, pork, during the coming winter.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the autumn, the captain rejoined his family in Albany, quitting
+the field for winter quarters. He left sergeant Joyce, in garrison,
+supported by Nick, a miller, the mason, carpenter, and three of the
+axe-men. Their duty was to prepare materials for the approaching season,
+to take care of the stock, to put in winter crops, to make a few bridges,
+clear out a road or two, haul wood to keep themselves from freezing, to
+build a log barn and some sheds, and otherwise to advance the interests of
+the settlement. They were also to commence a house for the patentee.</p>
+
+<p>As his children were at school, captain Willoughby determined not to take
+his family immediately to the Hutted Knoll, as the place soon came to be
+called, from the circumstance of the original bivouack. This name was
+conferred by sergeant Joyce, who had a taste in that way, and as it got to
+be confirmed by the condescension of the proprietor and his family, we
+have chosen it to designate our present labours. From time to time, a
+messenger arrived with news from the place; and twice, in the course of
+the winter, the same individual went back with supplies, and encouraging
+messages to the different persons left in the clearing. As spring
+approached, however, the captain began to make his preparations for the
+coming campaign, in which he was to be accompanied by his wife; Mrs.
+Willoughby, a mild, affectionate, true-hearted New York woman, having
+decided not to let her husband pass another summer in that solitude
+without feeling the cheering influence of her presence.</p>
+
+<p>In March, before the snow began to melt, several sleigh-loads of different
+necessaries were sent up the valley of the Mohawk, to a point opposite the
+head of the Otsego, where a thriving village called Fortplain now stands.
+Thence men were employed in transporting the articles, partly by means of
+"jumpers" <i>improvised</i> for the occasion, and partly on pack-horses, to the
+lake, which was found this time, instead of its neighbour the Canaderaiga.
+This necessary and laborious service occupied six weeks, the captain
+having been up as far as the lake once himself; returning to Albany,
+however, ere the snow was gone.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch02">
+<h2>Chapter II.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  All things are new--the buds, the leaves, <br />
+  That gild the elm-tree's nodding crest, <br />
+  And even the nest beneath the eaves--<br />
+  There are no birds in last year's nest.</p>
+
+  <p>Longfellow.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>"I have good news for you, Wilhelmina," cried the captain, coming into the
+parlour where his wife used to sit and knit or sew quite half the day, and
+speaking with a bright face, and in a cheerful voice--"Here is a letter
+from my excellent old colonel; and Bob's affair is all settled and agreed
+on. He is to leave school next week, and to put on His Majesty's livery
+the week after."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willoughby smiled, and yet two or three tears followed each other
+down her cheeks, even while she smiled. The first was produced by pleasure
+at hearing that her son had got an ensigncy in the 60th, or Royal
+Americans; and the last was a tribute paid to nature; a mother's fears at
+consigning an only boy to the profession of arms.</p>
+
+<p>"I am rejoiced, Willoughby," she said, "because <i>you </i> rejoice, and I
+know that Robert will be delighted at possessing the king's commission;
+but, he is <i>very</i> young to be sent into the dangers of battle and the
+camp!"</p>
+
+<p>"I was younger, when I actually went into battle, for <i>then</i> it was war;
+now, we have a peace that promises to be endless, and Bob will have
+abundance of time to cultivate a beard before he smells gunpowder. As for
+myself"--he added in a half-regretful manner, for old habits and opinions
+would occasionally cross his mind--"as for myself, the cultivation of
+<i>turnips</i> must be my future occupation. Well, the bit of parchment is
+sold, Bob has got <i>his</i> in its place, while the difference in price is in
+my pocket, and no more need be said--and here come our dear girls,
+Wilhelmina, to prevent any regrets. The father of two such daughters
+<i>ought</i>, at least, to be happy."</p>
+
+<p>At this instant, Beulah and Maud Willoughby, (for so the adopted child was
+called as well as the real), entered the room, having taken the lodgings
+of their parents, in a morning walk, on which they were regularly sent by
+the mistress of the boarding-school, in which they were receiving what was
+<i>then</i> thought to be a first-rate American female education. And much
+reason had their fond parents to be proud of them! Beulah, the eldest, was
+just eleven, while her sister was eighteen months younger. The first had a
+staid, and yet a cheerful look; but her cheeks were blooming, her eyes
+bright, and her smile sweet. Maud, the adopted one, however, had already
+the sunny countenance of an angel, with quite as much of the appearance of
+health as her sister; her face had more finesse, her looks more
+intelligence, her playfulness more feeling, her smile more tenderness, at
+times; at others, more meaning. It is scarcely necessary to say that both
+had that delicacy of outline which seems almost inseparable from the
+female form in this country. What was, perhaps, more usual in that day
+among persons of their class than it is in our own, each spoke her own
+language with an even graceful utterance, and a faultless accuracy of
+pronunciation, equally removed from effort and provincialisms. As the
+Dutch was in very common use then, at Albany, and most females of Dutch
+origin had a slight touch of their mother tongue in their enunciation of
+English, this purity of dialect in the two girls was to be ascribed to the
+fact that their father was an Englishman by birth; their mother an
+American of purely English origin, though named after a Dutch god-mother;
+and the head of the school in which they had now been three years, was a
+native of London, and a lady by habits and education.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Maud," cried the captain, after he had kissed the forehead, eyes and
+cheeks of his smiling little favourite--"Now, Maud, I will set you to
+guess what good news I have for you and Beulah."</p>
+
+<p>"You and mother don't mean to go to that bad Beave Manor this summer, as
+some call the ugly pond?" answered the child, quick as lightning.</p>
+
+<p>"That is kind of you, my darling; more kind than prudent; but you are not
+right."</p>
+
+<p>"Try Beulah, now," interrupted the mother, who, while she too doted on her
+youngest child, had an increasing respect for the greater solidity and
+better judgment of her sister: "let us hear Beulah's guess."</p>
+
+<p>"It is something about my brother, I know by mother's eyes," answered the
+eldest girl, looking inquiringly into Mrs. Willoughby's face.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! yes," cried Maud, beginning to jump about the room, until she ended
+her saltations in her father's arms--"Bob has got his commission!--I
+know it all well enough, now--I would not thank you to tell me--I know it
+all now--<i>dear</i> Bob, how he <i>will</i> laugh! and how happy I am!"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it so, mother?" asked Beulah, anxiously, and without even a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Maud is right; Bob is an ensign--or, will be one, in a day or two. You do
+not seem pleased, my child?"</p>
+
+<p>"I wish Robert were not a soldier, mother. Now he will be always away, and
+we shall never see him; then he may be obliged to fight, and who knows how
+unhappy it may make <i>him</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>Beulah thought more of her brother than she did of herself; and, sooth to
+say, her mother had many of the child's misgivings. With Maud it was
+altogether different: she saw only the bright side of the picture; Bob gay
+and brilliant, his face covered with smiles, his appearance admired
+himself, and of course his sisters, happy. Captain Willoughby sympathized
+altogether with his pet. Accustomed to arms, he rejoiced that a career in
+which he had partially failed--this he did not conceal from himself or his
+wife--that this same career had opened, as he trusted, with better
+auspices on his only son. He covered Maud with kisses, and then rushed
+from the house, finding his heart too full to run the risk of being
+unmanned in the presence of females.</p>
+
+<p>A week later, availing themselves of one of the last falls of snow of the
+season, captain Willoughby and his wife left Albany for the Knoll. The
+leave-taking was tender, and to the parents bitter; though after all, it
+was known that little more than a hundred miles would separate them from
+their beloved daughters. Fifty of these miles, however, were absolutely
+wilderness; and to achieve them, quite a hundred of tangled forest, or of
+difficult navigation, were to be passed. The communications would be at
+considerable intervals, and difficult. Still they might be held, and the
+anxious mother left many injunctions with Mrs. Waring, the head of the
+school, in relation to the health of her daughters, and the manner in
+which she was to be sent for, in the event of any serious illness.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willoughby had often overcome, as she fancied, the difficulties of a
+wilderness, in the company of her husband. It is the fashion highly to
+extol Napoleon's passage of the Alps, simply in reference to its physical
+obstacles. There never was a brigade moved twenty-four hours into the
+American wilds, that had not greater embarrassments of this nature to
+overcome, unless in those cases in which favourable river navigation has
+offered its facilities. Still, time and necessity had made a sort of
+military ways to all the more important frontier points occupied by the
+British garrisons, and the experience of Mrs. Willoughby had not hitherto
+been of the severe character of that she was now compelled to undergo.</p>
+
+<p>The first fifty miles were passed over in a sleigh, in a few hours, and
+with little or no personal fatigue. This brought the travellers to a Dutch
+inn on the Mohawk, where the captain had often made his halts, and whither
+he had from time to time, sent his advanced parties in the course of the
+winter and spring. Here a jumper was found prepared to receive Mrs.
+Willoughby; and the horse being led by the captain himself, a passage
+through the forest was effected as far as the head of the Otsego. The
+distance being about twelve miles, it required two days for its
+performance. As the settlements extended south from the Mohawk a few
+miles, the first night was passed in a log cabin, on the extreme verge of
+civilization, if civilization it could be called, and the remaining eight
+miles were got over in the course of the succeeding day. This was more
+than would probably have been achieved in the virgin forest, and under the
+circumstances, had not so many of the captain's people passed over the
+same ground, going and returning, thereby learning how to avoid the
+greatest difficulties of the route, and here and there constructing a rude
+bridge. They had also blazed the trees, shortening the road by pointing
+out its true direction.</p>
+
+<p>At the head of the Otsego, our adventurers were fairly in the wilderness.
+Huts had been built to receive the travellers, and here the whole party
+assembled, in readiness to make a fresh start in company. It consisted of
+more than a dozen persons, in all; the black domestics of the family being
+present, as well as several mechanics whom Captain Willoughby had employed
+to carry on his improvements. The men sent in advance had not been idle,
+any more than those left at the Hutted Knoll. They had built three or four
+skiffs, one small batteau, and a couple of canoes. These were all in the
+water, in waiting for the disappearance of the ice; which was now reduced
+to a mass of stalactites in form, greenish and sombre in hue, as they
+floated in a body, but clear and bright when separated and exposed to the
+sun. The south winds began to prevail, and the shore was glittering with
+the fast-melting piles of the frozen fluid, though it would have been vain
+yet to attempt a passage through it.</p>
+
+<p>The Otsego is a sheet that we have taken more than one occasion to
+describe, and the picture it then presented, amidst its frame of
+mountains, will readily be imagined by most of our readers. In 1765, no
+sign of a settlement was visible on its shores; few of the grants of land
+in that vicinity extending back so far. Still the spot began to be known,
+and hunters had been in the habit of frequenting its bosom and its
+shores, for the last twenty years or more Not a vestige of their presence,
+however, was to be seen from the huts of the captain; but Mrs. Willoughby
+assured her husband, as she stood leaning on his arm, the morning after
+her arrival, that never before had she gazed on so eloquent, and yet so
+pleasing a picture of solitude as that which lay spread before her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"There is something encouraging and soothing in this bland south wind,
+too," she added, "which seems to promise that we shall meet with a
+beneficent nature, in the spot to which we are going. The south airs of
+spring, to me are always filled with promise."</p>
+
+<p>"And justly, love; for they are the harbingers of a renewed vegetation. If
+the wind increase, as I think it may, we shall see this chilling sheet of
+ice succeeded by the more cheerful view of water. It is in this way, that
+all these lakes open their bosoms in April."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby did not know it, while speaking, but, at that moment,
+quite two miles of the lower, or southern end of the lake, was clear, and
+the opening giving a sweep to the breeze, the latter was already driving
+the sheets of ice before it, towards the head, at a rate of quite a mile
+in the hour. Just then, an Irishman, named Michael O'Hearn, who had
+recently arrived in America, and whom the captain had hired as a servant
+of all work, came rushing up to his master, and opened his teeming
+thoughts, with an earnestness of manner, and a confusion of rhetoric, that
+were equally characteristic of the man and of a portion of his nation.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it journeying south, or to the other end of this bit of wather, or
+ice, that yer honour is thinking of?" he cried "Well, and there'll be room
+for us all, and to spare; for divil a bir-r-d will be left in that quarter
+by night, or forenent twelve o'clock either, calculating by the clock, if
+one had such a thing; as a body might say."</p>
+
+<p>As this was said not only vehemently, but with an accent that defies
+imitation with the pen, Mrs. Willoughby was quite at a loss to get a clue
+to the idea; but, her husband, more accustomed to men of Mike's class, was
+sufficiently lucky to comprehend what he was at.</p>
+
+<p>"You mean the pigeons, Mike, I suppose," the captain answered,
+good-humouredly. "There are certainly a goodly number of them; and I dare
+say our hunters will bring us in some, for dinner. It is a certain sign
+that the winter is gone, when birds and beasts follow their instincts, in
+this manner. Where are you from, Mike?"</p>
+
+<p>"County Leitrim, yer honour," answered the other, touching his cap.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, that one may guess," said the captain, smiling, 'but where last?"</p>
+
+<p>"From looking at the bir-r-ds, sir!--Och! It's a sight that will do madam
+good, and contains a sartainty there'll be room enough made for us, where
+all these cr'atures came from. I'm thinking, yer honour, if we don't ate
+<i>them</i>, they'll be wanting to ate <i>us</i>. What a power of them, counting big
+and little; though they 're all of a size, just as much as if they had
+flown through a hole made on purpose to kape them down to a convanient
+bigness, in body and feathers."</p>
+
+<p>"Such a flight of pigeons in Ireland, would make a sensation, Mike,"
+observed the captain, willing to amuse his wife, by drawing out the County
+Leitrim-man, a little.</p>
+
+<p>"It would make a dinner, yer honour, for every mother's son of 'em,
+counting the gur-r-rls, in the bargain! Such a power of bir-r-ds, would
+knock down 'praties, in a wonderful degree, and make even butthermilk
+chape and plenthiful. Will it be always such abundance with us, down at
+the Huts, yer honour? or is this sight only a delusion to fill us with
+hopes that's never to be satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pigeons are seldom wanting in this country, Mike, in the spring and
+autumn; though we have both birds and beasts, in plenty, that are
+preferable for food."</p>
+
+<p>"Will it be plentthier than this?--Well, it's enough to destroy human
+appetite, the sight of 'em! I'd give the half joe I lost among them
+blackguards in Albany, at their Pauss, as they calls it, jist to let my
+sisther's childer have their supper out of one of these flocks, such as
+they are, betther or no betther. Och! its pleasant to think of them
+childer having their will, for once, on such a power of wild, savage
+bir-r-ds!"</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby smiled at this proof of <i>naivet&eacute;</i> in his new domestic,
+and then led his wife back to the hut; if being time to make some fresh
+dispositions for the approaching movement. By noon, it became apparent to
+those who were waiting such an event, that the lake was opening; and,
+about the same time, one of the hunters came in from a neighbouring
+mountain, and reported that he had seen clear water, as near their
+position as three or four miles. By this time it was blowing fresh, and
+the wind, having a clear rake, drove up the honeycomb-looking sheet before
+it, as the scraper accumulates snow. When the sun set, the whole north
+shore was white with piles of glittering icicles; while the bosom of the
+Otsego, no longer disturbed by the wind, resembled a placid mirror.
+
+Early on the following morning, the whole party embarked. There was no
+wind, and men were placed at the paddles and the oars. Care was taken, on
+quitting the huts, to close their doors and shutters; for they were to be
+taverns to cover the heads of many a traveller, in the frequent journeys
+that were likely to be made, between the Knoll and the settlements. These
+stations, then, were of the last importance, and a frontier-man always had
+the same regard for them, that the mountaineer of the Alps has for his
+"refuge."</p>
+
+<p>The passage down the Otsego was the easiest and most agreeable portion of
+the whole journey. The day was pleasant, and the oarsmen vigorous, if not
+very skilful, rendering the movement rapid, and sufficiently direct. But
+one drawback occurred to the prosperity of the voyage. Among the labourers
+hired by the captain, was a Connecticut man, of the name of Joel Strides,
+between whom and the County Leitrim-man, there had early commenced a
+warfare of tricks and petty annoyances; a warfare that was perfectly
+defensive on the part of O'Hearn, who did little more, in the way of
+retort, than comment on the long, lank, shapeless figure, and meagre
+countenance of his enemy. Joel had not been seen to smile, since he
+engaged with the captain; though three times had he laughed outright, and
+each time at the occurrence of some mishap to Michael O'Hearn the fruit of
+one of his own schemes of annoyance.</p>
+
+<p>On the present occasion, Joel, who had the distribution of such duty,
+placed Mike in a skiff, by himself, flattering the poor fellow with the
+credit he would achieve, by rowing a boat to the foot of the lake,
+without assistance. He might as well have asked Mike to walk to the outlet
+on the surface of the water! This arrangement proceeded from an innate
+love of mischief in Joel, who had much of the quiet waggery, blended with
+many of the bad qualities of the men of his peculiar class. A narrow and
+conceited selfishness lay at the root of the larger portion of this man's
+faults. As a physical being, he was a perfect labour-saving machine,
+himself; bringing all the resources of a naturally quick and acute mind to
+bear on this one end, never doing anything that required a particle more
+than the exertion and strength that were absolutely necessary to effect
+his object. He rowed the skiff in which the captain and his wife had
+embarked, with his own hands; and, previously to starting, he had selected
+the best sculls from the other boats, had fitted his twhart with the
+closest attention to his own ease, and had placed a stretcher for his
+feet, with an intelligence and knowledge of mechanics, that would have
+done credit to a Whitehall waterman. This much proceeded from the
+predominating principle of his nature, which was, always to have an eye on
+the interests of Joel Strides; though the effect happened, in this
+instance, to be beneficial to those he served.</p>
+
+<p>Michael O'Hearn, on the contrary, thought only of the end; and this so
+intensely, not to so say vehemently, as generally to overlook the means.
+Frank, generous, self-devoted, and withal accustomed to get most things
+wrong-end-foremost, he usually threw away twice the same labour, in
+effecting a given purpose, that was expended by the Yankee; doing the
+thing worse, too, besides losing twice the time. He never paused to think
+of this, however. The <i>masther's</i> boat was to be rowed to the other end of
+the lake, and, though he had never rowed a boat an inch in his life, he
+was ready and willing to undertake the job. "If a certain quantity of work
+will not do it," thought Mike, "I'll try as much ag'in; and the divil is
+in it, if <i>that</i> won't sarve the purpose of that little bit of a job."</p>
+
+<p>Under such circumstances the party started. Most of the skiffs and canoes
+went off half an hour before Mrs. Willoughby was ready, and Joel managed
+to keep Mike for he last, under the pretence of wishing his aid in loading
+his own boat, with the bed and bedding from the hut. All was ready, at
+length, and taking his seat, with a sort of quiet deliberation, Joel said,
+in his drawling way, "You'll follow <i>us</i>, Mike, and you can't be a
+thousand miles out of the way." Then he pulled from the shore with a
+quiet, steady stroke of the sculls, that sent the skiff ahead with great
+rapidity, though with much ease to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Michael O'Hearn stood looking at the retiring skiff, in silent admiration,
+for two or three minutes. He was quite alone; for all the other boats were
+already two or three miles on their way, and distance already prevented
+him from seeing the mischief that was lurking in Joel's hypocritical eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Follow <i>yees</i>!" soliloquized Mike--"The divil burn ye, for a guessing
+yankee as ye ar'--how am I to follow with such legs as the likes of these?
+If it wasn't for the masther and the missus, ra'al jontlemen and ladies
+they be, I'd turn my back on ye, in the desert, and let ye find that
+Beaver estate, in yer own disagreeable company. Ha!--well, I must thry,
+and if the boat won't go, it'll be no fault of the man that has a good
+disposition to make it."</p>
+
+<p>Mike now took his seat on a board that lay across the gunwale of the skiff
+at a most inconvenient height, placed two sculls in the water, one of
+which was six inches longer than the other, made a desperate effort, and
+got his craft fairly afloat. Now, Michael O'Hearn was not left-handed,
+and, as usually happens with such men, the inequality between the two
+limbs was quite marked. By a sinister accident, too, it happened that the
+longest oar got into the strongest hand, and there it would have staid to
+the end of time; before Mike would think of changing it, on that account.
+Joel, alone, sat with his face towards the head of the lake, and he alone
+could see the dilemma in which the county Leitrim-man was placed. Neither
+the captain nor his wife thought of looking behind, and the yankee had all
+the fun to himself. As for Mike, he succeeded in getting a few rods from
+the land, when the strong arm and the longer lever asserting their
+superiority, the skiff began to incline to the westward. So intense,
+however, was the poor fellow's zeal, that he did not discover the change
+in his course until he had so far turned as to give him a glimpse of his
+retiring master; then he inferred that all was right, and pulled more
+leisurely. The result was, that in about ten minutes, Mike was stopped by
+the land, the boat touching the north shore again, two or three rods from
+the very point whence it had started. The honest fellow got up, looked
+around him, scratched his head, gazed wistfully after the fast-receding
+boat of his master, and broke out in another soliloquy.</p>
+
+<p>"Bad luck to them that made ye, ye one-sided thing!" he said, shaking his
+head reproachfully at the skiff: "there's liberty for ye to do as ye
+ought, and ye'll not be doing it, just out of contrairiness. Why the divil
+can't ye do like the other skiffs, and go where ye're wanted, on the road
+towards thim beavers? Och, ye'll be sorry for this, when ye're left
+behind, out of sight!"</p>
+
+<p>Then it flashed on Mike's mind that possibly some article had been left in
+the hut, and the skiff had come back to look after it; so, up he ran to
+the captain's deserted lodge, entered it, was lost to view for a minute,
+then came in sight again, scratching his head, and renewing his
+muttering--"No," he said, "divil a thing can I see, and it must be pure
+con<i>trair</i>iness! Perhaps the baste will behave betther next time, so I'll
+thry it ag'in, and give it an occasion. Barring obstinacy, 't is as
+good-lookin' a skiff as the best of them."</p>
+
+<p>Mike was as good as his word, and gave the skiff as fair an opportunity of
+behaving itself as was ever offered to a boat. Seven times did he quit the
+shore, and as often return to it, gradually working his way towards the
+western shore, and slightly down the lake. In this manner, Mike at length
+got himself so far on the side of the lake, as to present a barrier of
+land to the evil disposition of his skiff to incline to the westward. It
+could go no longer in that direction, at least.</p>
+
+<p>"Divil burn ye," the honest fellow cried, the perspiration rolling down
+his face; "I think ye'll be satisfied without walking out into the forest,
+where I wish ye war' with all my heart, amang the threes that made ye!
+Now, I'll see if yer con<i>trair</i>y enough to run up a hill."</p>
+
+<p>Mike next essayed to pull along the shore, in the hope that the sight of
+the land, and of the overhanging pines and hemlocks, would cure the
+boat's propensity to turn in that direction. It is not necessary to say
+that his expectations were disappointed, and he finally was reduced to
+getting out into the water, cool as was the weather, and of wading along
+the shore, dragging the boat after him. All this Joel saw before he passed
+out of sight, but no movement of his muscles let the captain into the
+secret of the poor Irishman's strait.</p>
+
+<p>In the meanwhile, the rest of the flotilla, or <i>brigade</i> of boats, as the
+captain termed them, went prosperously on their way, going from one end of
+the lake to the other, in the course of three hours. As one of the party
+had been over the route several times already, there was no hesitation on
+the subject of the point to which the boats were to proceed. They all
+touched the shore near the stone that is now called the "Otsego Rock,"
+beneath a steep wooded bank, and quite near to the place where the
+Susquehannah glanced out of the lake, in a swift current, beneath a
+high-arched tracery of branches that were not yet clothed with leaves.</p>
+
+<p>Here the question was put as to what had become of Mike. His skiff was
+nowhere visible, and the captain felt the necessity of having him looked
+for, before he proceeded any further. After a short consultation, a boat
+manned by two negroes, father and son, named Pliny the elder, and Pliny
+the younger, or, in common parlance, "old Plin" and "young Plin," was sent
+back along the west-shore to hunt him up. Of course, a hut was immediately
+prepared for the reception of Mrs. Willoughby, upon the plain that
+stretches across the valley, at this point. This was on the site of the
+present village of Cooperstown, but just twenty years anterior to the
+commencement of the pretty little shire town that now exists on the spot.</p>
+
+<p>It was night ere the two Plinies appeared towing Mike, as their great
+namesakes of antiquity might have brought in a Carthaginian galley, in
+triumph. The county Leitrim-man had made his way with excessive toil about
+a league ere he was met, and glad enough was he to see his succour
+approach. In that day, the strong antipathy which now exists between the
+black and the emigrant Irishman was unknown, the competition for household
+service commencing more than half a century later. Still, as the negro
+loved fun constitutionally, and Pliny the younger was somewhat of a wag,
+Mike did not entirely escape, scot-free.</p>
+
+<p>"Why you drag 'im like ox, Irish Mike?" cried the younger negro--"why you
+no row 'im like other folk?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah--you're as bad as the rest of 'em," growled Mike. "They tould me
+Ameriky was a mighty warm country, and war-r-m I find it, sure enough,
+though the wather isn't as warm as good whiskey. Come, ye black divils,
+and see if ye can coax this <i>contrairy</i> crathure to do as a person
+wants."</p>
+
+<p>The negroes soon had Mike in tow, and then they went down the lake
+merrily, laughing and cracking their jokes, at the Irishman's expense,
+after the fashion of their race. It was fortunate for the Leitrim-man that
+he was accustomed to ditching, though it may be questioned if the pores of
+his body closed again that day, so very effectually had they been opened.
+When he rejoined his master, not a syllable was said of the mishap, Joel
+having the prudence to keep his own secret, and even joining Mike in
+denouncing the bad qualities of the boat. We will only add here, that a
+little calculation entered into this trick, Joel perceiving that Mike was
+a favourite, and wishing to bring him into discredit.</p>
+
+<p>Early the next morning, the captain sent the negroes and Mike down the
+Susquehannah a mile, to clear away some flood-wood, of which one of the
+hunters had brought in a report the preceding day. Two hours later, the
+boats left the shore, and began to float downward with the current,
+following the direction of a stream that has obtained its name from its
+sinuosities.</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes the boats reached the flood-wood, where, to Joel's great
+amusement, Mike and the negroes, the latter having little more calculation
+than the former, had commenced their operations on the upper side of the
+raft, piling the logs on one another, with a view to make a passage
+through the centre. Of course, there was a halt, the females landing.
+Captain Willoughby now cast an eye round him in hesitation, when a knowing
+look from Joel caught his attention.</p>
+
+<p>"This does not seem to be right," he said--"cannot we better if a little?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's right wrong, captain," answered Joel, laughing like one who enjoyed
+other people's ignorance. "A sensible crittur' would begin the work on
+such a job, at the lower side of the raft."</p>
+
+<p>"Take the direction, and order things to suit yourself."</p>
+
+<p>This was just what Joel liked. <i>Head-work</i> before all other work for him,
+and he set about the duty authoritatively and with promptitude. After
+rating the negroes roundly for their stupidity, and laying it on Mike
+without much delicacy of thought or diction, over the shoulders of the two
+blacks, he mustered his forces, and began to clear the channel with
+intelligence and readiness.</p>
+
+<p>Going to the lower side of the jammed flood-wood, he soon succeeded in
+loosening one or two trees, which floated away, making room for others to
+follow. By these means a passage was effected in half an hour, Joel having
+the prudence to set no more timber in motion than was necessary to his
+purpose, lest it might choke the stream below. In this manner the party
+got through, and, the river being high at that season, by night the
+travellers were half-way to the mouth of the Unadilla. The next evening
+they encamped at the junction of the two streams, making their
+preparations to ascend the latter the following morning.</p>
+
+<p>The toil of the ascent, however, did not commence, until the boats entered
+what was called the creek, or the small tributary of the Unadilla, on
+which the beavers had erected their works, and which ran through the
+"Manor." Here, indeed, the progress was slow and laborious, the rapidity
+of the current and the shallowness of the water rendering every foot
+gained a work of exertion and pain. Perseverance and skill,
+notwithstanding, prevailed; all the boats reaching the foot of the rapids,
+or straggling falls, on which the captain had built his mills, about an
+hour before the sun disappeared. Here, of course, the boats were left, a
+rude road having been cut, by means of which the freights were transported
+on a sledge the remainder of the distance. Throughout the whole of this
+trying day, Joel had not only worked head-work, but he had actually
+exerted himself with his body. As for Mike, never before had he made such
+desperate efforts. He felt all the disgrace of his adventure on the lake,
+and was disposed to wipe it out by his exploits on the rivers. Thus Mike
+was ever loyal to his employer. He had sold his flesh and blood for money,
+and a man of his conscience was inclined to give a fair penny's-worth. The
+tractable manner in which the boat had floated down the river, it is true,
+caused him some surprise, as was shown in his remark to the younger Pliny,
+on landing.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a curious boat, afther all," said Pat. "One time it's all
+con<i>trar</i>iness, and then ag'in it's as obliging as one's own mother. It
+<i>followed</i> the day all's one like a puppy dog, while yon on the big wather
+there was no more <i>dhriving</i> it than a hog. Och! it's a faimale boat, by
+its whims!"</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch03">
+<h2>Chapter III.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  "He sleeps forgetful of his once bright flame<br />
+  He has no feeling of the glory gone; <br />
+  He has no eye to catch the mounting flame<br />
+  That once in transport drew him on; <br />
+  He lies in dull oblivious dreams, nor cares<br />
+  Who the wreathed laurel bears."</p>
+
+<p>  Percival.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>The appearance of a place in which the remainder of one's life is to be
+past is always noted with interest on a first visit. Thus it was that Mrs.
+Willoughby had been observant and silent from the moment the captain
+informed her that they had passed the line of his estate, and were
+approaching the spot where they were to dwell. The stream was so small,
+and the girding of the forest so close, that there was little range for
+the sight; but the anxious wife and mother could perceive that the hills
+drew together, at this point, the valley narrowing essentially, that rocks
+began to appear in the bed of the river, and that the growth of the timber
+indicated fertility and a generous soil.</p>
+
+<p>When the boat stopped, the little stream came brawling down a ragged
+declivity, and a mill, one so arranged as to grind and saw, both in a very
+small way, however, gave the first signs of civilization she had beheld
+since quitting the last hut near the Mohawk. After issuing a few orders,
+the captain drew his wife's arm through his own, and hurried up the
+ascent, with an eagerness that was almost boyish, to show her what had
+been done towards the improvement of the "Knoll." There is a pleasure in
+diving into a virgin forest and commencing the labours of civilization,
+that has no exact parallel in any other human occupation. That of
+building, or of laying out grounds, has certainly some resemblance to it,
+but it is a resemblance so faint and distant as scarcely to liken the
+enjoyment each produces. The former approaches nearer to the feeling of
+creating, and is far more pregnant with anticipations and hopes, though
+its first effects are seldom agreeable, and are sometimes nearly hideous.
+Our captain, however, had escaped most of these last consequences, by
+possessing the advantage of having a clearing, without going through the
+usual processes of chopping and burning; the first of which leaves the
+earth dotted, for many years, with unsightly stumps, while the rains and
+snows do not wash out the hues of the last for several seasons.</p>
+
+<p>An exclamation betrayed the pleasure with which Mrs. Willoughby got her
+first glimpse of the drained pond. It was when she had clambered to the
+point of the rocks, where the stream began to tumble downward into the
+valley below. A year had done a vast deal for the place. The few stumps
+and stubs which had disfigured the basin when it was first laid bare, had
+all been drawn by oxen, and burned. This left the entire surface of the
+four hundred acres smooth and fit for the plough. The soil was the deposit
+of centuries, and the inclination, from the woods to the stream, was
+scarcely perceptible to the eye. In fact, it was barely sufficient to
+drain the drippings of the winter's snows. The form of the area was a
+little irregular; just enough so to be picturesque; while the inequalities
+were surprisingly few and trifling. In a word, nature had formed just such
+a spot as delights the husbandman's heart, and placed it beneath a sun
+which, while its fierceness is relieved by winters of frost and snow, had
+a power to bring out all its latent resources.</p>
+
+<p>Trees had been felled around the whole area, with the open spaces filled
+by branches, in a way to form what is termed a brush fence. This is not a
+sightly object, and the captain had ordered the line to be drawn <i>within</i>
+the woods, so that the visible boundaries of the open land were the virgin
+forest itself. His men had protested against this, a fence, however
+unseemly, being in their view an indispensable accessory to civilization.
+But the captain's authority, if not his better taste, prevailed; and the
+boundary of felled trees and brush was completely concealed in the
+back-ground of woods. As yet, there was no necessity for cross-fences, the
+whole open space lying in a single field. One hundred acres were in winter
+wheat. As this grain had been got in the previous autumn, it was now
+standing on the finest and driest of the soil, giving an air of rich
+fertility to the whole basin. Grass-seed had been sown along both banks of
+the stream, and its waters were quietly flowing between two wide belts of
+fresh verdure, the young plants having already started in that sheltered
+receptacle of the sun's rays. Other portions of the flat showed signs of
+improvement, the plough having actually been at work for quite a
+fortnight.</p>
+
+<p>All this was far more than even the captain had expected, and much more
+than his wife had dared to hope. Mrs. Willoughby had been accustomed to
+witness the slow progress of a new settlement; but never before had she
+seen what might be done on a beaver-dam. To her all appeared like magic,
+and her first question would have been to ask her husband to explain what
+had been done with the trees and stumps, had not her future residence
+caught her eye. Captain Willoughby had left his orders concerning the
+house, previously to quitting the Knoll; and he was now well pleased to
+perceive that they had been attended to. As this spot will prove the scene
+of many of the incidents we are bound to relate, it may be proper, here,
+to describe it, at some length.</p>
+
+<p>The hillock that rose out of the pond, in the form of a rocky little
+island, was one of those capricious formations that are often met with on
+the surface of the earth. It stood about thirty rods from the northern
+side of the area, very nearly central as to its eastern and western
+boundaries, and presented a slope inclining towards the south. Its
+greatest height was at its northern end, where it rose out of the rich
+alluvion of the soil, literally a rock of some forty feet in
+perpendicular height, having a summit of about an acre of level land, and
+falling off on its three sides; to the east and west precipitously; to the
+south quite gently and with regularity. It was this accidental formation
+which had induced the captain to select the spot as the site of his
+residence; for dwelling so far from any post, and in a place so difficult
+of access, something like military defences were merely precautions of
+ordinary prudence. While the pond remained, the islet was susceptible of
+being made very strong against any of the usual assaults of Indian
+warfare; and, now that the basin was drained, it had great advantages for
+the same purpose. The perpendicular rock to the north, even overhung the
+plain. It was almost inaccessible; while the formation on the other sides,
+offered singular facilities, both for a dwelling and for security. All
+this the captain, who was so familiar with the finesse of Indian
+stratagem, had resolved to improve in the following manner:</p>
+
+<p>In the first place, he directed the men to build a massive wall of stone,
+for a hundred and fifty feet in length, and six feet in height. This
+stretched in front of the perpendicular rock, with receding walls to its
+verge. The latter were about two hundred feet in length, each. This was
+enclosing an area of two hundred, by one hundred and fifty feet, within a
+blind wall of masonry. Through this wall there was only a single passage;
+a gateway, in the centre of its southern face. The materials had all been
+found on the hill itself, which was well covered with heavy stones. Within
+this wall, which was substantially laid, by a Scotch mason, one accustomed
+to the craft, the men had erected a building of massive, squared, pine
+timber, well secured by cross partitions. This building followed the wall
+in its whole extent, was just fifteen feet in elevation, without the roof,
+and was composed, in part, by the wall itself; the latter forming nearly
+one-half its height, on the exterior. The breadth of this edifice was only
+twenty feet, clear of the stones and wood-work; leaving a court within of
+about one hundred by one hundred and seventy-five feet in extent. The roof
+extended over the gateway even; so that the space within was completely
+covered, the gates being closed. This much had been done during the
+preceding fall and winter; the edifice presenting an appearance of rude
+completeness on the exterior. Still it had a sombre and goal-like air,
+there being nothing resembling a window visible; no aperture, indeed, on
+either of its outer faces, but the open gateway, of which the massive
+leaves were finished, and placed against the adjacent walls, but which
+were not yet hung. It is scarcely necessary to say, this house resembled
+barracks, more than an ordinary dwelling. Mrs. Willoughby stood gazing at
+it, half in doubt whether to admire or to condemn, when a voice, within a
+few yards, suddenly drew her attention in another direction.</p>
+
+<p>"How you like him?" asked Nick, who was seated on a stone, at the margin
+of the stream, washing his feet, after a long day's hunt. "No t'ink him
+better dan beaver skin? Cap'in know all 'bout him; now he give Nick some
+more last quit-rent?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Last</i>, indeed, it will be, then, Nick; for I have already paid you
+<i>twice</i> for your rights."</p>
+
+<p>"Discovery wort' great deal, cap'in--see what great man he make
+pale-face."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, but <i>your</i> discovery, Nick, is not of that sort."</p>
+
+<p>"What sort, den?" demanded Nick, with the rapidity of lightning. "Give him
+back 'e beaver, if you no like he discovery. Grad to see 'em back, ag'in;
+skin higher price dan ever."</p>
+
+<p>"Nick, you're a cormorant, if there ever was one in this world!
+Here--there is a dollar for you; the quit-rent is paid for this year, at
+least. It ought to be for the last time."</p>
+
+<p>"Let him go for all summer, cap'in. Yes, Nick wonderful commerant! no such
+eye he got, among Oneida!"</p>
+
+<p>Here the Tuscarora left the side of the stream, and came up on the rock,
+shaking hands, good-humouredly, with Mrs. Willoughby, who rather liked the
+knave; though she knew him to possess most of the vices of his class.</p>
+
+<p>"He very han'som beaver-dam," said Nick, sweeping his hand gracefully over
+the view; "bye 'nd bye, he'll bring potatoe, and corn, and cider--all 'e
+squaw want. Cap'in got good fort, too. Old soldier love fort; like to live
+in him."</p>
+
+<p>"The day may come, Nick, when that fort may serve us all a good turn, out
+here in the wilderness," Mrs. Willoughby observed, in a somewhat
+melancholy tone; for her tender thoughts naturally turned towards her
+youthful and innocent daughters.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian gazed at the house, with that fierce intentness which sometimes
+glared, in a manner that had got to be, in its ordinary aspects, dull and
+besotted. There was a startling intelligence in his eye, at such moments;
+the feelings of youth and earlier habit, once more asserting their power.
+Twenty years before, Nick had been foremost on the war-path; and what was
+scarcely less honourable, among the wisest around the council-fire. He was
+born a chief, and had made himself an outcast from his tribe, more by the
+excess of ungovernable passions, than from any act of base meanness.</p>
+
+<p>"Cap'm tell Nick, now, what he mean by building such house, out here,
+among ole beaver bones?" he said, sideling up nearer to his employer, and
+gazing with some curiosity into his face.</p>
+
+<p>"What do I mean, Nick?--Why I mean to have a place of safety to put the
+heads of my wife and children in, at need. The road to Canada is not so
+long, but a red-skin can make one pair of moccasins go over it. Then, the
+Oneidas and Mohawks are not all children of heaven."</p>
+
+<p>"No pale-face rogue, go about, I s'pose?" said Nick, sarcastically.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, there are men of that class, who are none the worse for being locked
+out of one's house, at times. But, what do <i>you</i> think of the hut?--You
+know I call the place the 'Hut,' the Hutted Knoll."</p>
+
+<p>"He hole plenty of beaver, if you cotch him!--But no water left, and he
+all go away. Why you make him stone, first; den you make him wood, a'ter;
+eh? Plenty rock; plenty tree."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, the stone wall can neither be cut away, nor set fire to, Nick;
+that's the reason. I took as much stone as was necessary, and then used
+wood, which is more easily worked, and which is also drier."</p>
+
+<p>"Good--Nick t'ought just dat. How you get him water if Injen come?"</p>
+
+<p>"There's the stream, that winds round the foot of the hill, Nick, as you
+see; and then there is a delicious spring, within one hundred yards of the
+very gate."</p>
+
+<p>"Which side of him?" asked Nick, with his startling rapidity.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, here, to the left of the gate, and a little to the right of the
+large stone--"</p>
+
+<p>"No--no," interrupted the Indian, "no left--no right--which side--<i>inside</i>
+gate; <i>outside</i> gate?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!--the spring is outside the gate, certainly; but means might be found
+to make a covered way to it; and then the stream winds round directly
+underneath the rocks, behind the house, and wafer could be raised from
+<i>that</i>, by means of a rope. Our rifles would count for something, too, in
+drawing water, as well as in drawing blood."</p>
+
+<p>"Good.--Rifle got long arm. He talk so, Ingin mind him. When you t'ink
+red-skin come ag'in your fort, cap'in, now you got him done?"</p>
+
+<p>"A long time first, I hope, Nick. We are at peace with France, again; and
+I see no prospect of any new quarrel, very soon. So long as the French and
+English are at peace, the red men will not dare to touch either."</p>
+
+<p>"Dat true as missionary! What a soldier do, cap'in, if so much peace?
+Warrior love a war-path."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish it were not so, Nick. But <i>my</i> hatchet is buried, I hope, for
+ever."</p>
+
+<p>"Nick hope cap'in know where to find him, if he want to? Very bad to put
+anyt'ing where he forget; partic'larly tomahawk. Sometime quarrel come,
+like rain, when you don't tink."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that also cannot be denied. Yet, I fear the next quarrel will be
+among ourselves, Nick.--The government at home, and the people of the
+colonies, are getting to have bad blood between them."</p>
+
+<p>"Dat very queer! Why pale-face mo'der and pale-face darter no love one
+anoder, like red-skin?"</p>
+
+<p>"Really, Nick, you are somewhat interrogating this evening; but, my squaw
+must be a little desirous of seeing the inside of her house, as well as
+its outside, and I must refer you to that honest fellow, yonder, for an
+answer. His name is Mike; I hope he and you will always be good friends."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, the captain nodded in a friendly manner, and led Mrs.
+Willoughby towards the hut, taking a foot-path that was already trodden
+firm, and which followed the sinuosities of the stream, to which it served
+as a sort of a dyke. Nick took the captain at his word, and turning about
+he met the county Leitrim-man, with an air of great blandness, thrusting
+out a hand, in the pale-face fashion, as a sign of amity, saying, at the
+same time--</p>
+
+<p>"How do, Mike?--Sago--Sago--grad you come--good fellow to drink Santa
+Cruz, wid Nick."</p>
+
+<p>"How do, Mike!" exclaimed the other, looking at the Tuscarora with
+astonishment, for this was positively the first red man the Irishman had
+ever seen. "How do Mike! Ould Nick be ye?--well--ye look pretty much as
+I expected to see you--pray, how did ye come to know <i>my</i> name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nick know him--know every t'ing. Grad to see you, Mike--hope we live
+together like good friend, down yonder, up here, over dere."</p>
+
+<p>"Ye do, do ye! Divil burn me, now, if I want any sich company. Ould Nick's
+yer name, is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Old Nick--young Nick--saucy Nick; all one, all to'ther. Make no odd what
+you call; I come."</p>
+
+<p>"Och, yer a handy one! Divil trust ye, but ye'll come when you arn't
+wanted, or yer not of yer father's own family. D'ye live hereabouts,
+masther Ould Nick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Live here--out yonder--in he hut, in he wood--where he want. Make no
+difference to Nick."</p>
+
+<p>Michael now drew back a pace or two, keeping his eyes fastened on the
+other intently, for he actually expected to see some prodigious and sudden
+change in his appearance. When he thought he had got a good position for
+manly defence or rapid retreat, as either might become necessary the
+county Leitrim-man put on a bolder front and resumed the discourse.</p>
+
+<p>"If it's so indifferent to ye where ye dwell," asked Mike, "why can't you
+keep at home, and let a body carry these cloaks and bundles of the
+missuses, out yonder to the house wither she's gone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nick help carry 'em. Carry t'ing for dat squaw hundred time."</p>
+
+<p>"That what! D'ye mane Madam Willoughby by yer blackguard name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; cap'in wife--cap'in squaw, mean him. Carry bundle, basket, hundred
+time for him."</p>
+
+<p>"The Lord preserve me, now, from sich atrocity and impudence!" laying down
+the cloaks and bundles, and facing the Indian, with an appearance of great
+indignation--"Did a body ever hear sich a liar! Why, Misther Ould Nick,
+Madam Willoughby wouldn't let the likes of ye touch the ind of her
+garments. You wouldn't get the liberty to walk in the same path with her,
+much less to carry her bundles. I'll answer for it, ye're a great liar,
+now, ould Nick, in the bottom of your heart."</p>
+
+<p>"Nick great liar," answered the Indian, good-naturedly; for he so well
+knew this was his common reputation, that he saw no use in denying it.
+"What of dat? Lie good sometime."</p>
+
+<p>"That's another! Oh, ye animal; I've a great mind to set upon ye at once,
+and see what an honest man can do wid ye, in fair fight! If I only knew
+what ye'd got about yer toes, now, under them fine-looking things ye wear
+for shoes, once, I'd taich ye to talk of the missus, in this style."</p>
+
+<p>"Speak as well as he know how. Nick never been to school. Call 'e squaw,
+<i>good</i> squaw. What want more?"</p>
+
+<p>"Get out! If ye come a foot nearer, I'll be at ye, like a dog upon a bull,
+though ye gore me. What brought ye into this paiceful sittlement, where
+nothing but virtue and honesty have taken up their abode?"</p>
+
+<p>What more Mike might have said is not known, as Nick caught a sign from
+the captain, and went loping across the flat, at his customary gait,
+leaving the Irishman standing on the defensive, and, to own the truth, not
+sorry to be rid of him. Unfortunately for the immediate enlightenment of
+Mike's mind, Joel overheard the dialogue, and comprehending its meaning,
+with his native readiness, he joined his companion in a mood but little
+disposed to clear up the error.</p>
+
+<p>"Did ye see that <i>crathure</i>?" asked Mike, with emphasis.</p>
+
+<p>"Sartain--he is often seen here, at the Hut. He may be said to live here,
+half his time."</p>
+
+<p>"A pritty hut, then, ye must have of it! Why do ye tolerate the vagabond?
+He's not fit for Christian society."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! he's good company, sometimes, Mike. When you know him better, you'll
+like him better. Come; up with the bundles, and let us follow. The captain
+is looking after us, as you see."</p>
+
+<p>"Well may he look, to see us in sich company!--Will he har-r-m the
+missus?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not he. I tell you, you'll like him yourself when you come to know him."</p>
+
+<p>"If I do, burn me! Why, he says <i>himself</i>, that he's Ould Nick, and I'm
+sure I never fancied the crathure but it was in just some such for-r-m.
+Och! he's ill-looking enough, for twenty Ould Nicks."</p>
+
+<p>Lest the reader get an exaggerated notion of Michael's credulity, it may
+be well to say that Nick had painted a few days before, in a fit of
+caprice, and that one-half of his face was black, and the other a deep
+red, while each of his eyes was surrounded with a circle of white, all of
+which had got to be a little confused in consequence of a night or two of
+orgies, succeeded by mornings in which the toilet had been altogether
+neglected. His dress, too, a blanket with tawdry red and yellow trimmings,
+with ornamented leggings and moccasins to correspond, had all aided in
+maintaining the accidental mystification. Mike followed his companion,
+growling out his discontent, and watching the form of the Indian, as the
+latter still went loping over the flat, having passed the captain, with a
+message to the barns.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll warrant ye, now, the captain wouldn't tolerate such a crathure, but
+he's sent him off to the woods, as ye may see, like a divil, as he is! To
+think of such a thing's spakeing to the missus! Will I fight him?--That
+will I, rather than he'll say an uncivil word to the likes of her! He's
+claws they tell me, though he kapes them so well covered in his fine
+brogues; divil burn me, but I'd grapple him by the toes."</p>
+
+<p>Joel now saw how deep was Michael's delusion, and knowing it <i>must</i> soon
+be over, he determined to make a merit of necessity, by letting his
+friend into the truth, thereby creating a confidence that would open the
+way to a hundre'd future mischievous scenes.</p>
+
+<p>"Claws!" he repeated, with an air of surprise--"And why do you think an
+Injin has claws, Mike?"</p>
+
+<p>"An Injin! D'ye call that miscoloured crathure an Injin Joel. Isn't it one
+of yer yankee divils?"</p>
+
+<p>"Out upon you, for an Irish ninny. Do you think the captain would <i>board</i>
+a devil! The fellow's a Tuscarora, and is as well known here as the owner
+of the Hut himself. It's Saucy Nick."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, saucy Ould Nick--had it from his very mout' and even the divil
+would hardly be such a blackguard as to lie about his own name. Och! he's
+a roarer, sure enough; and then for the tusks you mintion, I didn't see
+'em, with my eyes; but the crathure has a mouth that might hould a
+basket-full."</p>
+
+<p>Joel now perceived that he must go more seriously to work to undeceive his
+companion. Mike honestly believed he had met an American devil, and it
+required no little argumentation to persuade him of the contrary. We shall
+leave Joel employed in this difficult task, in which he finally succeeded,
+and follow the captain and his wife to the hut.</p>
+
+<p>The lord and lady of the manor examined everything around their future
+residence, with curious eyes. Jamie Allen, the Scotch mason mentioned, was
+standing in front of the house, to hear what might be said of his wall,
+while two or three other mechanics betrayed some such agitation as the
+tyro in literature manifests, ere he learns what the critics have said of
+his first work. The exterior gave great satisfaction to the captain. The
+wall was not only solid and secure, but it was really handsome. This was
+in some measure owing to the quality of the stones, but quite as much to
+Jamie's dexterity in using them. The wall and chimneys, of the latter of
+which there were no less than six, were all laid in lime, too; it having
+been found necessary to burn some of the material to plaster the interior.
+Then the gates were massive, being framed in oak, filled in with four-inch
+plank, and might have resisted a very formidable assault. Their strong
+iron hinges were all in their places, but the heavy job of hanging had
+been deferred to a leisure moment, when all the strength of the manor
+might be collected for that purpose. There they stood, inclining against
+the wall, one on each side of the gateway, like indolent sentinels on
+post, who felt too secure from attack to raise their eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The different mechanics crowded round the captain, each eager to show his
+own portion of what had been done. The winter had not been wasted, but,
+proper materials being in abundance, and on the spot, captain Willoughby
+had every reason to be satisfied with what he got for his money.
+Completely shut out from the rest of the world, the men had worked
+cheerfully and with little interruption; for their labours composed their
+recreation. Mrs. Willoughby found the cart of the building her family was
+to occupy, with the usual offices, done and furnished. This comprised all
+the front on the-eastern side of the gateway, and most of the wing, in
+the same half, extending back to the cliff. It is true, the finish was
+plain; but everything was comfortable. The ceilings were only ten feet
+high certainly, but it was thought prodigious in the colony in that day;
+and then the plastering of Jamie was by no means as unexceptionable as his
+stone-work; still every room had its two coats, and white-wash gave them a
+clean and healthful aspect. The end of the wing that came next the cliff
+was a laundry, and a pump was fitted, by means of which water was raised
+from the rivulet. Next came the kitchen, a spacious and comfortable room
+of thirty by twenty feet; an upper-servant's apartment succeeded; after
+which were the bed-rooms of the family a large parlour, and a library, or
+office, for the captain. As the entire range, on this particular side of
+the house, extended near or quite two hundred and fifty feet, there was no
+want of space or accommodation.</p>
+
+<p>The opposite, or western half of the edifice, was devoted to more homely
+uses. It contained an eating-room and divers sleeping-rooms far the
+domestics and labourers, besides store-rooms, garners, and <i>omnium
+gatherums</i> of all sorts. The vast ranges of garrets, too, answered for
+various purposes of household and farming economy. All the windows, and
+sundry doors, opened into the court, while the whole of the exterior wall,
+both wooden and stone, presented a perfect blank, in the way of outlets.
+It was the captain's intention, however, to cut divers loops through the
+logs, at some convenient moment, so that men stationed in the garrets
+might command the different faces of the structure with their musketry.
+But, like the gates, these means of defence were laid aside for a more
+favourable opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>Our excellent matron was delighted with her domestic arrangements. They
+much surpassed any of the various barracks in which she had dwelt, and a
+smile of happiness beamed on her handsome face, as she followed her
+husband from room to room, listening to his explanations. When they
+entered their private apartments, and these were furnished and ready to
+receive them, respect caused the rest to leave them by themselves, and
+once more they found that they were alone.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Wilhelmina," asked the gratified husband--gratified, because he saw
+pleasure beaming in the mild countenance and serene blue eyes of one of
+the best wives living--"Well, Wilhelmina," he asked, "can you give up
+Albany, and all the comforts of your friends' dwellings, to be satisfied
+in a home like this? It is not probable I shall ever build again, whatever
+Bob may do, when he comes after me. This structure, then, part house, part
+barrack, part fort, as it is, must be our residence for the remainder of
+our days. We are <i>hutted</i> for life."</p>
+
+<p>"It is all-sufficient, Willoughby. It has space, comfort, warmth, coolness
+and security. What more can a wife and a mother ask, when she is
+surrounded by those she most loves? Only attend to the security, Hugh.
+Remember how far we are removed from any succour, and how sudden and
+fierce the Indians are in their attacks. Twice have we, ourselves, been
+near being destroyed by surprises, from which accident, or God's
+providence, protected us, rather than our own vigilance. If this could
+happen in garrisons, and with king's troops around us, how much more
+easily might it happen here, with only common labourers to watch what is
+going on!"</p>
+
+<p>"You exaggerate the danger, wife. There are no Indians, in this part of
+the country, who would dare to molest a settlement like ours. We count
+thirteen able-bodied men in all, besides seven women, and could use
+seventeen or eighteen muskets and rifles on an emergency. No <i>tribe</i> would
+dare commence hostilities, in a time of general peace, and so near the
+settlements too; and, as to stragglers, who might indeed murder to rob, we
+are so strong, ourselves, that we may sleep in peace, so far as they are
+concerned."</p>
+
+<p>"One never knows that, dearest Hugh. A marauding party of half-a-dozen
+might prove too much for many times their own number, when unprepared. I
+<i>do</i> hope you will have the gates hung, at least; should the girls come
+here, in the autumn, I could not sleep without hanging the gates."</p>
+
+<p>"Fear nothing, love," said the captain, kissing his wife with manly
+tenderness. "As for Beulah and Maud, let them come when they please; we
+shall always have a welcome for them, and no place can be safer than under
+their father's eyes."</p>
+
+<p>"I care not so much for myself, Hugh, but <i>do</i> not let the gates be
+forgotten until the girls come."</p>
+
+<p>"Everything shall be done as you desire, wife of mine, though it will be a
+hard job to get two such confounded heavy loads of wood on their hinges.
+We must take some day when everybody is at home, and everybody willing to
+work. Saturday next, I intend to have a review; and, once a month, the
+year round, there will be a muster, when all the arms are to be cleaned
+and loaded, and orders given how to act in case of an alarm. An old
+soldier would be disgraced to allow himself to be run down by mere
+vagabonds. My pride is concerned, and you may sleep in peace."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, do, dearest Hugh."--Then the matron proceeded through the rooms,
+expressing her satisfaction at the care which had been had for her
+comfort, in her own rooms in particular.</p>
+
+<p>Sooth to say, the interior of the hut presented that odd contrast between
+civilization and rude expedients, which so frequently occurs on an
+American frontier, where persons educated in refinement often find
+themselves brought in close collision with savage life. Carpets, in
+America, and in the year of our Lord 1765, were not quite as much a matter
+of course in domestic economy, as they are to-day. Still they were to be
+found, though it was rare, indeed, that they covered more than the centre
+of the room. One of these great essentials, without which no place can
+appear comfortable in a cold climate, was spread on the floor of Mrs.
+Willoughby's parlour--a room that served for both eating and as a sala,
+the Knight's Hall of the Hut, measuring twenty by twenty-four feet--though
+in fact this carpet concealed exactly two-thirds of the white clean plank.
+Then the chairs were massive and even rich, while one might see his face
+in the dark mahogany of the tables. There were cellarets--the captain
+being a connoisseur in wines--bureaus, secretaries, beaufets, and other
+similar articles, that had been collected in the course of twenty years'
+housekeeping, and scattered at different posts, were collected, and
+brought hither by means of sledges, and the facilities of the
+water-courses. Fashion had little to do with furniture, in that simple
+age, when the son did not hesitate to wear even the clothes of the father,
+years and years after the tailor had taken leave of them. Massive old
+furniture, in particular, lasted for generations, and our matron now saw
+many articles that had belonged to her grandfather assembled beneath the
+first roof that she could ever strictly call her own.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willoughby took a survey of the offices last. Here she found, already
+established, the two Plinies, with Mari', the sister of the elder Pliny,
+Bess, the wife of the younger, and Mony--alias Desdemona--a collateral of
+the race, by ties and affinities that garter-king-at-arms could not have
+traced genealogically; since he would have been puzzled to say whether the
+woman was the cousin, or aunt, or step-daughter of Mari', or all three.
+All the women were hard at work, Bess singing in a voice that reached the
+adjoining forest. Mari'--this name was pronounced with a strong emphasis
+on the last syllable, or like Maria, without the final vowel--Mari' was
+the head of the kitchen, even Pliny the elder standing in salutary dread
+of her authority; and her orders to her brother and nephew were pouring
+forth, in an English that was divided into three categories; the
+Anglo-Saxon, the Low Dutch, and the Guinea dialect; a medley that rendered
+her discourse a droll assemblage of the vulgar and the classical.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, niggers," she cried, "why you don't jump about like Paus dance?
+Ebbery t'ing want a hand, and some want a foot. Plate to wash, crockery to
+open, water to b'ile, dem knife to clean, and not'ing missed. Lord,
+here's a madam, and 'e whole kitchen in a diffusion."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Mari'," exclaimed the captain, good-naturedly, "here you are,
+scolding away as if you had been in the place these six months, and knew
+all its faults and weaknesses."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't help a scold, master, in sich a time as dis--come away from dem
+plates, <i>you</i> Great Smash, and let a proper hand take hold on 'em."</p>
+
+<p>Here we ought to say, that captain Willoughby had christened Bess by the
+sobriquet of Great Smash, on account of her size, which fell little short
+of two hundred, estimated in pounds, and a certain facility she possessed
+in destroying crockery, while 'Mony went by the milder appellation of
+"Little Smash;" not that bowls or plates fared any better in her hands,
+but because <i>she</i> weighed only one hundred and eighty.</p>
+
+<p>"Dis is what I tell 'em, master," continued Mari', in a remonstrating,
+argumentative sort of a tone, with dogmatism and respect singularly
+mingled in her manner--"Dis, massa, just what I tell 'em <i>all</i>. I tell
+'em, says I, this is Hunter Knoll, and not All<i>bon</i>ny--here no store--no
+place to buy t'ing if you break 'em; no good woman who know ebbery t'ing,
+to tell you where to find t'ing, if you <i>lose</i> him. If dere was only good
+woman, <i>dat</i> somet'ing; but no fortun'-teller out here in de bushes--no,
+no--when a silber spoon go, <i>here</i>, he go for good and all--Goody,
+massy"--staring at something in the court--"what he call <i>dat</i>, sa?"</p>
+
+<p>"That--oh! that is only an Indian hunter I keep about me, to bring us
+game--you'll never have an empty spit, Mari', as long as <i>he</i> is with us.
+Fear nothing; he will not harm you. His name is Nick."</p>
+
+<p>"De <i>Ole</i> Nick, massa?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, only <i>Saucy</i> Nick. The fellow is a little slovenly to-day in his
+appearance, and you see he has brought already several partridges, besides
+a rabbit. We shall have venison, in the season."</p>
+
+<p>Here all the negroes, after staring at Nick, quite a minute, set up a loud
+shout, laughing as if the Tuscarora had been created for their special
+amusement. Although the captain was somewhat of a martinet in his domestic
+discipline, it had ever altogether exceeded his authority, or his art, to
+prevent these bursts of merriment; and he led his wife away from the din,
+leaving Mari', Great Smash, and Little Smash, with the two Plinies, in
+ecstasies at their own uproar. Burst succeeded burst, until the Indian
+walked away, in offended dignity.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the commencement of the domestication of the Willoughbys at the
+Hutted Knoll. The plan of our tale does not require us to follow them
+minutely for, the few succeeding years, though some further explanation
+may be necessary to show why this settlement varied a little from the
+ordinary course.</p>
+
+<p>That very season, or, in the summer of 1765, Mrs. Willoughby inherited
+some real estate in Albany, by the death of an uncle, as well as a few
+thousand pounds currency, in ready money. This addition to his fortune
+made the captain exceedingly comfortable; or, for that day, rich; and it
+left him to act his pleasure as related to his lands. Situated as these
+last were, so remote from other settlements as to render highways, for
+some time, hopeless, he saw no use in endeavouring to anticipate the
+natural order of things. It would only create embarrassment to raise
+produce that could not be sent to market; and he well knew that a
+population of any amount could not exist, in quiet, without the usual
+attendants of buying and selling. Then it suited his own taste to be the
+commander-in-chief of an isolated establishment like this; and he was
+content to live in abundance, on his flats, feeding his people, his
+cattle, and even his hogs to satiety, and having wherewithal to send away
+the occasional adventurer, who entered his clearing, contented and happy.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it was that he neither sold nor leased. No person dwelt on his land
+who was not a direct dependant, or hireling, and all that the earth
+yielded he could call his own. Nothing was sent abroad for sale but
+cattle. Every year, a small drove of fat beeves and milch cows found their
+way through the forest to Albany, and the proceeds returned in the shape
+of foreign supplies. The rents, and the interests on bonds, were left to
+accumulate, or were applied to aid Robert in obtaining a new step in the
+army. Lands began to be granted nearer and nearer to his own, and here and
+there some old officer like himself, or a solitary farmer, began to cut
+away the wilderness; but none in his immediate vicinity.</p>
+
+<p>Still the captain did not live altogether as a hermit. He visited Edmeston
+of Mount Edmeston, a neighbour less than fifty miles distant; was
+occasionally seen at Johnson Hall, with Sir William; or at the bachelor
+establishment of Sir John, on the Mohawk; and once or twice he so far
+overcame his indolence, as to consent to serve as a member for a new
+county, that was called Tryon, after a ruling governor.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch04">
+<h2>Chapter IV.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  Hail! sober evening! Thee the harass'd brain<br />
+  And aching heart with fond orisons greet; <br />
+  The respite thou of toil; the balm of pain; <br />
+  To thoughtful mind the hour for musing meet, <br />
+  'Tis then the sage from forth his lone retreat, <br />
+  The rolling universe around espies; <br />
+  'Tis then the bard may hold communion sweet<br />
+  With lovely shapes unkenned by grosser eyes, <br />
+  And quick perception comes of finer mysteries.</p>
+
+<p>  Sands.</p></div>
+
+
+<p>In the preceding chapter we closed the minuter narrative with a scene at
+the Hut, in the spring of 1765. We must now advance the time just ten
+years, opening, anew, in the month of May, 1775. This, it is scarcely
+necessary to tell the reader, is bringing him at once up to the earliest
+days of the revolution. The contest which preceded that great event had in
+fact occurred in the intervening time, and we are now about to plunge into
+the current of some of the minor incidents of the struggle itself.</p>
+
+<p>Ten years are a century in the history of a perfectly new settlement. The
+changes they produce are even surprising, though in ordinary cases they do
+not suffice to erase the signs of a recent origin. The forest is opened,
+and the light of day admitted, it is true; but its remains are still to be
+seen in multitudes of unsightly stumps, dead standing trees, and
+ill-looking stubs. These vestiges of the savage state usually remain a
+quarter of a century; in certain region they are to be found for even more
+than twice that period. All this, however, had captain Willoughby escaped,
+in consequence of limiting his clearing, in a great measure, to that which
+had been made by the beavers, and from which time and natural decay had,
+long before his arrival, removed every ungainly object. It is true, here
+and there a few acres had been cleared on the firmer ground, at the margin
+of the flats, where barns and farm buildings had been built, and orchards
+planted; but, in order to preserve the harmony of his view, the captain
+had caused all the stumps to be pulled and burnt, giving to these places
+the same air of agricultural finish as characterized the fields on the
+lower land.</p>
+
+<p>To this sylvan scene, at a moment which preceded the setting of the sun by
+a little more than an hour, and in the first week of the genial month of
+May, we must now bring the reader in fancy. The season had been early, and
+the Beaver Manor, or the part of it which was cultivated, lying low and
+sheltered, vegetation had advanced considerably beyond the point that is
+usual, at that date, in the elevated region of which we have been writing.
+The meadows were green with matted grasses, the wheat and rye resembled
+rich velvets, and the ploughed fields had the fresh and mellowed
+appearance of good husbandry and a rich soil. The shrubbery, of which the
+captain's English taste had introduced quantities, was already in leaf,
+and even portions of the forest began to veil their sombre mysteries with
+the delicate foliage of an American spring.</p>
+
+<p>The site of the ancient pond was a miracle of rustic beauty. Everything
+like inequality or imperfection had disappeared, the whole presenting a
+broad and picturesquely shaped basin, with outlines fashioned principally
+by nature, an artist that rarely fails in effect. The flat was divided
+into fields by low post-and-rail fences, the captain making it a law to
+banish all unruly animals from his estate. The barns and out-buildings
+were neatly made and judiciously placed, and the three or four roads, or
+lanes, that led to them, crossed the low-land in such graceful curves, as
+greatly to increase the beauty of the landscape. Here and there a log
+cabin was visible, nearly buried in the forest, with a few necessary and
+neat appliances around it; the homes of labourers who had long dwelt in
+them, and who seemed content to pass their lives in the same place. As
+most of these men had married and become fathers, the whole colony,
+including children, notwithstanding the captain's policy not to settle,
+had grown to considerably more than a hundred souls, of whom
+three-and-twenty were able-bodied men. Among the latter were the millers;
+but, their mills were buried in the ravine where they had been first
+placed, quite out of sight from the picture above, concealing all the
+unavoidable and ungainly-looking objects of a saw-mill yard.</p>
+
+<p>As a matter of course, the object of the greatest interest, as it was the
+most conspicuous, was the Hutted Knoll, as the house was now altogether
+called, and the objects it contained. Thither, then, we will now direct
+our attention, and describe things as they appeared ten years after they
+were first presented to the reader.</p>
+
+<p>The same agricultural finish as prevailed on the flats pervaded every
+object on the Knoll, though some labour had been expended to produce it.
+Everything like a visible rock, the face of the cliff on the northern end
+excepted, had disappeared, the stones having been blasted, and either
+worked into walls for foundations, or walls for fence. The entire base of
+the Knoll, always excepting the little precipice at the rivulet, was
+encircled by one of the latter, erected under the superintendence of Jamie
+Allen, who still remained at the Hut, a bachelor, and as he said himself,
+a happy man. The southern-face of the Knoll was converted into lawn, there
+being quite two acres intersected with walks, and well garnished with
+shrubbery. What was unusual in America, at that day, the captain, owing to
+his English education, had avoided straight lines, and formal paths;
+giving to the little spot the improvement on nature which is a consequence
+of embellishing her works without destroying them. On each side of this
+lawn was an orchard, thrifty and young, and which were already beginning
+to show signs of putting forth their blossoms.</p>
+
+<p>About the Hut itself, the appearance of change was not so manifest.
+Captain Willoughby had caused it to be constructed originally, as he
+intended to preserve it, and if formed no part of his plan to cover it
+with tawdry colours. There it stood, brown above, and grey beneath, as
+wood or stone was the material, with a widely projecting roof. It had no
+piazzas, or stoups, and was still without external windows, one range
+excepted. The loops had been cut, but it was more for the benefit of
+lighting the garrets, than for any other reason, all of them being glazed,
+and serving the end for which they had been pierced. The gates remained
+precisely in the situation in which they were, when last presented to the
+eye of the reader! There they stood, each leaning against the wall on its
+own side of the gateway, the hinges beginning to rust, by time and
+exposure. Ten years had not produced a day of sufficient leisure in which
+to hang them: though Mrs. Willoughby frequently spoke of the necessity of
+doing so, in the course of the first summer. Even she had got to be so
+familiarized to her situation, and so accustomed to seeing the leaves
+where they stood, that she now regarded them as a couple of sleeping lions
+in stone, or as characteristic ornaments, rather than as substantial
+defences to the entrance of the dwelling.</p>
+
+<p>The interior of the Hut, however, had undergone many alterations. The
+western half had been completed, and handsome rooms had been fitted up for
+guests and inmates of the family, in the portion of the edifice occupied
+by the latter. Additional comforts had been introduced, and, the garners,
+cribs and lodgings of the labourers having been transferred to the skirts
+of the forest, the house was more strictly and exclusively the abode of a
+respectable and well-regulated family. In the rear, too, a wing had been
+thrown along the verge of the cliff, completely enclosing the court. This
+wing, which overhung the rivulet, and had, not only a most picturesque
+site, but a most picturesque and lovely view, now contained the library,
+parlour and music-room, together with other apartments devoted to the uses
+of the ladies, during the day; the old portions of the house that had once
+been similarly occupied being now converted into sleeping apartments. The
+new wing was constructed entirely of massive squared logs, so as to render
+it bullet-proof, here being no necessity for a stone foundation, standing,
+as it did, on the verge of a cliff some forty feet in height. This was the
+part of the edifice which had external windows, the elevation removing it
+from the danger of inroads, or hostile shot, while the air and view were
+both grateful and desirable. Some extra attention had been paid to the
+appearance of the meadows on this side of the Knoll, and the captain had
+studiously kept their skirts, as far as the eye could see from the
+windows, in virgin forest; placing the barns, cabins, and other detached
+buildings, so far south as to be removed from view. Beulah Willoughby, a
+gentle, tranquil creature, had a profound admiration of the beauties of
+nature; and to her, her parents had yielded the control of everything that
+was considered accessary to the mere charms of the eye; her taste had
+directed most of that which had not been effected by the noble luxuriance
+of nature. Wild roses were already putting forth their leaves in various
+fissures of the rocks, where earth had been placed for their support, and
+the margin of the little stream, that actually washed the base of the
+cliff, winding off in a charming sweep through the meadows, a rivulet of
+less than twenty feet in width, was garnished with willows and alder.
+Quitting this sylvan spot, we will return to the little shrub-adorned area
+in front of the Hut. This spot the captain called his <i>glacis</i>, while his
+daughters termed it the lawn. The hour, it will be remembered, was shortly
+before sunset, and thither nearly all the family had repaired to breathe
+the freshness of the pure air, and bathe in the genial warmth of a season,
+which is ever so grateful to those who have recently escaped from the
+rigour of a stern winter. Rude, and sufficiently picturesque garden-seats,
+were scattered about, and on one of these were seated the captain and his
+wife; he, with his hair sprinkled with grey, a hale, athletic, healthy man
+of sixty, and she a fresh-looking, mild-featured, and still handsome
+matron of forty-eight. In front, stood a venerable-looking personage, of
+small stature, dressed in rusty black, of the cut that denoted the attire
+of a clergyman, before it was considered aristocratic to wear the outward
+symbols of belonging to the church of God. This was the Rev. Jedidiah
+Woods, a native of New England, who had long served as a chaplain in the
+same regiment with the captain, and who, being a bachelor, on retired pay,
+had dwelt with his old messmate for the last eight years, in the double
+capacity of one who exercised the healing art as well for the soul as for
+the body. To his other offices, he added that of an instructor, in
+various branches of knowledge, to the young people. The chaplain, for so
+he was called by everybody in and around the Hut, was, at the moment of
+which we are writing, busy in expounding to his friends certain nice
+distinctions that existed, or which he fancied to exist, between a tom-cod
+and a chub, the former of which fish he very erroneously conceived he held
+in his hand at that moment; the Rev. Mr. Woods being a much better angler
+than naturalist. To his dissertation Mrs. Willoughby listened with great
+good-nature, endeavouring all the while to feel interested; while her
+husband kept uttering his "by all means," "yes," "certainly," "you're
+quite right, Woods," his gaze, at the same time, fastened on Joel Strides,
+and Pliny the elder, who were unharnessing their teams, on the flats
+beneath, having just finished a "land," and deeming it too late to
+commence another.</p>
+
+<p>Beulah, her pretty face shaded by a large sun-bonnet, was superintending
+the labours of Jamie Allen, who, finding nothing just then to do as a
+mason, was acting in the capacity of gardener; his hat was thrown upon the
+grass, with his white locks bare, and he was delving about some shrubs
+with the intention of giving them the benefit of a fresh dressing of
+manure. Maud, however, without a hat of any sort, her long, luxuriant,
+silken, golden tresses covering her shoulders, and occasionally veiling
+her warm, rich cheek, was exercising with a battledore, keeping Little
+Smash, now increased in size to quite fourteen stone, rather actively
+employed as an assistant, whenever the exuberance of her own spirits
+caused her to throw the plaything beyond her reach. In one of the
+orchards, near by, two men were employed trimming the trees. To these the
+captain next turned all his attention, just as he had encouraged the
+chaplain to persevere, by exclaiming, "out of all question, my dear
+sir"--though he was absolutely ignorant that the other had just advanced a
+downright scientific heresy. At this critical moment a cry from Little
+Smash, that almost equalled a downfall of crockery in its clamour, drew
+every eye in her direction.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter, Desdemona?" asked the chaplain, a little tartly, by
+no means pleased at having his natural history startled by sounds so
+inapplicable to the subject. "How often have I told you that the Lord
+views with displeasure anything so violent and improper as your outcries?"</p>
+
+<p>"Can't help him, dominie--nebber can help him, when he take me sudden.
+See, masser, dere come Ole Nick!"</p>
+
+<p>There was Nick, sure enough. For the first time, in more than two years,
+the Tuscarora was seen approaching the house, on the long, loping trot
+that he affected when he wished to seem busy, or honestly earning his
+money. He was advancing by the only road that was ever travelled by the
+stranger as he approached the Hut; or, he came up the valley. As the woman
+spoke, he had just made his appearance over the rocks, in the direction of
+the mills. At that distance, quite half a mile, he would not have been
+recognised, but for this gait, which was too familiar to all at the Knoll,
+however, to be mistaken.</p>
+
+<p>"That is Nick, sure enough!" exclaimed the captain. "The fellow comes at
+the pace of a runner; or, as if he were the bearer of some important
+news!"</p>
+
+<p>"The tricks of Saucy Nick are too well known to deceive any here,"
+observed Mrs. Willoughby, who, surrounded by her husband and children,
+always felt so happy as to deprecate every appearance of danger.</p>
+
+<p>"These savages will keep that pace for hours at a time," observed the
+chaplain; "a circumstance that has induced some naturalists to fancy a
+difference in the species, if not in the genus."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he chub or tom-cod, Woods?" asked the captain, throwing back on the
+other all he recollected of the previous discourse.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," observed Mrs. Willoughby, anxiously, "I <i>do </i> think he may have
+some intelligence! It is now more than a twelvemonth since we have seen
+Nick."</p>
+
+<p>"It is more than twice twelvemonth, my dear; I have not seen the fellow's
+face since I denied him the keg of rum for his 'discovery' of another
+beaver pond. He has tried to sell me a new pond every season since the
+purchase of this."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think he took serious offence, Hugh, at that refusal? If so, would
+it not be better to give him what he asks?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought little about it, and care less, my dear. Nick and I know
+each other pretty well. It is an acquaintance of thirty years' standing,
+and one that has endured trials by flood and field, and even by the
+horse-whip. No less than three times have I been obliged to make these
+salutary applications to Nick's back, with my own hands; though it is,
+now, more than ten years since a blow has passed between us."</p>
+
+<p>"Does a savage ever forgive a blow?" asked the chaplain, with a grave air,
+and a look of surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"I fancy a <i>savage</i> is quite as apt to forgive it, as a <i>civilized</i> man,
+Woods. To you, who have served so long in His Majesty's army, a blow, in
+the way of punishment, can be no great novelty."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not, as respects the soldiers; but I did not know Indians were
+ever flogged."</p>
+
+<p>"That is because you never happened to be present at the ceremony--but,
+this is Nick, sure enough; and by his trot I begin to think the fellow has
+some message, or news."</p>
+
+<p>"How old is the man, captain? Does an Indian never break down?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nick must be fairly fifty, now. I have known him more than half that
+period, and he was an experienced, and, to own the truth, a brave and
+skilful warrior, when we first met. I rate him fifty, every day of it."</p>
+
+<p>By this time the new-comer was so near, that the conversation ceased, all
+standing gazing at him, as he drew near, and Maud gathering up her hair,
+with maiden bashfulness, though certainly Nick was no stranger. As for
+Little Smash, she waddled off to proclaim the news to the younger Pliny,
+Mari, and Great Smash, all of whom were still in the kitchen of the Hut,
+flourishing, sleek and glistening.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after, Nick arrived. He came up the Knoll on his loping trot, never
+stopping until he was within five or six yards of the Captain, when he
+suddenly halted, folded his arms, and stood in a composed attitude, lest
+he should betray a womanish desire to tell his story. He did not even pant
+but appeared as composed and unmoved, as if he had walked the half-mile he
+had been seen to pass over on a trot.</p>
+
+<p>"Sago--Sago," cried the captain, heartily--"you are welcome back, Nick; I
+am glad to see you still so active."</p>
+
+<p>"Sago"--answered the guttural voice of the Indian, who quietly nodded his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>"What will you have to refresh you, after such a journey, Nick--our trees
+give us good cider, now."</p>
+
+<p>"Santa Cruz better,"--rejoined the sententious Tuscarora.</p>
+
+<p>"Santa Cruz is certainly <i>stronger</i>" answered the captain laughing, "and,
+in that sense, you may find it better. You shall have a glass, as soon as
+we go to the house. What news do you bring, that you come in so fast?"</p>
+
+<p>"Glass won't do. Nick bring news worth <i>jug</i>. Squaw give <i>two</i> jug for
+Nick's news. Is it barg'in?"</p>
+
+<p>"I!" cried Mrs. Willoughby--"what concern can I have with your news. My
+daughters are both with me, and Heaven be praised! both are well. What
+<i>can</i> I care for your news, Nick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Got no pap-poose but gal? T'ink you got boy--officer--great chief--up
+here, down yonder--over dere."</p>
+
+<p>"Robert!--Major Willoughby! What can <i>you</i> have to tell me of my son?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell all about him, for <i>one</i> jug. Jug out yonder; Nick's story out here.
+One good as t'other."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have all you ask, Nick."--These were not temperance days, when
+conscience took so firm a stand between the bottle and the lips.--"You
+shall have all you ask, Nick, provided you can really give me good
+accounts of my noble boy. Speak, then; what have you to say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Say you see him in ten, five minute. Sent Nick before to keep moder from
+too much cry."</p>
+
+<p>An exclamation from Maud followed; then the ardent girl was seen rushing
+down the lawn, her hat thrown aside; and her bright fair hair again
+flowing in ringlets on her shoulders. She flew rather than ran, in the
+direction of the mill, where the figure of Robert Willoughby was seen
+rushing forward to meet her. Suddenly the girl stopped, threw herself on a
+log, and hid her face. In a few minutes she was locked in her brother's
+arms. Neither Mrs. Willoughby nor Beulah imitated this impetuous movement
+on the part of Maud; but the captain, chaplain, and even Jamie Allen,
+hastened down the road to meet and welcome the young major. Ten minutes
+later, Bob Willoughby was folded to his mother's heart; then came Beulah's
+turn; after which, the news having flown through the household, the young
+man had to receive the greetings of <i>Mari'</i>, both the Smashes, the younger
+Pliny, and all the dogs. A tumultuous quarter of an hour brought all
+round, again, to its proper place, and restored something like order to
+the Knoll. Still an excitement prevailed the rest of the day, for the
+sudden arrival of a guest always produced a sensation in that retired
+settlement; much more likely, then, was the unexpected appearance of the
+only son and heir to create one. As everybody bustled and was in motion,
+the whole family was in the parlour, and major Willoughby was receiving
+the grateful refreshment of a delicious cup of tea, before the sun set.
+The chaplain would have retired out of delicacy, but to this the captain
+would not listen; he would have everything proceed as if the son were a
+customary guest, though it might have been seen by the manner in which his
+mother's affectionate eye was fastened on his handsome face, as well as
+that in which his sister Beulah, in particular, hung about him, under the
+pretence of supplying his wants, that the young man was anything but an
+every-day inmate.</p>
+
+<p>"How the lad has grown!" said the captain, tears of pride starting into
+his eyes, in spite of a very manful resolution to appear composed and
+soldier-like.</p>
+
+<p>"I was about to remark that myself, captain," observed the chaplain. "I do
+think Mr. Robert has got to his full six feet--every inch as tall as you
+are yourself, my good sir."</p>
+
+<p>"That is he, Woods--and taller in one sense. He is a major, already, at
+twenty-seven; it is a step I was not able to reach at near twice the age."</p>
+
+<p>"That is owing, my dear sir," answered the son quickly, and with a slight
+tremor in his voice, "to your not having as kind a father as has fallen to
+my share--or at least one not as well provided with the means of
+purchasing."</p>
+
+<p>"Say none at all, Bob, and you can wound no feeling, while you will tell
+the truth. <i>My</i> father died a lieutenant-colonel when I was a school-boy;
+I owed my ensigncy to my uncle Sir Hugh, the father of the present Sir
+Harry Willoughby; after that I owed each step to hard and long service.
+Your mother's legacies have helped you along, at a faster rate, though I
+do trust there has been some merit to aid in the preferment."</p>
+
+<p>"Speaking of Sir Harry Willoughby, sir, reminds me of one part of my
+errand to the Hut," said the major, glancing his eye towards his father,
+as if to prepare him for some unexpected intelligence.</p>
+
+<p>"What of my cousin?" demanded the captain, calmly. "We have not met in
+thirty years, and are the next thing to strangers to each other. Has he
+made that silly match of which I heard something when last in York? Has he
+disinherited his daughter as he threatened? Use no reserve here; our
+friend Woods is one of the family."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Harry Willoughby is not married, sir, but dead."</p>
+
+<p>"Dead!" repeated the captain, setting down his cup, like one who received
+a sudden shock. "I hope not without having been reconciled to his
+daughter, and providing for her large family?"</p>
+
+<p>"He died in her arms, and escaped the consequences of his silly intention
+to marry his own housekeeper. With one material exception, he has left
+Mrs. Bowater his whole fortune."</p>
+
+<p>The captain sat thoughtful, for some time; every one else being silent and
+attentive. But the mother's feelings prompted her to inquire as to the
+nature of the exception.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, mother, contrary to all my expectations, and I may say wishes, he
+has left <i>me</i> twenty-five thousand pounds in the fives. I only hold the
+money as my father's trustee."</p>
+
+<p>"You do no such thing, Master Bob, I can tell you!" said the captain, with
+emphasis.</p>
+
+<p>The son looked at the father, a moment, as if to see whether he was
+understood, and then he proceeded--</p>
+
+<p>"I presume you remember, sir," said the major, "that <i>you</i> are the heir to
+the title?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not forgot that, major Willoughby; but what is an empty baronetcy
+to a happy husband and father like me, here in the wilds of America? Were
+I still in the army, and a colonel, the thing might be of use; as I am, I
+would rather have a tolerable road from this place to the Mohawk than the
+duchy of Norfolk, without the estate."</p>
+
+<p>"Estate there is none, certainly," returned the major, in a tone of a
+little disappointment, "except the twenty-five thousand pounds; unless you
+include that which you possess where you are; not insignificant, by the
+way, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"It will do well enough for old Hugh Willoughby, late a captain in His
+Majesty's 23d Regiment of Foot, but not so well for <i>Sir</i> Hugh. No, no,
+Bob. Let the baronetcy sleep awhile; it has been used quite enough for the
+last hundred years or more. Out of this circle, there are probably not ten
+persons in America, who know that I have any claims to it."</p>
+
+<p>The major coloured, and he played with the spoon of his empty cup,
+stealing a glance or two around, before he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your pardon, Sir Hugh--my dear father, I mean--but--to own the
+truth, never anticipating such a decision on your part, I have spoken of
+the thing to a good many friends--I dare say, if the truth were known,
+I've called you the baronet, or Sir Hugh, to others, at least a dozen
+times."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, should it be so, the thing will be forgotten. A parson can be
+unfrocked, Woods, and a baronet can be unbaroneted, I suppose."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Sir William"--so everybody called the well-known Sir William
+Johnson, in the colony of New York--"But, Sir William found it useful,
+Willoughby, and so, I dare say, will his son and successor, Sir John,"
+observed the attentive wife and anxious mother; "and if <i>you</i> are not now
+in the army, Bob is. It will be a good thing for our son one day, and
+ought not to be lost."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I see how it is, Beulah; your mother has no notion to lose the right
+of being called Lady Willoughby."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure my mother, sir, wishes to be called nothing that does not
+become <i>your</i> wife; if you remain Mr. Hugh Willoughby, she will remain
+Mrs. Hugh Willoughby. But papa, it <i>might</i> be useful to Bob."</p>
+
+<p>Beulah was a great favourite with the captain, Maud being only his
+darling; he listened always to whatever the former said, therefore, with
+indulgence and respect. He often told the chaplain that his daughter
+Beulah had the true feelings of her sex, possessing a sort of instinct for
+whatever was right and becoming, in woman.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Bob may have the baronetcy, then," he said, smiling. "Major Sir
+Robert Willoughby will not sound amiss in a despatch."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Bob <i>cannot</i> have it, father," exclaimed Maud--"No one <i>can</i> have it
+but <i>you</i>; and it's a pity it should be lost."</p>
+
+<p>"Let him wait, then, until I am out of the way; when he may claim his
+own."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Can</i> that be done?" inquired the mother, to whom nothing was without
+interest that affected her children. "How is it, Mr. Woods?--may a title
+be dropped, and then picked up again?--how is this, Robert?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe it may, my dear mother--it will always exist, so long as
+there is an heir, and my father's disrelish for it will not be binding on
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! in that case, then, all will come right in the end--though, as your
+father does not want it, I wish you could have it, now."</p>
+
+<p>This was said with the most satisfied air in the world, as if the speaker
+had no possible interest in the matter herself, and it closed the
+conversation, for that time. It was not easy to keep up an interest in
+anything that related to the family, where Mrs. Willoughby was concerned,
+in which heart did not predominate. A baronetcy was a considerable dignity
+in the colony of New York in the year of our Lord, 1775, and it gave its
+possessor far more importance than it would have done in England. In the
+whole colony there was but one, though a good many were to be found
+further south; and he was known as "Sir John," as, in England, Lord
+Rockingham, or, in America, at a later day, La Fayette, was known as
+"<i>The</i> Marquis." Under such circumstances, then, it would have been no
+trifling sacrifice to an ordinary woman to forego the pleasure of being
+called "my lady." But the sacrifice cost our matron no pain, no regrets,
+no thought even: The same attachments which made her happy, away from the
+world, in the wilderness where she dwelt, supplanted all other feelings,
+and left her no room, or leisure, to think of such vanities. When the
+discourse changed, it was understood that "Sir Hugh" was not to be "Sir
+Hugh," and that "Sir Robert" must bide his time.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you fall in with the Tuscarora, Bob?" suddenly asked the
+captain, as much to bring up another subject, as through curiosity. "The
+fellow had been so long away, I began to think we should never see him
+again.</p>
+
+<p>"He tells me, sir, he has been on a war path, somewhere out among the
+western savages. It seems these Indians fight among themselves, from time
+to time, and Nick has been trying to keep his hand in. I found him down at
+Canajoharie, and took him for a guide, though he had the honesty to own he
+was on the point of coming over here, had I not engaged him."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll answer for it he didn't tell you <i>that</i>, until you had paid him for
+the job."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, to own the truth, he did not, sir. He pretended something about
+owing money in the village, and got his pay in advance. I learned his
+intentions only when we were within a few miles of the Hut."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad to find, Bob, that you give the place its proper name. How
+gloriously Sir Hugh Willoughby, Bart., of The <i>Hut</i>, Tryon county, New
+York, would sound, Woods!--Did Nick boast of the scalps he has taken from
+the Carthaginians?"</p>
+
+<p>"He lays claim to three, I believe, though I have seen none of his
+trophies."</p>
+
+<p>"The Roman hero!--Yet, I have known Nick rather a dangerous warrior. He
+was out against us, in some of my earliest service, and our acquaintance
+was made by my saving his life from the bayonet of one of my own
+grenadiers. I thought the fellow remembered the act for some years; but,
+in the end, I believe I flogged all the gratitude out of him. His motives,
+now, are concentrated in the little island of Santa Cruz."</p>
+
+<p>"Here he is, father," said Maud, stretching her light, flexible form out
+of a window. "Mike and the Indian are seated at the lower spring, with a
+jug between them, and appear to be in a deep conversation."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, I remember on their first acquaintance, that Mike mistook <i>Saucy</i>
+Nick, for <i>Old</i> Nick. The Indian was indignant for a while, at being
+mistaken for the Evil Spirit, but the worthies soon found a bond of union
+between them, and, before six months, he and the Irishman became sworn
+friends. It is said whenever two human beings love a common principle,
+that it never fails to make them firm allies."</p>
+
+<p>"And what was the principle, in this case, captain Willoughby?" inquired
+the chaplain, with curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"Santa Cruz. Mike renounced whiskey altogether, after he came to America,
+and took to rum. As for Nick, he was never so vulgar as to find pleasure
+in the former liquor."</p>
+
+<p>The whole party had gathered to the windows, while the discourse was
+proceeding, and looking out, each individual saw Mike and his friend, in
+the situation described by Maud. The two <i>amateurs</i>--<i>connoisseurs</i> would
+not be misapplied, either--had seated themselves at the brink of a spring
+of delicious water, and removing the corn-cob that Pliny the younger had
+felt it to be classical to affix to the nozzle of a quart jug, had, some
+time before, commenced the delightful recreation of sounding the depth,
+not of the spring, but of the vessel. As respects the former, Mike, who
+was a wag in his way, had taken a hint from a practice said to be common
+in Ireland, called "potatoe and point," which means to eat the potatoe and
+point at the butter; declaring that "rum and p'int" was every bit as
+entertaining as a "p'int of rum." On this principle, then, with a broad
+grin on a face that opened from ear to ear whenever he laughed, the county
+Leitrim-man would gravely point his finger at the water, in a sort of
+mock-homage, and follow up the movement with such a suck at the nozzle,
+as, aided by the efforts of Nick, soon analyzed the upper half of the
+liquor that had entered by that very passage. All this time, conversation
+did not flag, and, as the parties grew warm, confidence increased, though
+reason sensibly diminished. As a part of this discourse will have some
+bearing on what is to follow, it may be in place to relate it, here.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye're a jewel, ye be, <i>ould</i> Nick, or <i>young</i> Nick!" cried Mike, in an
+ecstasy of friendship, just after he had completed his first half-pint.
+"Ye're as wilcome at the Huts, as if ye owned thim, and I love ye as I did
+my own brother, before I left the county Leitrim--paice to his sowl!"</p>
+
+<p>"He dead?" asked Nick, sententiously; for he had lived enough among the
+pale-faces to have some notions of then theory about the soul.</p>
+
+<p>"That's more than I know--but, living or dead, the man must have a sowl,
+ye understand, Nicholas. A human crathure widout a sowl, is what I call a
+heretick; and none of the O'Hearns ever came to <i>that</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Nick was tolerably drunk, but by no means so far gone, that he had not
+manners enough to make a grave, and somewhat dignified gesture; which was
+as much as to say he was familiar with the subject.</p>
+
+<p>"All go ole fashion here?" he asked, avoiding every appearance of
+curiosity, however.</p>
+
+<p>"That does it--that it does, Nicholas. All goes ould enough. The captain
+begins to get ould; and the missus is oulder than she used to be; and
+Joel's wife looks a hundred, though she isn't t'irty; and Joel, himself,
+the spalpeen--he looks--" a gulp at the jug stopped the communication.</p>
+
+<p>"Dirty, too?" added the sententious Tuscarora, who did not comprehend more
+than half his friend said.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, dir-r-ty--he's always <i>that</i>. He's a dirthy fellow, that thinks his
+yankee charactur is above all other things."</p>
+
+<p>Nick's countenance became illuminated with an expression nowise akin to
+that produced by rum, and he fastened on his companion one of his fiery
+gazes, which occasionally seemed to penetrate to the centre of the object
+looked at.</p>
+
+<p>"Why pale-face hate one anoder? Why Irishman don't love yankee?"</p>
+
+<p>"Och! love the crathure, is it? You'd betther ask me to love a to'd"--for
+so Michael would pronounce the word 'toad.' "What is there to love about
+him, but skin and bone! I'd as soon love a skiliten. Yes--an immortal
+skiliten."</p>
+
+<p>Nick made another gesture, and then he endeavoured to reflect, like one
+who had a grave business in contemplation. The Santa Cruz confused his
+brain, but the Indian never entirely lost his presence of mind; or never,
+at least, so long as he could either see or walk.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't like him"--rejoined Nick. "Like anybody?"</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure I does--I like the capt'in--och, <i>he</i>'s a jontleman--and I
+likes the missus; she's a laddy--and I likes Miss Beuly, who's a swate
+young woman--and then there's Miss Maud, who's the delight of my eyes.
+Fegs, but isn't <i>she</i> a crathure to relish!"</p>
+
+<p>Mike spoke like a good honest fellow, as he was at the bottom, with all
+his heart and soul. The Indian did not seem pleased, but he made no
+answer.</p>
+
+<p>"You've been in the wars then, Nick!" asked the Irishman, after a short
+pause.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes--Nick been chief ag'in--take scalps."</p>
+
+<p>"Ach! That's a mighty ugly thrade! If you'd tell 'em that in Ireland,
+they'd not think it a possibility."</p>
+
+<p>"No like fight in Ireland, hah?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll not say that--no, I'll not say that; for many's the jollification at
+which the fighting is the chafe amusement. But we likes <i>thumping</i> on the
+head--not <i>skinning</i> it."</p>
+
+<p>"That your fashion--my fashion take scalp. You thump; I skin--which best?"</p>
+
+<p>"Augh! skinnin' is a dreadthful operation; but shillaleh-work comes nately
+and nat'rally. How many of these said scalps, now, may ye have picked up,
+Nick, in yer last journey?"</p>
+
+<p>"T'ree--all man and woman--no pappoose. One big enough make <i>two</i>; so call
+him <i>four</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Divil burn ye, Nick; but there's a spice of your namesake in ye,
+afther all. T'ree human crathures skinned, and you not satisfied, and so
+ye'll chait a bit to make 'em four! D'ye never think, now, of yer latther
+ind? D'ye never confess?"</p>
+
+<p>"T'ink every day of <i>dat</i>. Hope to find more, before last day come. Plenty
+scalp <i>here</i>; ha, Mike?"</p>
+
+<p>This was said a little incautiously, perhaps, but it was said under a
+strong native impulse. The Irishman, however, was never very logical or
+clear-headed; and three gills of rum had, by no means, helped to purify
+his brain. He heard the word "plenty," knew he was well fed and warmly
+clad, and just now, that Santa Cruz so much abounded, the term seemed
+peculiarly applicable.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a plinthiful place it is, is this very manor. There's all sorts of
+things in it that's wanted. There's food and raiment, and cattle, and
+grain, and porkers, and praiching--yes, divil burn it, Nick, but there's
+what <i>goes</i> for praiching, though it's no more like what <i>we</i> calls
+praiching than yer'e like Miss Maud in comeliness, and ye'll own,
+yourself, Nick, yer'e no beauty."</p>
+
+<p>"Got handsome hair," said Nick, surlily--"How she look widout scalp?"</p>
+
+<p>"The likes of her, is it! Who ever saw one of her beauthy without the
+finest hair that ever was! What do you get for your scalps?--are they of
+any use when you find 'em?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bring plenty bye'm-by. Whole country glad to see him before long--den
+beavers get pond ag'in."</p>
+
+<p>"How's that--how's that, Indian? Baiver get pounded? There's no pound,
+hereabouts, and baivers is not an animal to be shut up like a hog!"</p>
+
+<p>Nick perceived that his friend was past argumentation, and as he himself
+was approaching the state when the drunkard receives delight from he knows
+not what, it is unnecessary to relate any more of the dialogue. The jug
+was finished, each man very honestly drinking his pint, and as naturally
+submitting to its consequences; and this so much the more because the two
+were so engrossed with the rum that both forgot to pay that attention to
+the spring that might have been expected from its proximity.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch05">
+<h2>Chapter V.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  The soul, my lord, is fashioned--like the lyre.<br />
+  Strike one chord suddenly, and others vibrate.<br />
+  Your name abruptly mentioned, casual words<br />
+  Of comment on your deeds, praise from your uncle,<br />
+  News from the armies, talk of your return,<br />
+  A word let fall touching your youthful passion,<br />
+  Suffused her cheek, call'd to her drooping eye<br />
+  A momentary lustre, made her pulse<br />
+  Leap headlong, and her bosom palpitate.</p>
+
+<p>  Hillhouse.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The approach of night, at sea and in a wilderness, has always something
+more solemn in it, than on land in the centre of civilization. As the
+curtain is drawn before his eyes, the solitude of the mariner is
+increased, while even his sleepless vigilance seems, in a measure,
+baffled, by the manner in which he is cut off from the signs of the hour.
+Thus, too, in the forest, or in an isolated clearing, the mysteries of the
+woods are deepened, and danger is robbed of its forethought and customary
+guards. That evening, Major Willoughby stood at a window with an arm
+round the slender waist of Beulah, Maud standing a little aloof; and, as
+the twilight retired, leaving the shadows of evening to thicken on the
+forest that lay within a few hundred feet of that side of the Hut, and
+casting a gloom over the whole of the quiet solitude, he felt the force of
+the feeling just mentioned, in a degree he had never before experienced.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a <i>very</i> retired abode, my sisters," he said, thoughtfully. "Do
+my father and mother never speak of bringing you out more into the world?"</p>
+
+<p>"They take us to New York every winter, now father is in the Assembly,"
+quietly answered Beulah. "We expected to meet you there, last season, and
+were greatly disappointed that you did not come."</p>
+
+<p>"My regiment was sent to the eastward, as you know, and having just
+received my new rank of major, it would not do to be absent at the moment.
+Do you ever see any one here, besides those who belong to the manor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! yes"--exclaimed Maud eagerly--then she paused, as if sorry she had
+said anything; continuing, after a little pause, in a much more moderated
+vein--"I mean occasionally. No doubt the place is very retired."</p>
+
+<p>"Of what characters are your visiters?--hunters, trappers,
+settlers--savages or travellers?"</p>
+
+<p>Maud did not answer; but, Beulah, after waiting a moment for her sister to
+reply, took that office on herself.</p>
+
+<p>"Some of all," she said, "though few certainly of the latter class. The
+hunters are often here; one or two a month, in the mild season; settlers
+rarely, as you may suppose, since my father will not sell, and there are
+not many about, I believe; the Indians come more frequently, though I
+think we have seen less of them, during Nick's absence than while he was
+more with us. Still we have as many as a hundred in a year, perhaps,
+counting the women. They come in parties, you know, and five or six of
+these will make that number. As for travellers, they are rare; being
+generally surveyors, land-hunters, or perhaps a proprietor who is looking
+up his estate. We had two of the last in the fall, before we went below."</p>
+
+<p>"That is singular; and yet one might well look for an estate in a
+wilderness like this. Who were your proprietors?"</p>
+
+<p>"An elderly man, and a young one. The first was a sort of partner of the
+late Sir William's, I believe, who has a grant somewhere near us, for
+which he was searching. His name was Fonda. The other was one of the
+Beekmans, who has lately succeeded his father in a property of
+considerable extent, somewhere at no great distance from us, and came to
+take a look at it. They say he has quite a hundred thousand acres, in one
+body."</p>
+
+<p>"And did he find his land? Tracts of thousands and tens of thousands, are
+sometimes not to be discovered."</p>
+
+<p>"We saw him twice, going and returning, and he was successful. The last
+time, he was detained by a snow-storm, and staid with us some days--so
+long, indeed, that he remained, and accompanied us out, when we went
+below. We saw much of him, too, last winter, in town."</p>
+
+<p>"Maud, you wrote me nothing of all this! Are visiters of this sort so very
+common that you do not speak of them in your letters?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did I not?--Beulah will scarce pardon me for <i>that</i>. She thinks Mr. Evert
+Beekman more worthy of a place in a letter, than I do, perhaps."</p>
+
+<p>"I think him a very respectable and sensible young man," answered Beulah
+quietly though there was a deeper tint on her cheek than common, which it
+was too dark to see. "I am not certain, however, he need fill much space
+in the letters of either of your sisters.'</p>
+
+<p>"Well, this is <i>something</i> gleaned!" said the major, laughing--"and now,
+Beulah, if you will only let out a secret of the same sort about Maud, I
+shall be <i>au fait</i> of all the family mysteries."</p>
+
+<p>"All!" repeated Maud, quickly--"would there be nothing to tell of a
+certain major Willoughby, brother of mine?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a syllable. I am as heart-whole as a sound oak, and hope to remain
+so. At all events, all I love is in this house. To tell you the truth,
+girls, these are not times for a soldier to think of anything but his
+duty. The quarrel is getting to be serious between the mother country and
+her colonies."</p>
+
+<p>"Not so serious, brother," observed Beulah, earnestly, "as to amount to
+<i>that</i>. Evert Beekman thinks there will be trouble, but he does not
+appear to fancy it will go as far as very serious violence."</p>
+
+<p>"Evert <i>Beekman</i>!--most of that family are loyal, I believe; how is it
+with this Evert?"</p>
+
+<p>"I dare say, <i>you</i> would call him a <i>rebel</i>," answered Maud, laughing, for
+now Beulah chose to be silent, leaving her sister to explain, "He is not
+<i>fiery</i>; but he calls himself an <i>American</i>, with emphasis; and that is
+saying a good deal, when it means he is not an <i>Englishman</i>. Pray what do
+you call yourself, Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>"I!--Certainly an American in one sense, but an Englishman in another. An
+American, as my father was a Cumberland-man, and an Englishman as a
+subject, and as connected with the empire."</p>
+
+<p>"As St. Paul was a Roman. Heigho!--Well, I fear I have but one
+character--or, if I have two, they are an American, and a New York girl.
+Did I dress in scarlet, as you do, I might feel English too, possibly."</p>
+
+<p>"This is making a trifling misunderstanding too serious," observed Beulah.
+"Nothing can come of all the big words that have been used, than more big
+words. I know that is Evert Beekman's opinion."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you may prove a true prophet," answered the major, once more
+buried in thought. "This place <i>does</i> seem to be fearfully retired for a
+family like ours. I hope my father may be persuaded to pass more of his
+time in New York. Does he ever speak on the subject, girls, or appear to
+have any uneasiness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Uneasiness about what? The place is health itself: all sorts of fevers,
+and agues, and those things being quite unknown. Mamma says the toothache,
+even, cannot be found in this healthful spot."</p>
+
+<p>"That is lucky--and, yet, I wish captain Willoughby--<i>Sir Hugh</i>
+Willoughby could be induced to live more in New York. Girls of your time
+of life, ought to be in the way of seeing the world, too."</p>
+
+<p>"In other words, of seeing admirers, major Bob," said Maud, laughing, and
+bending forward to steal a glance in her brother's face. "Good night. <i>Sir
+Hugh</i> wishes us to send you into his library when we can spare you, and
+<i>my lady</i> has sent us a hint that it is ten o'clock, at which hour it is
+usual for sober people to retire."</p>
+
+<p>The major kissed both sisters with warm affection--Beulah fancied with
+a sobered tenderness, and Maud thought kindly--and then they retired to
+join their mother, while he went to seek his father.</p>
+
+<p>The captain was smoking in the library, as a room of all-<i>head</i>-work was
+called, in company with the chaplain. The practice of using tobacco in
+this form, had grown to be so strong in both of these old inmates of
+garrisons, that they usually passed an hour, in the recreation, before
+they went to bed. Nor shall we mislead the reader with any notions of
+fine-flavoured Havana segars; pipes, with Virginia cut, being the
+materials employed in the indulgence. A little excellent Cogniac and
+water, in which however the spring was not as much neglected, as in the
+orgies related in the previous chapter, moistened their lips, from time to
+time, giving a certain zest and comfort to their enjoyments. Just as the
+door opened to admit the major, he was the subject of discourse, the proud
+parent and the partial friend finding almost an equal gratification in
+discussing his fine, manly appearance, good qualities, and future hopes.
+His presence was untimely, then, in one sense; though he was welcome, and,
+indeed, expected. The captain pushed a chair to his son, and invited him
+to take a seat near the table, which held a spare pipe or two, a box of
+tobacco, a decanter of excellent brandy, a pitcher of pure water, all
+pleasant companions to the elderly gentlemen, then in possession.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you are too much of a maccaroni, Bob, to smoke," observed the
+smiling father. "I detested a pipe at your time of life; or may say, I was
+afraid of it; the only smoke that was in fashion among our scarlet coats
+being the smoke of gunpowder. Well, how comes on Gage, and your neighbours
+the Yankees?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir," answered the major, looking behind him, to make sure that the
+door was shut--"Why, sir, to own the truth, my visit, here, just at this
+moment, is connected with the present state of that quarrel."</p>
+
+<p>Both the captain and the chaplain drew the pipes from their mouths,
+holding them suspended in surprise and attention.</p>
+
+<p>"The deuce it is!" exclaimed the former. "I thought I owed this unexpected
+pleasure to your affectionate desire to let me know I had inherited the
+empty honours of a baronetcy!"</p>
+
+<p>"That was <i>one</i> motive, sir, but the least. I beg you to remember the
+awkwardness of my position, as a king's officer, in the midst of enemies."</p>
+
+<p>"The devil! I say, parson, this exceeds heresy and schism! Do you call
+lodging in your father's house, major Willoughby, being in the midst of
+enemies? This is rebellion against nature, and is worse than rebellion
+against the king."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear father, no one feels more secure with <i>you</i>, than I do; or, even,
+with Mr. Woods, here. But, there are others besides you two, in this part
+of the world, and your very settlement may not be safe a week longer;
+probably would not be, if my presence in it were known."</p>
+
+<p>Both the listeners, now, fairly laid down their pipes, and the smoke began
+gradually to dissipate, as it might have been rising from a field of
+battle. One looked at the other, in wonder, and, then, both looked at the
+major, in curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the meaning of all this, my son?" asked the captain, gravely.
+"Has anything new occurred to complicate the old causes of quarrel?"</p>
+
+<p>"Blood has, at length, been drawn, sir; open rebellion has commenced!"</p>
+
+<p>"This is a serious matter, indeed, if it be really so. But do you not
+exaggerate the consequences of some fresh indiscretion of the soldiery, in
+firing on the people? Remember, in the other affair, even the colonial
+authorities justified the officers."</p>
+
+<p>"This is a very different matter, sir. Blood has not been drawn in a
+<i>riot</i>, but in a <i>battle</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Battle! You amaze me, sir! That is indeed a serious matter, and may lead
+to most serious consequences!"</p>
+
+<p>"The Lord preserve us from evil times," ejaculated the chaplain, "and lead
+us, poor, dependent creatures that we are, into the paths of peace and
+quietness! Without his grace, we are the blind leading the blind."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean, major Willoughby, that armed and disciplined bodies have met
+in actual conflict?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not literally so, my dear father; but the minute-men of
+Massachusetts, and His Majesty's forces, have met and fought. This I
+know, full well; for my own regiment was in the field, and, I hope it is
+unnecessary to add, that its second officer was not absent."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course these minute-men--rabble would be the better word--could not
+stand before you?" said the captain, compressing his lips, under a strong
+impulse of military pride.</p>
+
+<p>Major Willoughby coloured, and, to own the truth, at that moment he wished
+the Rev. Mr. Woods, if not literally at the devil, at least safe and sound
+in another room; anywhere, so it were out of ear-shot of the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, sir," he said, hesitating, not to say stammering, notwithstanding a
+prodigious effort to seem philosophical and calm--"To own the truth, these
+minute-fellows are not quite as contemptible as we soldiers would be apt
+to think. It was a stone-wall affair, and dodging work; and, so, you know,
+sir, drilled troops wouldn't have the usual chance. They pressed us pretty
+warmly on the retreat."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Retreat</i>! Major Willoughby!"</p>
+
+<p>"I called it retreat, sure enough; but it was only a march <i>in</i>, again,
+after having done the business on which we went out. I shall admit, I say,
+sir, that we were hard pressed, until <i>reinforced</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Reinforced</i>, my dear Bob! <i>Your</i> regiment, <i>our</i> regiment could not need
+a reinforcement against all the Yankees in New England."</p>
+
+<p>The major could not abstain from laughing, a little, at this exhibition of
+his father's <i>esprit de corps</i>; but native frankness, and love of truth,
+compelled him to admit the contrary.</p>
+
+<p>"It <i>did</i>, sir, notwithstanding," he answered; "and, not to mince the
+matter, it needed it confoundedly. Some of our officers who have seen the
+hardest service of the last war, declare, that taking the march, and the
+popping work, and the distance, altogether, it was the warmest day <i>they</i>
+remember. Our loss, too, was by no means insignificant, as I hope you will
+believe, when you know the troops engaged. We report something like three
+hundred casualties."</p>
+
+<p>The captain did not answer for quite a minute. All this time he sat
+thoughtful, and even pale; for his mind was teeming with the pregnant
+consequences of such an outbreak. Then he desired his son to give a
+succinct, but connected history of the whole affair. The major complied,
+beginning his narrative with an account of the general state of the
+country, and concluding it, by giving, as far as it was possible for one
+whose professional pride and political feelings were too deeply involved
+to be entirely impartial, a reasonably just account of the particular
+occurrence already mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>The events that led to, and the hot skirmish which it is the practice of
+the country to call the Battle of Lexington, and the incidents of the day
+itself, are too familiar to the ordinary reader, to require repetition
+here. The major explained all the military points very clearly, did full
+justice to the perseverance and daring of the provincials, as he called
+his enemies--for, an American himself, he would not term them
+Americans--and threw in as many explanatory remarks as he could think of,
+by way of vindicating the "march <i>in</i>, again." This he did, too, quite as
+much out of filial piety, as out of self-love; for, to own the truth, the
+captain's mortification, as a soldier, was so very evident as to give his
+son sensible pain.</p>
+
+<p>"The effect of all this," continued the major, when his narrative of the
+military movements was ended, "has been to raise a tremendous feeling,
+throughout the country, and God knows what is to follow."</p>
+
+<p>"And this you have come hither to tell me, Robert," said the father,
+kindly. "It is well done, and as I would have expected from you. We might
+have passed the summer, here, and not have heard a whisper of so important
+an event."</p>
+
+<p>"Soon after the affair--or, as soon as we got some notion of its effect on
+the provinces, general Gage sent me, privately, with despatches to
+governor Tryon. <i>He</i>, governor Tryon, was aware of your position; and, as
+I had also to communicate the death of Sir Harry Willoughby, he directed
+me to come up the river, privately, have an interview with Sir John, if
+possible, and then push on, under a feigned name, and communicate with
+you. He thinks, now Sir William is dead, that with your estate, and new
+rank, and local influence, you might be very serviceable in sustaining the
+royal cause; for, it is not to be concealed that this affair is likely to
+take the character of an open and wide-spread revolt against the authority
+of the crown."</p>
+
+<p>"General Tryon does me too much honour," answered the captain, coldly. "My
+estate is a small body of wild land; my influence extends little beyond
+this beaver meadow, and is confined to my own household, and some fifteen
+or twenty labourers; and as for the <i>new rank</i> of which you speak, it is
+not likely the colonists will care much for <i>that, </i> if they disregard the
+rights of the king. Still, you have acted like a son in running the risk
+you do, Bob; and I pray God you may get back to your regiment, in safety."</p>
+
+<p>"This is a cordial to my hopes, sir; for nothing would pain me more than
+to believe you think it my duty, because I was born in the colonies, to
+throw up my commission, and take side with the rebels."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not conceive that to be your duty, any more than I conceive it to be
+mine to take sides against them, because I happened to be born in England.
+It is a weak view of moral obligations, that confines them merely to the
+accidents of birth, and birth-place. Such a subsequent state of things may
+have grown up, as to change all our duties, and it is necessary that we
+discharge them as they <i>are</i>; not as they may have been, hitherto, or may
+be, hereafter. Those who clamour so much about mere birth-place, usually
+have no very clear sense of their higher obligations. Over our birth we
+can have no control; while we are rigidly responsible for the fulfilment
+of obligations voluntarily contracted."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you reason thus, captain?" asked the chaplain, with strong
+interest--"Now, I confess, I <i>feel</i>, in this matter, not only very much
+like a native American, but very much like a native Yankee, in the
+bargain. You know I was born in the Bay, and--the major must excuse
+me--but, it ill-becomes my cloth to deceive--I hope the major will pardon
+me--I--I do hope--"</p>
+
+<p>"Speak out, Mr. Woods," said Robert Willoughby, smiling--"<i>You</i> have
+nothing to fear from your old friend the major."</p>
+
+<p>"So I thought--so I thought--well, then, I was glad--yes, really rejoiced
+at heart, to hear that my countrymen, down-east, there, had made the
+king's troops scamper,"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not aware that I used any such terms, sir, in connection with the
+manner in which we marched in, after the duty we went out on was
+performed," returned the young soldier, a little stiffly. "I suppose it is
+natural for one Yankee to sympathize with another; but, my father, Mr.
+Woods, is an <i>Old</i> England, and not a <i>New</i>-England-man; and he may be
+excused if he feel more for the servants of the crown."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, my dear major--certainly, my dear Mr. Robert--my old pupil,
+and, I hope, my friend--all this is true enough, and very natural. I allow
+captain Willoughby to wish the best for the king's troops, while I wish
+the best for my own countrymen."</p>
+
+<p>"This is natural, on both sides, out of all question, though it by no
+means follows that it is right. 'Our country, right or wrong,' is a
+high-sounding maxim, but it is scarcely the honest man's maxim. Our
+country, after all, cannot have nearer claims upon us, than our parents
+for instance; and who can claim a moral right to sustain even his own
+father, in error, injustice, or crime? No, no--I hate your pithy sayings;
+they commonly mean nothing that is substantially good, at bottom."</p>
+
+<p>"But one's country, in a time of actual war, sir!" said the major, in a
+tone of as much remonstrance as habit would allow him to use to his own
+father.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true, Bob; but the difficulty here, is to know which <i>is</i> one's
+country. It is a family quarrel, at the best, and it will hardly do to
+talk about foreigners, at all. It is the same as if I should treat Maud
+unkindly, or harshly, because she is the child of only a friend, and not
+my own natural daughter. As God is my judge, Woods, I am unconscious of
+not loving Maud Meredith, at this moment, as tenderly as I love Beulah
+Willoughby. There was a period, in her childhood, when the playful little
+witch had most of my heart, I am afraid, if the truth were known. It is
+use, and duty, then, and not mere birth, that ought to tie our hearts."</p>
+
+<p>The major thought it might very well be that one child should be loved
+more than another, though he did not understand how there could be a
+divided allegiance. The chaplain looked at the subject with views still
+more narrowed, and he took up the cudgels of argument in sober earnest,
+conceiving this to be as good an opportunity as another, for disposing of
+the matter.</p>
+
+<p>"I am all for birth, and blood, and natural ties," he said, "always
+excepting the peculiar claims of Miss Maud, whose case is <i>sui generis</i>,
+and not to be confounded with any other case. A man can have but one
+country, any more than he can have but one nature; and, as he is forced to
+be true to that nature, so ought he morally to be true to that country.
+The captain says, that it is difficult to determine which is one's
+country, in a civil war; but I cannot admit the argument. If Massachusetts
+and England get to blows, Massachusetts is my country; if Suffolk and
+Worcester counties get into a quarrel, my duty calls me to Worcester,
+where I was born; and so I should carry out the principle from country to
+country, county to county, town to town, parish to parish; or, even
+household to household."</p>
+
+<p>"This is an extraordinary view of one's duty, indeed, my dear Mr. Woods,"
+cried the major, with a good deal of animation; "and if one-half the
+household quarrelled with the other, you would take sides with that in
+which you happened to find yourself, at the moment."</p>
+
+<p>"It is an extraordinary view of one's duty, for a <i>parson</i>;" observed the
+captain. "Let us reason backward a little, and ascertain where we shall
+come out. You put the head of the household out of the question. Has he
+no claims? Is a father to be altogether overlooked in the struggle between
+the children? Are his laws to be broken--his rights invaded--or his person
+to be maltreated, perhaps, and his curse disregarded, because a set of
+unruly children get by the ears, on points connected with their own
+selfishness?"</p>
+
+<p>"I give up the household," cried the chaplain, "for the bible settles
+that; and what the bible disposes of, is beyond dispute--'Honour thy
+father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the
+Lord thy God giveth thee'--are terrible words, and must not be disobeyed.
+But the decalogue has not another syllable which touches the question.
+'Thou shalt not kill,' means murder only; common, vulgar murder--and 'thou
+shalt not steal,' 'thou shalt not commit adultery,' &amp;c., don't bear on
+civil war, as I see. 'Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy'--'Thou shalt
+not covet the ox nor the ass'--'Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord
+thy God in vain'--none of these, not one of them, bears, at all, on this
+question."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think of the words of the Saviour, where he tells us to
+'render unto C&aelig;sar the things which are C&aelig;sar's? Has C&aelig;sar no rights
+here? Can Massachusetts and my Lord North settle their quarrels in such a
+manner as to put C&aelig;sar altogether out of view?"</p>
+
+<p>The chaplain looked down a moment, pondered a little, and then he came up
+to the attack, again, with renewed ardour.</p>
+
+<p>"C&aelig;sar is out of the question here. If His Majesty will come and take
+sides with us, we shall be ready to honour and obey him; but if he choose
+to remain alienated from us, it is his act, not ours."</p>
+
+<p>"This is a new mode of settling allegiance! If C&aelig;sar will do as we wish,
+he shall still be C&aelig;sar; but, if he refuse to do as we wish, then down
+with C&aelig;sar. I am an old soldier, Woods, and while I feel that this
+question has two sides to it, my disposition to reverence and honour the
+king is still strong."</p>
+
+<p>The major appeared delighted, and, finding matters going on so favourably,
+he pleaded fatigue and withdrew, feeling satisfied that, if his father
+fairly got into a warm discussion, taking the loyal side of the question,
+he would do more to confirm himself in the desired views, than could be
+effected by any other means. By this time, the disputants were so warm as
+scarcely to notice the disappearance of the young man, the argument
+proceeding.</p>
+
+<p>The subject is too hackneyed, and, indeed, possesses too little interest,
+to induce us to give more than an outline of what passed. The captain and
+the chaplain belonged to that class of friends, which may be termed
+argumentative. Their constant discussions were a strong link in the chain
+of esteem; for they had a tendency to enliven their solitude, and to give
+a zest to lives that, without them, would have been exceedingly
+monotonous. Their ordinary subjects were theology and war; the chaplain
+having some practical knowledge of the last, and the captain a lively
+disposition to the first. In these discussions, the clergyman was
+good-natured and the soldier polite; circumstances that tended to render
+them far more agreeable to the listeners than they might otherwise have
+proved.</p>
+
+<p>On the present occasion, the chaplain rang the changes diligently, on the
+natural feelings, while his friend spoke most of the higher duties. The
+<i>ad captandum</i> part of the argument, oddly enough, fell to the share of
+the minister of the church; while the intellectual, discriminating, and
+really logical portion of the subject, was handled by one trained in
+garrisons and camps, with a truth, both of ethics and reason, that would
+have done credit to a drilled casuist. The war of words continued till
+past midnight, both disputants soon getting back to their pipes, carrying
+on the conflict amid a smoke that did no dishonour to such a
+well-contested field. Leaving the captain and his friend thus intently
+engaged, we will take one or two glimpses into different parts of the
+house, before we cause all our characters to retire for the night.</p>
+
+<p>About the time the battle in the library was at its height, Mrs.
+Willoughby was alone in her room, having disposed of all the cares, and
+most of the duties of the day. The mother's heart was filled with a calm
+delight that it would have been difficult for herself to describe. All she
+held most dear on earth, her husband, her kind-hearted, faithful,
+long-loved husband; her noble son, the pride and joy of her heart; Beulah,
+her own natural-born daughter, the mild, tractable, sincere, true-hearted
+child that so much resembled herself; and Maud, the adopted, one rendered
+dear by solicitude and tenderness, and now so fondly beloved on her own
+account, were all with her, beneath her own roof, almost within the circle
+of her arms. The Hutted Knoll was no longer a solitude; the manor was not
+a wilderness to <i>her</i>; for where her heart was, there truly was her
+treasure, also. After passing a few minutes in silent, but delightful
+thought, this excellent, guileless woman knelt and poured out her soul in
+thanksgivings to the Being, who had surrounded her lot with so many
+blessings. Alas! little did she suspect the extent, duration, and direful
+nature of the evils which, at that very moment, were pending over her
+native country, or the pains that her own affectionate hear? was to
+endure! The major had not suffered a whisper of the real nature of his
+errand to escape him, except to his father and the chaplain; and we will
+now follow him to his apartment, and pass a minute, <i>t&ecirc;te-&agrave;-t&ecirc;te,</i> with
+the young soldier, ere he too lays his head on his pillow.</p>
+
+<p>A couple of neat rooms were prepared and furnished, that were held sacred
+to the uses of the heir. They were known to the whole household, black and
+white, as the "young captain's quarters;" and even Maud called them, in
+her laughing off-handedness, "Bob's Sanctum." Here, then, the major found
+everything as he left it on his last visit, a twelvemonth before; and some
+few things that were strangers to him, in the bargain. In that day,
+toilets covered with muslin, more or less worked and ornamented, were a
+regular appliance of every bed-room, of a better-class house, throughout
+America. The more modern "Duchesses," "Psyches," "dressing-tables," &amp;c.
+&amp;c., of our own extravagant and benefit-of-the-act-taking generation, were
+then unknown; a moderately-sized glass, surrounded by curved, gilded
+ornaments, hanging against the wall, above the said muslin-covered table,
+quite as a matter of law, if not of domestic faith.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the major had set down his candle, he looked about him, as one
+recognises old friends, pleased at renewing his acquaintance with so many
+dear and cherished objects. The very playthings of his childhood were
+there; and, even a beautiful and long-used hoop, was embellished with
+ribbons, by some hand unknown to himself. "Can this be my mother?" thought
+the young man, approaching to examine the well-remembered hoop, which he
+had never found so honoured before; "can my kind, tender-hearted mother,
+who never will forget that I am no longer a child, can she have really
+done this? I must laugh at her, to-morrow, about it, even while I kiss and
+bless her." Then he turned to the toilet, where stood a basket, filled
+with different articles, which, at once, he understood were offerings to
+himself. Never had he visited the Hut without finding such a basket in his
+room at night. It was a tender proof how truly and well he was remembered,
+in his absence.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" thought the major, as he opened a bundle of knit lamb's-wool
+stockings, "here is my dear mother again, with her thoughts about damp
+feet, and the exposure of service. And a dozen shirts, too, with 'Beulah'
+pinned on one of them--how the deuce does the dear girl suppose I am to
+carry away such a stock of linen, without even a horse to ease me of a
+bundle? My kit would be like that of the commander-in-chief, were I to
+take away all that these dear relatives design for me. What's this?--a
+purse! a handsome silken purse, too, with Beulah's name on it. Has Maud
+nothing, here? Why has Maud forgotten me! Ruffles, handkerchiefs,
+garters--yes, here is a pair of my good mother's own knitting, but nothing
+of Maud's--Ha! what have we here? As I live, a beautiful silken
+scarf--netted in a way to make a whole regiment envious. Can this have
+been bought, or has it been the work of a twelvemonth? No name on it,
+either. Would my father have done this? Perhaps it is one of his old
+scarfs--if so, it is an old <i>new</i> one, for I do not think it has ever been
+worn. I must inquire into this, in the morning--I wonder there is nothing
+of Maud's!"</p>
+
+<p>As the major laid aside his presents, he kissed the scarf, and then--I
+regret to say without saying <i>his</i> prayers--the young man went to bed.</p>
+
+<p>The scene must now be transferred to the room where the sisters--in
+affection, if not in blood--were about to seek their pillows also. Maud,
+ever the quickest and most prompt in her movements, was already in her
+night-clothes; and, wrapping a shawl about herself, was seated waiting for
+Beulah to finish her nightly orisons. It was not long before the latter
+rose from her knees, and then our heroine spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"The major must have examined the basket by this time," she cried, her
+cheek rivalling the tint of a riband it leaned against, on the back of the
+chair. "I heard his heavy tramp--tramp--tramp--as he went to his room--how
+differently these men walk from us girls, Beulah!"</p>
+
+<p>"They do, indeed; and Bob has got to be so large and heavy, now, that he
+quite frightens me, sometimes. Do you not think he grows wonderfully like
+papa?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not see it. He wears his own hair, and it's a pity he should ever
+cut it off, it's so handsome and curling. Then he is taller, but
+lighter--has more colour--is so much younger--and everyway so different, I
+wonder you think so. I do not think him in the least like father."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that is odd, Maud. Both mother and myself were struck with the
+resemblance, this evening, and we were both delighted to see it. Papa is
+quite handsome, and so I think is Bob. Mother says he is not <i>quite</i> as
+handsome as father was, at his age, but <i>so</i> like him, it is surprising!"</p>
+
+<p>"Men may be handsome and not alike. Father is certainly one of the
+handsomest elderly men of my acquaintance--and the major is
+so-so-ish--but, I wonder you can think a man of seven-and-twenty so <i>very</i>
+like one of sixty odd. Bob tells me he can play the flute quite readily
+now, Beulah."</p>
+
+<p>"I dare say; he does everything he undertakes uncommonly well. Mr. Woods
+said, a few days since, he had never met with a boy who was quicker at his
+mathematics."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! All Mr. Wood's geese are swans. I dare say there have been other boys
+who were quite as clever. I do not believe in <i>non-pareils,</i> Beulah."</p>
+
+<p>"You surprise me, Maud--you, whom I always supposed such a friend of
+Bob's! He thinks everything <i>you</i> do, too, so perfect! Now, this very
+evening, he was looking at the sketch you have made of the Knoll, and he
+protested he did not know a regular artist in England, even, that would
+have done it better."</p>
+
+<p>Maud stole a glance at her sister, while the latter was speaking, from
+under her cap, and her cheeks now fairly put the riband to shame; but her
+smile was still saucy and wilful.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh nonsense," she said--"Bob's no judge of drawings--<i>He</i> scarce knows a
+tree from a horse!"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm surprised to hear you say so, Maud," said the generous-minded and
+affectionate Beulah, who could see no imperfection in Bob; "and that of
+your brother. When he taught <i>you</i> to draw, you thought him well skilled
+as an artist."</p>
+
+<p>"Did I?--I dare say I'm a capricious creature--but, somehow, I don't
+regard Bob, just as I used to. He has been away from us so much, of late,
+you know--and the army makes men so formidable--and, they are not like us,
+you know--and, altogether, I think Bob excessively changed."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'm glad mamma don't hear this, Maud. She looks upon her son, now
+he is a major, and twenty-seven, just as she used to look upon him, when
+he was in petticoats--nay, I think she considers us all exactly as so many
+little children."</p>
+
+<p>"She is a dear, good mother, I know," said Maud, with emphasis, tears
+starting to her eyes, involuntarily, almost <i>impetuously</i>--"whatever she
+says, does, wishes, hopes, or thinks, is right."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I knew you would come to, as soon as there was a question about
+mother! Well, for my part, I have no such horror of men, as not to feel
+just as much tenderness for father or brother, as I feel for mamma,
+herself."</p>
+
+<p>"Not for Bob, Beulah. Tenderness for Bob! Why, my dear sister, that is
+feeling tenderness for a <i>Major of Foot</i>, a very different thing from
+feeling it for one's mother. As for papa--dear me, he is glorious, and I
+do so love him!"</p>
+
+<p>"You ought to, Maud; for you were, and I am not certain that you are not,
+at this moment, <i>his</i> darling."</p>
+
+<p>It was odd that this was said without the least thought, on the part of
+the speaker, that Maud was not her natural sister--that, in fact, she was
+not in the least degree related to her by blood. But so closely and
+judiciously had captain and Mrs. Willoughby managed the affair of their
+adopted child, that neither they themselves, Beulah, nor the inmates of
+the family or household, ever thought of her, but as of a real daughter of
+her nominal parents. As for Beulah, her feelings were so simple and
+sincere, that they were even beyond the ordinary considerations of
+delicacy, and she took precisely the same liberties with her titular, as
+she would have done with a natural sister. Maud alone, of all in the Hut,
+remembered her birth, and submitted to some of its most obvious
+consequences. As respects the captain, the idea never crossed her mind,
+that she was adopted by him; as respects her mother, she filled to her, in
+every sense, that sacred character; Beulah, too, was a sister, in thought
+and deed; but, Bob, he had so changed, had been so many years separated
+from her; had once actually called her Miss Meredith--somehow, she knew
+not how herself--it was fully six years since she had begun to remember
+that <i>he</i> was not her brother.</p>
+
+<p>"As for my father," said Maud, rising with emotion, and speaking with
+startling emphasis--"I will not say I <i>love</i> him--I <i>worship</i> him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! I know that well enough, Maud; and to say the truth, you are a couple
+of idolaters, between you. Mamma says this, sometimes; though she owns she
+is not jealous. But it would pain her excessively to hear that you do not
+feel towards Bob, just as we all feel."</p>
+
+<p>"But, ought I?--Beulah, I cannot!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ought you!--Why not, Maud? Are you in your senses, child?"</p>
+
+<p>"But--you know--I'm sure--you ought to remember--"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>What</i>?" demanded Beulah, really frightened at the other's excessive
+agitation.</p>
+
+<p>"That I am <i>not</i> his real--true--<i>born</i> sister!"</p>
+
+<p>This was the first time in their lives, either had ever alluded to the
+fact, in the other's presence. Beulah turned pale; she trembled all over,
+as if in an ague; then she luckily burst into tears, else she might have
+fainted.</p>
+
+<p>"Beulah--my sister--my <i>own</i> sister!" cried Maud, throwing herself into
+the arms of the distressed girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Maud, you <i>are</i>, you <i>shall</i> for ever be, my only, only sister."</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch06">
+<h2>Chapter VI.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  O! It is great for our country to die, where ranks are contending;<br />
+    Bright is the wreath of our fame; Glory awaits us for aye--<br />
+  Glory, that never is dim, shining on with light never ending--<br />
+    Glory, that never shall fade, never, O! never away.</p>
+
+<p>  Percival.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Notwithstanding the startling intelligence that had so unexpectedly
+reached it, and the warm polemical conflict that had been carried on
+within its walls, the night passed peacefully over the roof of the Hutted
+Knoll. At the return of dawn, the two Plinys, both the Smashes, and all
+the menials were again afoot; and, ere long, Mike, Saucy Nick Joel, and
+the rest were seen astir, in the open fields, or in the margin of the
+woods. Cattle were fed, cows milked fires lighted, and everything pursued
+its course, in the order of May. The three wenches, as female negroes were
+then termed, <i>ex officio</i>, in America, opened their throats, as was usual
+at that hour, and were heard singing at their labours, in a way nearly to
+deaden the morning carols of the tenants of the forest. <i>Mari'</i> in
+particular, would have drowned the roar of Niagara. The captain used to
+call her his clarion.</p>
+
+<p>In due time, the superiors of the household made their appearance. Mrs.
+Willoughby was the first out of her room, as was ever the case when there
+was anything to be done. On the present occasion, the "fatted calf" was to
+be killed, not in honour of the return of a prodigal son, however, but in
+behalf of one who was the pride of her eyes, and the joy of her heart. The
+breakfast that she ordered was just the sort of breakfast, that one must
+visit America to witness. France can set forth a very scientific <i>d&eacute;jeuner
+&agrave; la fourchette,</i> and England has laboured-and ponderous imitations; but,
+for the spontaneous, superabundant, unsophisticated, natural,
+all-sufficing and all-subduing morning's meal, take America, in a
+better-class house, in the country, and you reach the <i>ne plus ultra</i>, in
+that sort of thing. Tea, coffee, and chocolate, of which the first and
+last were excellent, and the second respectable; ham, fish, eggs, toast,
+cakes, rolls, marmalades, &amp;c. &amp;c. &amp;c., were thrown together in noble
+confusion; frequently occasioning the guest, as Mr. Woods naively
+confessed, an utter confusion of mind, as to which he was to attack, when
+all were inviting and each would be welcome.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving Mrs. Willoughby in deep consultation with Mari' on the subject of
+this feast, we will next look after the two sweet girls whom we so
+abruptly deserted in the last chapter. When Maud's glowing cheeks were
+first visible that morning, signs of tears might have been discovered on
+them, as the traces of the dew are found on the leaf of the rose; but
+they completely vanished under the duties of the toilet, and she came
+forth from her chamber, bright and cloudless as the glorious May-morning,
+which had returned to cheer the solitude of the manor. Beulah followed,
+tranquil, bland and mild as the day itself, the living image of the
+purity of soul, and deep affections, of her honest nature.</p>
+
+<p>The sisters went into the breakfast-room, where they had little lady-like
+offices of their own to discharge, too, in honour of the guest; each
+employing herself in decorating the table, and in seeing that it wanted
+nothing in the proprieties As their pleasing tasks were fulfilled, the
+discourse did not flag between them. Nothing, however, had been said, that
+made the smallest allusion to the conversation of the past night. Neither
+felt any wish to revive that subject; and, as for Maud, bitterly did she
+regret ever having broached it. At times, her cheeks burned with blushes,
+as she recalled her words; and yet she scarce knew the reason why. The
+feeling of Beulah was different. She wondered her sister could ever think
+she was a Meredith, and not a Willoughby. At times she feared some
+unfortunate oversight of her own, some careless allusion, or indiscreet
+act, might have served to remind Maud of the circumstances of her real
+birth. Yet there was nothing in the last likely to awaken unpleasant
+reflections, apart from the circumstance that she was not truly a child of
+the family into which she had been transplanted. The Merediths were, at
+least, as nonourable a family as the Willoughbys, in the ordinary worldly
+view of the matter; nor was Maud, by any means, a dependant, in the way of
+money. Five thousand pounds, in the English funds, had been settled on
+her, by the marriage articles of her parents; and twenty years of careful
+husbandry, during which every shilling had been scrupulously devoted to
+accumulation, had quite doubled the original amount. So far from being
+penniless, therefore, Maud's fortune was often alluded to by the captain,
+in a jocular way, as if purposely to remind her that she had the means of
+independence, and duties connected with it. It is true, Maud, herself, had
+no suspicion that she had been educated altogether by her "father," and
+that her own money had not been used for this purpose. To own the truth,
+she thought little about it; knew little about it, beyond the fact, that
+she had a fortune of her own, into the possession of which she must step,
+when she attained her majority. How she came by it, even, was a question
+she never asked though there were moments when tender regrets and
+affectionate melancholy would come over her heart, as she thought of her
+natural parents, and of their early deaths. Still, Maud implicitly reposed
+on the captain and Mrs. Willoughby, as on a father and mother; and it was
+not owing to <i>them</i>, or anything connected with their love, treatment,
+words, or thoughts, that she was reminded that they were not so in very
+fact, as well as in tenderness.</p>
+
+<p>"Bob will think <i>you</i> made these plum sweetmeats, Beulah," said Maud, with
+a saucy smile, as she placed a glass plate on the table--"He never thinks
+I <i>can</i> make anything of this sort; and, as he is so fond of plums, he
+will be certain to taste them; then <i>you</i> will come in for the praise!"</p>
+
+<p>"You appear to think, that <i>praise</i> he must. Perhaps he may not fancy them
+good."</p>
+
+<p>"If I thought so, I would take them away this instant," cried Maud,
+standing in the attitude of one in doubt. "Bob does <i>not</i> think much of
+such things in girls, for he says ladies need not be cooks; and yet when
+one <i>does</i> make a thing of this sort, one would certainly like to have it
+<i>well</i> made."</p>
+
+<p>"Set your heart at ease, Maud; the plums are delicious--much the best we
+ever had, and we are rather famous for them, you know. I'll answer for it,
+Bob will pronounce them the best he has ever tasted."</p>
+
+<p>"And if he shouldn't, why should I care--that is, not <i>very much</i>--about
+it. You know they are the first I ever made, and one may be permitted to
+fail on a first effort. Besides, a man <i>may</i> go to England, and see fine
+sights, and live in great houses, and all that, and not understand when he
+has good plum sweetmeats before him, and when bad. I dare say there are
+many <i>colonels</i> in the army, who are ignorant on this point."</p>
+
+<p>Beulah laughed, and admitted the truth of the remark; though, in her
+secret mind, she had almost persuaded herself that Bob knew everything.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you not think our brother improved in appearance, Maud," she asked,
+after a short pause. "The visit to England has done him that service, at
+least."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see it, Beulah--I see no change. To me, Bob is just the same
+to-day, that he has ever been; that is, ever since he grew to be a
+man--with boys, of course, it is different. Ever since he was made a
+captain, I mean."</p>
+
+<p>As major Willoughby had reached that rank the day he was one-and-twenty,
+the reader can understand the precise date when Maud began to take her
+present views of his appearance and character.</p>
+
+<p>"I am surprised to hear you say so, Maud! Papa says he is better 'set up,'
+as he calls it, by his English drill, and that he looks altogether more
+like a soldier than he did."</p>
+
+<p>"Bob has always had a martial look!" cried Maud, quickly--"He got that in
+garrison, when a boy."</p>
+
+<p>"If so, I hope he may never lose it!" said the subject of the remark,
+himself, who had entered the room unperceived, and overheard this speech.
+"Being a soldier, one would wish to look like what he is, my little
+critic."</p>
+
+<p>The kiss that followed, and that given to Beulah, were no more than the
+usual morning salutations of a brother to his sisters, slight touches of
+rosy cheeks; and yet Maud blushed; for, as she said to herself, she had
+been taken by surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"They say listeners never hear good of themselves," answered Maud, with a
+vivacity that betokened confusion. "Had you come a minute sooner, master
+Bob, it might have been an advantage."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Beulah's remarks I do not fear; so long as I get off unscathed from
+yours, Miss Maud, I shall think myself a lucky fellow. But what has
+brought me and my training into discussion, this morning?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is natural for sisters to speak about their brother after so long----"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell him nothing about it, Beulah," interrupted Maud. "Let him listen,
+and eaves-drop, and find out as he may, if he would learn our secrets.
+There, major Willoughby, I hope that is a promise of a breakfast, which
+will satisfy even your military appetite!"</p>
+
+<p>"It looks well, indeed, Maud--and there, I perceive, are some of Beulah's
+excellent plums, of which I am so fond--know they were made especially for
+me, and I must kiss you, sister, for this proof of remembrance."</p>
+
+<p>Beulah, to whose simple mind it seemed injustice to appropriate credit
+that belonged to another, was about to tell the truth; but an imploring
+gesture from her sister induced her to smile, and receive the salute in
+silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Has any one seen captain Willoughby and parson Woods this morning?"
+inquired the major. "I left them desperately engaged in discussion, and I
+really feel some apprehension as to the remains left on the field of
+battle."</p>
+
+<p>"Here they both come," cried Maud, glad to find the discourse taking so
+complete a change; "and there is mamma, followed by Pliny, to tell Beulah
+to take her station at the coffee, while I go to the chocolate, leaving
+the tea to the only hand that can make it so that my father will drink
+it."</p>
+
+<p>The parties mentioned entered the room, in the order named; the usual
+salutations followed, and all took their seats at table. Captain
+Willoughby was silent and thoughtful at first, leaving his son to rattle
+on, in a way that betokened care, in his view of the matter, quite as much
+as it betokened light-heartedness in those of his mother and sisters. The
+chaplain was rather more communicative than his friend; but he, too,
+seemed restless, and desirous of arriving at some point that was not
+likely to come uppermost, in such a family party. At length, the impulses
+of Mr. Woods got the better of his discretion, even, and he could conceal
+his thoughts no longer.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Willoughby," he said, in a sort of apologetic, and yet simple and
+natural manner, "I have done little since we parted, seven hours since,
+but think of the matter under discussion."</p>
+
+<p>"If you have, my dear Woods, there has been a strong sympathy between us;
+I have scarcely slept. I may say I have thought of nothing else, myself,
+and am glad you have broached the subject, again."</p>
+
+<p>"I was about to say, my worthy sir, that reflection, and my pillow, and
+your sound and admirable arguments, have produced an entire change in my
+sentiments. I think, now, altogether with you."</p>
+
+<p>"The devil you do, Woods!" cried the captain, looking up from his bit of
+dry toast, in astonishment. "Why, my dear fellow--this is odd--excessively
+odd, if the truth must be said.--To own the real state of the case,
+chaplain, you have won <i>me</i> over, and I was just about to make proper
+acknowledgments of your victory!"</p>
+
+<p>It need scarcely be added that the rest of the company were not a little
+amazed at these cross-concessions, while Maud was exceedingly amused. As
+for Mrs. Willoughby, nothing laughable ever occurred in connection with
+her husband; and then she would as soon think of assailing the church
+itself, as to ridicule one of its ministers. Beulah could see nothing but
+what was right in her father, at least; and, as for the major, he felt too
+much concerned at this unexpected admission of his father's, to perceive
+anything but the error.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you not overlooked the injunction of scripture, my excellent
+friend?" rejoined the chaplain. "Have you left to the rights of C&aelig;sar, all
+their weight and authority? 'The king's name is a tower of strength.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Have not you, Woods, forgotten the superior claims of reason and right,
+over those of accident and birth--that man is to be considered as a
+reasoning being, to be governed by principles and ever-varying facts, and
+not a mere animal left to the control of an instinct that perishes with
+its usefulness?"</p>
+
+<p>"What <i>can</i> they mean, mother?" whispered Maud, scarce able to repress the
+laughter that came so easily to one with a keen sense of the ludicrous.</p>
+
+<p>"They have been arguing about the right of parliament to tax the colonies,
+I believe, my dear, and <i>over-persuaded</i> each other, that's all. It <i>is</i>
+odd, Robert, that Mr. Woods should convert your father."</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dearest mother, it is something even more serious than that." By
+this time, the disputants, who sat opposite each other, were fairly
+launched into the discussion, again, and heeded nothing that passed--"No,
+dearest mother, it is far worse than even <i>that</i>. Pliny, tell my man to
+brush the hunting-jacket--and, see he has his breakfast, in good style--he
+is a grumbling rascal, and will give the house a bad character, else--you
+need not come back, until we ring for you--yes, mother, yes dearest girls,
+this is a far more serious matter than you suppose, though it ought not to
+be mentioned idly, among the people. God knows now they may take it--and
+bad news flies swift enough, of itself."</p>
+
+<p>"Merciful Providence!" exclaimed Mrs. Willoughby-"What <i>can</i> you mean, my
+son?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean, mother, that civil war has actually commenced in the colonies,
+and that the people of your blood and race are, in open arms, against the
+people of my father's native country--in a word, against me."</p>
+
+<p>"How can that be, Robert? Who would <i>dare</i> to strike a blow against the
+king?"</p>
+
+<p>"When men get excited, and their passions are once inflamed, they will do
+much, my mother, that they might not dream of, else."</p>
+
+<p>"This must be a mistake! Some evil-disposed person has told you this,
+Robert, knowing your attachment to the crown."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish it were so, dear madam; but my own eyes have seen--I may say my
+own flesh has felt, the contrary."</p>
+
+<p>The major then related what had happened, letting his auditors into the
+secret of the true state of the country. It is scarcely necessary to
+allude to the degree of consternation and pain, with which he was heard,
+or to the grief which succeeded.</p>
+
+<p>"You spoke of yourself, dear Bob," said Maud, naturally, and with strong
+feeling--"<i>You</i> were not hurt, in this cruel, cruel battle."</p>
+
+<p>"I ought not to have mentioned it, although I did certainly receive a
+smart contusion--nothing more, I assure you--here in the shoulder, and it
+now scarcely inconveniences me."</p>
+
+<p>By this time all were listening, curiosity and interest having silenced
+even the disputants, especially as this was the first they had heard of
+the major's casualty. Then neither felt the zeal which had warmed him in
+the previous contest, but was better disposed to turn aside from its
+pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope it did not send you to the rear, Bob?" anxiously inquired the
+father.</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>was</i> in the rear, sir, when I got the hurt," answered the major,
+laughing. "The rear is the post of honour, on a retreat, you know, my dear
+father; and I believe our march scarce deserves another name."</p>
+
+<p>"That is hard, too, on king's troops! What sort of fellows had you to
+oppose, my son?"</p>
+
+<p>"A rather intrusive set, sir. Their object was to persuade us to go into
+Boston, as fast as possible; and, it was a little difficult, at times, not
+to listen to their arguments. If my Lord Percy had not come out, with a
+strong party, and two pieces of artillery, we might not have stood it much
+longer. Our men were fagged like hunted deer, and the day proved
+oppressively hot."</p>
+
+<p>"Artillery, too!" exclaimed the captain, his military pride reviving a
+little, to unsettle his last convictions of duty. "Did you open your
+columns, and charge your enemies, in line?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would have been charging air. No sooner did we halt, than our foes
+dispersed; or, no sooner did we renew the march, than every line of wall,
+along our route, became a line of hostile muskets. I trust you will do us
+justice, sir--you know the regiments, and can scarce think they
+misbehaved."</p>
+
+<p>"British troops seldom do that; although I have known it happen. No men,
+however, are usually more steady, and then these provincials are
+formidable as skirmishers. In that character, I know <i>them</i>, too. What has
+been the effect of all this on the country, Bob?--You told us something of
+it last night; complete the history."</p>
+
+<p>"The provinces are in a tumult. As for New England, a flame of fire could
+scarce be more devastating; though I think this colony is less excited.
+Still, here, men are arming in thousands."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me--dear me"--ejaculated the peacefully-inclined chaplain--"that
+human beings can thus be inclined to self destruction!"</p>
+
+<p>"Is Tryon active?--What do the royal authorities, all this time?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course they neglect nothing feasible; but, they must principally rely
+on the loyalty and influence of the gentry, until succour can arrive from
+Europe. If <i>that</i> fail them, their difficulties will be much increased."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby understood his son; he glanced towards his unconscious
+wife, as if to see how far she felt with him.</p>
+
+<p>"Our own families are divided, of course, much as they have been in the
+previous discussions," he added. "The De Lanceys, Van Cortlandts,
+Philipses, Bayards, and most of that town connection, with a large
+portion of the Long Island families, I should think, are with the crown;
+while the Livingstons, Morrises, Schuylers, Rensselaers, and their
+friends, go with the colony. Is not this the manner in which they are
+divided?"</p>
+
+<p>"With some limitations, sir. All the De Lanceys, with most of their strong
+connections and influence, are with <i>us</i>--with the <i>king</i>, I mean--while
+all the Livingstons and Morrises are against us. The other families are
+divided--as with the Cortlandts, Schuylers, and Rensselaers. It is
+fortunate for the Patroon, that he is a boy."</p>
+
+<p>"Why so, Bob?" asked the captain, looking inquiringly up, at his son.</p>
+
+<p>"Simply, sir, that his great estate may not be confiscated. So many of his
+near connections are against us, that he could hardly escape the
+contamination; and the consequences would be inevitable."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you consider that so certain, sir? As there are two sides to the
+question, may there not be two results to the war?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think not, sir. England is no power to be defied by colonies
+insignificant as these."</p>
+
+<p>"This is well enough for a king's officer, major Willoughby; but all large
+bodies of men are formidable when they are right, and nations--these
+colonies are a nation, in extent and number--are not so easily put down,
+when the spirit of liberty is up and doing among them."</p>
+
+<p>The major listened to his father with pain and wonder. The captain spoke
+earnestly, and there was a flush about his fine countenance, that gave it
+sternness and authority. Unused to debate with his father, especially when
+the latter was in such a mood, the son remained silent, though his mother,
+who was thoroughly loyal in her heart--meaning loyal as applied to a
+sovereign--and who had the utmost confidence in her husband's tenderness
+and consideration for herself, was not so scrupulous.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Willoughby," she cried, "you really incline to rebellion! I, even I,
+who was born in the colonies, think them very wrong to resist their
+anointed king, and sovereign prince."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Wilhelmina," answered the captain, more mildly, "you have a true
+colonist's admiration of <i>home</i>. But I was old enough, when I left
+England, to appreciate what I saw and knew, and cannot feel all this
+provincial admiration."</p>
+
+<p>"But surely, my dear captain, England is a very great country,"
+interrupted the chaplain--"a prodigious country; one that can claim all
+our respect and love. Look at the church, now, the purified continuation
+of the ancient visible authority of Christ on earth! It is the
+consideration of this church that has subdued my natural love of
+birth-place, and altered my sentiments."</p>
+
+<p>"All very true, and all very well, in <i>your</i> mouth, chaplain; yet even the
+visible church may err. This doctrine of divine right would have kept the
+Stuarts on the throne, and it is not even English doctrine; much less,
+then, need it be American. I am no Cromwellian, no republican, that wishes
+to oppose the throne, in order to destroy it. A good king is a good thing,
+and a prodigious blessing to a country; still, a people needs look to its
+political privileges if it wish to preserve them. You and I will discuss
+this matter another time, parson. There will be plenty of opportunities,"
+he added, rising, and smiling good-humouredly; "I must, now, call my
+people together, and let them know this news. It is not fair to conceal a
+civil war."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sir!" exclaimed the major, in concern--"are you not
+wrong?--precipitate, I mean--Is it not better to preserve the secret, to
+give yourself time for reflection--to await events?--I can discover no
+necessity for this haste. Should you see things differently, hereafter, an
+incautious word uttered at this moment might bring much motive for
+regret."</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought of all this, Bob, during the night--for hardly did I close
+my eyes--and you cannot change my purpose. It is honest to let my people
+know how matters stand; and, so far from being hazardous, as you seem to
+think, I consider it wise. God knows what time will bring forth; but, in
+every, or any event, fair-dealing can scarcely injure him who practises
+it. I have already sent directions to have the whole settlement collected
+on the lawn, at the ringing of the bell, and I expect every moment we
+shall hear the summons."</p>
+
+<p>Against this decision there was no appeal. Mild and indulgent as the
+captain habitually was, his authority was not to be disputed, when he
+chose to exercise it. Some doubts arose, and the father participated in
+them, for a moment, as to what might be the effect on the major's
+fortunes; for, should a very patriotic spirit arise among the men,
+two-thirds of whom were native Americans, and what was more, from the
+eastern colonies, he might be detained; or, at least, betrayed on his
+return, and delivered into the hands of the revolted authorities. This was
+a very serious consideration, and it detained the captain in the house,
+some time after the people were assembled, debating the chances, in the
+bosom of his own family.</p>
+
+<p>"We exaggerate the danger," the captain, at length, exclaimed. "Most of
+these men have been with me for years, and I know not one among them who I
+think would wish to injure me, or even you, my son, in this way. There is
+far more danger in attempting to deceive them, than in making them
+confidants. I will go out and tell the truth; then we shall, at least,
+have the security of self-approbation. If you escape the danger of being
+sold by Nick, my son, I think you have little to fear from any other."</p>
+
+<p>"By Nick!" repeated half-a-dozen voices, in surprise--Surely,
+father--surely, Willoughby--surely, my dear captain, you cannot suspect as
+old and tried a follower, as the Tuscarora!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, he is an <i>old</i> follower, certainly, and he has been <i>punished</i> often
+enough, if he has not been <i>tried</i>. I have never suffered my distrust of
+that fellow to go to sleep--it is unsafe, with an Indian, unless you have
+a strong hold on his gratitude."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Willoughby, he it was who found this manor for us," rejoined the
+wife. "Without him, we should never have been the owners of this lovely
+place, this beaver-dam, and all else that we so much enjoy."</p>
+
+<p>"True, my dear; and without good golden guineas, we should not have had
+Nick."</p>
+
+<p>"But, sir, I pay as liberally as he can wish," observed the major. "If
+bribes will buy him, mine are as good as another's."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall see--under actual circumstances, I think we shall be, in every
+respect, safer, by keeping nothing back, than by telling all to the
+people."</p>
+
+<p>The captain now put on his hat, and issued through the undefended
+gateway, followed by every individual of his family. As the summons had
+been general, when the Willoughbys and the chaplain appeared on the lawn,
+every living soul of that isolated settlement, even to infants in the
+arms, was collected there. The captain commanded the profound respect of
+all his dependants, though a few among them did not love him. The fault
+was not his, however, but was inherent rather in the untoward characters
+of the disaffected themselves. His habits of authority were unsuited to
+their habits of a presuming equality, perhaps; and it is impossible for
+the comparatively powerful and affluent to escape the envy and repinings
+of men, who, unable to draw the real distinctions that separate the
+gentleman from the low-minded and grovelling, impute their advantages to
+accidents and money. But, even the few who permitted this malign and
+corrupting tendency to influence their feelings, could not deny that their
+master was just and benevolent, though he did not always exhibit this
+justice and benevolence precisely in the way best calculated to soothe
+their own craving self-love, and exaggerated notions of assumed natural
+claims. In a word, captain Willoughby, in the eyes of a few unquiet and
+bloated imaginations among his people, was obnoxious to the imputation of
+pride; and this because he saw and felt the consequences of education,
+habits, manners, opinions and sentiments that were hidden from those who
+not only had no perception of their existence, but who had no knowledge
+whatever of the qualities that brought them into being. Pope's familiar
+line of "what can we reason but from what we know?" is peculiarly
+applicable to persons of this class; who are ever for dragging all things
+down to standards created by their own ignorance; and who, slaves of the
+basest and meanest passions, reason as if they were possessors of all the
+knowledge, sensibilities and refinements of their own country and times.
+Of this class of men, comes the ordinary demagogue, a wretch equally
+incapable of setting an example of any of the higher qualities, in his own
+person or practice, and of appreciating it when exhibited by others. Such
+men abound under all systems where human liberty is highly privileged,
+being the moral <i>fungi</i> of freedom, as the rankest weeds are known to be
+the troublesome and baneful productions of the richest soils.</p>
+
+<p>It was no unusual thing for the people of the Hutted Knoll to be
+collected, in the manner we have described. We are writing of a period,
+that the present enlightened generation is apt to confound with the darker
+ages of American knowledge, in much that relates to social usages at
+least, though it escaped the long-buried wisdom of the Mormon bible, and
+Miller's interpretations of the prophecies. In that day, men were not so
+silly as to attempt to appear always wise; but some of the f&ecirc;tes and
+festivals of our Anglo-Saxon ancestors were still tolerated among us; the
+all-absorbing and all-<i>swallowing</i> jubilee of "Independence-day" not
+having yet overshadowed everything else in the shape of a holiday. Now,
+captain Willoughby had brought with him to the colonies the love of
+festivals that is so much more prevalent in the old world than in the new;
+and it was by no means an uncommon thing for him to call his people
+together, to make merry on a birth-day, or the anniversary of some battle
+in which he had been one of the victors. When he appeared on the lawn, on
+the present occasion, therefore, it was expected he was about to meet them
+with some such announcement.</p>
+
+<p>The inhabitants of the manor, or the estate of the Hutted Knoll, might be
+divided into three great physical, and we might add moral categories, or
+races, viz: the Anglo-Saxon, the Dutch, both high and low, and the
+African. The first was the most numerous, including the families of the
+millers, most of the mechanics, and that of Joel Strides, the
+land-overseer; the second was composed chiefly of labourers; and the last
+were exclusively household servants, with the exception of one of the
+Plinys, who was a ploughman, though permitted to live with his kinsfolk in
+the Hut. These divisions, Maud, in one of her merry humours, had
+nick-named the three tribes; while her father, to make the enumeration
+complete, had classed the serjeant, Mike, and Jamie Allen, as
+supernumeraries.</p>
+
+<p>The three tribes, and the three supernumeraries, then, were all collected
+on the lawn, as the captain and his family approached. By a sort of
+secret instinct, too, they had divided themselves into knots, the Dutch
+keeping a little aloof from the Yankees; and the blacks, almost as a
+matter of religion, standing a short distance in the rear, as became
+people of their colour, and slaves. Mike and Jamie, however, had got a
+sort of neutral position, between the two great divisions of the whites,
+as if equally indifferent to their dissensions or antipathies. In this
+manner all parties stood, impatiently awaiting an announcement that had
+been so long delayed. The captain advanced to the front, and removing his
+hat, a ceremony he always observed on similar occasions, and which had the
+effect to make his listeners imitate his own courtesy, he addressed the
+crowd.</p>
+
+<p>"When people live together, in a wilderness like this," commenced the
+captain, "there ought to be no secrets between them, my friends, in
+matters that touch the common interests. We are like men on a remote
+island; a sort of colony of our own; and we must act fairly and frankly by
+each other. In this spirit, then, I am now about to lay before you, all
+that I know myself, concerning an affair of the last importance to the
+colonies, and to the empire." Here Joel pricked up his ears, and cast a
+knowing glance at 'the miller,' a countryman and early neighbour of his
+own, who had charge of the grinding for the settlement, and who went by
+that appellation '<i>par excellence</i>!' "You all know," continued the
+captain, "that there have been serious difficulties between the colonies
+and parliament, now, for more than ten years; difficulties that have been,
+once or twice, partially settled, but which have as often broken out, in
+some new shape, as soon as an old quarrel was adjusted."</p>
+
+<p>Here the captain paused a moment; and Joel, who was the usual spokesman of
+'the people,' took an occasion to put a question.</p>
+
+<p>"The captain means, I s'pose," he said, in a sly, half-honest,
+half-jesuitical manner, "the right of parliament to tax us Americans,
+without our own consent, or our having any members in their
+le<i>gys</i>la<i>toore</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean what you say. The tax on tea, the shutting the port of Boston, and
+other steps, have brought larger bodies of the king's troops among us,
+than have been usual. Boston, as you probably know, has had a strong
+garrison, now, for some months. About six weeks since, the
+commander-in-chief sent a detachment out as far as Concord, in New
+Hampshire, to destroy certain stores. This detachment had a meeting with
+the minute-men, and blood was drawn. A running fight ensued, in which
+several hundreds have been killed and wounded; and I think I know both
+sides sufficiently well, to predict that a long and bloody civil war is
+begun. These are facts you should know, and accordingly I tell them to
+you."</p>
+
+<p>This simple, but explicit, account was received very differently, by the
+different listeners. Joel Strides leaned forward, with intense interest,
+so as not to lose a syllable. Most of the New Englanders, or Yankees, paid
+great attention, and exchanged meaning glances with each other, when the
+captain had got through. As for Mike, he grasped a shillelah that he
+habitually carried, when not at work, looking round, as if waiting for
+orders from the captain, on whom to begin. Jamie was thoughtful and grave,
+and, once or twice, as the captain proceeded, he scratched his head in
+doubt. The Dutch seemed curious, but bewildered, gaping at each other like
+men who might make up their minds, if you would give them time, but who
+certainly had not yet. As for the blacks, their eyes began to open like
+saucers, when they heard of the quarrel; when it got to the blows, their
+mouths were all grinning with the delight of a thing so exciting. At the
+mention of the number of the dead, however, something like awe passed over
+them, and changed their countenances to dismay. Nick alone was
+indifferent. By the cold apathy of his manner, the captain saw at once
+that the battle of Lexington had not been a secret to the Tuscarora, when
+he commenced his own account. As the captain always encouraged a proper
+familiarity in his dependants, he now told them he was ready to answer any
+questions they might think expedient to put to him, in gratification of
+their natural curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"I s'pose this news comes by the major?" asked Joel.</p>
+
+<p>"You may well suppose that, Strides. My son is here, and we have no other
+means of getting it."</p>
+
+<p>"Will yer honour be wishful that we shoulther our fire-arms, and go out
+and fight one of them sides, or t'other?" demanded Mike.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish nothing of the sort, O'Hearn. It will be time enough for us to
+take a decided part, when we get better ideas of what is really going on."</p>
+
+<p>"Doesn't the captain, then, think matters have got far enough towards a
+head, for the Americans to make up their minds conclusively, as it might
+be?" put in Joel, in his very worst manner.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it will be wiser for us all to remain where we are, and <i>as</i> we
+are. Civil war is a serious matter, Strides, And no man should rush
+blindly into its dangers and difficulties."</p>
+
+<p>Joel looked at the miller, and the miller looked at Joel. Neither said
+anything, however, at the time. Jamie Allen had been <i>out</i> in the
+'forty-five,' when thirty years younger than he was that day; and though
+he had his predilections and antipathies, circumstances had taught him
+prudence.</p>
+
+<p>"Will the parliament, think ye, no be bidding the soldiery to wark their
+will on the puir unairmed folk, up and down the country, and they not
+provided with the means to resist them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Och, Jamie!" interrupted Mike, who did not appear to deem it necessary to
+treat this matter with even decent respect--"where will be yer valour and
+stomach, to ask sich a question as <i>that</i>! A man is always reathy, when he
+has his ar-r-ms and legs free to act accorthing to natur'. What would a
+rigiment of throops do ag'in the likes of sich a place as this? I'm sure
+it's tin years I've been <i>in</i> it, and I've niver been able to find my way
+<i>out</i> of it. Set a souldier to rowing on the lake forenent the rising sun,
+with orders to get to the other ind, and a pretty job he 'd make of
+marching on that same! I knows it, for I've thried it, and it is not a
+new beginner that will make much of <i>sich</i> oare; barring he knows nothin'
+about them."</p>
+
+<p>This was not very intelligible to anybody but Joel, and <i>he </i> had ceased
+to laugh at Mike's voyage, now, some six or seven years; divers other
+disasters, all having their origin in a similar confusion of ideas,
+having, in the interval, supplanted that calamity, as it might be,
+<i>seriatim</i>. Still it was an indication that Mike might be set down as a
+belligerent, who was disposed to follow his leader into the battle,
+without troubling him with many questions concerning the merits of the
+quarrel. Nevertheless, the county Leitrim-man acknowledged particular
+principles, all of which had a certain influence on his conduct, whenever
+he could get at them, to render them available. First and foremost, he
+cordially disliked a Yankee; and he hated an Englishman, both as an
+oppressor and a heretic; yet he loved his master and all that belonged to
+him. These were contradictory feelings, certainly; but Mike was all
+contradiction, both in theory and in practice.</p>
+
+<p>The Anglo-Saxon tribe now professed a willingness to retire, promising to
+<i>think of the matter</i>, a course against which Mike loudly protested,
+declaring he never knew any good come of thinking, when matters had got as
+far as blows. Jamie, too, went off scratching his head, and he was seen to
+make many pauses, that day, between the shovels-full of earth he, from
+time to time, threw around his plants, as if pondering on what he had
+heard. As for the Dutch, their hour had not come. No one expected them to
+decide the day they first heard of argument.</p>
+
+<p>The negroes got together, and began to dwell on the marvels of a battle in
+which so many Christians had been put to death. Little Smash placed the
+slain at a few thousands; but Great Smash, as better became her loftier
+appellation and higher spirit, affirmed that the captain had stated
+<i>hundreds</i> of thousands; a loss, with less than which, as she contended,
+no great battle could possibly be fought.</p>
+
+<p>When the captain was housed, Serjeant Joyce demanded an audience; the
+object of which was simply to ask for <i>orders</i>, without the least
+reference to <i>principles</i>.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch07">
+<h2>Chapter VII.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>        We are all here!<br />
+  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;      Father, mother,<br />
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;        Sister, brother,<br />
+  All who hold each other dear.<br />
+  Each chair is fill'd--we're all <i>at home</i>;<br />
+  To-night let no cold stranger come:<br />
+  It is not often thus around<br />
+  Our old familiar hearth we're found:<br />
+  Bless, then, the meeting and the spot;<br />
+  For once be every care forgot;<br />
+  Let gentle Peace assert her power,<br />
+  And kind Affection rule the hour;<br />
+  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;     We're all--all here.</p>
+
+<p>  Sprague.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Although most of the people retired to their dwellings, or their labours,
+as soon as the captain dismissed them, a few remained to receive his
+farther orders. Among these last were Joel, the carpenter, and the
+blacksmith. These men now joined the chief of the settlement and his son,
+who had lingered near the gateway, in conversation concerning the
+alterations that the present state of things might render necessary, in
+and about the Hut.</p>
+
+<p>"Joel," observed the captain, when the three men were near enough to hear
+his orders, "this great change in the times will render some changes in
+our means of defence prudent, if not necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"Does the captain s'pose the people of the colony will attack <i>us</i>?" asked
+the wily overseer, with emphasis.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not the people of the colony, Mr. Strides, for we have not <i>yet</i>
+declared ourselves their enemies; but there are other foes, who are more
+to be apprehended than the people of the colony."</p>
+
+<p>"I should think the king's troops not likely to trouble themselves to
+ventur' here--the road might prove easier to come than to return. Besides,
+our plunder would scarce pay for such a march."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not--but there never has yet been a war in these colonies that
+some of the savage tribes were not engaged in it, before the whites had
+fairly got themselves into line."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you really think, sir, there can be much serious danger of <i>that</i>!"
+exclaimed the major, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Beyond a question, my son. The scalping-knife will be at work in six
+months, if it be not busy already, should one-half of your reports and
+rumours turn out to be true. Such is American history."</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think, sir, your apprehensions for my mother and sisters may
+mislead you. I do not believe the American authorities will ever allow
+themselves to be driven into a measure so perfectly horrible and
+unjustifiable; and were the English ministry sufficiently cruel, or
+unprincipled, to adopt the policy, the honest indignation of so humane a
+people would be certain to drive them from power."</p>
+
+<p>As the major ceased speaking, he turned and caught the expression of
+Joel's countenance, and was struck with the look of intense interest with
+which the overseer watched his own warm and sincere manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Humanity is a very pretty stalking-horse for political orations, Bob,"
+quietly returned the father; "but it will scarcely count for much with an
+old campaigner. God send you may come out of this war with the same
+ingenuous and natural feelings as you go into it."</p>
+
+<p>"The major will scarce dread the savages, should he be on the side of his
+nat'ral friends!" remarked Joel; "and if what he says about the humanity
+of the king's advisers be true, he will be safe from <i>them</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"The major will be on the side to which duty calls him, Mr. Strides, if it
+may be agreeable to your views of the matter," answered the young man,
+with a little more <i>hauteur</i> than the occasion required.</p>
+
+<p>The father felt uneasy, and he regretted that his son had been so
+indiscreet; though he saw no remedy but by drawing the attention of the
+men to the matter before them.</p>
+
+<p>"Neither the real wishes of the people of America, nor of the people of
+England, will avail much, in carrying on this war," he said. "Its conduct
+will fall into the hands of those who will look more to the ends than to
+the means; and success will be found a sufficient apology for any wrong.
+This has been the history of all the wars of my time, and it is likely to
+prove the history of this. I fear it will make little difference to us on
+which side we may be in feeling; there will be savages to guard against in
+either case. This gate must be hung, one of the first things, Joel; and I
+have serious thoughts of placing palisades around the Knoll. The Hut, well
+palisaded, would make a work that could not be easily carried, without
+artillery."</p>
+
+<p>Joel seemed struck with the idea, though it did not appear that it was
+favourably. He stood studying the house and the massive gates for a minute
+or two, ere he delivered his sentiments on the subject. When he did speak,
+it was a good deal more in doubt, than in approbation.</p>
+
+<p>"It's all very true, captain," he said; the house would <i>seem</i> to be a
+good deal more safe like, if the gates were up; but, a body don't know;
+sometimes gates be a security, and sometimes they isn't. It all depends on
+which side the danger comes. Still, as these are <i>made</i>, and finished all
+to hanging, it's 'most a pity, too, they shouldn't be used, if a body
+could find <i>time</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"The time <i>must</i> be found, and the gates be hung," interrupted the
+captain, too much accustomed to Joel's doubting, 'sort-o'-concluding
+manner, to be always patient under the infliction. "Not only the gates,
+but the palisades must be got out, holes dug, and the circumvallation
+completed."</p>
+
+<p>"It must be as the captain says, of course, he being master here. But
+time's precious in May. There's half our plantin' to be done yet, and some
+of the ground hasn't got the last ploughin'. Harvest won't come without
+seed-time; for no man, let him be great, or let him be small--and it does
+seem to me a sort o' wastin' of the Lord's blessin's, to be hangin' gates,
+and diggin' holes for that--the thing the captain mentioned--when there's
+no visible danger in sight to recommend the measure to prudence, as it
+might be."</p>
+
+<p>"That may be your opinion, Mr. Strides, but it is not mine. I intend to
+guard against a visible danger that is <i>out</i> of sight, and I will thank
+you to have these gates hung, this very day."</p>
+
+<p>"This very day!--The captain's a mind to be musical about the matter!
+Every hand in the settlement couldn't get them gates in their places in
+less than a week."</p>
+
+<p>"It appears to me, Strides, you are 'playing on the music,' as you call
+it, yourself, now?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed, captain; them gates will have to be hung on the mechanic
+principle; and it will take at least two or three days for the carpenter
+and blacksmith to get up the works that's to do it. Then the hanging,
+itself, I should think would stand us in hand a day for each side. As for
+the circumvalley, what between the cuttin', and haulin', and diggin', and
+settin', that would occupy all hands until after first hoein'. That is,
+hoein' would come afore the plantin'."</p>
+
+<p>"It does not appear to me, Bob, such a heavy job as Joel represents! The
+gates are heavy, certainly, and may take us a day or two; but, as for
+stockading--I've seen barracks stockaded in, in a week, if I remember
+right. You know something of this--what is your opinion?"</p>
+
+<p>"That this house can be stockaded in, in the time you mention; and, as I
+have a strong reluctance to leave the family before it is in security,
+with your permission I will remain and superintend the work."</p>
+
+<p>The offer was gladly accepted, on more accounts than one; and the captain,
+accustomed to be obeyed when he was in earnest, issued his orders
+forthwith, to let the work proceed. Joel, however, was excused, in order
+that he might finish the planting he had commenced, and which a very few
+hands could complete within the required time. As no ditch was necessary,
+the work was of a very simple nature, and the major set about his portion
+of it without even re-entering the house.</p>
+
+<p>The first thing was to draw a line for a trench some six or seven feet
+deep, that was to encircle the whole building, at a distance of about
+thirty yards from the house. This line ran, on each side of the Hut, on
+the very verge of the declivities, rendering the flanks far more secure
+than the front, where it crossed the lawn on a gently inclining surface.
+In one hour the major had traced this lines with accuracy; and he had six
+or eight men at work with spades, digging the trench. A gang of hands was
+sent into the woods, with orders to cut the requisite quantify of young
+chestnuts; and, by noon, a load of the material actually appeared on the
+ground. Still, nothing was done to the gates.</p>
+
+<p>To own the truth, the captain was now delighted. The scene reminded him of
+some in his military life, and he bustled about, giving his orders, with a
+good deal of the fire of youth renewed, taking care, however, in no manner
+to interfere with the plans of his son. Mike buried himself like a mole,
+and had actually advanced several feet, before either of the Yankees had
+got even a fair footing on the bottom of his part of the trench. As for
+Jamie Allen, he went to work with deliberation; but it was not long before
+his naked gray hairs were seen on a level with the surface of the ground.
+The digging was not hard, though a little stony, and the work proceeded
+with spirit and success. All that day, and the next, and the next, and the
+next, the Knoll appeared alive, earth being cast upward, teams moving,
+carpenters sawing, and labourers toiling. Many of the men protested that
+their work was useless, unnecessary, <i>unlawful</i> even; but no one dared
+hesitate under the eyes of the major, when his father had once issued a
+serious command. In the mean time, Joel's planting was finished, though he
+made many long pauses while at work on the flats, to look up and gaze at
+the scene of activity and bustle that was presented at the Knoll. On the
+fourth day, towards evening, he was obliged to join the general "bee,"
+with the few hands he had retained with himself.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, the trench was dug, most of the timber was prepared, and the
+business of setting up the stockade was commenced. Each young tree was cut
+to the length of twenty feet, and pointed at one end. Mortices, to receive
+cross-pieces, were cut at proper distances, and holes were bored to admit
+the pins. This was all the preparation, and the timbers were set in the
+trench, pointed ends uppermost. When a sufficient number were thus
+arranged, a few inches from each other, the cross-pieces were pinned on,
+bringing the whole into a single connected frame, or bent. The bent was
+then raised to a perpendicular, and secured, by pounding the earth around
+the lower ends of the timbers. The latter process required care and
+judgment, and it was entrusted to the especial supervision of the
+deliberate Jamie, the major having discovered that the Yankees, in
+general, were too impatient to get on, and to make a show. Serjeant Joyce
+was particularly useful in dressing the rows of timber, and in giving the
+whole arrangement a military air.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Guid</i> wark is far better than <i>quick</i> wark," observed the cool-headed
+Scotchman, as he moved about among the men, "and it's no the fuss and
+bustle of acteevity that is to give the captain pleasure. The thing that
+is well done, is done with the least noise and confusion. Set the
+stockades mair pairpendic'lar, my men."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay--dress them, too, my lads"--added the venerable ex-serjeant.</p>
+
+<p>"This is queer plantin', Jamie," put in Joel, "and queerer grain will
+come of it. Do you think these young chestnuts will ever grow, ag'in, that
+you put them out in rows, like so much corn?"</p>
+
+<p>"Now it's no for the growth we does it, Joel, but to presairve the human
+growth we have. To keep the savage bairbers o' the wilderness fra'
+clippin' our polls before the shearin' time o' natur' has gathered us a'
+in for the hairvest of etairnity. They that no like the safety we're
+makin' for them, can gang their way to 'ither places, where they '11 find
+no forts, or stockades to trouble their een."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not critical at all, Jamie, though to my notion a much better use for
+your timber plantation would be to turn it into sheds for cattle, in the
+winter months. I can see some good in <i>that</i>, but none in <i>this</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Bad luck to ye, then, Misther Sthroddle," cried Mike, from the bottom of
+the trench, where he was using a pounding instrument with the zeal of a
+paviour--"Bad luck to the likes of ye, say I, Misther Strides. If ye've
+no relish for a fortification, in a time of war, ye've only to shoulther
+yer knapsack, and go out into the open counthry, where ye'll have all to
+yer own satisfaction. Is it forthify the house, will we? That we will, and
+not a hair of the missuss's head, nor of the young ladies' heads, nor of
+the masther's head, though he's mighty bald as it is, but not a hair of
+<i>all</i> their heads shall be harmed, while Jamie, and Mike, and the bould
+ould serjeant, here, can have their way. I wish I had the trench full of
+yer savages, and a gineral funeral we'd make of the vagabonds! Och!
+They're the divil's imps, I hear from all sides, and no love do I owe
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet you're the bosom friend of Nick, who's anything but what I call
+a specimen of his people."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it Nick ye 're afther? Well, Nick's half-civilized accorthin' to yer
+Yankee manners, and he's no spicimen, at all. Let him hear you call him by
+sich a name, if ye want throuble."</p>
+
+<p>Joel walked away, muttering, leaving the labourers in doubt whether he
+relished least the work he was now obliged to unite in furthering, or
+Mike's hit at his own peculiar people. Still the work proceeded, and in
+one week from the day it was commenced, the stockade was complete, its
+gate excepted. The entrance through the palisades was directly in front of
+that to the house, and both passages still remained open, one set of gates
+not being completed, and the other not yet being hung.</p>
+
+<p>It was on a Saturday evening when the last palisade was placed firmly in
+the ground, and all the signs of the recent labour were removed, in order
+to restore as much of the former beauty of the Knoll as possible. It had
+been a busy week; so much so, indeed, as to prevent the major from holding
+any of that confidential intercourse with his mother and sisters, in which
+it had been his habit to indulge in former visits. The fatigues of the
+days sent everybody to their pillows early; and the snatches of discourse
+which passed, had been affectionate and pleasant, rather than
+communicative. Now that the principal job was so near being finished,
+however, and the rubbish was cleared away, the captain summoned the family
+to the lawn again, to enjoy a delicious evening near the close of the
+winning month of May. The season was early, and the weather more bland,
+than was usual, even in that sheltered and genial valley. For the first
+time that year, Mrs. Willoughby consented to order the tea-equipage to be
+carried to a permanent table that had been placed under the shade of a
+fine elm, in readiness for any <i>f&ecirc;te champ&ecirc;tre</i> of this simple character.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Wilhelmina, give us a cup of your fragrant hyson, of which we have
+luckily abundance, tax or no tax. I should lose <i>caste</i>, were it known how
+much American treason we have gulped down, in this way; but, a little tea,
+up here in the forest, can do no man's conscience any great violence, in
+the long run. I suppose, major Willoughby, His Majesty's forces do not
+disdain tea, in these stirring times."</p>
+
+<p>"Far from it, sir; we deem it so loyal to drink it, that it is said the
+port and sherry of the different messes, at Boston, are getting to be much
+neglected. I am an admirer of tea, for itself, however, caring little
+about its collateral qualities. Farrel"--turning to his man, who was
+aiding Pliny the elder, in arranging the table--"when you are through
+here, bring out the basket you will find on the toilet, in my room."</p>
+
+<p>"True, Bob," observed the mother, smiling--"that basket has scarce been
+treated with civility. Not a syllable of thanks have I heard, for all the
+fine things it contains."</p>
+
+<p>"My mind has been occupied with care for your safety, dear mother, and
+that must be my excuse. Now, however, there is an appearance of security
+which gives one a breathing-time, and my gratitude receives a sudden
+impulse. As for you, Maud, I regret to be compelled to say that you stand
+convicted of laziness; not a single thing do I owe to your labours, or
+recollection of me."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that possible!" exclaimed the captain, who was pouring water into the
+tea-pot. "Maud is the last person I should suspect of neglect of this
+nature; I do assure you, Bob, no one listens to news of your promotions
+and movements with more interest than Maud."</p>
+
+<p>Maud, herself, made no answer. She bent her head aside, in a secret
+consciousness that her sister might alone detect, and form her own
+conclusions concerning the colour that she felt warming her cheeks. But,
+Maud's own sensitive feelings attributed more to Beulah than the sincere
+and simple-minded girl deserved. So completely was she accustomed to
+regard Robert and Maud as brother and sister, that even all which had
+passed produced no effect in unsettling her opinions, or in giving her
+thoughts a new direction. Just at this moment Farrel came back, and placed
+the basket on the bench, at the side of his master.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, my dearest mother, and you, girls"--the major had begun to drop the
+use of the word 'sisters' when addressing <i>both</i> the young ladies--"Now,
+my dearest mother, and you, girls, I am about to give each her due. In the
+first place, I confess my own unworthiness, and acknowledge, that I do
+not deserve one-half the kind attention I have received in these various
+presents, after which we will descend to particulars."</p>
+
+<p>The major, then, exposed every article contained in the basket, finding
+the words "mother" and "Beulah" pinned on each, but nowhere any indication
+that his younger sister had even borne him in mind. His father looked
+surprised at this, not to say a little grave; and he waited, with evident
+curiosity, for the gifts of Maud, as one thing after another came up,
+without any signs of her having recollected the absentee.</p>
+
+<p>"This is odd, truly," observed the father, seriously; "I hope, Bob, you
+have done nothing to deserve this? I should be sorry to have my little
+girl affronted!"</p>
+
+<p>"I assure you, sir, that I am altogether ignorant of any act, and I can
+solemnly protest against any intention, to give offence. If guilty, I now
+pray Maud to pardon me."</p>
+
+<p>"You have done nothing, Bob--<i>said</i> nothing, Bob--<i>thought</i> nothing to
+offend me," cried Maud, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, then, have you forgotten him, darling, when your mother and sister
+have done so much in the way of recollection?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Forced gifts, my dear father, are no gifts. I do not like to be compelled
+to make presents."</p>
+
+<p>This was uttered in a way to induce the major to throw all the articles
+back into the basket, as if he wished to get rid of the subject, without
+further comment. Owing to this precipitation, the scarf was not seen.
+Fortunately for Maud, who was ready to burst into tears, the service of
+the tea prevented any farther allusion to the matter.</p>
+
+<p>"You have told me, major," observed captain Willoughby, "that your old
+regiment has a new colonel; but you have forgotten to mention his name. I
+hope it is my old messmate, Tom Wallingford, who wrote me he had some such
+hopes last year."</p>
+
+<p>"General Wallingford has got a light-dragoon regiment--general Meredith
+has my old corps; he is now in this country, at the head of one of Gage's
+brigades."</p>
+
+<p>It is a strong proof of the manner in which Maud--Maud Willoughby, as she
+was ever termed--had become identified with the family of the Hutted
+Knoll, that, with two exceptions, not a person present thought of her,
+when the name of this general Meredith was mentioned; though, in truth, he
+was the uncle of her late father. The exceptions were the major and
+herself. The former now never heard the name without thinking of his
+beautiful little playfellow, and nominal sister; while Maud, of late, had
+become curious and even anxious on the subject of her natural relatives.
+Still, a feeling akin to awe, a sentiment that appeared as if it would be
+doing violence to a most solemn duty, prevented her from making any
+allusion to her change of thought, in the presence of those whom, during
+childhood, she had viewed only as her nearest relatives, and who still
+continued so to regard her. She would have given the world to ask Bob a
+few questions concerning the kinsman he had mentioned, but could not think
+of doing so before her mother, whatever she might be induced to attempt
+with the young man, when by himself.</p>
+
+<p>Nick next came strolling along, gazing at the stockade, and drawing near
+the table with an indifference to persons and things that characterized
+his habits. When close to the party he stopped, keeping his eye on the
+recent works.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, Nick, I am about to turn soldier again, in my old days,"
+observed the captain. "It is now many years since you and I have met
+within a line of palisades. How do you like our work?"</p>
+
+<p>"What you make him for, cap'in?"</p>
+
+<p>"So as to be secure against any red-skins who may happen to long for our
+scalps."</p>
+
+<p>"Why want <i>your</i> scalp? Hatchet hasn't been dug up, atween us--bury him
+so deep can't find him in ten, two, six year."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, it has long been buried, it is true; but you red gentlemen have a
+trick of digging it up, with great readiness, when there is any occasion
+for it. I suppose you know, Nick, that there are troubles in the
+colonies?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell Nick all about him,"--answered the Indian, evasively--"No read--no
+hear--don't talk much--talk most wid Irisher--can't understand what he
+want--say t'ing one way, den say him, anoder."</p>
+
+<p>"Mike is not very lucid of a certainty," rejoined the captain, laughing,
+all the party joining in the merriment--"but he is a sterling good
+fellow, and is always to be found, in a time of need."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor rifle--nebber hit--shoot one way, look t'other?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is no great shot, I will admit; but he is a famous fellow with a
+shillaleh. Has he given you any of the news?"</p>
+
+<p>"All he say, news--much news ten time, as one time. Cap'in lend Nick a
+quarter dollar, yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"I did lend you a quarter, certainly, Nick; and I supposed it had gone to
+the miller for rum, before this. What am I to understand by your holding
+it out in this manner?--that you mean to repay me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sartain--good quarter--just like him cap'in lent Nick. Like as one pea.
+Nick man of honour; keep his word."</p>
+
+<p>"This does look more like it than common, Nick. The money was to be
+returned to-day, but I did not expect to see it, so many previous
+contracts of that nature having been vacated, as the lawyers call it."</p>
+
+<p>"Tuscarora chief alway gentleman. What he say, he do. Good quarter dollar,
+dat, cap'in?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is unexceptionable, old acquaintance; I'll not disdain receiving it,
+as it may serve for a future loan."</p>
+
+<p>"No need bye'm-by--take him, now--cap'in, lend Nick dollar; pay him
+to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>The captain protested against the <i>sequitur</i> that the Indian evidently
+wished to establish; declining, though in a good-natured manner, to lend
+the larger sum. Nick was disappointed, and walked sullenly away, moving
+nearer to the stockade, with the air of an offended man.</p>
+
+<p>"That is an extraordinary fellow, sir!" observed the major--"I really
+wonder you tolerate him so much about the Hut. It might be a good idea to
+banish him, now that the war has broken out."</p>
+
+<p>"Which would be a thing more easily said than done. A drop of water might
+as readily be banished from that stream, as an Indian, from any part of
+the forest he may choose to visit. You brought him here yourself, Bob, and
+should not blame us for tolerating his presence."</p>
+
+<p>"I brought him, sir, because I found he recognised me even in this dress,
+and it was wise to make a friend of him. Then I wanted a guide, and I was
+well assured he knew the way, if any man did. He is a surly scoundrel,
+however, and appears to have changed his character, since I was a boy."</p>
+
+<p>"If there be any change, Bob, it is in yourself. Nick has been Nick these
+thirty years, or as long as I have known him. Rascal he is, or his tribe
+would not have cast him out. Indian justice is stern, but it is natural
+justice. No man is ever put to the ban among the red men, until they are
+satisfied he is not fit to enjoy savage rights. In garrison, we always
+looked upon Nick as a clever knave, and treated him accordingly. When one
+is on his guard against such a fellow, he can do little harm, and this
+Tuscarora has a salutary dread of me, which keeps him in tolerable order,
+during his visits to the Hut. The principal mischief he does here, is to
+get Mike and Jamie deeper in the Santa Cruz than I could wish; but the
+miller has his orders to sell no more rum."</p>
+
+<p>"I hardly think you do Nick justice, Willoughby," observed the
+right-judging and gentle wife. "He has <i>some</i> good qualities; but you
+soldiers always apply martial-law to the weaknesses of your
+fellow-creatures."</p>
+
+<p>"And you tender-hearted women, my dear Wilhelmina, think everybody as good
+as yourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"Remember, Hugh, when your son, there, had the canker-rash, how actively
+and readily the Tuscarora went into the forest to look for the gold-thread
+that even the doctors admitted cured him. It was difficult to find,
+Robert; but Nick remembered a spot where he had seen it, fifty miles off;
+and, without a request even, from us, he travelled that distance to
+procure it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, this is true"--returned the captain, thoughtfully--"though I
+question if the cure was owing to the gold-thread, as you call it,
+Wilhelmina. Every man has some good quality or other; and, I much fear,
+some bad ones also.--But, here is the fellow coming back, and I do not
+like to let him think himself of sufficient consequence to be the subject
+of our remarks."</p>
+
+<p>"Very true, sir--it adds excessively to the trouble of such fellows, to
+let them fancy themselves of importance."</p>
+
+<p>Nick, now, came slowly back, after having examined the recent changes to
+his satisfaction. He stood a moment in silence, near the table, and then,
+assuming an air of more dignity than common, he addressed the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Nick ole <i>chief</i>" he said. "Been at Council Fire, often as cap'in. Can't
+tell, all he know; want to hear about new war."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Nick, it is a family quarrel, this time. The French have nothing to
+do with it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yengeese fight Yengeese--um?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid it will so turn out. Do not the Tuscaroras sometimes dig up
+the hatchet against the Tuscaroras?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tuscarora man kill Tuscarora man--good--he quarrel, and kill he enemy.
+But Tuscarora warrior nebber take scalp of Tuscarora squaw and pappoose!
+What you t'ink he do dat for? Red man no hog, to eat pork."</p>
+
+<p>"It must be admitted, Nick, you are a very literal logician--'dog won't
+eat dog,' is our English saying. Still the <i>Yankee</i> will fight the
+Yengeese, it would seem. In a word, the Great Father, in England, has
+raised the hatchet against his American children."</p>
+
+<p>"How you like him, cap'in--um? Which go on straight path, which go on
+crooked? How you like him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I like it little, Nick, and wish with all my heart the quarrel had not
+taken place."</p>
+
+<p>"Mean to put on regimentals--hah! Mean to be cap'in, ag'in? Follow drum
+and fife, like ole time?"</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think not, old comrade. After sixty, one likes peace better than
+war; and I intend to stay at home."</p>
+
+<p>"What for, den, build fort? Why you put fence round a house, like pound
+for sheep?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I intend to <i>stay</i> there. The stockade will be good to keep off
+any, or every enemy who may take it into their heads to come against us.
+You have known me defend a worse position than this."</p>
+
+<p>"He got no gate," muttered Nick--"What he good for, widout gate? Yengeese,
+Yankees, red man, French man, walk in just as he please. No good to leave
+such squaw wid a door wide open."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Nick," cried Mrs. Willoughby. "I knew you were <i>my</i> friend,
+and have not forgotten the gold-thread."</p>
+
+<p>"He <i>very</i> good," answered the Indian, with an important look. "Pappoose
+get well like not'ing. He a'most die, to-day; to-morrow he run about and
+play. Nick do him, too; cure him wid gold-thread."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! you are, or were quite a physician at one time, Nick. I remember when
+you had the smallpox, yourself."</p>
+
+<p>The Indian turned, with the quickness of lightning, to Mrs. Willoughby,
+whom he startled with his energy, as he demanded--</p>
+
+<p>"You remember dat, Mrs. cap'in! Who gib him--who cure him--um?"</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my word, Nick, you almost frighten me. I fear I gave you the
+disease, but it was for your own good it was done. You were inoculated by
+myself, when the soldiers were dying around us, because they had never had
+that care taken of them. All I inoculated lived; yourself among the
+number."</p>
+
+<p>The startling expression passed away from the fierce countenance of the
+savage, leaving in its place another so kind and amicable as to prove he
+not only was aware of the benefit he had received, but that he was deeply
+grateful for it. He drew near to Mrs. Willoughby, took her still white and
+soft hand in his own sinewy and dark fingers, then dropped the blanket
+that he had thrown carelessly across his body, from a shoulder, and laid
+it on a mark left by the disease, by way of pointing to her good work. He
+smiled, as this was done.</p>
+
+<p>"Ole mark," he said, nodding his head--"sign we good friend--he nebber go
+away while Nick live."</p>
+
+<p>This touched the captain's heart, and he tossed a dollar towards the
+Indian, who suffered it, however, to lie at his feet unnoticed. Turning to
+the stockade, he pointed significantly at the open gateways.</p>
+
+<p>"Great danger go t'rough little 'ole," he said, sententiously, walking
+away as he concluded. "Why you leave big 'ole open?"</p>
+
+<p>"We <i>must</i> get those gates hung next week," said the captain, positively;
+"and yet it is almost absurd to apprehend anything serious in this remote
+settlement, and that at so early a period in the war."</p>
+
+<p>Nothing further passed on the lawn worthy to be recorded. The sun set, and
+the family withdrew into the house, as usual, to trust to the overseeing
+care of Divine Providence, throughout a night passed in a wilderness. By
+common consent, the discourse turned upon things noway connected with the
+civil war, or its expected results, until the party was about to separate
+for the night, when the major found himself alone with his sisters, in his
+own little parlour, dressing-room, or study, whatever the room adjoining
+his chamber could properly be called.</p>
+
+<p>"You will not leave us soon, Robert," said Beulah, taking her brother's
+hand, with confiding affection, "I hardly think my father young and active
+enough, or rather <i>alarmed</i> enough, to live in times like these!"</p>
+
+<p>"He is a soldier, Beulah, and a good one; so good that his son can teach
+him nothing. I wish I could say that he is as good a <i>subject</i>: I fear he
+leans to the side of the colonies."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven be praised!" exclaimed Beulah--"Oh! that his son would incline in
+the same direction."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Beulah," rejoined Maud, reproachfully; "you speak without
+reflection. Mamma bitterly regrets that papa sees things in the light he
+does. <i>She</i> thinks the parliament right, and the colonies wrong."</p>
+
+<p>"What a thing is a civil war!" ejaculated the major--"Here is husband
+divided against wife--son against father--brother against sister. I could
+almost wish I were dead, ere I had lived to see this!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Robert, it is not so bad as that, either," added Maud. "My mother
+will never oppose my father's will or judgment. Good wives, you know,
+never do <i>that</i>. She will only pray that he may decide right, and in a way
+that his children will never have cause to regret. As for me, I count for
+nothing, of course."</p>
+
+<p>"And Beulah, Maud; is she nothing, too? Here will Beulah be praying for
+her brother's defeat, throughout this war. It has been some presentiment
+of this difference of opinion that has probably induced you to forget me,
+while Beulah and my mother were passing so many hours to fill that
+basket."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you do Maud injustice, Robert," said Beulah, smiling. "I think I
+can say none loves you better than our dear sister--or no one has thought
+of you more, in your absence."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, then, does the basket contain no proof of this remembrance--not even
+a chain of hair--a purse, or a ring--nothing, in short, to show that I
+have not been forgotten, when away."</p>
+
+<p>"Even if this be so," said Maud, with spirit, "in what am I worse than
+yourself. What proof is there that you have remembered <i>us?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"This," answered the major, laying before his sisters two small packages,
+each marked with the name of its proper owner. "My mother has her's, too,
+and my father has not been forgotten."</p>
+
+<p>Beulah's exclamations proved how much she was gratified with her presents;
+principally trinkets and jewelry, suited to her years and station. First
+kissing the major, she declared her mother must see what she had received,
+before she retired for the night, and hurried from the room. That Maud was
+not less pleased, was apparent by her glowing cheeks and tearful eyes;
+though, for a wonder, she was far more restrained in the expression of her
+feelings. After examining the different articles, with pleasure, for a
+minute or two, she went, with a quick impetuous movement, to the basket,
+tumbled all its contents on the table, until she reached the scarf, which
+she tossed towards the major, saying, with a faint laugh--</p>
+
+<p>"There, unbeliever--heathen--is <i>that</i> nothing? Was that made in a minute,
+think you?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>This!</i>" cried the major, opening the beautiful, glossy fabric in
+surprise. "Is not this one of my father's old sashes, to which I have
+fallen heir, in the order of nature?"</p>
+
+<p>Maud dropped her trinkets, and seizing two corners of the sash, she opened
+it, in a way to exhibit its freshness and beauty.</p>
+
+<p>"Is this <i>old</i>, or <i>worn?</i>" she asked, reproachfully. "Your father never
+even saw it, Bob. It has not yet been around the waist of man."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not possible!--This would be the work of months--is <i>so</i>
+beautiful--you cannot have purchased it."</p>
+
+<p>Maud appeared distressed at his doubts. Opening the folds still wider, she
+raised the centre of the silk to the light, pointed to certain letters
+that had been wrought into the fabric, so ingeniously as to escape
+ordinary observation, and yet so plainly as to be distinctly legible when
+the attention was once drawn to them. The major took the sash into his own
+hands altogether, held it opened before the candles, and read the words
+"Maud Meredith" aloud. Dropping the sash, he turned to seek the face of
+the donor, but she had fled the room. He followed her footsteps and
+entered the library, just as she was about to escape from it, by a
+different door.</p>
+
+<p>"I am offended at your incredulity," said Maud, making an effort to laugh
+away the scene, "and will not remain to hear lame excuses. Your new
+regiment can have no nature in it, or brothers would not treat sisters
+thus."</p>
+
+<p>"Maud <i>Meredith</i> is not my sister," he said, earnestly, "though Maud
+<i>Willoughby</i> may be. Why is the name Meredith?"</p>
+
+<p>"As a retort to one of your own allusions--did you not call me Miss
+Meredith, one day, when I last saw you in Albany?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, but that was in jest, my dearest Maud. It was not a deliberate thing,
+like the name on that sash."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! jokes may be premeditated as well as murder; and many a one <i>is</i>
+murdered, you know. Mine is a prolonged jest."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me, does my mother--does Beulah know who made this sash?"</p>
+
+<p>"How else could it have been made, Bob? Do you think I went into the
+woods, and worked by myself, like some romantic damsel who had an
+unmeaning secret to keep against the curious eyes of persecuting friends!"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not what I thought--scarce know what I think now. But, my mother;
+does she know of this <i>name</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>Maud blushed to the eyes; but the habit and the love of truth were so
+strong in her, that she shook her head in the negative.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor Beulah?--<i>She</i>, I am certain, would not have permitted 'Meredith' to
+appear where 'Willoughby' should have been."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor Beulah, either, major Willoughby," pronouncing the name with an
+affectation of reverence. "The honour of the Willoughbys is thus
+preserved from every taint, and all the blame must fall on poor Maud
+Meredith."</p>
+
+<p>"You dislike the name of Willoughby, then, and intend to drop it, in
+future--I have remarked that you sign yourself only 'Maud,' in your last
+letters--never before, however, did I suspect the reason."</p>
+
+<p>"Who wishes to live for ever an impostor? It is not my legal name, and I
+shall soon be called on to perform legal acts. Remember, Mr. Robert
+Willoughby, I am twenty; when it comes to pounds, shillings, and pence, I
+must not forge. A little habit is necessary to teach me the use of my own
+<i>bon&acirc; fide</i> signature."</p>
+
+<p>"But ours--the name is not hateful to you--you do not throw it aside,
+seriously, for ever!"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Yours</i>! What, the honoured name of my dear, dearest father--of my
+mother--of Beulah--of yourself, Bob!"</p>
+
+<p>Maud did not remain to terminate her speech. Bursting into tears, she
+vanished.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch08">
+<h2>Chapter VIII.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  The village tower--'tis joy to me!--I cry, the Lord is here!<br />
+  The village bells! They fill the soul with ecstasy sincere.<br />
+  And thus, I sing, the light hath shined to lands in darkness hurled,<br />
+  Their sound is now in all the earth, their words throughout the world.</p>
+
+<p>  Coxe.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Another night past in peace within the settlement of the Hutted Knoll. The
+following morning was the Sabbath, and it came forth, balmy, genial, and
+mild; worthy of the great festival of the Christian world. On the subject
+of religion, captain Willoughby was a little of a martinet; understanding
+by liberty of conscience, the right of improving by the instruction of
+those ministers who belonged to the church of England. Several of his
+labourers had left him because he refused to allow of any other
+ministrations on his estate; his doctrine being that every man had a right
+to do as he pleased in such matters; and as he did not choose to allow of
+schism, within the sphere of his own influence, if others desired to be
+schismatics they were at liberty to go elsewhere, in order to indulge
+their tastes. Joel Strides and Jamie Allen were both disaffected to this
+sort of orthodoxy, and they had frequent private discussions on its
+propriety; the former in his usual wily and jesuitical mode of sneering
+and insinuating, and the latter respectfully as related to his master, but
+earnestly as it concerned his conscience. Others, too, were dissentients,
+but with less repining; though occasionally they would stay away from Mr.
+Wood's services. Mike, alone, took an open and manly stand in the matter,
+and he a little out-Heroded Herod; or, in other words, he exceeded the
+captain himself in strictness of construction. On the very morning we have
+just described, he was present at a discussion between the Yankee overseer
+and the Scotch mason, in which these two dissenters, the first a
+congregationalist, and the last a seceder, were complaining of the
+hardships of a ten years' abstinence, during which no spiritual provender
+had been fed out to them from a proper source. The Irishman broke out upon
+the complainants in a way that will at once let the reader into the secret
+of the county Leitrim-man's principles, if he has any desire to know them.</p>
+
+<p>"Bad luck to all sorts of religion but the right one!" cried Mike, in a
+most tolerant spirit. "Who d'ye think will be wishful of hearing mass and
+pr'aching that comes from <i>any</i> of your heretick parsons? Ye're as dape in
+the mire yerselves, as Mr. Woods is in the woods, and no one to lade ye
+out of either, but an evil spirit that would rather see all mankind
+br'iling in agony, than dancing at a fair."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to your confessional, Mike," returned Joel, with a sneer--"It's a
+month, or more, sin' you seen it, and the priest will think you have
+forgotten him, and go away offended."</p>
+
+<p>"Och! It's such a praist, as the likes of yees has no nade of throubling!
+Yer conscience is aisy, Misther Straddle, so that yer belly is filled, and
+yer wages is paid. Bad luck o sich religion!"</p>
+
+<p>The allusion of Joel related to a practice of Michael's that is deserving
+of notice. It seems that the poor fellow, excluded by his insulated
+position from any communication with a priest of his own church, was in
+the habit of resorting to a particular rock in the forest, where he would
+kneel and acknowledge his sins, very much as he would have done had the
+rock been a confessional containing one authorized to grant him
+absolution. Accident revealed the secret, and from that time Michael's
+devotion was a standing jest among the dissenters of the valley. The
+county Leitrim-man was certainly a little too much addicted to Santa Cruz,
+and he was accused of always visiting his romantic chapel after a debauch.
+Of course, he was but little pleased with Joel's remark on the present
+occasion; and being, like a modern newspaper, somewhat more vituperative
+than logical, he broke out as related.</p>
+
+<p>"Jamie," continued Joel, too much accustomed to Mike's violence to heed
+it, "it does seem to me a hardship to be obliged to frequent a church of
+which a man's conscience can't approve. Mr. Woods, though a native
+colonist, is an Old England parson, and he has so many popish ways about
+him, that I am under considerable concern of <i>mind</i>"--concern, of
+<i>itself</i>, was not sufficiently emphatic for one of Joel's sensitive
+feelings--"I am under considerable <i>concern of mind</i> about the children.
+They <i>sit under</i> no other preaching; and, though Lyddy and I do all we can
+to gainsay the sermons, as soon as meetin' is out, some of it <i>will</i>
+stick. You may worry the best Christian into idolatry and unbelief, by
+parseverance and falsehood. Now that things look so serious, too, in the
+colonies, we ought to be most careful."</p>
+
+<p>Jamie did not clearly understand the application of the present state of
+the colonies, nor had he quite made up his mind, touching the merits of
+the quarrel between parliament and the Americans. As between the Stuarts
+and the House of Hanover, he was for the former, and that mainly because
+he thought them Scotch, and it was surely a good thing for a Scotchman to
+govern England; but, as between the <i>Old</i> countries and the <i>New</i>, he was
+rather inclined to think the rights of the first ought to predominate;
+there being something opposed to natural order, agreeably to his notions,
+in permitting the reverse of this doctrine to prevail. As for
+presbyterianism, however, even in the mitigated form of New England church
+government, he deemed it to be so much better than episcopacy, that he
+would have taken up arms, old as he was, for the party that it could be
+made to appear was fighting to uphold the last. We have no wish to mislead
+the reader. Neither of the persons mentioned, Mike included, actually
+<i>knew</i> anything of the points in dispute between the different sects, or
+churches, mentioned; but only <i>fancied</i> themselves in possession of the
+doctrines, traditions, and authorities connected with the subject. These
+fancies, however, served to keep alive a discussion that soon had many
+listeners; and never before, since his first ministration in the valley,
+did Mr. Woods meet as disaffected a congregation, as on this day.</p>
+
+<p>The church of the Hutted Knoll, or, as the clergyman more modestly termed
+it, the chapel, stood in the centre of the meadows, on a very low swell of
+their surface, where a bit of solid dry ground had been discovered, fit
+for such a purpose. The principal object had been to make it central;
+though some attention had been paid also to the picturesque. It was well
+shaded with young elms, just then opening into leaf; and about a dozen
+graves, principally of very young children, were memorials of the
+mortality of the settlement. The building was of stone, the work of Jamie
+Allen's own hands, but small, square, with a pointed roof, and totally
+without tower, or belfry. The interior was of unpainted cherry, and
+through a want of skill in the mechanics, had a cold and raw look, little
+suited to the objects of the structure. Still, the small altar, the desk
+and the pulpit, and the large, square, curtained pew of the captain, the
+only one the house contained, were all well ornamented with hangings, or
+cloth, and gave the place somewhat of an air of clerical comfort and
+propriety. The rest of the congregation sat on benches, with
+kneeling-boards before them. The walls were plastered, and, a proof that
+parsimony had no connection with the simple character of the building, and
+a thing almost as unusual in America at that period as it is to-day in
+parts of Italy, the chapel was entirely finished.</p>
+
+<p>It has been said that the morning of the particular Sabbath at which we
+have now arrived, was mild and balmy. The sun of the forty-third degree of
+latitude poured out its genial rays upon the valley, gilding the tender
+leaves of the surrounding forest with such touches of light as are best
+known to the painters of Italy. The fineness of the weather brought
+nearly all the working people of the settlement to the chapel quite an
+hour before the ringing of its little bell, enabling the men to compare
+opinions afresh, on the subject of the political troubles of the times,
+and the women to gossip about their children.</p>
+
+<p>On all such occasions, Joel was a principal spokesman, nature having
+created him for a demagogue, in a small way; an office for which education
+had in no degree unfitted him. As had been usual with him, of late, he
+turned the discourse on the importance of having correct information of
+what was going on, in the inhabited parts of the country, and of the
+expediency of sending some trustworthy person on such an errand. He had
+frequently intimated his own readiness to go, if his neighbours wished it.</p>
+
+<p>"We're all in the dark here," he remarked, "and might stay so to the end
+of time, without some one to be relied on, to tell us the news. Major
+Willoughby is a fine man"--Joel meant <i>morally</i>, not <i>physically</i>--"but
+he's a king's officer, and nat'rally feels inclined to make the best of
+things for the rig'lars. The captain, too, was once a soldier, himself,
+and his feelin's turn, as it might be, unav'idably, to the side he has
+been most used to. We are like people on a desart island, out here in the
+wilderness--and if ships won't arrive to tell us how matters come on, we
+must send one out to l'arn it for us. I'm the last man at the Dam"--so the
+<i>oi polloi</i> called the valley--"to say anything hard of either the captain
+or his son; but one is English born, and the other is English bred; and
+each will make a difference in a man's feelin's."</p>
+
+<p>To this proposition the miller, in particular, assented; and, for the
+twentieth time, he made some suggestion about the propriety of Joel's
+going himself, in order to ascertain how the land lay.</p>
+
+<p>"You can be back by hoeing," he added, "and have plenty of time to go as
+far as Boston, should you wish to."</p>
+
+<p>Now, while the great events were in progress, which led to the subversion
+of British power in America, an under-current of feeling, if not of
+incidents, was running in this valley, which threatened to wash away the
+foundations of the captain's authority. Joel and the miller, if not
+downright conspirators, had hopes, calculations, and even projects of
+their own, that never would have originated with men of the same class, in
+another state of society; or, it might almost be said, in another part of
+the world. The sagacity of the overseer had long enabled him to foresee
+that the issue of the present troubles would be insurrection; and a sort
+of instinct which some men possess for the strongest side, had pointed out
+to him the importance of being a patriot. The captain, he little doubted,
+would take part with the crown, and then no one knew what might be the
+consequences. It is not probable that Joel's instinct for the strongest
+side predicted the precise confiscations that subsequently ensued, some of
+which had all the grasping lawlessness of a gross abuse of power; but he
+could easily foresee that if the owner of the estate should be driven off,
+the property and its proceeds, probably for a series of years, would be
+very apt to fall under his own control and management. Many a patriot has
+been made by anticipations less brilliant than these; and as Joel and the
+miller talked the matter over between them, they had calculated all the
+possible emolument of fattening beeves, and packing pork for hostile
+armies, or isolated frontier posts, with a strong gusto for the
+occupation. Should open war but fairly commence, and could the captain
+only be induced to abandon the Knoll, and take refuge within a British
+camp, everything might be made to go smoothly, until settling day should
+follow a peace. At that moment, <i>non est inventus</i> would be a sufficient
+answer to a demand for any balance.</p>
+
+<p>"They tell me," said Joel, in an aside to the miller, "that law is as good
+as done with in the Bay colony, already; and you know if the law has run
+out <i>there</i>, it will quickly come to an end, here. York never had much
+character for law."</p>
+
+<p>"That's true, Joel; then you know the captain himself is the only
+magistrate hereabout; and, when he is away, we shall have to be governed
+by a committee of safety, or something of that natur'."</p>
+
+<p>"A committee of safety will be the thing!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is a committee of safety, Joel?" demanded the miller, who had made
+far less progress in the arts of the demagogue than his friend, and who,
+in fact, had much less native fitness for the vocation; "I have heer'n
+tell of them regulations, but do not rightly understand 'em, a'ter all."</p>
+
+<p>"You know what a committee is?" asked Joel, glancing inquiringly at his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>"I s'pose I do--it means men's takin' on themselves the trouble and care
+of public business."</p>
+
+<p>"That's it--now a committee of safety means a few of us, for instance,
+having the charge of the affairs of this settlement, in order to see that
+no harm shall come to anything, especially to the people."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be a good thing to have one, here. The carpenter, and you, and I
+might be members, Joel."</p>
+
+<p>"We'll talk about it, another time. The corn is just planted, you know;
+and it has got to be hoed <i>twice</i>, and topped, before it can be gathered.
+Let us wait and see how things come on at Boston."</p>
+
+<p>While this incipient plot was thus slowly coming to a head, and the
+congregation was gradually collecting at the chapel, a very different
+scene was enacting in the Hut. Breakfast was no sooner through, than Mrs.
+Willoughby retired to her own sitting-room, whither her son was shortly
+summoned to join her. Expecting some of the inquiries which maternal
+affection might prompt, the major proceeded to the place named with
+alacrity; but, on entering the room, to his great surprise he found Maud
+with his mother. The latter seemed grave and concerned, while the former
+was not entirely free from alarm. The young man glanced inquiringly at the
+young lady, and he fancied he saw tears struggling to break out of her
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Come hither, Robert"--said Mrs. Willoughby, pointing to a chair at her
+side--with a gravity that struck her son as unusual--"I have brought you
+here to listen to one of the old-fashioned lectures, of which you got so
+many when a boy."</p>
+
+<p>"Your advice, my dear mother--or even your reproofs--would be listened to
+with far more reverence and respect, now, than I fear they were then,"
+returned the major, seating himself by the side of Mrs. Willoughby, and
+taking one of her hands, affectionately, in both his own. "It is only in
+after-life that we learn to appreciate the tenderness and care of such a
+parent as you have been; though what I have done lately, to bring me in
+danger of the guard-house, I cannot imagine. Surely <i>you</i> cannot blame me
+for adhering to the crown, at a moment like this!"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not interfere with your conscience in this matter, Robert; and my
+own feelings, American as I am by birth and family, rather incline me to
+think as you think. I have wished to see you, my son, on a different
+business."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not keep me in suspense, mother; I feel like a prisoner who is waiting
+to hear his charges read. What have I done?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, it is rather for <i>you</i> to tell <i>me</i> what you have done. You cannot
+have forgotten, Robert, how very anxious I have been to awaken and keep
+alive family affection, among my children; how very important both your
+father and I have always deemed it; and how strongly we have endeavoured
+to impress this importance on all your minds. The tie of family, and the
+love it ought to produce, is one of the sweetest of all our earthly
+duties. Perhaps we old people see its value more than you young; but, to
+us, the weakening of it seems like a disaster only a little less to be
+deplored than death."</p>
+
+<p>"Dearest--dearest mother! What <i>can</i> you--what <i>do</i> you mean?--What can
+<i>I</i>--what can <i>Maud</i> have to do with this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not your consciences tell you, both? Has there not been some
+misunderstanding--perhaps a quarrel--certainly a coldness between you? A
+mother has a quick and a jealous eye; and I have seen, for some time, that
+there is not the old confidence, the free natural manner, in either of
+you, that there used to be, and which always gave your father and me so
+much genuine happiness. Speak, then, and let me make peace between you."</p>
+
+<p>Robert Willoughby would not have looked at Maud, at that moment, to have
+been given a regiment; as for Maud, herself, she was utterly incapable of
+raising her eyes from the floor. The former coloured to the temples, a
+proof of consciousness, his mother fancied; while the latter's face
+resembled ivory, as much as flesh and blood.</p>
+
+<p>"If you think, Robert," continued Mrs. Willoughby, "that Maud has
+forgotten you, or shown pique for any little former misunderstanding,
+during your last absence, you do her injustice. No one has done as much
+for you, in the way of memorial; that beautiful sash being all her own
+work, and made of materials purchased with her own pocket-money. Maud
+loves you truly, too; for, whatever may be the airs she gives herself,
+while you are together, when absent, no one seems to care more for your
+wishes and happiness, than that very wilful and capricious girl."</p>
+
+<p>"Mother!--mother!" murmured Maud, burying her face in both her hands.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willoughby was woman in all her feelings, habits and nature. No one
+would have been more keenly alive to the peculiar sensibilities of her
+sex, under ordinary circumstances, than herself; but she was now acting
+and thinking altogether in her character of a mother; and so long and
+intimately had she regarded the two beings before her, in that common and
+sacred light, that it would have been like the dawn of a new existence for
+her, just then, to look upon them as not really akin to each other.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not, nor can I treat either of you as a child," she continued,
+"and must therefore appeal only to your own good sense, to make a peace. I
+know it can be nothing serious; but, it is painful to me to see even an
+affected coldness among my children. Think, Maud, that we are on the point
+of a war, and how bitterly you would regret it, should any accident befall
+your brother, and your memory not be able to recall the time passed among
+us, in his last visit, with entire satisfaction."</p>
+
+<p>The mother's voice trembled; but tears no longer struggled about the
+eyelids of Maud. Her face was pale as death, and it seemed as if every
+ordinary fountain of sorrow were dried up.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Bob, this is too much!" she said eagerly, though in husky tones.
+"Here is my hand--nay, here are <i>both</i>. Mother must not think this cruel
+charge is--<i>can</i> be true."</p>
+
+<p>The major arose, approached his sister, and impressed a kiss on her cold
+cheek. Mrs. Willoughby smiled at these tokens of amity, and the
+conversation continued in a less earnest manner.</p>
+
+<p>"This is right, my children," said the single-hearted Mrs. Willoughby,
+whose sensitive maternal love saw nothing but the dreaded consequences of
+weakened domestic affections; "and I shall be all the happier for having
+witnessed it. Young soldiers, Maud, who are sent early from their homes,
+have too many inducements to forget them and those they contain; and we
+women are so dependent on the love of our male friends, that it is wisdom
+in <i>us</i> to keep alive all the earlier ties as long and as much as
+possible."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure, dearest mother," murmured Maud, though in a voice that was
+scarcely audible, "<i>I</i> shall be the last to wish to weaken this family
+tie. No one can feel a warmer--more proper--a more <i>sisterly</i> affection
+for Robert, than I do--he was always so kind to me when a child--and so
+ready to assist me--and so manly--and so everything that he ought to
+be--it is surprising you should have fancied there was any coldness
+between us!"</p>
+
+<p>Major Willoughby even bent forward to listen, so intense was his curiosity
+to hear what Maud said; a circumstance which, had she seen it, would
+probably have closed her lips. But her eyes were riveted on the floor, her
+cheeks were bloodless, and her voice so low, that nothing but the
+breathless stillness he observed, would have allowed the young man to hear
+it, where he sat.</p>
+
+<p>"You forget, mother"--rejoined the major, satisfied that the last murmur
+had died on his ears--"that Maud will probably be transplanted into
+another family, one of these days, where we, who know her so well, and
+have reason to love her so much, can only foresee that she will form new,
+and even stronger ties than any that accident may have formed for her
+here."</p>
+
+<p>"Never--never"--exclaimed Maud, fervently--"I can never love any as well
+as I love those who are in this house."</p>
+
+<p>The relief she wanted stopped her voice, and, bursting into tears, she
+threw-herself into Mrs. Willoughby's arms, and sobbed like a child. The
+mother now motioned to her son to quit the room, while she remained
+herself to soothe the weeping girl, as she so often had done before, when
+overcome by her infantile, or youthful griefs. Throughout this interview,
+habit and single-heartedness so exercised their influence, that the
+excellent matron did not, in the most remote manner, recollect that her
+son and Maud were not natural relatives. Accustomed herself to see the
+latter every day, and to think of her, as she had from the moment when
+she was placed in her arms, an infant of a few weeks old the effect that
+separation might produce on others, never presented itself to her mind.
+Major Willoughby, a boy of eight when Maud was received in the family, had
+known from the first her precise position; and it was perhaps morally
+impossible that <i>he</i> should not recall the circumstance in their
+subsequent intercourse; more especially as school, college, and the army,
+had given him so much leisure to reflect on such things, apart from the
+influence of family habits; while it was to be expected that a consequence
+of his own peculiar mode of thinking on this subject, would be to produce
+something like a sympathetic sentiment in the bosom of Maud. Until within
+the last few years, however, she had been so much of a child herself, and
+had been treated so much like a child by the young soldier, that it was
+only through a change in him, that was perceptible only to herself, and
+which occurred when he first met her grown into womanhood, that she alone
+admitted any feelings that were not strictly to be referred to sisterly
+regard. All this, nevertheless, was a profound mystery to every member of
+the family, but the two who were its subjects; no other thoughts than the
+simplest and most obvious, ever suggesting themselves to the minds of the
+others.</p>
+
+<p>In half an hour, Mrs. Willoughby had quieted all Maud's present troubles,
+and the whole family left the house to repair to the chapel. Michael,
+though he had no great reverence for Mr. Wood's ministrations, had
+constituted himself sexton, an office which had devolved on him in
+consequence of his skill with the spade. Once initiated into one branch of
+this duty, he had insisted on performing all the others; and it was
+sometimes a curious spectacle to see the honest fellow, busy about the
+interior of the building, during service, literally stopping one of his
+ears with a thumb, with a view, while he acquitted himself of what he
+conceived to be temporal obligations, to exclude as much heresy as
+possible. One of his rules was to refuse to commence tolling the bell,
+until he saw Mrs. Willoughby and her daughter, within a reasonable
+distance of the place of worship; a rule that had brought about more than
+one lively discussion between himself and the levelling-minded, if not
+heavenly-minded Joel Strides. On the present occasion, this simple
+process did not pass altogether without a dispute.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Mike; it's half-past ten; the people have been waiting about the
+meetin' 'us, some time; you should open the doors and toll the bell.
+People can't wait, for ever for anybody; not even for your church."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let 'em just go home, ag'in, and come when they're called. Because,
+the ould women, and the young women, and the childer, and the likes o'
+them, wishes to scandalize their fellow cr'atures, Christians I will not
+call 'em, let 'em mate in the mill, or the school-house, and not come
+forenent a church on sich a business as that. Is it toll the bell, will I,
+afore the Missus is in sight?--No--not for a whole gineration of ye, Joel;
+and every one o' them, too, a much likelier man than ye bees yerself."</p>
+
+<p>"Religion is no respecter of persons"--returned the philosophical Joel.
+"Them that likes masters and mistresses may have them, for all me; but it
+riles me to meet with meanness."</p>
+
+<p>"It does!" cried Mike, looking up at his companion, with a very startling
+expression of wonder. "If that be true, ye must be in a mighty throubled
+state, most of the live-long day, ye must!"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you, Michael O'Hearn, religion is no respecter of persons. The
+Lord cares jist as much for <i>me</i>, as he does for captain Willoughby, or
+his wife, or his son, or his darters, or anything that is his."</p>
+
+<p>"Divil burn me, now, Joel, if I believe <i>that</i>!" again cried Mike, in his
+dogmatic manner. "Them that understands knows the difference between
+mankind, and I'm sure it can be no great sacret to the Lord, when it is so
+well known to a poor fellow like myself. There's a plenthy of
+fellow-cr'atures that has a mighty good notion of their own excellence,
+but when it comes to r'ason and thruth, it's no very great figure ye all
+make, in proving what ye say. This chapel is the master's, if chapel the
+heretical box can be called, and yonder bell was bought wid his money; and
+the rope is his; and the hands that mane to pull it, is his; and so
+there's little use in talking ag'in rocks, and ag'in minds that's made up
+even harder than rocks, and to spare."</p>
+
+<p>This settled the matter. The bell was not tolled until Mrs. Willoughby,
+and her daughters, had got fairly through the still unprotected gateway of
+the stockade, although the recent discussion of political questions had so
+far substituted discontent for subordination in the settlement, that more
+than half of those who were of New England descent, had openly expressed
+their dissatisfaction at the delay. Mike, however, was as unmoved as the
+little chapel itself, refusing to open the door until the proper moment
+had arrived, according to his own notion of the fitness of things. He then
+proceeded to the elm, against which the little bell was hung, and
+commenced tolling it with as much seriousness as if the conveyer of sounds
+had been duly consecrated.</p>
+
+<p>When the family from the Hut entered the chapel, all the rest of the
+congregation were in their customary seats. This arrival, however, added
+materially to the audience, Great Smash and Little Smash, the two Plinys,
+and some five or six coloured children, between the ages of six and
+twelve, following in the train of their master. For the blacks, a small
+gallery had been built, where they could sit apart, a proscribed, if not a
+persecuted race. Little did the Plinys or the Smashes, notwithstanding,
+think of this. Habit had rendered their situation more than tolerable, for
+it had created notions and usages that would have rendered them
+uncomfortable, in closer contact with the whites. In that day, the two
+colours never ate together, by any accident; the eastern castes being
+scarcely more rigid in the observance of their rules, than the people of
+America were on this great point. The men who would toil together, joke
+together, and pass their days in familiar intercourse, would not sit down
+at the same board. There seemed to be a sort of contamination, according
+to the opinions of one of these castes, in breaking bread with the other.
+This prejudice often gave rise to singular scenes, more especially in the
+households of those who habitually laboured in company with their slaves.
+In such families, it not unfrequently happened that a black led the
+councils of the farm. He might be seen seated by the fire, uttering his
+opinions dogmatically, reasoning warmly against his own master, and
+dealing out his wisdom <i>ex cathedra</i>, even while he waited, with patient
+humility, when he might approach, and satisfy his hunger, after all of the
+other colour had quitted the table.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Woods was not fortunate in the selection of his subject, on the
+occasion of which we are writing. There had been so much personal
+activity, and so much political discussion during the past week, as to
+prevent him from writing a new sermon, and of course he was compelled to
+fail back on the other end of the barrel. The recent arguments inclined
+him to maintain his own opinions, and he chose a discourse that he had
+delivered to the garrison of which he had last been chaplain. To this
+choice he had been enticed by the text, which was, "Render unto C&aelig;sar the
+things that are C&aelig;sar's," a mandate that would be far more palatable to an
+audience composed of royal troops, than to one which had become a good
+deal disaffected by the arts and arguments of Joel Strides and the miller.
+Still, as the sermon contained a proper amount of theological truisms, and
+had a sufficiency of general orthodoxy to cover a portion of its political
+bearing, it gave far more dissatisfaction to a few of the knowing, than to
+the multitude. To own the truth, the worthy priest was so much addicted to
+continuing his regimental and garrison course of religious instruction,
+that his ordinary listeners would scarcely observe this tendency to
+loyalty; though it was far different with those who were eagerly looking
+for causes of suspicion and denunciation, in the higher quarters.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Joel, as he and the miller, followed by their respective
+families, proceeded towards the mill, where the household of the Strides'
+were to pass the remainder of the day, "well, this is a bold sermon for a
+minister to preach in times like these! I kind o' guess, if Mr. Woods was
+down in the Bay, 'render unto C&aelig;sar the things that are C&aelig;sars,' wouldn't
+be doctrine to be so quietly received by every congregation. What's your
+notion about that, Miss Strides?"</p>
+
+<p><i>Miss</i> Strides thought exactly as her husband thought, and the miller and
+his wife were not long in chiming in with her, accordingly. The sermon
+furnished material for conversation throughout the remainder of the day,
+at the mill, and divers conclusions were drawn from it, that were ominous
+to the preacher's future comfort and security.</p>
+
+<p>Nor did the well-meaning parson entirely escape comment in the higher
+quarters.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish, Woods, you had made choice of some other subject," observed the
+captain, as he and his friend walked the lawn together, in waiting for a
+summons to dinner.</p>
+
+<p>"In times like these, one cannot be too careful of the political notions
+he throws out; and to own the truth to you, I am more than half inclined
+to think that C&aelig;sar is exercising quite as much authority, in these
+colonies, as justly falls to his share."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, my dear captain, you have heard this very sermon three or four times
+already, and you have more than once mentioned it with commendation!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, but that was in garrison, where one is obliged to teach
+subordination. I remember the sermon quite well, and a very good one it
+was, twenty years since, when you first preached it; but--"</p>
+
+<p>"I apprehend, captain Willoughby, that '<i>tempora mutantur, et, nos mutamus
+in illis.'</i> That the mandates and maxims of the Saviour are far beyond the
+mutations and erring passions of mortality. His sayings are intended for
+all times."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, as respects their general principles and governing truths. But
+no text is to be interpreted without some reference to circumstances. All
+I mean is, that the preaching which might be very suitable to a battalion
+of His Majesty's Fortieth might be very unsuitable for the labourers of
+the Hutted Knoll; more especially so soon after what I find is called the
+Battle of Lexington."</p>
+
+<p>The summons to dinner cut short the discourse; and probably prevented a
+long, warm, but friendly argument.</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon and evening, captain Willoughby and his son had a private
+and confidential discourse. The former advised the major to rejoin his
+regiment without delay, unless he were prepared to throw up his commission
+and take sides with the colonists, altogether. To this the young soldier
+would not listen, returning to the charge, in the hope of rekindling the
+dormant flame of his father's loyalty.</p>
+
+<p>The reader is not to suppose that captain Willoughby's own mind was
+absolutely made up to fly into open rebellion. Far from it. He had his
+doubts and misgivings on the subjects of both principles and prudence, but
+he inclined strongly to the equity of the demands of the Americans.
+Independence, or separation, if thought of at all in 1775 entered into
+the projects of but very few; the warmest wish of the most ardent of the
+whigs of the colonies being directed toward compromise, and a distinct
+recognition of their political franchises. The events that followed so
+thickly were merely the consequences of causes which, once set in motion,
+soon attained an impetus that defied ordinary human control. It was
+doubtless one of the leading incidents of the great and mysterious scheme
+of Divine Providence for the government of the future destinies of man,
+that political separation should commence, in this hemisphere, at that
+particular juncture, to be carried out, ere the end of a century, to its
+final and natural conclusion.</p>
+
+<p>But the present interview was less to debate the merits of any disputed
+question, than to consult on the means of future intercourse, and to
+determine on what was best to be done at the present moment. After
+discussing the matter, pro and con, it was decided that the major should
+quit the Knoll the next day, and return to Boston, avoiding Albany and
+those points of the country in which he would be most exposed to
+detection. So many persons were joining the American forces that were
+collecting about the besieged town, that his journeying on the proper road
+would excite no suspicion; and once in the American camp, nothing would be
+easier than to find his way into the peninsula. All this young Willoughby
+felt no difficulty in being able to accomplish, provided he could get into
+the settlements without being followed by information of his real
+character. The period of spies, and of the severe exercise of martial-law,
+was not yet reached; and all that was apprehended was detention. Of the
+last, however, there was great danger; positive certainty, indeed, in the
+event of discovery; and major Willoughby had gleaned enough during his
+visit, to feel some apprehensions of being betrayed. He regretted having
+brought his servant with him; for the man was a European, and by his
+dulness and speech might easily get them both into difficulties. So
+serious, indeed, was this last danger deemed by the father, that he
+insisted on Robert's starting without the man, leaving the last to follow,
+on the first suitable occasion.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as this point was settled, there arose the question of the proper
+guide. Although he distrusted the Tuscarora, captain Willoughby, after
+much reflection, came to the opinion that it would be safer to make an
+ally of him, than to give him an opportunity of being employed by the
+other side. Nick was sent for, and questioned. He promised to take the
+major to the Hudson, at a point between Lunenburg and Kinderhook, where he
+would be likely to cross the river without awakening suspicion; his own
+reward to depend on his coming back to the Hutted Knoll with a letter from
+the major, authorizing the father to pay him for his services. This plan,
+it was conceived, would keep Nick true to his faith, for the time being,
+at least.</p>
+
+<p>Many other points were discussed between the father and son, the latter
+promising if anything of importance occurred, to find the means of
+communicating it to his friends at the Knoll, while Parrel was to follow
+his master, at the end of six weeks or two months, with letters from the
+family. Many of the captain's old army-friends were now in situations of
+authority and command, and he sent to them messages of prudence, and
+admonitions to be moderate in their views, which subsequent events proved
+were little regarded. To general Gage he even wrote, using the precaution
+not to sign the letter, though its sentiments were so much in favour of
+the colonies, that had it been intercepted, it is most probable the
+Americans would have forwarded the missive to its direction.</p>
+
+<p>These matters arranged, the father and son parted for the night, some time
+after the house-clock had struck the hour of twelve.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch09">
+<h2>Chapter IX.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  Though old in cunning, as in years,<br />
+  He is so small, that like a child<br />
+  In face and form, the god appears,<br />
+  And sportive like a boy, and wild;<br />
+  Lightly he moves from place to place,<br />
+  In none at rest, in none content;<br />
+  Delighted some new toy to chase--<br />
+  On childish purpose ever bent.<br />
+  Beware! to childhood's spirits gay<br />
+  Is added more than childhood's power;<br />
+  And you perchance may rue the hour<br />
+  That saw you join his seeming play.</p>
+
+<p>  Griffen</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The intention of the major to quit the Knoll that day, was announced to
+the family at breakfast, on the following morning. His mother and Beulah
+heard this intelligence, with a natural and affectionate concern, that
+they had no scruples in avowing; but Maud seemed to have so schooled her
+feelings, that the grief she really felt was under a prudent control. To
+her, it appeared as if her secret were constantly on the point of
+exposure, and she believed <i>that</i> would cause her instant death. To
+survive its shame was impossible in her eyes, and all the energies of her
+nature were aroused, with the determination of burying her weakness in her
+own bosom. She had been so near revealing it to Beulah, that even now she
+trembled as she thought of the precipice over which she had been
+impending, strengthening her resolution by the recollection of the danger
+she had run.</p>
+
+<p>As a matter of necessary caution, the intended movements of the young man
+were kept a profound secret from all in the settlement. Nick had
+disappeared in the course of the night, carrying with him the major's
+pack, having repaired to a designated point on the stream, where he was to
+be joined by his fellow-traveller at an hour named. There were several
+forest-paths which led to the larger settlements. That usually travelled
+was in the direction of old Fort Stanwix, first proceeding north, and
+then taking a south-eastern direction, along the shores of the Mohawk.
+This was the route by which the major had come. Another struck the Otsego,
+and joined the Mohawk at the point more than once mentioned in our opening
+chapters. As these were the two ordinary paths--if paths they could be
+called, where few or no traces of footsteps were visible--it was more than
+probable any plan to arrest the traveller would be laid in reference to
+their courses. The major had consequently resolved to avoid them both, and
+to strike boldly into the mountains, until he should reach the
+Susquehanna, cross that stream on its flood wood, and finding one of its
+tributaries that flowed in from the eastward, by following its banks to
+the high land, which divides the waters of the Mohawk from this latter
+river, place himself on a route that would obliquely traverse the
+water-courses, which, in this quarter of the country, have all a general
+north or south direction. Avoiding Schenectady and Albany, he might
+incline towards the old establishments of the descendants of the emigrants
+from the Palatinate, on the Schoharie, and reach the Hudson at a point
+deemed safe for his purposes, through some of the passes of the mountains
+in their vicinity. He was to travel in the character of a land-owner who
+had been visiting his patent, and his father supplied him with a map and
+an old field-book, which would serve to corroborate his assumed character,
+in the event of suspicion, or arrest. Not much danger was apprehended,
+however, the quarrel being yet too recent to admit of the organization and
+distrust that subsequently produced so much vigilance and activity.</p>
+
+<p>"You will contrive to let us hear of your safe arrival in Boston, Bob,"
+observed the father, as he sat stirring his tea, in a thoughtful way--"I
+hope to God the matter will go no farther, and that our apprehensions,
+after all, have given this dark appearance to what has already happened."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, my dear father; you little know the state of the country, through
+which I have so lately travelled!" answered the major, shaking his head.
+"An alarm of fire, in an American town, would scarce create more movement,
+and not so much excitement. The colonies are alive, particularly those of
+New England, and a civil war is inevitable; though I trust the power of
+England will render it short."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, Robert, do not trust yourself among the people of New
+England"--cried the anxious mother. "Go rather to New York, where we have
+so many friends, and so much influence. It will be far easier to reach New
+York than to reach Boston."</p>
+
+<p>"That may be true, mother, but it will scarcely be as creditable. My
+regiment is in Boston, and its enemies are <i>before</i> Boston; an old soldier
+like captain Willoughby will tell you that the major is a very necessary
+officer to a corps. No--no--my best course is to fall into the current of
+adventurers who are pushing towards Boston, and appear like one of their
+number, until I can get an opportunity of stealing away from them, and
+join my own people."</p>
+
+<p>"Have a care, Bob, that you do not commit a military crime. Perhaps these
+provincial officers may take it into their heads to treat you as a spy,
+should you fall into their hands!"</p>
+
+<p>"Little fear of that, sir; at present it is a sort of colonial scramble
+for what they fancy liberty. That they will fight, in their zeal, I know;
+for I have seen it; but matters have not at all gone as far as you appear
+to apprehend. I question if they would even stop Gage, himself, from going
+through their camp, were he outside, and did he express a desire to
+return."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet you tell me, arms and ammunition are seized all over the land;
+that several old half-pay officers of the king have been arrested, and put
+under a sort of parole!"</p>
+
+<p>"Such things were talked of, certainly, though I question if they have yet
+been done. Luckily for yourself, under your present opinions at least,
+<i>you</i> are not on half-pay, even."</p>
+
+<p>"It is fortunate, Bob, though you mention it with a smile. With my present
+feelings, I should indeed be sorry to be on half-pay, or quarter-pay, were
+there such a thing. I now feel myself my-own master, at liberty to follow
+the dictates of my conscience, and the suggestions of my judgment."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, you are a little fortunate, it must be acknowledged. I cannot
+see how any man <i>can</i> be at liberty to throw off the allegiance he owes
+his natural sovereign. What think you, Maud?"</p>
+
+<p>This was said half in bitterness, half in jest, though the appeal at its
+close was uttered in a serious manner, and a little anxiously. Maud
+hesitated, as if to muster her thoughts, ere she replied.</p>
+
+<p>"My feelings are against rebellion," she said, at length; "though I fear
+my reason tells me there is no such thing as a natural sovereign. If the
+parliament had not given us the present family, a century since, by what
+rule of nature would it be our princes, Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! these are some of the flights of your rich imagination, my
+dear--Maud; it is parliament that has made them our princes, and
+parliament, at least, is our legal, constitutional master."</p>
+
+<p>"That is just the point in dispute. Parliament may be the rightful
+governors of England, but are they the rightful governors of America?"</p>
+
+<p>"Enough," said the captain, rising from table--"We will not discuss such a
+question, just as we are about to separate. Go, my son; a duty that is to
+be performed, cannot be done too soon. Your fowling-piece and ammunition
+are ready for you, and I shall take care to circulate the report that you
+have gone to pass an hour in the woods, in search of pigeons. God bless
+you, Bob; however we may differ in this matter--you are my son--my <i>only</i>
+son--my dear and well-beloved boy--God for ever bless you!"</p>
+
+<p>A profound stillness succeeded this burst of nature, and then the young
+man took his leave of his mother and the girls. Mrs. Willoughby kissed her
+child. She did not even weep, until she was in her room; then, indeed, she
+went to her knees, her tears, and her prayers. Beulah, all heart and truth
+as she was, wept freely on her brother's neck; but Maud, though pale and
+trembling, received his kiss without returning it; though she could not
+help saying with a meaning that the young man had in his mind all that
+day, ay, and for many succeeding days--"be careful of yourself, and run
+into no unnecessary dangers; God bless you, dear, <i>dear</i> Bob."</p>
+
+<p>Maud alone followed the movements of the gentlemen with her eyes. The
+peculiar construction of the Hut prevented external view from the south
+windows; but there was a loop in a small painting-room of the garret that
+was especially under her charge. Thither, then, she flew, to ease her
+nearly bursting heart with tears, and to watch the retiring footsteps of
+Robert. She saw him, accompanied by his father and the chaplain, stroll
+leisurely down the lawn, conversing and affecting an indifferent manner,
+with a wish to conceal his intent to depart. The glass of the loop was
+open, to admit the air, and Maud strained her sense of hearing, in the
+desire to catch, if possible, another tone of his voice. In this she was
+unsuccessful; though he stopped and gazed back at the Hut, as if to take a
+parting look. Her father and Mr. Woods did not turn, and Maud thrust her
+hand through the opening and waved her handkerchief. "He will think it
+Beulah or I," she thought, "and it may prove a consolation to him to know
+how much <i>we</i> love him." The major saw the signal, and returned it. His
+father unexpectedly turned, and caught a glimpse of the retiring hand, as
+it was disappearing within the loop. "That is our precious Maud," he said,
+without other thought than of her sisterly affection. "It is <i>her</i>
+painting-room; Beulah's is on the other side of the gateway; but the
+window does not seem to be open."</p>
+
+<p>The major started, kissed his hand fervently, five or six times, and then
+he walked on. As if to change the conversation, he said hastily, and with
+a little want of connection with what had just passed--</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, that gate, sure enough--have it hung, at once, I do entreat of
+you. I shall not be easy until I hear that both the gates are hung--that
+in the stockade, and that in the house, itself."</p>
+
+<p>"It was my intention to commence to-day," returned the father, "but your
+departure has prevented it. I will wait a day or two, to let your mother
+and sisters tranquillize their minds a little, before we besiege them with
+the noise and clamour of the workmen."</p>
+
+<p>"Better besiege them with <i>that</i>, my dear sir, than leave them exposed to
+an Indian, or even a rebel attack."</p>
+
+<p>The major then went on to give some of his more modern military notions,
+touching the art of defence. As one of the old school, he believed his
+father a miracle of skill; but what young man, who had enjoyed the
+advantages of ten or fifteen years of the most recent training in any
+branch of knowledge, ever believed the educations of those who went before
+him beyond the attacks of criticism. The captain listened patiently, and
+with an old man's tolerance for inexperience, glad to have any diversion
+to unhappy thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>All this time Maud watched their movements from the loop, with eyes
+streaming with tears. She saw Robert pause, and look back, again and
+again; and, once more, she thrust out the handkerchief. It was plain,
+however, he did not see it; for he turned and proceeded, without any
+answering signal.</p>
+
+<p>"He never <i>can</i> know whether it was Beulah or I," thought Maud; "yet, he
+may fancy we are <i>both</i> here."</p>
+
+<p>On the rocks, that overhung the mills, the gentlemen paused, and conversed
+for quite a quarter of an hour. The distance prevented Maud from
+discerning their countenances; but she could perceive the thoughtful, and
+as she fancied melancholy, attitude of the major, as, leaning on his
+fowling-piece, his lace was turned towards the Knoll, and his eyes were
+really riveted on the loop. At the end of the time mentioned, the young
+soldier shook hands hastily and covertly with his companions, hurried
+towards the path, and descended out of sight, following the course of the
+stream. Maud saw him no more, though her father and Mr. Woods stood on the
+rocks quite half an hour longer, catching occasional glimpses of his form,
+as it came out of the shadows of the forest, into the open space of the
+little river; and, indeed, until the major was within a short distance of
+the spot where he was to meet the Indian. Then they heard the reports of
+both barrels of his fowling-piece, fired in quick succession, the signals
+that he had joined his guide. This welcome news received, the two
+gentlemen returned slowly towards the house.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the commencement of a day, which, while it brought forth nothing
+alarming to the family of the Hutted Knoll, was still pregnant with
+important consequences. Major Willoughby disappeared from the sight of his
+father about ten in the morning; and before twelve, the settlement was
+alive with the rumours of a fresh arrival. Joel knew not whether to
+rejoice or to despair, as he saw a party of eight or ten armed men rising
+above the rock, and holding their course across the flats towards the
+house. He entertained no doubt of its being a party sent by the provincial
+authorities to arrest the captain, and he foresaw the probability of
+another's being put into the lucrative station of receiver of the estate,
+during the struggle which was in perspective. It is surprising how many,
+and sometimes how pure patriots are produced by just such hopes as those
+of Joel's. At this day, there is scarce an instance of a confiscated
+estate, during the American revolution, connected with which racy
+traditions are not to be found, that tell of treachery very similar to
+this contemplated by the overseer in some instances of treachery effected
+by means of kinsmen and false friends.</p>
+
+<p>Joel had actually got on his Sunday coat, and was making his way towards
+the Knoll, in order to be present, at least, at the anticipated scene,
+when, to his amazement, and somewhat to his disappointment, he saw the
+captain and chaplain moving down the lawn, in a manner to show that these
+unexpected arrivals brought not unwelcome guests. This caused him to
+pause; and when he perceived that the only two among the strangers who had
+the air of gentlemen, were met with cordial shakes of the hand, he turned
+back towards his own tenement, a half-dissatisfied, and yet half contented
+man.</p>
+
+<p>The visit which the captain had come out to receive, instead of producing
+any uneasiness in his family, was, in truth, highly agreeable, and very
+opportune. It was Evert Beekman, with an old friend, attended by a party
+of chain-bearers, hunters, &amp;c., on his way from the "Patent" he owned in
+the neighbourhood--that is to say, within fifty miles--and halting at the
+Hutted Knoll, under the courteous pretence of paying his respects to the
+family, but, in reality, to bring the suit he had now been making to
+Beulah for quite a twelvemonth, to a successful termination.</p>
+
+<p>The attachment between Evert Beekman and Beulah Willoughby was of a
+character so simple, so sincere, and so natural, as scarce to furnish
+materials for a brief episode. The young man had not made his addresses
+without leave obtained from the parents; he had been acceptable to the
+daughter from the commencement of their acquaintance; and she had only
+asked time to reflect, ere she gave her answer, when he proposed, a day or
+two before the family left New York.</p>
+
+<p>To own the truth, Beulah was a little surprised that her suitor had
+delayed his appearance till near the close of May, when she had expected
+to see him at the beginning of the month. A letter, however, was out of
+the question, since there was no mode of transmitting it, unless the
+messenger were sent expressly; and the young man had now come in person,
+to make his own apologies.</p>
+
+<p>Beulah received Evert Beekman naturally, and without the least
+exaggeration of manner, though a quiet happiness beamed in her handsome
+face, that said as much as lover could reasonably desire. Her parents
+welcomed him cordially, and the suitor must have been dull indeed, not to
+anticipate all he hoped. Nor was it long before every doubt was removed.
+The truthful, conscientious Beulah, had well consulted her heart; and,
+while she blushed at her own temerity, she owned her attachment to her
+admirer. The very day of his arrival they became formally betrothed. As
+our tale, however, has but a secondary connection with this little
+episode, we shall not dwell on it more than is necessary to the principal
+object. It was a busy morning, altogether; and, though there were many
+tears, there were also many smiles. By the time it was usual, at that
+bland season, for the family to assemble on the lawn, everything, even to
+the day, was settled between Beulah and her lover, and there was a little
+leisure to think of other things. It was while the younger Pliny and one
+of the Smashes were preparing the tea, that the following conversation was
+held, being introduced by Mr. Woods, in the way of digressing from
+feelings in which he was not quite as much interested as some of the rest
+of the party.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you bring us anything new from Boston?" demanded the chaplain. "I have
+been dying to ask the question these two hours--ever since dinner, in
+fact; but, somehow, Mr. Beekman, I have not been able to edge in an
+inquiry."</p>
+
+<p>This was said good-naturedly, but quite innocently; eliciting smiles,
+blushes, and meaning glances in return. Evert Beekman, however, looked
+grave before he made his reply.</p>
+
+<p>"To own the truth, Mr. Woods," he said, "things are getting to be very
+serious. Boston is surrounded by thousands of our people; and we hope, not
+only to keep the king's forces in the Peninsula, but, in the end, to drive
+them out of the colony."</p>
+
+<p>"This is a bold measure, Mr. Beekman!--a very bold step to take against
+C&aelig;sar!"</p>
+
+<p>"Woods preached about the rights of C&aelig;sar, no later than yesterday, you
+ought to know, Beekman," put in the laughing captain; "and I am afraid he
+will be publicly praying for the success of the British arms, before
+long."</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>did</i> pray for the Royal Family," said the chaplain, with spirit, "and
+hope I shall ever continue to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear fellow, I do not object to <i>that</i>. Pray for all conditions of
+men, enemies and friends alike; and, particularly, pray for our princes;
+but pray also to turn the hearts of their advisers."</p>
+
+<p>Beekman seemed uneasy. He belonged to a decidedly whig family, and was
+himself, at the very moment, spoken of as the colonel of one of the
+regiments about to be raised in the colony of New York. He held that rank
+in the militia, as it was; and no one doubted his disposition to resist
+the British forces, at the proper moment. He had even stolen away from
+what he conceived to be very imperative duties, to secure the woman of his
+heart before he went into the field. His answer, in accordance, partook
+essentially of the bias of his mind.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know, sir, that it is quite wise to pray so very willingly for
+the Royal Family," he said. "We may wish them worldly happiness, and
+spiritual consolation, as part of the human race; but political and
+specific prayers, in times like these, are to be used with caution. Men
+attach more than the common religious notion, just now, to prayers for the
+king, which some interpret into direct petitions against the United
+Colonies."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," rejoined the captain, "I cannot agree to this, myself. If there
+were a prayer to confound parliament and its counsels, I should be very
+apt to join in it cordially; but I am not yet ready to throw aside king,
+queen, princes and princesses, all in a lump, on account of a few taxes,
+and a tittle tea."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry to hear this from you, sir," answered Evert. "When your
+opinions were canvassed lately at Albany, I gave a sort of pledge that you
+were certainly more with us than against us."</p>
+
+<p>"Well then, I think, Beekman, you drew me in my true outlines. In the
+main, I think the colonies right, though I am still willing to pray for
+the king."</p>
+
+<p>"I am one of those, captain Willoughby, who look forward to the most
+serious times. The feeling throughout the colonies is tremendous, and the
+disposition on the part of the royal officers is to meet the crisis with
+force."</p>
+
+<p>"You have a brother a captain of foot in one of the regiments of the
+crown, colonel Beekman--what are his views in this serious state of
+affairs?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has already thrown up his commission--refusing even to sell out, a
+privilege that was afforded him. His name is now before congress for a
+majority in one of the new regiments that are to be raised."</p>
+
+<p>The captain looked grave; Mrs. Willoughby anxious; Beulah interested; and
+Maud thoughtful.</p>
+
+<p>"This has a serious aspect, truly," observed the first. "When men abandon
+all their early hopes, to assume new duties, there must be a deep and
+engrossing cause. I had not thought it like to come to this!"</p>
+
+<p>"We have had hopes major Willoughby might do the same; I know that a
+regiment is at his disposal, if he be disposed to join us. No one would be
+more gladly received. We are to have Gates, Montgomery, Lee, and many
+other old officers, from regular corps, on our side."</p>
+
+<p>"Will colonel Lee be put at the head of the American forces?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think not, sir. He has a high reputation, and a good deal of
+experience, but he is a humourist; and what is something, though you will
+pardon it, he is not an American born."</p>
+
+<p>"It is quite right to consult such considerations, Beekman; were I in
+congress, they would influence <i>me</i>, Englishman as I am, and in many
+things must always remain."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear you say that, Willoughby," exclaimed the chaplain--"
+right down rejoiced to hear you say so! A man is bound to stand by his
+birth-place, through thick and thin."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you, then, reconcile your opinions, in this matter, to <i>your</i>
+birth-place, Woods?" asked the laughing captain.</p>
+
+<p>To own the truth, the chaplain was a little confused. He had entered into
+the controversy with so much zeal, of late, as to have imbibed the
+feelings of a thorough partisan; and, as is usual, with such philosophers,
+was beginning to overlook everything that made against his opinions, and
+to exaggerate everything that sustained them.</p>
+
+<p>"How?"--he cried, with zeal, if not with consistency--"Why, well enough. I
+am an Englishman too, in the general view of the case, though born in
+Massachusetts. Of English descent, and an English subject."</p>
+
+<p>"Umph!--Then Beekman, here, who is of Dutch descent, is not bound by the
+same principles as we are ourselves?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not by the same <i>feelings</i> possibly; but, surely, by the same principles.
+Colonel Beekman is an Englishman by construction, and you are by birth.
+Yes, I'm what may be called a <i>constructive</i> Englishman."</p>
+
+<p>Even Mrs. Willoughby and Beulah laughed at this, though not a smile had
+crossed Maud's face, since her eye had lost Robert Willoughby from view.
+The captain's ideas seemed to take a new direction, and he was silent some
+little time before he spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"Under the circumstances in which we are now placed, as respects each
+other, Mr. Beekman," he said, "it is proper that there should be no
+concealments on grave points. Had you arrived an hour or two earlier, you
+would have met a face well known to you, in that of my son, major
+Willoughby."</p>
+
+<p>"Major Willoughby, my dear sir!" exclaimed Beekman, with a start of
+unpleasant surprise; "I had supposed him with the royal army, in Boston.
+You say he has left the Knoll--I sincerely hope not for Albany."</p>
+
+<p>"No--I wished him to go in that direction, at first, and to see you, in
+particular; but his representations of the state of the country induced me
+to change my mind; he travels by a private way, avoiding all the towns of
+note, or size."</p>
+
+<p>"In that he has done well, sir. Near to me as a brother of Beulah's must
+always seem, I should be sorry to see Bob, just at this moment. If there
+be no hope of getting him to join us, the farther we are separated the
+better."</p>
+
+<p>This was said gravely, and it caused all who heard it fully to appreciate
+the serious character of a quarrel that threatened to arm brother against
+brother. As if by common consent, the discourse changed, all appearing
+anxious, at a moment otherwise so happy, to obliterate impressions so
+unpleasant from their thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>The captain, his wife, Beulah and the colonel, had several long and
+private communications in the course of the evening. Maud was not sorry to
+be left to herself, and the chaplain devoted his time to the entertainment
+of the friend of Beekman, who was in truth a surveyor, brought along
+partly to preserve appearances, and partly for service. The chain-bearers,
+hunters, &amp;c., had been distributed in the different cabins of the
+settlement, immediately on the arrival of the party.</p>
+
+<p>That night, when the sisters retired, Maud perceived that Beulah had
+something to communicate, out of the common way. Still, she did not know
+whether it would be proper for her to make any inquiries, and things were
+permitted to take their natural course. At length Beulah, in her gentle
+way, remarked--"It is a fearful thing, Maud, for a woman to take upon
+herself the new duties, obligations and ties of a wife."</p>
+
+<p>"She should <i>not</i> do it, Beulah, unless she feels a love for the man of
+her choice, that will sustain her in them. You, who have <i>real</i> parents
+living, ought to feel this fully, as I doubt not you do."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Real</i> parents! Maud, you frighten me! Are not <i>my </i> parents <i>yours?</i>--Is
+not all our love common?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am ashamed of myself, Beulah. Dearer and better parents than mine, no
+girl ever had. I am ashamed of my words, and beg you will forget them."</p>
+
+<p>"That I shall be very ready to do. It was a great consolation to think
+that should I be compelled to quit home, as compelled I must be in the
+end, I should leave with my father and mother a child as dutiful, and one
+that loves them as sincerely as yourself, Maud."</p>
+
+<p>"You have thought right, Beulah. I do love them to my heart's core! Then
+you are right in another sense; for I shall <i>never</i> marry. My mind is made
+up to <i>that</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, dear, many are happy that never marry--many women are happier than
+those that do. Evert has a kind, manly, affectionate heart, and I know
+will do all he can to prevent my regretting home; but we can never have
+more than <i>one</i> mother, Maud!"</p>
+
+<p>Maud did not answer, though she looked surprised that Beulah should say
+this to <i>her</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Evert has reasoned and talked so much to my father and mother," continued
+the <i>fianc&eacute;e</i>, blushing, "that they have thought we had better be married
+at once. Do you know, Maud, that it has been settled this evening, that
+the ceremony is to take place to-morrow!"</p>
+
+<p>"This is sudden, indeed, Beulah! Why have they determined on so unexpected
+a thing?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is all owing to the state of the country. I know not how he has done
+it--but Evert has persuaded my father, that the sooner I am his wife, the
+more secure we shall <i>all</i> be, here at the Knoll."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you love Evert Beekman, dearest, dearest Beulah?"</p>
+
+<p>"What a question, Maud! Do you suppose I could stand up before a minister
+of God, and plight my faith to a man I did not love?--Why have you seemed
+to doubt it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt it--I am very foolish, for I know you are conscientious as
+the saints in heaven--and yet, Beulah, I think <i>I</i> could scarce be so
+tranquil about one I loved."</p>
+
+<p>The gentle Beulah smiled, but she no longer felt uneasiness. She
+understood the impulses and sentiments of her own pure but tranquil nature
+too well, to distrust herself; and she could easily imagine that Maud
+would not be as composed under similar circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it is well, sister of mine," she answered laughing, though
+blushing, "that you are so resolved to remain single; for one hardly knows
+where to find a suitor sufficiently devoted and ethereal for your taste.
+No one pleased you last winter, though the least encouragement would have
+Brought a dozen to your feet; and here there is no one you can possibly
+have, unless it be dear, good, old Mr. Woods."</p>
+
+<p>Maud compressed her lips, and really looked stern, so determined was she
+to command herself; then she answered somewhat in her sister's vein--</p>
+
+<p>"It is very true," she said, "there is no hero for me to accept, unless it
+be dear Mr. Woods; and he, poor man, has had one wife that cured him of
+any desire to possess another, they say."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Woods! I never knew that he was married. Who can have told you this,
+Maud?"</p>
+
+<p>"I got it from Robert"--answered the other, hesitating a little. "He was
+talking one day of such things."</p>
+
+<p>"What things, dear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why--of getting married--I believe it was about marrying relatives--or
+connections--or, some such thing; for Mr. Woods married a cousin-german,
+it would seem--and so he told me all about it. Bob was old enough to know
+his wife, when she died. Poor man, she led him a hard life--he must be far
+from the Knoll, by this time, Beulah!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Woods!--I left him with papa, a few minutes since, talking over the
+ceremony for to-morrow!"</p>
+
+<p>"I meant Bob----"</p>
+
+<p>Here the sisters caught each other's eyes, and both blushed, consciousness
+presenting to them, at the same instant, the images that were uppermost in
+their respective minds. But, no more was said. They continued their
+employments in silence, and soon each was kneeling in prayer.</p>
+
+<p>The following day, Evert Beekman and Beulah Willoughby were married. The
+ceremony took place, immediately after breakfast, in the little chapel; no
+one being present but the relatives, and Michael O'Hearn, who quieted his
+conscience for not worshipping with the rest of the people, by acting as
+their sexton. The honest county Leitrim man was let into the secret--as a
+great secret, however--at early dawn; and he had the place swept and in
+order in good season, appearing in his Sunday attire to do honour to the
+occasion, as he thought became him.</p>
+
+<p>A mother as tender as Mrs. Willoughby, could not resign the first claim on
+her child, without indulging her tears, Maud wept, too; but it was as much
+in sympathy for Beulah's happiness, as from any other cause. The marriage
+in other respects, was simple, and without any ostentatious
+manifestations of feeling. It was, in truth, one of those rational and
+wise connections, which promise to wear well, there being a perfect
+fitness, in station, wealth, connections, years, manners and habits,
+between the parties. Violence was done to nothing, in bringing this
+discreet and well-principled couple together. Evert was as worthy of
+Beulah, as she was worthy of him. There was confidence in the future, on
+every side; and not a doubt, or a misgiving of any sort, mingled with the
+regrets, if regrets they could be called, that were, in some measure,
+inseparable from the solemn ceremony.</p>
+
+<p>The marriage was completed, the affectionate father had held the weeping
+but smiling bride on his bosom, the tender mother had folded her to her
+heart, Maud had pressed her in her arms in a fervent embrace, and the
+chaplain had claimed his kiss, when the well-meaning sexton approached.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it the likes of yees I wish well to!" said Mike--"Ye may well say
+<i>that</i>; and to yer husband, and childer, and all that will go before, and
+all that have come after ye! I know'd ye, when ye was mighty little, and
+that was years agone; and niver have I seen a cross look on yer pretthy
+face. I've app'inted to myself, many's the time, a consait to tell ye all
+this, by wor-r-d of mouth; but the likes of yees, and of the Missus, and
+of Miss Maud there--och! isn't she a swate one! and many's the pity,
+there's no sich tall, handsome jontleman to take <i>her</i>, in the bargain,
+bad luck to him for staying away; and so God bless ye, all, praist in the
+bargain, though he's no praist at all; and here's my good wishes said and
+done."</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch10">
+<h2>Chapter X.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  Ho! Princes of Jacob! the strength and the stay<br />
+  Of the daughters of Zion;--now up, and away;<br />
+  Lo, the hunters have struck her, and bleeding alone<br />
+  Like a pard in the desert she maketh her moan:<br />
+  Up with war-horse and banner, with spear and with sword,<br />
+  On the spoiler go down in the might of the Lord!</p>
+
+<p>  Lunt.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The succeeding fortnight, or three weeks, brought no material changes,
+beyond those connected with the progress of the season. Vegetation was out
+in its richest luxuriance, the rows of corn and potatoes, freshly hoed,
+were ornamenting the flats, the wheat and other grains were throwing up
+their heads, and the meadows were beginning to exchange their flowers for
+the seed. As for the forest, it had now veiled its mysteries beneath broad
+curtains of a green so bright and lively, that one can only meet it,
+beneath a generous sun, tempered by genial rains, and a mountain air. The
+chain-bearers, and other companions of Beekman, quitted the valley the day
+after the wedding, leaving no one of their party behind but its principal.</p>
+
+<p>The absence of the major was not noted by Joel and his set, in the
+excitement of receiving so many guests, and in the movement of the
+wedding. But, as soon as the fact was ascertained, the overseer and miller
+made the pretence of a 'slack-time' in their work, and obtained permission
+to go to the Mohawk, on private concerns of their own. Such journeys were
+sufficiently common to obviate suspicion; and, the leave had, the two
+conspirators started off, in company, the morning of the second day, or
+forty-eight hours after the major and Nick had disappeared. As the latter
+was known to have come in by the Fort Stanwix route, it was naturally
+enough supposed that he had returned by the same; and Joel determined to
+head him on the Mohawk, at some point near Schenectady, where he might
+make a merit of his own patriotism, by betraying the son of his master.
+The reader is not to suppose Joel intended to do all this openly; so far
+from it, his plan was to keep himself in the back-ground, while he
+attracted attention to the supposed toryism of the captain, and
+illustrated his own attachment to the colonies.</p>
+
+<p>It is scarcely necessary to say that this plan failed, in consequence of
+the new path taken by Nick. At the very moment when Joel and the miller
+were lounging about a Dutch inn, some fifteen or twenty miles above
+Schenectady, in waiting for the travellers to descend the valley of the
+Mohawk, Robert Willoughby and his guide were actually crossing the Hudson,
+in momentary security at least. After remaining at his post until
+satisfied his intended prey had escaped him, Joel, with his friend,
+returned to the settlement. Still, the opportunity had been improved, to
+make himself better acquainted with the real state of the country; to open
+communications with certain patriots of a moral calibre about equal to his
+own, but of greater influence; to throw out divers injurious hints, and
+secret insinuations concerning the captain; and to speculate on the
+propriety of leaving so important a person to work his will, at a time so
+critical. But the pear was not yet ripe, and all that could now be done
+was to clear the way a little for something important in future.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, Evert Beekman having secured his gentle and true-hearted
+wife, began, though with a heavy heart, to bethink him of his great
+political duties. It was well understood that he was to have a regiment of
+the new levies, and Beulah had schooled her affectionate heart to a degree
+that permitted her to part with him, in such a cause, with seeming
+resignation. It was, sooth to say, a curious spectacle, to see how these
+two sisters bent all their thoughts and wishes, in matters of a public
+nature, to favour the engrossing sentiments of their sex and natures; Maud
+being strongly disposed to sustain the royal cause, and the bride to
+support that in which her husband had enlisted, heart and hand.</p>
+
+<p>As for captain Willoughby, he said little on the subject of politics; but
+the marriage of Beulah had a powerful influence in confirming his mind in
+the direction it had taken after the memorable argument with the chaplain.
+Colonel Beekman was a man of strong good sense, though without the least
+brilliancy; and his arguments were all so clear and practical, as to carry
+with them far more weight than was usual in the violent partisan
+discussions of the period. Beulah fancied him a Solon in sagacity, and a
+Bacon in wisdom. Her father, without proceeding quite as far as this, was
+well pleased with his cool discriminating judgment, and much disposed to
+defer to his opinions. The chaplain was left out of the discussions as
+incorrigible.</p>
+
+<p>The middle of June was passed, at the time colonel Beekman began to think
+of tearing himself from his wife, in order to return into the active
+scenes of preparation he had quitted, to make this visit. As usual, the
+family frequented the lawn, at the close of the day, the circumstance of
+most of the windows of the Hut looking on the court, rendering this resort
+to the open air more agreeable than might otherwise have been the case.
+Evert was undecided whether to go the following morning, or to remain a
+day longer, when the lawn was thus occupied, on the evening of the 25th of
+the month, Mrs. Willoughby making the tea, as usual, her daughters sitting
+near her, sewing, and the gentlemen at hand, discussing the virtues of
+different sorts of seed-corn.</p>
+
+<p>"There is a stranger!" suddenly exclaimed the chaplain, looking towards
+the rocks near the mill, the point at which all arrivals in the valley
+were first seen from the Hut. "He comes, too, like a man in haste,
+whatever may be his errand."</p>
+
+<p>"God be praised," returned the captain rising; "it is Nick, on his usual
+trot, and this is about the time he should be back, the bearer of good
+news. A week earlier might have augured better; but this will do. The
+fellow moves over the ground as if he really had something to
+communicate!"</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willoughby and her daughters suspended their avocations, and the
+gentlemen stood, in silent expectation, watching the long, loping strides
+of the Tuscarora, as he came rapidly across the plain. In a few minutes
+the Indian came upon the lawn, perfectly in wind, moving with deliberation
+and gravity, as he drew nearer to the party. Captain Willoughby, knowing
+his man, waited quite another minute, after the red-man was leaning
+against an apple-tree, before he questioned him.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome back, Nick," he then said. "Where did you leave my son?"</p>
+
+<p>"He tell dere," answered the Indian, presenting a note, which the captain
+read.</p>
+
+<p>"This is all right, Nick; and it shows you have been a true man. Your
+wages shall be paid to-night. But, this letter has been written on the
+eastern bank of the Hudson, and is quite three weeks old--why have we not
+seen you, sooner?"</p>
+
+<p>"Can't see, when he don't come."</p>
+
+<p>"That is plain enough; but why have you not come back sooner? That is my
+question."</p>
+
+<p>"Want to look at country--went to shore of Great Salt Lake."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!--Curiosity, then, has been at the bottom of your absence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nick warrior--no squaw--got no cur'osity."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no--I beg your pardon, Nick; I did not mean to accuse you of so
+womanish a feeling. Far from it; I know you are a man. Tell us, however,
+how far, and whither you went?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bos'on," answered Nick, sententiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Boston! That has been a journey, indeed. Surely my son did not allow you
+to travel in his company through Massachusetts?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nick go alone. Two path; one for major; one for Tuscarora. Nick got dere
+first."</p>
+
+<p>"That I can believe, if you were in earnest. Were you not questioned by
+the way?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Tell 'em I'm Stockbridge--pale-face know no better. T'ink he fox;
+more like wood-chuck."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Nick, for the compliment. Had my son reached Boston before you
+came away?"</p>
+
+<p>"Here he be"--answered the Indian, producing another missive, from the
+folds of his calico shirt.</p>
+
+<p>The captain received the note which he read with extreme gravity, and some
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"This is in Bob's handwriting," he said, "and is dated 'Boston, June
+18th, 1775;' but it is without signature, and is not only Bob, but Bob
+Short."</p>
+
+<p>"Read, dear Willoughby," exclaimed the anxious mother. "News from <i>him</i>,
+concerns us all."</p>
+
+<p>"News, Wilhelmina!--They may call this news in Boston, but one is very
+little the better for it at the Hutted Knoll. However, such as it is,
+there is no reason for keeping it a secret, while there is <i>one</i> reason,
+at least, why it should be known. This is all. 'My dearest sir--Thank God
+I am unharmed; but we have had much to make us reflect; you know what duty
+requires--my best and endless love to my mother, and Beulah--and dear,
+laughing, capricious, <i>pretty</i> Maud. Nick was present, and can tell you
+all. I do not think he will extenuate, or aught set down in malice."' And
+this without direction, or signature; with nothing, in fact, but place and
+date. What say <i>you</i> to all this, Nick?"</p>
+
+<p>"He very good--major dere; he know. Nick dere--hot time--a t'ousand
+scalp--coat red as blood."</p>
+
+<p>"There has been another battle!" exclaimed the captain; "that is too plain
+to admit of dispute. Speak out at once, Nick--which gained the day; the
+British or the Americans?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hard to tell--one fight, t'other fight. Red-coat take de ground; Yankee
+kill. If Yankee could take scalp of all he kill, he whip. But, poor
+warriors at takin' scalp. No know how."</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my word, Woods, there does seem to be something in all this! It can
+hardly be possible that the Americans would dare to attack Boston,
+defended as it is, by a strong army of British regulars."</p>
+
+<p>"That would they not," cried the chaplain, with emphasis. "This has been
+only another skirmish."</p>
+
+<p>"What you call skirmge?" asked Nick, pointedly. "It skirmge to take
+t'ousand scalp, ha?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell us what <i>has</i> happened, Tuscarora?" said the captain, motioning his
+friend to be silent.</p>
+
+<p>"Soon tell--soon done. Yankee on hill; reg'lar in canoe. Hundred, t'ousand,
+fifty canoe--full of red-coat. Great chief, dere!--ten--six--two--all go
+togeder. Come ashore--parade, pale-face manner--march--booh--booh--dem
+cannon; pop, pop--dem gun. Wah! how he run!"</p>
+
+<p>"Run!--who ran, Nick?--Though I suppose it must have been the poor
+Americans, of course."</p>
+
+<p>"Red-coat run," answered the Indian, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>This reply produced a general sensation, even the ladies starting, and
+gazing at each other.</p>
+
+<p>"Red-coat run"--repeated the captain, slowly. "Go on with your history,
+Nick--where was this battle fought?"</p>
+
+<p>"T'other Bos'on--over river--go in canoe to fight, like Injin from
+Canada."</p>
+
+<p>"That must have been in Charlestown, Woods--you may remember Boston is on
+one peninsula, and Charlestown on another. Still, I do not recollect that
+the Americans were in the latter, Beekman--you told me nothing of that?"</p>
+
+<p>"They were not so near the royal forces, certainly, when I left Albany,
+sir," returned the colonel. "A few direct questions to the Indian,
+however, would bring out the whole truth."</p>
+
+<p>"We must proceed more methodically. How many Yankees were in this fight,
+Nick?--Calculate as we used to, in the French war."</p>
+
+<p>"Reach from here to mill--t'ree, two deep, cap'in. All farmer; no sodger.
+Carry gun, but no carry baggonet; no carry knapsack. No wear red-coat.
+<i>Look</i> like town-meetin'; <i>fight</i> like devils."</p>
+
+<p>"A line as long as from this to the mill, three deep, would contain about
+two thousand men, Beekman. Is that what you wish to say, Nick?"</p>
+
+<p>"That about him--pretty near--just so."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, there were about two thousand Yankees on this hill--how many
+king's troops crossed in the canoes, to go against them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Two time--one time, so many; t'other time, half so many. Nick close by;
+count <i>him</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"That would make three thousand in all! By George, this does look like
+work. Did they all go together, Nick?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; one time go first; fight, run away. Den two time go, fight good
+deal--run away, too. Den try harder--set fire to wigwam--go up hill;
+Yankee run away."</p>
+
+<p>"This is plain enough, and quite graphical. Wigwam on fire? Charlestown is
+not burnt, Nick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dat he--Look like old Council Fire, gone out. Big canoe fire--booh--booh--
+Nick nebber see such war before--wah! Dead man plenty as leaves on tree;
+blood run like creek!"</p>
+
+<p>"Were you in this battle, Nick? How came you to learn so much about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't want to be in it--better out--no scalp taken. Red-man not'in' to
+do, dere. How know about him?--<i>See</i> him--dat all. Got eye; why no see
+him, behind stone wall. Good see, behind stone wall."</p>
+
+<p>"Were you across the water yourself, or did you remain in Boston, and see
+from a distance?"</p>
+
+<p>"Across in canoe--tell red-coat, general send letter by Nick--major say,
+he <i>my</i> friend--let Nick go."</p>
+
+<p>"My son was in this bloody battle, then!" said Mrs. Willoughby. "He
+writes, Hugh, that he is safe?"</p>
+
+<p>"He does, dearest Wilhelmina; and Bob knows us too well, to attempt
+deception, in such a matter."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you see the major in the field, Nick--after you crossed the water, I
+mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"See him, all. Six--two--seven t'ousand. Close by; why not see major stand
+up like pine--no dodge he head, <i>dere</i>. Kill all round him--no hurt <i>him</i>!
+Fool to stay dere--tell him so; but he no come away. Save he scalp, too."</p>
+
+<p>"And how many slain do you suppose there might have been left on the
+ground--or, did you riot remain to see?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did see--stay to get gun--knapsack--oder good t'ing--plenty about; pick
+him up, fast as want him." Here Nick coolly opened a small bundle, and
+exhibited an epaulette, several rings, a watch, five or six pairs of
+silver buckles, and divers other articles of plunder, of which he had
+managed to strip the dead. "All good t'ing--plenty as stone--have him
+widout askin'."</p>
+
+<p>"So I see, Master Nick--and is this the plunder of Englishmen, or of
+Americans?"</p>
+
+<p>"Red-coat nearest--got most t'ing, too. Go farder, fare worse; as
+pale-face say."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite satisfactory. Were there more red-coats left on the ground, or more
+Americans?"</p>
+
+<p>"Red-coat so," said Nick, holding up <i>four</i> fingers--Yankee, so; "holding
+up <i>one</i>. Take big grave to hold red-coat. Small grave won't hold Yankee.
+Hear what he count; most red-coat. More than t'ousand warrior! British
+groan, like squaw dat lose her hunter."</p>
+
+<p>Such was Saucy Nick's description of the celebrated, and, in some
+particulars, unrivalled combat of Bunker Hill, of which he had actually
+been an eye-witness, on the ground, though using the precaution to keep
+his body well covered. He did not think it necessary to state the fact
+that he had given the <i>coup-de-grace</i>, himself, to the owner of the
+epaulette, nor did he deem it essential to furnish all the particulars of
+his mode of obtaining so many buckles. In other respects, his account was
+fair enough, "nothing extenuating, or setting down aught in malice." The
+auditors had listened with intense feeling; and Maud, when the allusion
+was made to Robert Willoughby, buried her pallid face in her hands, and
+wept. As for Beulah, time and again, she glanced anxiously at her husband,
+and bethought her of the danger to which he might so soon be exposed.</p>
+
+<p>The receipt of this important intelligence confirmed Beekman in the
+intention to depart. The very next morning he tore himself away from
+Beulah, and proceeded to Albany. The appointment of Washington, and a long
+list of other officers, soon succeeded, including his own as a colonel;
+and the war may be said to have commenced systematically. Its distant din
+occasionally reached the Hutted Knoll; but the summer passed away,
+bringing with it no event to affect the tranquillity of that settlement.
+Even Joel's schemes were thwarted for a time, and he was fain to continue
+to wear the mask, and to gather that harvest for another, which he had
+hoped to reap for his own benefit.</p>
+
+<p>Beulah had all a young wife's fears for her husband; but, as month
+succeeded month, and one affair followed another, without bringing him
+harm, she began to submit to the anxieties inseparable from her situation,
+with less of self-torment, and more of reason. Her mother and Maud were
+invaluable friends to her, in this novel and trying situation, though each
+had her own engrossing cares on account of Robert Willoughby. As no other
+great battle, however, occurred in the course of the year '75, Beekman
+remained in safety with the troops that invested Boston, and the major
+with the army within it. Neither was much exposed, and glad enough were
+these gentle affectionate hearts, when they learned that the sea separated
+the combatants.</p>
+
+<p>This did not occur, however, until another winter was passed. In November,
+the family left the Hut, as had been its practice of late years, and went
+out into the more inhabited districts to pass the winter. This time it
+came only to Albany, where colonel Beekman joined it, passing a few happy
+weeks with his well-beloved Beulah. The ancient town mentioned was not gay
+at a moment like that; but it had many young officers in it, on the
+American side of the question, who were willing enough to make themselves
+acceptable to Maud. The captain was not sorry to see several of these
+youths manifesting assiduity about her he had so long been accustomed to
+consider as his youngest daughter; for, by this time, his opinions had
+taken so strong a bias in favour of the rights of the colonies, that
+Beekman himself scarce rejoiced more whenever he heard of any little
+success alighting on the American arms.</p>
+
+<p>"It will all come right in the end," the worthy captain used to assure his
+friend the chaplain. "They will open their eyes at home, ere long, and the
+injustice of taxing the colonies will be admitted. Then all will come
+round again; the king will be as much beloved as ever, and England and
+America will be all the better friends for having a mutual respect. I know
+my countrymen well; they mean right, and will do right, as soon as their
+stomachs are a little lowered, and they come to look at the truth, coolly.
+I'll answer for it, the Battle of Bunker's Hill made <i>us</i>"--the captain
+had spoken in this way, now, for some months--"made <i>us</i> a thousand
+advocates, where we had one before. This is the nature of John Bull; give
+him reason to respect you, and he will soon do you justice; but give him
+reason to feel otherwise, and he becomes a careless, if not a hard
+master."</p>
+
+<p>Such were the opinions captain Willoughby entertained of his native land;
+a land he had not seen in thirty years, and one in which he had so
+recently inherited unexpected honours, without awakening a desire to
+return and enjoy them. His opinions were right in part, certainly; for
+they depended on a law of nature, while it is not improbable they were
+wrong in all that was connected with the notions of any peculiarly manly
+quality, in any particular part of christendom. No maxim is truer than
+that which teaches us "like causes produce like effects;" and as human
+beings are governed by very similar laws all over the face of this round
+world of ours, nothing is more certain than the similarity of their
+propensities.</p>
+
+<p>Maud had no smiles, beyond those extracted by her naturally sweet
+disposition, and a very prevalent desire to oblige, for any of the young
+soldiers, or young civilians, who crowded about her chair, during the
+Albany winter mentioned. Two or three of colonel Beekman's military
+friends, in particular, would very gladly have become connected with an
+officer so much respected, through means so exceedingly agreeable; but no
+encouragement emboldened either to go beyond the attention and assiduities
+of a marked politeness.</p>
+
+<p>"I know not how it is," observed Mrs. Willoughby, one day, in a
+<i>t&ecirc;te-&agrave;-t&ecirc;te</i> with her husband; "Maud seems to take less pleasure than is
+usual with girls of her years, in the attentions of your sex. That her
+heart is affectionate--warm--even tender, I am very certain; and yet no
+sign of preference, partiality, or weakness, in favour of any of these
+fine young men, of whom we see so many, can I discover in the child. They
+all seem alike to her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Her time will come, as it happened to her mother before her," answered
+the captain. "Whooping-cough and measles are not more certain to befall
+children, than love to befall a young woman. You were all made for it, my
+dear Willy, and no fear but the girl will catch the disease, one of these
+days; and that, too, without any inoculation."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure, I have no wish to separate from my child"--so Mrs. Willoughby
+always spoke of, and so she always felt towards Maud--"I am sure, I have
+no wish to separate from my child; but as we cannot always remain, it is
+perhaps better this one should marry, like the other. There is young
+Verplanck much devoted to her; he is everyway a suitable match; and then
+he is in Evert's own regiment."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, he would do; though to my fancy Luke Herring is the far better
+match."</p>
+
+<p>"That is because he is richer and more powerful, Hugh--you men cannot
+think of a daughter's establishment, without immediately dragging in
+houses and lands, as part of the ceremony."</p>
+
+<p>"By George, wife of mine, houses and lands in moderation, are very good
+sweeteners of matrimony!"</p>
+
+<p>"And yet, Hugh, I have been very happy as a wife, nor have you been very
+miserable as a husband, without any excess of riches to sweeten the
+state!" answered Mrs. Willoughby, reproachfully. "Had you been a full
+general, I could not have loved you more than I have done as a mere
+captain."</p>
+
+<p>"All very true, Wilhelmina, dearest," returned the husband, kissing the
+faithful partner of his bosom with strong affection--"very true, my dear
+girl; for girl you are and ever will be in my eyes; but <i>you</i> are one in a
+million, and I humbly trust there are not ten hundred and one, in every
+thousand, just like myself. For my part, I wish dear, saucy, capricious
+little Maud, no worse luck in a husband, than Luke Herring."</p>
+
+<p>"She will never be <i>his</i> wife; I know her, and my own sex, too well to
+think it. You are wrong, however, Willoughby, in applying such terms to
+the child. Maud is not in the least capricious, especially in her
+affections. See with what truth and faithfulness of sisterly attachment
+she clings to Bob. I do declare I am often ashamed to feel that even his
+own mother has less solicitude about him than this dear girl."</p>
+
+<p>"Pooh, Willy; don't be afflicted with the idea that you don't make
+yourself sufficiently miserable about the boy. Bob will do well enough,
+and will very likely come out of this affair a lieutenant-colonel. I may
+live yet to see him a general officer; certainly, if I live to be as old
+as my grandfather, Sir Thomas. As for Maud, she finds Beulah uneasy about
+Beekman; and having no husband herself, or any over that she cares a straw
+about, why she just falls upon Bob as a <i>pis aller</i>. I'll warrant you she
+cares no more for him than any of the rest of us--than myself, for
+instance; though as an old soldier, I don't scream every time I fancy a
+gun fired over yonder at Boston."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish it were well over. It is <i>so</i> unnatural for Evert and Robert to be
+on opposite sides."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it is out of the common way, I admit; and yet 'twill all come
+round, in the long run. This Mr. Washington is a clever fellow, and seems
+to play his cards with spirit and judgment. He was with us, in that
+awkward affair of Braddock's; and between you and me, Wilhelmina, he
+covered the regulars, or we should all have laid our bones on that
+accursed field. I wrote you at the time, what I thought of him, and now
+you see it is all coming to pass."</p>
+
+<p>It was one of the captain's foibles to believe himself a political
+prophet; and, as he had really both written and spoken highly of
+Washington, at the time mentioned, it had no small influence on his
+opinions to find himself acting on the same side with this admired
+favourite. Prophecies often produce their own fulfilment, in cases of much
+greater gravity than this; and it is not surprising that our captain found
+himself strengthened in his notions by the circumstance.</p>
+
+<p>The winter passed away without any of Maud's suitors making a visible
+impression on her heart. In March, the English evacuated Boston, Robert
+Willoughby sailing with his regiment for Halifax, and thence with the
+expedition against Charleston, under Sir Henry Clinton. The next month,
+the family returned to the Knoll, where it was thought wiser, and even
+safer to be, at a moment so critical, than even in a more frequented
+place. The war proceeded, and, to the captain's great regret, without any
+very visible approaches towards the reconciliation he had so confidently
+anticipated. This rather checked his warmth in favour of the colonial
+cause; for, an Englishman by birth, he was much opposed at bottom to
+anything like a dissolution of the tie that connected America with the
+mother country; a political event that now began seriously to be talked of
+among the initiated.</p>
+
+<p>Desirous of thinking as little as possible of disagreeable things, the
+worthy owner of the valley busied himself with his crops, his mills, and
+his improvements. He had intended to commence leasing his wild lands about
+this time, and to begin a more extended settlement, with an eye to
+futurity; but the state of the country forbade the execution of the
+project, and he was fain to limit his efforts by their former boundaries.
+The geographical position of the valley put it beyond any of the ordinary
+exactions of military service; and, as there was a little doubt thrown
+around its owner's opinions, partly in consequence of his son's present
+and his own previous connection with the royal army, and partly on account
+of Joel's secret machinations, the authorities were well content to let
+the settlement alone, provided it would take care of itself.
+Notwithstanding the prominent patriotism of Joel Strides and the miller,
+they were well satisfied, themselves, with this state of things;
+preferring peace and quietness to the more stirring scenes of war. Their
+schemes, moreover, had met with somewhat of a check, in the feeling of the
+population of the valley, which, on an occasion calculated to put their
+attachment to its owner to the proof, had rather shown that they
+remembered his justice, liberality, and upright conduct, more than exactly
+comported with their longings. This manifestation of respect was shown at
+an election for a representative in a local convention, in which every
+individual at the Hutted Knoll, who had a voice at all, the two
+conspirators excepted, had given it in favour of the captain. So decided
+was this expression of feeling, indeed, that it compelled Joel and the
+miller to chime in with the cry of the hour, and to vote contrary to their
+own wishes.</p>
+
+<p>One, dwelling at the Hutted Knoll, in the summer of 1776, could never have
+imagined that he was a resident of a country convulsed by a revolution,
+and disfigured by war. There, everything seemed peaceful and calm, the
+woods sighing with the airs of their sublime solitude, the genial sun
+shedding its heats on a grateful and generous soil, vegetation ripening
+and yielding with all the abundance of a bountiful nature, as in the more
+tranquil days of peace and hope.</p>
+
+<p>"There is something frightful in the calm of this valley, Beulah!"
+exclaimed Maud one Sunday, as she and her sister looked out of the library
+window amid the breathing stillness of the forest, listening to the
+melancholy sound of the bell that summoned them to prayers. "There is a
+frightful calm over this place, at an hour when we know that strife and
+bloodshed are so active in the country. Oh! that the hateful congress had
+never thought of making this war!"</p>
+
+<p>"Evert writes me all is well, Maud; that the times will lead to good; the
+people are right; and America will now be a nation--in time, he thinks, a
+great, and a very great nation."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! It is this ambition of greatness that hurries them all on! Why can
+they not be satisfied with being respectable subjects of so great a
+country as England, that they must destroy each other for this phantom of
+liberty? Will it make them wiser, or happier, or better than they are?"</p>
+
+<p>Thus reasoned Maud, under the influence of one engrossing sentiment. As
+our tale proceeds, we shall have occasion to show, perhaps, how far was
+that submission to events which she inculcated, from the impulses of her
+true character. Beulah answered mildly, but it was more as a young
+American wife:</p>
+
+<p>"I know Evert thinks it all right, Maud; and you will own he is neither
+fiery nor impetuous. If <i>his</i> cool judgment approve of what has been done,
+we may well suppose that it has not been done in too much haste, or
+needlessly."</p>
+
+<p>"Think, Beulah," rejoined Maud, with an ashen cheek, and in trembling
+tones, "that Evert and Robert may, at this very moment, be engaged in
+strife against each other. The last messenger who came in, brought us the
+miserable tidings that Sir William Howe was landing a large army near New
+York, and that the Americans were preparing to meet it. We are certain
+that Bob is with his regiment; and his regiment we know is in the army.
+How can we think of this liberty, at a moment so critical?"</p>
+
+<p>Beulah did not reply; for in spite of her quiet nature, and implicit
+confidence in her husband, she could not escape a woman's solicitude. The
+colonel had promised to write at every good occasion, and that which he
+promised was usually performed. She thought, and thought rightly, that a
+very few days would bring them intelligence of importance; though it came
+in a shape she had little anticipated, and by a messenger she had then no
+desire to see.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, the season and its labours advanced. August was over, and
+September with its fruits had succeeded, promising to bring the year round
+without any new or extraordinary incidents to change the fortunes of the
+inmates of the Hutted Knoll. Beulah had now been married more than a
+twelvemonth, and was already a mother; and of course all that time had
+elapsed since the son quitted his father's house. Nick, too, had
+disappeared shortly after his return from Boston; and throughout this
+eventful summer, his dark, red countenance had not been seen in the
+valley.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch11">
+<h2>Chapter XI.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  And now 'tis still! no sound to wake<br />
+  The primal forest's awful shade;<br />
+  And breathless lies the covert brake,<br />
+  Where many an ambushed form is laid:<br />
+  I see the red-man's gleaming eye,<br />
+  Yet all so hushed the gloom profound,<br />
+  That summer birds flit heedlessly,<br />
+  And mocking nature smiles around.</p>
+
+<p>  Lunt.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The eventful summer of 1776 had been genial and generous in the valley of
+the Hutted Knoll. With a desire to drive away obtrusive thoughts, the
+captain had been much in his fields, and he was bethinking himself of
+making a large contribution to the good cause, in the way of fatted
+porkers, of which he had an unusual number, that he thought might yet be
+driven through the forest to Fort Stanwix, before the season closed. In
+the way of intelligence from the seat of war, nothing had reached the
+family but a letter from the major, which he had managed to get sent, and
+in which he wrote with necessary caution. He merely mentioned the arrival
+of Sir William Howe's forces, and the state of his own health. There was a
+short postscript, in the following words, the letter having been directed
+to his father:--"Tell dearest Maud," he said, "that charming women have
+ceased to charm me; glory occupying so much of my day-dreams, like an
+<i>ignis fatuus</i>, I fear; and that as for love, <i>all</i> my affections are
+centred in the dear objects at the Hutted Knoll. If I had met with a
+single woman I admired half as much as I do her pretty self, I should have
+been married long since." This was written in answer to some thoughtless
+rattle that the captain had volunteered to put in his last letter, as
+coming from Maud, who had sensitively shrunk from sending a message when
+asked; and it was read by father, mother, and Beulah, as the badinage of a
+brother to a sister, without awaking a second thought in either. Not so
+with Maud, herself, however. When her seniors had done with this letter,
+she carried it to her own room, reading and re-reading it a dozen times;
+nor could she muster resolution to return it; but, finding at length that
+the epistle was forgotten, she succeeded in retaining it without awakening
+attention to what she had done. This letter now became her constant
+companion, and a hundred times did the sweet gill trace its characters, in
+the privacy of her chamber, or in that of her now solitary walks in the
+woods.</p>
+
+<p>As yet, the war had produced none of those scenes of ruthless frontier
+violence, that had distinguished all the previous conflicts of America.
+The enemy was on the coast, and thither the efforts of the combatants had
+been principally directed. It is true, an attempt on Canada had been made,
+but it failed for want of means; neither party being in a condition to
+effect much, as yet, in that quarter. The captain had commented on this
+peculiarity of the present struggle; all those which had preceded it
+having, as a matter of course, taken the direction of the frontiers
+between the hostile provinces.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no use, Woods, in bothering ourselves about these things, after
+all," observed captain Willoughby, one day, when the subject of hanging
+the long-neglected gates came up between them. "It's a heavy job, and the
+crops will suffer if we take off the hands this week. We are as safe,
+here, as we should be in Hyde Park; and safer too; for there
+house-breakers and foot-pads abound; whereas, <i>your</i> preaching has left
+nothing but very vulgar and everyday sinners at the Knoll."</p>
+
+<p>The chaplain had little to say against this reasoning; for, to own the
+truth, he saw no particular cause for apprehension. Impunity had produced
+the feeling of security, until these gates had got to be rather a subject
+of amusement, than of any serious discussion. The preceding year, when the
+stockade was erected, Joel had managed to throw so many obstacles in the
+way of hanging the gates, that the duty was not performed throughout the
+whole of the present summer, the subject having been mentioned but once or
+twice, and then only to be postponed to a more fitting occasion.</p>
+
+<p>As yet no one in the valley knew of the great event which had taken place
+in July. A rumour of a design to declare the provinces independent had
+reached the Hut, in May; but the major's letter was silent on this
+important event, and positive information had arrived by no other channel;
+otherwise, the captain would have regarded the struggle as much more
+serious than he had ever done before; and he might have set about raising
+these all-important gates in earnest. As it was, however, there they
+stood; each pair leaning against its proper wall or stockade, though those
+of the latter were so light as to have required but eight or ten men to
+set them on their hinges, in a couple of hours at most.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby still confined his agricultural schemes to the site of
+the old Beaver Pond. The area of that was perfectly beautiful, every
+unsightly object having been removed, while the fences and the tillage
+were faultlessly neat and regular. Care had been taken, too, to render the
+few small fields around the cabins which skirted this lovely rural scene,
+worthy of their vicinage. The stumps had all been dug, the surfaces
+levelled, and the orchards and gardens were in keeping with the charms
+that nature had so bountifully scattered about the place.</p>
+
+<p>While, however, all in the shape of tillage was confined to this one spot,
+the cattle ranged the forest for miles. Not only was the valley, but the
+adjacent mountain-sides were covered with intersecting paths, beaten by
+the herds, in the course of years. These paths led to many a glen, or
+look-out, where Beulah and Maud had long been in the habit of pursuing
+their rambles, during the sultry heats of summer, Though so beautiful to
+the eye, the flats were not agreeable for walks; and it was but natural
+for the lovers of the picturesque to seek the eminences, where they could
+overlook the vast surfaces of leaves that were spread before them; or to
+bury themselves in ravines and glens, within which the rays of the sun
+scarce penetrated. The paths mentioned led near, or to, a hundred of these
+places, all within a mile or two of the Hut. As a matter of course, then,
+they were not neglected.</p>
+
+<p>Beulah had now been a mother several months. Her little Evert was born at
+the Knoll, and he occupied most of those gentle and affectionate thoughts
+which were not engrossed by his absent father. Her marriage, of itself,
+had made some changes in her intercourse with Maud; but the birth of the
+child had brought about still more. The care of this little being formed
+Beulah's great delight; and Mrs. Willoughby had all that peculiar interest
+in her descendant, which marks a grandmother's irresponsible love. These
+two passed half their time in the nursery, a room fitted between their
+respective chambers; leaving Maud more alone than it was her wont to be,
+and of course to brood over her thoughts and feelings. These periods of
+solitude our heroine was much accustomed to pass in the forest. Use had so
+far emboldened her, that apprehension never shortened her walks, or
+lessened their pleasure. Of danger, from any ordinary source, there was
+literally next to none, man never having been known to approach the
+valley, unless by the regular path; while the beasts of prey had been so
+actively hunted, as rarely to be seen in that quarter of the country. The
+panther excepted, no wild quadruped was to be in the least feared in
+summer; and, of the first, none had ever been met with by Nick, or any of
+the numerous woodsmen who had now frequented the adjacent hills for two
+lustrums.</p>
+
+<p>About three hours before the setting of the sun, on the evening of the 23d
+of September, 1776, Maud Willoughby was pursuing her way, quite alone,
+along one of the paths beaten by the cattle, at some little distance from
+a rocky eminence, where there was a look-out, on which Mike, by her
+father's orders, had made a rude seat. It was on the side of the clearing
+most remote from all the cabins; though once on the elevation, she could
+command a view of the whole of the little panorama around the site of the
+ancient pond. In that day, ladies wore the well-known gipsey hat, a style
+that was peculiarly suited to the face of our heroine. Exercise had given
+her cheeks a rich glow; and though a shade of sadness, or at least of
+reflection, was now habitually thrown athwart her sweet countenance, this
+bloom added an unusual lustre to her eyes, and a brilliancy to her beauty,
+that the proudest belle of any drawing-room might have been glad to
+possess. Although living so retired, her dress always became her rank;
+being simple, but of the character that denotes refinement, and the habits
+and tastes of a gentlewoman. In this particular, Maud had ever been
+observant of what was due to herself; and, more than all, had she attended
+to her present appearance since a chance expression of Robert Willoughby's
+had betrayed how much he prized the quality in her.</p>
+
+<p>Looking thus, and in a melancholy frame of mind, Maud reached the rock,
+and took her place on its simple seat, throwing aside her hat, to catch a
+little of the cooling air on her burning cheeks. She turned to look at the
+lovely view again, with a pleasure that never tired. The rays of the sun
+were streaming athwart the verdant meadows and rich corn, lengthening the
+shadows, and mellowing everything, as if expressly to please the eye of
+one like her who now gazed upon the scene. Most of the people of the
+settlement were in the open air, the men closing their day's works in the
+fields, and the women and children busied beneath shades, with their
+wheels and needles; the whole presenting such a picture of peaceful, rural
+life, as a poet might delight to describe, or an artist to delineate with
+his pencil.</p>
+
+<p>
+  "The landscape smiles
+  Calm in the sun; and silent are the hills
+  And valleys, and the blue serene of air."</p>
+
+<p><i>The Vanished Lark</i>.</p>
+
+<p>
+"It is very beautiful!" thought Maud. "Why cannot men be content with such
+scenes of loveliness and nature as this, and love each other, and be at
+peace, as God's laws command? Then we might all be living happily
+together, Mere, without trembling lest news of some sad misfortune should
+reach us, from hour to hour. Beulah and Evert would not be separated; but
+both could remain with their child--and my dear, dear father and mother
+would be so happy to have us all around them, in security--and, then, Bob,
+too--perhaps Bob might bring a wife from the town, with him, that I could
+love as I do Beulah"--It was one of Maud's day-dreams to love the wife of
+Bob, and make him happy by contributing to the happiness of those he most
+prized--"No; I could never love her as I do <i>Beulah</i>; but I should make
+her very dear to me, as I ought to, since she would be Bob's wife."</p>
+
+<p>The expression of Maud's face, towards the close of this mental
+soliloquy, was of singular sadness; and yet it was the very picture of
+sincerity and truth. It was some such look as the windows of the mind
+assume, when the feelings struggle against nature and hope, for
+resignation and submission to duty.</p>
+
+<p>At this instant, a cry arose from the valley! It was one of those
+spontaneous, involuntary outbreakings of alarm, that no art can imitate,
+no pen describe; but which conveys to the listener's ear, terror in the
+very sound. At the next instant, the men from the mill were seen rushing
+up to the summit of the cliff that impended over their dwellings, followed
+by their wives dragging children after them, making frantic gestures,
+indicative of alarm. The first impulse of Maud was to fly; but a moment's
+reflection told her it was much too late for that. To remain and witness
+what followed would be safer, and more wise. Her dress was dark, and she
+would not be likely to be observed at the distance at which she was
+placed; having behind her, too, a back-ground of gloomy rock. Then the
+scene was too exciting to admit of much hesitation or delay in coming to a
+decision; a fearful species of maddened curiosity mingling with her alarm.
+Under such circumstances, it is not surprising that Maud continued gazing
+on what she saw, with eyes that seemed to devour the objects before them.</p>
+
+<p>The first cry from the valley was followed by the appearance of the
+fugitives from the mill. These took the way towards the Hut, calling on
+the nearest labourers by name, to seek safety in flight. The words could
+not be distinguished at the rock, though indistinct sounds might; but the
+gestures could not be mistaken. In half a minute, the plain was alive with
+fugitives; some rushing to their cabins for their children, and all taking
+the direction of the stockade, as soon as the last were found. In five
+minutes the roads and lanes near the Knoll were crowded with men, women
+and children, hastening forward to its protection, while a few of the
+former had already rushed through the gateways, as Maud correctly
+fancied, in quest of their arms.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby was riding among his labourers when this fearful
+interruption to a tranquillity so placid first broke upon his ear.
+Accustomed to alarms, he galloped forward to meet the fugitives from the
+mill, issuing orders as he passed to several of the men nearest the house.
+With the miller, who thought little of anything but safety at that
+instant, he conversed a moment, and then pushed boldly on towards the
+verge of the cliffs. Maud trembled as she saw her father in a situation
+which she thought must be so exposed; but his cool manner of riding about
+proved that he saw no enemy very near. At length he waved his hat to some
+object, or person in the glen beneath; and she even thought she heard his
+shout. At the next moment, he turned his horse, and was seen scouring
+along the road towards the Hut. The lawn was covered with the fugitives as
+the captain reached it, while a few armed men were already coming out of
+the court-yard. Gesticulating as if giving orders, the captain dashed
+through them all, without drawing the rein, and disappeared in the court.
+A minute later, he re-issued, bearing his arms, followed by his wife and
+Beulah, the latter pressing little Evert to her bosom.</p>
+
+<p>Something like order now began to appear among the men. Counting all ages
+and both colours, the valley, at this particular moment, could muster
+thirty-three males capable of bearing arms. To these might be added some
+ten or fifteen women who had occasionally brought down a deer, and who
+might be thought more or less dangerous, stationed at a loop, with a rifle
+or a musket. Captain Willoughby had taken some pains to drill the former,
+who could go through some of the simpler light-infantry evolutions. Among
+them he had appointed sundry corporals, while Joel Strides had been named
+a serjeant. Joyce, now an aged and war-worn veteran, did the duty of
+adjutant. Twenty men were soon drawn up in array, in front of the open
+gateway on the lawn, under the immediate orders of Joyce; and the last
+woman and child, that had been seen approaching the place of refuge, had
+passed within the stockade. At this instant captain Willoughby called a
+party of the stragglers around him, and set about hanging the gates of the
+outer passage, or that which led through the palisades.</p>
+
+<p>Maud would now have left the rock, but, at that moment, a dark body of
+Indians poured up over the cliffs, crowning it with a menacing cloud of at
+least fifty armed warriors. The rivulet lay between her and the Hut, and
+the nearest bridge that crossed it would have brought her within reach of
+danger. Then it would require at least half an hour to reach that bridge
+by the circuitous path she would be compelled to take, and there was
+little hope of getting over it before the strangers should have advanced.
+It was better to remain where she could behold what was passing, and to be
+governed by events, than to rush blindly into unseen risks.</p>
+
+<p>The party that crowned the cliffs near the mills, showed no impatience to
+advance. It was evidently busy in reconnoitring, and in receiving
+accessions to its numbers. The latter soon increased to some seventy or
+eighty warriors. After waiting several minutes in inaction, a musket, or
+rifle, was fired towards the Hut, as if to try the effect of a summons and
+the range of a bullet. At this hint the men on the lawn retired within the
+stockade, stacked their arms, and joined the party that was endeavouring
+to get the gates in their places. From the circumstance that her father
+directed all the women and children to retire within the court, Maud
+supposed that the bullet might have fallen somewhere near them. It was
+quite evident, however, that no one was injured.</p>
+
+<p>The gates intended for the stockade, being open like the rest of that
+work, were materially lighter than those constructed for the house itself.
+The difficulty was in handling them with the accuracy required to enter
+the hinges, of which there were three pairs. This difficulty existed on
+account of their great height. Of physical force, enough could be applied
+to toss them over the stockade itself, if necessary; but finesse was
+needed, rather than force, to effect the principal object, and that under
+difficult circumstances. It is scarcely possible that the proximity of so
+fierce an enemy as a body of savages in their war-paint, for such the men
+at the mill had discovered was the guise of their assailants, would in any
+measure favour the coolness and tact of the labourers. Poor Maud lost the
+sense of her own danger, in the nervous desire to see the long-forgotten
+gates hung; and she rose once or twice, in feverish excitement, as she saw
+that the leaf which was raised fell in or out, missing its fastenings.
+Still the men persevered, one or two sentinels being placed to watch the
+Indians, and give timely notice of their approach, should they advance.</p>
+
+<p>Maud now kneeled, with her face bowed to the seat, and uttered a short but
+most fervent prayer, in behalf of the dear beings that the Hut contained.
+This calmed her spirits a little, and she rose once more to watch the
+course of events. The body of men had left the gate at which they had just
+been toiling, and were crowding around its fellow. One leaf was hung! As
+an assurance of this, she soon after saw her father swing it backward and
+forward on its hinges, to cause it to settle into its place. This was an
+immense relief, though she had heard too many tales of Indian warfare, to
+think there was any imminent danger of an attack by open day, in the very
+face of the garrison. The cool manner in which her father proceeded,
+satisfied her that he felt the same security, for the moment; his great
+object being, in truth, to make suitable provision against the hours of
+darkness.</p>
+
+<p>Although Maud had been educated as a lady, and possessed the delicacy and
+refinement of her class, she had unavoidably caught some of the fire and
+resolution of a frontier life. To her, the forest, for instance, possessed
+no fancied dangers; but when there was real ground for alarm, she
+estimated its causes intelligently, and with calmness. So it was, also, in
+the present crisis. She remembered all she had been taught, or had heard,
+and quick of apprehension, her information was justly applied to the
+estimate of present circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>The men at the Hut soon had the second leaf of the gate ready to be
+raised. At this instant, an Indian advanced across the flat alone, bearing
+a branch of a tree in his hand, and moving swiftly. This was a flag of
+truce, desiring to communicate with the pale-faces. Captain Willoughby met
+the messenger alone, at the foot of the lawn, and there a conference took
+place that lasted several minutes. Maud could only conjecture its objects,
+though she thought her father's attitude commanding, and his gestures
+stern. The red-man, as usual, was quiet and dignified. This much our
+heroine saw, or fancied she saw; but beyond this, of course, all was vague
+conjecture. Just as the two were about to part, and had even made
+courteous signs of their intention, a shout arose from the workmen, which
+ascended, though faintly, as high as the rock. Captain Willoughby turned,
+and then Maud saw his arm extended towards the stockade. The second leaf
+of the gate was in its place, swinging to and fro, in a sort of exulting
+demonstration of its uses! The savage moved away, more slowly than he had
+advanced, occasionally stopping to reconnoitre the Knoll and its defences.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby now returned to his people, and he was some time busied
+in examining the gates, and giving directions about its fastenings.
+Utterly forgetful of her own situation, Maud shed tears of joy, as she saw
+that this great object was successfully effected. The stockade was an
+immense security to the people of the Hut. Although it certainly might be
+scaled, such an enterprise would require great caution, courage, and
+address; and it could hardly be effected, at all, by daylight. At night,
+even, it would allow the sentinels time to give the alarm, and with a
+vigilant look-out, might be the means of repelling an enemy. There was
+also another consideration connected with this stockade. An enemy would
+not be fond of trusting himself <i>inside</i> of it, unless reasonably certain
+of carrying the citadel altogether; inasmuch as it might serve as a prison
+to place him in the hands of the garrison. To recross it under a fire from
+the loops, would be an exploit so hazardous that few Indians would think
+of undertaking it. All this Maud knew from her father's conversations, and
+she saw how much had been obtained in raising the gates. Then the
+stockade, once properly closed, afforded great security to those moving
+about within it; the timbers would be apt to stop a bullet, and were a
+perfect defence against a rush; leaving time to the women and children to
+get into the court, even allowing that the assailants succeeded in scaling
+the palisades.</p>
+
+<p>Maud thought rapidly and well, in the strait in which she was placed. She
+understood most of the movements, on both sides, and she also saw the
+importance of her remaining where she could note all that passed, if she
+intended to make an attempt at reaching the Hut, after dark. This
+necessity determined her to continue at the rock, so long as light
+remained. She wondered she was not missed, but rightly attributed the
+circumstance to the suddenness of the alarm, and the crowd of other
+thoughts which would naturally press upon the minds of her friends, at
+such a fearful moment. "I will stay where I am," thought Maud, a little
+proudly, "and prove, if I am not really the daughter of Hugh Willoughby,
+that I am not altogether unworthy of his love and care! I can even pass
+the night in the forest, at this warm season, without suffering."</p>
+
+<p>Just as these thoughts crossed her mind, in a sort of mental soliloquy, a
+stone rolled from a path above her, and fell over the rock on which the
+seat was placed. A footstep was then heard, and the girl's heart beat
+quick with apprehension. Still she conceived it safest to remain perfectly
+quiet. She scarce breathed in her anxiety to be motionless. Then it
+occurred to her, that some one beside herself might be out from the Hut,
+and that a friend was near. Mike had been in the woods that very
+afternoon, she knew; for she had seen him; and the true-hearted fellow
+would indeed be a treasure to her, at that awful moment. This idea, which
+rose almost to certainty as soon as it occurred, induced her to spring
+forward, when the appearance of a man, whom she did not recognise, dressed
+in a hunting-shirt, and otherwise attired for the woods, carrying a short
+rifle in the hollow of his arm, caused her to stop, in motionless terror.
+At first, her presence was not observed; but, no sooner did the stranger
+catch a glimpse of her person, than he stopped, raised his hands in
+surprise, laid his rifle against a tree, and sprang forward; the girl
+closing her eyes, and sinking on the seat, with bowed head, expecting the
+blow of the deadly tomahawk.</p>
+
+<p>"Maud--dearest, <i>dearest</i> Maud--do you not know me!" exclaimed one,
+leaning over the pallid girl, while he passed an arm round her slender
+waist, with an affection so delicate and reserved, that, at another time,
+it might have attracted attention. "Look up, dear girl, and show that at
+least you fear not <i>me!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Bob," said the half-senseless Maud. "Whence come you?--<i>Why</i> do you come
+at this fearful instant!--Would to God your visit had been better timed!"</p>
+
+<p>"Terror makes you say this, my poor Maud! Of all the family, I had hoped
+for the warmest welcome from <i>you</i>. We think alike about this war--then
+you are not so much terrified at the idea of my being found here, but can
+hear reason. Why do you say this, then, my dearest Maud?"</p>
+
+<p>By this time Maud had so far recovered as to be able to look up into the
+major's face, with an expression in which alarm was blended with
+unutterable tenderness. Still she did not throw her arms around him, as a
+sister would clasp a beloved brother; but, rather, as he pressed her
+gently to his bosom, repelled the embrace by a slight resistance.
+Extricating herself, however, she turned and pointed towards the valley.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do I say this? See for yourself--the savages have at length come, and
+the whole dreadful picture is before you."</p>
+
+<p>Young Willoughby's military eye took in the scene at a glance. The Indians
+were still at the cliff, and the people of the settlement were straining
+at the heavier gates of the Hut, having already got one of them into a
+position where it wanted only the proper application of a steady force to
+be hung. He saw his father actively employed in giving directions; and a
+few pertinent questions drew all the other circumstances from Maud. The
+enemy had now been in the valley more than an hour, and the movements of
+the two parties were soon related.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you alone, dearest Maud? are you shut out by this sudden inroad?"
+demanded the major, with concern and surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"So it would seem. I can see no other--though I did think Michael might be
+somewhere near me, in the woods, here; I at first mistook your footsteps
+for his."</p>
+
+<p>"That is a mistake"--returned Willoughby, levelling a small pocket
+spy-glass at the Hut--"Mike is tugging at that gate, upholding a part of
+it, like a corner-stone. I see most of the faces I know there, and my dear
+father is as active, and yet as cool, as if at the head of a regiment."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am alone--it is perhaps better that as many as possible should be
+in the house to defend it."</p>
+
+<p>"Not alone, my sweet Maud, so long as I am with you. Do you still think my
+visit so ill-timed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not, after all. Heaven knows what I should have done, by myself,
+when it became dark!"</p>
+
+<p>"But are we safe on this seat?--May we not be seen by the Indians, since
+we so plainly see them?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think not. I have often remarked that when Evert and Beulah have been
+here, their figures could not be perceived from the lawn; owing, I fancy,
+to the dark back-ground of rock. My dress is not light, and you are in
+green; which is the colour of the leaves, and not easily to be
+distinguished. No other spot gives so good a view of what takes place in
+the valley. We must risk a little exposure, or act in the dark."</p>
+
+<p>"You are a soldier's daughter, Maud"--This was as true of major Meredith
+as of captain Willoughby, and might therefore be freely said by even
+Bob--"You are a soldier's daughter, and nature has clearly intended you to
+be a soldier's wife. This is a <i>coup-d'-oeil</i> not to be despised."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall never be a wife at all"--murmured Maud, scarce knowing what she
+said; "I may not live to be a soldier's daughter, even, much longer. But,
+why are <i>you</i> here?--surely, surely <i>you</i> can have no connection with
+those savages!--I have heard of such horrors; but <i>you</i> would not
+accompany <i>them</i>, even though it were to <i>protect</i> the Hut."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll not answer for that, Maud. One would do a great deal to preserve his
+paternal dwelling from pillage, and his father's grey hairs from violence.
+But I came alone; that party and its objects being utterly strangers to
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"And <i>why</i> do you come at all, Bob?" inquired the anxious girl, looking up
+into his face with open affection--"The situation of the country is now
+such, as to make your visits very hazardous."</p>
+
+<p>"Who could know the regular major in this hunting-shirt, and forest garb?
+I have not an article about my person to betray me, even were I before a
+court. No fear for me then, Maud; unless it be from these demons in human
+shape, the savages. Even they do not seem to be very fiercely inclined, as
+they appear at this moment more disposed to eat, than to attack the Hut.
+Look for yourself; those fellows are certainly preparing to take their
+food; the group that is just now coming over the cliffs, is dragging a
+deer after it."</p>
+
+<p>Maud took the glass, though with an unsteady hand, and she looked a moment
+at the savages. The manner in which the instrument brought these wild
+beings nearer to her eye, caused her to shudder, and she was soon
+satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>"That deer was killed this morning by the miller," she said; "they have
+doubtless found it in or near his cabin. We will be thankful, however, for
+this breathing-time--it may enable my dear father to get up the other
+gate. Look, Robert, and see what progress they make?"</p>
+
+<p>"One side is just hung, and much joy does it produce among them!
+Persevere, my noble old father, and you will soon be safe against your
+enemies. What a calm and steady air he has, amid it all! Ah! Maud, Hugh
+Willoughby ought, at this moment, to be at the head of a brigade, helping
+to suppress this accursed and unnatural rebellion. Nay, more; he <i>may</i> be
+there, if he will only listen to reason and duty."</p>
+
+<p>"And <i>this</i> is then your errand here, Bob?" asked his fair companion,
+gazing earnestly at the major.</p>
+
+<p>"It is, Maud--and I hope you, whose feelings I know to be right, can
+encourage me to hope."</p>
+
+<p>"I fear not. It is now too late. Beulah's marriage with Evert has
+strengthened his opinions--and then"</p>
+
+<p>"What, dearest Maud? You pause as if that '<i>then</i>' had a meaning you
+hesitated to express."</p>
+
+<p>Maud coloured; after which she smiled faintly, and proceeded: "We should
+speak reverently of a father--and such a father, too. But does it not seem
+probable to you, Bob, that the many discussions he has with Mr. Woods may
+have a tendency to confirm each in his notions?"</p>
+
+<p>Robert Willoughby would have answered in the affirmative, had not a sudden
+movement at the Hut prevented.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch12">
+<h2>Chapter XII.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  From Flodden ridge<br />
+  The Scots beheld the English host<br />
+  Leave Barmore wood, their evening post,<br />
+  And heedful watched them as they crossed<br />
+  The Till by Twisal Bridge.</p>
+
+<p>  Scott</p></div>
+
+<p>
+It was just at this instant that most of the women of the settlement
+rushed from the court, and spread themselves within the stockade, Mrs.
+Willoughby and Beulah being foremost in the movement. The captain left the
+gate, too, and even the men, who were just about to raise the last leaf,
+suspended their toil. It was quite apparent some new cause for uneasiness
+or alarm had suddenly awoke among them. Still the stack of arms remained
+untouched, nor was there any new demonstration among the Indians. The
+major watched everything, with intense attention, through the glass.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, dear Bob?" demanded the anxious Maud. "I see my dearest
+mother--she seems alarmed."</p>
+
+<p>"Was it known to her that you were about to quit the house, when you came
+out on this walk?"</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think not. She and Beulah were in the nursery with little Evert,
+and my father was in the fields. I came out without speaking to any
+person, nor did I meet any before entering the forest."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are now first missed. Yes, that is it--and no wonder, Maud, it
+creates alarm. Merciful God! How must they all feel, at a moment like
+this!"</p>
+
+<p>"Fire your rifle, Bob--that will draw their eyes in this direction, and I
+will wave my handkerchief--perhaps <i>that</i> might be seen. Beulah has
+received such signals from me, before."</p>
+
+<p>"It would never do. No, we must remain concealed, watching their
+movements, in order to be able to aid them at the proper time. It is
+painful to endure this suspense, beyond a doubt; but the pain must be
+borne in order to ensure the safety of one who is so very, very precious
+to us all."</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the fearful situation in which she was placed, Maud felt
+soothed by these words. The language of affection, as coming from Robert
+Willoughby, was very dear to her at all times, and never more than at a
+moment when it appeared that even her life was suspended, as it might be,
+by a hair.</p>
+
+<p>"It is as you say," she answered gently, giving him her hand with much of
+her ancient frankness of manner; "we should be betrayed, and of course
+lost--but what means the movement at the Hut?"</p>
+
+<p>There was indeed a movement within the stockade. Maud's absence was now
+clearly ascertained, and it is needless to describe the commotion the
+circumstance produced. No one thought any longer of the half of the gate
+that still remained to be hung, but every supposable part of the house and
+enclosure had been examined in quest of her who was missing. Our heroine's
+last remark, however, was produced by certain indications of an intention
+to make a descent from one of the external windows of the common parlour,
+a room it will be remembered that stood on the little cliff, above the
+rivulet that wound beneath its base. This cliff was about forty feet high,
+and though it offered a formidable obstacle to any attempt to scale it,
+there was no great difficulty in an active man's descending, aided by a
+rope. The spot, too, was completely concealed from the view of the party
+which still remained on the rock, near the mill, at a distance of quite
+half a mile from the gates of the stockade. This fact greatly facilitated
+the little sortie, since, once in the bed of the rivulet, which was
+fringed with bushes, it would be very practicable, by following its
+windings, to gain the forest unseen. The major levelled his glass at the
+windows, and immediately saw the truth of all that has here been
+mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>"They are preparing to send a party out," he said, "and doubtless in quest
+of you, Maud. The thing is very feasible, provided the savages remain much
+longer in their present position. It is matter of surprise to me, that the
+last have not sent a force in the rear of the Hut, where the windows are
+at least exposed to fire, and the forest is so close as to afford a cover
+to the assailants. In front there is literally none, but a few low fences,
+which is the reason I presume that they keep so much aloof."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not probable they know the valley. With the exception of Nick, but
+few Indians have ever visited us, and that rarely. Those we have seen have
+all been of the most peaceable and friendly tribes; not a true warrior, as
+my father says, ever having been found among them. Nick is the only one of
+them all that can thus be termed."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible that fellow has led this party? I have never more than
+half confided in him, and yet he is too old a friend of the family, I
+should think, to be guilty of such an act of baseness."</p>
+
+<p>"My father thinks him a knave, but I question if he has an opinion of him
+as bad as that. Besides, <i>he</i> knows the valley, and would have led the
+Indians round into the rear of the house, if it be a place so much more
+favourable for the attack, as you suppose. These wretches have come by the
+common paths, all of which first strike the river, as you know, below the
+mills."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true. I lost my way, a few miles from this, the path being very
+blind on the eastern route, which I travelled as having gone it last with
+Nick, and thinking it the safest. Fortunately I recognised the crest of
+this mountain above us, by its shape, or I might never have found my way;
+although the streams, when struck, are certain guides to the woodsman. As
+soon as I hit the cow-paths, I knew they would lead me to the barns and
+sheds. See! a man is actually descending from a window!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Bob, I hope it is not my father! He is too old--it is risking too
+much to let him quit the house."</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you better when he reaches the ground. Unless
+mistaken--ay--it is the Irishman, O'Hearn."</p>
+
+<p>"Honest Mike! He is always <i>foremost</i> in everything, though he so little
+knows how anything but digging ought to be done. Is there not another
+following him--or am I deceived?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is--he has just reached the ground, too. This might be spared, did
+they know how well you are guarded, Maud. By one who would die cheerfully
+to prevent harm from reaching you!"</p>
+
+<p>"They little dream of that, Bob," answered Maud, in a low tone. "Not a
+human being in that valley fancies you nearer to him than the royal armies
+are, at this moment. But they do not send a third--I am glad they weaken
+their own force no further."</p>
+
+<p>"It is certainly best they should not. The men had their rifles slung when
+they descended, and they are now getting them ready for service. It is
+Joel Strides who is with Mike."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry for it. <i>That</i> is a man I little like, Bob, and I should be
+sorry he knew of your being here."</p>
+
+<p>This was said quickly, and with a degree of feeling that surprised the
+major, who questioned Maud earnestly as to her meaning and its reasons.
+The latter told him she scarce knew herself; that she disliked the man's
+manner, had long thought his principles bad, and that Mike in his
+extraordinary way had said certain things to her, to awaken distrust.</p>
+
+<p>"Mike speaks in hieroglyphics," said the major, laughing, in spite of the
+serious situation in which he and his companion were placed, "and one must
+never be too sure of <i>his</i> meaning. Joel has now been many years with my
+father, and he seems to enjoy his confidence."</p>
+
+<p>"He makes himself useful, and is very guarded in what he says at the Hut.
+Still--I wish him not to know of your being here."</p>
+
+<p>"It will not be easy to prevent it, Maud. I should have come boldly into
+the valley, but for this accidental meeting with you, trusting that my
+father has no one about him so base as to betray his son."</p>
+
+<p>"Trust not Joel Strides. I'll answer for Mike with my life; but sorry
+indeed should I be that Joel Strides knew of your being among us. It were
+better, perhaps, that most of the workmen should not be in the secret.
+See--the two men are quitting the foot of the rocks."</p>
+
+<p>This was true, and Robert Willoughby watched their movements with the
+glass. As had been expected, they first descended into the bed of the
+rivulet, wading along its shore, under the cover of the bushes, until they
+soon became concealed even from the view of one placed on a height as
+elevated as that occupied by Robert and Maud. It was sufficiently
+apparent, however, that their intention was to reach the forest in this
+manner, when they would probably commence their search for the missing
+young lady. Nor was it long before Robert and Maud plainly saw the two
+adventurers quit the bed of the stream and bury themselves in the forest.
+The question now seriously arose as to the best course for the major and
+his companion to pursue. Under ordinary circumstances, it would have been
+wisest, perhaps, to descend at once and meet the messengers, who might
+soon be found at some of the usual haunts of the girl; but against this
+the latter so earnestly protested, and that in a manner so soothing to the
+young man's feelings, that he scarce knew how to oppose her wishes. She
+implored him not to confide in Joel Strides too hastily, at least. It
+might be time enough, when there was no alternative; until the true
+character of the party then in the valley was known, it would be
+premature. Nothing was easier than to conceal himself until it was dark,
+when he might approach the Hut, and be admitted without his presence being
+known to any but those on whom the family could certainly rely. The major
+urged the impossibility of his quitting Maud, until she was joined by the
+two men sent in quest of her, and then it would be too late, as he must be
+seen. Although he might escape immediate recognition in his present dress,
+the presence of a stranger would excite suspicions, and compel an
+explanation. To this Maud replied in the following manner: Her customary
+places of resort, when in the woods, were well known; more especially to
+Michael, who was frequently employed in their vicinity. These were a
+little water-fall, that was situated a hundred rods up the rivulet, to
+which a path had been made expressly, and where an arbour, seat, and
+little table had been arranged, for the purposes of working, reading, or
+taking refreshments. To this spot the men would unquestionably proceed
+first. Then, there was a deep ravine, some distance farther, that was
+often visited for its savage beauty, and whither she more frequently went,
+perhaps, than to any other place. Thither Michael would be certain to lead
+his companion. These two places visited, they might infallibly expect to
+see the men at the rock, where the two were then seated, as the last spot
+in which Maud might naturally be expected to be found. It would require an
+hour to visit the two places first named, and to examine the surrounding
+woods; and by that time, not only would the sun be set, but the twilight
+would be disappearing. Until that moment, then, the major might remain at
+her side, and on the sound of the approaching footsteps of the messengers,
+he had only to retire behind a projection of the rocks, and afterwards
+follow towards the Knoll, at a safe distance.</p>
+
+<p>This plan was too plausible to be rejected; and giving Robert an hour of
+uninterrupted discourse with his companion, it struck him as having more
+advantages than any other mentioned. The party near the mills, too,
+remaining perfectly quiet, there was less occasion for any change of their
+own, than might otherwise have been the case. So far, indeed, from
+appearing to entertain any hostile intention, not a cabin had been
+injured, if approached, and the smoke of the conflagration which had been
+expected to rise from the mills and the habitations in the glen, did not
+make its appearance. If any such ruthless acts as applying the brand and
+assaulting the people were in contemplation, they were at least delayed
+until night should veil them in a fitting darkness.</p>
+
+<p>It is always a great relief to the mind, in moments of trial, to have
+decided on a course of future action. So the major and Maud now found;
+for, taking his seat by her side, he began to converse with his companion
+more connectedly, and with greater calmness than either had yet been able
+to achieve. Many questions were asked, and answers given, concerning the
+state of the family, that of his father and mother, and dear Beulah and
+her infant, the latter being as yet quite a stranger to the young soldier.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he like his rebel of a father?" asked the royal officer, smiling, but
+as his companion fancied, painfully; "or has he more of the look of the
+Willoughbys. Beekman is a good-looking Dutchman; yet, I would rather have
+the boy resemble the good old English stock, after all."</p>
+
+<p>"The sweet little fellow resembles both father and mother; though the
+first the most, to Beulah's great delight. Papa says he is true 'Holland's
+come of', as they call it, though neither mamma nor I will allow of any
+such thing. Colonel Beekman is a very worthy man, Bob, and a most
+affectionate and attentive husband. Beulah, but for this war, could not be
+happier."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I forgive him one-half of his treason--for the remainder let him
+take his luck. Now I am an uncle, my heart begins to melt a little towards
+the rebel. And you, Maud, how do the honours of an aunt sit upon your
+feelings? But women are all heart, and would love a rat."</p>
+
+<p>Maud smiled, but she answered not. Though Beulah's child were almost as
+dear to her as one of her own could have been, she remembered that she was
+<i>not</i> its aunt, in fact; and, though she knew not why, in that company,
+and even at that grave moment, the obtrusive thought summoned a bright
+flush to her cheeks. The major probably did not notice this change of
+countenance, since, after a short pause, he continued the conversation
+naturally.</p>
+
+<p>"The child is called Evert, is it not, <i>aunt</i> Maud?" he asked, laying an
+emphasis on 'aunt.'</p>
+
+<p>Maud wished this word had not been used; and yet Robert Willoughby, could
+the truth have been known, had adverted to it with an association in his
+own mind, that would have distressed her, just then, still more. <i>Aunt</i>
+Maud was the name that others, however, were most fond of adopting, since
+the birth of the child; and remembering this, our heroine smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"That is what Beulah has called me, these six months," she said--"or
+ever since Evert was born. I became an aunt the day he became a nephew;
+and dear, good Beulah has not once called me <i>sister</i> since, I think."</p>
+
+<p>"These little creatures introduce new ties into families," answered the
+major, thoughtfully. "They take the places of the generations before them,
+and edge us out of our hold on the affections, as in the end they supplant
+us in our stations in life. If Beulah love me only as an <i>uncle</i>, however,
+she may look to it. I'll be supplanted by no Dutchman's child that was
+ever born!"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>You</i>, Bob!" cried Maud, starting. "You are its <i>real</i> uncle; Beulah must
+ever remember <i>you</i>, and <i>love</i> you, as her <i>own</i> brother!"</p>
+
+<p>Maud's voice became suddenly hushed, like one who feared she had said too
+much. The major gazed at her intently, but he spoke not; nor did his
+companion see his look, her own eyes being cast meekly and tremblingly on
+the earth at her feet. A considerable pause succeeded, and then the
+conversation reverted to what was going on in the valley.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was now set, and the shadows of evening began to render objects a
+little indistinct beneath them. Still it was apparent that much anxiety
+prevailed in and about the Hut, doubtless on account of our heroine's
+absence. So great was it, indeed, as entirely to supersede the hanging of
+the remaining leaf of the gate, which stood in the gap where it belonged,
+stayed by pieces of timber, but unhung. The major thought some disposition
+had been made, however, by which the inmates might pass and repass by the
+half that was suspended, making a tolerable defence, when all was closed.</p>
+
+<p>"Hist!" whispered Maud, whose faculties were quickened by the danger of
+her companion; "I hear the voice of Michael, and they approach. No sense
+of danger can repress poor O'Hearn's eloquence; his ideas seeming to flow
+from his tongue very much as they rise to his thoughts, chance directing
+which shall appear first."</p>
+
+<p>"It is true, dear girl; and as you seem so strongly to wish it, I will
+withdraw. Depend on my keeping near you, and on my presence, should it be
+required."</p>
+
+<p>"You will not forget to come beneath the windows, Bob," said Maud,
+anxiously, but in great haste; for the footsteps of the men drew rapidly
+near; "at the very spot where the others descended."</p>
+
+<p>The major bent forward and kissed a cheek that was chilled with
+apprehension, but which the act caused to burn like fire; then he
+disappeared behind the projection of rock he had himself pointed out. As
+for Maud, she sat in seeming composure, awaiting the approach of those who
+drew near.</p>
+
+<p>"The divil bur-r-n me, and all the Injins in Ameriky along wid me," said
+Mike, scrambling up the ascent by a short cut, "but I think we'll find the
+young Missus, here, or I don't think we'll be finding her the night. It's
+a cursed counthry to live in, Misther Strides, where a young lady of the
+loveliness and pithiful beauty of Miss Maud can be lost in the woods, as
+it might be a sheep or a stray baste that was for tasting the neighbour's
+pastures."</p>
+
+<p>"You speak too loud, Mike, and you speak foolishness into the bargain,"
+returned the wary Joel.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it I, you mane! Och! don't think ye 're goin' to set me a rowin' a
+boat once more, ag'in my inclinations and edication, as ye did in ould
+times. I've rung ye into yer ma'tin', and out of yer m'atin', too, twenty
+times too often to be catched in that same trap twice. It's Miss Maud I
+wants, and Miss Maud I'll find, or ---- Lord bless her swate face and
+morals, and her cha<i>rack</i>ter, and all belonging to her!--isn't that, now,
+a prathy composure for the likes of her, and the savages at the mill, and
+the Missus in tears, and the masther mighty un'asy, and all of us
+bothered! See how she sits on that bit of a sate that I puts there for her
+wid my own hands, as a laddy should, looking jist what she is, the quane
+of the woods, and the delight of our eyes!"</p>
+
+<p>Maud was too much accustomed to the rhapsodies of the county Leitrim-man
+to think much of this commencement; but resolute to act her part with
+discretion, she rose to meet him, speaking with great apparent
+self-possession.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible you are in quest of me?" she said--"why has this
+happened?--I usually return about this hour."</p>
+
+<p>"Hoors is it! Don't talk of hoors, beauthiful young laddy, when a single
+quarther may be too late," answered Mike, dogmatically. "It's your own
+mother that's not happy at yer being in the woods the night, and yer ould
+father that has moore un'asiness than he'll confess; long life to the
+church in which confession is held to be right, and dacent, and accorthing
+to the gospel of St. Luke, and the whole calender in the bargain. Ye'll
+not be frightened, Miss Maud, but take what I've to tell ye jist as if ye
+didn't bel'ave a wo-r-r-d of it; but, divil bur-r-n me, if there arn't
+Injins enough on the rocks, forenent the mill, to scalp a whole province,
+and a county along wid it, if ye'll give 'em time and knives enough."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand you, Michael, but am not in the least alarmed," answered
+Maud, with an air of great steadiness; such, indeed, as would have
+delighted the captain. "Something of what has been passing below have I
+seen; but, by being calm and reasonable, we shall escape the danger. Tell
+me only, that all is safe in the Hut--that my dear mother and sister are
+well."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it the Missus? Och, she's as valiant as a peacock, only strick down
+and overcome about your own self! As for Miss Beuly, where's the likes of
+her to be found, unless it's on this same bit of a rock? And it's agraable
+to see the captain, looking for all the wor-r-ld like a commander-in-chaif
+of six or eight rijiments, ordering one this-a-way, and another
+that-a-way--By St. Patrick, young laddy, I only hopes them vagabonds will
+come on as soon as yourself is inside the sticks, jist to give the ould
+jontleman a better occasion to play souldier on 'em. Should they happen to
+climb over the sticks, I've got the prattiest bit of a shillaleh ready
+that mortal eyes iver adorned! 'Twould break a head and niver a hat
+harmed--a thousand's the pities them chaps wears no hats. Howsever, we'll
+see."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Mike, for the courage you show, and the interest you take in
+all our welfares--Is it not too soon to venture down upon the flats, Joel?
+I must trust to <i>you</i> as a guide."</p>
+
+<p>"I think Miss Maud would do full as well if she did. Mike must be told,
+too, not to talk so much, and above all, not to speak so loud. He may be
+heard, sometimes, a dozen rods."</p>
+
+<p>"Tould!" exclaimed the county Leitrim-man, in heat--"And isn't tould I've
+been twenty times already, by your own smooth conversation? Where's the
+occasion to tell a thing over and over ag'in, when a man is not wanting in
+ears. It's the likes of you that loves to convarse."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Mike, for my sake, you will be silent, I hope," said Maud.
+"Remember, I am not fitted for a battle, and the first thing is to get
+safely into the house. The sooner we are down the hill, perhaps, the
+better it may be. Lead the way, then, Joel, and I will follow. Michael
+will go next to you, in readiness for any enemy, and I will bring up the
+rear. It will be better for all to keep a dead silence, until it be
+necessary to speak."</p>
+
+<p>This arrangement was made, and the party proceeded, Maud remaining a
+little behind, in order that the major might catch glimpses of her person,
+in the sombre light of the hour and the forest, and not miss the road. A
+few minutes brought them all upon the level land, where, Joel, instead of
+entering the open fields, inclined more into the woods, always keeping one
+of the many paths. His object was to cross the rivulet under cover, a
+suitable place offering a short distance from the point where the stream
+glided out of the forest. Towards this spot Joel quietly held his way,
+occasionally stopping to listen if any movement of importance had occurred
+on the flats. As for Maud, her eyes were frequently cast behind her, for
+she was fearful Robert Willoughby might miss the path, having so little
+acquaintance with the thousand sinuosities he encountered. She caught
+glimpses of his person, however, in the distance, and saw that he was on
+the right track. Her chief concern, therefore, soon became an anxiety that
+he should not be seen by her companions. As they kept a little in advance,
+and the underbrush was somewhat thick, she had strong hopes that this evil
+would be avoided.</p>
+
+<p>The path being very circuitous, it took some time to reach the spot Joel
+sought. Here he, Mike, and Maud, crossed the rivulet on a tree that had
+been felled expressly to answer the purposes of a rustic foot-bridge; a
+common expedient of the American forest. As our heroine had often
+performed this exploit when alone, she required no assistance, and she
+felt as if half the danger of her critical situation had vanished, when
+she found herself on the same side of the stream as the Hut. Joel, nothing
+suspecting, and keeping all his faculties on the sounds and sights that
+might occur in front, led the way diligently, and soon reached the verge
+of the woods. Here he paused for his companions to join him.</p>
+
+<p>Twilight had, by this time, nearly disappeared. Still, enough remained to
+enable Maud to perceive that many were watching for her, either at the
+windows above the cliff, or through different parts of the stockades. The
+distance was so small, that it might have been possible, by raising the
+voice, even to converse; but this would be an experiment too hazardous, as
+some hostile scouts, at that hour might very well be fearfully near.</p>
+
+<p>"I see nothing, Miss Maud," observed Joel, after taking a good look around
+him. "By keeping the path that follows the edge of the brook, though it is
+so crooked, we shall be certain of good walking, and shall be half hid
+by the bushes. It's best to walk quick, and to be silent."</p>
+
+<p>Maud bade him go on, waiting herself behind a tree, to let the two men
+precede her a short distance. This was done, and the major stole up to her
+side unseen. A few words of explanation passed, when the young lady ran
+after her guides, leaving Robert Willoughby seated on a log. It was a
+breathless moment to Maud, that in which she was passing this bit of open
+land. But the distance was so short, that it was soon gotten over; and the
+three found themselves beneath the cliff. Here they passed the spring, and
+following a path which led from it, turned the edge of the rocks, and
+ascended to the foot of the stockades. It remained to turn these also, in
+order to reach the so recently suspended gates. As Maud passed swiftly
+along, almost brushing the timbers with her dress, she saw, in the dim
+light, fifty faces looking at her, and thrust between the timbers; but she
+paused not, spoke not--scarcely breathed. A profound stillness reigned on
+the Knoll; but when Joel arrived at the gate, it was instantly opened, and
+he glided in. Not so with Mike, who stopped and waited until she he had
+been in quest of entered before him, and was in safety.</p>
+
+<p>Maud found herself in her mother's arms, the instant the gate was passed.
+Mrs. Willoughby had been at the angle of the cliff, had followed her
+child, in her swift progress round the stockade, and was ready to receive
+her, the moment she entered. Beulah came next, and then the captain
+embraced, kissed, wept over, and scolded his little favourite.</p>
+
+<p>"No reproaches now, Hugh"--said the more considerate wife, and gentle
+woman--"Maud has done no more than has long been her custom, and no one
+could have foreseen what has happened."</p>
+
+<p>"Mother--father"--said Maud, almost gasping for breath--"let us bless God
+for my safety, and for the safety of all that are dear to us--thank you,
+dear Mr. Woods--there is a kiss, to thank you--now let us go into the
+house; I have much to tell you--come dear sir--come dearest mother, do not
+lose a moment; let us all go to the library."</p>
+
+<p>As this was the room in which the family devotions were usually held, the
+auditors fancied the excited girl wished to return her thanks in that
+mode, one not unfrequent in that regulated family, and all followed her,
+who dared, with tender sympathy in her feelings, and profoundly grateful
+for her safety. As soon as in the room, Maud carefully shut the door, and
+went from one to another, in order to ascertain who were present. Finding
+none but her father, mother, sister, and the chaplain, she instantly
+related all that had passed, and pointed out the spot where the major was,
+at that moment, waiting for the signal to approach. It is unnecessary to
+dwell on the astonishment and delight, mingled with concern, that this
+intelligence produced.</p>
+
+<p>Maud then rapidly recounted her plan, and implored her father to see it
+executed. The captain had none of her apprehensions on the subject of his
+people's fidelity, but he yielded to the girl's earnest entreaties. Mrs.
+Willoughby was so agitated with all the unlooked-for events of the day,
+that she joined her daughter in the request, and Maud was told to proceed
+with the affair, in her own way.</p>
+
+<p>A lamp was brought, and placed by Maud in a pantry that was lighted by a
+single, long, narrow, external window, at the angle of the building next
+the offices, and the door was closed on it. This lamp was the signal for
+the major to approach, and with beating hearts the females bent forward
+from the windows, secure of not being seen in the night, which had now
+fairly closed on the valley, to listen to his approaching footsteps
+beneath. They did not wait long ere he was not only heard, but dimly seen,
+though totally out of the line of sight from all in the Hut, with the
+exception of those above his head. Captain Willoughby had prepared a rope,
+one end of which was dropped, and fastened by the major, himself, around
+his body. A jerk let those above know when he was ready.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do next?" asked the captain, in a sort of despair. "Woods
+and I can never drag that tall, heavy fellow up such a distance. He is six
+feet, and weighs a hundred and eighty, if he weighs a pound."</p>
+
+<p>"Peace," half-whispered Maud, from a window. "All will be right in a
+moment." Then drawing in her body, the pale but earnest girl begged her
+father to have patience. "I have thought of all. Mike and the blacks may
+be trusted with our lives--I will call them."</p>
+
+<p>This was done, and the county Leitrim-man and the two Plinys were soon in
+the room.</p>
+
+<p>"O'Hearn," said Maud, inquiringly--"I think you are my friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Am I my own!--Is it yees, is the question? Well, jist wish for a tooth,
+and ye may take all in my head for the asking. Och, I 'd be a baste, else!
+I'd ate the remain of my days wid not'ing but a spoon to obleege ye."</p>
+
+<p>"As for you, Pliny, and your son here, you have known us from children.
+Not a word must pass the lips of either, as to what you see--now pull, but
+with great care, lest the rope break."</p>
+
+<p>The men did as ordered, raising their load from the ground, a foot or two
+at a time. In this manner the burthen approached, yard after yard, until
+it was evidently drawing near the window.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the captain hoisting up the big baste of a hog, for provisioning the
+hoose, ag'in a saige," whispered Mike to the negroes, who grinned as they
+tugged; "and when the cr'atur squails, see to it, that ye do not squail
+yerselves."</p>
+
+<p>At that moment the head and shoulders of a man appeared at the window,
+Mike let go the rope, seized a chair, and was about to knock the intruder
+on the head; but the captain arrested the blow.</p>
+
+<p>"It's one of the vagabond Injins that has undermined the hog, and coome up
+in its stead," roared Mike."</p>
+
+<p>"It's my son"--answered the captain, mildly--"see that you are silent,
+and secret."</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch13">
+<h2>Chapter XIII.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  And glory long has made the sages smile,<br />
+  Tis something, nothing, words, illusion, wind--<br />
+  Depending more upon the historian's style<br />
+  Than on the name a person leaves behind.<br />
+  Troy owes to Homer what whist owes to Hoyle<br />
+  The present century was growing blind<br />
+  To the great Marlborough's skill in giving knocks,<br />
+  Until his late Life by Archdeacon Coxe.</p>
+
+<p>  Byron.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Major Willoughby's feet were scarcely on the library floor, when he was
+clasped in his mother's arms. From these he soon passed into Beulah's; nor
+did his father hesitate about giving him an embrace nearly as warm. As for
+Maud, she stood by, weeping in sympathy and in silence.</p>
+
+<p>"And you, too, old man," said Robert Willoughby, dashing the tears from
+his eyes, and turning to the elder black, holding out a hand--"this is not
+the first time, by many, old Pliny, that you have had me between heaven
+and earth. Your son was my old play-fellow, and we must shake hands also.
+As for O'Hearn, steel is not truer, and we are friends for life."</p>
+
+<p>The negroes were delighted to see their young master, for, in that day,
+the slaves exulted in the honour, appearance, importance and dignity of
+their owners, far more than their liberated descendants do now in their
+own. The major had been their friend when a boy; and he was, at present,
+their pride and glory. In their view of the matter, the English army did
+not contain his equal in looks, courage, military skill, or experience;
+and it was treason <i>per se</i> to fight against a cause that he upheld. The
+captain had laughingly related to his wife a conversation to this effect
+he had not long before overheard between the two Plinys.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Miss Beuly do a pretty well"--observed the elder, "but, den he
+all'e better, if he no get 'Merican 'mission. What you call raal colonel,
+eh? Have 'e paper from 'e king like Masser Bob, and wear a rigimental
+like a head of a turkey cock, so! Dat bein' an up and down officer."</p>
+
+<p>"P'rhaps Miss Beuly bring a colonel round, and take off a blue coat, and
+put on a scarlet," answered the younger.</p>
+
+<p>"Nebber!--nebber see dat, Plin, in a rebbleushun. Dis got to be a
+rebbleushun; and when <i>dat</i> begin in 'arnest, gib up all idee of
+'mendment. Rebbleushuns look all one way--nebber see two side, any more
+dan coloured man see two side in a red-skin."</p>
+
+<p>As we have not been able to trace the thought to antiquity, this
+expression may have been the original of the celebrated axiom of Napoleon,
+which tells us that "revolutions never go backwards." At all events, such
+was the notion of Pliny Willoughby, Sen., as the namesake of the great
+Roman styled himself; and it was greatly admired by Pliny Willoughby,
+Jun., to say nothing of the opinions of Big Smash and Little Smash, both
+of whom were listeners to the discourse.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I wish a colonel Beekman"--To this name the fellow gave the true
+Doric sound of <i>Bakeman</i>--"I wish a colonel Beekman only corprul in king's
+troops, for Miss Beuly's sake. Better be sarjun dere, dan
+briggerdeer-ginral in 'Merikan company; dat <i>I</i> know."</p>
+
+<p>"What a briggerdeer mean, Plin?" inquired Little Smash, with interest.
+"Who he keep company wid, and what he do? Tell a body, do--so many officer
+in 'e army, one nebber know all he name."</p>
+
+<p>"'Mericans can't hab 'em. Too poor for <i>dat</i>. Briggerdeer great gentleum,
+and wear a red coat. Ole time, see 'em in hundreds, come to visit Masser,
+and Missus, and play wid Masser Bob. Oh! no rebbleushun in dem days; but
+ebbery body know he own business, and <i>do</i> it, too."</p>
+
+<p>This will serve to show the political sentiments of the Plinys, and may
+also indicate the bias that the Smashes were likely to imbibe in such
+company. As a matter of course, the major was gladly welcomed by these
+devoted admirers; and when Maud again whispered to them the necessity of
+secresy, each shut his mouth, no trifling operation in itself, as if it
+were to be henceforth hermetically sealed.</p>
+
+<p>The assistants were now dismissed, and the major was left alone with his
+family. Again and again Mrs. Willoughby embraced her son; nor had her new
+ties at all lessened Beulah's interest in her brother. Even the captain
+kissed his boy anew, while Mr. Woods shook hands once more with his old
+pupil, and blessed him. Maud alone was passive in this scene of feeling
+and joy.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Bob, let us to business," said the captain, as soon as tranquillity
+was a little restored. "You have not made this difficult and perilous
+journey without an object; and, as we are somewhat critically situated
+ourselves, the sooner we know what it is, the less will be the danger of
+its not producing its proper effect."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven send, dear sir, that it fail not in its effect, indeed," answered
+the son. "But is not this movement in the valley pressing, and have I not
+come opportunely to take a part in the defence of the house?"</p>
+
+<p>"That will be seen a few hours later, perhaps. Everything is quiet now,
+and will probably so remain until near morning; or Indian tactics have
+undergone a change. The fellows have lighted camp-fires on their rocks,
+and seem disposed to rest for the present, at least. Nor do I know that
+they are bent on war at all. We have no Indians near us, who would be
+likely to dig up the hatchet; and these fellows profess peace, by a
+messenger they have sent me."</p>
+
+<p>"Are they not in their war-paint, sir? I remember to have seen warriors,
+when a boy, and my glass has given these men the appearance of being on
+what they call 'a war-path.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Some of them are certainly in that guise, though he who came to the Knoll
+was not. <i>He</i> pretended that they were a party travelling towards the
+Hudson in order to learn the true causes of the difficulties between their
+Great English and their Great American Fathers. He asked for meal and meat
+to feed his young men with. This was the whole purport of his errand."</p>
+
+<p>"And your answer, sir; is it peace, or war, between you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Peace in professions, but I much fear war in reality. Still one cannot
+know. An old frontier garrison-man, like myself, is not apt to put much
+reliance on Indian faith. We are now, God be praised! all within the
+stockade; and having plenty of arms and ammunition, are not likely to be
+easily stormed. A siege is out of the question; we are too well
+provisioned to dread that."</p>
+
+<p>"But you leave the mills, the growing grain, the barns, even the cabins of
+your workmen, altogether at the mercy of these wretches."</p>
+
+<p>"That cannot well be avoided, unless we go out and drive them off, in open
+battle. For the last, they are too strong, to say nothing of the odds of
+risking fathers of families against mere vagabonds, as I suspect these
+savages to be. I have told them to help themselves to meal, or grain, of
+which they will find plenty in the mill. Pork can be got in the houses,
+and they have made way with a deer already, that I had expected the
+pleasure of dissecting myself. The cattle roam the woods at this season,
+and are tolerably safe; but they can burn the barns and other buildings,
+should they see fit. In this respect, we are at their mercy. If they ask
+for rum, or cider, that may bring matters to a head; for, refusing may
+exasperate them, and granting either, in any quantity, will certainly
+cause them all to get intoxicated."</p>
+
+<p>"Why would not that be good policy, Willoughby?" exclaimed the chaplain.
+"If fairly disguised once, our people might steal out upon them, and take
+away all their arms. Drunken men sleep very profoundly."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be a canonical mode of warfare, perhaps, Woods," returned the
+chaplain, smiling, "but not exactly a military. I think it safer that they
+should continue sober; for, as yet, they manifest no great intentions of
+hostility. But of this we can speak hereafter. Why are you here, my son,
+and in this guise?"</p>
+
+<p>"The motive may as well be told now, as at another time," answered the
+major, giving his mother and sisters chairs, while the others imitated
+their example in being seated. "Sir William Howe has permitted me to come
+out to see you--I might almost say <i>ordered</i> me out; for matters have now
+reached a pass when we think every loyal gentleman in America must feel
+disposed to take sides with the crown."</p>
+
+<p>A general movement among his auditors told the major the extent of the
+interest they felt in what was expected to follow. He paused an instant to
+survey the dark-looking group that was clustering around him; for no
+lights were in the room on account of the open windows, and he spoke in a
+low voice from motives of prudence; then he proceeded:</p>
+
+<p>"I should infer from the little that passed between Maud and myself," he
+said, "that you are ignorant of the two most important events that have
+yet occurred in this unhappy conflict?"</p>
+
+<p>"We learn little here," answered the father. "I have heard that my Lord
+Howe and his brother Sir William have been named commissioners by His
+Majesty to heal all the differences. I knew them both, when young men,
+and their elder brother before them. Black Dick, as we used to call the
+admiral, is a discreet, well-meaning man; though I fear both of them owe
+their appointments more to their affinity to the sovereign than to the
+qualities that might best fit them to deal with the Americans."</p>
+
+<p>"Little is known of the affinity of which you speak[*], and less said in
+the army," returned the major, "but I fear there is no hope of the object
+of the commission's being effected. The American congress has declared the
+colonies altogether independent of England; and so far as this country is
+concerned, the war is carried on as between nation and nation. All
+allegiance, even in name, is openly cast aside."</p>
+
+<p>  [* The mother of the three Lords Howe, so well known in American
+  history, viz: <i>George</i>, killed before Ticonderoga, in the war of '56;
+  <i>Richard</i>, the celebrated admiral, and the hero of the 1st June; and Sir
+  <i>William</i>, for several years commander-in-chief in this country, and the
+  5th and last viscount; was a Mademoiselle Kilmansegge, who was supposed
+  to be a natural daughter of George I. This would make these three
+  officers and George II. first-cousins; and George III their great-nephew
+  <i>a la mode de Bretagne</i>. Walpole, and various other English writers,
+  speak openly, not only of the connection, but of the family resemblance.
+  Indeed, most of the gossiping writers of that age seem to allow that
+  Lord Howe was a grandson of the first English sovereign of the House of
+  Brunswick.]</p>
+
+<p>"You astonish me, Bob! I did not think it could ever come to this!"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought your native attachments would hardly endure as strong a measure
+as this has got to be," answered the major, not a little satisfied with
+the strength of feeling manifested by his father. "Yet has this been done,
+sir, and done in a way that it will not be easy to recall. Those who now
+resist us, resist for the sake of throwing off all connection with
+England."</p>
+
+<p>"Has France any agency in this, Bob?--I own it startles me, and has a
+French look."</p>
+
+<p>"It has driven many of the most respectable of our enemies into our arms,
+sir. We have never considered you a direct enemy, though unhappily
+inclining too much against us; 'but this will determine Sir Hugh,' said
+the commander-in-chief in our closing interview--I suppose you know, my
+dear father, that all your old friends, knowing what has happened, insist
+on calling you Sir Hugh. I assure you, I never open my lips on the
+subject; and yet Lord Howe drank to the health of Sir Hugh Willoughby,
+openly at his own table, the last time I had the honour to dine with him."</p>
+
+<p>"Then the next time he favours you with an invitation, Bob, be kind enough
+to thank him. I want no empty baronetcy, nor do I ever think of returning
+to England to live. Were all I had on earth drummed together, it would
+barely make out a respectable competency for a private gentleman in that
+extravagant state of society; and what is a mere name to one in such
+circumstances? I wish it were transferable, my dear boy, in the old Scotch
+mode, and you should be Sir Bob before you slept."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Willoughby, it may be useful to Robert, and why should he not have
+the title, since neither you nor I care for it?" asked the considerate
+mother.</p>
+
+<p>"So he may, my dear; though he must wait for an event that I fancy you are
+not very impatient to witness--my death. When I am gone, let him be Sir
+Robert, in welcome. But, Bob--for plain, honest Bob must you remain till
+then, unless indeed you earn your spurs in this unhappy war--have you any
+military tidings for us? We have heard nothing since the arrival of the
+fleet on the coast."</p>
+
+<p>"We are in New York, after routing Washington on Long Island. The
+rebels"--the major spoke a little more confidently than had been his
+wont--"The rebels have retreated into the high country, near the borders
+of Connecticut, where they have inveterate nests of the disaffected in
+their rear."</p>
+
+<p>"And has all this been done without bloodshed? Washington had staff in
+him, in the old French business."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>His</i> stuff is not doubted, sir; but his men make miserable work of it.
+Really I am sometimes ashamed of having been born in the country. These
+Yankees fight like wrangling women, rather than soldiers."</p>
+
+<p>"How's this!--You spoke honestly of the affair at Lexington, and wrote us
+a frank account of the murderous work at Bunker Hill. Have their natures
+changed with the change of season?"</p>
+
+<p>"To own the truth, sir, they did wonders on the Hill, and not badly in the
+other affair; but all their spirit seems gone. I am quite ashamed of them.
+Perhaps this declaration of independence, as it is called, has damped
+their ardour."</p>
+
+<p>"No, my son--the change, if change there is, depends on a general and
+natural law. Nothing but discipline and long training can carry men with
+credit through a campaign, in the open field. Fathers, and husbands, and
+brothers and lovers, make formidable enemies, in sight of their own
+chimney-tops; but the most flogging regiments, we used to say, were the
+best fighting regiments for a long pull. But, have a care, Bob; you are
+now of a rank that may well get you a separate command, and do not despise
+your enemy. I know these Yankees well--you are one, yourself, though only
+half-blooded; but I know them well, and have often seen them tried. They
+are very apt to be badly commanded, heaven cursing them for their sins, in
+this form more than any other--but get them fairly at work, and the guards
+will have as much as they can wish, to get along with. Woods will swear to
+<i>that</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Objecting to the <i>mode</i> of corroboration, my dear sir, I can support its
+substance. Inclined as I am to uphold C&aelig;sar, and to do honour to the
+Lord's anointed, I will not deny my countrymen's courage; though I think,
+Willoughby, now I recall old times, it was rather the fashion of our
+officers to treat it somewhat disrespectfully."</p>
+
+<p>"It was, indeed," answered the captain, thoughtfully--"and a silly thing
+it was. They mistook the nature of a mild and pacific people, totally
+without the glitter and habits of military life, for a timid people; and I
+have often heard the new hands in the colonies speak of their inhabitants
+with contempt on this very head. Braddock had that failing to a great
+degree; and yet this very major Washington saved his army from
+annihilation, when it came to truly desperate work. Mark the words of a
+much older soldier than yourself, Bob; you may have more of the bravery of
+apparel, and present a more military aspect; may even gain advantages over
+them by means of higher discipline, better arms, and more accurate
+combinations; but, when you meet them fairly, depend on it you will meet
+dangerous foes, and men capable of being sooner drilled into good soldiers
+than any nation I have met with. Their great curse is, and probably will
+be, in selecting too many of their officers from classes not embued with
+proper military pride, and altogether without the collaterals of a good
+military education."</p>
+
+<p>To all this the major had nothing very material to object, and remembering
+that the silent but thoughtful Beulah had a husband in what he called the
+rebel ranks, he changed the subject. Arrangements were now made for the
+comfort and privacy of the unlooked-for guest. Adjoining the library, a
+room with no direct communication with the court by means of either door,
+or window, was a small and retired apartment containing a cot-bed, to
+which the captain was accustomed to retire in the cases of indisposition,
+when Mrs. Willoughby wished to have either of her daughters with herself,
+on their account, or on her own. This room was now given to the major, and
+in it he would be perfectly free from every sort of intrusion. He might
+eat in the library, if necessary; though, all the windows of that wing of
+the house opening outward, there was little danger of being seen by any
+but the regular domestics of the family, all of whom were to be let into
+the secret of his presence, and all of whom were rightly judged to be
+perfectly trustworthy.</p>
+
+<p>As the evening promised to be dark, it was determined among the gentlemen
+that the major should disguise himself still more than he was already, and
+venture outside of the building, in company with his father, and the
+chaplain, as soon as the people, who were now crowded into the vacant
+rooms in the empty part of the house, had taken possession of their
+respective quarters for the night. In the meantime a hearty supper was
+provided for the traveller in the library, the bullet-proof
+window-shutters of which room, and indeed of all the others on that side
+of the building, having first been closed, in order that lights might be
+used, without drawing a shot from the adjoining forest.</p>
+
+<p>"We are very safe, here," observed the captain, as his son appeased his
+hunger, with the keen relish of a traveller. "Even Woods might stand a
+siege in a house built and stockaded like this. Every window has solid
+bullet-proof shutters, with fastenings not easily broken; and the logs of
+the buildings might almost defy round-shot. The gates are all up, one leaf
+excepted, and that leaf stands nearly in its place, well propped and
+supported. In the morning it shall be hung like the others. Then the
+stockade is complete, and has not a speck of decay about it yet. We shall
+keep a guard of twelve men up the whole night, with three sentinels
+outside of the buildings; and all of us will sleep in our clothes, and on
+our arms. My plan, should an assault be made, is to draw in the sentinels,
+as soon as they have discharged their pieces, to close the gate, and man
+the loops. The last are all open, and spare arms are distributed at them.
+I had a walk made within the ridge of the roofs this spring, by which men
+can run round the whole Hut, in the event of an attempt to, set fire to
+the shingles, or fire over the ridge at an enemy at the stockades. It is a
+great improvement, Bob; and, as it is well railed, will make a capital
+station in a warm conflict, before the enemy make their way within the
+stockade."</p>
+
+<p>"We must endeavour not to let them get there, sir," answered the
+major--"but, as soon as your people are housed, I shall have an
+opportunity to reconnoitre. Open work is most to the taste of us
+regulars."</p>
+
+<p>"Not against an Indian enemy. You will be glad of such a fortress as this,
+boy, before the question of independence, or no independence, shall be
+finally settled. Did not Washington entrench in the town?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not much on that side of the water, sir; though he was reasonably well in
+the ground on Long Island. <i>There</i> he had many thousands of men, and works
+of some extent."</p>
+
+<p>"And how did he get off the island?" demanded the captain, turning round
+to look his son in the face. "The arm of the sea is quite half-a-mile in
+width, at that point--how did he cross it in the face of a victorious
+army?--or did he only save himself, while you captured his troops?"</p>
+
+<p>The major coloured a little, and then he looked at Beulah and smiled
+good-naturedly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so surrounded by rebels here," he said, "that it is not easy to
+answer all your questions, sir. Beat him we did, beyond a question, and
+that with a heavy loss to his army--and out of New York we have driven
+him, beyond a question--but--I will not increase Beulah's conceit by
+stating any more!"</p>
+
+<p>"If you can tell me anything kind of Evert, Bob, you will act like a
+brother in so doing," said the gentle wife.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, Beekman did well too, they said. I heard some of our officers
+extolling a charge he made; and to own the truth, I was not sorry to be
+able to say he was my sister's husband, since a fierce rebel she would
+marry. All our news of <i>him</i> is to his credit; and now I shall get a kiss
+for my pains."</p>
+
+<p>The major was not mistaken. With a swelling heart, but smiling
+countenance, his sister threw herself into his arms, when she kissed and
+was kissed until the tears streamed down her cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"It was of Washington I intended to speak, sir," resumed the major,
+dashing a tear or two from his own eyes, as Beulah resumed her chair. "His
+retreat from the island is spoken of as masterly, and has gained him great
+credit. He conducted it in person, and did not lose a man. I heard Sir
+William mention it as masterly."</p>
+
+<p>"Then by heaven, America will prevail in this contest!" exclaims I the
+captain, striking his fist upon the table, with a suddenness and force
+that caused all in the room to start. "If she has a general who can effect
+such a movement skilfully, the reign of England is over, here. Why, Woods,
+Xenophon never did a better thing! The retreat of the ten thousand was
+boy's play to getting across that water. Besides, your victory could have
+been no great matter, Bob, or it would never have been done."</p>
+
+<p>"Our victory was respectable, sir, while I acknowledge that the retreat
+was great. No one among us denies it, and Washington is always named with
+respect in the army."</p>
+
+<p>In a minute more, Big Smash came in, under the pretence of removing the
+dishes, but, in reality to see Master Bob, and to be noticed by him. She
+was a woman of sixty, the mother of Little Smash, herself a respectable
+matron of forty; and both had been born in the household of Mrs.
+Willoughby's father, and had rather more attachment for any one of her
+children than for all of their own, though each had been reasonably
+prolific. The <i>sobriquets</i> had passed into general use, and the real names
+of Bess and Ma<i>ri'</i> were nearly obsolete. Still, the major thought it
+polite to use the latter on the present occasion.</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my word, Mrs. Bess," he said, shaking the old woman cordially by the
+hand, though he instinctively shrunk back from the sight of a pair of lips
+that were quite ultra, in the way of pouting, which used often to salute
+him twenty years before--"Upon my word, Mrs. Bess, you improve in beauty,
+everytime I see you. Old age and you seem to be total strangers to each
+other. How do you manage to remain so comely and so young?"</p>
+
+<p>"God send 'e fus', Masser Bob, heabben be praise, and a good conscience do
+'e las'. I <i>do</i> wish you could make ole Plin hear <i>dat</i>! He nebber t'ink
+any good look, now-a-day, in a ole wench."</p>
+
+<p>"Pliny is half blind. But that is the way with most husbands, Smash; they
+become blind to the charms of their spouses, after a few years of
+matrimony."</p>
+
+<p>"Nebber get marry, Masser Bob, if dat be 'e way."</p>
+
+<p>Then Great Smash gave such a laugh, and such a swing of her unwieldy body,
+that one might well have apprehended her downfall. But, no such thing. She
+maintained the equilibrium; for, renowned as she had been all her life at
+producing havoc among plates, and cups, and bowls, she was never known to
+be thrown off her own centre of gravity. Another hearty shake of the hand
+followed, and the major quitted the table. As was usual on all great and
+joyous occasions in the family, when the emotions reached the kitchen,
+that evening was remarkable for a "smash," in which half the crockery that
+had just been brought from the table, fell an unresisting sacrifice. This
+produced a hot discussion between "The Big" and "The Little" as to the
+offender, which resulted, as so often happens, in these inquiries into
+the accidents of domestic life, in the conclusion that "nobody" was alone
+to blame.</p>
+
+<p>"How 'e t'ink he <i>can</i> come back, and not a plate crack!" exclaimed
+Little Smash, in a vindicatory tone, she being the real delinquent--"Get
+in 'e winder, too! Lor! <i>dat</i> enough to break all 'e dish in 'e house, and
+in 'e mill, too! I <i>do</i> wish ebbery plate we got was an Injin--den you see
+fun! Can nebber like Injin; 'em so red, and so sabbage!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nebber talk of Injin, now," answered the indignant mother--"better talk
+of plate. Dis make forty t'ousand dish you break, Mari', sin' you war' a
+young woman. S'pose you t'ink Masser made of plate, dat you break 'em up
+so! Dat what ole Plin say--de nigger! He say all men made of clay, and
+plate made of clay, too--well, bot' clay, and bot' <i>break</i>. All on us
+wessels, and all on us break to pieces some day, and den dey'll t'row <i>us</i>
+away, too."</p>
+
+<p>A general laugh succeeded this touch of morality, Great Smash being a
+little addicted to ethical remarks of this nature; after which the war was
+renewed on the subject of the broken crockery. Nor did it soon cease;
+wrangling, laughing, singing, toiling, a light-heartedness that knew no
+serious cares, and affection, making up the sum of the everyday existence
+of these semi-civilized beings. The presence of the party in the valley,
+however, afforded the subject of an episode; for a negro has quite as much
+of the <i>de haut en bas</i> in his manner of viewing the aborigines, as the
+whites have in their speculations on his own race. Mingled with this
+contempt, notwithstanding, was a very active dread, neither of the Plinys,
+nor of their amiable consorts, in the least relishing the idea of being
+shorn of the wool, with shears as penetrating as the scalping-knife. After
+a good deal of discussion on this subject, the kitchen arrived at the
+conclusion that the visit of the major was ordered by Providence, since it
+was out of all the rules of probability and practice to have a few
+half-clad savages get the better of "Masser Bob," who was born a soldier,
+and had so recently been fighting for the king.</p>
+
+<p>On the latter subject, we ought to have stated that the captain's kitchen
+was ultra-loyal. The rude, but simple beings it contained, had a reverence
+for rank and power that even a "rebbelushun" could not disturb, and which
+closely associated, in their minds, royal authority with divine power.
+Next to their own master, they considered George III, as the greatest man
+of the age; and there was no disposition in them to rob him of his rights
+or his honours.</p>
+
+<p>"You seem thoughtful, Woods," said the captain, while his son had retired
+to his own room, in order to assume a disguise less likely to attract
+attention in the garrison than a hunting-shirt. "Is it this unexpected
+visit of Bob's that furnishes food for reflection?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not so much his visit, my dear Willoughby, as the news he brings us. God
+knows what will befall the church, should this rebellion make serious
+head. The country is in a dreadful way, already, on the subject of
+religion; but it will be far worse if these 'canters' get the upper hand
+of the government."</p>
+
+<p>The captain was silent and thoughtful for a moment; then he laughingly
+replied--</p>
+
+<p>"Fear nothing for the church, chaplain. It is of God, and will outlast a
+hundred political revolutions."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know that, Willoughby--I don't know that"--The chaplain did not
+exactly mean what he said--"'Twouldn't surprise me if we had '<i>taking</i> up
+collections,' '<i>sitting under preaching,' 'providentially happening,'
+'exercised in mind</i>,' and '<i>our Zion</i>' finding their way into
+dictionaries."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite likely, Woods"--returned the captain, smiling--"Liberty is known to
+produce great changes in <i>things</i>; why not in language?"</p>
+
+<p>"Liberty, indeed! Yes; '<i>liberty</i> in prayer' is another of their phrases.
+Well, captain Willoughby, if this rebellion should succeed, we may give up
+all hopes for the church. What sort of government shall we have, do you
+imagine, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Republican, of course," answered the captain, again becoming thoughtful,
+as his mind reverted to the important results that were really dependent
+on the present state of things. "Republican--it <i>can</i> be no other. These
+colonies have always had a strong bias in that direction, and they want
+the elements necessary to a monarchy. New York has a landed gentry, it is
+true; and so has Maryland, and Virginia, and the Carolinas; but they are
+not strong enough to set up a political aristocracy, or to prop a throne;
+and then this gentry will probably be much weakened by the struggle. Half
+the principal families are known to be with the crown, as it is; and new
+men will force them out of place, in a revolution. No, Woods, if this
+revolution prosper, the monarchy is done in America, for at least a
+century."</p>
+
+<p>"And the prayers for the king and royal family--what will become of
+<i>them</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should think they must cease, also. I question if a people will
+continue long to pray for authorities that they refuse to obey."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall stick to the rubrics as long as I have a tongue in my head. I
+trust, Willoughby, <i>you</i> will not stop these prayers, in your settlement?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is the last mode in which I should choose to show hostility. Still,
+you must allow it is a little too much to ask a congregation to pray that
+the king shall overcome his enemies, when they are among those very
+enemies? The question presents a dilemma."</p>
+
+<p>"And, yet, I have never failed to read that prayer, as well as all the
+rest. You have not objected, hitherto."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not, for I have considered the war as being waged with parliament
+and the ministers, whereas it is now clearly with the king. This paper is
+certainly a plain and forcible document."</p>
+
+<p>"And what is that paper? Not the Westminster Confession of Faith, or the
+Saybrook Platform, I hope; one of which will certainly supersede the
+Thirty-nine Articles in all our churches, if this rebellion prosper."</p>
+
+<p>"It is the manifesto issued by congress, to justify their declaration of
+independence. Bob has brought it with him, as a proof how far matters have
+been carried; but, really, it seems to be a creditable document, and is
+eloquently reasoned."</p>
+
+<p>"I see how it is, Willoughby--I see how it is. We shall find you a rebel
+general yet; and I expect to live to hear <i>you</i> talk about 'our Zion' and
+'providential accidents.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Neither, Woods. For the first, I am too old; and, for the last, I have
+too much taste, I trust. Whether I shall always pray for the king is
+another matter. But, here is the major, ready for his sortie. Upon my
+word, his masquerade is so complete, I hardly know him myself."</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch14">
+<h2>Chapter XIV.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  He could not rest, he could not stay<br />
+  Within his tent to wait for day;<br />
+  But walked him forth along the sand,<br />
+  Where thousand sleepers strewed the strand.</p>
+
+<p>  <i>Siege of Corinth</i>.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+It was now so late that most of the men of the Hut, and all the women and
+children, were housed for the night, provided no alarm occurred. There was
+consequently little risk in the major's venturing forth, disguised as he
+was, should care be taken not to approach a light. The great number of the
+latter, streaming through the windows of the western wing of the building,
+showed how many were now collected within the walls, and gave an unusual
+appearance of life and animation to the place. Still, the court was clear,
+the men seeking their pallets, in readiness for their coming watches,
+while the women were occupied with those great concerns of female life,
+the care of children.</p>
+
+<p>The captain, major, and chaplain, each carrying a rifle, and the two
+former pistols, moved rapidly across the court, and passed the gate. The
+moveable leaf of the latter was left unbarred, it being the orders of the
+captain to the sentinels without, on the approach of an enemy, to retire
+within the court, and then to secure the fastenings.</p>
+
+<p>The night was star-light, and it was cool, as is common to this region of
+country. There being neither lamp nor candle on the exterior of the house,
+even the loops being darkened, there was little danger in moving about
+within the stockades. The sentinels were directed to take their posts so
+near the palisades as to command views of the open lawn without, a
+precaution that would effectually prevent the usual stealthy approach of
+an enemy without discovery. As the alarm had been very decided, these
+irregular guardians of the house were all at their posts, and exceedingly
+watchful, a circumstance that enabled the captain to avoid them, and thus
+further remove the danger of his son's being recognised. He accordingly
+held himself aloof from the men, keeping within the shadows of the sides
+of the Hut.</p>
+
+<p>As a matter of course, the first object to which our two soldiers directed
+their eyes, was the rock above the mill. The Indians had lighted fires,
+and were now apparently bivouacked at no great distance from them, having
+brought boards from below with that especial object. Why they chose to
+remain in this precise position, and why they neglected the better
+accommodations afforded by some fifteen or twenty log-cabins, that skirted
+the western side of the valley in particular, were subjects of conjecture.
+That they were near the fires the board shanties proved, and that they
+were to the last degree careless of the proximity of the people of the
+place, would seem also to be apparent in the fact that they had not
+posted, so far as could be ascertained, even a solitary sentinel.</p>
+
+<p>"This is altogether surprising for Indian tactics," observed the captain,
+in a low voice; for everything that was uttered that night without the
+building was said in very guarded tones. "I have never before known the
+savages to cover themselves in that manner; nor is it usual with them to
+light fires to point out the positions they occupy, as these fellows seem
+to have done."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not all <i>seeming</i>, sir?" returned the major. "To me that camp, if
+camp it can be called, has an air of being deserted."</p>
+
+<p>"There is a look about it of premeditated preparation that one ought
+always to distrust in war."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not unmilitary, sir, for two soldiers like ourselves to remain in
+doubt on such a point? My professional pride revolts at such a state of
+things; and, with your leave, I will go outside, and set the matter at
+rest by reconnoitring."</p>
+
+<p>"Professional pride is a good thing, Bob, rightly understood and rightly
+practised. But the highest point of honour with the really good soldier is
+to do that for which he was precisely intended. Some men fancy armies were
+got together just to maintain certain exaggerated notions of military
+honour; whereas, military honour is nothing but a moral expedient to aid
+in effecting the objects for which they are really raised. I have known
+men so blinded as to assert that a soldier is bound to maintain his honour
+at the expense of the law; and this in face of the fact that, in a free
+country, a soldier is in truth nothing but one of the props of the law, in
+the last resort. So with us; we are here to defend this house, and those
+it contains; and our military honour is far more concerned in doing that
+effectually, and by right means, than in running the risk of not doing it
+at all, in order to satisfy an abstract and untenable notion of a false
+code. Let us do what is <i>right</i>, my son, and feel no concern that our
+honour suffer."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby said this, because he fancied it a fault in his son's
+character, sometimes to confound the end with the means, in appreciating
+the ethics of his profession. This is not an uncommon error among those
+who bear arms, instances not being wanting in which bodies of men that are
+the mere creatures of authority, have not hesitated to trample the power
+that brought them into existence under foot, rather than submit to mortify
+the feelings of a purely conventional and exaggerated pride. The major was
+rebuked rather than convinced, it not being the natural vocation of youth
+to perceive the justice of all the admonitions of age.</p>
+
+<p>"But, if one can be made auxiliary to the other, sir," the son remarked,
+"then you will allow that professional <i>esprit</i>, and professional
+prudence, may very well march hand in hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Of that there can be no doubt, though I think it far wiser and more
+soldier-like, even, to use all proper precautions to guard this house,
+under our actual circumstances, than to risk anything material in order to
+satisfy our doubts concerning the state of that camp."</p>
+
+<p>"But the cabins, and all the property that lies exposed to fire and other
+accidents, including the mills? Is it not worth your while to let me make
+a little excursion, in order to ascertain the state of things, as
+connected with them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it would, Bob"--returned the father, after a little reflection.
+"It would be a great point gained, to send a man to look after the
+buildings, and the horses. The poor beasts may be suffering for water;
+and, as you say, the first thing will be to ascertain where our wild
+visiters really are, and what they are actually bent on. Woods, go with us
+to the gate, and let us out. I rely on your saying nothing of our absence,
+except to explain to the two nearest sentinels who we are, and to be on
+the look-out for us, against the moment we may return."</p>
+
+<p>"Will it not be very hazardous to be moving in front of the stockade, in
+the dark? Some of our own people may fire upon you."</p>
+
+<p>"You will tell them to be cautious, and we shall use great circumspection
+in our turn. I had better give you a signal by which we shall be known."</p>
+
+<p>This was done, and the party moved from under the shadows of the Hut, down
+to the gate. Here the two soldiers halted for several minutes, taking a
+deliberate and as thorough a survey of the scene without, as the darkness
+permitted. Then the chaplain opened the gate, and they issued forth,
+moving with great caution down the lawn, towards the fleets. As a matter
+of course, captain Willoughby was perfectly familiar with all the lanes,
+ditches, bridges and fields of his beautiful possessions. The alluvial
+soil that lay spread around him was principally the result of ages of
+deposit while the place was covered with water; but, as the overflowing of
+the water had been produced by a regular dam, the latter once removed, the
+meadows were free, from the excessive moisture which generally saturates
+drained lands. Still, there were two or three large open ditches, to
+collect the water that came down the adjacent mountains or bubbled up from
+springs near the margin of the woods Across these ditches the roads led,
+by bridges, and the whole valley was laid out, in this manner, equally
+with a view to convenience and rural beauty. A knowledge of all the
+windings was of great use, on the present occasion, even on the advance;
+while, on the retreat, it might clearly be the means of preserving the
+lives, or liberties, of the two adventurers.</p>
+
+<p>The captain did not proceed by the principal road which led from the Hut
+to the mills, the great thoroughfare of the valley, since it might be
+watched, in order to prevent a hostile sortie against the camp; but he
+inclined to the right, or to the westward, in order to visit the cabins
+and barns in that quarter. It struck him his invaders might have quietly
+taken possession of the houses, or even have stolen his horses and
+decamped. In this direction, then, he and his son proceeded, using the
+greatest caution in their movements, and occasionally stopping to examine
+the waning fires at the rock, or to throw a glance behind them at the
+stockade. Everything remained in the quiet which renders a forest
+settlement so solemn and imposing, after the daily movements of man have
+ceased. The deepest and most breathless attention could not catch an
+unaccustomed sound. Even the bark of a dog was not heard, all those useful
+animals having followed their masters into the Hut, as if conscious that
+their principal care now lay in that direction. Each of the sentinels had
+one of these animals near him, crouched under the stockade, in the
+expectation of their giving the alarm, should any strange footstep
+approach. In this manner most of the distance between the Knoll and the
+forest was crossed, when the major suddenly laid a hand on his father's
+arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is something stirring on our left," whispered the former--"It seems,
+too, to be crouching under the fence."</p>
+
+<p>"You have lost your familiarity with our rural life, Bob," answered the
+father, with a little more confidence of tone, but still guardedly, "or
+this fragrant breath would tell you we are almost on a cow. It is old
+Whiteback; I know her by her horns. Feel; she is here in the lane with us,
+and within reach of your hand. A gentler animal is not in the settlement.
+But, stop--pass your hand on her udder--she will not stir--how is it, full
+or not?"</p>
+
+<p>"If I can judge, sir, it is nothing remarkable in the way of size."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand this better. By Jupiter, boy, that cow has been milked! It
+is certain none of our people have left the house to do it, since the
+alarm was first given. This is ominous of neighbours."</p>
+
+<p>The major made no reply, but he felt to ascertain if his arms were in a
+state for immediate service. After a moment's further pause the captain
+proceeded, moving with increased caution. Not a word was now uttered, for
+they were getting within the shadows of the orchard, and indeed of the
+forest, where objects could not well be distinguished at the distance of a
+very few yards. A cabin was soon reached, and it was found empty; the fire
+reduced to a few embers, and quite safe. This was the residence of the man
+who had the care of the horses, the stables standing directly behind it.
+Captain Willoughby was a thoughtful and humane man, and it struck him the
+animals might now be turned into a field that joined the barn-yard, where
+there was not only rich pasture, but plenty of sweet running water. This
+he determined to do at once, the only danger being from the unbridled
+movements of cattle that must be impatient from unusual privation, and a
+prolonged restraint.</p>
+
+<p>The major opened the gate of the field, and stationed himself in a way to
+turn the animals in the desired direction, while his father went into the
+stable to set them free. The first horse came out with great deliberation,
+being an old animal well cooled with toil at the plough, and the major had
+merely to swing his arm, to turn him into the field. Not so with the next,
+however. This was little better than a colt, a creature in training for
+his master's saddle; and no sooner was it released than it plunged into
+the yard, then bounded into the field, around which it galloped, until it
+found the water. The others imitated this bad example; the clatter of
+hoofs, though beaten on a rich turf, soon resounding in the stillness of
+the night, until it might be heard across the valley. The captain then
+rejoined his son.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a good deed somewhat clumsily done, Bob," observed the father, as
+he picked up his rifle and prepared to proceed. "An Indian ear, however,
+will not fail to distinguish between the tramping of horses and a charge
+of foot."</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, sir, the noise may serve us a good turn yet. Let us take another
+look at the fires, and see if this tramping has set any one in motion near
+them. We can get a glimpse a little further ahead."</p>
+
+<p>The look was taken, but nothing was seen. While standing perfectly
+motionless, beneath the shadows of an apple-tree, however, a sound was
+heard quite near them, which resembled that of a guarded footstep. Both
+gentlemen drew up, like sportsmen expecting the birds to rise, in waiting
+for the sound to approach. It did draw nearer, and presently a human form
+was seen moving slowly forward in the path, approaching the tree, as if to
+get within its cover. It was allowed to draw nearer and nearer, until
+captain Willoughby laid his hand, from behind the trunk, on the stranger's
+shoulder, demanding sternly, but in a low voice, "who are you?"</p>
+
+<p>The start, the exclamation, and the tremor that succeeded all denoted the
+extent of this man's surprise. It was some little time, even, before he
+could recover from his alarm, and then he let himself be known by his
+answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Massy!" exclaimed Joel Strides, who ordinarily gave this doric sound to
+the word 'mercy'--"Massy, captain, is it <i>you!</i> I should as soon thought
+of seeing a ghost! What in natur' has brought you out of the stockade,
+sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think that is a question I might better ask you, Mr. Strides. My orders
+were to keep the gate close, and for no one to quit the court-yard even,
+until sent on post, or called by an alarm."</p>
+
+<p>"True, sir--quite true--true as gospel. But let us moderate a little,
+captain, and speak lower; for the Lord only knows who's in our
+neighbourhood. Who's that with you, sir?--Not the Rev. Mr. Woods, is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"No matter who is with me. <i>He</i> has the authority of my commands for being
+here, whoever he may be, while you are here in opposition to them. You
+know me well enough, Joel, to understand nothing but the simple truth will
+satisfy me."</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, sir, I am one of them that never wish to tell you anything <i>but</i>
+truth. The captain has known me now long enough to understand my natur', I
+should think; so no more need be said about <i>that.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir--give me the reason--and see that it is given to me without
+reserve."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir; the captain shall have it. He knows we scrambled out of our
+houses this afternoon a little onthinkingly, Injin alarms being skeary
+matters. It was an awful hurrying time! Well, the captain understands,
+too, we don't work for him without receiving our wages; and I have been
+laying up a little, every year, until I've scraped together a few hundred
+dollars, in good half-joes; and I bethought me the money might be in
+danger, should the savages begin to plunder; and I've just came out to
+look a'ter the money."</p>
+
+<p>"If this be true, as I hope and can easily believe to be the case, you
+must have the money about you, Joel, to prove it."</p>
+
+<p>The man stretched forth his arm, and let the captain feel a handkerchief,
+in which, sure enough, there was a goodly quantity of coin. This gave him
+credit for truth, and removed all suspicion of his present excursion being
+made with any sinister intention. The man was questioned as to his mode of
+passing the stockade, when he confessed he had fairly clambered over it,
+an exploit of no great difficulty from the inside. As the captain had
+known Joel too long to be ignorant of his love of money, and the offence
+was very pardonable in itself, he readily forgave the breach of orders.
+This was the only man in the valley who did not trust his little hoard in
+the iron chest at the Hut; even the miller reposing that much confidence
+in the proprietor of the estate; but Joel was too conscious of dishonest
+intentions himself to put any unnecessary faith in others.</p>
+
+<p>All this time, the major kept so far aloof as not to be recognised, though
+Joel, once or twice, betrayed symptoms of a desire to ascertain who he
+was. Maud had awakened suspicions that now became active, in both father
+and son, when circumstances so unexpectedly and inconveniently threw the
+man in their way. It was consequently the wish of the former to get rid of
+his overseer as soon as possible. Previously to doing this, however, he
+saw fit to interrogate him a little further.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you seen anything of the Indians since you left the stockade,
+Strides?" demanded the captain. "We can perceive no other traces of their
+presence than yonder fires, though we think that some of them must have
+passed this way, for Whiteback's udder is empty."</p>
+
+<p>"To own the truth, captain, I haven't. I some think that they've left the
+valley; though the Lord only can tell when they'll be back ag'in. Such
+critturs be beyond calcilation! They outdo arithmetic, nohow. As for the
+cow, I milked her myself; for being the crittur the captain has given to
+Phoebe for her little dairy, I thought it might hurt her not to be
+attended to. The pail stands yonder, under the fence, and the women and
+children in the Hut may be glad enough to see it in the morning."</p>
+
+<p>This was very characteristic of Joel Strides. He did not hesitate about
+disobeying orders, or even to risk his life, in order to secure his money;
+but, determined to come out, he had the forethought and care to bring a
+pail, in order to supply the wants of those who were now crowded within
+the stockade, and who were too much accustomed to this particular sort of
+food, not to suffer from its absence. If we add, that, in the midst of all
+this prudent attention to the wants of his companions, Joel had an eye to
+his personal popularity and what are called "ulterior events", and that he
+selected his own cow for the precise reason given, the reader has certain
+distinctive traits of the man before him.</p>
+
+<p>"This being the case," returned the captain, a good deal relieved at
+finding that the savages had not been the agents in this milking affair,
+since it left the probability of their remaining stationary--"This being
+the case, Joel, you had better find the pail, and go in. As soon as day
+dawns, however, I recommend that all the cows be called up to the stockade
+and milked generally. They are feeding in the lanes, just now, and will
+come readily, if properly invited. Go, then, but say nothing of having met
+me, and--"</p>
+
+<p>"Who else did the captain say?" inquired Joel, curiously, observing that
+the other paused.</p>
+
+<p>"Say nothing of having met us at all, I tell you. It is very important
+that my movements should be secret."</p>
+
+<p>The two gentlemen now moved on, intending to pass in front of the cabins
+which lined this part of the valley, by a lane which would bring them out
+at the general highway which led from the Knoll to the mill. The captain
+marched in front, while his son brought up the rear, at a distance of two
+or three paces. Each walked slowly and with caution, carrying his rifle in
+the hollow of his arm, in perfect readiness for service. In this manner
+both had proceeded a few yards, when Robert Willoughby felt his elbow
+touched, and saw Joel's face, within eighteen inches of his own, as the
+fellow peered under his hat. It was an action so sudden and unexpected,
+that the major saw, at once, nothing but perfect coolness could avert his
+discovery.</p>
+
+<p>"Is't you, Dan'el"--so was the miller named. "What in natur' has brought
+the old man on this tramp, with the valley filled with Injins?" whispered
+Joel, prolonging the speech in order to get a better view of a face and
+form that still baffled his conjectures. "Let's know all about it."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll get me into trouble," answered he major, shaking off his
+unwelcome neighbour, moving a step further from him, and speaking also in
+a whisper. "The captain's bent on a scout, and you know he'll not bear
+contradiction. Off with you, then, and don't forget the milk."</p>
+
+<p>As the major moved away, and seemed determined to baffle him, Joel had no
+choice between complying and exposing his disobedience of orders to the
+captain. He disliked doing the last, for his cue was to seem respectful
+and attached, and he was fain to submit. Never before, however, did Joel
+Strides suffer a man to slip through his fingers with so much reluctance.
+He saw that the captain's companion was not the miller, while the disguise
+was too complete to enable him to distinguish the person or face. In that
+day, the different classes of society were strongly distinguished from
+each other, by their ordinary attire; and, accustomed to see major
+Willoughby only in the dress that belonged to his station, he would not be
+likely to recognise him in his present guise, had he even known of or
+suspected his visit. As it was, he was completely at fault; satisfied it
+was not his friend Daniel, while unable to say who it was.</p>
+
+<p>In this doubting state of mind, Joel actually forgot the savages, and the
+risks he might run from their proximity. He walked, as it might be
+mechanically, to the place where he had left the pail, and then proceeded
+slowly towards the Knoll, pondering at every step on what he had just
+seen. He and the miller had secret communications with certain active
+agents of the revolutionists, that put them in possession of facts,
+notwithstanding their isolated position, with which even their employer
+was totally unacquainted. It is true, these agents were of that low caste
+that never fail to attach themselves to all great political enterprises,
+with a sole view to their own benefit; still, as they were active, cunning
+and bold, and had the sagacity to make themselves useful, they passed in
+the throng of patriots created by the times, and were enabled to impart to
+men of similar spirits much available information.</p>
+
+<p>It was through means like these, that Joel knew of the all-important
+measure of the declaration of independence, while it still remained a
+secret to captain Willoughby. The hope of confiscations was now active in
+the bosoms of all this set, and many of them had even selected the
+portions of property that they intended should be the reward of their own
+love of freedom and patriotism. It has been said that the English ministry
+precipitated the American revolution, with a view to share, among their
+favourites, the estates that it was thought it would bring within the gift
+of the crown, a motive so heinous as almost to defy credulity, and which
+may certainly admit of rational doubts. On the other hand, however, it is
+certain that individuals, who will go down to posterity in company with
+the many justly illustrious names that the events of 1776 have committed
+to history, were actuated by the most selfish inducements, and, in divers
+instances, enriched themselves with the wrecks of estates that formerly
+belonged to their kinsmen or friends. Joel Strides was of too low a class
+to get his name enrolled very high on the list of heroes, nor was he at
+all ambitious of any such distinction; but he was not so low that he could
+not and did not aspire to become the owner of the property of the Hutted
+Knoll. In an ordinary state of society, so high a flight would seem
+irrational in so low an aspirant; but Joel came of a people who seldom
+measure their pretensions by their merits, and who imagine that to boldly
+aspire, more especially in the way of money, is the first great step to
+success. The much talked of and little understood doctrine of political
+equality has this error to answer for, in thousands of cases; for nothing
+can be more hopeless, in the nature of things, than to convince a man of
+the necessity of possessing qualities of whose existence he has not even a
+faint perception, ere he may justly pretend to be put on a level with the
+high-minded, the just, the educated, and the good. Joel, therefore, saw no
+other reason than the law, against his becoming the great landlord, as
+well as captain Willoughby; and could the law be so moulded as to answer
+his purposes, he had discreetly resolved to care for no other
+considerations. The thought of the consequences to Mrs. Willoughby and her
+daughters gave him no concern whatever; they had already possessed the
+advantages of their situation so long, as to give Phoebe and the miller's
+wife a sort of moral claim to succeed them. In a word, Joel, in his
+yearnings after wealth, had only faintly shadowed forth the modern
+favourite doctrine of "rotation in office."</p>
+
+<p>The appearance of a stranger in company with captain Willoughby could not
+fail, therefore, to give rise to many conjectures in the mind of a man
+whose daily and hourly thoughts were running on these important changes.
+"Who <i>can</i> it be," thought Joel, as he crawled along the lane, bearing the
+milk, and lifting one leg after the other, as if lead were fastened to his
+feet. "Dan'el it is not--nor is it any one that I can consait on, about
+the Hut. The captain is mightily strengthened by this marriage of his
+da'ter with colonel Beekman, that's sartain. The colonel stands wonderful
+well with our folks, and he 'll not let all this first-rate land, with
+such capital betterments, go out of the family without an iffort, I
+conclude--but then I calcilate on <i>his</i> being killed--there must be a
+disperate lot on 'em shot, afore the war's over, and <i>he</i> is as likely to
+be among 'em as another. Dan'el thinks the colonel has the look of a
+short-lived man. Waal; to-morrow will bring about a knowledge of the name
+of the captain's companion, and then a body may calcilate with greater
+sartainty!"</p>
+
+<p>This is but an outline of what passed through Joel's mind as he moved
+onward. It will serve, however, to let the reader into the secret of his
+thoughts, as well as into their ordinary train, and is essentially
+connected with some of the succeeding events of our legend. As the
+overseer approached the stockade, his ideas were so abstracted that he
+forgot the risk he ran; but walking carelessly towards the palisades, the
+dogs barked, and then he was saluted by a shot. This effectually aroused
+Joel, who called out in his natural voice, and probably saved his life by
+so doing. The report of the rifle, however, produced an alarm, and by the
+time the astounded overseer had staggered up to the gate, the men were
+pouring out from the court, armed, and expecting an assault. In the midst
+of this scene of confusion, the chaplain admitted Joel, as much astonished
+as the man himself, at the whole of the unexpected occurrence.</p>
+
+<p>It is unnecessary to say that many questions were asked. Joel got rid of
+them, by simply stating that he had gone out to milk a cow, by the
+captain's private orders, and that he had forgotten to arrange any signal,
+by which his return might be known. He ventured to name his employer,
+because he knew he was not there to contradict him; and Mr. Woods, being
+anxious to ascertain if his two friends had been seen, sent the men back
+to their lairs, without delay, detaining the overseer at the gate for a
+minute's private discourse. As the miller obeyed, with the rest, he asked
+for the pail with an eye to his own children's comfort; but, on receiving
+it, he found it empty! The bullet had passed through it, and the contents
+had escaped.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you see any <i>thing, or person</i>, Strides?" demanded the chaplain, as
+soon as the two were alone.</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, Mr. Woods, I met the captain!--The sight on him came over me a'most
+as cruelly as the shot from the rifle; for I no more expected it than I do
+to see you rise up to heaven, in your clothes, like Elijah of old. Sure
+enough, <i>there</i> was the captain, himself, and--and--"</p>
+
+<p>Here Joel sneezed, repeating the word "and" several times, in hopes the
+chaplain would supply the name he so much wished to hear.</p>
+
+<p>"But you saw no savages?--I know the captain is out, and you will be
+careful not to mention it, lest it get to Mrs. Willoughby's ears, and make
+her uneasy. You saw nothing of the savages?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a bit--the critturs lie cluss enough, if they haven't actually
+tramped. <i>Who</i> did you say was with the captain, Mr. Woods?"</p>
+
+<p>"I said nothing about it--I merely asked after the Indians, who, as you
+say, do keep themselves very close. Well, Joel, go to your wife, who must
+be getting anxious about you, and be prudent."</p>
+
+<p>Thus dismissed, the overseer did not dare to hesitate; but he entered the
+court, still pondering on the late meeting.</p>
+
+<p>As for the two adventurers, they pursued their march in silence. As a
+matter of course, they heard the report of the rifle, and caught some
+faint sounds from the alarm that succeeded; but, readily comprehending the
+cause, they produced no uneasiness; the stillness which succeeded soon
+satisfying them that all was right. By this time they were within a
+hundred yards of the flickering fires. The major had kept a strict watch
+on the shanties at the report of the rifle; but not a living thing was
+seen moving in their vicinity. This induced him to think the place
+deserted, and he whispered as much to his father.</p>
+
+<p>"With any other enemy than an Indian", answered the latter, "you might be
+right enough, Bob; but with these rascals one is never certain. We must
+advance with a good deal of their own caution."</p>
+
+<p>This was done, and the gentlemen approached the fires in the most guarded
+manner, keeping the shantees between them and the light. By this time,
+however, the flames were nearly out, and there was no great difficulty in
+looking into the nearest shantee, without much exposure. It was deserted,
+as proved to be the case with all the others, on further examination.
+Major Willoughby now moved about on the rock with greater confidence; for,
+naturally brave, and accustomed to use his faculties with self-command in
+moments of trial, he drew the just distinctions between real danger and
+unnecessary alarm; the truest of all tests of courage.</p>
+
+<p>The captain, feeling a husband's and a father's responsibility, was a
+little more guarded; but success soon gave him more confidence, and the
+spot was thoroughly explored. The two then descended to the mills, which,
+together with the adjacent cabins, they entered also, and found uninjured
+and empty. After this, several other suspected points were looked at,
+until the captain came to the conclusion that the party had retired, for
+the night at least, if not entirely. Making a circuit, however, he and his
+son visited the chapel, and one or two dwellings on that side of the
+valley, when they bent their steps towards the Knoll.</p>
+
+<p>As the gentlemen approached the stockade, the captain gave a loud hem, and
+clapped his hands. At the signal the gate flew open, and they found
+themselves in company with their friend the chaplain once more. A few
+words of explanation told all they had to say, and then the three passed
+into the court, and separated; each taking the direction towards his own
+room. The major, fatigued with the toils of a long march, was soon in a
+soldier's sleep; but it was hours before his more thoughtful, and still
+uneasy father, could obtain the rest which nature so much requires.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch15">
+<h2>Chapter XV.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  ----"I could teach you,<br />
+  How to choose right, but then I am forsworn;<br />
+  So will I never be; so may you miss me;<br />
+  But if you do, you'll make me wish a sin<br />
+  That I had been forsworn."----</p>
+
+<p>  <i>Portia</i>.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Captain Willoughby knew that the hour which preceded the return of light,
+was that in which the soldier had the most to apprehend, when in the
+field. This is the moment when it is usual to attempt surprises; and it
+was, in particular, the Indian's hour of blood. Orders had been left,
+accordingly, to call him at four o'clock, and to see that all the men of
+the Hut were afoot, and armed also. Notwithstanding the deserted
+appearance of the valley, this experienced frontier warrior distrusted the
+signs of the times; and he looked forward to the probability of an
+assault, a little before the return of day, with a degree of concern he
+would have been sorry to communicate to his wife and daughters.</p>
+
+<p>Every emergency had been foreseen, and such a disposition made of the
+forces, as enabled the major to be useful, in the event of an attack,
+without exposing himself unnecessarily to the danger of being discovered.
+He was to have charge of the defence of the rear of the Hut, or that part
+of the buildings where the windows opened outwards; and Michael and the
+two Plinys were assigned him as assistants. Nor was the ward altogether a
+useless one. Though the cliff afforded a material safeguard to this
+portion of the defences, it might be scaled; and, it will be remembered,
+there was no stockade at all, on this, the northern end of the house.</p>
+
+<p>When the men assembled in the court, therefore, about an hour before the
+dawn, Robert Willoughby collected his small force in the dining-room, the
+outer apartment of the <i>suite</i>, where he examined their arms by
+lamp-light, inspected their accoutrements, and directed them to remain
+until he issued fresh orders. His father, aided by serjeant Joyce, did the
+same in the court; issuing out, through the gate of the buildings, with
+his whole force, as soon as this duty was performed. The call being
+general, the women and children were all up also; many of the former
+repairing to the loops, while the least resolute, or the less experienced
+of their number, administered to the wants of the young, or busied
+themselves with the concerns of the household. In a word, the Hut, at that
+early hour, resembled a hive in activity, though the different pursuits
+had not much affinity to the collection of honey.</p>
+
+<p>It is not to be supposed that Mrs. Willoughby and her daughters still
+courted their pillows on an occasion like this. They rose with the others,
+the grandmother and Beulah bestowing their first care on the little Evert,
+as if <i>his</i> life and safety were the considerations uppermost in their
+thoughts. This seemed so natural, that Maud wondered she too could not
+feel all this absorbing interest in the child, a being so totally
+dependent on the affection of its friends and relatives to provide for its
+wants and hazards, in an emergency like the present.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>We</i> will see to the child, Maud," observed her mother, ten or fifteen
+minutes after all were up and dressed. "Do you go to your brother, who
+will be solitary, alone in his citadel. He may wish, too, to send some
+message to his father. Go, then, dear girl, and help to keep up poor Bob's
+spirits."</p>
+
+<p>What a service for Maud! Still, she went, without hesitation or delay; for
+the habits of her whole infancy were not to be totally overcome by the
+natural and more engrossing sentiments of her later years. She could not
+feel precisely the reserve and self-distrust with one she had so long
+regarded as a brother, as might have been the case with a stranger youth
+in whom she had begun to feel the interest she entertained for Robert
+Willoughby. But, Maud did not hesitate about complying. An order from her
+mother to her was law; and she had no shame, no reserves on the subject of
+contributing to Bob's comfort or happiness.</p>
+
+<p>Her presence was a great relief to the young man himself, whom she found
+in the library. His assistants were posted without, as sentinels to keep
+off intruders, a disposition that left him quite alone, anxious and
+uneasy. The only intercourse he could have with his father was by means of
+messages; and the part of the building he occupied was absolutely without
+any communication with the court, except by a single door near the
+offices, at which he had stationed O'Hearn.</p>
+
+<p>"This is kind, and like yourself, dearest Maud," exclaimed the young man,
+taking the hand of his visiter, and pressing it in both his own, though he
+strangely neglected to kiss her cheek, as he certainly would have done had
+it been Beulah--"This is kind and like yourself; now I shall learn
+something of the state of the family. How is my mother?"</p>
+
+<p>It might have been native coyness, or even coquetry, that unconsciously to
+herself influenced Maud's answer. She knew not why--and yet she felt
+prompted to let it be understood she had not come of her own impulses.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother is well, and not at all alarmed," she said. "She and Beulah are
+busy with little Evert, who crows and kicks his heels about as if <i>he</i>
+despised danger as becomes a soldier's son, and has much amused even <i>me</i>;
+though I am accused of insensibility to his perfections. Believing you
+might be solitary, or might wish to communicate with some of us, my mother
+desired me to come and inquire into your wants."</p>
+
+<p>"Was such a bidding required, Maud! How long has an order been necessary
+to bring <i>you</i> to console <i>me</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is a calculation I have never entered into, Bob," answered Maud,
+slightly blushing, and openly smiling, and that in a way, too, to take all
+the sting out of her words--"as young ladies can have more suitable
+occupations, one might think. You will admit I guided you faithfully and
+skilfully into the Hut last evening, and such a service should suffice for
+the present. But, my mother tells me we have proper causes of complaint
+against you, for having so thoughtlessly left the place of safety into
+which you were brought, and for going strolling about the valley, after we
+had retired, in a very heedless and boyish manner!"</p>
+
+<p>"I went with my father; surely I could not have been in better company."</p>
+
+<p>"At his suggestion, or at your own, Bob?" asked Maud, shaking her head.</p>
+
+<p>"To own the truth, it was, in some degree, at my own. It seemed so very
+unmilitary for two old soldiers to allow themselves to be shut up in
+ignorance of what their enemies were at, that I could not resist the
+desire to make a little <i>sortie</i>. You must feel, dear Maud, that our
+motive was <i>your </i> safety--the safety, I mean, of my mother, and Beulah,
+and nil of you together--and you ought to be the last to blame us."</p>
+
+<p>The tint on Maud's cheek deepened as Robert Willoughby laid so heavy an
+emphasis on "<i>your</i> safety;" but she could not smile on an act that risked
+so much more than was prudent.</p>
+
+<p>"This is well enough as to motive," she said, after a pause; "but
+frightfully ill-judged, I should think, as to the risks. You do not
+remember the importance our dear father is to us all--to my mother--to
+Beulah--even to me, Bob."</p>
+
+<p>"Even to <i>you</i>, Maud!--And why not as much to <i>you</i> as to any of us?"</p>
+
+<p>Maud could speak to Beulah of her want of natural affinity to the family;
+but, it far exceeded her self-command to make a direct allusion to it to
+Robert Willoughby. Still, it was now rarely absent from her mind; the love
+she bore the captain and his wife, and Beulah, and little Evert, coming to
+her heart through a more insidious and possibly tenderer tie, than that of
+purely filial or sisterly affection. It was, indeed, this every-day
+regard, strangely deepened and enlivened by that collateral feeling we so
+freely bestow on them who are bound by natural ties to those who have the
+strongest holds on our hearts, and which causes us to see with their eyes,
+and to feel with their affections. Accordingly, no reply was made to the
+question; or, rather, it was answered by putting another.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you see anything, after all, to compensate for so much risk?" asked
+Maud, but not until a pause had betrayed her embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>"We ascertained that the savages had deserted their fires, and had not
+entered any of the cabins. Whether this were done to mislead us, or to
+make a retreat as sudden and unexpected as their inroad, we are altogether
+in the dark. My father apprehends treachery, however; while, I confess, to
+me it seems probable that the arrival and the departure may be altogether
+matters of accident. The Indians are in motion certainly, for it is known
+that our agents are busy among them; but, it is by no means so clear that
+<i>our </i> Indians would molest captain Willoughby--Sir Hugh Willoughby, as my
+father is altogether called, at head-quarters."</p>
+
+<p>"Have not the Americans savages on their side, to do us this ill office?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think not. It is the interest of the rebels to keep the savages out of
+the struggle; they have so much at risk, that this species of warfare can
+scarcely be to <i>their</i> liking."</p>
+
+<p>"And ought it to be to the liking of the king's generals, or ministers
+either, Bob!"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not, Maud. I do not defend it; but I have seen enough of politics
+and war, to know that results are looked to, far more than principles.
+Honour, and chivalry, and humanity, and virtue, and right, are freely used
+in terms; but seldom do they produce much influence on facts. Victory is
+the end aimed at, and the means are made to vary with the object."</p>
+
+<p>"And where is all we have read together?--Yes, <i>together</i>, Bob? for I owe
+you a great deal for having directed my studies--where is all we have read
+about the glory and truth of the English name and cause?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very much, I fear, Maud, where the glory and truth of the American name
+and cause will be, as soon as this new nation shall fairly burst the
+shell, and hatch its public morality. There are men among us who believe
+in this public honesty, but I do not."</p>
+
+<p>"You are then engaged in a bad cause, major Willoughby, and the sooner you
+abandon it, the better."</p>
+
+<p>"I would in a minute, if I knew where to find a better. Rely on it,
+dearest Maud, all causes are alike, in this particular; though one side
+may employ instruments, as in the case of the savages, that the other side
+finds it its interest to decry. Men, as individuals, <i>may</i> be, and
+sometimes <i>are</i>, reasonably upright--but, <i>bodies</i> of men, I much fear,
+never. The latter escape responsibility by dividing it."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, a good cause may elevate even bodies of men," said Maud,
+thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"For a time, perhaps; but not in emergencies. You and I think it a good
+cause, my good and frowning Maud, to defend the rights of our sovereign
+lord the king. Beulah I have given up to the enemy; but on you I have
+implicitly replied."</p>
+
+<p>"Beulah follows her heart, perhaps, as they say it is natural to women to
+do. As for myself, I am left free to follow my own opinion of my duties."</p>
+
+<p>"And they lead you to espouse the cause of the king, Maud!"</p>
+
+<p>"They will be very apt to be influenced by the notions of a certain
+captain Willoughby, and Wilhelmina, his wife, who have guided me aright on
+so many occasions, that I shall not easily distrust their opinions on
+this."</p>
+
+<p>The major disliked this answer; and yet, when he came to reflect on it, as
+reflect he did a good deal in the course of the day, he was dissatisfied
+with himself at being so unreasonable as to expect a girl of twenty-one
+not to think with her parents, real or presumed, in most matters. At the
+moment, however, he did not wish further to press the point.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to learn, Bob," resumed Maud, looking more cheerful and
+smiling, "that you met with no one in your rash sortie--for rash I shall
+call it, even though sanctioned by my father."</p>
+
+<p>"I am wrong in saying that. We did meet with one man, and that was no less
+a person than your bug-bear, Joel Strides--as innocent, though as meddling
+an overseer as one could wish to employ."</p>
+
+<p>"Robert Willoughby, what mean you! Does this man know of your presence at
+the Knoll?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should hope not--<i>think</i> not." Here the major explained all that is
+known to the reader on this head, when he continued--"The fellow's
+curiosity brought his face within a few inches of mine; yet I do not
+believe he recognised me. This disguise is pretty thorough; and what
+between his ignorance, the darkness and the dress, I must believe he was
+foiled."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven be praised!" exclaimed Maud, breathing more freely. "I have long
+distrusted that man, though he seems to possess the confidence of every
+one else. Neither my father nor my mother will see him, as I see him; yet
+to me his design to injure you is <i>so</i> clear--<i>so</i> obvious!--I wonder,
+often wonder, that others cannot view it as I do. Even Beulah is blind!"</p>
+
+<p>"And what do you see so clearly, Maud? I have consented to keep myself
+incog. in submission to your earnest request; and yet, to own the truth, I
+can discover no particular reason why Strides is to be distrusted more
+than any one else in the valley--than Mike, for instance."</p>
+
+<p>"Mike! I would answer for <i>his</i> truth with my life. <i>He</i> will never betray
+you, Bob."</p>
+
+<p>"But why is Joel so much the object of your distrust?--and why am <i>I</i> the
+particular subject of your apprehensions?"</p>
+
+<p>Maud felt the tell-tale blood flowing again to her cheeks; since, to give
+a simple and clear reason for her distrust, exceeded her power. It was
+nothing but the keen interest which she took in Robert Willoughby's safety
+that had betrayed to her the truth; and, as usually happens, when anxiety
+leads the way in discoveries of this sort, logical and plausible
+inferences are not always at command. Still, Maud not only thought herself
+right, but, in the main, she <i>was</i> right; and this she felt so strongly as
+to be enabled to induce others to act on her impressions.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Why</i> I believe in Strides' sinister views is more than I may be able to
+explain to you, in words, Bob," she replied, after a moment's thought;
+"still, I <i>do</i> believe in them as firmly as I believe in my existence. His
+looks, his questions, his journeys, and an occasional remark, have all
+aided in influencing the belief; nevertheless, no one proof may be
+perfectly clear and satisfactory. Why <i>you</i> should be the subject of his
+plans, however, is simple enough, since you are the only one among us he
+can seriously injure. By betraying you, he might gain some great advantage
+to himself."</p>
+
+<p>"To whom can he betray me, dear? My father is the only person here, in
+any authority, and of him I have no cause to be afraid."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet, you were so far alarmed when last here, as to change your route back
+to Boston. If there were cause for apprehension then, the same reason may
+now exist."</p>
+
+<p>"That was when many strangers were in the valley, and we knew not exactly
+where we stood. I have submitted to your wishes, however, Maud, and shall
+lie <i>perdu</i>, until there is a serious alarm; then it is understood I am to
+be permitted to show myself. In a moment of emergency my unexpected
+appearance among the men might have a dramatic effect, and, of itself,
+give us a victory. But tell me of my prospects--am I likely to succeed
+with my father? Will he be brought over to the royal cause?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think not. All common inducements are lost on him. His baronetcy, for
+instance, he will never assume; <i>that</i>, therefore, cannot entice him. Then
+his feelings are with his adopted country, which he thinks right, and
+which he is much disposed to maintain; more particularly since Beulah's
+marriage, and our late intercourse with all that set. My mother's family,
+too, has much influence with him. They, you know, are all whigs."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't prostitute the name, Maud. Whig does not mean rebel; these
+misguided men are neither more nor less than rebels. I had thought this
+declaration of independence would have brought my father at once to our
+side."</p>
+
+<p>"I can see it has disturbed him, as did the Battle of Bunker's Hill. But
+he will reflect a few days, and decide now, as he did then, in favour of
+the Americans. He has English partialities, Bob, as is natural to one born
+in that country; but, on this point, his mind is very strongly American."</p>
+
+<p>"The accursed Knoll has done this! Had he lived in society, as he ought to
+have done, among his equals and the educated, we should now see him at the
+head--Maud, I know I can confide in <i>you</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Maud was pleased at this expression of confidence, and she looked up in
+the major's face, her full blue eyes expressing no small portion of the
+heartfelt satisfaction she experienced. Still, she said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>"You may well imagine," the major continued, "that I have not made this
+journey entirely without an object--I mean some object more important,
+even, than to see you all. The commander-in-chief is empowered to raise
+several regiments in this country, and it is thought useful to put men of
+influence in the colonies at their head. Old Noll de Lancey, for instance,
+so well known to us all, is to have a brigade; and I have a letter in my
+pocket offering to Sir Hugh Willoughby one of his regiments. One of the
+Allens of Pennsylvania, who was actually serving against us, has thrown up
+his commission from congress, since this wicked declaration, and has
+consented to take a battalion from the king. What think you of all this?
+Will it not have weight with my father?"</p>
+
+<p>"It may cause him to reflect, Bob; but it will not induce him to change
+his mind. It may suit Mr. Oliver de Lancey to be a general, for he has
+been a soldier his whole life; but my father has retired, and given up all
+thoughts of service. He tells us he never liked it, and has been happier
+here at the Knoll, than when he got his first commission. Mr. Allen's
+change of opinion may be well enough, he will say, but I have no need of
+change; I am here, with my wife and daughters, and have them to care for,
+in these troubled times. What think you he said, Bob, in one of his
+conversations with us, on this very subject?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I cannot imagine--though I rather fear it was some wretched
+political stuff of the day."</p>
+
+<p>"So far from this, it was good natural feeling that belongs, or ought to
+belong to all days, and all ages," answered Maud, her voice trembling a
+little as she proceeded. "'There is my son,' he said; 'one soldier is
+enough in a family like this. <i>He</i> keeps all our hearts anxious, and may
+cause them all to mourn.'"</p>
+
+<p>Major Willoughby was mute for quite a minute, looking rebuked and
+thoughtful.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear I do cause my parents concern," he at length answered; "and why
+should I endeavour to increase that of my excellent mother, by persuading
+her husband to return to the profession? If this were ordinary service, I
+could not think of it. I do not know that I ought to think of it, as it
+is!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not, dear Robert. We are all--that is, mother is often miserable on
+your account; and why would you increase her sorrows? Remember that to
+tremble for one life is sufficient for a woman."</p>
+
+<p>"My mother is miserable on <i>my</i> account!" answered the young man, who was
+thinking of anything but his father, at that instant. "Does Beulah never
+express concern for me? or have her new ties completely driven her brother
+from her recollection? I know she can scarce wish me success; but she
+might still feel some uneasiness for an only brother. We are but two--"</p>
+
+<p>Maud started, as if some frightful object glared before her eyes; then she
+sat in breathless silence, resolute to hear what would come next. But
+Robert Willoughby meant to pursue that idea no farther. He had so
+accustomed himself--had endeavoured even so to accustom himself to think
+of Beulah as his only sister, that the words escaped him unconsciously.
+They were no sooner uttered, however, than the recollection of their
+possible effect on Maud crossed his mind. Profoundly ignorant of the true
+nature of her feelings towards himself, he had ever shrunk from a direct
+avowal of his own sentiments, lest he might shock her; as a sister's ear
+would naturally be wounded by a declaration of attachment from a brother;
+and there were bitter moments when he fancied delicacy and honour would
+oblige him to carry his secret with him to the grave. Two minutes of frank
+communication might have dissipated all these scruples for ever; but, how
+to obtain those minutes, or how to enter on the subject at all, were
+obstacles that often appeared insurmountable to the young man. As for
+Maud, she but imperfectly understood her own heart--true, she had
+conscious glimpses of its real state; but, it was through those sudden and
+ungovernable impulses that were so strangely mingled with her affections.
+It was years, indeed, since she had ceased to think of Robert Willoughby
+as a brother, and had begun to view him with different eyes; still, she
+struggled with her feelings, as against a weakness. The captain and his
+wife were her parents; Beulah her dearly, dearly beloved sister; little
+Evert her nephew; and even the collaterals, in and about Albany, came in
+for a due share of her regard; while Bob, though called Bob as before;
+though treated with a large portion of the confidence that was natural to
+the intimacy of her childhood; though loved with a tenderness he would
+have given even his high-prized commission to know, was no longer thought
+of as a brother. Often did Maud find herself thinking, if never saying,
+"Beulah may do that, for Beulah is his sister; but it would be wrong in
+me. I may write to him, talk freely and even confidentially with him, and
+be affectionate to him; all this is right, and I should be the most
+ungrateful creature on earth to act differently; but I cannot sit on his
+knee as Beulah sometimes does; I cannot throw my arms around his neck when
+I kiss him, as Beulah does; I cannot pat his cheek, as Beulah does, when
+he says anything to laugh at; nor can I pry into his secrets, as Beulah
+does, or affects to do, to tease him. I should be more reserved with one
+who has not a drop of my blood in his veins--no, not a single drop." In
+this way, indeed, Maud was rather fond of disclaiming any consanguinity
+with the family of Willoughby, even while she honoured and loved its two
+heads, as parents. The long pause that succeeded the major's broken
+sentence was only interrupted by himself.</p>
+
+<p>"It is vexatious to be shut up here, in the dark, Maud," he said, "when
+every minute <i>may</i> bring an attack. This side of the house might be
+defended by you and Beulah, aided and enlightened by the arm and counsels
+of that young 'son of liberty,' little Evert; whereas the stockade in
+front may really need the presence of men who have some knowledge of the
+noble art. I wish there were a look-out to the front, that one might at
+least see the danger as it approached."</p>
+
+<p>"If your presence is not indispensable here, I can lead you to my
+painting-room, where there is a loop directly opposite to the gate. That
+half of the garrets has no one in it."</p>
+
+<p>The major accepted the proposal with joy, and forthwith he proceeded to
+issue a few necessary orders to his subordinates, before he followed Maud.
+When all was ready, the latter led the way, carrying a small silver lamp
+that she had brought with her on entering the library. The reader already
+understands that the Hut was built around a court, the portion of the
+building in the rear, or on the cliff, alone having windows that opened
+outward. This was as true of the roofs as of the perpendicular parts of
+the structure, the only exceptions being in the loops that had been cut in
+the half-story, beneath the eaves. Of course, the garrets were very
+extensive. They were occupied in part, however, by small rooms, with
+dormer-windows, the latter of which opened on the court, with the
+exception of those above the cliff. It was on the roofs of these windows
+that captain Willoughby had laid his platform, or walk, with a view to
+extinguish fires, or to defend the place. There were many rooms also that
+were lighted only by the loops, and which, of course, were on the outer
+side of the buildings. In addition to these arrangements, the garret
+portions of the Hut were divided into two great parts, like the lower
+floor, without any doors of communication. Thus, below, the apartments
+commenced at the gateway, and extended along one-half the front; the
+whole of the east wing, and the whole of the rear, occupying five-eighths
+of the entire structure. This part contained all the rooms occupied by the
+family and the offices. The corresponding three-eighths, or the remaining
+half of the front, and the whole of the west wing, were given to visiters,
+and were now in possession of the people of the valley; as were all the
+rooms and garrets above them. On the other hand, captain Willoughby, with
+a view to keep his family to itself, had excluded every one, but the usual
+inmates, from his own portion of the house, garret-rooms included.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the garret-rooms, particularly those over the library,
+drawing-room, and parlour, were convenient and well-furnished little
+apartments, enjoying dormer-windows that opened on the meadows and forest,
+and possessing a very tolerable elevation, for rooms of that particular
+construction. Here Mr. Woods lodged and had his study. The access was by a
+convenient flight of steps, placed in the vestibule that communicated with
+the court. A private and narrower flight also ascended from the offices.</p>
+
+<p>Maud now led the way up the principal stairs, Mike being on post at the
+outer door to keep off impertinent eyes, followed by Robert Willoughby.
+Unlike most American houses, the Hut had few passages on its principal
+floor; the rooms communicating <i>en suite</i>, as a better arrangement where
+the buildings were so long, and yet so narrow. Above, however, one side
+was left in open garret; sometimes in front and sometimes in the rear, as
+the light came from the court, or from without. Into this garret, then,
+Maud conducted the major, passing a line of humble rooms on her right,
+which belonged to the families of the Plinys and the Smashes, with their
+connections, until she reached the front range of the buildings. Here the
+order was changed along the half of the structure reserved to the use of
+the family; the rooms being on the outer side lighted merely by the loops,
+while opposite to them was an open garret with windows that overlooked the
+court.</p>
+
+<p>Passing into the garret just mentioned, Maud soon reached the door of the
+little room she sought. It was an apartment she had selected for painting,
+on account of the light from the loop, which in the morning was
+particularly favourable, though somewhat low. As she usually sat on a
+little stool, however, this difficulty was in some measure obviated; and,
+at all events, the place was made to answer her purposes. She kept the key
+herself, and the room, since Beulah's marriage in particular, was her
+sanctum; no one entering it unless conducted by its mistress.
+Occasionally, Little Smash was admitted with a broom; though Maud, for
+reasons known to herself, often preferred sweeping the small carpet that
+covered the centre of the floor, with her own fair hands, in preference to
+suffering another to intrude.</p>
+
+<p>The major was aware that Maud had used this room for the last seven years.
+It was here he had seen her handkerchief waving at the loop, when he last
+departed; and hundreds of times since had he thought of this act of
+watchful affection, with doubts that led equally to pain or pleasure, as
+images of merely sisterly care, or of a tenderer feeling, obtruded
+themselves. These loops were four feet long, cut in the usual bevelling
+manner, through the massive timbers; were glazed, and had thick,
+bullet-proof, inside shutters, that in this room were divided in equal
+parts, in order to give Maud the proper use of the light she wanted. All
+these shutters were now closed by command of the captain, in order to
+conceal the lights that would be flickering through the different garrets;
+and so far had caution become a habit, that Maud seldom exposed her
+person at night, near the loop, with the shutter open.</p>
+
+<p>On the present occasion, she left the light without, and threw open the
+upper-half of her heavy shutter, remarking as she did so, that the day was
+just beginning to dawn.</p>
+
+<p>"In a few minutes it will be light," she added; "then we shall be able to
+see who is and who is not in the valley. Look--you can perceive my father
+near the gate, at this moment."</p>
+
+<p>"I do, to my shame, Maud. He should not be there, I am cooped up here,
+behind timbers that are almost shot-proof."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be time for you to go to the front, as you soldiers call it, when
+there is an enemy to face. You cannot think there is any danger of an
+attack upon the Hut this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainty not. It is now too late. If intended at all, it would have been
+made before that streak of light appeared in the east."</p>
+
+<p>"Then close the shutter, and I will bring in the lamp, and show you some
+of my sketches. We artists are thirsting always for praise; and I know you
+have a taste, Bob, that one might dread."</p>
+
+<p>"This is kind of you, dear Maud," answered the major, closing the shutter;
+"for they tell me you are niggardly of bestowing such favours. I hear you
+have got to likenesses--little Evert's, in particular."</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch16">
+<h2>Chapter XVI.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  Anxious, she hovers o'er the web the while,<br />
+  Reads, as it grows, thy figured story there;<br />
+  Now she explains the texture with a smile,<br />
+  And now the woof interprets with a tear.</p>
+
+<p>  Fawcett.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+All Maud's feelings were healthful and natural. She had no exaggerated
+sentiments, and scarcely art enough to control or to conceal any of the
+ordinary impulses of her heart. We are not about to relate a scene,
+therefore, in which a long-cherished but hidden miniature of the young man
+is to play a conspicuous part, and to be the means of revealing to two
+lovers the state of their respective hearts; but one of a very different
+character. It is true, Maud had endeavoured to make, from memory, one or
+two sketches of "Bob's" face; but she had done it openly, and under the
+cognizance of the whole family. This she might very well do, indeed, in
+her usual character of a sister, and excite no comments. In these efforts,
+her father and mother, and Beulah, had uniformly pronounced her success to
+be far beyond their hopes; but Maud, herself, had thrown them all aside,
+half-finished, dissatisfied with her own labours. Like the author, whose
+fertile imagination fancies pictures that defy his powers of description,
+her pencil ever fell far short of the face that her memory kept so
+constantly in view. This sketch wanted animation, that gentleness, another
+fire, and a fourth candour; in short, had Maud begun a thousand all would
+have been deficient, in her eyes, in some great essential of perfection.
+Still, she had no secret about her efforts, and half-a-dozen of these very
+sketches lay uppermost in her portfolio, when she spread it, and its
+contents, before the eyes of the original.</p>
+
+<p>Major Willoughby thought Maud had never appeared more beautiful than as
+she moved about making her little preparations for the exhibition.
+Pleasure heightened her colour; and there was such a mixture of frank,
+sisterly regard, in every glance of her eye, blended, however, with
+sensitive feeling, and conscious womanly reserve, as made her a thousand
+times--measuring amounts by the young man's sensations--more interesting
+than he had ever seen her. The lamp gave but an indifferent light for a
+gallery, but it was sufficient to betray Maud's smiles, and blushes, and
+each varying emotion of her charming countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Bob," she said, opening her portfolio, with all her youthful
+frankness and confidence, "you know well enough I am not one of those old
+masters of whom you used to talk so much, but your own pupil--the work of
+your own hands; and if you find more faults than you have expected, you
+will have the goodness to remember that the master has deserted his
+peaceful pursuits to go a campaigning--there--that is a caricature of
+your own countenance, staring you in the face, as a preface!"</p>
+
+<p>"This is like, I should think--was it done from memory, dear Maud?"</p>
+
+<p>"How else should it be done? All our entreaties have never been able to
+persuade you to send us even a miniature. You are wrong in this, Bob"--by
+no accident did Maud now ever call the major, Robert, though Beulah often
+did. There was a desperate sort of familiarity in the <i>Bob</i>, that she
+could easily adopt; but the 'Robert' had a family sound that she disliked;
+and yet a more truly feminine creature than Maud Meredith did not
+exist--"You are wrong, Bob; for mother actually pines to possess your
+picture, in some shape or other. It was this wish that induced me to
+attempt these things."</p>
+
+<p>"And why has no one of them ever been finished?--Here are six or eight
+beginnings, and all, more or less, like, I should think, and not one of
+them more than half done. Why have I been treated so cavalierly, Miss
+Maud?"</p>
+
+<p>The fair artist's colour deepened a little; but her smile was quite as
+sweet as it was saucy, as she replied--</p>
+
+<p>"Girlish caprice, I suppose. I like neither of them; and of that which a
+woman dislikes, she will have none. To be candid, however, I hardly think
+there is one of them all that does you justice."</p>
+
+<p>"No?--what fault have you to find with this? This might be worked up to
+something very natural."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be <i>a</i> natural, then--it wants expression, fearfully."</p>
+
+<p>"And this, which is still better. That might be finished while I am here,
+and I will give you some sittings."</p>
+
+<p>"Even mother dislikes <i>that</i>--there is too much of the Major of Foot in
+it. Mr. Woods says it is a martial picture."</p>
+
+<p>"And ought not a soldier to look like a soldier? To me, now, that seems a
+capital beginning."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not what mother, or Beulah--or father--or even any of us wants. It
+is too full of Bunker's Hill. Your friends desire to see you as you appear
+to <i>them</i>; not as you appear to your enemies."</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my word, Maud, you have made great advances in the art! This is a
+view of the Knoll, and the dam--and here is another of the mill, and the
+water-fall--all beautifully done, and in water-colours, too. What is
+this?--Have you been attempting a sketch of yourself!--The glass must have
+been closely consulted, my fair coquette, to enable you to do this!"</p>
+
+<p>The blood had rushed into Maud's face, covering it with a rich tell-tale
+mantle, when her companion first alluded to the half-finished miniature he
+held in his hand; then her features resembled ivory, as the revulsion of
+feeling, that overcame her confusion, followed. For some little time she
+sate, in breathless stillness, with her looks cast upon the floor,
+conscious that Robert Willoughby was glancing from her own face to the
+miniature, and from the miniature to her face again, making his
+observations and comparisons. Then she ventured to raise her eyes timidly
+towards his, half-imploringly, as if to beseech him to proceed to
+something else. But the young man was too much engrossed with the
+exceedingly pretty sketch he held in his hand, to understand her meaning,
+or to comply with her wishes.</p>
+
+<p>"This is yourself, Maud!" he cried--"though in a strange sort of
+dress--why have you spoilt so beautiful a thing, by putting it in this
+masquerade?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not myself--it is a copy of--a miniature I possess."</p>
+
+<p>"A miniature you possess!--Of whom can you possess so lovely a miniature,
+and I never see it?"</p>
+
+<p>A faint smile illumined the countenance of Maud, and the blood began to
+return to her cheeks. She stretched her hand over to the sketch, and gazed
+on it, with intense feeling, until the tears began to stream from her
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Maud--dear, <i>dearest</i> Maud--have I said that which pains you?--I do not
+understand all this, but I confess there are secrets to which I can have
+no claim to be admitted--"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Bob, this is making too much of what, after all, must sooner or
+later be spoken of openly among us. I believe that to be a copy of a
+miniature of my mother."</p>
+
+<p>"Of mother, Maud--you are beside yourself--it has neither her features,
+expression, nor the colour of her eyes. It is the picture of a far
+handsomer woman, though mother is still pretty; and it is perfection!"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean of <i>my</i> mother--of Maud Yeardley; the wife of my father, Major
+Meredith."</p>
+
+<p>This was said with a steadiness that surprised our heroine herself, when
+she came to think over all that had passed, and it brought the blood to
+her companion's heart, in a torrent.</p>
+
+<p>"This is strange!" exclaimed Willoughby, after a short pause. "And <i>my</i>
+mother--<i>our</i> mother has given you the original, and told you this? I did
+not believe she could muster the resolution necessary to such an act."</p>
+
+<p>"She has not. You know, Bob, I am now of age; and my father, a month
+since, put some papers in my hand, with a request that I would read them.
+They contain a marriage settlement and other things of that sort, which
+show I am mistress of more money than I should know what to do with, if it
+were not for dear little Evert--but, with such a precious being to love,
+one never can have too much of anything. With the papers were many
+trinkets, which I suppose father never looked at. This beautiful miniature
+was among the last; and I feel certain, from some remarks I ventured to
+make, mother does not know of its existence."</p>
+
+<p>As Maud spoke, she drew the original from her bosom, and placed it in
+Robert Willoughby's hands. When this simple act was performed, her mind
+seemed relieved; and she waited, with strong natural interest, to hear
+Robert Willoughby's comments.</p>
+
+<p>"This, then, Maud, was your <i>own</i>--your <i>real</i> mother!" the young man
+said, after studying the miniature, with a thoughtful countenance, for
+near a minute. "It is <i>like</i> her--like you."</p>
+
+<p>"Like <i>her</i>, Bob?--How can you know anything or that?--I suppose it to be
+my mother, because I think it like myself, and because it is not easy to
+say who else it can be. But you cannot know anything of this?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are mistaken, Maud--I remember both your parents well--it could not
+be otherwise, as they were the bosom friends of my own. You will remember
+that I am now eight-and-twenty, and that I had seen seven of these years
+when you were born. Was my first effort in arms never spoken of in your
+presence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never--perhaps it was not a subject for me to hear, if it were in any
+manner connected with my parents."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right--that must be the reason it has been kept from your ears."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, surely, I am old enough to hear it <i>now</i>--<i>you</i> will conceal
+nothing from me, Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>"If I would, I could not, now. It is too late, Maud. You know the manner
+in which Major Meredith died?--"</p>
+
+<p>"He fell in battle, I have suspected," answered the daughter, in a
+suppressed, doubtful tone--"for no one has ever directly told me even
+that."</p>
+
+<p>"He did, and I was at his side. The French and savages made an assault on
+us, about an hour earlier than this, and our two fathers rushed to the
+pickets to repel it--I was a reckless boy, anxious even at that tender age
+to see a fray, and was at their side. Your father was one of the first
+that fell; but Joyce and <i>our</i> father beat the Indians back from his body,
+and saved it from mutilation. Your mother was buried in the same grave,
+and then you came to us, where our have been ever since."</p>
+
+<p>Maud's tears flowed fast, and yet it was not so much in grief as in a
+gush of tenderness she could hardly explain to herself. Robert Willoughby
+understood her emotions, and perceived that he might proceed.</p>
+
+<p>"I was old enough to remember both your parents well--I was a favourite, I
+believe, with, certainly was much petted by, both--I remember your birth,
+Maud, and was suffered to carry you in my arms, ere you were a week old."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you have known me for an impostor from the beginning, Bob--must have
+often thought of me as such!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have known you for the daughter of Lewellen Meredith, certainly; and
+not for a world would I have you the real child of Hugh Willoughby--"
+
+"Bob!" exclaimed Maud, her heart beating violently, a rush of feeling
+nearly overcoming her, in which alarm, consciousness, her own secret,
+dread of something wrong, and a confused glimpse of the truth, were all so
+blended, as nearly to deprive her, for the moment, of the use of her
+senses.</p>
+
+<p>It is not easy to say precisely what would have followed this tolerably
+explicit insight into the state of the young man's feelings, had not an
+outcry on the lawn given the major notice that his presence was needed
+below. With a few words of encouragement to Maud, first taking the
+precaution to extinguish the lamp, lest its light should expose her to a
+shot in passing some of the open loops, he sprang towards the stairs, and
+was at his post again, literally within a minute. Nor was he a moment too
+soon. The alarm was general, and it was understood an assault was
+momentarily expected.</p>
+
+<p>The situation of Robert Willoughby was now tantalizing in the extreme.
+Ignorant of what was going on in front, he saw no enemy in the rear to
+oppose, and was condemned to inaction, at a moment when he felt that, by
+training, years, affinity to the master of the place, and all the usual
+considerations, he ought to be in front, opposed to the enemy. It is
+probable he would have forgotten his many cautions to keep close, had not
+Maud appeared in the library, and implored him to remain concealed, at
+least until there was the certainty his presence was necessary elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>At that instant, every feeling but those connected with the danger, was
+in a degree forgotten. Still, Willoughby had enough consideration for Maud
+to insist on her joining her mother and Beulah, in the portion of the
+building where the absence of external windows rendered their security
+complete, so long as the foe could be kept without the palisades. In this
+he succeeded, but not until he had promised, again and again, to be
+cautious in not exposing himself at any of the windows, the day having now
+fairly dawned, and particularly not to let it be known in the Hut that he
+was present until it became indispensable.</p>
+
+<p>The major felt relieved when Maud had left him. For her, he had no longer
+any immediate apprehensions, and he turned all his faculties to the sounds
+of the assault which he supposed to be going on in front. To his surprise,
+however, no discharges of fire-arms succeeded; and even the cries, and
+orders, and calling from point to point, that are a little apt to succeed
+an alarm in an irregular garrison, had entirely ceased; and it became
+doubtful whether the whole commotion did not proceed from a false alarm.
+The Smashes, in particular, whose vociferations for the first few minutes
+had been of a very decided kind, were now mute; and the exclamations of
+the women and children had ceased.</p>
+
+<p>Major Willoughby was too good a soldier to abandon his post without
+orders, though bitterly did he regret the facility with which he had
+consented to accept so inconsiderable a command. He so far disregarded his
+instructions, however, as to place his whole person before a window, in
+order to reconnoitre; for it was now broad daylight, though the sun had
+not yet risen. Nothing rewarded this careless exposure; and then it
+flashed upon his mind that, as the commander of a separate detachment, he
+had a perfect right to employ any of his immediate subordinates, either as
+messengers or scouts. His choice of an agent was somewhat limited, it is
+true, lying between Mike and the Plinys; after a moment of reflection, he
+determined to choose the former.</p>
+
+<p>Mike was duly relieved from his station at the door, the younger Pliny
+being substituted for him, and he was led into the library. Here he
+received hasty but clear orders from the major how he was to proceed, and
+was thrust, rather than conducted from the room, in his superior's haste
+to hear the tidings. Three or four minutes might have elapsed, when an
+irregular volley of musketry was heard in front; then succeeded an
+answering discharge, which sounded smothered and distant. A single musket
+came from the garrison a minute later, and then Mike rushed into the
+library, his eyes dilated with a sort of wild delight, dragging rather
+than carrying his piece after him.</p>
+
+<p>"The news!" exclaimed the major, as soon as he got a glimpse of his
+messenger. "What mean these volleys, and how comes on my father in front?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it what do they mane?" answered Mike. "Well, there's but one maning to
+powther and ball, and that's far more sarious than shillelah wor-r-k. If
+the rapscallions didn't fire a whole plathoon, as serjeant Joyce calls it,
+right at the Knoll, my name is not Michael O'Hearn, or my nature one that
+dales in giving back as good as I get."</p>
+
+<p>"But the volley came first from the house--why did my father order his
+people to make the first discharge?"</p>
+
+<p>"For the same r'ason that he didn't. Och! there was a big frown on his
+f'atures, when he heard the rifles and muskets; and Mr. Woods never
+pr'ached more to the purpose than the serjeant himself, ag'in that same.
+But to think of them rapscallions answering a fire that was ag'in orders!
+Not a word did his honour say about shooting any of them, and they just
+pulled their triggers on the house all the same as if it had been logs
+growing in senseless and uninhabited trees, instead of a rational and well
+p'apled abode. Och! arn't they vagabonds!"</p>
+
+<p>"If you do not wish to drive me mad, man, tell me clearly what has past,
+that I may understand you."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it understand that's wanting?--Lord, yer honour, if ye can understand
+that Misther Strhides, that's yon, ye'll be a wise man. He calls hisself a
+'son of the poor'atin's,' and poor 'ating it must have been, in the
+counthry of his faders, to have produced so lane and skinny a baste as
+that same. The orders was as partic'lar as tongue of man could utter, and
+what good will it all do?--Ye're not to fire, says serjeant Joyce, till ye
+all hear the wor-r-d; and the divil of a wor-r-d did they wait for; but
+blaze away did they, jist becaase a knot of savages comes on to them rocks
+ag'in, where they had possession all yesterday afthernoon; and sure it is
+common enough to breakfast where a man sups."</p>
+
+<p>"You mean to say that the Indians have reappeared on the rocks, and that
+some of Strides's men fired at them, without orders?--Is that the history
+of the affair?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's jist that, majjor; and little good, or little har-r-m, did it do.
+Joel, and his poor'atin's, blazed away at 'em, as if they had been so many
+Christians--and 'twould have done yer heart good to have heard the
+serjeant belabour them with hard wor-r-ds, for their throuble. There's
+none of the poor'atin' family in the serjeant, who's a mighty man wid his
+tongue!"</p>
+
+<p>"And the savages returned the volley--which explains the distant discharge
+I heard."</p>
+
+<p>"Anybody can see, majjor, that ye're yer father's son, and a souldier
+bor-r-n. Och! who would of t'ought of that, but one bred and bor-r-n in
+the army? Yes; the savages sent back as good as they got, which was jist
+not'in' at all, seem' that no one is har-r-m'd."</p>
+
+<p>"And the single piece that followed--there was one discharge, by itself?"</p>
+
+<p>Mike opened his mouth with a grin that might have put either of the Plinys
+to shame, it being rather a favourite theory with the descendants of the
+puritans--or "poor'atin's," as the county Leitrim-man called Joel and his
+set--that the Irishman was more than a match for any son of Ham at the
+Knoll, in the way of capacity about this portion of the human countenance.
+The major saw that there was a good deal of self-felicitation in the
+expression of Mike's visage, and he demanded an explanation in more direct
+terms.</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas I did it, majjor, and 'twas as well fired a piece as ye've ever
+hear-r-d in the king's sarvice. Divil bur-r-n me, if I lets Joel get any
+such advantage over me, as to have a whole battle to himself. No--no--as
+soon as I smelt his Yankee powther, and could get my own musket cock'd,
+and pointed out of the forthifications, I lets 'em have it, as if it had
+been so much breakfast ready cooked to their hands. 'Twas well pointed,
+too; for I'm not the man to shoot into a fri'nd's countenance."</p>
+
+<p>"And you broke the orders for a reason no better than the fact that
+Strides had broken them before?"</p>
+
+<p>"Divil a bit, majjor--Joel had <i>broken</i> the orders, ye see and that
+settled the matter. The thing that is once broken is broken, and wor-r-ds
+can't mend it, any more than for bearin' to fire a gun will mend it."</p>
+
+<p>By dint of cross-questioning, Robert Willoughby finally succeeded in
+getting something like an outline of the truth from Mike. The simple facts
+were, that the Indians had taken possession of their old bivouac, as soon
+as the day dawned, and had commenced their preparations for breakfast,
+when Joel, the miller, and a few of that set, in a paroxysm of valour, had
+discharged a harmless volley at them; the distance rendering the attempt
+futile. This fire had been partially returned, the whole concluding with
+the <i>finale</i> from the Irishman's gun, as has been related. As it was now
+too light to apprehend a surprise, and the ground in front of the palisade
+had no very dangerous covers, Robert Willoughby was emboldened to send one
+of the Plinys to request an interview with his father. In a few minutes
+the latter appeared, accompanied by Mr. Woods.</p>
+
+<p>"The same party has reappeared, and seems disposed to occupy its old
+position near the mill," said the captain, in answer to his son's
+inquiries. "It is difficult to say what the fellows have in view; and
+there are moments when I think there are more or less whites among them. I
+suggested as much to Strides, chaplain; and I thought the fellow appeared
+to receive the notion as if he thought it might be true."</p>
+
+<p>"Joel is a little of an enigma to me, captain Willoughby," returned the
+chaplain; "sometimes seizing an idea like a cat pouncing upon a rat, and
+then coquetting with it, as the same cat will play with a mouse, when it
+has no appetite for food."</p>
+
+<p>"Och! he's a precious poor'atin'!" growled Mike, from his corner of the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>"If whites are among the savages, why should they not make themselves
+known?" demanded Robert Willoughby. "Your character, sir, is no secret;
+and they must be acquainted with their own errand here."</p>
+
+<p>"I will send for Strides, and get his opinion a little more freely,"
+answered the captain, after a moment of deliberation. "You will withdraw,
+Bob; though, by leaving your door a little ajar, the conversation will
+reach you; and prevent the necessity of a repetition."</p>
+
+<p>As Robert Willoughby was not unwilling to hear what the overseer might
+have to say in the present state of things, he did not hesitate about
+complying, withdrawing into his own room as requested, and leaving the
+door ajar, in a way to prevent suspicion of his presence, as far as
+possible. But, Joel Strides, like all bad men, ever suspected the worst.
+The innocent and pure of mind alone are without distrust; while one
+constituted morally, like the overseer, never permitted his thoughts to
+remain in the tranquillity that is a fruit of confidence. Conscious of his
+own evil intentions, his very nature put on armour against the same
+species of machinations in others, as the hedge-hog rolls himself into a
+ball, and thrusts out his quills, at the sight of the dog. Had not captain
+Willoughby been one of those who are slow to see evil, he might have
+detected something wrong in Joel's feelings, by the very first glance he
+cast about him, on entering the library.</p>
+
+<p>In point of fact, Strides' thoughts had not been idle since the rencontre
+of the previous night. Inquisitive, and under none of the usual restraints
+of delicacy, he had already probed all he dared approach on the subject;
+and, by this time, had become perfectly assured that there was some
+mystery about the unknown individual whom he had met in his master's
+company. To own the truth, Joel did not suspect that major Willoughby had
+again ventured so far into the lion's den; but he fancied that some secret
+agent of the crown was at the Hut, and that the circumstance offered a
+fair opening for helping the captain down the ladder of public favour, and
+to push himself up a few of its rounds. He was not sorry, therefore, to be
+summoned to this conference, hoping it might lead to some opening for
+farther discoveries.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, Strides"--said captain Willoughby, motioning towards a chair so
+distant from the open door of the bed-room, and so placed as to remove the
+danger of too close a proximity--"Sit down--I wish to consult you about
+the state of things towards the mills. To me it seems as If there were
+more pale-faces than red-skins among our visitors."</p>
+
+<p>"That's not onlikely, captain--the people has got to be greatly given to
+paintin' and imitatin', sin' the hatchet has been dug up ag'in the
+British. The tea-boys were all in Indian fashion."</p>
+
+<p>"True; but, why should white men assume such a disguise to come to the
+Knoll? I am not conscious of having an enemy on earth who could meditate
+harm to me or mine."</p>
+
+<p>Alas! poor captain. That a man at sixty should yet have to learn that the
+honest, and fair-dealing, and plain-dealing, and affluent--for captain
+Willoughby was affluent in the eyes of those around him--that such a man
+should imagine he was without enemies, was to infer that the Spirit of
+Darkness had ceased to exercise his functions among men. Joel knew better,
+though he did not perceive any necessity, just then, for letting the fact
+reach the ears of the party principally concerned.</p>
+
+<p>"A body might s'pose the captain was pop'lar, if any man is pop'lar,"
+answered the overseer; "nor do I know that visiters in paint betoken
+onpopularity to a person in these times more than another. May I ask why
+the captain consaits these Injins a'n't Injins? To me, they have a
+desperate savage look, though I a'n't much accustomed to red skin usages."</p>
+
+<p>"Their movements are too open, and yet too uncertain, for warriors of the
+tribes. I think a savage, by this time, would have made up his mind to act
+as friend or foe."</p>
+
+<p>Joel seemed struck with the idea; and the expression of his countenance,
+which on entering had been wily, distrustful and prying, suddenly changed
+to that of deep reflection.</p>
+
+<p>"Has the captain seen anything else, partic'lar, to confirm this idee?" he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Their encampment, careless manner of moving, and unguarded exposure of
+their persons, are all against their being Indians."</p>
+
+<p>"The messenger they sent across the meadow, yesterday, <i>seemed</i> to me to
+be a Mohawk?"</p>
+
+<p>"He was. Of <i>his</i> being a real red-skin there can be no question. But he
+could neither speak nor understand English. The little that passed between
+us was in Low Dutch. Our dialogue was short; for, apprehensive of
+treachery, I brought it to a close sooner than I might otherwise have
+done."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; treachery is a cruel thing," observed the conscientious Joel; "a man
+can't be too strongly on his guard ag'in it. Does the captain ra'ally
+calcilate on defending the house, should a serious attempt be brought
+forward for the day?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do I! That is an extraordinary question, Mr. Strides. Why have I built in
+this mode, if I have no such intention?--why palisaded?--why armed and
+garrisoned, if not in earnest?"</p>
+
+<p>"I s'posed all this might have been done to prevent a surprise, but not in
+any hope of standin' a siege. I should be sorry to see all our women and
+children shut up under one roof, if the inimy came ag'in us, in airnest,
+with fire and sword."</p>
+
+<p>"And I should be sorry to see them anywhere else. But, this is losing
+time. My object in sending for you, Joel, was to learn your opinion about
+the true character of our visiters. Have you any opinion, or information
+to give me, on that point?"</p>
+
+<p>Joel placed his elbow on his knee, and his chin in the palm of his hand,
+and pondered on what had been suggested, with seeming good-will, and great
+earnestness.</p>
+
+<p>"If any one could be found venturesome enough to go out with a flag," he
+at length remarked, "the whole truth might be come at, in a few minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"And who shall I employ? Cheerfully would I go myself, were such a step
+military, or at all excusable in one in my situation."</p>
+
+<p>"If the likes of myself will sarve yer honour's turn," put in Mike,
+promptly, and yet with sufficient diffidence as regarded his views of his
+own qualifications--"there'll be nobody to gainsay that same; and it isn't
+wilcome that I nade tell you, ye'll be to use me as ye would yer own
+property."</p>
+
+<p>"I hardly think Mike would answer," observed Joel, not altogether without
+a sneer. "He scurce knows an Indian from a white man; when it comes to the
+paint, it would throw him into dreadful confusion."</p>
+
+<p>"If ye thinks that I am to be made to believe in any more Ould Nicks,
+Misther Strhides, then ye're making a mistake in my nature. Let but the
+captain say the word, and I'll go to the mill and bring in a grist of them
+same, or l'ave my own body for toll."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt you in the least, Mike," captain Willoughby mildly
+observed; "but there will be no occasion, just now, of your running any
+such risks. I shall be able to find other truce-bearers."</p>
+
+<p>"It seems the captain has his man in view," Joel said, keenly eyeing his
+master. "Perhaps 'tis the same I saw out with him last night. That's a
+reliable person, I do s'pose."</p>
+
+<p>"You have hit the nail on the head. It was the man who was out last night,
+at the same time I was out myself, and his name is Joel Strides."</p>
+
+<p>"The captain's a little musical, this morning--waal--if go I must, as
+there was two on us out, let us go to these savages together. I saw enough
+of <i>that</i> man, to know he is reliable; and if he'll go, <i>I</i>'ll go."</p>
+
+<p>"Agreed"--said Robert Willoughby, stepping into the library--"I take you
+at your word, Mr. Strides; you and I will run what risks there may be, in
+order to relieve this family from its present alarming state."</p>
+
+<p>The captain was astounded, though he knew not whether to be displeased or
+to rejoice. As for Mike, his countenance expressed great dissatisfaction;
+for he ever fancied things were going wrong so long as Joel obtained his
+wishes. Strides, himself, threw a keen glance at the stranger, recognised
+him at a glance, and had sufficient self-command to conceal his discovery,
+though taken completely by surprise. The presence of the major, however,
+immediately removed all his objections to the proposed expedition; since,
+should the party prove friendly to the Americans, he would be safe on his
+own account; or, should it prove the reverse, a king's officer could not
+fail to be a sufficient protection.</p>
+
+<p>"The gentleman's a total stranger to me," Joel hypocritically resumed;
+"but as the captain has belief in him, I must have the same. I am ready to
+do the ar'nd, therefore, as soon as it is agreeable."</p>
+
+<p>"This is well, captain Willoughby," put in the major, in order to
+anticipate any objections from his father; "and the sooner a thing of
+this sort is done, the better will it be for all concerned. I am ready to
+proceed this instant; and I take it this worthy man--I think you called
+him Strides--is quite as willing."</p>
+
+<p>Joel signified his assent; and the captain, perceiving no means of
+retreat, was fain to yield. He took the major into the bed-room, however,
+and held a minute's private discourse, when he returned, and bade the two
+go forth together.</p>
+
+<p>"Your companion has his instructions, Joel," the captain observed, as they
+left the library together; "and you will follow his advice. Show the white
+flag as soon as you quit the gate; if they are true warriors, it must be
+respected."</p>
+
+<p>Robert Willoughby was too intent on business, and too fearful of the
+reappearance and reproachful looks of Maud, to delay. He had passed the
+court, and was at the outer gate, before any of the garrison even noted
+his appearance among them. Here, indeed, the father's heart felt a pang;
+and, but for his military pride, the captain would gladly have recalled
+his consent. It was too late, however; and, squeezing his hand, he
+suffered his son to pass outward. Joel followed steadily, as to
+appearances, though not without misgivings as to what might be the
+consequences to himself and his growing family.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch17">
+<h2>Chapter XVII.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  "I worship not the sun at noon,<br />
+  The wandering stars, the changing moon,<br />
+  The wind, the flood, the flame;<br />
+  I will not bow the votive knee<br />
+  To wisdom, virtue, liberty;<br />
+  There is no god, but God for me,<br />
+  Jehovah is his name."</p>
+
+<p>  Montgomery.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+So sudden and unexpected had been the passage of Robert Willoughby through
+the court, and among the men on post without the inner gates, that no one
+recognised his person. A few saw that a stranger was in their midst; but,
+under his disguise, no one was quick enough of eye and thought to
+ascertain who that stranger was. The little white flag that they
+displayed, denoted the errand of the messengers; the rest was left to
+conjecture.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as captain Willoughby ascertained that the alarm of the morning
+was not likely to lead to any immediate results, he had dismissed all the
+men, with the exception of a small guard, that was stationed near the
+outer gait, under the immediate orders of serjeant Joyce. The latter was
+one of those soldiers who view the details of the profession as forming
+its great essentials; and when he saw his commander about to direct a
+<i>sortie</i>, it formed his pride not to ask questions, and to seem to know
+nothing about it. To this, Jamie Allen, who composed one of the guard,
+quietly assented; but it was a great privation to the three or four New
+England-men to be commanded not to inquire into the why and wherefore.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait for orders, men, wait for orders," observed the serjeant, by way of
+quieting an impatience that was very apparent. "If his honour, the
+captain, wished us to be acquainted with his movements, he would direct a
+general parade, and lay the matter before us, as you know he always does,
+on proper occasions. 'Tis a flag going out, as you can see, and should a
+truce follow, we'll lay aside our muskets, and seize the plough-shares;
+should it be a capitulation--I know our brave old commander too well to
+suppose it possible--but <i>should</i> it be even <i>that</i>, we'll ground arms
+like men, and make the best of it."</p>
+
+<p>"And should Joel, and the other man, who is a stranger to me, be scalped?"
+demanded one of the party.</p>
+
+<p>"Then we'll avenge their scalps. That was the way with us, when my Lord
+Howe fell--'avenge his death! cried our colonel; and on we pushed, until
+near two thousand of us fell before the Frenchmen's trenches. Oh! <i>that</i>
+was a sight worth seeing, and a day to talk of!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but you were threshed soundly, serjeant, as I've heard from many
+that were there."</p>
+
+<p>"What of that, sir! we obeyed orders. 'Avenge his death!' was the cry; and
+on we pushed, in obedience, until there were not men enough left in our
+battalion to carry the wounded to the rear."</p>
+
+<p>"And what did you do with them?" asked a youth, who regarded the serjeant
+as another C&aelig;sar--Napoleon not having come into notice in 1776.</p>
+
+<p>"We let them lie where they fell. Young man, war teaches us all the
+wholesome lesson that impossibilities are impossible to be done. War is
+the great schoolmaster of the human race; and a learned man is he who has
+made nineteen or twenty campaigns."</p>
+
+<p>"If he live to turn his lessons to account"--remarked the first speaker,
+with a sneer.</p>
+
+<p>"If a man is to die in battle, sir, he had better die with his mind stored
+with knowledge, than be shot like a dog that has outlived his usefulness.
+Every pitched battle carries out of the world learning upon learning that
+has been got in the field. Here comes his honour, who will confirm all I
+tell you, men. I was letting these men, sir, understand that the army and
+the field are the best schools on earth. Every old soldier will stick to
+that, your honour."</p>
+
+<p>"We are apt to think so, Joyce--have the arms been inspected this
+morning?"</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as it was light, I did that myself, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Flints, cartridge-boxes and bayonets, I hope?"</p>
+
+<p>"Each and all, sir. Does your honour remember the morning we had the
+affair near Fort du Quesne?"</p>
+
+<p>"You mean Braddock's defeat, I suppose, Joyce?"</p>
+
+<p>"I call nothing a defeat, captain Willoughby. We were roughly handled that
+day, sir; but I am not satisfied it was a defeat. It is true, we fell
+back, and lost some arms and stores; but, in the main, we stuck to our
+colours, considering it was in the woods. No, sir; I do not call that a
+defeat, by any means."</p>
+
+<p>"You will at least own we were hard pressed, and might have fared worse
+than we did, had it not been for a certain colonial corps, that manfully
+withstood the savages?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir; that I allow. I remember the corps, and its commander, a
+colonel Washington, with your honour's permission."</p>
+
+<p>"It was, indeed, Joyce. And do you happen to know what has became of this
+same colonel Washington?"</p>
+
+<p>"It never crossed my mind to inquire, sir, as he was a provincial. I dare
+say he may have a regiment--or even a brigade by this time; and good use
+would he make of either."</p>
+
+<p>"You have fallen far behind his fortunes, Joyce. The man is a
+commander-in-chief--a captain-general."</p>
+
+<p>"Your honour is jesting--since many of his seniors are still living."</p>
+
+<p>"This is the man who leads the American armies, in the war with England."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, in <i>that</i> way, he may indeed get a quick step, or two. I make
+no doubt, sir, so good a soldier will know how to obey orders."</p>
+
+<p>"From which I infer you think him right, in the cause he has espoused?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bless your honour, sir, I think nothing about it, and care nothing about
+it. If the gentleman has taken service with congress, as they call the new
+head-quarters, why he ought to obey congress; and if he serve the king,
+His Majesty's orders should be attended to."</p>
+
+<p>"And, in this crisis, serjeant, may I ask in what particular service you
+conceive yourself to be, just at the present moment?"</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Willoughby's, late of His Majesty's ---th Regiment of Foot, at
+your honour's command."</p>
+
+<p>"If all act in the same spirit, Joyce, we shall do well enough at the
+Knoll, though twice as many savages brave us as are to be seen on yon
+rocks," returned the captain, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"And why should they no?" demanded Jamie Allen, earnestly. "Ye're laird
+here, and we've no the time, nor the grace, to study and understand the
+orthodoxy and heterodoxy of the quarrel atween the House of Hanover and
+the houses of these Americans; so, while we a'stand up for the house and
+household of our old maister, the Lord will smile on our efforts, and lead
+us to victory."</p>
+
+<p>"Divil bur-r-n me, now, Jamie," said Mike, who having seen the major to
+the gate, now followed his father, in readiness to do him any good turn
+that might offer--"Divil bur-r-n me, now, Jamie, if ye could have said it
+better had ye just aised yer conscience to a proper praist, and were
+talking on a clane breast! Stick up for the captain, says I, and the Lord
+will be of our side!"</p>
+
+<p>The serjeant nodded approbation of this sentiment, and the younger Pliny,
+who happened also to be within hearing, uttered the sententious word
+"gosh" and clenched his fist, which was taken as proof of assent also, on
+his part. But, the Americans of the guard, all of whom were the tools of
+Joel's and the miller's arts, manifested a coldness that even exceeded the
+usual cold manner of their class. These men meant right; but they had been
+deluded by the falsehoods, machinations, and frauds of a demagogue, and
+were no longer masters of their own opinions or acts. It struck the
+captain that something was wrong; but, a foreigner by birth himself, he
+had early observed, and long known, the peculiar exterior and phlegm of
+the people of the country, which so nearly resemble the stoicism of the
+aborigines, as to induce many writers to attribute both alike to a cause
+connected with climate. The present was not a moment however, nor was the
+impression strong enough to induce the master of the place to enter into
+any inquiries. Turning his eyes in the direction of the two bearers of the
+flag, he there beheld matter for new interest, completely diverting his
+thoughts from what had just passed.</p>
+
+<p>"I see they have sent two men to meet our messengers serjeant," he
+said--"This looks as if they understood the laws of war."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true, your honour. They should now blindfold our party, and lead
+them within their own works, before they suffer them to see at all; though
+there would be no great advantage in it, as Strides is as well acquainted
+with every inch of that rock as I am with the manual exercise."</p>
+
+<p>"Which would seem to supersede the necessity of the ceremony you have
+mentioned?"</p>
+
+<p>"One never knows, your honour. Blindfolding is according to the rules, and
+I should blindfold a flag before I let him approach, though the hostile
+ranks stood drawn up, one on each side of a parade ground. Much is gained,
+while nothing is ever lost, by sticking to the rules of a trade."</p>
+
+<p>The captain smiled, as did all the Americans of the guard; the last having
+too much sagacity not to perceive that a thing might be overdone, as well
+as too little attended to. As for Jamie and Mike, they both received the
+serjeant's opinions as law; the one from having tried the troops of the
+line at Culloden, and the other on account of divers experiences through
+which he had gone, at sundry fairs, in his own green island. By this time,
+however, all were too curious in watching the result of the meeting, to
+continue the discourse.</p>
+
+<p>Robert Willoughby and Joel had moved along the lane towards the rocks,
+without hesitating, keeping their little flag flying. It did not appear
+that their approach produced any change among the savages, who were now
+preparing their breakfasts, until they had got within two hundred yards of
+the encampment, when two of the red-men, having first laid aside their
+arms, advanced to meet their visiters. This was the interview which
+attracted the attention of those at the Hut, and its progress was noted
+with the deepest interest.</p>
+
+<p>The meeting appeared to be friendly. After a short conference, in which
+signs seemed to be a material agent in the communications, the four moved
+on in company, walking deliberately towards the rocks. Captain Willoughby
+had sent for his field-glass, and could easily perceive much that occuired
+in the camp, on the arrival of his son. The major's movements were calm
+and steady, and a feeling of pride passed over the father's heart, as he
+noted this, amid a scene that was well adapted to disturbing the
+equilibrium of the firmest mind. Joel certainly betrayed nervousness,
+though he kept close at his companion's side, and together they proceeded
+into the very centre of the party of strangers.</p>
+
+<p>The captain observed, also, that this arrival caused no visible sensation
+among the red-men. Even those the major almost touched in passing did not
+look up to note his appearance, while no one seemed to speak, or in any
+manner to heed him. The cooking and other preparations for the breakfast
+proceeded precisely as if no one had entered the camp. The two who had
+gone forth to meet the flag alone attended its bearers, whom they led
+through the centre of the entire party; stopping only on the side opposite
+to the Hut, where there was an open space of flat rock, which it had not
+suited the savages to occupy.</p>
+
+<p>Here the four halted, the major turning and looking back like a soldier
+who was examining his ground. Nor did any one appear disposed to interrupt
+him in an employment that serjeant Joyce pronounced to be both bold and
+against the usages of war to permit. The captain thought the stoicism of
+the savages amounted to exaggeration, and it renewed his distrust of the
+real characters of his visiters. In a minute or two, however, some three
+or four of the red-men were seen consulting together apart, after which
+they approached the bearers of the flag, and some communications passed
+between the two sides. The nature of these communications could not be
+known, of course, though the conference appeared to be amicable. After two
+or three minutes of conversation, Robert Willoughby, Strides, the two men
+who had advanced to meet them, and the four chiefs who had joined the
+group, left the summit of the rock in company, taking a foot-path that
+descended in the direction of the mills. In a short time they all
+disappeared in a body.</p>
+
+<p>The distance was not so great but these movements could easily be seen by
+the naked eye, though the glass was necessary to discover some of the
+details. Captain Willoughby had planted the instrument among the
+palisades, and he kept his gaze riveted on the retiring group as long as
+it was visible; then, indeed, he looked at his companions, as if to read
+their opinions in their countenances. Joyce understood the expression of
+his face; and, saluting in the usual military manner, he presumed to
+speak, in the way of reply.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems all right, your honour, the bandage excepted," said the
+serjeant. "The flag has been met at the outposts, and led into the camp;
+there the officer of the day, or some savage who does the duty, has heard
+his errand; and, no doubt, they have all now gone to head-quarters, to
+report."</p>
+
+<p>"I desired my son, Joyce--"</p>
+
+<p>"Whom, your honour--?"</p>
+
+<p>The general movement told the captain how completely his auditors were
+taken by surprise, at this unlooked-for announcement of the presence of
+the major at the Knoll. It was too late to recall the words, however, and
+there was so little prospect of Robert's escaping the penetration of Joel,
+the father saw no use in attempting further concealment.</p>
+
+<p>"I say I desired my son, major Willoughby, who is the bearer of that
+flag," the captain steadily resumed, "to raise his hat in a particular
+manner, if all seemed right; or to make a certain gesture with his left
+arm, did he see anything that required us to be more than usually on our
+guard."</p>
+
+<p>"And which notice has he given to the garrison, if it be your honour's
+pleasure to let us know?"</p>
+
+<p>"Neither. I thought he manifested an intention to make the signal with the
+hat, when the chiefs first joined him; but he hesitated, and lowered his
+hand without doing as I had expected. Then, again, just as he disappeared
+behind the rocks, the left arm was in motion, though not in a way to
+complete the signal."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he seem hurried, your honour, as if prevented from communicating by
+the enemy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all, Joyce. Irresolution appeared to be at the bottom of it, so
+far as I could judge."
+
+"Pardon me, your honour; uncertainty would be a better word, as applied to
+so good a soldier. Has major Willoughby quitted the king's service, that
+he is among us, sir, just at his moment?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you his errand another time, serjeant. At present, I can
+think only of the risk he runs. These Indians are lawless wretches; one
+is never sure of then faith."</p>
+
+<p>"They are bad enough, sir; but no man can well be so bad as to disregard
+the rights of a flag," answered the serjeant, in a grave and slightly
+important manner. "Even the French, your honour, have always respected our
+<i>flags</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true; and, yet, I wish we could overlook that position at the
+mill. It's a great advantage to them, Joyce, that they can place
+themselves behind such a cover, when they choose!"</p>
+
+<p>The serjeant looked at the encampment a moment; then his eye followed the
+woods, and the mountain sides, that skirted the little plain, until his
+back was fairly turned upon the supposed enemy, and he faced the forest in
+the rear of the Hut.</p>
+
+<p>"If it be agreeable to your honour, a detachment can be detailed to make a
+demonstration"--Joyce did not exactly understand this word, but it sounded
+military--"in the following manner: I can lead out the party, by the rear
+of the house, using the brook as a covered-way. Once in the woods, it will
+be easy enough to make a flank movement upon the enemy's position; after
+which, the detachment can be guided by circumstances."</p>
+
+<p>This was very martial in sound, and the captain felt well assured that
+Joyce was the man to attempt carrying out his own plan; but he made no
+answer, sighing and shaking his head, as he walked away towards the house.
+The chaplain followed, leaving the rest to observe the savages.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye're proposition, serjeant, no seems to give his honour much
+satisfaction," said the mason, as soon as his superior was out of hearing.
+"Still, it was military, as I know by what I saw mysal' in the Forty-five.
+Flainking, and surprising, and obsairving, and demonstrating, and such
+devices, are the soul of war, and are a' on the great highway to victory.
+Had Chairlie's men obsairved, and particularised mair, there might have
+been a different family on the throne, an' the prince wad ha' got his ain
+ag'in. I like your idea much, serjaint, and gin' ye gang oot to practise
+it, I trust ye 'll no forget that ye've an auld fri'nd here, willing to be
+of the pairty."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't think the captain much relished the notion of being questioned
+about his son's feelin's, and visit up here, at a time like this," put in
+one of the Americans.</p>
+
+<p>"There's bowels in the man's body!" cried Mike, "and it isn't the likes of
+him that has no falin'. Ye don't know what it is to be a father, or ye'd
+groan in spirit to see a child of yer own in the grip of fiery divils like
+them same. Isn't he a pratty man, and wouldn't I be sorrowful to hear that
+he had come to har-r-m? Ye've niver asked, serjeant, how the majjor got
+into the house, and ye a military sentry in the bargain!"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose he came by command, Michael, and it is not the duty of the
+non-commissioned officers to question their superiors about anything that
+has happened out of the common way. I take things as I find them, and obey
+orders. I only hope that the son, as a field-officer, will not out-rank
+the father, which would be unbecoming: though date of commissions, and
+superiority, must be respected."</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think if a major in the king's service was to undertake to use
+authority here," said the spokesman of the Americans, a little stiffly,
+"he wouldn't find many disposed to follow at his heels."</p>
+
+<p>"Mutiny would not fare well, did it dare to lift its head in this
+garrison"--answered the serjeant, with a dignity that might better have
+suited the mess-room of a regular regiment, than the situation in which he
+was actually placed. "Both captain Willoughby and myself have seen mutiny
+attempted, but neither has ever seen it succeed."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you look on us as lawful, enlisted soldiers?" demanded one of the
+labourers, who had a sufficient smattering of the law, to understand the
+difference between a mercenary and a volunteer. "If I'm regimented, I
+should at least like to know in whose service it is?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye're over-quick at yer objections and sentiments," said Jamie Allen,
+coolly, "like most youths, who see only their ain experience in the airth,
+and the providence o' the Lord. Enlisted we are, a' of us, even to Michael
+here, and it's in the sairvice of our good master, his honour captain
+Willoughby; whom, with his kith and kin, may the Lord presairve from this
+and all other dangers."</p>
+
+<p>The word master would, of itself, be very likely to create a revolt
+to-day, in such a corps as it was the fortune of our captain to command,
+though to that of "boss" there would not he raised the slightest
+objection. But the English language had not undergone half of its present
+mutations in the year 1776; and no one winced in admitting that he served
+a "master," though the gorges of several rose at the idea of being engaged
+in the service of any one, considered in a military point of view. It is
+likely the suggestion of the mason would have led to a hot discussion, had
+not a stir among the savages, just at that instant, called off the
+attention of all present, to matters of more importance than even an angry
+argument.</p>
+
+<p>The movement seemed to be general, and Joyce ordered his men to stand to
+their arms; still he hesitated about giving the alarm. Instead of
+advancing towards the Hut, however, the Indians raised a general yell, and
+went over the cliffs, disappearing in the direction of the mill, like a
+flock of birds taking wing together. After waiting half an hour, in vain,
+to ascertain if any signs of the return of the Indians were to be seen,
+the serjeant went himself to report the state of things to his commander.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby had withdrawn to make his toilet for the day, when he
+saw the last of his son and the overseer. While thus employed he had
+communicated to his wife all that had occurred; and Mrs. Willoughby, in
+her turn, had told the same to her daughters. Maud was much the most
+distressed, her suspicions of Joel being by far the most active and the
+most serious. From the instant she learned what had passed, she began to
+anticipate grave consequences to Robert Willoughby, though she had
+sufficient fortitude, and sufficient consideration for others, to keep
+most of her apprehensions to herself.</p>
+
+<p>When Joyce demanded his audience, the family was at breakfast, though
+little was eaten, and less was said. The serjeant was admitted, and he
+told his story with military precision.</p>
+
+<p>"This has a suspicious air, Joyce," observed the captain, after musing a
+little; "to me it seems like an attempt to induce us to follow, and to
+draw us into an ambuscade."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be that, your honour; or, it may be a good honest retreat. <i>Two</i>
+prisoners is a considerable exploit for savages to achieve. I have known
+them count <i>one</i> a victory."</p>
+
+<p>"Be not uneasy, Wilhelmina; Bob's rank will secure him good treatment, his
+exchange being far more important to his captors, if captors they be, than
+his death. It is too soon to decide on such a point, serjeant. After all,
+the Indians may be at the mills, in council. On a war-path, all the young
+men are usually consulted, before any important step is taken. Then, it
+may be the wish of the chiefs to impress our flag-bearers with an idea of
+their force."</p>
+
+<p>"All that is military, your honour, and quite possible. Still, to me the
+movement seems as if a retreat was intended, in fact, or that the
+<i>appearance</i> of one was in view."</p>
+
+<p>"I will soon know the truth," cried the chaplain. "I, a man of peace, can
+surely go forth, and ascertain who these people are, and what is their
+object."</p>
+
+<p>"You, Woods! My dear fellow, do you imagine a tribe of blood-thirsty
+savages will respect you, or your sacred office? You have a sufficient
+task with the king's forces, letting his enemies alone. You are no
+missionary to still a war-cry."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg pardon, sir"--put in the serjeant--"his reverence is more than half
+right"--here the chaplain rose, and quitted the room in haste, unobserved
+by the two colloquists--"There is scarce a tribe in the colony, your
+honour, that has not some knowledge of our priesthood; and I know of no
+instance in which the savages have ever ill-treated a divine."</p>
+
+<p>"Poh, poh, Joyce; this is much too sentimental for your Mohawks, and
+Oneidas, and Onondagas, and Tuscaroras. They will care no more for little
+Woods than they care for the great woods through which they journey on
+their infernal errands."</p>
+
+<p>"One cannot know, Hugh"--observed the anxious mother--"Our dear Robert is
+in their hands; and, should Mr. Woods be really disposed to go on this
+mission of mercy, does it comport with our duty as parents to oppose it?"</p>
+
+<p>"A mother is all mother"--murmured the captain, who rose from table,
+kissed his wife's cheek affectionately, and left the room, beckoning to
+the serjeant to follow.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby had not been gone many minutes when the chaplain made
+his appearance, attired in his surplice, and wearing his best wig; an
+appliance that all elderly gentlemen in that day fancied necessary to the
+dignity and gravity of their appearance. Mrs. Willoughby, to own the
+truth, was delighted. If this excellent woman was ever unjust, it was in
+behalf of her children; solicitude for whom sometimes induced her to
+overlook the rigid construction of the laws of equality.</p>
+
+<p>"We will see which best understands the influence of the sacred office,
+captain Willoughby, or myself;" observed the chaplain, with a little more
+importance of manner than it was usual for one so simple to assume. "I do
+not believe the ministry was instituted to be brow-beaten by tribes of
+savages, any more than it is to be silenced by the unbeliever, or
+schismatic."</p>
+
+<p>It was very evident that the Rev. Mr. Woods was considerably excited; and
+this was a condition of mind so unusual with him, as to create a species
+of awe in the observers. As for the two young women, deeply as they were
+interested in the result, and keenly as Maud, in particular, felt
+everything which touched the fortunes of Robert Willoughby, neither would
+presume to interfere, when they saw one whom they had been taught to
+reverence from childhood, acting in a way that so little conformed to his
+ordinary manner. As for Mrs. Willoughby, her own feelings were so much
+awakened, that never had Mr. Woods seemed so evangelical and like a saint,
+as at that very moment; and it would not have been difficult to persuade
+her that he was acting under something very like righteous superhuman
+impulses.</p>
+
+<p>Such, however, was far from being the case. The worthy priest had an
+exalted idea of his office; and, to fancy it might favorably impress even
+savages, was little more than carrying out his every-day notions of its
+authority. He conscientiously believed that he, himself, a regularly
+ordained presbyter, would be more likely to succeed in the undertaking
+before him, than a mere deacon; were a bishop present, he would cheerfully
+have submitted to his superior claims to sanctity and success. As for
+arch-bishops, arch-deacons, deans, rural deans, and all the other worldly
+machinery which has been superadded to the church, the truth compels us
+to add, that our divine felt no especial reverence since he considered
+them as so much clerical surplusage, of very questionable authority, and
+of doubtful use. He adhered strictly to the orders of divine institution,
+to these he attached so much weight, as to be entirely willing, in his own
+person, to demonstrate how little was to be apprehended, when their power
+was put forth, even against Indians, in humility and faith.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall take this sprig of laurel in my hand, in lieu of the
+olive-branch," said the excited chaplain, "as the symbol of peace. It is
+not probable that savages can tell one plant from the other; and if they
+could, it will be easy to explain that olives do not grow in America. It
+is an eastern tree, ladies, and furnishes the pleasant oil we use on our
+salads. I carry with me, notwithstanding, the oil which proves a balm to
+many sorrows; that will be sufficient."</p>
+
+<p>"You will bid them let Robert return to us, without delay?" said Mrs.
+Willoughby, earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall bid them respect God and their consciences. I cannot now stop to
+rehearse to you the mode of proceeding I shall adopt; but it is all
+arranged in my own mind. It will be necessary to call the Deity the 'Great
+Spirit' or 'Manitou'--and to use many poetical images; but this can I do,
+on an emergency. Extempore preaching is far from agreeable to me, in
+general; nor do I look upon it, in this age of the world, as exactly
+canonical; nevertheless, it shall be seen I know how to submit even to
+<i>that</i>, when there is a suitable necessity."</p>
+
+<p>It was so seldom Mr. Woods used such magnificent ideas, or assumed a
+manner in the least distinguishable from one of the utmost simplicity,
+that his listeners now felt really awed; and when he turned to bless them,
+as he did with solemnity and affection, the two daughters knelt to receive
+his benedictions. These delivered, he walked out of the room, crossed the
+court, and proceeded straightway to the outer gate.</p>
+
+<p>It was, perhaps, fortunate to the design of the Rev. Mr. Woods, that
+neither the captain nor the serjeant was in the way, to arrest it. This
+the former would certainly have done, out of regard to his friend, and the
+last out of regard to "orders." But these military personages were in the
+library, in deep consultation concerning the next step necessary to take.
+This left the coast clear, no one belonging to the guard conceiving
+himself of sufficient authority to stop the chaplain, more especially when
+he appeared in his wig and surplice. Jamie Allen was a corporal, by
+courtesy; and, at the first summons, he caused the outer gate to be
+unlocked and unbarred, permitting the chaplain to make his egress,
+attended by his own respectful bows. This Jamie did, out of reverence to
+religion, generally; though the surplice ever excited his disgust; and, as
+for the Liturgy, he deemed it to be a species of solemn mockery of
+worship.</p>
+
+<p>The captain did not reappear outside of the court, until the chaplain, who
+had made the best of his way towards the rocks, was actually stalking like
+a ghost among ruins, through the deserted shantees of the late encampment.</p>
+
+<p>"What in the name of Indian artifice is the white animal that I see moving
+about on the rocks?" demanded the captain, whose look was first turned in
+the direction of the camp.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems an Indian wrapped up in a shirt, your honour--as I live, sir, it
+has a cocked hat on its head!"</p>
+
+<p>"Na--na"--interrupted Jamie, "ye'll no be guessing the truth this time,
+without the aid of a little profane revelation. The chiel ye see yan, yer
+honour, is just chaplain Woods."</p>
+
+<p>"Woods--the devil!"</p>
+
+<p>"Na--na--yer honour, it's the reverend gentleman, hissel', and no the
+de'il, at a'. He's in his white frock--though why he didn't wear his black
+gairment is more than I can tell ye--but there he is, walking about amang
+the Indian dwellings, all the same as if they were so many pews in his ain
+kirk."</p>
+
+<p>"And, how came you to let him pass the gate, against orders?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, and it is aboot the orders of the priesthood, that he so often
+preaches, and seeing him in the white gairment, and knowing ye've so many
+fast-days, and Christmas', in the kirk o' England, I fancied it might be a
+bit matter o' prayer he wished to offer up, yan, in the house on the flat;
+and so I e'en thought church prayers better than no prayers at all, in
+such a strait."</p>
+
+<p>As it was useless to complain, the captain was fain to submit, even
+beginning to hope some good might come of the adventure, when he saw Mr.
+Woods walking unmolested through the deserted camp. The glass was
+levelled, and the result was watched in intense interest.</p>
+
+<p>The chaplain first explored every shantee, fearlessly and with diligence.
+Then he descended the rocks, and was lost to view, like those who had
+preceded him. A feverish hour passed, without any symptom of human life
+appearing in the direction of the mills. Sometimes those who watched,
+fancied they beheld a smoke beginning to steal up over the brow of the
+rocks, the precursor of the expected conflagration; but a few moments
+dispersed the apprehension and the fancied smoke together. The day
+advanced, and yet the genius of solitude reigned over the mysterious glen.
+Not a sound emerged from it, not a human form was seen near it, not a sign
+of a hostile assault or of a friendly return could be detected. All in
+that direction lay buried in silence, as if the ravine had swallowed its
+tenants, in imitation of the grave.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch18">
+<h2>Chapter XVIII.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  To deck my list by Nature were design'd<br />
+  Such shining expletives of human kind;<br />
+  Who want, while through blank life they dream along,<br />
+  Sense to be right, and passion to be wrong.</p>
+
+<p>  Young.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The disappearance of Mr. Woods occasioned no uneasiness at first. An hour
+elapsed before the captain thought it necessary to relate the occurrence
+to his family, when a general panic prevailed among the females. Even Maud
+had hoped the savages would respect the sacred character of the divine,
+though she knew not why; and here was one of her principal grounds of
+hope, as connected with Robert Willoughby, slid from beneath her feet.</p>
+
+<p>"What <i>can</i> we do, Willoughby?" asked the affectionate mother, almost
+reduced to despair. "I will go myself, in search of my son--they will
+respect <i>me</i>, a woman and a mother."</p>
+
+<p>"You little know the enemy we have to deal with, Wilhelmina, or so rash a
+thought could not have crossed your mind. We will not be precipitate; a
+few hours may bring some change to direct us. One thing I learn from
+Woods' delay. The Indians cannot be far off, and he must be with them, or
+in their hands; else would he return alter having visited the mills and
+the houses beneath the cliffs."</p>
+
+<p>This sounded probable, and all felt there was a relief in fancying that
+their friends were still near them, and were not traversing the wilderness
+as captives.</p>
+
+<p>"I feel less apprehension than any of you," observed Beulah, in her placid
+manner. "If Bob is in the hands of an American party, the brother-in-law
+of Evert Beekman cannot come to much harm; with British Indians he will be
+respected for his own sake, as soon as he can make himself known."</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought of all this, my child"--answered the father, musing--"and
+there is reason in it. It will be difficult, however, for Bob to make his
+real character certain, in his present circumstances. He does not appear
+the man he is; and should there even be a white among his captors who can
+read, he has not a paper with him to sustain his word."</p>
+
+<p>"But, he promised me faithfully to use Evert's name, did he ever fall into
+American hands"--resumed Beulah, earnestly--"and Evert has said, again and
+again, that <i>my </i> brother could never be his enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven help us all, dear child!" answered the captain, kissing his
+daughter--"It is, indeed, a cruel war, when such aids are to be called in
+for our protection. We will endeavour to be cheerful, notwithstanding; for
+we know of nothing yet, that ought to alarm us, out of reason; all may
+come right before the sun set."</p>
+
+<p>The captain looked at his family, and endeavoured to smile, but he met no
+answering gleam of happiness on either face; nor was his own effort very
+successful. As for his wife, she was never known to be aught but
+miserable, while any she loved were in doubtful safety. She lived entirely
+out of herself, and altogether for her husband, children, and friends; a
+woman less selfish, or one more devoted to the affections, never existing.
+Then Beulah, with all her reliance on the magic of Evert's name, and with
+the deep feelings that had been awakened within her, as a wife and a
+mother, still loved her brother as tenderly as ever. As for Maud, the
+agony she endured was increased by her efforts to keep it from breaking
+out in some paroxysm that might betray her secret; and her features were
+getting an expression of stern resolution, which, blended with her beauty,
+gave them a grandeur her father had never before seen in her bright
+countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"This child suffers on Bob's account more than any of us"--observed the
+captain, drawing his pet towards him, placing her kindly on his knee, and
+folding her to his bosom. "She has no husband yet, to divide her heart;
+all her love centres in her brother."</p>
+
+<p>The look which Beulah cast upon her father was not reproachful, for that
+was an expression she would not have indulged with him; but it was one in
+which pain and mortification were so obvious, as to induce the mother to
+receive her into her own arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Hugh, you are unjust to Beulah"--said the anxious mother--"Nothing can
+ever cause this dear girl, either, to forget to feel for any of us."</p>
+
+<p>The captain's ready explanation, and affectionate kiss, brought a smile
+again to Beulah's face, though it shone amid tears. All was, however,
+immediately forgotten; for the parties understood each other, and Maud
+profited by the scene to escape from the room. This flight broke up the
+conference; and the captain, after exhorting his wife and daughter to set
+an example of fortitude to the rest of the females, left the house, to
+look after his duties among the men.</p>
+
+<p>The absence of Joel cast a shade of doubt over the minds of the
+disaffected. These last were comparatively numerous, comprising most of
+the native Americans in the Hut, the blacks and Joyce excepted. Strides
+had been enabled to effect his purposes more easily with his own
+countrymen by working on their good qualities, as well as on their bad.
+Many of these men--most of them, indeed--meant well, but their attachment
+to the cause of their native land laid them open to assaults, against
+which Mike and Jamie Allen were insensible. Captain Willoughby was an
+Englishman, in the first place; he was an old army-officer, in the next;
+and he had an only son who was confessedly in open arms against the
+independence of America. It is easy to see how a demagogue like Joel, who
+had free access to the ears of his comrades, could improve circumstances
+like these to his own particular objects. Nevertheless, he had
+difficulties to contend with. If it were true that parson Woods still
+insisted on praying for the king, it was known that the captain laughed at
+him for his reverence for C&aelig;sar; if Robert Willoughby were a major in the
+royal forces, Evert Beekman was a colonel in the continentals; if the
+owner of the manor were born in England, his wife and children were born
+in America; and he, himself, was often heard to express his convictions of
+the justice of most of that for which the provincials were
+contending--<i>all</i>, the worthy captain had not yet made up his mind to
+concede to them.</p>
+
+<p>Then, most of the Americans in the Hut entertained none of the selfish and
+narrow views of Joel and the miller. Their wish was to do right, in the
+main; and though obnoxious to the charge of entertaining certain
+prejudices that rendered them peculiarly liable to become the dupes of a
+demagogue, they submitted to many of the better impulses, and were
+indisposed to be guilty of any act of downright injustice. The perfect
+integrity with which they had ever been treated, too, had its influence;
+nor was the habitual kindness of Mrs. Willoughby to their wives and
+children forgotten; nor the gentleness of Beulah, or the beauty, spirit,
+and generous impulses of Maud. In a word, the captain, when he went forth
+to review his men, who were now all assembled under arms within the
+palisades for that purpose, went to meet a wavering, rather than a
+positively disaffected or rebellious body.</p>
+
+<p>"Attention!" cried Joyce, as his commanding officer came in front of a
+line which contained men of different colours, statures, ages, dresses,
+countries, habits and physiognomies, making it a sort of epitome of the
+population of the whole colony, as it existed in that day--"Attention!
+Present, arms."</p>
+
+<p>The captain pulled off his hat complacently, in return to this salute,
+though he was obliged to smile at the array which met his eyes. Every one
+of the Dutchmen had got his musket to an order, following a sort of
+fugleman of their own; while Mike had invented a "motion" that would have
+puzzled any one but himself to account for. The butt of the piece was
+projected towards the captain, quite out of line, while the barrel rested
+on his own shoulder. Still, as his arms were extended to the utmost, the
+county Leitrim-man fancied he was performing much better than common. Jamie
+had correct notions of the perpendicular, from having used the plumb-bob
+so much, though even he made the trifling mistake of presenting arms with
+the lock outwards. As for the Yankees, they were all tolerably exact, in
+everything but time, and the line; bringing their pieces down, one after
+another, much as they were in the practice of following their leaders, in
+matters of opinion. The negroes defied description; nor was it surprising
+they failed, each of them thrusting his head forward to see how the
+"motions" looked, in a way that prevented any particular attention to his
+own part of the duty. The serjeant had the good sense to see that his
+drill had not yet produced perfection, and he brought his men to a
+shoulder again, as soon as possible. In this he succeeded perfectly, with
+the exception that just half of the arms were brought to the right, and
+the other half to the left shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall do better, your honour, as we get a little more drill"--said
+Joyce, with an apologetic salute--"Corporal Strides has a tolerable idea
+of the manual, and he usually acts as our fugleman. When he gets back, we
+shall improve."</p>
+
+<p>"When he gets back, serjeant--can you, or any other man, tell when that
+will be?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yer honour," sputtered Mike, with the eagerness of a boy. "I'se the
+man to tell yees that same."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>You</i>?--What can <i>you</i> know, that is not known to all of us, my good
+Michael?"</p>
+
+<p>"I knows what I sees; and if yon isn't Misther Strhides, then I am not
+acquainted with his sthraddle."</p>
+
+<p>Sure enough, Joel appeared at the gate, as Mike concluded his assertions.
+How he got there, no one knew; for a good look-out had been kept in the
+direction of the mill; and, yet here was the overseer applying for
+admission, as if he had fallen from the clouds! Of course, the application
+was not denied, though made in a manner so unexpected, and Joel stood in
+front of his old comrades at the hoe and plough, if not in arms, in less
+than a minute. His return was proclaimed through the house in an
+incredibly short space of time, by the aid of the children, and all the
+females came pouring out from the court to learn the tidings, led by Mrs.
+Strides and her young brood.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you anything to communicate to me in private, Strides?" the captain
+demanded, maintaining an appearance of <i>sang froid</i> that he was far from
+feeling--"or, can your report be made here, before the whole settlement?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's just as the captain pleases," answered the wily demagogue; "though,
+to my notion, the people have a right to know all, in an affair that
+touches the common interest."</p>
+
+<p>"Attention! men"--cried the serjeant--"By platoons, to the right"</p>
+
+<p>"No matter, Joyce," interrupted the captain, waving his hand--"Let the men
+remain. You have held communications with our visiters, I know, Strides?"</p>
+
+<p>"We have, captain Willoughby, and a desperate sort of visiters be they! A
+more ugly set of Mohawks and Onondagas I never laid eyes on."</p>
+
+<p>"As for their appearance, it is matter of indifference to me--what is the
+object of their visit?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean ugly behaved, and they deserve all I say of 'em. Their ar'nd,
+according to their own tell, is to seize the captain, and his family, in
+behalf of the colonies."</p>
+
+<p>As Joel uttered this, he cast a glance along the line of faces paraded
+before him, in order to read the effect it might produce. That it was not
+lost on some, was as evident as that it was on others. The captain,
+however, appeared unmoved, and there was a slight air of incredulity in
+the smile that curled his lip.</p>
+
+<p>"This, then, you report as being the business of the party in coming to
+this place!" he said, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"I do, sir; and an ugly ar'nd it is, in times like these."</p>
+
+<p>"Is there any person in authority in a party that pretends to move about
+the colony, with such high duties?"</p>
+
+<p>"There's one or two white men among 'em, if that's what the captain
+means; they pretend to be duly authorised and appointed to act in behalf
+of the people."</p>
+
+<p>At each allusion to the people, Joel invariably looked towards his
+particular partisans, in order to note the effect the use of the word
+might produce. On the present occasion, he even ventured to wink at the
+miller.</p>
+
+<p>"If acting on authority, why do they keep aloof?--I have no such character
+for resisting the laws, that any who come clothed with its mantle need
+fear resistance."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I s'pose they reason in some such manner as this. There's <i>two</i> laws
+in operation at this time; the king's law, and the people's law. I take
+it, this party comes in virtue of the people's law, whereas it is likely
+the law the captain means is the king's law. The difference is so great,
+that one or t'other carries the day, just as the king's friends or the
+people's friends happen to be the strongest. These men don't like to trust
+to <i>their</i> law, when the captain may think it safest to trust a little to
+his'n."</p>
+
+<p>"And all this was told you, Strides, in order to be repeated to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a word on't; it's all my own consait about the matter. Little passed
+between us."</p>
+
+<p>"And, now," said the captain, relieving his breast by a long sigh, "I
+presume I may inquire about your companion. You probably have ascertained
+who he is?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord, captain Willoughby, I was altogether dumbfounded, when the truth
+came upon me of a sudden! I never should have known the major in that
+dress, in the world, or out of the world either; but he walks so like the
+captain, that as I followed a'ter him, I said to myself, who <i>can</i> it
+be?--and then the walk came over me, as it might be; and then I remembered
+last night, and the stranger that was out with the captain, and how he
+occupied the room next to the library, and them things; and so, when I
+come to look in his face, there was the major sure enough!"</p>
+
+<p>Joel lied famously in this account; but he believed himself safe, as no
+one could very well contradict him.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, you have explained the manner in which you recognised my son,
+Strides," added the captain, "I will thank you to let me know what has
+become of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"He's with the savages. Having come so far to seize the father, it wasn't
+in natur' to let the son go free, when he walked right into the lion's
+den, like."</p>
+
+<p>"And how could the savages know he <i>was</i> my son? Did they, too, recognise
+the family walk?"</p>
+
+<p>Strides was taken aback at this question, and he even had the grace to
+colour a little. He saw that he was critically placed; for, in addition to
+the suggestions of conscience, he understood the captain sufficiently to
+know he was a man who would not trifle, in the event of his suspicions
+becoming active. He knew he deserved the gallows, and Joyce was a man who
+would execute him in an instant, did his commander order it. The idea
+fairly made the traitor tremble in his shoes.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! I've got a little ahead of my story," he said, hastily. "But, perhaps
+I had best tell everything as it happened--"</p>
+
+<p>"That will be the simplest and clearest course. In order that there be no
+interruption, we will go into my room, where Joyce will follow us, as soon
+as he has dismissed his men."</p>
+
+<p>This was done, and in a minute or two the captain and Joel were seated in
+the library, Joyce respectfully standing; the old soldier always declining
+to assume any familiarity with his superior. We shall give the substance
+of most of Joel's report in our own language; preferring it, defective as
+it is, to that of the overseer's, which was no bad representative of his
+cunning, treacherous and low mind.</p>
+
+<p>It seems, then, that the bearers of the flag were amicably received by the
+Indians. The men towards whom they were led on the rocks, were the chiefs
+of the party, who treated them with proper respect. The sudden movement
+was explained to them, as connected with their meal; and the chiefs,
+accompanied by the major and Strides, proceeded to the house of the
+miller. Here, by means of a white man for an interpreter, the major had
+demanded the motive of the strangers in coming into the settlement. The
+answer was a frank demand for the surrender of the Hut, and all it
+contained, to the authorities of the continental congress. The major had
+endeavoured to persuade a white man, who professed to hold the legal
+authority for what was doing, of the perfectly neutral disposition of his
+father, when, according to Joel's account, to his own great astonishment,
+the argument was met by the announcement of Robert Willoughby's true
+character, and a sneering demand if it were likely a man who had a son in
+the royal army, and who had kept that son secreted in his own house, would
+be very indifferent to the success of the royal cause.</p>
+
+<p>"They've got a wonderful smart man there for a magistrate, I can tell
+you," added Joel, with emphasis, "and he ra'ally bore as hard on the major
+as a lawyer before a court. How he found out that the major was at the Hut
+is a little strange, seein' that none of us know'd of it; but they've got
+extraor'nary means, now-a-days."</p>
+
+<p>"And, did major Willoughby admit his true character, when charged with
+being in the king's service?"</p>
+
+<p>"He did--and like a gentleman. He only insisted that his sole ar'nd out
+here was to see his folks, and that he intended to go back to York the
+moment he had paid his visit."</p>
+
+<p>"How did the person you mention receive his explanations?"</p>
+
+<p>"Waal, to own the truth, he laugh'd at it, like all natur'. I don't
+believe they put any great weight on a syllable the major told 'em. I
+never see critturs with such onbelievin' faces! After talking as long as
+suited themselves, they ordered the major to be shut up in a buttery, with
+a warrior at the door for a sentinel; a'ter which they took to examining
+me."</p>
+
+<p>Joel then proceeded with an account--his own account, always, be it
+remembered--of what passed between himself and the strangers. They had
+questioned him closely touching the nature of the defences of the Hut, the
+strength of the garrison, its disposition, the number and quality of the
+arms, and the amount of the ammunition.</p>
+
+<p>"You may depend on't, I gave a good account," continued the overseer, in a
+self-satisfied way. "In the first place, I told 'em, the captain had a
+lieutenant with him that had sarved out the whull French war; then I put
+the men up to fifty at once, seein' it was just as easy to say that, as
+thirty or thirty-three. As to the arms, I told 'em more than half the
+pieces were double-barrelled; and that the captain, in particular,
+carried a rifle that had killed nine savages in one fight."</p>
+
+<p>"You were much mistaken in that, Joel. It is true, that a celebrated chief
+once fell by this rifle; even that is not a matter for boasting."</p>
+
+<p>"Waal, them that told me on't, said that <i>two</i> had fallen before it, and I
+put it up to nine at once, to make a good story better. Nine men had a
+more desperate sound than two; and when you <i>do</i> begin to brag, a man
+shouldn't be backward. I thought, howsever, that they was most
+non-plussed, when I told 'em of the field-piece."</p>
+
+<p>"The field-piece, Strides!--Why did you venture on an exaggeration that
+any forward movement of theirs must expose?"</p>
+
+<p>"We'll see to that, captain--we'll see to that. Field-pieces are desperate
+dampers to Indian courage, so I thought I'd just let 'em have a
+six-pounder, by way of tryin' their natur's. They look'd like men goin' to
+execution, when I told 'em of the cannon, and what a history it had gone
+through."</p>
+
+<p>"And what may have been this history, pray?"</p>
+
+<p>"I just told 'em it was the very gun the captain had took from the French,
+about which we've all heer'n tell; and that, as everybody knows, was a
+desperate piece, havin' killed more than a hundred reg'lars, before the
+captain charged baggonet on it, and carried it off."</p>
+
+<p>This was a very artful speech, since it alluded to the most distinguished
+exploit of captain Willoughby's military life; one of which it would have
+been more than human, had he not been a little proud. All who knew him,
+had heard of this adventure, and Joel cunningly turned it to account, in
+the manner seen. The allusion served to put to sleep, for the moment at
+least, certain very unpleasant suspicions that were getting to be active
+in his superior's mind.</p>
+
+<p>"There was no necessity, Strides, for saying anything about that
+affair"--the captain, modestly, interposed. "It happened a long time
+since, and might well be forgotten. Then, you know we have no gun to
+support your account, when our deficiency is ascertained, it will all be
+set down to the true cause--a wish to conceal our real weakness."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your honour's pardon," put in Joyce--"I think Strides has acted in
+a military manner in this affair. It is according to the art of war for
+the besieged to pretend to but stronger than they are; and even besiegers
+sometimes put a better face than the truth will warrant, on their
+strength. Military accounts, as your honour well knows, never pass exactly
+for gospel, unless it be with the raw hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," added Joel, "I know'd what I was about, seem that we had a cannon
+ready for use, as soon as it could be mounted."</p>
+
+<p>"I think I understand Strides, your honour," resumed the serjeant. "I have
+carved a 'quaker' as an ornament for the gateway, intending to saw it in
+two, in the middle, and place the pieces, crosswise, over the entrance, as
+your honour has often seen such things in garrisons--like the brass
+ornaments on the artillery caps, I mean, your honour. Well, this gun is
+finished and painted, and I intended to split it, and have it up this very
+week. I suppose Joel has had it in his mind, quaker fashion."</p>
+
+<p>"The Serjeant's right. That piece looks as much like a real cannon as one
+of our cathechisms is like another. The muzzle is more than a foot deep,
+and has a plaguy gunpowder look!"</p>
+
+<p>"But this gun is not mounted; even if it were, it could only be set up for
+show," observed the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Put that cannon up once, and I'll answer for it that no Injin faces it.
+'Twill be as good as a dozen sentinels," answered Joel. "As for mountin',
+I thought of that before I said a syllable about the crittur. There's the
+new truck-wheels in the court, all ready to hold it, and the carpenters
+can put the hinder part to the whull, in an hour or two, and that in a way
+no Injin could tell the difference between it and a ra'al cannon, at ten
+yards."</p>
+
+<p>"This is plausible, your honour," said Joyce, respectfully, "and it shows
+that corporal Strides"--Joel insisted he was a serjeant, but the real
+Simon Pure never gave him a title higher than that of corporal--"and it
+shows that corporal Strides has an idea of war. By mounting that piece,
+and using it with discretion--refusing it, at the right moment, and
+showing it at another--a great deal might be done with it, either in a
+siege or an assault. If your honour will excuse the liberty, I would
+respectfully suggest that it might be well to set the quaker on his legs,
+and plant him at the gate, as an exhorter."</p>
+
+<p>The captain reflected a moment, and then desired the overseer to proceed
+in his account. The rest of Joel's story was soon told. He had mystified
+the strangers, according to his own account of the matter, so thoroughly,
+by affecting to withhold nothing, that they considered him as a sort of
+ally, and did not put him in confinement at all. It is true, he was placed
+<i>en surveillance</i>; but the duty was so carelessly performed, that, at the
+right moment, he had passed down the ravine, a direction in which a
+movement was not expected, and buried himself in the woods, so very
+effectually that it would have baffled pursuit, had any been attempted.
+After making a very long <i>d&eacute;tour</i>, that consumed hours, he turned the
+entire valley, and actually reached the Hut, under the cover of the
+rivulet and its bushes, or precisely by the route in which he and Mike had
+gone forth, in quest of Maud, the evening of the major's arrival. This
+latter fact, however, Joel had reasons of his own for concealing.</p>
+
+<p>"You have told us nothing of Mr. Woods, Strides," the captain observed,
+when Joel's account was ended.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Woods! I can tell the captain nothing of that gentleman; I supposed
+he was here."</p>
+
+<p>The manner in which the chaplain had left the Hut, and his disappearance
+in the ravine, were then explained to the overseer, who evidently had
+quitted the mill, on his return, before the divine performed his exploit.
+There was a sinister expression in Joel's eyes, as he heard the account,
+that might have given the alarm to men more suspicious than the two old
+soldiers; but he had the address to conceal all he felt or thought.</p>
+
+<p>"If Mr. Woods has gone into the hands of the Injins, in his church shirt,"
+rejoined the overseer, "his case is hopeless, so far as captivity is
+consarned. One of the charges ag'in the captain is, that the chaplain he
+keeps prays as regulairly for the king as he used to do when it was
+lawful, and agreeable to public feelin'."</p>
+
+<p>"This you heard, while under examination before the magistrate you have
+named?" demanded the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"As good as that, and something more to the same p'int. The 'squire
+complained awfully of a minister's prayin' for the king and r'yal family,
+when the country was fightin' 'em."</p>
+
+<p>"In that, the Rev. Mr. Woods only obeys orders," said the serjeant.</p>
+
+<p>"But they say not. The orders is gone out, now, <i>they</i> pretend, for no man
+to pray for any on 'em."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay--orders from the magistrates, perhaps. But the Rev. Mr. Woods is a
+divine, and has his own superiors in the church, and <i>they</i> must issue the
+commands that he obeys. I dare to say, your honour, if the archbishop of
+Canterbury, or the commander-in-chief of the church, whoever he may be,
+should issue a general order directing all the parsons not to pray for
+King George, the Rev. Mr. Woods would have no scruple about obeying. But,
+it's a different thing when a justice of the peace undertakes to stand
+fugleman for the clergy. It's like a navy captain undertaking to wheel a
+regiment."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Woods!" exclaimed the captain--"Had he been ruled by me, he would
+have dropped those prayers, and it would have been better for us both.
+But, he is of your opinion, serjeant, and thinks that a layman can have no
+authority over a gownsman."</p>
+
+<p>"And isn't he right, your honour! Think what a mess of it the militia
+officers make, when they undertake to meddle with a regular corps. Some of
+our greatest difficulties in the last war came from such awkward hands
+attempting to manage machines of which they had no just notions. As for
+praying, your honour, I'm no wise particular <i>who</i> I pray for, or <i>what</i> I
+pray for, so long as it be all set down in general orders that come from
+the right head-quarters; and I think the Rev. Mr. Woods ought to be judged
+by the same rule."</p>
+
+<p>As the captain saw no use in prolonging the dialogue, he dismissed his
+companions. He then sought his wife, in order to make her acquainted with
+the actual state of things. This last was a painful duty, though Mrs.
+Willoughby and her daughters heard the truth with less of apprehension
+than the husband and father had anticipated. They had suffered so much
+from uncertainty, that there was a relief in learning the truth. The
+mother did not think the authorities of the colony would hurt her son,
+whom she fancied all men must, in a degree, love as she loved. Beulah
+thought of her own husband as Bob's safeguard; while Maud felt it to be
+comparative happiness to know he was unharmed, and still so near her.</p>
+
+<p>This unpleasant duty discharged, the captain began to bethink him
+seriously of his military trust. After some reflection, and listening to a
+few more suggestions from Joyce, he consented to let the "quaker" be put
+on wheels. The carpenters were immediately set at work to achieve this
+job, which the serjeant volunteered to superintend, in person. As for
+Joel, his wife and children, with the miller, occupied most of the
+morning; the day turning, and even drawing towards its close, ere he
+became visible, as had formerly been his wont, among the men of the
+settlement.</p>
+
+<p>All this time, everything without the palisades lay in the silence of
+nature. The sun cast its glories athwart the lovely scene, as in one of
+the Sabbaths of the woods; but man was nowhere visible. Not a hostile
+Indian, or white, exhibited himself; and the captain began to suspect
+that, satisfied with their captures, the party had commenced its return
+towards the river, postponing his own arrest for some other occasion. So
+strong did this impression become towards the close of the day, that he
+was actually engaged in writing to some friends of influence in Albany and
+on the Mohawk to interpose their names and characters in his son's behalf,
+when the serjeant, about nine o'clock, the hour when he had been ordered
+to parade the guard for the first half of the night, presented himself at
+the door of his room, to make an important report.</p>
+
+<p>"What now, Joyce?" demanded the captain. "Are any of our fellows sleepy,
+and plead illness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Worse than that, your honour, I greatly fear," was the answer. Of the ten
+men your honour commanded me to detail for the guard, five are missing. I
+set them down as deserters."</p>
+
+<p>"Deserters!--This is serious, indeed; let the signal be made for a general
+parade--the people cannot yet have gone to bed; we will look into this."</p>
+
+<p>As Joyce made it matter of religion "to obey orders," this command was
+immediately put in execution. In five minutes, a messenger came to summon
+the captain to the court, where the garrison was under arms. The serjeant
+stood in front of the little party, with a lantern, holding his
+muster-roll in his hand. The first glance told the captain that a serious
+reduction had taken place in his forces, and he led the serjeant aside to
+hear his report.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the result of your inquiries, Joyce?" he demanded, with more
+uneasiness than he would have liked to betray openly.</p>
+
+<p>"We have lost just half our men, sir. The miller, most of the Yankees, and
+two of the Dutchmen, are not on parade; neither is one of them to be found
+in his quarters. They have either gone over to the enemy, captain
+Willoughby, or, disliking the appearance of things here, they have taken
+to the woods for safety."</p>
+
+<p>"And abandoned their wives and children, serjeant! Men would scarcely do
+that."</p>
+
+<p>"Their wives and children have deserted too, sir. Not a chick or child
+belonging to either of the runaways is to be found in the Hut."</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch19">
+<h2>Chapter XIX.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  "For all the Welshmen, hearing thou wert dead,<br />
+  Are gone to Bolingbroke, dispersed and fled."</p>
+
+<p>  <i>Richard III</i></p></div>
+
+<p>
+This was startling intelligence to receive just as night had shut in, and
+under the other circumstances of the case. Touching the men who still
+remained, captain Willoughby conceived it prudent to inquire into their
+characters and names, in order to ascertain the ground he stood on, and to
+govern his future course accordingly. He put the question to the serjeant,
+therefore, as soon as he could lead him far enough from the little array,
+to be certain he was out of ear-shot.</p>
+
+<p>"We have Michael O'Hearn, Jamie Allen, the two carpenters, the three
+niggers, Joel, and the three Dutchmen that last came into the settlement,
+and the two lads that Strides engaged at the beginning of the year, left,"
+was the answer. "These, counting your honour and myself, make just fifteen
+men; quite enough yet, I should think, to make good the house, in case of
+an assault--though I fear everything like an outwork must be abandoned."</p>
+
+<p>"On the whole, these are the best of our men," returned the captain; "I
+mean the most trustworthy. I count on Mike, Jamie, and the blacks, as
+being as much to be relied on as we are ourselves. Joel, too, is a man of
+resources, if he will but do his duty under fire."</p>
+
+<p>"Corporal Strides is still an untried soldier, your honour; though
+recruits, even, sometimes do wonders. Of course, I shall reduce the guard
+to half its former strength, as the men must have some sleep, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"We must depend very much on your vigilance and mine, to-night, Joyce. You
+shall take the guard till one, when I will stand it for the rest of the
+night. I will speak to the men before you dismiss them. An encouraging
+word, just now, may be worth a platoon to us."</p>
+
+<p>The serjeant seldom dissented from any suggestion of his commanding
+officer, and the scheme was carried out on the spot. The lantern was so
+placed as to permit the captain to see the heterogeneous row of
+countenances that was drawn up before him, and he proceeded:</p>
+
+<p>"It seems, my friends," he said, "that some of our people have been seized
+with a panic, and have deserted. These mistaken men have not only fled
+themselves, but they have induced their wives and children to follow them.
+A little reflection will show you to what distress all must be reduced by
+this ill-judged flight. Fifty miles from another settlement of any size,
+and more than thirty from even a single hut, beyond the cabin of a hunter,
+days must pass before they can reach a place of safety, even should they
+escape the savage foe that we know to be scouring the woods. The women and
+children will not have sufficient art to conceal their trail, nor
+sufficient strength to hold out against hunger and fatigue many hours. God
+forgive them for what they have done, and guide them through the
+difficulties and pains by which they are menaced! As for us, we must
+determine to do our whole duty, or, at once to retire, with the consent of
+each other. If there is a man among you, then, who apprehends the
+consequences of standing to his arms, and of defending this house, let him
+confess it frankly; he shall have leave to depart, with all that belongs
+to him, taking food and the means of subsistence and defence with him. I
+wish no man to remain with me and mine, but he who can do it cheerfully.
+The night is now dark, and, by quitting the Hut at an early hour, such a
+start might be gained over any pursuers, as to place him in comparative
+security before morning. If any such man is here, let him now speak out
+honestly, and fear nothing. The gate shall be opened for his march."</p>
+
+<p>The captain paused, but not a soul answered. A common sentiment of loyalty
+seemed to bind every one of the listeners to his duty. The dark eyes of
+the negroes rolled along the short rank to see who would be the first to
+desert their master, and grins of delight showed the satisfaction with
+which they noted the effect of the appeal. As for Mike, he felt too
+strongly to keep silence, and he muttered the passing impressions aloud.</p>
+
+<p>"Och!"--growled the county Leitrim-man--"Is it a good journey that I wish
+the runaways? That it isn't, nor many a good male either, as they trudge
+alang t'rough the woods, with their own consciences forenent their eyes,
+pricking them up to come back, like so many t'ieves of the wor-r-ld, as
+they are, every mother's son of 'em, women and all. I'd nivir do <i>that</i>;
+no, not if my head was <i>all</i> scalp, down to the soles of my fut, and an
+Injin was at every inch of it, to cut out his summer clothes of my own
+skin. Talk of religion amang sich crathures!--Why, there isn't enough
+moral in one of thim to carry him through the shortest prayer the Lord
+allows a Christian to utter. Divil burn 'em say I, and that's my kindest
+wish in their behalf."</p>
+
+<p>The captain waited patiently for this soliloquy to terminate; then he
+dismissed the men, with a few more words of encouragement, and his thanks
+for the fidelity they, at least, had shown. By this time the night had got
+to be dark, and the court was much more so, on account of the shadows of
+the buildings, than places in the open air. As the captain turned aside
+to give his last instructions to Joyce, he discovered, by the light of the
+lantern the latter held, a figure standing at no great distance, quite
+dimly seen on account of its proximity to the walls of the Hut. It was
+clearly a man; and as all the males able to bear arms, a single sentinel
+outside the court excepted, were supposed to be in the group that had not
+yet separated, the necessity of ascertaining the character of this
+unlooked-for visiter flashed on the minds of both the old soldiers at the
+same instant. Joyce raised the lantern, as they moved quickly towards the
+motionless form, and its light glanced athwart a pair of wild, glowing,
+dark eyes, and the red visage of an Indian.</p>
+
+<p>"Nick!" exclaimed the captain, "is that you?--What has brought you here
+again, and how have you entered the palisades?--Do you come as a friend,
+to aid us, or as an enemy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Too much question, cap'in--too much like squaw; ask all togeder. Go to
+book-room; Nick follow; tell all he got to say."</p>
+
+<p>The captain whispered the serjeant to ascertain whether the watch without
+was vigilant, when he led the way to the library, where, as he expected,
+he found his wife and daughters, anxiously waiting his appearance.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Hugh, I trust it is not as bad as we feared!" cried the mother, as
+the captain entered the room, closely attended by the Tuscarora; "our men
+cannot be so heartless as to desert us at such a moment!"</p>
+
+<p>The captain kissed his wife, said a word or two of encouragement, and
+pointed to the Indian.</p>
+
+<p>"Nick!" exclaimed all three of the females, in a breath. Though the tones
+of their voices denoted very different sensations, at the unexpected
+appearance of their old acquaintance. Mrs. Willoughby's exclamation was
+not without pleasure, for <i>she</i> thought the man her friend. Beulah's was
+filled with alarm, little Evert and savage massacres suddenly crossing the
+sensitive mind of the young mother; while Maud's tone had much of the
+stern resolution that she had summoned to sustain her in a moment of such
+fearful trial.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Nick--Sassy Nick," repeated the Indian, in his guttural voice--"Ole
+friend--you no glad see him?"</p>
+
+<p>"That will depend on your errand," interposed the captain. "Are you one
+of the party that is now lying at the mill?--but, stop; how did you get
+within the palisades? First answer me <i>that</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Come in. Tree no good to stop Injin. Can't do it wid branches, how do it
+widout? Want plenty of musket and plenty of soldier to do <i>dat</i>. Dis no
+garrison, cap'in, to make Nick afeard. Always tell him too much hole to be
+tight."</p>
+
+<p>"This is not answering my question, fellow. By what means did you pass the
+palisades?"</p>
+
+<p>"What means?--Injin means, sartain. Came like cat, jump like deer, slide
+like snake. Nick great Tuscarora chief; know well how warrior march, when
+he dig up hatchet."</p>
+
+<p>"And Nick has been a great hanger-on of garrisons, and should know the use
+that I can make of his back. You will remember, Tuscarora, that I have had
+you flogged, more than once, in my day."</p>
+
+<p>This was said menacingly, and with more warmth, perhaps, than was prudent.
+It caused the listeners to start, as if a sudden and new danger rose
+before their eyes, and the anxious looks he encountered warned the captain
+that he was probably going too far. As for Nick, himself, the gathering
+thunder-cloud is not darker than his visage became at the words he heard;
+it seemed by the moral writhing of his spirit as if every disgracing blow
+he had received was at that instant torturing his flesh anew, blended with
+the keenest feelings of ignominy. Captain Willoughby was startled at the
+effect he had produced; but it was too late to change his course; and he
+remained in dignified quiet, awaiting the workings of the Tuscarora's
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>It was more than a minute ere Nick made any reply. Gradually, but very
+slowly, the expression of his visage changed. It finally became as stoical
+in expression as severe training could render the human countenance, and
+as unmoved as marble. Then he found the language he wanted.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen," said the Indian, sternly. "Cap'in ole man. Got a head like snow
+on rock. He bold soldier; but he no got wisdom enough for gray hair. Why
+he put he hand rough, on place where whip strike? Wise man nebber do
+<i>aat</i>. Last winter he cold; fire wanted to make him warm. Much ice, much
+storm, much snow. World seem bad--fit only for bear, and snake, dat hide
+in rock. Well; winter gone away; ice gone away; snow gone away; storm gone
+away. Summer come, in his place. Ebbery t'ing <i>good</i>--ebbery t'ing
+<i>pleasant</i>. Why t'ink of winter, when summer come, and drive him away wid
+pleasant sky?"</p>
+
+<p>"In order to provide for its return. He who never thought of the evil day,
+in the hour of his prosperity, would find that he has forgotten, not only
+a duty, but the course of wisdom."</p>
+
+<p>"He <i>not</i> wise!" said Nick, sternly. "Cap'in pale-face chief. He got
+garrison; got soldier; got musket. Well, he flog warrior's back; make
+blood come. Dat bad enough; worse to put finger on ole sore, and make 'e
+pain, and 'e shame, come back ag'in."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it would have been more generous, Nick, to have said nothing
+about it; but, you see how I am situated; an enemy without, my men
+deserting, a bad look-out, and one finding his way into my very
+court-yard, and I ignorant of the means."</p>
+
+<p>"Nick tell cap'in all about means. If red-men outside, shoot <i>'em</i>; if
+garrison run away, flog garrison; if don't know, l'arn; but, don't flog
+back, ag'in, on ole sore!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, say no more about it, Nick. Here is a dollar to keep you in
+rum, and we will talk of other matters."</p>
+
+<p>Nick heeded not the money, though it was held before his eyes, some little
+time, to tempt him. Perceiving that the Tuscarora was now acting as a
+warrior and a chief, which Nick would do, and do well, on occasion, the
+captain pocketed the offering, and regulated his own course accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>"At all events, I have a right to insist on knowing, first, by what means
+you entered the palisades; and, second, what business has brought you
+here, at night, and so suddenly."</p>
+
+<p>"Ask Nick, cap'in, all he right to ask; but, don't touch ole flog. How I
+cross palisade? Where your sentinel to stop Injin? One at gate; well, none
+all round, t'other place. Get in, up here, down dere, over yonder. Ten,
+twenty, t'ree spot--s'pose him tree? climb him. S'pose him
+palisade?--climb him, too. What help?--Soldier out at gate when Nick get
+over t'other end! Come in court, too, when he want. Half gate half no
+gate. So easy, 'shamed to brag of. Cap'in once Nick's friend--went on same
+war-path--dat in ole time. Both warrior; both went ag'in French garrison.
+Well; who crept in, close by cannon, open gate, let pale-men in. Great
+Tuscarora do <i>dat</i>; no flog, <i>den</i>--no talk of ole sore, dat night!"</p>
+
+<p>"This is all true enough, Wyandott&eacute;"--This was Nick's loftiest
+appellation; and a grim, but faint smile crossed his visage, as he heard
+it, again, in the mouth of one who had known him when its sound carried
+terror to the hearts of his enemies--"This is all true, Wyandott&eacute;, and I
+have even given you credit for it. On that occasion you were bold as the
+lion, and as cunning as a fox--you were much honoured for that exploit."</p>
+
+<p>"No ole sore in <i>dat</i>, um?" cried Nick, in a way so startling as to sicken
+Mrs. Willoughby to the heart. "No call Nick dog, dat night. He <i>all</i>
+warrior, den--all face; no <i>back</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"I have said you were honoured for your conduct, Nick, and paid for it.
+Now, let me know what has brought you here to-night, and whence you come."</p>
+
+<p>There was another pause. Gradually, the countenance of the Indian became
+less and less fierce, until it lost its expression of malignant resentment
+in one in which human emotions of a kinder nature predominated.</p>
+
+<p>"Squaw good," he said, even gently, waving his hand towards Mrs.
+Willoughby--"Got son; love him like little baby. Nick come six, two time
+before, runner from her son."</p>
+
+<p>"My son, Wyandott&eacute;!" exclaimed the mother--"Bring you any tidings, now,
+from my boy?"</p>
+
+<p>"No bring tidin'--too heavy; Indian don't love to carry load--bring
+<i>letter</i>"</p>
+
+<p>The cry from the three females was now common, each holding out her hand,
+with an involuntary impulse, to receive the note. Nick drew the missive
+from a fold of his garment, and placed it in the hand of Mrs. Willoughby,
+with a quiet grace that a courtier might have wished to equal, in vain.</p>
+
+<p>The note was short, and had been written in pencil, on a leaf torn from
+some book of coarse paper. The handwriting however, was at once recognised
+as Robert Willoughby's though there was no address, nor any signature. The
+paper merely contained the following--</p>
+
+<p>"Trust to your defences, and to nothing else. This party has many white
+men in it, disguised as Indians. I am suspected, if not known. You will be
+tampered with, but the wisest course is to be firm. If Nick is honest, he
+can tell you more; if false, this note will be shown, even though it be
+delivered. Secure the inner gates, and depend more on the house itself,
+than on the palisades. Fear nothing for me--my life can be in no danger."</p>
+
+<p>This note was read by each, in succession, Maud turning aside to conceal
+the tears that fell fast on the paper, as she perused it. She read it
+last, and was enabled to retain it; and precious to her heart was the
+boon, at such a moment, when nearly every sensation of her being centred
+in intense feeling in behalf of the captive.</p>
+
+<p>"We are told to inquire the particulars of you, Nick," observed the
+captain; "I hope you will tell us nothing but truth. A lie is so unworthy
+a warrior's mouth!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nick didn't lie 'bout beaver dam! Cap'in no find him good, as Indian
+say?"</p>
+
+<p>"In that you dealt honestly, and I give you credit for it. Has any one
+seen this letter but ourselves, yourself, and the person who wrote it?"</p>
+
+<p>"What for ask? If Nick say no, cap'in t'ink he lie. Even fox tell trut'
+some time; why not Injin? Nick say no."</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you leave my son, and when?--Where is the party of red-skins at
+this moment?"</p>
+
+<p>"All pale-face in hurry! Ask ten, one, four question, altogeder. Well;
+answer him so. Down here, at mill; down dere, at mill; half an hour, six,
+two, ten o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand you to say that major Willoughby was at the mill when you
+saw him last, and that this was only half an hour since?"</p>
+
+<p>The Tuscarora nodded his head in assent, but made no other reply. Even as
+he did this, his keen eyes rolled over the pallid faces of the females in
+a way to awaken the captain's distrust, and he resumed his questions in a
+tone that partook more of the military severity of his ancient habits than
+of the gentler manner he had been accustomed to use of late years.</p>
+
+<p>"You know me, Nick," he said sternly, "and ought to dread my displeasure."</p>
+
+<p>"What cap'in mean, now?" demanded the Indian, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"That the same whip is in this fort that I always kept in the other, in
+which you knew me to dwell; nor have I forgotten how to use it."</p>
+
+<p>The Tuscarora gazed at the captain with a very puzzling expression,
+though, in the main, his countenance appeared to be ironical rather than
+fierce.</p>
+
+<p>"What for, talk of whip, now?" he said. "Even Yengeese gen'ral hide whip,
+when he see enemy. Soldier can't fight when back sore. When battle near,
+den all good friend; when battle over, den flog, flog, flog. Why talk
+so?--Cap'in nebber strike <i>Wyandott&eacute;</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Your memory must be short, to say this! I thought an Indian kept a better
+record of what passed."</p>
+
+<p>"No man <i>dare</i> strike Wyandott&eacute;!" exclaimed the Indian, with energy. "No
+man--pale-face or red-skin, <i>can</i> give blow on back of Wyandott&eacute;, and see
+sun set!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well--well--Nick; we will not dispute on this point, but let bye-gones be
+bye-gones. What <i>has</i> happened, <i>has</i> happened, and I hope will never
+occur again."</p>
+
+<p>"Dat happen to Nick--Sassy Nick--poor, drunken Nick--to Wyandott&eacute;,
+nebber!"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I begin to understand you, now, Tuscarora, and am glad I have a
+chief and a warrior in my house, instead of a poor miserable outcast.
+Shall I have the pleasure of filling you a glass in honour of our old
+campaigns?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nick alway dry--Wyandott&eacute; know no thirst. Nick, beggar--ask for
+rum--<i>pray</i> for rum--<i>t'ink</i> of rum, <i>talk</i> of rum, <i>laugh</i> for rum, <i>cry</i>
+for rum. Wyandott&eacute; don't know rum, when he see him. Wyandott&eacute; beg not'in';
+no, not his scalp."</p>
+
+<p>"All this sounds well, and I am both willing and glad, chief, to receive
+you in the character in which you give me to understand you have now come.
+A warrior of Wyandott&eacute;'s high name is too proud to carry a forked tongue
+in his mouth, and I shall hear nothing but truth. Tell me, then, all you
+know about this party at the mill; what has brought it here, how you came
+to meet my son, and what will be the next step of his captors. Answer the
+questions in the order in which I put them."</p>
+
+<p>"Wyandott&eacute; not newspaper to tell ebbery t'ing at once. Let cap'in talk
+like one chief speaking to anoder."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, tell me first, what you know of this party at the mill. Are there
+many pale-faces in it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Put 'em in the river," answered the Indian, sententiously; "water tell
+the trut'."</p>
+
+<p>"You think that there are many among them that would wash white?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wyandott&eacute; <i>know</i> so. When did red warriors ever travel on their path like
+hogs in drove? <i>One</i> red-man there, as Great Spirit make him; by his side
+<i>two</i> red-men as <i>paint</i> make 'em. This soon told on trail."</p>
+
+<p>"You struck their trail, then, and joined their company, in that manner?"</p>
+
+<p>Another nod indicated the assent of the Indian. Perceiving that the
+Tuscarora did not intend to speak, the captain continued his
+interrogatories.</p>
+
+<p>"And how did the trail betray this secret, chief?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Toe turn out--step too short--trail too broad--trail too plain--march too
+short."</p>
+
+<p>"You must have followed them some distance, Wyandott&eacute;, to learn all this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Follow from Mohawk--join 'em at mill. Tuscarora don't like too much
+travel with Mohawk."</p>
+
+<p>"But, according to your account, there cannot be a great many red-skins in
+the party, if the white men so much out-number them."</p>
+
+<p>Nick, now, raised his right hand, showing all the fingers and the thumb,
+at each exhibition, four several times. Then he raised it once, showing
+only the fore-finger and thumb.</p>
+
+<p>"This makes twenty-two, Nick--Do you include yourself in the number?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wyandott&eacute;, a Tuscarora--he count <i>Mohawks</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"True--Are there any other red-men among them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oneida, so"--holding up four fingers only. After which he held up a
+single finger, adding--"Onondaga, so."</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-two Mohawks, four Oneidas, and a single Onondaga, make
+twenty-seven in all. To these, how many whites am I to add?--You counted
+them, also?"</p>
+
+<p>The Indian now showed both hands, with all the fingers extended, repeating
+the gestures four times; then he showed one hand entire, and two fingers
+on the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Forty-seven. Add these to the red-skins, and we get seventy-four for the
+total. I had supposed them rather stronger than this, Wyandott&eacute;?"</p>
+
+<p>"No stronger--no weaker--just so. Good many ole womans, too, among
+pale-faces."</p>
+
+<p>"Old women!--You are not speaking literally, Nick? All that I have seen
+appear to be men."</p>
+
+<p>"Got beard; but ole woman, too. Talk--talk--talk;--do not'in'. <i>Dat</i> what
+Injin call ole woman. Party, poor party; cap'in beat 'em, if he fight like
+ole time."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, this is encouraging, Wilhelmina, and Nick seems to be dealing
+fairly with us."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, inquire more about Robert, Hugh"--said the wife, in whose maternal
+heart her children were always uppermost.</p>
+
+<p>"You hear, Nick; my wife is desirous of learning something about her son,
+next."</p>
+
+<p>During the preceding dialogue, there had been something equivocal in the
+expression of the Indian's face. Every word he uttered about the party,
+its numbers, and his own manner of falling in with it, was true, and his
+countenance indicated that he was dealing fairly. Still, the captain
+fancied that he could detect a covert fierceness in his eye and air, and
+he felt uneasiness even while he yielded him credence. As soon as Mrs.
+Willoughby, however, interposed, the gleam of ferocity that passed so
+naturally and readily athwart the swarthy features of the savage, melted
+into a look of gentleness, and there were moments when it might be almost
+termed softness.</p>
+
+<p>"Good to have moder"--said Nick, kindly. "Wyandott&eacute; got no squaw--wife
+dead, moder dead, sister dead--all gone to land of spirits--bye'm-by,
+chief follow. No one throw stone on his grave! Been on death-path long
+ago, but cap'in's squaw say 'stop, Nick; little too soon, now; take
+medicine, and get well.' Squaw made to do good. Chief alway like 'e squaw,
+when his mind not wild with war."</p>
+
+<p>"And <i>your</i> mind, Wyandott&eacute;, is not wild with war, now," answered Mrs.
+Willoughby, earnestly. "You will help a mother, then, to get her son out
+of the hands of merciless enemies?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why you t'ink merciless? Because pale-face dress like Injin, and try to
+cheat?"</p>
+
+<p>"That may be one reason; but I fear there are many others. Tell me,
+Wyandott&eacute;, how came you to discover that Robert was a prisoner, and by
+what means did he contrive to give you his letter?"</p>
+
+<p>The Indian assumed a look of pride, a little blended with hauteur; for he
+felt that he was manifesting the superiority of a red-man over the
+pale-face, as he related the means through which he had made his
+discoveries.</p>
+
+<p>"Read book on ground," Nick answered gravely. "Two book alway open before
+chief; one in sky, t'other on ground. Book in sky, tell weather--snow,
+rain, wind, thunder, lightning, war--book on ground, tell what happen."</p>
+
+<p>"And what had this book on the ground to do with my son, Wyandott&eacute;?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell all about him. Major's trail first seen at mill. No moccasin--much
+boot. Soldier boot like letter--say great deal, in few word. First t'ink
+it cap'in; but it too short. Den <i>know</i> it Major."</p>
+
+<p>"This sounds very well, Nick," interrupted the captain, "though you will
+excuse me if I say it is going a little too far. It seems impossible that
+you should know that the print of the foot was that of my son. How <i>could</i>
+you be certain of this?"</p>
+
+<p>"How <i>could</i>, eh? Who follow trail from house, here, to Hudson river?
+T'ink Nick blind, and can't see? Tuscarora read <i>his</i> book well as
+pale-face read bible." Here Nick looked round him a moment, raised his
+fore-finger, dropped his voice, and added earnestly--"see him at Bunker
+Hill--know him among ten, six, two t'ousand warrior. Know dat foot, if
+meet him in Happy Hunting Ground."</p>
+
+<p>"And why my son's foot, in particular? The boot is often changed, can
+never be exactly like its predecessor, and one boot is so much like
+another, that to me the thing seems impossible. This account of the boot,
+Nick, makes me distrust your whole story."</p>
+
+<p>"What distrust?" demanded the Indian like lightning.</p>
+
+<p>"It means doubt, uncertainty--distrust."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't believe, ha?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that is it, substantially. Don't more than <i>half</i> believe, perhaps,
+would be nearer to the mark."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, ole soldier alway distrust; squaw nebber? Ask moder--ha!--you t'ink
+Nick don't know son's trail--handsome trail, like young chief's?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can readily believe Nick might recognise Bob's trail,
+Hugh"--expostulated Mrs. Willoughby. "He has a foot in a thousand--you may
+remember how every one was accustomed to speak of his beautiful foot, even
+when he was a boy. As a man, I think it still more remarkable."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, go on, Nick, in this way, and my wife will believe all you say. There
+is no distrust in a mother's partiality, certainly. You are an old
+courtier, and would make your way at St. James's."</p>
+
+<p>"Major nebber tell about foot?" asked Nick, earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"I remember nothing; and had he spoken of any such thing, I must have
+heard it. But, never mind the story, now; you saw the foot-print, and knew
+it for my son's. Did you ask to be admitted to his prison? or was your
+intercourse secret?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wyandott&eacute; too wise to act like squaw, or boy. See him, widout look. Talk,
+widout speak--hear, widout ear. Major write letter, Nick take him. All
+done by eye and hand; not'in' done by tongue, or at Council Fire. Mohawk
+blind like owl!"</p>
+
+<p>"May I believe you, Tuscarora; or, incited by demons, do you come to
+deceive me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ole warrior look two time before he go; t'ink ten time before he say,
+yes. All good. Nick no affronted. Do so himself, and t'ink it right.
+Cap'in <i>may</i> believe all Nick say."</p>
+
+<p>"Father!" cried Maud, with simple energy, "I will answer for the Indian's
+honesty. He has guided Robert so often, and been with him in so many
+trying scenes, he never <i>can</i> have the heart to betray him, or us. Trust
+him, then he may be of infinite service."</p>
+
+<p>Even captain Willoughby, little disposed as he was to judge Nick
+favourably, was struck with the gleam of mamy kindness that shot across
+the dark face of the Indian, as he gazed at the glowing cheek and
+illuminated countenance of the ardent and beautiful girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Nick seems disposed to make a truce with <i>you</i>, at least, Maud," he said,
+smiling, "and I shall now know where to look for a mediator, whenever any
+trouble arises between us."</p>
+
+<p>"I have known Wyandott&eacute;, dear sir, from childhood, and he has ever been my
+friend. He promised me, in particular, to be true to Bob, and I am happy
+to say he has ever kept his word."</p>
+
+<p>This was telling but half the story. Maud had made the Indian many
+presents, and most especially had she attended to his wants, when it was
+known he was to be the major's guide, the year previously, on his return
+to Boston. Nick had known her real father, and was present at his death.
+He was consequently acquainted with her actual position in the family of
+the Hutted Knoll; and, what was of far more consequence in present
+emergencies, he had fathomed the depths of her heart, in a way our heroine
+could hardly be said to have done herself. Off her guard with such a
+being, Maud's solicitude, however, had betrayed her, and the penetrating
+Tuscarora had discerned that which had escaped the observation of father,
+and mother, and sister. Had Nick been a pale-face, of the class of those
+with whom he usually associated, his discovery would have gone through the
+settlement, with scoffings and exaggerations; but this forest gentleman,
+for such was Wyandott&eacute;, in spite of his degradation and numerous failings,
+had too much consideration to make a woman's affections the subject of his
+coarseness and merriment. The secrets of Maud would not have been more
+sacred with her own brother, had such a relative existed to become her
+confidant, than it was with Saucy Nick.</p>
+
+<p>"Nick gal's friend," observed the Indian, quietly; "dat enough; what Nick
+say, Nick mean. What Nick <i>mean</i>, he <i>do</i>. Come, cap'in; time to quit
+squaw, and talk about war."</p>
+
+<p>At this hint, which was too plain to be misunderstood, captain Willoughby
+bade the Indian withdraw to the court, promising to follow him, as soon as
+he could hold a short conference with Joyce, who was now summoned to the
+council. The subject of discussion was the manner in which the Tuscarora
+had passed the stockade, and the probability of his being true. The
+serjeant was disposed to distrust all red-men, and he advised putting Nick
+under arrest, and to keep him in durance, until the return of light, at
+least.</p>
+
+<p>"I might almost say, your honour, that such are orders, sir. The advice to
+soldiers carrying on war with savages, tells us that the best course is to
+pay off treachery with treachery; and treachery is a red-skin's manual
+exercise. There is O'Hearn will make a capital sentinel, for the fellow is
+as true as the best steel in the army. Mr. Woods' room is empty, and it is
+so far out of the way that nothing will be easier than to keep the savage
+snug enough. Besides, by a little management, he might fancy we were doing
+him honour all the while."</p>
+
+<p>"We will see, serjeant," answered the captain. "It has a bad appearance,
+and yet it may be the wisest thing we can do. Let us first go the rounds,
+taking Nick with us for safety, and determine afterwards."</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch20">
+<h2>Chapter XX.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  "His hand was stay'd--he knew not why;<br />
+  'Twas a presence breathed around--<br />
+  A pleading from the deep-blue sky,<br />
+  And up from the teeming ground.<br />
+  It told of the care that lavish'd had been<br />
+  In sunshine and in dew--<br />
+  Of the many things that had wrought a screen<br />
+  When peril round it grew."</p>
+
+<p>  Mrs. Seba Smith.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The desertions gave not only the captain, but his great support and
+auxiliary, the serjeant, the gravest apprehensions. A disposition of that
+nature is always contagious, men abandoning a failing cause much as rats
+are known to quit a sinking ship. It is not a matter of surprise,
+therefore, that the distrust which accompanied the unexpected appearance
+of the Tuscarora, became associated with this falling off in the loyalty
+of the garrison, in the minds of the two old soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>"I do think, your honour," said Joyce, as they entered the court together,
+"that we may depend on O'Hearn, and Jamie, and Strides. The latter, as a
+matter of course, being a corporal, or serjeant as he calls himself; and
+the two first, as men who have no ties but such as would be likely to keep
+them true to this family. But here is the corporal to speak for himself."</p>
+
+<p>As this was said, corporal Strides, as the serjeant persisted in terming
+Joel, on the ground that being but one step higher himself, the overseer
+could justly claim no rank of greater pretension, approached the captain,
+taking care to make the military salute which Joyce had never succeeded
+before in extracting from him, notwithstanding a hundred admonitions on
+the subject.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a distressing affair, captain Willoughby," observed Joel, in his
+most jesuitical manner; "and to me it is altogether onaccountable! It does
+seem to me ag'in natur', for a man to desart his own household and hum'
+(Joel meant '<i>home</i>') in the hour of trial. If a fellow-being wunt
+(Anglice 'wont') stand by his wife and children, he can hardly be expected
+to do any of his duties."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true. Strides," answered the confiding captain, "though these
+deserters are not altogether as bad as you represent, since, you will
+remember, they have carried their wives and children with them."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe they have, sir--yes, that must be allowed to be true, and that
+it is, which to me seems the most extr'or'nary. The very men that a person
+would calcilate on the most, or the heads of families, have desarted,
+while them that remain behind are mostly single!"</p>
+
+<p>"If we single men have no wives and children of our own to fight for,
+Strides," observed Joyce, with a little military stiffness, "we have the
+wife and children of captain Willoughby; no man who wishes to sell his
+life dearly, need look for a better motive."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, serjeant," the captain said, feelingly--"On <i>you</i>, I can rely
+as on myself. So long as I have <i>you</i>, and Joel, here, and Mike and the
+blacks, and the rest of the brave fellows who have stood by me thus far, I
+shall not despair. <i>We</i> can make good the house against ten times our own
+number. But, it is time to look to the Indians."</p>
+
+<p>"I was going to speak to the captain about Nick," put in Joel, who had
+listened to the eulogium on his own fidelity with some qualms of
+conscience. "I can't say I like the manner he has passed between the two
+parties; and that fellow has always seemed to me as if he owed the captain
+a mortal grudge; when an Injin <i>does</i> owe a grudge, he is pretty sartain
+to pay it, in full."</p>
+
+<p>"This has passed over my mind, too, I will confess, Joel; yet Nick and I
+have been on reasonably good terms, when one comes to remember his
+character, on the one side, and the fact that I have commanded a frontier
+garrison on the other. If I have had occasion to flog him a few times, I
+have also had occasion to give him more rum than has done him good, with
+now and then a dollar."</p>
+
+<p>"There I think the captain miscalcilates," observed Joel with a knowledge
+of human nature that would have been creditable to him, had he practised
+on it himself. "No man is thankful for rum when the craving is off, sin'
+he knows he has been taking an inimy into his stomach; and as for the
+money, it was much the same as giving the liquor, seem' that it went for
+liquor as soon as he could trot down to the mill. A man will seek his
+revenge for rum, as soon as for anything else, when he gets to feel
+injuries uppermost. Besides, I s'pose the captain knows an injury will be
+remembered long a'ter a favour is forgotten."</p>
+
+<p>"This may be true, Strides, and certainly I shall keep my eyes on the
+Indian. Can you mention any particular act, that excites your suspicion?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't the captain think Nick may have had suthin' to do with the
+desartions?--A dozen men would scarce desart all at once, as it might be,
+onless someone was at the bottom of it."</p>
+
+<p>This was true enough, certainly, though Joel chose to keep out of view all
+his own machinations and arts on the subject. The captain was struck by
+the suggestion, and he determined to put his first intention in respect to
+Nick in force immediately. Still, it was necessary to proceed with
+caution, the state of the Hut rendering a proper watch and a suitable
+prison difficult to be obtained. These circumstances were mentioned to the
+overseer, who led the way to the part of the buildings occupied by his own
+family; and, throwing open the doors, ostentatiously exhibited Phoebe and
+her children in their customary beds, at a moment when so many others had
+proved recreant. His professed object was to offer a small closet in his
+own rooms as a prison for Nick, remarking he must be an ingenious savage
+indeed, if he could escape the vigilance of as many watchful eyes as would
+then be on him.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe you, Strides," said the captain, smiling as he walked away from
+the place; "if he can escape Phoebe and <i>her</i> children, the fellow must be
+made of quicksilver. Still, I have a better prison in view. I am glad to
+see this proof, however, of your own fidelity, by finding all your family
+in their beds; for those are not wanting who would have me suspect even
+<i>you</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Me!--Well, if the captain can't count on his own overseer, I should like
+to ask such persons on whom he <i>can</i> count? Madam Willoughby and the young
+ladies isn't more likely to remain true than I am, myself, I should
+think--What in reason, or natur', or all lawful objects, could make
+<i>me</i>----"</p>
+
+<p>Joel was about to run into that excess of vindication that is a little apt
+to mark guilt; but, the captain cut him short, by telling him it was
+unnecessary, recommending vigilance, and walking away in search of Nick.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian was found standing beneath the arch of the gateway, upright,
+motionless, and patient. A lantern was kept burning here, the place being
+used as a sort of guard-house; and, by its light, it was easy to perceive
+the state of the still unhung leaf of the passage. This leaf, however, was
+propped in its place, by strong timbers; and, on the whole, many persons
+would think it the most secure half of the gate. Captain Willoughby
+observed that the Indian was studying this arrangement when he entered the
+place himself. The circumstance caused him uneasiness, and quickened his
+determination to secure the Indian.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Nick," he said, concealing his intention under an appearance of
+indifference, "you see our gates are well fastened, and steady hands and
+quick eyes will do the rest. It is getting late, and I wish to have you
+comfortably lodged before I lie down myself. Follow me, and I will show
+you to a place where you will be at your ease."</p>
+
+<p>The Tuscarora understood the captain's object the instant he spoke of
+giving him comfortable lodgings, a bed being a thing that was virtually
+unknown to his habits. But, he raised no objections, quietly treading in
+the other's footsteps, until both were in the bed-room of the absent Mr.
+Woods. The apartments of the chaplain were above the library, and, being
+in the part of the house that was fortified by the cliff, they had dormer
+windows that looked toward the forest. The height of these windows the
+captain thought would be a sufficient security against flight; and by
+setting Mike and one of the Plinys on the look-out, to relieve each other
+at intervals of four hours, he thought the Tuscarora might be kept until
+the return of light. The hour when he most apprehended danger was that
+which just precedes the day, sleep then pressing the heaviest on the
+sentinel's eyelids, and rest having refreshed the assailants.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, Wyandott&eacute;, I intend you shall pass the night," said the captain,
+assuming as much courtesy of manner as if he were doing the honours of his
+house to an invited and honoured guest. "I know you despise a bed, but
+there are blankets, and by spreading them on the floor, you can make your
+own arrangements."</p>
+
+<p>Nick made a gesture of assent, looking cautiously around him, carefully
+avoiding every appearance of curiosity at the same time, more in pride of
+character, however, than in cunning. Nevertheless, he took in the history
+of the locality at a glance.</p>
+
+<p>"It is well," he said; "a Tuscarora chief no t'ink of sleep. Sleep come
+standing, walking; <i>where</i> he will, <i>when</i> he will. Dog eats, den lie down
+to sleep; warrior always ready. Good bye, cap'in--to-morrow see him
+ag'in."</p>
+
+<p>"Good night, Nick. I have ordered your old friend Mike, the Irishman, to
+come and sit in your room, lest you might want something in the night. You
+are good friends with Mike, I believe; I chose him on that account."</p>
+
+<p>The Indian understood this, too; but not an angry gleam, no smile, nor any
+other sign, betrayed his consciousness of the captain's motives.</p>
+
+<p>"Mike <i>good</i>" he answered, with emphasis. "Long tongue--short t'ink. Say
+much; mean little. Heart sound, like hard oak--mind, like spunk--burn
+quick, no too much strong."</p>
+
+<p>This sententious and accurate delineation of the county Leitrim-man's
+characteristics induced a smile in the captain; but, O'Hearn entering at
+the moment, and possessing his entire confidence, he saw no use in
+replying. In another minute the two worthies were left in possession of
+the bed-room, Michael having received a most solemn injunction not to be
+tempted to drink.</p>
+
+<p>It was now so late, the captain determined to let the regular watches of
+the night take their course. He held a short consultation with Joyce, who
+took the first ward, and then threw himself on a mattrass, in his clothes,
+his affectionate wife having done the same thing, by the side of her
+daughters and grandson in an adjoining room. In a short time, the sounds
+of footsteps ceased in the Hut; and, one unacquainted with the real state
+of the household, might have fancied that the peace and security of one
+of its ancient midnights were reigning about the Knoll.</p>
+
+<p>It was just two in the morning, when the serjeant tapped lightly at the
+door of his commanding officer's room. The touch was sufficient to bring
+the captain to his feet, and he instantly demanded the news.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing but sentry-go, your honour," replied Joyce. "I am as fresh as a
+regiment that is just marching out of barracks, and can easily stand the
+guard till daylight. Still, as it was orders to call your honour at two,
+I could do no less, you know, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, serjeant--I will just wash my eyes, and be with you in a
+minute. How has the night gone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Famously quiet, sir. Not even an owl to trouble it. The sentinels have
+kept their eyes wide open, dread of the scalping-knife being a good
+wakener, and no sign of any alarm has been seen. I will wait for your
+honour, in the court, the moment of relieving guard being often chosen by
+a cunning enemy for the assault."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," sputtered the captain, his face just emerging from the water--"if
+he happen to know when that is."</p>
+
+<p>In another minute, the two old soldiers were together in the court,
+waiting the return of Jamie Allen with his report, the mason having been
+sent round to the beds of the fresh men to call the guard. It was not
+long, however, before the old man was seen hastening towards the spot
+where Joyce had bid him come.</p>
+
+<p>"The Lord ha' maircy on us, and on a' wretched sinners!" exclaimed Jamie,
+as soon as near enough to be heard without raising his voice on too high a
+key--"there are just the beds of the three Connecticut lads that were to
+come into the laird's guard, as empty as a robin's nest fra' which the
+yang ha' flown!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean, Jamie, that the boys have deserted?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's just that; and no need of ca'ing it by anither name. The Hoose o'
+Hanover wad seem to have put the de'il in a' the lads, women and children
+included, and to have raised up a spirit o' disaffection, that is fast
+leaving us to carry on this terrible warfare with our ain hearts and
+bodies."</p>
+
+<p>"With your honour's permission," said the serjeant, "I would ask corporal
+Allen if the deserters have gone off with their arms and accoutrements?"</p>
+
+<p>"Airms? Ay, and legs, and a' belonging to 'em, with mair that is the
+lawfu' property of the laird. Not so much as a flint is left behind."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we may count on seeing all the fellows in the enemy's ranks," the
+serjeant quietly remarked, helping himself to the tobacco from which he
+had refrained throughout the previous hours of the night, Joyce being too
+much of a <i>martinet</i> to smoke or chew on duty. "It's up-hill work, your
+honour, when every deserter counts two, in this manner. The civil wars,
+however, are remarkable for this sort of wheeling, and facing to the
+right-about; the same man often changing his colours two or three times in
+a campaign."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby received the news of this addition to his ill luck with
+an air of military stoicism, though he felt, in reality, more like a
+father and a husband on the occasion than like a hero. Accustomed to
+self-command, he succeeded in concealing the extent of his uneasiness,
+while he immediately set about inquiring into the extent of the evil.</p>
+
+<p>"Joel is to join my watch," he said, "and <i>he</i> may throw some light on
+this affair. Let us call him, at once, for a few minutes may prove of
+importance."</p>
+
+<p>Even while speaking, the captain crossed the court, accompanied by the
+serjeant and mason; and, ceremony being little attended to on such
+occasions, they all entered the quarters of Strides, in a body. The place
+was empty! Man, woman, and children had abandoned the spot, seemingly in a
+body; and this, too, far from empty-handed. The manner in which the room
+had been stripped, indeed, was the first fact which induced the captain to
+believe that a man so much and so long trusted would desert him in a
+strait so serious. There could be no mistake; and, for a moment, the
+husband and father felt such a sinking of the heart as would be apt to
+follow the sudden conviction that his enemies must prevail.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us look further, Joyce," he said, "and ascertain the extent of the
+evil at once."</p>
+
+<p>"This is a very bad example, your honour, that corporal Strides has set
+the men, and we may expect to hear of more desertions. A non-commissioned
+officer should have had too much pride for this! I have always remarked,
+sir, in the army, that when a non-commissioned officer left his colours,
+he was pretty certain to carry off a platoon with him."</p>
+
+<p>The search justified this opinion of the serjeant. A complete examination
+of the quarters of all the men having been made, it was ascertained that
+every white man in the Hut, the serjeant, Jamie Allen, and a young New
+England labourer of the name of Blodget excepted, had abandoned the place.
+Every man had carried off with him his arms and ammunition, leaving the
+rooms as naked of defence as they had been before they were occupied.
+Women and children, too, were all gone, proving that the flights had been
+made deliberately, and with concert. This left the Hut to be defended by
+its owner, the serjeant, the two Plinys and a young descendant of the same
+colour, Jamie Allen, Blodget and Mike, who had not yet been relieved from
+his ward over the Indian; eight men in all, who might possibly receive
+some assistance from the four black females in the kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>The captain examined this small array of force, every man but Mike being
+up and in the line, with a saddened countenance; for he remembered what a
+different appearance it made only the previous day, when he had his
+gallant son too, with him, a host in himself. It added mortification to
+regret, also, when he remembered that this great loss had been made
+without a single blow having been struck in defence of his precious
+family, and his lawful rights.</p>
+
+<p>"We must close the gate of the court, and bar it at once, Joyce," the
+captain said, as soon as fully apprised of the true state of his force.
+"It will be quite sufficient if we make good the house, with this handful
+of men; giving up all hope of doing anything with the stockade. It is the
+facility offered by the open gateway that has led to all this mischief."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, your honour. When desertion once fairly gets into a man's
+mind, it's wonderful the means he will find to bring about his wishes.
+Corporal Strides, no doubt has passed his family and his kit through both
+gates; for, being in authority, our people were hardly disciplined enough
+to understand the difference between a non-commissioned officer <i>on</i>
+guard and one <i>off</i> guard; but, there were a hundred ways to mischief,
+even had there been no gate. Jamie, take one of the blacks, and bar the
+inner gate. What is your honour's pleasure next?"</p>
+
+<p>"I wish my mind were at ease on the subject of the Tuscarora. With Nick's
+assistance as a runner and spy, and even as a sharp-shooter, we should be
+vastly stronger. See to the gate yourself, serjeant, then follow me to Mr.
+Woods' room."</p>
+
+<p>This was done, the captain waiting for his companion on the threshold of
+the outer door. Ascending the narrow stairs, they were soon on the floor
+above, and were happy to find the door of the Tuscarora's prison fastened
+without, as they had left it; this precaution having been taken as a
+salutary assistance to O'Hearn's sagacity. Undoing these fastenings, the
+serjeant stepped aside to allow his superior to precede him, as became
+their respective stations. The captain advanced, holding the lantern
+before him, and found an empty room. Both Nick and Mike were gone, though
+it was not easy to discover by what means they had quitted the place. The
+door was secure, the windows were down, and the chimney was too small to
+allow of the passage of a human body. The defection of the Irishman caused
+the captain great pain, while it produced surprise even in the serjeant.
+Mike's fidelity had been thought of proof; and, for an instant, the master
+of the place was disposed to believe some evil spirit had been at work to
+corrupt his people.</p>
+
+<p>"This is more than I could have expected, Joyce!" he said, as much in
+sorrow as in anger. "I should have as soon looked for the desertion of old
+Pliny as that of Mike!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is extr'or'nary, sir; but one is never safe without in-and-in
+discipline. A drill a week, and that only for an hour or two of a Saturday
+afternoon, captain Willoughby, may make a sort of country militia, but it
+will do nothing for the field. 'Talk of enlisting men for a year, serjeant
+Joyce,' said old colonel Flanker to me, one day in the last war--'why it
+will take a year to teach a soldier how to eat. Your silly fellows in the
+provincial assemblies fancy because a man has teeth, and a stomach, and an
+appetite, that he knows how to <i>eat</i>; but eating is an <i>art</i>, serjeant;
+and military eating above all other branches of it; and I maintain a
+soldier can no more learn how to eat, as a soldier, the colonel meant,
+your honour, than he can learn to plan a campaign by going through the
+manual exercise.' For my part, captain Willoughby, I have always thought
+it took a man his first five years' enlistment to learn how to obey
+orders."</p>
+
+<p>"I had thought that Irishman's heart in the right place, Joyce, and
+counted as much on him as I did on you!"</p>
+
+<p>"On me, captain Willoughby!" answered the serjeant, in a tone of
+mortification. "I should think your honour would have made some difference
+between your old orderly--a man who had served thirty years in your own
+regiment, and most of the time in your own company, and a bit of a wild
+Hibernian of only ten years' acquaintance, and he a man who never saw a
+battalion paraded for real service!"</p>
+
+<p>"I see my error now, Joyce; but Michael had so much blundering honesty
+about him, or seemed to have, that I have been his dupe. It is too late,
+however, to repine; the fellow is gone; it only remains to ascertain the
+manner of his flight. May not Joel have undone the fastenings of the door,
+and let him and the Indian escape together, in common with the rest of the
+deserters?"</p>
+
+<p>"I secured that door, sir, with my own hands, in a military manner, and
+know that it was found as I left it. The Rev. Mr. Woods' bed seems to have
+been disturbed; perhaps that may furnish a clue."</p>
+
+<p>A clue the bed did furnish, and it solved the problem. The bed-cord was
+removed, and both the sheets and one of the blankets were missing. This
+directed the inquiry to the windows, one of which was not closed entirely.
+A chimney stood near the side of this window, and by its aid it was not
+difficult to reach the ridge of the roof. On the inner side of the roof
+was the staging, or walk, already mentioned; and, once on that, a person
+could make the circuit of the entire roof, in perfect safety. Joyce
+mounted to the ridge, followed by the captain, and gained the staging with
+a little effort, whence they proceeded round the buildings to ascertain if
+the rope was not yet hanging over the exterior, as a means of descent. It
+was found as expected, and withdrawn lest it might be used to introduce
+enemies within the house.</p>
+
+<p>These discoveries put the matter of Michael's delinquency at rest. He had
+clearly gone off with his prisoner, and might next be looked for in the
+ranks of the besiegers. The conviction of this truth gave the captain more
+than uneasiness; it caused him pain, for the county Leitrim-man had been a
+favourite with the whole family, and most especially with his daughter
+Maud.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not think you and the blacks will leave me, Joyce," he observed, as
+the serjeant and himself descended, by the common passage, to the court.
+"On <i>you</i> I can rely, as I would rely on my noble son, were he with me at
+this moment."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your honour's pardon--few words tell best for a man, deeds being
+his duty--but, if your honour will have the condescension just to issue
+your orders, the manner in which they shall be obeyed will tell the whole
+story."</p>
+
+<p>"I am satisfied of that, serjeant; we must put shoulder to shoulder, and
+die in the breach, should it be necessary, before we give up the place."</p>
+
+<p>By this time the two old soldiers were again in the court, where they
+found all their remaining force, of the male sex; the men being too
+uneasy, indeed, to think of going to their pallets, until better assured
+of their safety. Captain Willoughby ordered Joyce to draw them up in line
+again, when he addressed them once more in person.</p>
+
+<p>"My friends," the captain commenced, "there would be little use in
+attempting to conceal from you our real situation; nor would it be
+strictly honest. You see here every man on whom I can now depend for the
+defence of my fireside and family. Mike has gone with the rest, and the
+Indian has escaped in his company. You can make up your own opinions of
+our chances of success, but my resolution is formed. Before I open a gate
+to the merciless wretches without, who are worse than the savages of the
+wilderness, possessing all their bad and none of their redeeming
+qualities, it is my determination to be buried under the ruins of this
+dwelling. But you are not bound to imitate my example; and, if any man
+among you, black or white, regrets being here at this moment, he shall
+still have arms and ammunition, and food given him, the gates shall be
+opened and he may go freely to seek his safety in the forest. For God's
+sake let there be no more desertions; he that wishes to quit me, may now
+quit me unmolested; but, after this moment, martial law will <i>be</i>,
+enforced, and I shall give orders to shoot down any man detected in
+treachery, as I would shoot down a vicious dog."</p>
+
+<p>This address was heard in profound silence. No man stirred, nor did any
+man speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Blodget," continued the captain, "you have been with me a shorter time
+than any other person present, and cannot feel the same attachment to me
+and mine as the rest. You are the only native American among us, Joyce
+excepted--for we count the blacks as nothing in respect to country--may
+feel that I am an Englishman born, as I fear has been the case with the
+rest of your friends. Perhaps I ought not to ask you to remain. Take your
+arms, then, and make the best of your way to the settlements. Should you
+reach Albany, you might even serve me essentially by delivering a letter I
+will confide to you, and which will bring us effectual succour."</p>
+
+<p>The young man did not answer, though his fingers worked on the barrel of
+his musket, and he shifted his weight, from leg to leg, like one whose
+inward feelings were moved.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I understand you, captain Willoughby," he said, at length,
+"though I think you don't understand me. I know you old country people
+think meanly of us new country people, but I suppose that's in the nature
+of things; then, I allow Joel Strides' conduct has been such as to give
+you reason to judge us harshly. But there is a difference among <i>us</i>, as
+well as among the English; and some of us--won't say I am such a man, but
+actions speak louder than words, and all will be known in the end--but
+<i>some</i> of us will be found true to our bargains, as well as other men."</p>
+
+<p>"Bravely answered, my lad," cried the serjeant, heartily, and looking
+round at his commander with exultation, to congratulate him on having such
+a follower--"This is a man who will obey orders through thick and thin,
+I'll answer for it, your honour. Little does he care who's king or who's
+governor, so long as he knows his captain and his corps."</p>
+
+<p>"There you are mistaken, serjeant Joyce," the youth observed, firmly. "I'm
+for my country, and I'd quit this house in a minute, did I believe captain
+Willoughby meant to help the crown. But I have lived long enough here to
+know he is at the most neutral; though I think he rather favours the side
+of the colonies than that of the crown."</p>
+
+<p>"You have judged rightly, Blodget," observed the captain. "I do not quite
+like this declaration of independence, though I can scarce blame congress
+for having made it. Of the two, I think the Americans nearest right, and I
+now conceive myself to be more of an American than an Englishman. I wish
+this to be understood, Joyce."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you, sir?--It's just as your honour pleases. I didn't know which side
+it was your pleasure to support, nor does it make any great difference
+with most of us. Orders are orders, let them come from king or colonies. I
+would take the liberty of recommending, your honour, that this young man
+be promoted. Strides' desertion has left a vacancy among the corporals,
+and we shall want another for the guard. It would hardly do to make a
+nigger a corporal."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, Joyce, have it as you wish," interrupted the captain, a little
+impatiently; for he perceived he had a spirit to deal with in Blodget that
+must hold such trifles at their true value. "Let it be corporal Allen and
+corporal Blodget in future."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you hear, men?--These are general orders. The relieved guard will fall
+out, and try to get a little sleep, as we shall parade again half an hour
+before day."</p>
+
+<p>Alas! the relieved guard, like the relief itself, consisted of only two
+men, corporal Blodget and Pliny the younger; old Pliny, in virtue of his
+household work, being rated as an idler. These five, with the captain and
+the serjeant, made the number of the garrison seven, which was the whole
+male force that now remained.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby directed Joyce and his two companions to go to their
+pallets, notwithstanding, assuming the charge of the look-out himself, and
+profiting by the occasion to make himself better acquainted with the
+character of his new corporal than circumstances had hitherto permitted.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch21">
+<h2>Chapter XXI.</h2>
+
+
+
+<p> "For thee they fought, for thee they fell,
+  And their oath was on thee laid;
+  To thee the clarions raised their swell,
+  And the dying warriors pray'd."</p>
+
+<p>  Percival.</p>
+
+<p>
+The distaste for each other which existed between the people of New
+England and those of the adjoining colonies, anterior to the war of the
+revolution, is a matter of history. It was this feeling that threw
+Schuyler, one of the ablest and best men in the service of his country,
+into the shade, a year later than the period of which we are writing. This
+feeling was very naturally produced, and, under the circumstances, was
+quite likely to be active in a revolution. Although New England and New
+York were contiguous territories, a wide difference existed between their
+social conditions. Out of the larger towns, there could scarcely be said
+to be a gentry at all, in the former; while the latter, a conquered
+province, had received the frame-work of the English system, possessing
+Lords of the Manor, and divers other of the fragments of the feudal
+system. So great was the social equality throughout the interior of the
+New England provinces, indeed, as almost to remove the commoner
+distinctions of civilised associations, bringing all classes surprisingly
+near the same level, with the exceptions of the very low, or some rare
+instance of an individual who was raised above his neighbours by unusual
+wealth, aided perhaps by the accidents of birth, and the advantages of
+education.</p>
+
+<p>The results of such a state of society are easily traced. Habit had taken
+the place of principles, and a people accustomed to see even questions of
+domestic discipline referred, either to the church or to public sentiment,
+and who knew few or none of the ordinary distinctions of social
+intercourse, submitted to the usages of other conditions of society, with
+singular distaste and stubborn reluctance. The native of New England
+deferred singularly to great wealth, in 1776 as he is known to defer to it
+to-day; but it was opposed to all his habits and prejudices to defer to
+social station. Unused to intercourse with what was then called the great
+world of the provinces, he knew not how to appreciate its manners or
+opinions; and, as is usual with the provincial, he affected to despise
+that which he neither practised nor understood. This, at once, indisposed
+him to acknowledge the distinctions of classes; and, when accident threw
+him into the adjoining province, he became marked, at once, for decrying
+the usages he encountered, comparing them, with singular
+self-felicitation, to those he had left behind him; sometimes with justice
+beyond a doubt, but oftener in provincial ignorance and narrow bigotry.</p>
+
+<p>A similar state of things, on a larger scale, has been witnessed, more
+especially in western New York, since the peace of '83; the great inroads
+of emigrants from the New England states having almost converted that
+district of country into an eastern colony. Men of the world, while they
+admit how much has been gained in activity, available intelligence of the
+practical school, and enterprise, regret that the fusion has been quite so
+rapid and so complete; it being apparently a law of nature that nothing
+precious that comes of man shall be enjoyed altogether without alloy.</p>
+
+<p>The condition in which captain Willoughby was now placed, might have been
+traced to causes connected with the feelings and habits above alluded to.
+It was distasteful to Joel Strides, and one or two of his associates, to
+see a social chasm as wide as that which actually existed between the
+family of the proprietor of the Knoll and his own, growing no narrower;
+and an active cupidity, with the hopes of confiscations, or an abandonment
+of the estate, came in aid of this rankling jealousy of station; the most
+uneasy, as it is the meanest of all our vices. Utterly incapable of
+appreciating the width of that void which separates the gentleman from the
+man of coarse feelings and illiterate vulgarity, he began to preach that
+doctrine of exaggerated and mistaken equality which says "one man is as
+good as another," a doctrine that is nowhere engrafted even on the most
+democratic of our institutions to-day, since it would totally supersede
+the elections, and leave us to draw lots for public trusts, as men are
+drawn for juries. On ordinary occasions, the malignant machinations of
+Strides would probably have led to no results; but, aided by the opinions
+and temper of the times, he had no great difficulty in undermining his
+master's popularity, by incessant and well-digested appeals to the envy
+and cupidity of his companions. The probity, liberality, and manly
+sincerity of captain Willoughby, often counteracted his schemes, it is
+true; but, as even the stone yields to constant attrition, so did Joel
+finally succeed in overcoming the influence of these high qualities, by
+dint of perseverance, and cunning, not a little aided by certain
+auxiliaries freely obtained from the Father of Lies.</p>
+
+<p>As our tale proceeds, Joel's connection with the late movement will become
+more apparent, and we prefer leaving the remainder of the explanations to
+take their proper places in the course of the narrative.</p>
+
+<p>Joyce was so completely a matter of drill, that he was in a sound sleep
+three minutes after he had lain down, the negro who belonged to his guard
+imitating his industry in this particular with equal coolness. As for the
+thoughtful Scotchman, Jamie Allen, sleep and he were strangers that night.
+To own the truth, the disaffection of Mike not only surprised, but it
+disappointed him. He remained in the court, therefore, conversing on the
+subject with the "laird," after his companions had fallen asleep.</p>
+
+<p>"I wad na hae' thought that o' Michael," he said, "for the man had an
+honest way with him, and was so seeming valiant, that I could na hae'
+supposed him capable of proving a desairter. Mony's the time that I've
+heard him swear--for Michael was an awfu' hand at that vice, when his
+betters were no near to rebuke him--but often has he swore that Madam, and
+her winsome daughters, were the pride of his een; ay, and their delight
+too!"</p>
+
+<p>"The poor fellow has yielded to my unlucky fortune, Jamie," returned the
+captain, "and I sometimes think it were better had you all imitated his
+example."</p>
+
+<p>"Begging pairdon, captain Willoughby, for the familiarity, but ye're just
+wrang, fra' beginning to end, in the supposition. No man with a hairt in
+his body wad desairt ye in a time like this, and no mair 's to be said in
+the matter. Nor do I think that luuk has had anything to do with
+Michael's deficiency, unless ye ca' it luuk to be born and edicated in a
+misguiding religion. Michael's catholicity is at the bottom of his
+backsliding, ye'll find, if ye look closely into the maiter."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not see how that is to be made out, Allen; all sects of the
+Christian religion, I believe, teaching us to abide by our engagements,
+and to perform our duties."</p>
+
+<p>"Na doubt--na doubt, 'squire Willoughby--there's a seeming desire to teach
+as much in a' churches; but ye'll no deny that the creatur' o' Rome wears
+a mask, and that catholicity is, at the best, but a wicked feature to
+enter into the worship of God."</p>
+
+<p>"Catholicism, Jamie, means adherence to the catholic church--"</p>
+
+<p>"Just that--just that"--interrupted the Scot, eagerly--and it's that o'
+which I complain. All protestants--wather fully disposed, or ainly
+half-disposed, as may be the case with the English kirk--all protestants
+agree in condemning the varry word catholic, which is a sign and a symbol
+of the foul woman o' Babylon."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, Jamie, they agree in condemning what they don't understand. I
+should be sorry to think I am not a member of the catholic church myself."</p>
+
+<p>Yersal'!--No, captain Willoughby, ye're no catholic, though you are a bit
+akin to it, perhaps. I know that Mr. Woods, that's now in the hands o' the
+savages, prays for the catholics, and professes to believe in what he ca's
+the 'Holy Catholic Kirk;' but, then, I've always supposed that was in the
+way o' Christian charity like; for one is obleeged to use decent language,
+ye'll be acknowledging, sir, in the pulpit, if it's only for appearance's
+sake."</p>
+
+<p>"Well--well--Jamie; a more fitting occasion may occur for discussing
+matters of this nature, and we will postpone the subject to another time.
+I may have need of your services an hour or two hence, and it will be well
+for every man to come to the work fresh and clear-headed. Go to your
+pallet then, and expect an early call."</p>
+
+<p>The mason was not a man to oppose such an order coming from the 'laird;'
+and he withdrew, leaving the captain standing in the centre of the court
+quite alone. We say alone, for young Blodget had ascended to the gallery
+or staging that led around the inner sides of the roofs, while the negro
+on guard was stationed at the gateway, as the only point where the Hut
+could be possibly carried by a <i>coup-de-main.</i> As the first of these
+positions commanded the best exterior view from the inside of the
+buildings, the captain mounted the stairs he had so recently descended,
+and joined the young Rhode Islander at his post.</p>
+
+<p>The night was star-light, but the elevation at which the two watchers were
+placed, was unfavourable to catching glimpses of any lurking enemy. The
+height confounded objects with the ground on which they were placed,
+though Blodget told the captain he did not think a man could cross the
+palisades without his being seen. By moving along the staging on the
+southern side of the quadrangle, he could keep a tolerable look-out, on
+the front and two flanks, at the same time. Still, this duty could not be
+performed without considerable risk, as the head and shoulders of a man
+moving along the ridge of the building would be almost certain to attract
+the eye of any Indian without. This was the first circumstance that the
+captain remarked on joining his companion, and gratitude induced him to
+point it out, in order that the other might, in a degree at least, avoid
+the danger.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose, Blodget, this is the first of your service," said captain
+Willoughby, "and it is not easy to impress on a young man the importance
+of unceasing vigilance against savage artifices."</p>
+
+<p>"I admit the truth of all you say, sir," answered Blodget, "though I do
+not believe any attempt will be made on the house, until the other side
+has sent in what the serjeant calls another flag."</p>
+
+<p>"What reason have you for supposing this?" asked the captain, in a little
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems unreasonable for men to risk their lives when an easier way to
+conquest may seem open to them. That is all I meant, captain Willoughby."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I understand you, Blodget. You think Joel and his friends have
+succeeded so well in drawing off my men, that they may be inclined to wait
+a little, in order to ascertain if further advantages may not be obtained
+in the same way."</p>
+
+<p>Blodget confessed that he had some such thoughts in his mind, while, at
+the same time, he declared that he believed the disaffection would go no
+further.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not easy for it to do so," returned the captain, smiling a little
+bitterly, as he remembered how many who had eaten of his bread, and had
+been cared for by him, in sickness and adversity, had deserted him in his
+need, "unless they persuade my wife and daughters to follow those who have
+led the way."</p>
+
+<p>Respect kept Blodget silent for a minute; then uneasiness induced him to
+speak.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope captain Willoughby don't distrust any who now remain with him," he
+said. "If so, I know I must be the person."</p>
+
+<p>"Why you, in particular, young man? With you, surely, have every reason to
+be satisfied."</p>
+
+<p>"It cannot be serjeant Joyce, for he will stay until he get your orders to
+march," the youth replied, not altogether without humour in his manner;
+"and, as for the Scotchman, he is old, and men of his years are not apt to
+wait so long, if they intend to be traitors. The negroes all love you, as
+if you were their father, and there is no one but me left to betray you."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you for this short enumeration of my strength, Blodget, since it
+gives me new assurance of my people's fidelity. You I <i>will</i> not distrust;
+the others I <i>cannot</i>, and there is a feeling of high confidence--What do
+you see?--why do you lower your piece, and stand at guard, in this
+manner?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is a man's form, sir, on the right of the gate, trying to climb the
+palisades. I have had my eye on it, for some time, and I feel sure of my
+aim."</p>
+
+<p>"Hold an instant, Blodget; let us be certain before we act."</p>
+
+<p>The young man lowered the butt of his piece, waiting patiently and calmly
+for his superior to decide. There was a human form visible, sure enough,
+and it was seen slowly and cautiously rising until it reached the summit
+of the stockade, where it appeared to pause to reconnoitre. Whether it
+were a pale-face or a red-skin, it was impossible to distinguish, though
+the whole movement left little doubt that an assailant or a spy was
+attempting to pass the outer defences.</p>
+
+<p>"We cannot spare that fellow," said the captain, with a little regret in
+his manner; "it is more than we can afford. You must bring him down,
+Blodget. The instant you have fired, come to the other end of the stage,
+where we will watch the result."</p>
+
+<p>This arranged, the captain prudently passed away from the spot, turning to
+note the proceedings of his companion, the moment he was at the opposite
+angle of the gallery. Blodget was in no haste. He waited until his aim was
+certain; then the stillness of the valley was rudely broken by the sharp
+report of a rifle, and a flash illumined its obscurity. The figure fell
+outward, like a bird shot from its perch, lying in a ball at the foot of
+the stockade. Still, no cry or groan gave evidence of nature surprised by
+keen and unexpected anguish. At the next instant Blodget was by captain
+Willoughby's side. His conduct was a pledge of fidelity that could not be
+mistaken, and a warm squeeze of the hand assured the youth of his
+superior's approbation.</p>
+
+<p>It was necessary to be cautious, however, and to watch the result with
+ceaseless vigilance. Joyce and the men below had taken the alarm, and the
+serjeant with his companions were ordered up on the stage immediately,
+leaving the negro, alone, to watch the gate. A message was also sent to
+the females, to give them confidence, and particularly to direct the
+blacks to arm, and to repair to the loops.</p>
+
+<p>All this was done without confusion, and with so little noise as to
+prevent those without from understanding what was in progress. Terror kept
+the negroes silent, and discipline the others. As every one had lain down
+in his or her clothes, it was not a minute before every being in the Hut
+was up, and in motion. It is unnecessary to speak of the mental prayers
+and conflicting emotions with which Mrs. Willoughby and her daughters
+prepared themselves for the struggle; and, yet, even the beautiful and
+delicate Maud braced her nerves to meet the emergency of a frontier
+assault. As for Beulah, gentle, peaceful, and forgiving as she was by
+nature, the care of little Evert aroused all the mother within her, and
+something like a frown that betokened resolution was, for a novelty, seen
+on her usually placid face.</p>
+
+<p>A moment sufficed to let Joyce and his companions into the state of
+affairs. There now being four armed men on the stage, one took each of the
+three exposed sides of the buildings to watch, leaving the master of the
+house to move from post to post, to listen to suggestions, hear reports,
+and communicate orders.</p>
+
+<p>The dark object that lay at the foot of the palisades was pointed out to
+the serjeant the instant he was on the stage, and one of his offices was
+to observe it, in order to ascertain if it moved, or whether any attempts
+were made to carry off the body. The American Indians attach all the glory
+or shame of a battle to the acquisition or loss of scalps, and one of
+their practices was to remove those who had fallen, at every hazard, in
+order to escape the customary mutilation. Some tribes even believed it
+disgrace to suffer a dead body to be struck by the enemy, and many a
+warrior has lost his life in the effort to save the senseless corpse of a
+comrade from this fancied degradation.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the little stir created in the Hut by the mustering of the men
+was over, a stillness as profound as that which had preceded the alarm
+reigned around the place. No noise came from the direction of the mill; no
+cry, or call, or signal of battle was heard; everything lay in the quiet
+of midnight. Half an hour thus passed, when the streak of light that
+appeared in the east announced the approach of day.</p>
+
+<p>The twenty minutes that succeeded were filled with intense anxiety. The
+slow approach of light gradually brought out object after object in the
+little panorama, awakening and removing alike, conjectures and
+apprehensions. At first the grey of the palisades became visible; then the
+chapel, in its sombre outlines; the skirts of the woods; the different
+cabins that lined them; the cattle in the fields, and the scattering
+trees. As for Joyce, he kept his gaze fastened on the object at the foot
+of the stockade, expecting every instant there would be an attempt to
+carry it off.</p>
+
+<p>At length, the light became so strong as to allow the eye to take in the
+entire surface of the natural <i>glacis</i> without the defences, bringing the
+assurance that no enemy was near. As the ground was perfectly clear, a few
+fruit-trees and shrubs on the lawn excepted, and by changing positions on
+the stage, these last could now be examined on all sides, nothing was
+easier than to make certain of this fact. The fences, too, were light and
+open, rendering it impossible for any ambush or advancing party to shelter
+itself behind them. In a word, daylight brought the comfortable assurance
+to those within the palisades that another night was passed without
+bringing an assault.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall escape this morning, I do believe, Joyce," said the captain, who
+had laid down his rifle, and no longer felt it necessary to keep the upper
+portions of his body concealed behind the roof--"Nothing can be seen that
+denotes an intention to attack, and not an enemy is near."</p>
+
+<p>"I will take one more thorough look, your honour," answered the serjeant,
+mounting to the ridge of the building, where he obtained the immaterial
+advantage of seeing more at the same time, at the risk of exposing his
+whole person, should any hostile rifle be in reach of a bullet--"then we
+may be certain."</p>
+
+<p>Joyce was a man who stood just six feet in his stockings, and, losing no
+part of this stature by his setting up, a better object for a
+sharp-shooter could not have been presented than he now offered. The crack
+of a rifle soon saluted the ears of the garrison; then followed the
+whizzing of the bullet as it came humming through the air towards the Hut.
+But the report was so distant as at once to announce that the piece was
+discharged from the margin of the forest; a certain evidence of two
+important facts; one, that the enemy had fallen back to a cover; the
+other, that the house was narrowly watched.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing tries the nerves of a young soldier more than the whizzing of a
+distant fire. The slower a bullet or a shot approaches, the more noise it
+makes; and, the sound continuing longer than is generally imagined, the
+uninitiated are apt to imagine that the dangerous missile is travelling on
+an errand directly towards themselves. Space appears annihilated, and raw
+hands are often seen to duck at a round shot that is possibly flying a
+hundred yards from them.</p>
+
+<p>On the present occasion, the younger Pliny fairly squatted below the root
+Jamie thought it prudent to put some of his own masonry, which was
+favourably placed in an adjacent chimney for such a purpose, between him
+and the spot whence the report proceeded; while even Blodget looked up
+into the air, as if he expected to <i>see</i> where the bullet was going.
+Captain Willoughby had no thought of the missile he was looking for the
+smoke in the skirts of the woods, to note the spot; while Joyce, with
+folded arms, stood at rest on the ridge, actually examining the valley in
+another direction, certain that a fire so distant could not be very
+dangerous.</p>
+
+<p>Jamie's calculation proved a good one. The bullet struck against the
+chimney, indented a brick, and fell upon the shingles of the roof. Joyce
+descended at the next instant, and he coolly picked up, and kept tossing
+the flattened bit of lead in his hand, for the next minute or two, with
+the air of a man who seemed unconscious of having it at all.</p>
+
+<p>"The enemy is besieging us, your honour," said Joyce, "but he will not
+attack at present. If I might presume to advise, we shall do well to leave
+a single sentinel on this stage, since no one can approach the palisades
+without being seen, if the man keeps in motion."</p>
+
+<p>"I was thinking of this myself, serjeant; we will first post Blodget here.
+We can trust him; and, as the day advances, a-less intelligent sentinel
+will answer. At the same time, he must be instructed to keep an eye in the
+rear of the Hut, danger often coming from the quarter least expected."</p>
+
+<p>All this was done, and the remainder of the men descended to the court.
+Captain Willoughby ordered the gate unbarred, when he passed outside,
+taking the direction towards the lifeless body, which still lay where it
+had fallen, at the foot of the stockades. He was accompanied by Joyce and
+Jamie Allen, the latter carrying a spade, it being the intention to inter
+the savage as the shortest means of getting rid of a disagreeable object.
+Our two old soldiers had none of the sensitiveness on the subject of
+exposure that is so apt to disturb the tyro in the art of war. With
+sentinels properly posted, they had no apprehensions of dangers that did
+not exist, and they moved with confidence and steadily wherever duty
+called. Not only was the inner gate opened and passed, but the outer also,
+the simple precaution of stationing a man at the first being the only
+safeguard taken.</p>
+
+<p>When outside of the palisades, the captain and his companions proceeded
+at once towards the body. It was now sunrise, and a rich light was
+illuminating the hill-tops, though the direct rays of the luminary had not
+yet descended to the valley. There lay the Indian, precisely as he had
+fallen, no warrior having interposed to save him from the scalping-knife.
+His head had reached the earth first, and the legs and body were tumbled
+on it, in a manner to render the form a confused pile of legs and blanket,
+rather than a bold savage stretched in the repose of death.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor fellow!" exclaimed the captain, as the three approached the spot;
+"it is to be hoped Blodget's bullet did its commission faithfully, else
+the fall must have hurt him sadly."</p>
+
+<p>"By Jove, 'tis nothing but a stuffed soldier!" cried Joyce, rolling the
+ingeniously contrived bundle over with his foot; "and here, the lad's ball
+has passed directly through its head! This is Injin deviltry, sir; it has
+been tried, in order to see whether our sentinels were or were not
+asleep."</p>
+
+<p>"To me, Joyce, it seems more like a white man's clumsiness. The fellow has
+been made to resemble an Indian, but people of our own colour have had a
+hand in the affair."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, let that be as it may, it is lucky our youngster had so quick,
+an eye, and so nimble a finger. See, your honour; here is the pole by
+which the effigy was raised to the top of the palisades, and here is the
+trail on the grass yet, by which his supporter has crept off. The fellow
+seems to have scrambled along in a hurry; his trail is as plain as that of
+a whole company."</p>
+
+<p>The captain examined the marks left on the grass, and was of opinion that
+more than one man had been employed to set up the decoy figure, a
+circumstance that seemed probable in itself, when the weight of the image
+and the danger of exposure were remembered.--Let that be as it might, he
+was rejoiced on reflection that no one was hurt, and he still retained the
+hope of being able to come to such an understanding with his invaders as
+to supersede the necessity of actual violence.</p>
+
+<p>"At all events, your honour, I will carry the quaker in," said Joyce,
+tossing the stuffed figure on a shoulder. "He do to man the quaker gun at
+least, and may be of use in frightening some one of the other side, more
+than he has yet frightened us."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby did not object, though he reminded Joyce that the
+desertions had probably put the enemy in possession of a minute statement
+of their defences and force, including the history of the wooden gun. If
+Joel and his fellow-delinquents had joined the party at the mill, the
+name, age, character and spirit of every man remaining in the garrison
+were probably known to its leaders; and neither quakers nor paddies would
+count for much in opposing an assault.</p>
+
+<p>The captain came within the gate of the palisades last, closing, barring,
+and locking it with his own hands, when all immediate apprehensions from
+the enemy ceased. He knew, certainly, that it would probably exceed his
+present means of resistance, to withstand a vigorous assault; but, on the
+other hand, he felt assured that Indians would never approach a stockade
+in open day, and expose themselves to the hazards of losing some fifteen
+or twenty of their numbers, before they could carry the place. This was
+opposed to all their notions of war, neither honour nor advantage tempting
+them to adopt it. As for the first, agreeably to savage notions, glory was
+to be measured by the number of scalps taken and lost; and, counting all
+the women left in the Hut, there would not be heads enough to supply a
+sufficient number to prove an offset to those which would probably be lost
+in the assault.</p>
+
+<p>All this did the captain discuss in few words, with the serjeant, when he
+proceeded to join his anxious and expecting wife and daughters.</p>
+
+<p>"God has looked down upon us in mercy, and protected us this night," said
+the grateful Mrs. Willoughby, with streaming eyes, as she received and
+returned her husband's warm embrace. "We cannot be too thankful, when we
+look at these dear girls, and our precious little Evert. If Robert were
+only with us now, I should be entirely happy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Such is human nature, my little Maud"--answered the captain, drawing his
+darling towards himself and kissing her polished forehead. "The very
+thoughts of being in our actual strait would have made your mother as
+miserable as her worst enemy could wish--if, indeed, there be such a
+monster on earth as <i>her</i> enemy--and, now she protests she is delighted
+because our throats were not all cut last night. We are safe enough for
+the day I think, and not another night shall one of you pass in the Hut,
+if I can have my way. If there be such a thing as desertion, there is such
+a thing as evacuation also."</p>
+
+<p>"Hugh!--What <i>can</i> you, <i>do</i> you mean! Remember, we are surrounded by a
+wilderness."</p>
+
+<p>"I know our position reasonably well, wife of mine, and intend to turn
+that knowledge to some account, God willing, and aiding. I mean to place
+old Hugh Willoughby by the side of Xenophon and Washington, and let the
+world see what a man is capable of, on a retreat, when he has such a wife,
+two such daughters, and a grandson like that, on his hands. As for Bob, I
+would not have him here, on any account. The young dog would run away with
+half the glory."</p>
+
+<p>The ladies were too delighted to find their father and husband in such
+spirits, to be critical, and all soon after sat down to an early
+breakfast, to eat with what appetite they could.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch22">
+<h2>Chapter XXII.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  Yet I well remember<br />
+  The favours of these men: were they not mine?<br />
+  Did they not sometimes cry, all hail! to me?<br />
+  So Judas did to Christ: but he, in twelve<br />
+  Found truth in all but one; I in twelve thousand none.</p>
+
+<p>  <i>Richard II</i>.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+That which captain Willoughby had said in seeming pleasantry he seriously
+meditated. The idea of passing another night in the Hut, supported by only
+six men, with more than ten times that number besieging him, and with all
+the secrets of his defences known, through the disaffection of his
+retainers, was, to the last degree, painful to him. Had his own life,
+alone, been at risk, military pride might have tempted him to remain; but
+his charge was far too precious to be exposed on account of considerations
+so vain.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner, therefore, was the breakfast over, than captain summoned Joyce
+to a consultation on the contemplated movement. The interview took place
+in the library, whither the serjeant repaired, on receiving his superior's
+orders. As to the party without, no apprehension was felt, so long as the
+sentinels were even moderately vigilant, and the day lasted.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose, serjeant," commenced captain Willoughby, "a soldier of your
+experience is not to be taught what is the next resort of a commanding
+officer, when he finds himself unable to make good his ground against his
+enemy in front?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is to retreat, your honour. The road that cannot be passed, must be
+turned."</p>
+
+<p>"You have judged rightly. It is now my intention to evacuate the Hut, and
+to try our luck on a march to the rear. A retreat, skilfully executed, is
+a creditable thing; and any step appears preferable to exposing the dear
+beings in the other room to the dangers of a night assault."</p>
+
+<p>Joyce appeared struck with the suggestion; though, if one might have
+judged from the expression of his countenance, far from favourably. He
+reflected a moment ere he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Did your honour send for me," he then inquired, "to issue orders for this
+retreat, or was it your pleasure to hear anything I might have to say
+about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"The last--I shall give no orders, until I know your opinion of the
+measure."</p>
+
+<p>"It is as much the duty of an inferior to speak his mind freely, when he
+is called for an opinion, captain Willoughby, as it is to obey in silence,
+when he gets nothing but orders. According to my views of the matter, we
+shall do better to stand our ground, and try to make good the house
+against these vagabonds, than to trust to the woods."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you have your reasons for this opinion, Joyce?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, your honour. In the first place, I suppose it to be against
+the rules of the art of war to evacuate a place that is well provisioned,
+without standing an assault. This we have not yet done. It is true, sir,
+that our ranks are thinned by desertions; but I never heard of a
+garrisoned town, or a garrisoned house, capitulating on account of a few
+deserters; and, I take it, evacuation is only the next step before
+capitulation."</p>
+
+<p>"But our desertions, Joyce, have not been <i>few</i>, but <i>many. </i> Three times
+as many have left us, if we include our other losses, as remain. It
+matters not whence the loss proceeds, so long as it is a loss."</p>
+
+<p>"A retreat, with women and baggage, is always a ticklish operation, your
+honour, especially if an enemy is pressing your rear! Then we have a
+wilderness before us, and the ladies could hardly hold out for so long a
+march as that from this place to the Mohawk; short of which river they
+will hardly be as safe as they are at present."</p>
+
+<p>"I have had no such march in view, Joyce. You know there is a comfortable
+hut, only a mile from this very spot on the mountain side, where we
+commenced a clearing for a sheep-pasture, only three summers since. The
+field is in rich grass; and, could we once reach the cabin, and manage to
+drive a cow or two up there, we might remain a month in security. As for
+provisions and clothes, we could carry enough on our backs to serve us all
+several weeks; especially if assisted by the cows."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm glad your honour has thought of this idea," said the serjeant, his
+face brightening as he listened; "it will be a beautiful operation to fall
+back on that position, when we can hold out no longer in this. The want of
+some such arrangement has been my only objection to this post, captain
+Willoughby; for, we have always seemed to me, out here in the wilderness,
+like a regiment drawn up with a ravine or a swamp in its rear."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to find you relishing the movement for any cause, serjeant. It
+is my intention at present to make the necessary arrangements to evacuate
+the Hut, while it is light; and, as soon as it is dark, to retreat by the
+gates, the palisades, and the rivulet--How now, Jamie? You look as if
+there were news to communicate?"</p>
+
+<p>Jamie Allen, in truth, had entered at that instant in so much haste as to
+have overlooked the customary ceremony of sending in his name, or even of
+knocking.</p>
+
+<p>"News!" repeated the mason, with a sort of wondering smile "and it's just
+that I've come to bring. Wad ye think it, baith, gentlemen, that our
+people are in their am cabins ag'in, boiling their pots, and frying their
+pork, a' the same as if the valley was in a state of tranquillity, and we
+so many lairds waiting for them to come and do our pleasure!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not understand you, Jamie--whom do you mean by 'our people'?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, just the desairters; Joel, and the miller, and Michael, and the
+rest."</p>
+
+<p>"And the cabins--and the pots--and the pork--it is gibberish to me."</p>
+
+<p>"I hae what ye English ca' an aiccent, I know; but, in my judgment,
+captain Willoughby, the words may be comprehended without a dictionary.
+It's just that Joel Strides, and Daniel the miller, and the rest o' them
+that fleed, the past night, have gane into their ain abodes, and have
+lighted their fires, and put over their pots and kettles, and set up their
+domestic habitudes, a' the same as if this Beaver Dam was ain o' the
+pairks o' Lonnon!"</p>
+
+<p>"The devil they have! Should this be the case, serjeant, our sortie may be
+made at an earlier hour than that mentioned. I never will submit to such
+an insult."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby was too much aroused to waste many words; and, seizing
+his hat, he proceeded forthwith to take a look for himself. The stage, or
+gallery on the roofs, offering the best view, in a minute he and his two
+companions were on it.</p>
+
+<p>"There; ye'll be seein' a smoke in Joel's habitation, with your own een;
+and, yon is anither, in the dwelling of his cousin Seth," said Jamie,
+pointing in the direction he named.</p>
+
+<p>"Smoke there is, of a certainty; but the Indians may have lighted fires in
+the kitchen, to do their own cooking. This looks like investing us,
+serjeant, rather more closely than the fellows have done before."</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think not, your honour--Jamie is right, or my eyes do not know a
+man from a woman. That is certainly a female in the garden of Joel, and
+I'll engage it's Phoebe, pulling onions for his craving stomach, the
+scoundrel!"</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby never moved without his little glass, and it was soon
+levelled at the object mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>"By Jupiter, you are right, Joyce"--he cried. "It is Phoebe, though the
+hussy is coolly weeding, not culling the onions! Ay--and now I see Joel
+himself! The rascal is examining some hoes, with as much philosophy as if
+he were master of them, and all near them. This is a most singular
+situation to be in!"</p>
+
+<p>This last remark was altogether just. The situation of those in the Hut
+was now singular indeed. Further examination showed that every cabin had
+its tenant, no one of the party that remained within the palisades being a
+householder. By using the glass, and pointing it, in succession, at the
+different dwellings, the captain in due time detected the presence of
+nearly every one of the deserters. Not a man of them all, in fact, was
+missing, Mike alone excepted. There they were, with their wives and
+children, in quiet possession of their different habitations. Nor was this
+all; the business of the valley seemed as much on their minds as had been
+their practice for years. Cows were milked, the swine were fed, poultry
+was called and cared for, and each household was also making the customary
+preparations for the morning meal.</p>
+
+<p>So absorbed was the captain with this extraordinary scene, that he
+remained an hour on the staging, watching the course of events. The
+breakfasts were soon over, having been later than common, and a little
+hurried; then commenced the more important occupations of the day. A field
+was already half ploughed, in preparation for a crop of winter grain;
+thither Joel himself proceeded, with the necessary cattle, accompanied by
+the labourers who usually aided him in that particular branch of
+husbandry. Three ploughs were soon at work, with as much regularity and
+order as if nothing had occurred to disturb the tranquillity of the
+valley. The axes of the wood-choppers were next heard, coming out of the
+forest, cutting fuel for the approaching winter; and a half-finished ditch
+had its workmen also, who were soon busy casting up the soil, and
+fashioning their trench. In a word, all the suspended toil was renewed
+with perfect system and order.</p>
+
+<p>"This beats the devil himself, Joyce!" said the captain, after a half-hour
+of total silence. "Here are all these fellows at work as coolly as if I
+had just given them their tasks, and twice as diligently. Their unusual
+industry is a bad symptom of itself!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your honour will remark one circumstance. Not a rascal of them all comes
+within the fair range of a musket, for, as to throwing away ammunition at
+such distances, it would be clearly unmilitary, and might be altogether
+useless."</p>
+
+<p>"I have half a mind to scatter them with a volley"--said the captain,
+doubtingly. "Bullets would take effect among those ploughmen, could they
+only be made to hit."</p>
+
+<p>"And amang the cattle, too," observed the Scotsman, who had an eye on the
+more economical part of the movement, as well as on that which was
+military. "A ball would slay a horse as well as a man in such a
+skairmish."</p>
+
+<p>"This is true enough, Jamie; and it is not exactly the sort of warfare I
+could wish, to be firing at men who were so lately my friends. I do not
+see, Joyce, that the rascals have any arms with them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a musket, sir. I noticed that, when Joel first detailed his
+detachments. Can it be possible that the savages have retired?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not they; else would Mr. Strides and his friends have gone with them. No,
+serjeant, there is a deep plan to lead us into some sort of ambush in this
+affair, and we will be on the look-out for them."</p>
+
+<p>Joyce stood contemplating the scene for some, time, in profound silence,
+when he approached the captain formally, and made the usual military
+salute; a ceremony he had punctiliously observed, on all proper occasions,
+since the garrison might be said to be placed under martial law.</p>
+
+<p>"If it's your honour's pleasure," he said, "I will detail a detachment,
+and go out and bring in two or three of these deserters; by which means we
+shall get into their secrets."</p>
+
+<p>"A detachment, Joyce!" answered the captain, eyeing his subordinate a
+little curiously--"What troops do you propose to tell-off for the
+service?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, your honour, there's corporal Allen and old Pliny off duty; I think
+the thing might be done with them, if your honour would have the
+condescension to order corporal Blodget, with the two other blacks, to
+form as a supporting party, under the cover of one of the fences."</p>
+
+<p>"A disposition of my force that would leave captain Willoughby for a
+garrison! I thank you, serjeant, for your offer and gallantry, but
+prudence will not permit it. We may set down Strides and his companions as
+so many knaves, and----"</p>
+
+<p>"That may ye!" cried Mike's well-known voice, from the scuttle that opened
+into the garrets, directly in front of which the two old soldiers were
+conversing--"That may ye, and no har-r-m done the trut', or justice, or
+for that matther, meself. Och! If I had me will of the blackguards, every
+rogue of 'em should be bound hand and fut and laid under that pratthy
+wather-fall, yon at the mill, until his sins was washed out of him. Would
+there be confessions then?--That would there; and sich letting out of
+sacrets as would satisfy the conscience of a hog!"</p>
+
+<p>By the time Mike had got through this sentiment he was on the staging,
+where he stood hitching up his nether garment, with a meaning grin on his
+face that gave a peculiar expression of heavy cunning to the massive jaw
+and capacious mouth, blended with an honesty and good-nature that the
+well-meaning fellow was seldom without when he addressed any of the
+captain's family. Joyce glanced at the captain, expecting orders to seize
+the returned run-away; but his superior read at once good faith in the
+expression of his old retainer's countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"You have occasioned us a good deal of surprise, O'Hearn, on more accounts
+than one," observed the captain, who thought it prudent to assume more
+sternness of manner than his feelings might have actually warranted. "You
+have not only gone off yourself, but you have suffered your prisoner to
+escape with you. Then your manner of getting into the house requires an
+explanation. I shall hear what you have to say before I make up my mind as
+to your conduct."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it spake I will?--That will I, and as long as it plase yer honour to
+listen. Och! Isn't that Saucy Nick a quare one? Divil burn me if I thinks
+the likes of him is to be found in all Ameriky, full as it is of Injins
+and saucy fellies! Well, now, I suppose, sarjeant, ye've set me down as
+sin riding off with Misther Joel and his likes, if ye was to open yer
+heart, and spake yer thrue mind?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have been marked for a deserter, O'Hearn, and one, too, that
+deserted from post."</p>
+
+<p>"Post! Had I been <i>that</i>, I shouldn't have stirred, and ye'd be wanting in
+the news I bring ye from the Majjor, and Mr. Woods, and the savages, and
+the rest of the varmints."</p>
+
+<p>"My son!--Is this possible, Michael? Have you seen <i>him</i>, or can you tell
+us anything of his state?"</p>
+
+<p>Mike now assumed a manner of mysterious importance, laying a finger on his
+nose, and pointing towards the sentinel and Jamie.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the sarjeant that I considers as one of the family," said the county
+Leitrim-man, when his pantomime was through, "but it isn't dacent to be
+bawling out sacrets through a whole nighbourhood; and then, as for <i>Ould</i>
+Nick--or Saucy Nick, or whatever ye calls him--Och! isn't he a <i>pratthy</i>
+Injin! Ye'll mar-r-ch t'rough Ameriky, and never see his aiquel!"</p>
+
+<p>"This will never do, O'Hearn. Whatever you have to say must be said
+clearly, and in the simplest manner. Follow to the library, where I will
+hear your report. Joyce, you will accompany us."</p>
+
+<p>"Let him come, if he wishes to hear wonderful achaivements!" answered
+Mike, making way for the captain to descend the steps; then following
+himself, talking as he went. "He'll niver brag of his campaigns ag'in to
+the likes of me, seeing that I've outdone him, ten--ay, forty times, and
+boot. Och! that Nick's a divil, and no har-r-m said!"</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, O'Hearn," resumed the captain, as soon as the three
+were alone in the library--"you must explain your own desertion."</p>
+
+<p>"Me!--Desart! Sure, it isn't run away from yer honour, and the Missus, and
+Miss Beuly, and pratthy Miss Maud, and the child, that's yer honour's
+m'aning?"</p>
+
+<p>This was said with so much nature and truth, that the captain had not the
+heart to repeat the question, though Joyce's more drilled feelings were
+less moved. The first even felt a tear springing to his eye, and he no
+longer distrusted the Irishman's fidelity, as unaccountable as his conduct
+did and must seem to his cooler judgment. But Mike's sensitiveness had
+taken the alarm, and it was only to be appeased by explanations.</p>
+
+<p>"Yer honour's not sp'aking when I questions ye on that same?" he resumed,
+doubtingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Mike, to be sincere, it did look a little suspicious when you not
+only went, off yourself, but you let the Indian go off with you."</p>
+
+<p>"Did it?"--said Mike, mus'ng--"No, I don't allow that, seein' that the
+intent and object was good. And, then, I never took the Injin wid <i>me</i>;
+but 'twas I, meself, that went wid <i>him</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think, your honour," said Joyce, smiling, "we'll put O'Hearn's
+name in its old place on the roster, and make no mark against him at
+pay-day."</p>
+
+<p>"I think it will turn out so, Joyce. We must have patience, too, and let
+Mike tell his story in his own way."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it tell a story, will I? Ah!--Nick's the cr'ature for that same! See,
+he has given me foor bits of sticks, every one of which is to tell a
+story, in its own way. This is the first; and it manes let the captain
+into the sacret of your retrait; and how you got out of the windie, and
+how you comes near to breaking yer neck by a fall becaase of the fut's
+slipping; and how ye wint down the roof by a rope, the divil a bit
+fastening it to yer neck, but houlding it in yer hand with sich a grip as
+if 'twere the fait' of the church itself; and how Nick led ye to the hole
+out of which ye hot' wint, as if ye had been two cats going t'rough a
+door!"</p>
+
+<p>Mike stopped to grin and look wise, as he recounted the manner of the
+escape, the outlines of which, however, were sufficiently well known to
+his auditors before he, began.</p>
+
+<p>"Throw away that stick, now, and let us know where this hole is, and what
+you mean by it."</p>
+
+<p>"No"--answered Mike, looking at the stick, in a doubting manner--"I'll not
+t'row it away, wid yer honour's l'ave, 'till I've told ye how we got into
+the brook, forenent the forest, and waded up to the woods, where we was
+all the same as if we had been two bits of clover tops hid in a haymow.
+That Nick is a cr'ature at consailment!"</p>
+
+<p>"Go on," said the captain, patiently, knowing that there was no use in
+hurrying one of Mike's peculiar mode of communicating his thoughts. "What
+came next?"</p>
+
+<p>"That will I; and the r'ason comes next, as is seen by this oder stick.
+And, so, Nick and meself was in the chaplain's room all alone, and n'ither
+of us had any mind to dhrink; Nick becaase he was a prisoner and felt
+crass, and full of dignity like; and meself becaase I was a sentinel; and
+sarjeant Joyce, there, had tould me, the Lord knows how often, that if I
+did my duty well, I might come to be a corporal, which was next in rank to
+himself; barring, too, that I was a sentinel, and a drunken sentinel is a
+disgrace to a man, sowl and body, and musket."</p>
+
+<p>"And so neither of you drank?"--put in the captain, by way of a reminder.</p>
+
+<p>"For that same r'ason, and one betther still, as we had nothin' <i>to</i>
+dhrink. Well, says Nick--'Mike,' says he--'you like cap'in, and Missus,
+and Miss Beuly, and Miss Maud, and the babby?' Divil burn ye, Nick,' says
+I, 'why do ye ask so foolish a question? Is it likes ye would know?
+Well--then just ask yerself if you likes yer own kith and kin, and ye've
+got yer answer.'"</p>
+
+<p>"And Nick made his proposal, on getting this answer," interrupted the
+captain, "which was--"</p>
+
+<p>"Here it is, on the stick. 'Well,' says Nick, says he--'run away wid Nick,
+and see Majjor; bring back news. Nick cap'in friend, but cap'in don't know
+it--won't believe'--Fait', I can't <i>tell</i> yer honour all Nick said, in
+his own manner; and so, wid yer Pave, I'll just tell it in my own way."</p>
+
+<p>"Any way, Mike, so that you do but tell it."</p>
+
+<p>"Nick's a cr'ature! His idee was for us two to get out of the windie, and
+up on the platform, and to take the bedcord, and other things, and slide
+down upon the ground--and we <i>did</i> it! As sure as yer honour and the
+sarjeant is there, we did <i>that same</i>, and no bones broke! 'Well,' says I,
+'Nick, ye're here, sure enough, but how do you mane to get <i>out</i> of here?
+Is it climb the palisades ye will, and be shot by a sentinel?'--if there
+was one, which there wasn't, yer honour, seeing that all had run away--'or
+do ye mane to stay here,' says I, 'and be taken a prisoner of war ag'in,
+in which case ye'll be two prisoners, seem' that ye've been taken wonst
+already, will ye Nick?' says I. So Nick never spoke, but he held up his
+finger, and made a sign for me to follow, as follow I did; and we just
+crept through the palisade, and a mhighty phratty walk we had of it, alang
+the meadies, and t'rough the lanes, the rest of the way."</p>
+
+<p>"You crept through the palisades, Mike! There is no outlet of sufficient
+size."</p>
+
+<p>"I admits the hole is a tight squaze, but 'twill answer. And then it's
+just as good for an inlet as it is for an outlet, seein' that I came
+t'rough it this very marnin'. Och! Nick's a cr'ature! And how d'ye think
+that hole comes there, barring all oversights in setting up the sticks?"</p>
+
+<p>"It has not been made intentionally, I should hope, O'Hearn?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas made by Joel, and that by just sawing off a post, and forcin' out a
+pin or two, so that the palisade works like a door. Och! it's nately
+contrived, and it manes mischief."</p>
+
+<p>"This must be looked to, at once," cried the captain; "lead the way, Mike,
+and show us the spot."</p>
+
+<p>As the Irishman was nothing loth, all three were soon in the court, whence
+Mike led the way through the gate, round to the point where the stockade
+came near the cliffs, on the eastern side of the buildings. This was the
+spot where the path that led down to the spring swept along the defences,
+and was on the very route by which the captain contemplated retreating, as
+well as on that by which Maud had entered the Hut, the night of the
+invasion. At a convenient place, a palisade had been sawed off, so low in
+the ground that the sods, which had been cut and were moveable, concealed
+the injury, while the heads of the pins that ought to have bound the
+timber to the cross-piece, were in their holes, leaving everything
+apparently secure. On removing the sods, and pushing the timber aside, the
+captain ascertained that a man might easily pass without the stockade. As
+this corner was the most retired within the works, there was no longer any
+doubt that the hole had been used by all the deserters, including the
+women and children. In what manner it became known to Nick, however, still
+remained matter of conjecture.</p>
+
+<p>Orders were about to be given to secure this passage, when it occurred to
+the captain it might possibly be of use in effecting his own retreat. With
+this object in view, then, he hastened away from the place, lest any
+wandering eye without might detect his presence near it, and conjecture
+the cause. On returning to the library, the examination of Mike was
+resumed.</p>
+
+<p>As the reader must be greatly puzzled with the county Leitrim-man's manner
+of expressing himself, we shall relate the substance of what he now
+uttered, for the sake of brevity. It would seem that Nick had succeeded in
+persuading Mike, first, that he, the Tuscarora, was a fast friend of the
+captain and his family, confined by the former, in consequence of a
+misconception of the real state of the Indian's feelings, much to the
+detriment of all their interests; and that no better service could be
+rendered the Willoughbys than to let Nick depart, and for the Irishman to
+go with him. Mike, however, had not the slightest idea of desertion, the
+motive which prevailed on him to quit the Hut being a desire to see the
+major, and, if possible, to help him escape. As soon as this expectation
+was placed before his eyes, Mike became a convert to the Indian's wishes.
+Like all exceedingly zealous men, the Irishman had an itching propensity
+to be doing, and he was filled with a sort of boyish delight at the
+prospect of effecting a great service to those whom he so well loved,
+without their knowing it. Such was the history of Michael's seeming
+desertion; that of what occurred after he quitted the works remains to be
+related.</p>
+
+<p>The Tuscarora led his companion out of the Hut, within half an hour after
+they had been left alone together, in the room of Mr. Woods. As this was
+subsequently to Joel's flight, Nick, in anticipation of this event, chose
+to lie in ambush a short time, in order to ascertain whether the defection
+was likely to go any further. Satisfied on this head, he quietly retired
+towards the mill. After making a sufficient <i>d&ecirc;tour</i> to avoid being seen
+from the house, Nick gave himself no trouble about getting into the woods,
+or of practising any of the expedients of a time of real danger, as had
+been done by all of the deserters; but he walked leisurely across the
+meadows, until he struck the highway, along which he proceeded forthwith
+to the rocks. All this was done in a way that showed he felt himself at
+home, and that he had no apprehensions of falling into an ambush. It might
+have arisen from his familiarity with the ground; or, it might have
+proceeded from the consciousness that he was approaching friends, instead
+of enemies.</p>
+
+<p>At the rocks, however, Nick did not deem it wise to lead Mike any farther,
+without some preliminary caution. The white man was concealed in one of
+the clefts, therefore, while the Indian pursued his way alone. The latter
+was absent an hour; at the end of that time he returned, and, after giving
+Mike a great many cautions about silence and prudence, he led him to the
+cabin of the miller, in the buttery of which Robert Willoughby was
+confined. To this buttery there was a window; but, as it was so small as
+to prevent escape, no sentinel had been placed on the outside of the
+building. For his own comfort, too, and in order to possess his narrow
+lodgings to himself, the major had given a species of parole, by which he
+was bound to remain in duresse, until the rising of the next sun. Owing to
+these two causes, Nick had been enabled to approach the window, and to
+hold communications with the prisoner. This achieved, he returned to the
+rocks, and led Mike to the same spot.</p>
+
+<p>Major Willoughby had not been able to write much, in consequence of the
+darkness. That which he communicated, accordingly, had to pass through the
+fiery ordeal of the Irishman's brains. As a matter of course it did not
+come with particular lucidity, though Mike did succeed in making his
+auditors comprehend this much.</p>
+
+<p>The major was substantially well treated, though intimations had been
+given that he would be considered as a spy. Escape seemed next to
+impossible; still, he should not easily abandon the hope. From all he had
+seen, the party was one of that irresponsible character that would render
+capitulation exceedingly hazardous, and he advised his father to hold out
+to the last. In a military point of view, he considered his captors as
+contemptible, being without a head; though many of the men:--the savages
+in particular--appeared to be ferocious and reckless. The whole party was
+guarded in discourse, and little was said in English, though he was
+convinced that many more whites were present than he had at first
+believed. Mr. Woods he had not seen, nor did he know anything of his
+arrest or detention.</p>
+
+<p>This much Mike succeeded in making the captain comprehend, though a great
+deal was lost through the singular confusion that prevailed in the mind
+of the messenger. Mike however, had still another communication, which we
+reserve for the ears of the person to whom it was especially sent.</p>
+
+<p>This news produced a pause in captain Willoughby's determination. Some of
+the fire of youth awoke within him, and he debated with himself on the
+possibility of making a sortie, and of liberating his son, as a step
+preliminary to victory; or, at least, to a successful retreat. Acquainted
+with every foot of the ground, which had singular facilities for a step so
+bold, the project found favour in his eyes each minute, and soon became
+fixed.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch23">
+<h2>Chapter XXIII.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  --"Another love<br />
+  In its lone woof begun to twine;<br />
+  But, ah! the golden thread was wove<br />
+  That bound my sister's heart in mine!"</p>
+
+<p>  Willis.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+While the captain and Joyce were digesting their plans Mike proceeded on
+an errand of peculiar delicacy with which he had been entrusted by Robert
+Willoughby. The report that he had returned flew through the dwellings,
+and many were the hearty greetings and shakings of the hand that the
+honest fellow had to undergo from the Plinys and Smashes, ere he was at
+liberty to set about the execution of this trust. The wenches, in
+particular, having ascertained that Mike had not broken his fast, insisted
+on his having a comfortable meal, in a sort of servants' hall, before they
+would consent to his quitting their sight. As the county Leitrim-man was
+singularly ready with a knife and fork, he made no very determined
+opposition, and, in a few minutes, he was hard at work, discussing a cold
+ham, with the other collaterals of a substantial American breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>The blacks, the Smashes inclusive, had been seriously alarmed at the
+appearance of the invading party. Between them and the whole family of
+red-men there existed a sort of innate dislike; an antipathy that
+originated in colour, and wool, and habits, and was in no degree lessened
+by apprehensions on the score of scalps.</p>
+
+<p>"How you look, ole Plin, widout wool?" Big Smash had reproachfully
+remarked, not five minutes before Mike made his appearance in the kitchen,
+in answer to some apologetic observation of her husband, as to the
+intentions of the savages being less hostile than he had at first
+imagined; "why you say dey <i>no</i> murder, and steal and set fire, when you
+know dey's Injin! Natur' be natur'; and dat I hear dominie Woods say t'ree
+time one Sunday. What 'e dominie say <i>often</i>, he mean, and dere no use in
+saying dey don't come to do harm."</p>
+
+<p>As Great Smash was an oracle in her own set, there was no gainsaying her
+dogmas, and Pliny the elder was obliged to succumb. But the presence of
+Mike, one who was understood to have been out, <i>near</i>, if not actually
+<i>in</i>, the enemy's camp, and a great favourite in the bargain, was a
+circumstance likely to revive the discourse. In fact, all the negroes,
+crowded into the hall, as soon as the Irishman was seated at table, one or
+two eager to talk, the rest as eager to listen.</p>
+
+<p>"How near you been to sabbage, Michael?" demanded Big Smash, her two large
+coal-black eyes seeming to open in a degree proportioned to her interest
+in the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"I wint as nigh as there was occasion, Smash, and that was nigher than the
+likes of yer husband there would be thinking of travelling. Maybe 'twas as
+far as from my plate here to yon door; maybe not quite so far. They 're a
+dhirty set, and I wish to go no nearer."</p>
+
+<p>"What dey look like, in 'e dark?" inquired Little Smash--"Awful as by
+daylight?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's not meself that stopped to admire 'em. Nick and I had our business
+forenent us, and when a man is hurried, it isn't r'asonable to suppose he
+can kape turning his head about to see sights."</p>
+
+<p>"What dey do wid Misser Woods?--What sabbage want wid dominie?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure enough, little one; and the question is of yer own asking. A praist,
+even though he should be only a heretic, can have no great call for his
+sarvices, in <i>sich</i> a congregation. And, I don't think the fellows are
+blackguards enough to scalp a parson."</p>
+
+<p>Then followed a flood of incoherent questions that were put by all the
+blacks in a body, accompanied by divers looks ominous of the most serious
+disasters, blended with bursts of laughter that broke out of their risible
+natures in a way to render the medley of sensations as ludicrous as it was
+strange. Mike soon found answering a task too difficult to be attempted,
+and he philosophically came to a determination to confine his efforts to
+masticating.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the terror that actually prevailed among the blacks, it
+was not altogether unmixed with a resolution to die with arms in their
+hands, in preference to yielding to savage clemency. Hatred, in a measure,
+supplied the place of courage, though both sexes had insensibly imbibed
+some of that resolution which is the result of habit, and of which a
+border life is certain to instil more or less into its subjects, in a form
+suited to border emergencies. Nor was this feeling confined to the men;
+the two Smashes, in particular, being women capable of achieving acts that
+would be thought heroic under circumstances likely to arouse their
+feelings.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Smashes," said Mike, when, by his own calculation, he had about
+three minutes to the termination of his breakfast before him, "ye'll do
+what I tells ye, and no questions asked. Ye'll find the laddies, Missus,
+and Miss Beuly, and Miss Maud, and ye'll give my humble respects to 'em
+all--divil the bit, now, will ye be overlooking either of the t'ree, but
+ye'll do yer errand genteely and like a laddy yerself--and ye'll give my
+jewty and respects to 'em <i>all</i>, I tells ye, and say that Michael O'Hearn
+asks the honour of being allowed to wish 'em good morning."</p>
+
+<p>Little Smash screamed at this message; yet she went, forthwith, and
+delivered it, making reasonably free with Michael's manner and gallantry
+in so doing.</p>
+
+<p>"O'Hearn has something to tell us from Robert"--said Mrs. Willoughby, who
+had been made acquainted with the Irishman's exploits and return; "he
+must be suffered to come in as soon as he desires."</p>
+
+<p>With this reply, Little Smash terminated her mission.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, laddies and gentlemen," said Mike, with gravity, as he rose to
+quit the servants' hall, "my blessing and good wishes be wid ye. A hearty
+male have I had at yer hands and yer cookery, and good thanks it desarves.
+As for the Injins, jist set yer hearts at rest, as not one of ye will be
+scalp'd the day, seeing that the savages are all to be forenent the mill
+this morning, houlding a great council, as I knows from Nick himself. A
+comfortable time, then, ye may all enjoy, wid yer heads on yer shoulters,
+and yer wool on yer heads."</p>
+
+<p>Mike's grin, as he retreated, showed that he meant to be facetious, having
+all the pleasantry that attends a full stomach uppermost in his animal
+nature at that precise moment. A shout rewarded this sally, and the
+parties separated with mutual good humour and good feeling. In this state
+of mind, the county Leitrim-man was ushered into the presence of the
+ladies. A few words of preliminary explanations were sufficient to put
+Mike in the proper train, when he came at once to his subject.</p>
+
+<p>"The majjor is no way down-hearted," he said, "and he ordered me to give
+his jewty and riverence, and obligations, to his honoured mother and his
+sisters. 'Tell 'em, Mike,' says he, says the majjor, 'that I feels for
+'em, all the same as if I was their own fader; and tell 'em,' says he, 'to
+keep up their spirits, and all will come right in the ind. This is a
+throublesome wor-r-ld, but they that does their jewties to God and man,
+and the church, will not fail, in the long run, to wor-r-k their way
+t'rough purgatory even, into paradise.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Surely my son--my dear Robert--never sent us such a message as this,
+Michael?"</p>
+
+<p>"Every syllable of it, and a quantity moor that has slipped my memory,"
+answered the Irishman, who was inventing, but who fancied he was
+committing a very pious fraud--"'Twould have done the Missuses heart good
+to have listened to the majjor, who spoke more in the cha<i>rack</i>ter of a
+praist, like, than in that of a souldier."</p>
+
+<p>All three of the ladies looked a little abashed, though there was a gleam
+of humour about the mouth of Maud, that showed she was not very far from
+appreciating the Irishman's report at its just value. As for Mrs.
+Willoughby and Beulah, less acquainted with Mike's habits, they did not so
+readily penetrate his manner of substituting his own desultory thoughts
+for the ideas of others.</p>
+
+<p>"As I am better acquainted with Mike's language, dear mother"--whispered
+Maud--"perhaps it will be well if I take him into the library and question
+him a little between ourselves about what actually passed. Depend on it, I
+shall get the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"Do, my child, for it really pains me to hear Robert so much
+misrepresented--and, as Evert must now begin to have ideas, I really do
+not like that his uncle should be so placed before the dear little
+fellow's mind."</p>
+
+<p>Maud did not even smile at this proof of a grandmother's weakness, though
+she felt and saw all its absurdity. Heart was ever so much uppermost with
+the excellent matron, that it was not easy for those she loved to regard
+anything but her virtues; and least of all did her daughter presume to
+indulge in even a thought that was ludicrous at her expense. Profiting by
+the assent, therefore, Maud quietly made a motion for Mike to follow, and
+proceeded at once to the room she had named.</p>
+
+<p>Not a word was exchanged between the parties until both were in the
+library, when Maud carefully closed the door, her face pale as marble, and
+stood looking inquiringly at her companion. The reader will understand
+that, Mr. Woods and Joyce excepted, not a soul at the Hut, out of the
+limits of the Willoughby connection, knew anything of our heroine's actual
+relation to the captain and his family. It is true, some of the oldest of
+the blacks had once some vague notions on the subject; but <i>their</i>
+recollections had become obscured by time, and habit was truly second
+nature with all of the light-hearted race.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>That</i> was mighty injanious of you, Miss Maud!" Mike commenced, giving
+one of his expressive grins again, and fairly winking. "It shows how
+fri'nds wants no spache but their own minds. Barrin' mistakes and
+crass-accidents, I'm sartain that Michael O'Hearn can make himself
+understood any day by Miss Maud Willoughby, an' niver a word said."</p>
+
+<p>"Your success then, Mike, will be greater at dumb-show than it always is
+with your tongue," answered the young lady, the blood slowly returning to
+her cheek, the accidental use of the name of Willoughby removing the
+apprehension of anything immediately embarrassing; "what have you to tell
+me that you suppose I have anticipated?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sure, the like o' yees needn't be tould, Miss Maud, that the majjor bad
+me spake to ye by yerself, and say a word that was not to be overheerd by
+any one else."</p>
+
+<p>"This is singular--extraordinary even--but let me know more, though the
+messenger be altogether so much out of the common way!"</p>
+
+<p>"I t'ought ye 'd say <i>that</i>, when ye come to know me. Is it meself that 's
+a messenger? and where is there another that can carry news widout
+spilling any by the way? Nick's a cr'ature, I allows; but the majjor
+know'd a million times bhetter than to trust an Injin wid sich a jewty. As
+for Joel, and <i>that</i> set of vagabonds, we'll grind 'em all in the mill,
+before we've done wid 'em. Let 'em look for no favours, if they wishes no
+disapp'intment."</p>
+
+<p>Maud sickened at the thought of having any of those sacred feelings
+connected with Robert Willoughby that she had so long cherished in her
+inmost heart, rudely probed by so unskilful a hand; though her last
+conversation with the young soldier had told so much, even while it left
+so much unsaid, that she could almost kneel and implore Mike to be
+explicit. The reserve of a woman, notwithstanding, taught her how to
+preserve her sex's decorum, and to maintain appearances.</p>
+
+<p>"If major Willoughby desired you to communicate anything to me, in
+particular," she said, with seeming composure, "I am ready to hear it."</p>
+
+<p>"Divil the word did he desire, Miss Maud, for everything was in whispers
+between us, but jist what I'm about to repait. And here's my stick, that
+Nick tould me to kape as a reminderer; it 's far bhetter for me than a
+book, as I can't read a syllable. 'And now, Mike,' says the majjor, says
+he, 'conthrive to see phratty Miss Maud by herself'----"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Pretty</i> Miss Maud!" interrupted the young lady, involuntarily.</p>
+
+<p>"Och! it's meself that says <i>that</i>, and sure there 's plenty of r'ason for
+it; so we'll agree it's all right and proper--'phratty Miss Maud by
+herself, letting no mortal else know what you are about. <i>That</i> was the
+majjor's."</p>
+
+<p>"It is very extraordinary!--Perhaps it will be better Michael, if you tell
+me nothing but what is strictly the major's. A message should be
+delivered as nearly like the words that were actually sent as possible."</p>
+
+<p>"Wor-r-ds!--And it isn't wor-r-ds at all, that I have to give ye."</p>
+
+<p>"If not a message in words, in what else can it be?--Not in sticks,
+surely."</p>
+
+<p>"In <i>that</i>"--cried Mike, exultingly--"and, I'll warrant, when the trut'
+comes out, that very little bit of silver will be found as good as forty
+Injin scalps."</p>
+
+<p>Although Mike put a small silver snuff-box that Maud at once recognised as
+Robert Willoughby's property into the young lady's hand, nothing was more
+apparent than the circumstance that he was profoundly ignorant of the true
+meaning of what he was doing. The box was very beautiful, and his mother
+and Beulah had often laughed at the major for using an article that was
+then deemed <i>de rigueur</i> for a man of extreme <i>ton</i>, when all his friends
+knew he never touched snuff. So far from using the stimulant, indeed, he
+never would show how the box was opened, a secret spring existing; and he
+even manifested or betrayed shyness on the subject of suffering either of
+his sisters to search for the means of doing so.</p>
+
+<p>The moment Maud saw the box, her heart beat tumultuously. She had a
+presentiment that her fate was about to be decided. Still, she had
+sufficient self-command to make an effort to learn all her companion had
+to communicate.</p>
+
+<p>"Major Willoughby gave you this box," she said, her voice trembling in
+spite of herself. "Did he send any message with it? Recollect yourself;
+the words may be very important."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it the wor-r-ds? Well, it's little of <i>them</i> that passed between us,
+barrin' that the Injins was so near by, that it was whisper we did, and
+not a bit else."</p>
+
+<p>"Still there <i>must</i> have been <i>some</i> message."</p>
+
+<p>"Ye are as wise as a sarpent, Miss Maud, as Father O'Loony used to tell us
+all of a Sunday! Was it wor-r-ds!--Give <i>that</i> to Miss Maud,' says the
+majjor, says he, 'and tell her she is now <i>misthress of my sacret.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Did he say this, Michael?--For heaven's sake, be certain of what you tell
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"Irish Mike--Masser want you in monstrous hurry," cried the youngest of
+the three black men, thrusting his glistening lace into the door,
+announcing the object of the intrusion, and disappearing almost in the
+same instant.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not leave me, O'Hearn," said Maud, nearly gasping for breath, "do not
+leave me without an assurance there is no mistake."</p>
+
+<p>"Divil bur-r-n me if I 'd brought the box, or the message, or anything
+like it, phretty Miss Maud, had I t'ought it would have done this
+har-r-m."</p>
+
+<p>"Michael O'Hearn," called the serjeant from the court, in his most
+authoritative military manner, and that on a key that would not brook
+denial.</p>
+
+<p>Mike did not dare delay; in half a minute Maud found herself standing
+alone, in the centre of the library, holding the well-known snuff-box of
+Robert Willoughby in her little hand. The renowned caskets of Portia had
+scarcely excited more curiosity in their way than this little silver box
+of the major's had created in the mind of Maud. In addition to his playful
+evasions about letting her and Beulah pry into its mysteries, he had once
+said to herself, in a grave and feeling manner, "When you get at the
+contents of this box, dear girl, you will learn the great secret of my
+life." These words had made a deep impression at the time--it was in his
+visit of the past year--but they had been temporarily forgotten in the
+variety of events and stronger sensations that had succeeded. Mike's
+message, accompanied by the box itself, however, recalled them, and Maud
+fancied that the major, considering himself to be in some dangerous
+emergency, had sent her the bauble in order that she might learn what that
+secret was. Possibly he meant her to communicate it to others. Persons in
+our heroine's situation feel, more than they reason; and it is possible
+Maud might have come to some other conclusion had she been at leisure, or
+in a state of mind to examine all the circumstances in a more logical
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>Now she was in possession of this long-coveted box--coveted at least so
+far as a look into its contents were concerned--Maud not only found
+herself ignorant of the secret by which it was opened, but she had
+scruples about using the means, even had she been in possession of them.
+At first she thought of carrying the thing to Beulah, and of asking if
+she knew any way of getting at the spring; then she shrunk from the
+exposure that might possibly attend such a step. The more she reflected,
+the more she felt convinced that Robert Willoughby would not have sent
+<i>her</i> that particular box, unless it were connected with herself, in some
+way more than common; and ever since the conversation in the painting-room
+she had seen glimmerings of the truth, in relation to his feelings. These
+glimmerings too, had aided her in better understanding her own heart, and
+all her sentiments revolted at the thought of having a witness to any
+explanation that might relate to the subject. In every event she
+determined, after a few minutes of thought, not to speak of the message,
+or the present, to a living soul.</p>
+
+<p>In this condition of mind, filled with anxiety, pleasing doubts,
+apprehensions, shame, and hope, all relieved, however, by the secret
+consciousness of perfect innocence, and motives that angels might avow,
+Maud stood, in the very spot where Mike had left her, turning the box in
+her hands, when accidentally she touched the spring, and the lid flew
+open. To glance at the contents was an act so natural and involuntary as
+to anticipate reflection.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing was visible but a piece of white paper, neatly folded, and
+compressed into the box in a way to fill its interior. "Bob has written,"
+thought Maud--"Yet how could he do this? He was in the dark, and had not
+pen or paper!" Another look rendered this conjecture still more
+improbable, as it showed the gilt edge of paper of the quality used for
+notes, an article equally unlikely to be found in the mill and in his own
+pocket. "Yet it must be a note," passed through her mind, "and of course
+it was written before he left the Hut--quite likely before he
+arrived--possibly the year before, when he spoke of the box as containing
+the evidence of the great secret of his life."</p>
+
+<p>Maud now wished for Mike, incoherent, unintelligible, and blundering as he
+was, that she might question him still further as to the precise words of
+the message. "Possibly Bob did not intend me to open the-box at all," she
+thought, "and meant merely that I should keep it until he could return to
+claim it. It contains a great secret; and, because he wishes to keep this
+secret from the Indians, it does not follow that he intends to reveal it
+to me. I will shut the box again, and guard his secret as I would one of
+my own."</p>
+
+<p>This was no sooner <i>thought</i> than it was <i>done</i>. A pressure of the lid
+closed it, and Maud heard the snap of the spring with a start. Scarcely
+was the act performed ere she repented it. "Bob would not have sent the
+box without some particular object," she went on to imagine; "and had he
+intended it not to be opened, he would have told as much to O'Hearn. How
+easy would it have been for him to say, and for Mike to repeat, 'tell her
+to keep the box till I ask for it--it contains a secret, and I wish my
+captors not to learn it.' No, he has sent the box with the design that I
+should examine its contents. His very life may depend on my doing so; yes,
+and on my doing so this minute!"</p>
+
+<p>This last notion no sooner glanced athwart our heroine's mind, than she
+began diligently to search for the hidden spring. Perhaps curiosity had
+its influence on the eagerness to arrive at the secret, which she now
+manifested; possibly a tenderer and still more natural feeling lay
+concealed behind it all. At any rate, her pretty little fingers never were
+employed more nimbly, and not a part of the exterior of the box escaped
+its pressure. Still, the secret spring eluded her search. The box had two
+or three bands of richly chased work on each side of the place of opening,
+and amid these ornaments Maud felt certain that the little projection she
+sought must lie concealed. To examine these, then, she commenced in a
+regular and connected manner, resolved that not a single raised point
+should be neglected. Accident, however, as before, stood her friend; and,
+at a moment when she least expected it, the lid flew back, once more
+exposing the paper to view.</p>
+
+<p>Maud had been too seriously alarmed about re-opening the box, to hesitate
+a moment now, as to examining its contents. The paper was removed, and she
+began to unfold it slowly, a slight tremor passing through her frame as
+she did so. For a single instant she paused to scent the delightful and
+delicate perfume that seemed to render the interior sacred; then her
+fingers resumed their office. At each instant, her eyes expected to meet
+Robert Willoughby's well known handwriting. But the folds of the paper
+opened on a blank. To Maud's surprise, and, for a single exquisitely
+painful moment, she saw that a lock of hair was all the box contained,
+besides the paper in which it was enveloped. Her look became anxious, and
+her face pale; then the eyes brightened, and a blush that might well be
+likened to the tints with which the approach of dawn illumines the sky,
+suffused her cheeks, as, holding the hair to the light, the long ringlets
+dropped at length, and she recognised one of those beautiful tresses, of
+which so many were falling at that very moment, in rich profusion around
+her awn lovely face. To unloosen her hair from the comb, and to lay the
+secret of Bob Willoughby by its side, in a way to compare the glossy
+shades, was the act of only a moment; it sufficed, however, to bring a
+perfect conviction of the truth. It was a memorial of herself, then, that
+Robert Willoughby so prized, had so long guarded with care, and which he
+called the secret of his life!</p>
+
+<p>It was impossible for Maud not to understand all this. Robert Willoughby
+loved her; he had taken this mode of telling his passion. He had been on
+the point of doing this in words the very day before; and now he availed
+himself of the only means that offered of completing the tale. A flood of
+tenderness gushed to the heart of Maud, as she passed over all this in her
+mind; and, from that moment, she ceased to feel shame at the recollection
+of her own attachment. She might still have shrunk a little from avowing
+it to her father, and mother, and Beulah; but, as to herself the world,
+and the object of her affections, she now stood perfectly vindicated in
+her own eyes.</p>
+
+<p>That was a precious half-hour which succeeded. For the moment, all present
+dangers were lost sight of, in the glow of future hopes. Maud's
+imagination portrayed scenes of happiness, in which domestic duties, Bob
+beloved, almost worshipped, and her father and mother happy in the
+felicity of their children, were the prominent features; while Beulah and
+little Evert filled the back-ground of the picture in colours of pleasing
+softness. But these were illusions that could not last, for ever, the
+fearful realities of her situation returning with the greater
+consciousness of existence. Still, Bob might now be loved, without
+wounding any of the sensitiveness of her sex's opinions; and dearly,
+engrossingly, passionately was he rewarded, for the manner in which he had
+thought of letting her know the true state of his heart, at a moment when
+he had so much reason to think only of himself.</p>
+
+<p>It was time for Maud to return to her mother and sister. The box was
+carefully concealed, leaving the hair in its old envelope, and she hurried
+to the nursery. On entering the room, she found that her father had just
+preceded her. The captain was grave, more thoughtful than usual, and his
+wife, accustomed to study his countenance for so much of her happiness,
+saw at once that something lay heavy on his mind.</p>
+
+<p>"Has anything out of the way happened, Hugh?" she asked, "to give you
+uneasiness?"</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby drew a chair to the side of that of his wife, seated
+himself, and took her hand before he answered. Little Evert, who sat on
+her knee, was played with, for a moment, as if to defer a disagreeable
+duty; not till then did he even speak.</p>
+
+<p>"You know, dearest Wilhelmina," the captain finally commenced, "that there
+have never been any concealments between us, on the score of danger, even
+when I was a professed soldier, and might be said to carry my life in my
+hand."</p>
+
+<p>"You have ever found me reasonable, I trust, while feeling like a woman,
+mindful of my duty as a wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have, love; this is the reason I have always dealt with you so
+frankly."</p>
+
+<p>"We understand each other, Hugh. Now tell me the worst at once."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not certain you will think there is any worst about it, Wilhelmina,
+as Bob's liberty is the object. I intend to go out myself, at the head of
+all the white men that remain, in order to deliver him from the hands of
+his enemies. This will leave you, for a time--six or seven hours
+perhaps--in the Hut, with only the three blacks as a guard, and with the
+females. You need have no apprehension of an assault, however, everything
+indicating a different intention on the part of our enemies; on that score
+you may set your hearts at rest."</p>
+
+<p>"All my apprehensions and prayers will be for you, my husband--for
+ourselves, we care not."</p>
+
+<p>"This I expected; it is to lessen these very apprehensions that I have
+come to tell you my whole plan."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby now related, with some minuteness, the substance of
+Mike's report, and his own plan, of the last of which we have already
+given an outline. Everything had been well matured in his mind, and all
+promised success. The men were apprised of the service on which they were
+to be employed, and every one of them had manifested the best spirit. They
+were then busy in equipping themselves; in half an hour they would be
+ready to march.</p>
+
+<p>To all this Mrs. Willoughby listened like a soldier's wife, accustomed to
+the risks of a frontier warfare, though she felt like a woman. Beulah
+pressed little Evert to her heart, while her pallid countenance was turned
+to her father with a look that seemed to devour every syllable. As for
+Maud, a strange mixture of dread and wild delight were blended in her
+bosom. To have Bob liberated, and restored to them, was approaching
+perfect happiness, though it surpassed her powers not to dread
+misfortunes. Nevertheless, the captain was so clear in his explanations,
+so calm in his manner, and of a judgment so approved, that his auditors
+felt far less concern than might naturally have been expected.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch24">
+<h2>Chapter XXIV.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  "March--march--march!<br />
+  Making sounds as they tread,<br />
+  Ho-ho! how they step,<br />
+  Going down to the dead."</p>
+
+<p>  Coxe.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The time Maud consumed in her meditations over the box and its contents,
+had been employed by the captain in preparations for his enterprise.
+Joyce, young Blodget, Jamie and Mike, led by their commander in person,
+were to compose the whole force on the occasion; and every man had been
+busy in getting his arms, ammunition and provisions ready, for the last
+half-hour. When captain Willoughby, therefore, had taken leave of his
+family, he found the party in a condition to move.</p>
+
+<p>The first great desideratum was to quit the Hut unseen. Joel and his
+followers were still at work, in distant fields; but they all carefully
+avoided that side of the Knoll which would have brought them within reach
+of the musket, and this left all behind the cliff unobserved, unless
+Indians were in the woods in that direction. As Mike had so recently
+passed in by that route, however, the probability was the whole party
+still remained in the neighbourhood of the mills, where all accounts
+agreed in saying they mainly kept. It was the intention of the captain,
+therefore, to sally by the rivulet and the rear of the house, and to gain
+the woods under cover of the bushes on the banks of the former, as had
+already been done by so many since the inroad.</p>
+
+<p>The great difficulty was to quit the house, and reach the bed of the
+stream, unseen. This step, however, was a good deal facilitated by means
+of Joel's sally-port, the overseer having taken, himself, all the
+precautions against detection of which the case well admitted.
+Nevertheless, there was the distance between the palisades and the base of
+the rocks, some forty or fifty yards, which was entirely uncovered, and
+had to be passed under the notice of any wandering eyes that might happen
+to be turned in that quarter. After much reflection, the captain and
+serjeant came to the conclusion to adopt the following mode of proceeding.</p>
+
+<p>Blodget passed the hole, by himself, unarmed, rolling down the declivity
+until he reached the stream. Here a thicket concealed him sufficiently,
+the bushes extending along the base of the rocks, following the curvature
+of the rivulet. Once within these bushes, there was little danger of
+detection. As soon as it was ascertained that the young man was beneath
+the most eastern of the outer windows of the northern wing, the only one
+of the entire range that had bushes directly under it, all the rifles were
+lowered down to him, two at a time, care being had that no one should
+appear at the window during the operation. This was easily effected, jerks
+of the rope sufficing for the necessary signals to haul in the line. The
+ammunition succeeded; and in this manner, all the materials of offence
+and defence were soon collected on the margin of the stream.</p>
+
+<p>The next step was to send the men out, one by one, imitating the
+precautions taken by Blodget. Each individual had his own provisions, and
+most of the men carried some sort of arms, such as a pistol, or a knife,
+about his person. In half an hour the four men were armed, and waited for
+the leader, concealed by the bushes on the border of the brook. It only
+remained for captain Willoughby to give some instructions to those he left
+in the Hut, and to follow.</p>
+
+<p>Pliny the elder, in virtue of his years, and some experience in Indian
+warfare, succeeded to the command of the garrison, in the absence of its
+chief. Had there remained a male white at the Knoll, this trust never
+could have devolved on him, it being thought contrary to the laws of
+nature for a negro to command one of the other colour; but such was not
+the fact, and Pliny the elder succeeded pretty much as a matter of course.
+Notwithstanding, he was to obey not only his particular <i>old</i> mistress,
+but both his <i>young</i> mistresses, who exercised an authority over him that
+was not to be disputed, without doing violence to all the received notions
+of the day. To him, then, the captain issued his final orders, bidding him
+be vigilant, and above all to keep the gates closed.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as this was done, the husband and father went to his wife and
+children to take a last embrace. Anxious not to excite too strong
+apprehensions by his manner, this was done affectionately--solemnly,
+perhaps--but with a manner so guarded as to effect his object.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall look for no other signal, or sign of success, Hugh," said the
+weeping wife, "than your own return, accompanied by our dearest boy. When
+I can hold you both in my arms, I shall be happy, though all the Indians
+of the continent were in the valley."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not miscalculate as to time, Wilhelmina. That affectionate heart of
+yours sometimes travels over time and space in a way to give its owner
+unnecessary pain. Remember we shall have to proceed with great caution,
+both in going and returning; and it will require hours to make the
+<i>d&ecirc;tour</i> I have in view. I hope to see you again before sunset, but a
+delay may carry us into the night. It may even become necessary to defer
+the final push until after dark."</p>
+
+<p>This was melancholy intelligence for the females; but they listened to it
+with calmness, and endeavoured to be, as well as to seem, resigned. Beulah
+received her father's kiss and blessing with streaming eyes, straining
+little Evert to her heart as he left her. Maud was the last embraced, He
+even led her, by gentle violence, to the court, keeping her in discourse
+by the way, exhorting her to support her mother's spirits by her own sense
+and steadiness.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall have Bob in the Hut, soon," he added, "and this will repay us all
+for more than twice the risks--all but you, little vixen; for your mother
+tells me you are getting, through some caprice of that variable humour of
+your sex, to be a little estranged from the poor fellow."</p>
+
+<p>"Father!"</p>
+
+<p>"O! I know it is not very serious still, even Beulah tells me you once
+called him a Major of Foot."</p>
+
+<p>"Did I?" said Maud, trembling in her whole frame lest her secret had been
+prematurely betrayed by the very attempt to conceal it. "My tongue is not
+always my heart."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, darling, unless where I am concerned. Treat the son as you
+will, Maud, I am certain that you will always love the father." A pressure
+to the heart, and kisses on the forehead, eyes, and cheeks followed. "You
+have all your own papers, Maud, and can easily understand your own
+affairs. When examined into, it will be seen that every shilling of your
+fortune has gone to increase it; and, little hussy, you are now become
+something like a great heiress."</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean, dearest, dearest father? Your words frighten me!"</p>
+
+<p>"They should not, love. Danger is never increased by being prepared to
+meet it. I have been a steward, and wish it to be known that the duty has
+not been unfaithfully discharged. That is all. A hundred-fold am I repaid
+by possessing so dutiful and sweet a child."</p>
+
+<p>Maud fell on her father's bosom and sobbed. Never before had he made so
+plain allusions to the true relations which existed between them; the
+papers she possessed having spoken for themselves, and having been given
+in silence. Nevertheless, as he appeared disposed to proceed no further,
+at present, the poor girl struggled to command herself, succeeded in part,
+rose, received her father's benediction, most solemnly and tenderly
+delivered, and saw him depart, with an air of calmness that subsequently
+astonished even herself.</p>
+
+<p>We must now quit the interesting group that was left behind in the Hut,
+and accompany the adventurers in their march.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby was obliged to imitate his men, in the mode of quitting
+the palisades. He had dressed himself in the American hunting-shirt and
+trowsers for the occasion, and, this being an attire he now rarely used,
+it greatly diminished the chances of his being recognised, if seen. Joyce
+was in a similar garb, though neither Jamie nor Mike could ever be
+persuaded to assume a style that both insisted so much resembled that of
+the Indians. As for Blodget, he was in the usual dress of a labourer.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he had reached the bottom of the cliff, the captain let the
+fact be known to Old Pliny, by using his voice with caution, though
+sufficiently loud to be heard on the staging of the roof, directly above
+his head. The black had been instructed to watch Joel and his companions,
+in order to ascertain if they betrayed, in their movements, any
+consciousness of what was in progress at the Hut. The report was
+favourable, Pliny assuring his master that "all 'e men work, sir, just as
+afore. Joel hammer away at plough-handle, tinkerin' just like heself. Not
+an eye turn dis away, massa."</p>
+
+<p>Encouraged by this assurance, the whole party stole through the bushes,
+that lined this part of the base of the cliffs, until they entered the bed
+of the stream. It was September, and the water was so low, as to enable
+the party to move along the margin of the rivulet dry-shod, occasionally
+stepping from stone to stone. The latter expedient, indeed, was adopted
+wherever circumstances allowed, with a view to leave as few traces of a
+trail as was practicable. Otherwise the cover was complete; the winding of
+the rivulet preventing any distant view through its little reaches, and
+the thick fringe of the bushes on each bank, effectually concealing the
+men against any passing, lateral, glimpse of their movements.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby had, from the first, apprehended an assault from this
+quarter. The house, in its elevation, however, possessed an advantage that
+would not be enjoyed by an enemy on the ground; and, then, the cliff
+offered very serious obstacles to anything like a surprise on that portion
+of the defences. Notwithstanding, he now led his men, keeping a look
+riveted on the narrow lane in his front, far from certain that each turn
+might not bring him in presence of an advancing party of the enemy. No
+such unpleasant encounter occurred; and the margin of the forest was
+gained, without any appearance of the foe, and seemingly without
+discovery.</p>
+
+<p>Just within the cover of the woods, a short reach of the rivulet lay
+fairly in sight, from the rear wing of the dwellings. It formed a
+beautiful object in the view; the ardent and tasteful Maud having sketched
+the silvery ribbon of water, as it was seen retiring within the recesses
+of the forest, and often calling upon others to admire its loveliness and
+picturesque effect. Here the captain halted, and made a signal to Old
+Pliny, to let him know he waited for an answer. The reply was favourable,
+the negro showing the sign that all was still well. This was no sooner
+done, than the faithful old black hurried down to his mistress, to
+communicate the intelligence that the party was safely in the forest;
+while the adventurers turned, ascended the bank of the stream, and pursued
+their way on more solid ground.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby and his men were now fairly engaged in the expedition,
+and every soul of them felt the importance and gravity of the duty he was
+on. Even Mike was fain to obey the order to be silent, as the sound of a
+voice, indiscreetly used, might betray the passage of the party to some
+outlying scouts of the enemy. Caution was even used in treading on dried
+sticks, lest their cracking should produce the same effect.</p>
+
+<p>The sound of the axe was heard in the rear of the cabins coming from a
+piece of woodland the captain had ordered cleared, with the double view of
+obtaining fuel, and of increasing his orchards. This little clearing was
+near a quarter of a mile from the flats, the plan being, still to retain a
+belt of forest round the latter; and it might have covered half-a-dozen
+acres of land, having now been used four or five years for the same
+purpose. To pass between this clearing and the cabins would have been too
+hazardous, and it became necessary to direct the march in a way to turn
+the former.</p>
+
+<p>The cow-paths answered as guides for quite a mile, Mike being thoroughly
+acquainted with all their sinuosities. The captain and serjeant, however,
+each carried a pocket compass, an instrument without which few ventured
+far into the forests. Then the blows of the axes served as sounds to let
+the adventurers know their relative position, and, as they circled the
+place whence they issued, they gave the constant assurance of their own
+progress, and probable security.</p>
+
+<p>The reader will probably comprehend the nature of the ground over which
+our party was now marching. The 'flats' proper, or the site of the old
+Beaver Dam, have already been described. The valley, towards the south,
+terminated at the rocks of the mill, changing its character below that
+point, to a glen, or vast ravine. On the east were mountains of
+considerable height, and of unlimited range; to the north, the level land
+extended miles, though on a platform many feet higher than the level of
+the cleared meadows; while, to the west, along the route the adventurers
+were marching, broad slopes of rolling forest spread their richly-wooded
+surfaces, filled with fair promise for the future. The highest swell of
+this undulating forest was that nearest to the Hut, and it was its
+elevation only that gave the home-scene the character of a valley.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby's object was to gain the summit of this first ridge of
+land, which would serve as a guide to his object, since it terminated at
+the line of rocks that made the water-fall, quite a mile, however, in the
+rear of the mills. It would carry him also quite beyond the clearing of
+the wood-choppers, and be effectually turning the whole of the enemy's
+position. Once at the precipitous termination caused by the face of rock
+that had been thrown to the surface by some geological phenomenon, he
+could not miss his way, since these rugged marks must of themselves lead
+him directly to the station known to be occupied by the body of his foes.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour served to reach the desired ridge, when the party changed
+its march, pursuing a direction nearly south, along its summit.</p>
+
+<p>"Those axes sound nearer and nearer, serjeant," Captain Willoughby
+observed, after the march had lasted a long time in profound silence. "We
+must be coming up near the point where the men are at work."</p>
+
+<p>"Does your honour reflect at all on the reason why these fellows are so
+particularly industrious in a time like this?--To me it has a very
+ambuscadish sort of look!"</p>
+
+<p>"It cannot be connected with an ambuscade, Joyce, inasmuch as we are not
+supposed to be on a march. There can be no ambuscade, you will remember,
+practised on a garrison."</p>
+
+<p>"I ask your honour's pardon--may not a sortie be ambushed, as well as a
+march?"</p>
+
+<p>"In that sense, perhaps, you may be right. And, now you mention it, I
+think it odd there should be so much industry at wood-chopping, in a
+moment like this. We will halt as soon as the sounds are fairly abreast of
+us, when you and I can reconnoitre the men, and ascertain the appearance
+of things for ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember, sir, when your honour led out two companies of ours, with one
+of the Royal Irish, a major's command, of good rights, to observe the left
+flank of the French, the evening before we stormed the enemy's works at
+Ty--"</p>
+
+<p>"Your memory is beginning to fail you, Joyce," interrupted the captain,
+smiling. "We were far from storming those works, having lost two thousand
+men before them, and failed of seeing their inside at all."</p>
+
+<p>"I always look upon a soldierly attempt, your honour, the same as a thing
+that is done. A more gallant stand than we made I never witnessed; and,
+though we were driven back, I will allow, yet I call that assault as good
+as storming!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, have it your own way, Joyce.--The morning before your storming, I
+remember to have led out three companies; though it was more in advance,
+than on either flank. The object was to unmask a suspected ambush."</p>
+
+<p>"That's just what I wanted to be at, your honour. The general sent you, as
+an old captain, with three companies, to spring the trap, before he
+should put his own foot into it."</p>
+
+<p>"He certainly did--and the movement had the desired effect."</p>
+
+<p>"Better and better, sir.--I remember we were fired on, and lost some ten
+or fifteen men, but I would not presume to say whether the march succeeded
+or not; for nothing was said of the affair, next day, in general orders,
+sir--"</p>
+
+<p>"Next day we had other matters to occupy our minds. It was a bloody and a
+mournful occasion for England and her colonies."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, your honour, that does not affect our movement, which, you say,
+yourself, was useful."</p>
+
+<p>"Very true, Joyce, though the great calamity of the succeeding day
+prevented the little success of the preceding morning from being mentioned
+in general orders. But to what does all this tend; as I know it must lead
+to something?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was merely meant as a respectful hint, your honour, that the inferior
+should be sent out, now, according to our own ancient rules, to
+reconn'itre the clearing, while the commander-in-chief remain with the
+main body, to cover the retreat."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, serjeant, and shall not fail to employ you, on all proper
+occasions. At present, it is my intention that we go together, leaving the
+men to take breath, in a suitable cover."</p>
+
+<p>This satisfied Joyce, who was content to wait for orders. As soon as the
+sounds of the axes showed that the party were far enough in advance, and
+the formation of the land assured the captain that he was precisely where
+he wished to be, the men were halted, and left secreted in a cover made by
+the top of a fallen tree. This precaution was taken, lest any wandering
+savage might get a glimpse of their persons, if they stood lounging about
+in the more open forest, during the captain's absence.</p>
+
+<p>This disposition made, the captain and serjeant, first examining the
+priming of their pieces, moved with the necessary caution towards the edge
+of the wood-chopper's clearing. The axe was a sufficient guide, and ere
+they had proceeded far the light began to shine through the trees, proof
+in itself that they were approaching an opening in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us incline to the left, your honour," said Joyce, respectfully;
+"there is a naked rock hereabouts, that completely overlooks the clearing,
+and where we can get even a peep at the Hut. I have often sat on it, when
+out with the gun, and wearied; for the next thing to being at home, is to
+see home."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember the place, serjeant, and like your suggestion," answered the
+captain, with an eagerness that it was very unusual for him to betray. "I
+could march with a lighter heart, after getting another look at the Knoll,
+and being certain of its security."</p>
+
+<p>The parties being both of a mind, it is not surprising that each looked
+eagerly for the spot in question. It was an isolated rock that rose some
+fifteen or twenty feet above the surface of the ground, having a width and
+depth about double its height--one of those common excrescences of the
+forest that usually possess interest for no one but the geologist. Such an
+object was not difficult to find in an open wood, and the search was soon
+rewarded by a discovery. Bending their steps that way, our two soldiers
+were quickly at its base. As is usual, the summit of this fragment of rock
+was covered with bushes; others shooting out, also, from the rich, warm
+earth at its base, or, to speak more properly, at its junction with the
+earth.</p>
+
+<p>Joyce ascended first, leaving his rifle in the captain's charge. The
+latter followed, after having passed up his own and his companion's arms;
+neither being disposed to stir without having these important auxiliaries
+at command. Once on the rock, both moved cautiously to its eastern brow,
+care being had not to go beyond the cover. Here they stood, side by side,
+gazing on the scene that was outspread before them, through openings in
+the bushes.</p>
+
+<p>To the captain's astonishment, he found himself within half musket shot of
+the bulk of the hostile party. A regular bivouac had been formed round a
+spring in the centre of the clearing, and bodies of trees had been thrown
+together, so as to form a species of work which was rudely, but
+effectually abbatied by the branches. In a word, one of those strong,
+rough forest encampments had been made, which are so difficult to carry
+without artillery, more especially if well defended. By being placed in
+the centre of the clearing, an assault could not be made without
+expensing the assailants, and the spring always assured to the garrison
+the great requisite, water.</p>
+
+<p>There was a method and order in this arrangement that surprised both our
+old soldiers. That Indians had resorted to this expedient, neither
+believed; nor would the careless, untaught and inexperienced whites of the
+Mohawk be apt to adopt it, without a suggestion from some person
+acquainted with the usages of frontier warfare. Such persons were not
+difficult to find, it is true; and it was a proof that those claiming to
+be in authority, rightfully or not, were present.</p>
+
+<p>There was something unlooked for, also, in the manner in which the party
+of strangers were lounging about, at a moment like that, seemingly doing
+nothing, or preparing for no service. Joyce, who was a man of method, and
+was accustomed to telling off troops, counted no less than forty-nine of
+these idlers, most of whom were lounging near the log entrenchment, though
+a few were sauntering about the clearing, conversing with the
+wood-choppers, or making their observations listlessly, and seemingly
+without any precise object in view.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the most extr'or'nary sight, for a military expedition, I have
+ever seen, your honour," whispered Joyce, after the two had stood
+examining the position for quite a minute in silence. "A tolerable good
+log breast-work, I will allow, sir, and men enough to make it good against
+a sharp assault; but nothing like a guard, and not so much as a single
+sentinel. This is an affront to the art. Captain Willoughby; and it is
+such an affront to us, that I feel certain we might carry the post by
+surprise, if all felt the insult as I do myself."</p>
+
+<p>"This is no time for rash acts or excited feelings, Joyce. Though, were my
+gallant boy with us, I do think we might make a push at these fellows,
+with very reasonable chances of success."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your honour, and without him, too. A close fire, three cheers, and a
+vigorous charge would drive every one of the rascals into the woods!"</p>
+
+<p>"Where they would rally, become the assailants in their turn, surround us,
+and either compel us to surrender, or starve us out. At all events,
+nothing of the sort must be undertaken until we have carried out the plan
+for the rescue of Major Willoughby. My hopes of success are greatly
+increased since I find the enemy has his principal post up here, where he
+must be a long half-mile from the mill, even in a straight line. You have
+counted the enemy?"</p>
+
+<p>"There are just forty-nine of them in sight, and I should think some eight
+or ten more sleeping about under the logs, as I occasionally discover a
+new one raising his head.--Look, sir, does your honour see that
+manoeuvre?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do I see what, serjeant?--There is no visible change that I discover."</p>
+
+<p>"Only an Indian chopping wood, Captain Willoughby which is some such
+miracle as a white man painting."</p>
+
+<p>The reader will have understood that all the hostile party that was
+lounging about this clearing were in Indian guise, with faces and hands of
+the well-known reddish colour that marks the American aborigines. The two
+soldiers could discover many evidences that there was deception in these
+appearances, though they thought it quite probable that real red men were
+mingled with the pale-faces. But, so little did the invaders respect the
+necessity of appearances in their present position, that one of these
+seeming savages had actually mounted a log, taken the axe from the hands
+of its owner, and begun to chop, with a vigour and skill that soon threw
+off chips in a way that no man can successfully imitate but the expert
+axe-man of the American interior.</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty well that, sir, for a red-skin," said Joyce, smiling "If there
+isn't white blood, ay, and Yankee blood in that chap's arm, I'll give him
+some of my own to help colour it. Step this way, your honour--only a foot
+or two--there, sir; by looking through the opening just above the spot
+where that very make-believe Injin is scattering his chips as if they were
+so many kernels of corn that he was tossing to the chickens, you will get
+a sight of the Hut."</p>
+
+<p>The fact was so. By altering his own position a little on the rock,
+Captain Willoughby got a full view of the entire buildings of the Knoll.
+It is true, he could not see the lawn without the works, nor quite all of
+the stockade, but the whole of the western wing, or an entire side-view of
+the dwellings, was obtained. Everything seemed as tranquil and secure, in
+and around them, as if they vegetated in a sabbath in the wilderness.
+There was something imposing even, in the solemn silence of their air, and
+the captain now saw that if he had been struck, and rendered uneasy by the
+mystery that accompanied the inaction and quiet of his invaders, they, in
+their turns, might experience some such sensations as they gazed on the
+repose of the Hut, and the apparent security of its garrison. But for
+Joel's desertion, indeed, and the information he had carried with him,
+there could be little doubt that the stranger must have felt the influence
+of such doubts to a very material extent. Alas! as things were, it was not
+probable they could be long imposed on, by any seeming calm.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Willoughby felt a reluctance to tear himself away from the
+spectacle of that dwelling which contained so many that were dear to him.
+Even Joyce gazed at the house with pleasure, for it had been his quarters,
+now, so many years, and he had looked forward to the time when he should
+breathe his last in it. Connected with his old commander by a tie that was
+inseparable, so far as human wishes could control human events, it was
+impossible that the serjeant could go from the place where they had left
+so many precious beings almost in the keeping of Providence, at a moment
+like that, altogether without emotion. While each was thus occupied in
+mind, there was a perfect stillness. The men of the party had been so far
+drilled, as to speak in low voices, and nothing they said was audible on
+the rock. The axes alone broke the silence of the woods, and to ears so
+accustomed to their blows, they offered no intrusion. In the midst of this
+eloquent calm, the bushes of the rock rustled, as it might be with the
+passage of a squirrel, or a serpent. Of the last the country had but few,
+and they of the most innocent kind, while the former abounded. Captain
+Willoughby turned, expecting to see one of these little restless beings,
+when his gaze encountered a swarthy face, and two glowing eyes, almost
+within reach of his arm. That this was a real Indian was beyond dispute,
+and the crisis admitting of no delay, the old officer drew a dirk, and had
+already raised his arm to strike, when Joyce arrested the blow.</p>
+
+<p>"This is Nick, your honour;" said the serjeant, inquiringly--"is he
+friend, or foe?"</p>
+
+<p>"What says he himself?" answered the captain, lowering his hand in doubt.
+"Let him speak to his own character."</p>
+
+<p>Nick now advanced and stood calmly and fearlessly at the side of the two
+white men. Still there was ferocity in his look, and an indecision in his
+movements. He certainly might betray the adventurers at any instant, and
+they felt all the insecurity of their situation. But accident had brought
+Nick directly in front of the opening through which was obtained the view
+of the Hut. In turning from one to the other of the two soldiers, his
+quick eye took in this glimpse of the buildings, and it became riveted
+there as by the charm of fascination. Gradually the ferocity left his
+countenance, which grew human and soft.</p>
+
+<p>"Squaw in wigwam"--said the Tuscarora, throwing forward a hand with its
+fore-finger pointing towards the house. "Ole squaw--young squaw. Good.
+Wyandott&eacute; sick, she cure him. Blood in Injin body; thick blood--nebber
+forget good--nebber forget bad."</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch25">
+<h2>Chapter XXV.</h2>
+
+<p>
+
+  "Every stride--every stamp,
+  Every footfall is bolder;
+  'Tis a skeleton's tramp,
+  With a skull on its shoulder!
+  But ho, how he steps
+  With a high-tossing head,
+  That clay-covered bone,
+  Going down to the dead!"</p>
+
+<p>  Coxe.</p>
+
+<p>
+Nick's countenance was a fair index to his mind; nor were his words
+intended to deceive. Never did Wyandott&eacute; forget the good, or evil, that
+was done him. After looking intently, a short time, at the Hut, he turned
+and abruptly demanded of his companions,--</p>
+
+<p>"Why come here? Like to see enemy between you and wigwam?"</p>
+
+<p>As all Nick said was uttered in a guarded tone, as if he fully entered
+into the necessity of remaining concealed from those who were in such a
+dangerous vicinity, it served to inspire confidence, inducing the two
+soldiers to believe him disposed to serve them.</p>
+
+<p>"Am I to trust in you as a friend?" demanded the captain, looking the
+Indian steadily in the eye.</p>
+
+<p>"Why won't trust? Nick no hero--gone away--Nick nebber come
+ag'in--Wyandott&eacute; hero--who no trust Wyandott&eacute;? Yengeese always trust great
+chief."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall take you at your word, Wyandott&eacute;, and tell you everything, hoping
+to make an ally of you. But, first explain to me, why you left the Hut,
+last night--friends do not desert friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Why leave wigwam?--Because wanted to. Wyandott&eacute; come when he want; go
+when he want. Nick go too.--Went to see son--come back; tell story; eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it has happened much as you say, and I am willing to think it all
+occurred with the best motives. Can you tell me anything of Joel, and the
+others who have left me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why tell?--Cap'in look; he see. Some chop--some plough--some weed--some
+dig ditch. All like ole time Bury hatchet--tired of war-path--why cap'in
+ask?"</p>
+
+<p>"I see all you tell me. You know, then, that those fellows have made
+friends with the hostile party?"</p>
+
+<p>"No need know--see. Look--Injin chop, pale-face look on! Call that war?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do see that which satisfies me the men in paint yonder are not all red
+men."</p>
+
+<p>"No--cap'in right--tell him so at wigwam. But dat
+Mohawk--dog--rascal--Nick's enemy!"</p>
+
+<p>This was said with a gleam of fierceness shooting across the swarthy face,
+and a menacing gesture of the hand, in the direction of a real savage who
+was standing indolently leaning against a tree, at a distance so small as
+to allow those on the rock to distinguish his features. The vacant
+expression of this man's countenance plainly denoted that he was totally
+unconscious of the vicinity of danger. It expressed the listless vacancy
+of an Indian in a state of perfect rest--his stomach full, his body at
+ease, his mind peaceful.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought Nick was not here," the captain quietly observed, smiling on
+the Tuscarora a little ironically.</p>
+
+<p>"Cap'in right--Nick no here. Well for dog 'tis so. Too mean for Wyandott&eacute;
+to touch. What cap'in come for? Eh! Better tell chief--get council widout
+lightin' fire."</p>
+
+<p>"As I see no use in concealing my plan from you, Wyandott&eacute;,"--Nick seemed
+pleased whenever this name was pronounced by others--"I shall tell it you,
+freely. Still, you have more to relate to me. Why are <i>you</i> here?--And how
+came you to discover us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Follow trail--know cap'in foot--know serjeant foot--know Mike foot--see
+so many foot, follow him. Leave so many" holding up three fingers "in
+bushes--so many" holding up two fingers "come here. Foot tell <i>which</i> come
+here--Wyandott&eacute; chief--he follow chief."</p>
+
+<p>"When did you first strike, or see our trail, Tuscarora?"</p>
+
+<p>"Up here--down yonder--over dere." Captain Willoughby understood this to
+mean, that the Indian had crossed the trail, or seen it in several places.
+"Plenty trail; plenty foot to tell all about it. Wyandott&eacute; see foot of
+friend--why he don't follow, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hope this is all so, old warrior, and that you will prove yourself a
+friend indeed. We are out in the hope of liberating my son, and we came
+here to see what our enemies are about."</p>
+
+<p>The Tuscarora's eyes were like two inquisitors, as he listened; but he
+seemed satisfied that the truth was told him. Assuming an air of interest,
+he inquired if the captain knew where the major was confined. A few words
+explained everything, and the parties soon understood each other.</p>
+
+<p>"Cap'in right," observed Nick. "Son in cupboard still; but plenty warrior
+hear, to keep eye on him."</p>
+
+<p>"You know his position, Wyandott&eacute;, and can aid us materially, if you will.
+What say you, chief; will you take service, once more, under your old
+commander?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who <i>he</i> sarve--King George--Congress--eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Neither. I am neutral, Tuscarora, in the present quarrel. I only defend
+myself, and the rights which the laws assure to me, let whichever party
+govern, that may."</p>
+
+<p>"Dat bad. Nebber neutral in hot war. Get rob from bot' side. Alway be one
+or t'oder, cap'in."</p>
+
+<p>"You may be right, Nicholas, but a conscientious man may think neither
+wholly right, nor wholly wrong. I wish never to lift the hatchet, unless
+my quarrel be just."</p>
+
+<p>"Injin no understand <i>dat</i>. Throw hatchet at <i>enemy</i>--what matter what he
+say--good t'ing, bad t'ing. He <i>enemy</i>--dat enough. Take scalp from
+<i>enemy</i>--don't touch <i>friend</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"That may do for <i>your</i> mode of warfare, Tuscarora, but It will hardly do
+for <i>mine</i>. I must feel that I have right of my side, before I am willing
+to take life."</p>
+
+<p>"Cap'in always talk so, eh? When he soldier, and general say shoot ten,
+forty, t'ousand Frenchmen, den he say; stop, general--no hurry--let cap'in
+t'ink.' Bye'm-by he'll go and take scalp; eh!"</p>
+
+<p>It exceeded our old soldier's self-command not to permit the blood to rush
+into his face, at this home-thrust; for he felt the cunning of the Indian
+had involved him in a seeming contradiction.</p>
+
+<p>"That was when I was in the army, Wyandott&eacute;," he answered, notwithstanding
+his confusion, "when my first, and highest duty, was to obey the orders
+of my superiors. Then I acted as a soldier; now, I hope to act as a man."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Indian chief alway in army. Always high duty, and obey
+superior--obey Manitou, and take scalp from enemy. War-path alway open,
+when enemy at t'other end."</p>
+
+<p>"This is no place to discuss such questions, chief; nor have we the time.
+Do you go with us?"</p>
+
+<p>Nick nodded an assent, and signed for the other to quit the rocks. The
+captain hesitated a moment, during which he stood intently studying the
+scene in the clearing.</p>
+
+<p>"What say you, Tuscarora; the serjeant has proposed assaulting that
+breast-work?"</p>
+
+<p>"No good, cap'in. You fire, halloo, rush on--well, kill four, six,
+two--rest run away. Injin down at mill hear rifle; follow smoke--where
+major, den? Get major, first--t'ink about enemy afterwards."</p>
+
+<p>As Nick said this, he repeated the gesture to descend; and he was obeyed
+in silence. The captain now led the way back to his party; and soon
+rejoined it. All were glad to see Nick, for he was known to have a sure
+rifle; to be fearless as the turkey-cock; and to possess a sagacity in
+the woods, that frequently amounted to a species of intuition.</p>
+
+<p>"Who lead, cap'in or Injin?" asked the Tuscarora, in his sententious
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Och, Nick, ye're a cr'ature!" muttered Mike. "Divil bur-r-rn me, Jamie,
+but I t'inks the fallie would crass the very three-tops, rather than miss
+the majjor's habitation."</p>
+
+<p>"Not a syllable must be uttered," said the captain, raising a hand in
+remonstrance. "I will lead, and Wyandott&eacute; will march by my side, and give
+me his council, in whispers. Joyce will bring up the rear. Blodget, you
+will keep a sharp look-out to the left, while Jamie will do the same to
+the right. As we approach the mills, stragglers may be met in the woods,
+and our march must be conducted with the greatest caution. Now follow, and
+be silent."</p>
+
+<p>The captain and Nick led, and the whole party followed, observing the
+silence which had been enjoined on them. The usual manner of marching on a
+war-path, in the woods, was for the men to follow each other singly; an
+order that has obtained the name of 'Indian file,' the object being to
+diminish the trail, and conceal the force of the expedition, by each man
+treading in his leader's footsteps. On the present occasion, however, the
+captain induced Nick to walk at his side, feeling an uneasiness on the
+subject of the Tuscarora's fidelity that he could not entirely conquer.
+The pretext given was very different, as the reader will suppose. By
+seeing the print of a moccasin in company with that of a boot, any
+straggler that crossed the trail might be led to suppose it had been left
+by the passage of a party from the clearing or the mill. Nick quietly
+assented to this reasoning, and fell in by the side of the captain without
+remonstrance.</p>
+
+<p>Vigilant eyes were kept on all sides of the line of march, though it, was
+hoped and believed that the adventurers had struck upon a route too far
+west to be exposed to interruption. A quarter of a mile nearer to the
+flats might have brought them within the range of stragglers; but,
+following the summit of the ridge, there was a certain security in the
+indolence which would be apt to prevent mere idlers from sauntering up an
+ascent. At all events, no interruption occurred, the party reaching in
+safety the rocks that were a continuation of the range which formed the
+precipice at the falls--the sign that they had gone far enough to the
+south. At this period, the precipice was nearly lost in the rising of the
+lower land, but its margin was sufficiently distinct to form a good mask.</p>
+
+<p>Descending to the plateau beneath, the captain and Nick now inclined to
+the east, the intention being to come in upon the mills from the rear. As
+the buildings lay in the ravine, this could only be done by making a rapid
+descent immediately in their vicinity; a formation of the ground that
+rendered the march, until within pistol-shot of its termination,
+reasonably secure. Nick also assured his companions that he had several
+times traversed this very plateau, and that he had met no signs of
+footsteps on it; from which he inferred that the invaders had not taken
+the trouble to ascend the rugged cliffs that bounded the western side of
+the glen.</p>
+
+<p>The approach to the summit of the cliff was made with caution, though the
+left flank of the adventurers was well protected by the abrupt descent
+they had already made from the terrace above. This left little more than
+the right flank and the front to be watched, the falling away of the land
+forming, also, a species of cover for the rear. It is not surprising,
+then, that the verge of the ravine or glen was attained, and no discovery
+was made. The spot being favourable, the captain immediately led down a
+winding path, that was densely fringed with bushes, towards the level of
+the buildings.</p>
+
+<p>The glen of the mills was very narrow; so much so, as barely to leave
+sites for the buildings themselves, and three or four cabins for the
+workmen. The mills were placed in advance, as near as possible to the
+course of the water; while the habitations of the workmen were perched on
+shelves of the rocks, or such level bits of bottom-land as offered. Owing
+to this last circumstance, the house of Daniel the miller, or that in
+which it was supposed the major was still confined, stood by itself, and
+fortunately, at the very foot of the path by which the adventurers were
+descending. All this was favourable, and had been taken into the account
+as a material advantage, by Captain Willoughby when he originally
+conceived the plan of the present sortie.</p>
+
+<p>When the chimney of the cabin was visible over the bushes, Captain
+Willoughby halted his party, and repeated his instruction to Joyce, in a
+voice very little raised above a whisper; The serjeant was ordered to
+remain in his present position, until he received a signal to advance. As
+for the captain, himself, he intended to descend as near as might be to
+the buttery of the cabin, and reconnoitre, before he gave the final order.
+This buttery was in a lean-to, as a small addition to the original
+building was called in the parlance of the country; and, the object being
+shade and coolness, on account of the milk with which it was usually well
+stored at this season of the year, it projected back to the very cliff,
+where it was half hid in bushes and young trees. It had but a single small
+window, that was barred with wood to keep out cats, and such wild vermin
+as affected milk, nor was it either lathed or plastered; these two last
+being luxuries not often known in the log tenements of the frontier. Still
+it was of solid logs, chinked in with mortar, and made a very effectual
+prison, with the door properly guarded; the captive being deprived of
+edged tools. All this was also known to the father, when he set forth to
+effect the liberation of his son, and, like the positions of the buildings
+themselves, had been well weighed in his estimate of the probabilities and
+chances.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as his orders were given, Captain Willoughby proceeded down the
+path, accompanied only by Nick. He had announced his intention to send the
+Tuscarora ahead to reconnoitre, then to force himself among the bushes
+between the lean-to and the rocks, and there to open a communication with
+the major through the chinks of the logs After receiving Nick's
+intelligence, his plan was to be governed by circumstances, and to act
+accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>"God bless you, Joyce," said the captain, squeezing the Serjeant's hand as
+he was on the point of descending. "We are on ticklish service, and
+require all our wits about us. If anything happen to me, remember that my
+wife and daughter will mainly depend on you for protection."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall consider that as your honour's orders, sir, and no more need be
+said to me, Captain Willoughby."</p>
+
+<p>The captain smiled on his old follower, and Joyce thought that never had
+he seen the fine manly face of his superior beam with a calmer, or sweeter
+expression, than it did as he returned his own pressure of the hand. The
+two adventurers were both careful, and their descent was noiseless. The
+men above listened, in breathless silence, but the stealthy approach of
+the cat upon the bird could not have been more still, than that, of these
+two experienced warriors.</p>
+
+<p>The place where Joyce was left with the men, might have been fifty feet
+above the roof of the cabin, and almost perpendicularly over the narrow
+vacancy that was known to exist between the rocks and the lean-to. Still
+the bushes and trees were so thick as to prevent the smallest glimpse at
+objects below, had the shape of the cliff allowed it, while they even
+intercepted sounds. Joyce fancied, nevertheless, that he heard the
+rustling bushes, as the captain forced his way into the narrow space he
+was to occupy, and he augured well of the fact, since it proved that no
+opposition had been encountered. Half an hour of forest silence followed,
+that was only interrupted by the tumbling of the waters over the natural
+dam. At the end of that weary period, a shout was heard in front of the
+mills, and the party raised their pieces, in a vague apprehension that
+some discovery had been made that was about to bring on a crisis. Nothing
+further occurred, however, to confirm this impression, and an occasional
+burst of laughter, that evidently came from white men, rather served to
+allay the apprehension.</p>
+
+<p>Another half-hour passed, during which no interruption was heard. By this
+time Joyce became uneasy, a state of things having arrived for which no
+provision had been made in his instructions. He was about to leave his
+command under the charge of Jamie, and descend himself to reconnoitre,
+when a footstep was heard coming up the path. Nothing but the deep
+attention, and breathless stillness of the men could have rendered the
+sound of a tread so nearly noiseless, audible; but heard it was, at a
+moment when every sense was wrought up to its greatest powers. Rifles were
+lowered, in readiness to receive assailants, but each was raised again, as
+Nick came slowly into view. The Tuscarora was calm in manner, as if no
+incident had occurred to disconcert the arrangement, though his eyes
+glanced around him, like those of a man who searched for an absent person.</p>
+
+<p>"Where cap'in?--Where major?" Nick asked, as soon as his glance had taken
+in the faces of all present.</p>
+
+<p>"We must ask that of you, Nick," returned Joyce. "We have not seen the
+captain, nor had any orders from him, since he left us."</p>
+
+<p>This answer seemed to cause the Indian more surprise than it was usual for
+him to betray, and he pondered a moment in obvious uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't stay here, alway," he muttered. "Best go see. Bye'm-by trouble
+come; then, too late."</p>
+
+<p>The serjeant was greatly averse to moving without orders. He had his
+instructions how to act in every probable contingency, but none that
+covered the case of absolute inaction on the part of those below.
+Nevertheless, twice the time necessary to bring things to issue had gone
+by, and neither signal, shot, nor alarm had reached his ears.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know anything of the major, Nick?" the serjeant demanded,
+determined to examine the case thoroughly ere he came to a decision.</p>
+
+<p>"Major dere--see him at door--plenty sentinel. All good--where cap'in?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you leave him?--You can give the last account of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Go in behind cupboard--under rock--plenty bushes--all right--son dere."</p>
+
+<p>"This must be looked to--perhaps his honour has fallen into a fit--such
+things sometimes happen--and a man who is fighting for his own child,
+doesn't feel, Jamie, all the same as one who fights on a general
+principle, as it might be."</p>
+
+<p>"Na--ye 're right, sairjeant J'yce, and ye'll be doing the kind and
+prudent act, to gang doon yersal', and investigate the trainsaction with
+yer ain een."</p>
+
+<p>This Joyce determined to do, directing Nick to accompany him, as a guide.
+The Indian seemed glad to comply, and there was no delay in proceeding. It
+required but a minute to reach the narrow passage between the cliff and
+the lean-to. The bushes were carefully shoved aside, and Joyce entered. He
+soon caught a glimpse of the hunting-shirt, and then he was about to
+withdraw, believing that he was in error, in anticipating orders. But a
+short look at his commander removed all scruples; for he observed that he
+was seated on a projection of the rocks, with his body bowed forward,
+apparently leaning on the logs of the building. This seemed to corroborate
+the thought about a fit, and the serjeant pressed eagerly forward to
+ascertain the truth.</p>
+
+<p>Joyce touched his commander's arm, but no sign of consciousness came from
+the latter. He then raised his body upright, placing the back in a
+reclining attitude against the rocks, and started back himself when he
+caught a glimpse of the death-like hue of the face. At first, the notion
+of the fit was strong with the serjeant; but, in changing his own
+position, he caught a glimpse of a little pool of blood, which at once
+announced that violence had been used.</p>
+
+<p>Although the serjeant was a man of great steadiness of nerves, and
+unchangeable method, he fairly trembled as he ascertained the serious
+condition of his old and well-beloved commander. Notwithstanding, he was
+too much of a soldier to neglect anything that circumstances required. On
+examination, he discovered a deep and fatal wound between two of the ribs,
+which had evidently been inflicted with a common knife. The blow had
+passed into the heart, and Captain Willoughby was, out of all question,
+dead! He had breathed his last, within six feet of his own gallant son,
+who, ignorant of all that passed, was little dreaming of the proximity of
+one so dear to him, as well as of his dire condition.</p>
+
+<p>Joyce was a man of powerful frame, and, at that moment, he felt he was
+master of a giant's strength. First assuring himself of the fact that the
+wounded man had certainly ceased to breathe, he brought the arms over his
+own shoulders, raised the body on his back, and walked from the place,
+with less attention to caution than on entering, but with sufficient care
+to prevent exposure. Nick stood watching his movements with a wondering
+look, and as soon as there was room, he aided in supporting the corpse.</p>
+
+<p>In this manner the two went up the path, bearing their senseless burden. A
+gesture directed the party with Jamie to precede the two who had been
+below, and the serjeant did not pause even to breathe, until he had fairly
+reached the summit of the cliff; then he halted in a place removed from
+the danger of immediate discovery. The body was laid reverently on the
+ground, and Joyce renewed his examination with greater ease and accuracy,
+until perfectly satisfied that the captain must have ceased to breathe,
+nearly an hour.</p>
+
+<p>This was a sad and fearful blow to the whole party. No one, at such a
+moment, thought of inquiring into the manner in which their excellent
+master had received his death-blow; but every thought was bent either on
+the extent of the calamity, or on the means of getting back to the Hut.
+Joyce was the soul of the party. His rugged face assumed a stern,
+commanding expression; but every sign of weakness had disappeared. He gave
+his orders promptly, and the men even started when he spoke, so bent on
+obtaining obedience did he appear to be.</p>
+
+<p>The rifles were converted into a bier, the body was placed upon it, and
+the four men then raised the burthen, and began to retrace their
+footsteps, in melancholy silence. Nick led the way, pointing out the
+difficulties of the path, with a sedulousness of attention, and a
+gentleness of manner, that none present had ever before witnessed in the
+Tuscarora He even appeared to have become woman, to use one of his own
+peculiar expressions.</p>
+
+<p>No one speaking, and all the men working with good will, the retreat,
+notwithstanding the burthen with which it was encumbered, was made with a
+rapidity greatly exceeding the advance. Nick led the way with an unerring
+eye, even selecting better ground than that which the white men had been
+able to find on their march. He had often traversed all the hills, in the
+character of a hunter, and to him the avenues of the forest were as
+familiar as the streets of his native town become to the burgher. He made
+no offer to become one of the bearers; this would have been opposed to his
+habits; but, in all else, the Indian manifested gentleness and solicitude.
+His apprehension seemed to be, and so he expressed it, that the Mohawks
+might get the scalp of the dead man; a disgrace that he seemed as
+solicitous to avoid as Joyce himself; the serjeant, however, keeping in
+view the feelings of the survivors, rather than any notions of military
+pride.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the stern resolution that prevailed among the men, that
+return march was long and weary. The distance, of itself, exceeded two
+miles, and there were the inequalities and obstacles of a forest to oppose
+them. Per severance and strength, however, overcame all difficulties; and,
+at the end of two hours, the party approached the point where it became
+necessary to enter the bed of the rivulet, or expose their sad procession
+by marching in open view of any who might be straggling in the rear of the
+Hut. A species of desperate determination had influenced the men in their
+return march, rendering them reckless of discovery, or its consequences; a
+circumstance that had greatly favoured their object; the adventurous and
+bold frequently encountering fewer difficulties, in the affairs of war,
+than the cautious and timid. But an embarrassment now presented itself
+that was far more difficult to encounter than any which proceeded from
+personal risks. The loving family of the deceased was to be met; a wife
+and daughters apprised of the fearful loss that, in the providence of God,
+had suddenly alighted on their house.</p>
+
+<p>"Lower the body, men, and come to a halt," said Joyce, using the manner of
+authority, though his voice trembled "we must consult together, as to our
+next step."</p>
+
+<p>There was a brief and decent pause, while the party placed the lifeless
+body on the grass, face uppermost, with the limbs laid in order, and
+everything about it, disposed of in a seemliness that betokened profound
+respect for the senseless clay, even after the noble spirit had departed.
+Mike alone could not resist his strong native propensity to talk. The
+honest fellow raised a hand of his late master, and, kissing it with
+strong affection, soliloquized as follows, in a tone that was more rebuked
+by feeling, than any apprehension of consequences.</p>
+
+<p>"Little need had ye of a praist, and extreme unction," he said. "The likes
+of yerself always kapes a clane breast; and the knife that went into yer
+heart found nothing that ye need have been ashamed of! Sorrow come over
+me, but yer lass is as great a one to meself, as if I had tidings of the
+sinking of ould Ireland into the salt say, itself; a thing that niver
+<i>can</i> happen, and niver will happen; no, not even at the last day; as all
+agree the wor-r-ld is to be burned and not drowned. And who'll there be to
+tell this same to the Missus, and Miss Beuly, and phratty Miss Maud, and
+the babby, in the bargain? Divil bur-r-n me, if 't will be Michael
+O'Hearn, who has too much sorrow of his own, to be running about, and
+d'aling it out to other people. Sarjeant, that will be ver own jewty, and
+I pities the man that has to perform it."</p>
+
+<p>"No man will see me shrink from a duty, O'Hearn," said Joyce, stiffly,
+while with the utmost difficulty he kept the tears from breaking out of a
+fountain that had not opened, in this way, for twenty years. "It may bear
+hard on my feelings--I do not say it will <i>not</i>--but duty is duty, and it
+must be done. Corporal Allen, you see the state of things; the commanding
+officer is among the casualties, and nothing would be simpler than our
+course, were it not for Madam Willoughby--God bless her, and have her in
+His holy keeping--and the young ladies. It is proper to deliberate a
+little about <i>them</i>. To you then, as an elderly and experienced man, I
+first apply for an opinion."</p>
+
+<p>"Sorrow's an unwelcome guest, whether it comes expected, or without any
+previous knowledge. The hairts o the widow and fairtherless must be
+stricken, and it's little that a' our consolations and expairiments will
+prevail ag'in the feelin's o' natur'. Pheeloosophy and religion tall us
+that the body's no mair than a clod o' the valley when the speerit has
+fled; but the hairt is unapt to listen to wisdom while the grief is
+fraish, and of the severity of an unlooked-for sairtainty. <i>I</i> see little
+good, therefore, in doing mair than just sending in a messenger, to clear
+the way a little for the arrival of truth, in the form o' death, itsal'."</p>
+
+<p>"I have been thinking of this--will you take the office, Jamie, as a man
+of years and discretion?"</p>
+
+<p>"Na--na--ye'll be doing far better by sending a younger man. Age has
+weakened my memory, and I'll be overlooking some o' the saircumstances in
+a manner that will be unseemly for the occasion. Here is Blodget, a youth
+of ready wit, and limber tongue."</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't do it, mason, to be the owner of ten such properties as this!"
+exclaimed the young Rhode Islander, actually recoiling a step, as if he
+retreated before a dreaded foe.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sairjeant, ye've Michael here, who belangs to a kirk that has so
+little seempathy with protestantism as to lessen the pain o' the office.
+Death is a near ally to religion, and Michael, by taking a religious view
+o' the maither, might bring his hairt into such a condition of
+insensibility as wad give him little to do but to tell what has happened,
+leaving God, in his ain maircy, to temper the wind to the shorn lamb."</p>
+
+<p>"You hear, O'Hearn?" said the serjeant, stiffly--"Everybody seems to
+expect that you will do this duty."</p>
+
+<p>"Jewty!--D 'ye call it a jewty for a man in my situation to break the
+hearts of Missus, and Miss Beuly, and phratty Miss Maud, and the babby?
+for babbies has hearts as well as the stoutest man as is going. Divil
+bur-r-n me, then, if ye gets out of my mout' so much as a hint that the
+captain's dead and gone from us, for ever and ever, amen! Ye may send me
+in, for ye 're corporals, and serjeants, and the likes of yees, and I'll
+obey as a souldier, seem' that he would have wished as much himself, had
+the breat' staid in his body, which it has not, on account of its l'aving
+his sowl on 'arth, and departing with his corporeal part for the mansions
+of happiness, the Blessed Mary have mercy on him, whether here or
+<i>there</i>--but the captain was not the man to wish a fait'ful follower to
+afflict his own wife; and so I'll have not'in' to do with such a message,
+at all at all."</p>
+
+<p>"Nick go"--said the Indian, calmly--"Used to carry message--carry him for
+cap'in, once more."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Nick, you may do it certainly, if so disposed," answered Joyce, who
+would have accepted the services of a Chinese rather than undertake the
+office in person. "You will remember and speak to the ladies gently, and
+not break the news too suddenly."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes--squaw soft heart--Nick know--had moder--had wife, once--had darter."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well; this will be an advantage, men, as Nick is the only married
+man among us; and married men should best understand dealing with
+females."</p>
+
+<p>Joyce then held a private communication with the Tuscarora, that lasted
+some five or six minutes, when the last leaped nimbly into the bed of the
+stream, and was soon concealed by the bushes of one of its reaches.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch26">
+<h2>Chapter XXVI.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  "Heart leaps to heart--the sacred flood<br />
+  That warms us is the same;<br />
+  That good old man--his honest blood<br />
+  Alike we fondly claim."</p>
+
+<p>  Sprague.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Although Nick commenced his progress with so much seeming zeal and
+activity, his speed abated, the moment he found himself beyond the sight
+of those he had left in the woods. Before he reached the foot of the
+cliff, his trot had degenerated to a walk; and when he actually found he
+was at its base, he seated himself on a stone, apparently to reflect on
+the course he ought to pursue.</p>
+
+<p>The countenance of the Tuscarora expressed a variety of emotions while he
+thus remained stationary. At first, it was fierce, savage, exulting; then
+it became gentler, soft, perhaps repentant. He drew his knife from its
+buckskin sheath, and eyed the blade with a gaze expressive of uneasiness.
+Perceiving that a clot of blood had collected at the junction with the
+handle, it was carefully removed by the use of water. His look next passed
+over his whole person, in order to ascertain if any more of these
+betrayers of his fearful secret remained; after which he seemed more at
+ease.</p>
+
+<p>"Wyandott&eacute;'s back don't ache now," he growled to himself. "Ole sore heal
+up. Why Cap'in touch him? T'ink Injin no got feelin'? Good man, sometime;
+bad man, sometime. Sometime, live; sometime, die. Why tell Wyandott&eacute; he
+flog ag'in, just as go to enemy's camp? No; back feel well, now--nebber
+smart, any more."</p>
+
+<p>When this soliloquy was ended, Nick arose, cast a look up at the sun, to
+ascertain how much of the day still remained, glanced towards the Hut, as
+if examining the nature of its defences, stretched himself like one who
+was weary, and peeped out from behind the bushes, in order to see how
+those who were afield, still occupied themselves. All this done, with
+singular deliberation and steadiness, he arranged his light dress, and
+prepared to present himself before the wife and daughters of the man,
+whom, three hours before, he had remorselessly murdered. Nick had often
+meditated this treacherous deed, during the thirty years which had elapsed
+between his first flogging and the present period; but circumstances had
+never placed its execution safely in his power. The subsequent punishments
+had increased the desire, for a few years; but time had so far worn off
+the craving for revenge, that it would never have been actively revived,
+perhaps, but for the unfortunate allusions of the victim himself, to the
+subject. Captain Willoughby had been an English soldier, of the school of
+the last century. He was naturally a humane and a just man, but he
+believed in the military axiom that "the most flogging regiments were the
+best fighting regiments;" and perhaps he was not in error, as regards the
+lower English character. It was a fatal error, however, to make in
+relation to an American savage; one who had formerly exercised the
+functions, and who had not lost all the feelings, of a chief. Unhappily,
+at a moment when everything depended on the fidelity of the Tuscarora, the
+captain had bethought him of his old expedient for insuring prompt
+obedience, and, by way of a reminder, he made an allusion to his former
+mode of punishment. As Nick would have expressed it, "the old sores
+smarted;" the wavering purpose of thirty years was suddenly and fiercely
+revived, and the knife passed into the heart of the victim, with a
+rapidity that left no time for appeals to the tribunal of God's mercy. In
+half a minute, Captain Willoughby had ceased to breathe.</p>
+
+<p>Such had been the act of the man who now passed through the opening of the
+palisade, and entered the former habitation of his victim. A profound
+stillness reigned in and around the Hut, and no one appeared to question
+the unexpected intruder. Nick passed, with his noiseless step, round to
+the gate, which he found secured. It was necessary to knock, and this he
+did in a way effectually to bring a porter.</p>
+
+<p>"Who dere?" demanded the elder Pliny, from within.</p>
+
+<p>"Good friend--open gate. Come wid message from cap'in."</p>
+
+<p>The natural distaste to the Indians which existed among the blacks of the
+Knoll, included the Tuscarora. This disgust was mingled with a degree of
+dread; and it was difficult for beings so untutored and ignorant, at all
+times to draw the proper distinctions between Indian and Indian. In
+<i>their</i> wonder-loving imaginations, Oneidas, Tuscaroras, Mohawks,
+Onondagas, and Iroquois were all jumbled together in inextricable
+confusion, a red man being a red man, and a savage a savage. It is not
+surprising, therefore, that Pliny the elder should hesitate about opening
+the gate, and admitting one of the detested race, though a man so well
+known to them all, in the peculiar situation of the family. Luckily, Great
+Smash happened to be near, and her husband called her to the gate by one
+of the signals that, was much practised between them.</p>
+
+<p>"Who you t'ink out-dere?" asked Pliny the elder of his consort, with a
+very significant look.</p>
+
+<p>"How you t'ink guess, ole Plin?--You 'spose nigger wench like Albonny wise
+woman, dat she see t'rough a gate, and know ebbery t'ing, and little
+more!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, <i>dat</i> Sassy Nick. What you say <i>now?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"You sartain, ole Plin?" asked Mistress Smash, with a face ominous of
+evil.</p>
+
+<p>"Sartain as ear. Talk wid him--he want to come in. What you t'ink?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nebber open gate, ole Plin, till mistress tell you. You stay here--dere;
+lean ag'in gate wid all you might; dere; now I go call Miss Maud. She all
+alone in librarim, and will know what best. Mind you lean ag'in gate well,
+ole Plin."</p>
+
+<p>Pliny the elder nodded assent, placed his shoulders resolutely against the
+massive timbers, and stood propping a defence that would have made a
+respectable resistance to a battering-ram, like another Atlas, upholding a
+world. His duty was short, however, his 'lady' soon returning with Maud,
+who was hastening breathlessly to learn the news.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it you, Nick?" called out the sweet voice of our heroine through the
+crevices of the timber.</p>
+
+<p>The Tuscarora started, as he so unexpectedly heard those familiar sounds;
+for an instant, his look was dark; then the expression changed to pity and
+concern, and his reply was given with less than usual of the abrupt,
+guttural brevity that belonged to his habits.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis Nick--Sassy Nick--Wyandott&eacute;, Flower of the Woods," for so the Indian
+often termed Maud.--"Got news--cap'in send him. Meet party and go along.
+Nobody here; only Wyandott&eacute;. Nick see major, too--say somet'ing to young
+squaw."</p>
+
+<p>This decided the matter. The gate was unbarred, and Nick in the court in
+half-a-minute. Great Smash stole a glance without, and beckoned Pliny the
+elder to join her, in order to see the extraordinary spectacle of Joel and
+his associates toiling in the fields. When they drew in their heads, Maud
+and her companion were already in the library. The message from Robert
+Willoughby had induced our heroine to seek this room; for, placing little
+confidence in the delicacy of the messenger, she recoiled from listening
+to his words in the presence of others.</p>
+
+<p>But Nick was in no haste to speak. He took the chair to which Maud
+motioned, and he sate looking at her, in a way that soon excited her
+alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me, if your heart has any mercy in it, Wyandott&eacute;; has aught happened
+to Major Willoughby?"</p>
+
+<p>"He well--laugh, talk, feel good. Mind not'ing. He prisoner; don't touch
+he scalp."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, then, do you wear so ominous a look--your face is the very harbinger
+of evil."</p>
+
+<p>"Bad news, if trut' must come. What you' name, young squaw?"</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, surely, you must know that well, Nick! I am Maud--your old
+friend, Maud."</p>
+
+<p>"Pale-face hab two name--Tuscarora got t'ree. Some time, Nick--sometime,
+Sassy Nick--sometime, Wyandott&eacute;."</p>
+
+<p>"You know my name is Maud Willoughby," returned our heroine, colouring to
+the temples with a certain secret consciousness of her error, but
+preferring to keep up old appearances.</p>
+
+<p>"Dat call you' fader's name, Meredit'; no Willoughby."</p>
+
+<p>"Merciful Providence! and has this great secret been known to <i>you</i>, too,
+Nick!"</p>
+
+<p>"He no secret--know all about him. Wyandott&eacute; dere. See Major Meredit'
+shot. <i>He</i> good chief--nebber flog--nebber strike Injin. Nick know fader,
+know moder--know squaw, when pappoose."</p>
+
+<p>"And why have you chosen this particular moment to tell me all this? Has
+it any relation to your message--to Bob--to Major Willoughby, I mean?"
+demanded Mauo, nearly gasping for breath.</p>
+
+<p>"No relation, tell you," said Nick, a little angrily. "Why make relation,
+when no relation at all. Meredit'; no Willoughby. Ask moder; ask major;
+ask chaplain--all tell trut'! No need to be so feelin'; no you fader, at
+all."</p>
+
+<p>"What <i>can</i> you--what <i>do</i> you mean, Nick? Why do you look so wild--so
+fierce--so kind--so sorrowful--so angry? You must have bad news to tell
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"Why bad to <i>you</i>--he no fader--only fader friend. You can't help
+it--fader die when you pappoose--why you care, now, for dis?"</p>
+
+<p>Maud now actually gasped for breath. A frightful glimpse of the truth
+gleamed before her imagination, though it was necessarily veiled in the
+mist of uncertainty. She became pale as death, and pressed her hand upon
+her heart, as if to still its beating. Then, by a desperate effort, she
+became more calm, and obtained the power to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! is it so, Nick!--<i>can</i> it be so!" she said; "my father has fallen in
+this dreadful business?"</p>
+
+<p>"Fader kill twenty year ago; tell you <i>dat</i>, how often?" answered the
+Tuscarora, angrily; for, in his anxiety to lessen the shock to Maud, for
+whom this wayward savage had a strange sentiment of affection, that had
+grown out of her gentle kindnesses to himself, on a hundred occasions, he
+fancied if she knew that Captain Willoughby was not actually her father,
+her grief at his loss would be less. "Why you call <i>dis</i> fader, when <i>dat</i>
+fader. Nick know fader and moder.--Major no broder."</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the sensations that nearly pressed her to the earth, the
+tell-tale blood rushed to Maud's cheeks, again, at this allusion, and she
+bowed her face to her knees. The action gave her time to rally her
+faculties; and catching a glimpse of the vast importance to all for her
+maintaining self-command, she was enabled to raise her face with
+something like the fortitude the Indian hoped to see.</p>
+
+<p>"Trifle with me no longer, Wyandott&eacute;, but let me know the worst at once.
+Is my father dead?--By father, I mean captain Willoughby?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mean wrong, den--no fader, tell you. Why young quaw so much like Mohawk?"</p>
+
+<p>"Man--is captain Willoughby killed?"</p>
+
+<p>Nick gazed intently into Maud's face for half a minute, and then he nodded
+an assent. Notwithstanding all her resolutions to be steady, our heroine
+nearly sank under the blow. For ten minutes she spoke not, but sat, her
+head bowed to her knees, in a confusion of thought that threatened a
+temporary loss of reason. Happily, a flood of tears relieved her, and she
+became more calm. Then the necessity of knowing more, in order that she
+might act intelligently, occurred to her mind, and she questioned Nick in
+a way to elicit all it suited the savage to reveal.</p>
+
+<p>Maud's first impulse was to go out to meet the body of the captain, and to
+ascertain for herself that there was actually no longer any hope. Nick's
+account had been so laconic as to leave much obscurity, and the blow had
+been so sudden she could hardly credit the truth in its full extent.
+Still, there remained the dreadful tidings to be communicated to those
+dear beings, who, while they feared so much, had never anticipated a
+calamity like this. Even Mrs. Willoughby, sensitive as she was, and
+wrapped up in those she loved so entirely, as she was habitually, had been
+so long accustomed to see and know of her husband's exposing himself with
+impunity, as to begin to feel, if not to think, that he bore a charmed
+life. All this customary confidence was to be overcome, and the truth was
+to be said. Tell the fact to her mother, Maud felt that she could not
+then; scarcely under any circumstances would she have consented to perform
+this melancholy office; but, so long as a shadow of doubt remained on the
+subject of her father's actual decease, it seemed cruel even to think of
+it. Her decision was to send for Beulah, and it was done by means of one
+of the negresses.</p>
+
+<p>So long as we feel that there are others to be sustained by our fortitude,
+even the feeblest possess a firmness to which they might otherwise be
+strangers. Maud, contrary to what her delicate but active frame and
+sweetness of disposition might seem to indicate, was a young woman capable
+of the boldest exertions, short of taking human life. Her frontier
+training had raised her above most of the ordinary weaknesses of her sex;
+and, so far as determination went, few men were capable of higher
+resolution, when circumstances called for its display. Her plan was now
+made up to go forth and meet the body, and nothing short of a command from
+her mother could have stopped her. In this frame of mind was our heroine,
+when Beulah made her appearance.</p>
+
+<p>"Maud!" exclaimed the youthful matron, "what has happened!--why are you so
+pale!--why send for me? Does Nick bring us any tidings from the mill?"</p>
+
+<p>"The worst possible, Beulah. My father--my dear, dear father is hurt. They
+have borne him as far as the edge of the woods, where they have halted, in
+order not to take us by surprise. I am going to meet the--to meet the men,
+and to bring father in. You must prepare mother for the sad, sad
+tidings--yes, Beulah, for the worst, as everything depends on the wisdom
+and goodness of God!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Maud, this is dreadful!" exclaimed the sister, sinking into a
+chair--"What will become of mother--of little Evert--of us all!"</p>
+
+<p>"The providence of the Ruler of heaven and earth will care for us. Kiss
+me, dear sister--how cold you are--rouse yourself, Beulah, for mother's
+sake. Think how much more <i>she</i> must feel than we possibly can, and then
+be resolute."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Maud--very true--no woman can feel like a wife--unless it be a
+mother--"</p>
+
+<p>Here Beulah's words were stopped by her fainting.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, Smash," said Maud, pointing to her sister with a strange
+resolution, "she must have air, and a little water--and she has salts
+about her, I know. Come, Nick; we have no more time to waste--you must be
+my guide."</p>
+
+<p>The Tuscarora had been a silent observer of this scene, and if it did not
+awaken remorse in his bosom, it roused feelings that had never before been
+its inmates. The sight of two such beings suffering under a blow that his
+own hand had struck, was novel to him, and he knew not which to encourage
+most, a sentiment allied to regret, or a fierce resentment, that any
+should dare thus to reproach, though it were only by yielding to the grief
+natural to their situation. But Maud had obtained a command over him, that
+he knew not how to resist, and he followed her from the room, keeping his
+eyes riveted the while on the pallid face of Beulah. The last was recalled
+from her insensibility, however, in the course of a few minutes, through
+the practised attentions of the negresses.</p>
+
+<p>Maud waited for nothing. Motioning impatiently for the Tuscarora to lead
+the way, she glided after him with a rapidity that equalled his own loping
+movement. She made no difficulties in passing the stockade, though Nick
+kept his eyes on the labourers, and felt assured their <i>exeunt</i> was not
+noticed. Once by the path that led along the rivulet, Maud refused all
+precautions, but passed swiftly over it, partially concealed by its
+bushes. Her dress was dark, and left little liability to exposure. As for
+Nick, his forest attire, like the hunting shirt of the whites, was
+expressly regulated by the wish to go to and fro unseen.</p>
+
+<p>In less than three minutes after the Indian and Maud had passed the gate,
+they were drawing near to the melancholy group that had halted in the
+forest. Our heroine was recognised as she approached, and when she came
+rushing up to the spot, all made way, allowing her to fall upon her knees
+by the side of the lifeless body, bathing the placid face of the dead with
+her tears, and covering it with kisses.</p>
+
+<p>"Is there no hope--oh! Joyce," she cried, "<i>can</i> it be possible that my
+father is actually dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"I fear, Miss Maud, that his honour has made his last march. He has
+received orders to go hence, and, like a gallant soldier as he was, he has
+obeyed, without a murmur;" answered the serjeant, endeavouring to appear
+firm and soldier-like, himself. "We have lost a noble and humane
+commander, and you a most excellent and tender father."</p>
+
+<p>"No fader,"--growled Nick, at the serjeant's elbow, twitching his sleeve,
+at the same time, to attract attention. 'Serjeant know <i>her</i> fader. He by;
+I by, when Iroquois shoot him."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not understand you, Tuscarora, nor do I think you altogether
+understand <i>us</i>; the less you say, therefore, the better for all parties.
+It is our duty, Miss Maud, to say 'God's will be done,' and the soldier
+who dies in the discharge of his duty is never to be pitied. I sincerely
+wish that the Rev. Mr. Woods was here; he would tell you all this in a
+manner that would admit of no dispute; as for myself, I am a plain man,
+Miss Maud, and my tongue cannot utter one-half that my heart feels at this
+instant."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Joyce, what a friend--what a parent has it pleased God to call to
+himself!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Miss Maud, that may be said with great justice--if his honour has
+left us in obedience to general orders, it is to meet promotion in a
+service that will never weary, and never end."</p>
+
+<p>"So kind; so true; so gentle; so just; so affectionate!" said Maud,
+wringing her hands.</p>
+
+<p>"And so brave, young lady. His honour, captain Willoughby, wasn't one of
+them that is always talking, and writing, and boasting about fighting; but
+when anything was to be <i>done</i>, the Colonel always knew whom to send on
+the duty. The army couldn't have lost a braver gentleman, had he remained
+in it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! my father--my father,"--cried Maud, in bitterness of sorrow, throwing
+herself on the body and embracing it, as had been her wont in
+childhood--"would that I could have died for you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why you let go on so," grumbled Nick, again. "<i>No</i> her fader--you know
+<i>dat</i>, serjeant."</p>
+
+<p>Joyce was not in a state to answer. His own feelings had been kept in
+subjection only by military pride, but they now had become so nearly
+uncontrollable, that he found himself obliged to step a little aside in
+order to conceal his weakness. As it was, large tears trickled down his
+rugged face, like water flowing from the fissures of the riven oak Jamie
+Allen's constitutional prudence, however, now became active, admonishing
+the party of the necessity of their getting within the protection of the
+Hut.</p>
+
+<p>"Death is at a' times awfu'," said the mason, "but it must befall young
+and auld alike. And the affleection it brings cometh fra' the heart, and is
+a submission to the la' o' nature. Nevertheless we a' hae our duties, so
+lang as we remain in the flesh, and it is time to be thinking o' carryin'
+the body into some place o' safety, while we hae a prudent regard to our
+ain conditions also."</p>
+
+<p>Maud had risen, and, hearing this appeal, she drew back meekly, assumed a
+manner of forced composure, and signed to the men to proceed. On this
+intimation, the body was raised, and the melancholy procession resumed its
+march.</p>
+
+<p>For the purpose of concealment, Joyce led the way into the bed of the
+stream, leaving Maud waiting their movements, a little deeper within the
+forest. As soon as he and his fellow-bearers were in the water, Joyce
+turned and desired Nick to escort the young lady in, again, on dry land,
+or by the path along which she had come out. This said, the serjeant and
+his companions proceeded. Maud stood gazing on the sad spectacle like one
+entranced, until she felt a sleeve pulled, and perceived the Tuscarora at
+her side.</p>
+
+<p>"No go to Hut," said Nick, earnestly; "go wid Wyandott&eacute;."</p>
+
+<p>"Not follow my dear father's remains--not go to my beloved mother in her
+anguish. You know not what you ask, Indian--move, and let me proceed."</p>
+
+<p>"No go home--no use--no good. Cap'in dead--what do widout commander. Come
+wid Wyandott&eacute;--find major--den do some good."</p>
+
+<p>Maud fairly started in her surprise. There seemed something so truly
+useful, so consoling, so dear in this proposal, that it instantly caught
+her ear.</p>
+
+<p>"Find the Major!" she answered. "Is that possible, Nick? My poor father
+perished in making that attempt--what hope can there be then for <i>my</i>
+success?"
+
+"Plenty hope--much as want--all, want. Come wid Wyandott&eacute;--he great
+chief--show young squaw where to find broder."</p>
+
+<p>Here was a touch of Nick's consummate art. He knew the female bosom so
+well that he avoided any allusion to his knowledge of the real relation
+between Robert Willoughby and Maud, though he had so recently urged her
+want of natural affinity to the family, as a reason why she should not
+grieve. By keeping the Major before her eyes as a brother, the chances of
+his own success were greatly increased. As for Maud, a tumult of feeling
+came over her heart at this extraordinary proposal. To liberate Bob, to
+lead him into the Hut, to offer his manly protection to her mother, and
+Beulah, and little Evert, at such an instant, caught her imagination, and
+appealed to all her affections.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you do this, Tuscarora"--she asked, earnestly, pressing her hand on
+her heart as if to quiet its throbbings. "Can you really lead me to Major
+Willoughby, so that I may have some hope of liberating him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sartain--you go, he come. I go, he no come. Don't love Nick--t'ink all
+Injin, one Injin--t'ink one Injin, all Injin. You go, he come--he stay,
+find more knife, and die like Cap'in. Young squaw follow Wyandott&eacute;, and
+see."</p>
+
+<p>Maud needed no more. To save the life of Bob, her well-beloved, he who had
+so long been beloved in secret, she would have gone with one far less
+known and trusted than the Tuscarora. She made an eager gesture for him to
+proceed, and they were soon on their way to the mill, threading the mazes
+of the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Nick was far from observing the precautions that had been taken by the
+captain, in his unfortunate march out. Acquainted with every inch of
+ground in the vicinity of the Dam, and an eye-witness of the dispositions
+of the invaders, he had no occasion for making the long <i>d&eacute;tour</i> already
+described, but went to work in a much more direct manner. Instead of
+circling the valley, and the clearing, to the westward, he turned short in
+the contrary direction, crossed the rivulet on the fallen tree, and led
+the way along the eastern margin of the flats. On this side of the valley
+he knew there were no enemies, and the position of the huts and barns
+enabled him to follow a path, that was just deep enough in the forest to
+conceal his movements. By taking this course, besides having the advantage
+of a clear and beaten path, most of the way, the Tuscarora brought the
+whole distance within a mile.</p>
+
+<p>As for Maud, she asked no questions, solicited no pauses, manifested no
+physical weakness. Actively as the Indian moved among the trees, she kept
+close in his footsteps; and she had scarcely begun to reflect on the real
+nature of the undertaking in which she was engaged, when the roar of the
+rivulet, and the formation of the land, told her they had reached the
+edge of the glen below the mills. Here Nick told her to remain stationary
+a moment, while he advanced to a covered point of the rocks, to
+reconnoitre. This was the place where the Indian had made his first
+observations of the invaders of the valley, ascertaining their real
+character before he trusted his person among them. On the present
+occasion, his object was to see if all remained, in and about the mills,
+as when he had last left the spot.</p>
+
+<p>"Come"--said Nick, signing for Maud to follow him--"we go--fools sleep,
+and eat, and talk. Major prisoner now; half an hour, Major free."</p>
+
+<p>This was enough for the ardent, devoted, generous-hearted Maud. She
+descended the path before her as swiftly as her guide could lead, and, in
+five more minutes, they reached the bank of the stream, in the glen, at a
+point where a curvature hid the rivulet from those at the mill. Here an
+enormous pine had been laid across the torrent; and, flattened on its
+upper surface, it made a secure bridge for those who were sure of foot,
+and steady of eye. Nick glanced back at his companion, as he stepped upon
+this bridge, to ascertain if she were equal to crossing it, a single
+glance sufficing to tell him apprehensions were unnecessary. Half a minute
+placed both, in safety, on the western bank.</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" muttered the Indian; "young squaw make wife for warrior."</p>
+
+<p>But Maud heard neither the compliment nor the expression of countenance
+which accompanied it. She merely made an impatient gesture to proceed.
+Nick gazed intently at the excited girl; and there was an instant when he
+seemed to waver in his own purpose; but the gesture repeated, caused him
+to turn, and lead the way up the glen.</p>
+
+<p>The progress of Nick now, necessarily, became more guarded and slower. He
+was soon obliged to quit the common path, and to incline to the left, more
+against the side of the cliff, for the purposes of concealment. From the
+time he had struck the simple bridge, until he took this precaution, his
+course had lain along what might have been termed the common highway, on
+which there was always the danger of meeting some messenger, travelling to
+or from the valley.</p>
+
+<p>But Nick was at no loss for paths. There were plenty of them; and the one
+he took soon brought him out into that by which Captain Willoughby had
+descended to the lean-to. When the spot was reached where Joyce had
+halted, Nick paused; and, first listening intently, to catch the sound of
+noises, if any might happen to be in dangerous proximity, he addressed his
+companion:</p>
+
+<p>"Young squaw bold," he said, encouragingly; "now want heart of warrior."</p>
+
+<p>"I can follow, Nick--having come so far, why distrust me, now?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Cause he here--down dere--woman love man; man love woman--dat right;
+but, no show it, when scalp in danger."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I do not understand you, Tuscarora--but, my trust is in God; he
+is a support that can uphold any weakness."</p>
+
+<p>"Good!--stay here--Nick come back, in minute."</p>
+
+<p>Nick now descended to the passage between the rocks and the lean-to, in
+order to make certain that the major still remained in his prison, before
+he incurred any unnecessary risk with Maud. Of this fact he was soon
+assured; after which he took the precaution to conceal the pool of blood,
+by covering it with earth and stones. Making his other observations with
+care, and placing the saw and chisel, with the other tools, that had
+fallen from the captain's hand, when he received his death-wound, in a
+position to be handy, he ascended the path, and rejoined Maud. No word
+passed between our heroine and her guide. The latter motioned for her to
+follow; then he led the way down to the cabin. Soon, both had entered the
+narrow passage; and Maud, in obedience to a sign from her companion,
+seated herself on the precise spot where her father had been found, and
+where the knife had passed into his heart. To all this, however, Nick
+manifested the utmost indifference. Everything like ferocity had left his
+face; to use his own figurative language, his sores smarted no longer; and
+the expression of his eye was friendly and gentle. Still it showed no
+signs of compunction.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch27">
+<h2>Chapter XXVII.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Her pallid face displayed<br />
+  Something, methought, surpassing mortal beauty.<br />
+  She presently turn'd round, and fixed her large, wild eyes.<br />
+  Brimming with tears, upon me, fetch'd a sigh,<br />
+  As from a riven heart, and cried: He's dead!"</p>
+
+<p>  Hillhouse.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Maud had been so earnest, and so much excited, that the scarcely reflected
+on the singularity and novelty of her situation, until she was seated, as
+described at the close of the last chapter. Then, indeed, she began to
+think that she had embarked in an undertaking of questionable prudence,
+and to wonder in what manner she was to be useful. Still her heart did not
+fail her, or her hopes altogether sink. She saw that Nick was grave and
+occupied, like a man who intended to effect his purpose at every hazard;
+and that purpose she firmly believed was the liberation of Robert
+Willoughby.</p>
+
+<p>As for Nick, the instant his companion was seated, and he had got a
+position to his mind, he set about his business with great assiduity. It
+has been said that the lean-to like the cabin, was built of logs; a fact
+that constituted the security of the prisoner. The logs of the lean-to,
+however, were much smaller than those of the body of the house, and both
+were of the common white pine of the country; a wood of durable qualities,
+used as it was here, but which yielded easily to edged tools. Nick had a
+small saw, a large chisel, and his knife. With the chisel, he cautiously
+commenced opening a hole of communication with the interior, by removing a
+little of the mortar that filled the interstices between the logs. This
+occupied but a moment. When effected, Nick applied an eye to the hole and
+took a look within. He muttered the word "good," then withdrew his own
+eye, and, by a sign, invited Maud to apply one of hers. This our heroine
+did, and saw Robert Willoughby, reading within a few feet of her, with a
+calmness of air, that at once announced his utter ignorance of the dire
+event that had so lately occurred, almost within reach of his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Squaw speak," whispered Nick; "voice sweet as wren--go to Major's ear
+like song of bird.--Squaw speak music to young warrior."</p>
+
+<p>Maud drew back, her heart beat violently, her breathing became difficult,
+and the blood rushed to her temples. But an earnest motion from Nick
+reminded her this was no time for hesitation, and she applied her mouth to
+the hole.</p>
+
+<p>"Robert--<i>dear</i> Robert," she said, in a loud whisper, "we are here--have
+come to release you."</p>
+
+<p>Maud's impatience could wait no longer; but her eye immediately succeeded
+her mouth. That she was heard was evident from the circumstance that the
+book fell from the Major's hand, in a way to show how completely he was
+taken by surprise. "He knows even my whispers," thought Maud, her heart
+beating still more violently, as she observed the young soldier gazing
+around him, with a bewildered air, like one who fancied he had heard the
+whisperings of some ministering angel. By this time, Nick had removed a
+long piece of the mortar; and he too, was looking into the buttery. By way
+of bringing matters to an understanding, the Indian thrust the chisel
+through the opening, and, moving it, he soon attracted Willoughby's
+attention. The latter instantly advanced, and applied his own eye to the
+wide crack, catching a view of the swarthy face of Nick.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby knew that the presence of this Indian, at such a place, and
+under such circumstances, indicated the necessity of caution. He did not
+speak, therefore; but, first making a significant gesture towards the door
+of his narrow prison, thus intimating the close proximity of sentinels, he
+demanded the object of this visit, in a whisper.</p>
+
+<p>"Come to set major free," answered Nick.</p>
+
+<p>"Can I trust you, Tuscarora? Sometimes you seem a friend, sometimes an
+enemy. I know that you appear to be on good terms with my captors."</p>
+
+<p>"Dat good--Injin know how to look two way--warrior <i>must</i>, if great
+warrior."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish I had some proof, Nick, that you are dealing with me in good
+faith."</p>
+
+<p>"Call <i>dat</i> proof, den!" growled the savage, seizing Maud's little Land,
+and passing it through the opening, before the startled girl was fully
+aware of what he meant to do.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby knew the hand at a glance. He would have recognised it, in that
+forest solitude, by its symmetry and whiteness, its delicacy and its
+fullness; but one of the taper fingers wore a ring that, of late, Maud had
+much used; being a diamond hoop that she had learned was a favourite
+ornament of her real mother's. It is not surprising, therefore, that he
+seized the pledge that was thus strangely held forth, and had covered it
+with kisses, before Maud had presence of mind sufficient, or strength to
+reclaim it. This she would not do, however, at such a moment, without
+returning all the proofs of ardent affection that were lavished on her own
+hand, by giving a gentle pressure to the one in which it was clasped.</p>
+
+<p>"This is so strange, Maud!--so every way extraordinary, that I know not
+what to think," the young man whispered soon as he could get a glimpse of
+the face of the sweet girl. "Why are you here, beloved, and in such
+company?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will trust <i>me</i>, Bob--Nick comes as your friend. Aid him all you can,
+now, and be silent. When free, then will be the time to learn all."</p>
+
+<p>A sign of assent succeeded, and the major withdrew a step, in order to
+ascertain the course Nick meant to pursue. By this time, the Indian was at
+work with his knife, and he soon passed the chisel in to the prisoner, who
+seized it, and commenced cutting into the logs, at a point opposite to
+that where the Tuscarora was whittling away the wood. The object was to
+introduce the saw, and it required some labour to effect such a purpose.
+By dint of application, however, and by cutting the log above as well as
+that below, sufficient space was obtained in the course of a few minutes.
+Nick then passed the saw in, through the opening, it exceeding his skill
+to use such a tool with readiness.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, Willoughby was engaged with the earnestness and zeal of the
+captive who catches a glimpse of liberty. Notwithstanding, he proceeded
+intelligently and with caution. The blanket given him by his captors, as a
+pallet, was hanging from a nail, and he took the precaution to draw this
+mil, and to place it above the spot selected for the cut, that he might
+suspend the blanket so as to conceal what he was at, in the event of a
+visit from without. When all was ready, and the blanket was properly
+placed, he began to make long heavy strokes with the tool, in a way to
+deaden the sound. This was a delicate operation; but the work's being done
+behind the blanket, had some effect in lessening the noise. As the work
+proceeded, Willoughby's hopes increased; and he was soon delighted to hear
+from Nick, that it was time to insert the saw in another place. Success is
+apt to induce carelessness; and, as the task proceeded, Willoughby's arm
+worked with greater rapidity, until a noise at the door gave the startling
+information that he was about to be visited. There was just time to finish
+the last cut, and to let the blanket fall, before the door opened. The
+saw-dust and chips had all been carefully removed, as the work proceeded,
+and of these none were left to betray the secret.</p>
+
+<p>There might have been a quarter of a minute between the moment when
+Willoughby seated himself, with his book in his hand, and that in which
+the door opened. Short as was this interval, it sufficed for Nick to
+remove the piece of log last cut, and to take away the handle of the saw;
+the latter change permitting the blanket to hang so close against the logs
+as completely to conceal the hole. The sentinel who appeared was an Indian
+in externals, but a dull, white countryman in fact and character.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I heard the sound of a saw, major," he said listlessly; "yet
+everything looks quiet, and in its place here!"</p>
+
+<p>"Where should I get such a tool?" Willoughby coolly replied; "and what is
+there here to saw?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Twas as nat'ral, too, as the carpenter himself could make it, in sound!"</p>
+
+<p>"Possibly the mill has been set in motion by some of your idlers, and you
+have heard the large saw, which, at a distance, may sound like a smaller
+one near by."</p>
+
+<p>The man looked incredulously at his prisoner for a moment; then he drew to
+the door, with the air of one who was determined to assure himself of the
+truth, calling aloud as he did so, to one of his companions to join him.
+Willoughby knew that no time was to be lost. In half-a-minute, he had
+passed the hole, dropped the blanket before it, had circled the slender
+waist of Maud with one arm, and was shoving aside the bushes with the
+other, as he followed Nick from the straitened passage between the lean-to
+and the rock. The major seemed more bent on bearing Maud from the spot,
+than on saving himself. Her feet scarce touched the ground, as he ascended
+to the place where Joyce had halted. Here Nick stood an instant, with a
+finger raised in intense listening. His practised ears caught the sound of
+voices in the lean-to, then scarce fifty feet distant. Men called to each
+other by name, and then a voice directly beneath them, proclaimed that a
+head was already thrust through the hole.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is your saw, and here is its workmanship!" exclaimed this voice.</p>
+
+<p>"And here is blood, too," said another. "See! the ground has been a pool
+beneath those stones."</p>
+
+<p>Maud shuddered, as if the soul were leaving its earthly tenement, and
+Willoughby signed impatiently for Nick to proceed. But the savage, for a
+brief instant, seemed bewildered The danger below, however, increased, and
+evidently drew so near, that he turned and glided up the ascent.
+Presently, the fugitives reached the descending path, that diverged from
+the larger one they were on, and by which Nick and Maud had so recently
+come diagonally up this cliff. Nick leaped into it, and then the
+intervening bushes concealed their persons from any who might continue on
+the upward course. There was an open space, however, a little lower down;
+and the quick-witted savage came to a stand under a close cover, believing
+flight to be useless should their pursuers actually follow on their heels.</p>
+
+<p>The halt had not been made half-a-dozen seconds, when the voices of the
+party ascending in chase, were heard above the fugitives. Willoughby felt
+an impulse to dash down the path, bearing Maud in his arms, but Nick
+interposed his own body to so rash a movement. There was not time for a
+discussion, and the sounds of voices, speaking English too distinctly to
+pass for any but those of men of English birth, or English origin, were
+heard disputing about the course to be taken, at the point of junction
+between the two paths.</p>
+
+<p>"Go by the lower," called out one, from the rear; "he will run down the
+stream, and make for the settlements on the Hudson. Once before, he has
+done this, as I know from Strides himself."</p>
+
+<p>"D---n Strides!" answered another, more in front. "He is a sniveling
+scoundrel, who loves liberty, as a hog loves corn for the sake of good
+living. I say go the <i>upper</i>, which will carry him on the heights, and
+bring him out near his father's garrison."</p>
+
+<p>"Here are marks of feet on the upper," observed a third, "though they seem
+to be coming <i>down</i>, instead of going <i>up</i> the hill."</p>
+
+<p>"It is the trail of the fellows who have helped him to escape. Push <i>up</i>
+the hill, and we shall have them all in ten minutes. Push <i>up</i>--push
+<i>up</i>."</p>
+
+<p>This decided the matter. It appeared to Willoughby that at least a dozen
+men ran up the path, above his head, eager in the pursuit, and
+anticipating success. Nick waited no longer, but glided down the cliff,
+and was soon in the broad path which led along the margin of the stream,
+and was the ordinary thoroughfare in going to or from the Knoll. Here the
+fugitives, as on the advance, were exposed to the danger of accidental
+meetings; but, fortunately, no one was met, or seen, and the bridge was
+passed in safety. Turning short to the north, Nick plunged into the woods
+again, following the cow-path by which he had so recently descended to the
+glen. No pause was made even here. Willoughby had an arm round the waist
+of Maud, and bore her forward, with a rapidity to which her own strength
+was altogether unequal. In less than ten minutes from the time the
+prisoner had escaped, the fugitives reached the level of the rock of the
+water-fall, or that of the plain of the Dam. As it was reasonably certain
+that none of the invaders had passed to that side of the valley, haste was
+no longer necessary, and Maud was permitted to pause for breath.</p>
+
+<p>The halt was short, however, our heroine, herself, now feeling as if the
+major could not be secure until he was fairly within the palisades. In
+vain did Willoughby try to pacify her fears and to assure her of his
+comparative safety; Maud's nerves were excited, and then she had the
+dreadful tidings, which still remained to be told pressing upon her
+spirits, and quickening all her natural impulses and sentiments.</p>
+
+<p>Nick soon made the signal to proceed, and then the three began to circle
+the flats, as mentioned in the advance of Maud and her companion. When
+they reached a favourable spot, the Indian once more directed a halt,
+intimating his own intention to move to the margin of the woods, in order
+to reconnoitre. Both his companions heard this announcement with
+satisfaction, for Willoughby was eager to say to Maud directly that which
+he had so plainly indicated by means of the box, and to extort from her a
+confession that she was not offended; while Maud herself felt the
+necessity of letting the major know the melancholy circumstance that yet
+remained to be told. With these widely distinct feelings uppermost, our
+two lovers saw Nick quit them, each impatient, restless and uneasy.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby had found a seat for Maud, on a log, and he now placed himself
+at her side, and took her hand, pressing it silently to his heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Nick has then been a true man, dearest Maud," he said, "notwithstanding
+all my doubts and misgivings of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; he gave me to understand you would hardly trust him, and that was
+the reason I was induced to accompany him. We both thought, Bob, you would
+confide in <i>me</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"Bless you--bless you--beloved Maud--but have you seen Mike--has <i>he</i> had
+any interview with you--in a word, did he deliver you my box?"</p>
+
+<p>Maud's feelings had been so much excited, that the declaration of
+Willoughby's love, precious as it was to her heart failed to produce the
+outward signs that are usually exhibited by the delicate and sensitive of
+her sex, when they listen to the insinuating language for the first time.
+Her thoughts were engrossed with her dreadful secret, and with the best
+and least shocking means of breaking it to the major. The tint on her
+cheek, therefore, scarce deepened, as this question was put to her, while
+her eye, full of earnest tenderness, still remained riveted on the face of
+her companion.</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen Mike, dear Bob," she answered, with a steadiness that had its
+rise in her singleness of purpose--"and he <i>has</i> shown me--<i>given</i> me,
+the box."</p>
+
+<p>"But have you understood me, Maud?--You will remember that box contained
+the great secret of my life!"</p>
+
+<p>"This I well remember--yes, the box contains the great secret of your
+life."</p>
+
+<p>"But--you cannot have understood me, Maud--else would you not look so
+unconcerned--so vacantly--I am not understood, and am miserable!"</p>
+
+<p>"No--no--no"--interrupted Maud, hurriedly--"I understand <i>all</i> you have
+wished to say, and you have no cause to be--" Maud's voice became choked,
+for she recollected the force of the blow that she had in reserve.</p>
+
+<p>"This is so strange!--altogether so unlike your usual manner, Maud, that
+there must be some mistake. The box contained nothing but your own hair,
+dearest."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; nothing else. It was <i>my</i> hair; I knew it the instant I saw it."</p>
+
+<p>"And did it tell you no secret?--Why was Beulah's hair not with it? Why
+did I cherish <i>your</i> hair, Maud, and your's alone? You have not understood
+me!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have, dear, dear Bob!--You love me--you wished to say we are not
+brother and sister, in truth; that we have an affection that is far
+stronger--one that will bind us together for life. Do not look so
+wretched, Bob; I understand everything you wish to say."</p>
+
+<p>"This is so very extraordinary!--So unlike yourself, Maud, I know not what
+to make of it! I sent you that box, beloved one, to say that you had my
+whole heart; that I thought of you day and night; that you were the great
+object of my existence, and that, while misery would be certain without
+you, felicity would be just as certain with you; in a word, that I love
+you, Maud, and can never love another."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, so I understood you, Bob."--Maud, spite of her concentration of
+feeling on the dreadful secret, could not refrain from blushing--"It was
+too plain to be mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>"And how was my declaration received? Tell me at once, dear girl, with
+your usual truth of character, and frankness--<i>can</i> you, <i>will</i> you love
+me in return?"</p>
+
+<p>This was a home question, and, on another occasion, it might have produced
+a scene of embarrassment and hesitation. But Maud was delighted with the
+idea that it was in her power to break the violence of the blow she was
+about to inflict, by setting Robert Willoughby's mind at ease on this
+great point.</p>
+
+<p>"I <i>do</i> love you, Bob," she said, with fervent affection beaming in every
+lineament of her angel face--"<i>have</i> loved you, for years--how could it be
+otherwise? I have scarce seen any other to love; and how see you, and
+refrain?"</p>
+
+<p>"Blessed, blessed, Maud--but this is so strange--I fear you do not
+understand me--I am not speaking of such affection as Beulah bears me, as
+brother and sister feel; I speak of the love that my mother bore my
+father--of the love of man and wife"----</p>
+
+<p>A groan from Maud stopped the vehement young man, who received his
+companion in his arms, as she bowed her head on his bosom, half fainting.</p>
+
+<p>"Is this resentment, dearest, or is it consent?" he asked, bewildered by
+all that passed.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Bob--Father--father--father!"</p>
+
+<p>"My father!--what of him, Maud? Why has the allusion to him brought you to
+this state?"</p>
+
+<p>"They have killed him, dearest, dearest Bob; and you must now be father,
+husband, brother, son, all in one. We have no one left but you!"</p>
+
+<p>A long pause succeeded. The shock was terrible to Robert Willoughby, but
+he bore up against it, like a man. Maud's incoherent and unnatural manner
+was now explained, and while unutterable tenderness of manner--a
+tenderness that was increased by what had just passed--was exhibited by
+each to the other, no more was said of love. A common grief appeared to
+bind their hearts closer together, but it was unnecessary to dwell on
+their mutual affection in words. Robert Willoughby's sorrow mingled with
+that of Maud, and, as he folded her to his heart, their faces were
+literally bathed in each other's tears.</p>
+
+<p>It was some time before Willoughby could ask, or Maud give, an
+explanation. Then the latter briefly recounted all she knew, her companion
+listening with the closest attention. The son thought the occurrence as
+extraordinary as it was afflicting, but there was not leisure for inquiry.</p>
+
+<p>It was, perhaps, fortunate for our lovers that Nick's employment kept him
+away. For nearly ten minutes longer did he continue absent; then he
+returned, slowly, thoughtful, and possibly a little disturbed. At the
+sound of his footstep, Willoughby released Maud from his arms, and both
+assumed an air of as much tranquillity as the state of their feelings
+would allow.</p>
+
+<p>"Better march"--said Nick, in his sententious manner--"Mohawk very mad."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see the signs of this?" asked the major, scarce knowing what he
+said.</p>
+
+<p>"Alway make Injin mad; lose scalp. Prisoner run away, carry scalp with
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"I rather think, Nick, you do my captors injustice; so far from desiring
+anything so cruel, they treated me well enough, considering the
+circumstances, and that we are in the woods."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; spare scalp, 'cause t'ink rope ready. Nebber trust Mohawk--all bad
+Injin."</p>
+
+<p>To own the truth, one of the great failings of the savages of the American
+forests, was to think of the neighbouring tribes, as the Englishman is
+known to think of the Frenchman, and vice versa; as the German thinks of
+both, and all think of the Yankee. In a word, his own tribe contains
+everything that is excellent, with the Pawnee, the Osage and
+Pottawattomie, as Paris contains all that is perfect in the eyes of the
+<i>bourgeois</i>, London in those of the cockney, and this virtuous republic in
+those of its own enlightened citizens; while the hostile communities are
+remorselessly given up to the tender solicitude of those beings which lead
+nations, as well as individuals, into the sinks of perdition. Thus Nick,
+liberalized as his mind had comparatively become by intercourse with the
+whites, still retained enough of the impressions of childhood, to put the
+worst construction on the acts of all his competitors, and the best on his
+own. In this spirit, then, he warned his companions against placing any
+reliance on the mercy of the Mohawks.</p>
+
+<p>Major Wilioughby, however, had now sufficient inducements to move, without
+reference to the hostile intentions of his late captors. That his escape
+would excite a malignant desire for vengeance, he could easily believe;
+but his mother, his revered heart-broken mother, and the patient,
+afflicted Beulah, were constantly before him, and gladly did he press on,
+Maud leaning on his arm, the instant Nick led the way. To say that the
+lovely, confiding being who clung to his side, as the vine inclines to the
+tree, was forgotten, or that he did not retain a vivid recollection of all
+that she had so ingenuously avowed in his favour, would not be rigidly
+accurate, though the hopes thus created shone in the distance, under the
+present causes of grief, as the sun's rays illumine the depths of the
+heavens, while his immediate face is entirely hidden by an eclipse.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you see any signs of a movement against the house, Nick?" demanded
+the major, when the three had been busily making their way, for several
+minutes, round the margin of the forest.</p>
+
+<p>The Tuscarora turned, nodded his head, and glanced at Maud.</p>
+
+<p>"Speak frankly, Wyandott&eacute;--"</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" interrupted the Indian with emphasis, assuming a dignity of manner
+the major had never before witnessed. "Wyandott&eacute; come--Nick gone away
+altogeder. Nebber see Sassy Nick, ag'in, at Dam."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear this, Tuscarora, and as Maud says, you may speak
+plainly."</p>
+
+<p>"T'ink, den, best be ready. Mohawk feel worse dan if he lose ten, t'ree,
+six scalp. Injin know Injin feelin'. Pale-face can't stop red-skin, when
+blood get up."</p>
+
+<p>"Press on, then, Wyandott&eacute;, for the sake of God--let me, at least, die
+in defence of my beloved mother!"</p>
+
+<p>"Moder; good!--Doctor Tuscarora, when death grin in face! She <i>my</i> moder,
+too!"</p>
+
+<p>This was said energetically, and in a manner to assure his listeners that
+they had a firm ally in this warlike savage. Little did either dream, at
+that instant, that this same wayward being--the creature of passion, and
+the fierce avenger of all his own fancied griefs, was the cause of the
+dreadful blow that had so recently fallen on them.</p>
+
+<p>The sun still wanted an hour of setting, when Nick brought his companions
+to the fallen tree, by which they were again to cross the rivulet. Here he
+paused, pointing to the roofs of the Hut, which were then just visible
+through the trees; as much as to say that his duty, as a guide, was done.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Wyandott&eacute;," said Willoughby; "if it be the will of God to
+carry us safely through the crisis, you shall be well rewarded for this
+service."</p>
+
+<p>"Wyandott&eacute; chief--want no dollar. Been Injin runner--now be Injin warrior.
+Major follow--squaw follow--Mohawk in hurry."</p>
+
+<p>This was enough. Nick passed out of the forest on a swift walk--but for
+the female, it would have been his customary, loping trot--followed by
+Willoughby; his arm, again, circling the waist of Maud, whom he bore along
+scarce permitting her light form to touch the earth. At this instant, four
+or five conches sounded, in the direction of the mills, and along the
+western margin of the meadows. Blast seemed to echo blast; then the
+infernal yell, known as the war-whoop, was heard all along the opposite
+face of the buildings. Judging from the sounds, the meadows were alive
+with assailants, pressing on for the palisades.</p>
+
+<p>At this appalling moment, Joyce appeared on the ridge of the roof,
+shouting, in a voice that might have been heard to the farthest point in
+the valley--</p>
+
+<p>"Stand to your arms, my men," he cried; "here the scoundrels come; hold
+your fire until they attempt to cross the stockade."</p>
+
+<p>To own the truth, there was a little bravado in this, mingled with the
+stern courage that habit and nature had both contributed to lend the
+serjeant. The veteran knew the feebleness of his garrison, and fancied
+that warlike cries, from himself, might counterbalance the yells that were
+now rising from all the fields in front of the house.</p>
+
+<p>As for Nick and the major, they pressed forward, too earnest and excited,
+to speak. The former measured the distance by his ear; and thought there
+was still time to gain a cover, if no moment was lost. To reach the foot
+of the cliff, took just a minute; to ascend to the hole in the palisade,
+half as much time; and to pass it, a quarter. Maud was dragged ahead, as
+much as she ran; and the period when the three were passing swiftly round
+to the gate, was pregnant with imminent risk. They were seen, and fifty
+rifles were discharged, as it might be, at a command. The bullets pattered
+against the logs of the Hut, and against the palisades, but no one was
+hurt. The voice of Willoughby opened the gate, and the next instant the
+three were within the shelter of the court.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch28">
+<h2>Chapter XXVIII.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  "They have not perish'd--no!<br />
+  Kind words, remembered voices, once so sweet,<br />
+  Smiles, radiant long ago,<br />
+  And features, the great soul's apparent seat;</p>
+
+<p>  "All shall come back, each tie<br />
+  Of pure affection shall be knit again;<br />
+  Alone shall evil die,<br />
+  And sorrow dwell a prisoner in thy reign.</p>
+
+<p>  "And then shall I behold<br />
+  Him, by whose kind paternal side I sprung,<br />
+  And her, who still and cold,<br />
+  Fills the next grave--the beautiful and young."</p>
+
+<p>  Bryant's Past.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+The scene that followed passed like a hurricane sweeping over the valley.
+Joyce had remained on the ridge of the roof, animating his little
+garrison, and endeavouring to intimidate his enemies, to the last moment.
+The volley of bullets had reached the palisades and the buildings, and he
+was still unharmed. But the sound of the major's voice below, and the cry
+that Miss Maud and Nick were at the gate, produced a sudden change in all
+his dispositions for the defence. The serjeant ran below himself, to
+report and receive his orders from the new commander, while all the
+negroes, females as well as males, rushed down into the court, to meet
+their young master and mistress.</p>
+
+<p>It is not easy to describe the minute that succeeded, after Willoughby and
+Maud were surrounded by the blacks. The delight of these untutored beings
+was in proportion to their recent sorrow. The death of their master, and
+the captivity of Master Bob and Miss Maud, had appeared to them like a
+general downfall of the family of Willoughby; but here was a revival of
+its hopes, that came as unexpectedly as its previous calamities. Amid the
+clamour, cries, tears, lamentations, and bursts of uncontrollable
+delight, Joyce could scarce find a moment in which to discharge his duty.</p>
+
+<p>"I see how it is, serjeant," exclaimed Willoughby; "the assault is now
+making, and you desire orders."</p>
+
+<p>"There is not an instant to lose, Major Willoughby; the enemy are at the
+palisades already, and there is no one at his station but Jamie and young
+Blodget."</p>
+
+<p>"To your posts, men--to your posts, everybody. The house shall be made
+good at all hazards. For God's sake, Joyce, give me arms. I feel that my
+father's wrongs are to be revenged."</p>
+
+<p>"Robert--dear, dear Robert," said Maud, throwing her arms on his
+shoulders, "this is no moment for such bitter feelings. Defend us, as I
+know you will, but defend us like a Christian."</p>
+
+<p>One kiss was all that the time allowed, and Maud rushed into the house to
+seek her mother and Beulah, feeling as if the tidings of Bob's return
+might prove some little alleviation to the dreadful blow under which they
+must be suffering.</p>
+
+<p>As for Willoughby, he had no time for pious efforts at consolation. The
+Hut was to be made good against a host of enemies; and the cracking of
+rifles from the staging and the fields, announced that the conflict had
+begun in earnest. Joyce handed him a rifle, and together they ascended
+rapidly to the roofs. Here they found Jamie Allen and Blodget, loading and
+firing as fast as they could, and were soon joined by all the negroes.
+Seven men were now collected on the staging; and placing three in front,
+and two on each wing, the major's dispositions were made; moving, himself,
+incessantly, to whatever point circumstances called. Mike, who knew little
+of the use of fire-arms, was stationed at the gate, as porter and warder.
+
+It was so unusual a thing for savages to attack by daylight, unless they
+could resort to surprise, that the assailants were themselves a little
+confused. The assault was made, under a sudden feeling of resentment at
+the escape of the prisoner, and contrary to the wishes of the principal
+white men in the party, though the latter were dragged in the train of
+events, and had to seem to countenance that of which they really
+disapproved. These sudden outbreakings were sufficiently common in
+Indian warfare, and often produced memorable disasters. On the present
+occasion, however, the most that could occur was a repulse, and to this
+the leaders, demagogues who owed their authority to the excesses and
+necessities of the times, were fain to submit, should it happen.</p>
+
+<p>The onset had been fierce and too unguarded. The moment the volley was
+fired at the major, the assailants broke cover, and the fields were alive
+with men. This was the instant when the defence was left to Allen and
+Blodget, else might the exposure have cost the enemy dear. As it was, the
+last brought down one of the boldest of the Indians while the mason fired
+with good will, though with less visible effect. The yell that followed
+this demonstration of the apparent force of the garrison, was a wild
+mixture of anger and exultation, and the rush at the palisades was general
+and swift. As Willoughby posted his reinforcement, the stockade was alive
+with men, some ascending, some firing from its summit, some aiding others
+to climb, and one falling within the enclosure, a second victim to
+Blodget's unerring aim.</p>
+
+<p>The volley that now came from the roofs staggered the savages, most of
+whom fell outward, and sought cover in their usual quick and dexterous
+manner. Three or four, however, thought it safer to fall within the
+palisades, seeking safety immediately under the sides of the buildings.
+The view of these men, who were perfectly safe from the fire of the
+garrison so long as the latter made no sortie, gave an idea to those
+without, and produced, what had hitherto been wanting, something like
+order and concert in the attack. The firing now became desultory and
+watchful on both sides, the attacking party keeping themselves covered by
+the trees and fences as well as they could, while the garrison only peered
+above the ridge of the roof, as occasions required.</p>
+
+<p>The instant the outbreak occurred, all the <i>ci-devant</i> dependants of
+captain Willoughby, who had deserted, abandoned their various occupations
+in the woods and fields, collecting in and around the cabins, in the midst
+of their wives and children. Joel, alone, was not to be seen. He had
+sought his friends among the leaders of the party, behind a stack of hay,
+at a respectful distance from the house, and to which there was a safe
+approach by means of the rivulet and its fringe of bushes. The little
+council that was held at this spot took place just as the half-dozen
+assailants who had fallen within the palisades were seen clustering along
+under the walls of the buildings.</p>
+
+<p>"Natur' gives you a hint how to conduct," observed Joel, pointing out this
+circumstance to his principal companions, as they all lay peering over the
+upper portions of the stack, at the Hut. "You see them men under the
+eaves--they're a plaguy sight safer up there, than we be down here; and;
+if 'twere'n't for the look of the thing, I wish I was with 'em. That house
+will never be taken without a desperate sight of fightin'; for the captain
+is an old warrior, and seems to like to snuff gunpowder"--the reader will
+understand none knew of the veteran's death but those in the house--"and
+won't be for givin' up while he has a charge left. If I had twenty
+men--no, thirty would be better, where these fellows be, I think the place
+could be carried in a few minutes, and then liberty would get its rights,
+and your monarchy-men would be put down as they all desarve."</p>
+
+<p>"What do then?" demanded the leading Mohawk, in his abrupt guttural
+English. "No shoot--can't kill log."</p>
+
+<p>"No, chief, that's reasonable, an' ongainsayable, too; but only one-half
+the inner gate is hung, and I've contrived matters so, on purpose, that
+the props of the half that isn't on the hinges can be undone, all the same
+as onlatching the door. If I only had the right man here, now, the
+business should be done, and that speedily."</p>
+
+<p>"Go 'self," answered the Mohawk, not without an expression of distrust and
+contempt.</p>
+
+<p>"Every man to his callin', chief. My trade is peace, and politics, and
+liberty, while your's is war. Howsever, I can put you, and them that likes
+fightin', on the trail, and then we'll see how matters can be done.
+Mortality! How them desperate devils on the roof do keep blazin' away! It
+wouldn't surprise me if they shot somebody, or get hurt themselves!"</p>
+
+<p>Such were the deliberations of Joel Strides on a battle. The Indian
+leaders, however, gave some of their ordinary signals, to bring their
+'young men' more under command and, sending messengers with orders in
+different directions, they left the haystack, compelling Joel to accompany
+them.</p>
+
+<p>The results of these movements were soon apparent. The most daring of the
+Mohawks made their way into the rivulet, north of the buildings, and were
+soon at the foot of the cliff. A little reconnoitring told them that the
+hole which Joel had pointed out, had not been closed since the entrance of
+Willoughby and his companions. Led by their chief, the warriors stole up
+the ascent, and began to crawl through the same inlet which had served as
+an outlet to so many deserters, the previous night, accompanied by their
+wives and children.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians in front had been ordered to occupy the attention of the
+garrison, while this movement was in the course of execution. At a signal,
+they raised a yell, unmasked them, fired one volley, and seemed to make
+another rush at the works. This was the instant chosen for the passage of
+the hole, and the seven leading savages effected their entrance within the
+stockade, with safety. The eighth man was shot by Blodget, in the hole
+itself. The body was instantly withdrawn by the legs, and all in the rear
+fell back under the cover of the cliff.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby now understood the character of the assault. Stationing Joyce,
+with a party to command the hole, he went himself into the library,
+accompanied by Jamie and Blodget, using a necessary degree of caution.
+Fortunately the windows were raised, and a sudden volley routed all the
+Indians who had taken shelter beneath the rocks. These men, however, fled
+no further than the rivulet, where they rallied under cover of the bushes,
+keeping up a dropping fire at the windows. For several minutes, the combat
+was confined to this spot; Willoughby, by often shifting from window to
+window along the rear of the house, getting several volleys that told, at
+the men under the cover.</p>
+
+<p>As yet, all the loss had been on the side of the assailants, though
+several of the garrison, including both Willoughby and Joyce, had divers
+exceedingly narrow escapes. Quite a dozen of the assailants had suffered,
+though only four were killed outright. By this time, the assault had
+lasted an hour, and the shades of evening were closing around the place.
+Daniel, the miller, had been sent by Joel to spring the mine they had
+prepared together, but, making the mistake usual with the uninitiated, he
+had hung back, to let others pass the hole first, and was consequently
+carried down in the crowd, within the cover of the bushes of the rivulet.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby had a short consultation with Joyce, and then he set seriously
+about the preparations necessary for a light defence. By a little
+management, and some persona, risk, the bullet-proof shutters of the north
+wing of the Hut were all closed, rendering the rear of the buildings
+virtually impregnable. When this was done, and the gates of the area were
+surely shut, the place was like a ship in a gale, under short canvass and
+hove-to. The enemy within the palisades were powerless, to all appearance,
+the walls of stone preventing anything like an application of fire. Of the
+last, however, there was a little danger on the roof, the Indians
+frequently using arrows for this purpose, and water was placed on the
+staging in readiness to be used on occasion.</p>
+
+<p>All these preparations occupied some time, and it was quite dark ere they
+were completed. Then Willoughby had a moment for reflection; the firing
+having entirely ceased, and nothing further remaining to do.</p>
+
+<p>"We are safe for the present, Joyce," the major observed, as he and the
+serjeant stood together on the staging, after having consulted on the
+present aspect of things; "and I have a solemn duty, yet, to perform--my
+dear mother--and the body of my father--"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir; I would not speak of either, so long as it was your honour's
+pleasure to remain silent on the subject. Madam Willoughby is sorely cut
+down, as you may imagine, sir; and, as for my gallant old commander, he
+died in his harness, as a soldier should."</p>
+
+<p>"Where have you taken the body?--has my mother seen it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lord bless you, sir, Madam Willoughby had his honour carried into her own
+room, and there she and Miss Beulah"--so all of the Hut still called the
+wife of Evert Beekman--"she and Miss Beulah, kneel, and pray, and weep,
+as you know, sir, ladies will, whenever anything severe comes over their
+feelings--God bless them both, we all say, and think, ay, and pray, too,
+in our turns, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, Joyce. Even a soldier may drop a tear over the dead body of
+his own father. God only knows what this night will bring forth, and I may
+never have a moment as favourable as this, for discharging so solemn a
+duty."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your honour"--Joyce fancied that the major had succeeded to this
+appellation by the decease of the captain--"yes, your honour, the
+commandments, that the Rev. Mr. Woods used to read to us of a Sunday, tell
+us all about that; and it is quite as much the duty of a Christian to mind
+the commandments, I do suppose, as it is for a soldier to obey orders. God
+bless you, sir, and carry you safe through the affair. I had a touch of it
+with Miss Maud, myself, and know what it is. It's bad enough to lose an
+old commander in so sudden a way like, without having to <i>feel</i> what has
+happened in company with so sweet ladies, as these we have in the house.
+As for these blackguards down inside the works, let them give you no
+uneasiness; it will be light work for us to keep them busy, compared to
+what your honour has to do."</p>
+
+<p>It would seem by the saddened manner in which Willoughby moved away, that
+he was of the same way of thinking as the serjeant, on this melancholy
+subject. The moment, however, was favourable for the object, and delay
+could not be afforded. Then Willoughby's disposition was to console his
+mother, even while he wept with her over the dead body of him they had
+lost.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the wild uproar that had so prevailed, not only without,
+but within the place, the portion of the house that was occupied by the
+widowed matron and her daughters, was silent as the grave. All the
+domestics were either on the staging, or at the loops, leaving the
+kitchens and offices deserted. The major first entered a little
+ante-chamber, that opened between a store-room, and the apartment usually
+occupied by his mother; this being the ordinary means of approach to her
+room. Here he paused, and listened quite a minute, in the hope of catching
+some sound from within that might prepare him for the scene he was to
+meet. Not a whisper, a moan, or a sob could be heard; and he ventured to
+tap lightly at the door. This was unheeded; waiting another minute, as
+much in dread as in respect, he raised the latch with some such awe, as
+one would enter into a tomb of some beloved one. A single lamp let him
+into the secrets of this solemn place.</p>
+
+<p>In the centre of the room, lay stretched on a large table, the manly form
+of the author of his being. The face was uppermost, and the limbs had been
+laid, in decent order, as is usual with the dead that have been cared for.
+No change had been made in the dress, however, the captain lying in the
+hunting-shirt in which he had sallied forth; the crimson tint which
+disfigured one breast, having been sedulously concealed by the attention
+of Great Smash. The passage from life to eternity had been so sudden, as
+to leave the usual benignant expression on the countenance of the corpse;
+the paleness which had succeeded the fresh ruddy tint of nature, alone
+denoting that the sleep was not a sweet repose, but that of death.</p>
+
+<p>The body of his father was the first object that met the gaze of the
+major. He advanced, leaned forward, kissed the marble-like forehead, with
+reverence, and groaned in the effort to suppress an unmanly outbreaking of
+sorrow. Then he turned to seek the other well-beloved faces. There sat
+Beulah, in a corner of the room, as if to seek shelter for her infant,
+folding that infant to her heart, keeping her look riveted, in anguish, on
+the inanimate form that she had ever loved beyond a daughter's love. Even
+the presence of her brother scarce drew a glance away from the sad
+spectacle; though, when it at length did, the youthful matron bowed her
+face down to that of her child, and wept convulsively. She was nearest to
+the major, who moved to her side, and kissed the back of her neck, with
+kind affection. The meaning was understood; and Beulah, while unable to
+look up, extended a hand to meet the fraternal pressure it received.</p>
+
+<p>Maud was near, kneeling at the side of the bed. Her whole attitude denoted
+the abstraction of a mind absorbed in worship and solicitation. Though
+Willoughby's heart yearned to raise her in his arms; to console her, and
+bid her lean on himself, in future, for her earthly support, he too much
+respected her present occupation, to break in upon it with any irreverent
+zeal of his own. His eye turned from this loved object, therefore, and
+hurriedly looked for his mother.</p>
+
+<p>The form of Mrs. Willoughby had escaped the first glances of her son, in
+consequence of the position in which she had placed herself. The stricken
+wife was in a corner of the room, her person partly concealed by the
+drapery of a window-curtain; though this was evidently more the effect of
+accident, than of design. Willoughby started, as he caught the first
+glance of his beloved parent's face; and he felt a chill pass over his
+whole frame. There she sat upright, motionless, tearless, without any of
+the alleviating weaknesses of a less withering grief, her mild countenance
+exposed to the light of the lamp, and her eyes riveted on the face of the
+dead. In this posture had she remained for hours; no tender cares on the
+part of her daughters; no attentions from her domestics; no outbreaking of
+her own sorrows, producing any change. Even the clamour of the assault had
+passed by her like the idle wind.</p>
+
+<p>"My mother--my poor--dear--heart-broken mother!" burst from Willoughby, at
+this sight, and he stepped quickly forward, and knelt at her feet.</p>
+
+<p>But Bob--the darling Bob--his mother's pride and joy, was unheeded. The
+heart, which had so long beaten for others only; which never seemed to
+feel a wish, or a pulsation, but in the service of the objects of its
+affection, was not sufficiently firm to withstand the blow that had
+lighted on it so suddenly. Enough of life remained, however, to support
+the frame for a while; and the will still exercised its power over the
+mere animal functions. Her son shut out the view of the body, and she
+motioned him aside with an impatience of manner he had never before
+witnessed from the same quarter. Inexpressibly shocked, the major took her
+hands, by gentle compulsion, covering them with kisses, and literally
+bathing them in tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! mother--dearest, dearest mother!" he cried, "<i>will</i> you not--<i>do</i> you
+not know <i>me</i>--Robert--Bob--your much-indulged, grateful, affectionate
+son. If father is gone into the immediate presence of the God he revered
+and served, I am still left to be a support to your declining years. Lean
+on me, mother, next to your Father in Heaven."</p>
+
+<p>"Will he ever get up, Robert?" whispered the widowed mother. "You speak
+too loud, and may rouse him before his time. He promised me to bring you
+back; and he ever kept his promises. He had a long march, and is weary,
+See, how sweetly he sleeps!"</p>
+
+<p>Robert Willoughby bowed his head to his mother's knees, and groaned aloud.
+When he raised his face again, he saw the arms of Maud elevated towards
+heaven, as if she would pluck down that consolation for her mother, that
+her spirit was so fervently asking of the Almighty. Then he gazed into the
+face of his mother again; hoping to catch a gleam of some expression and
+recognition, that denoted more of reason. It was in vain; the usual
+placidity, the usual mild affection were there; but both were blended with
+the unnatural halo of a mind excited to disease, if not to madness. A
+slight exclamation, which sounded like alarm, came from Beulah; and
+turning towards his sister, Willoughby saw that she was clasping Evert
+still closer to her bosom, with her eyes now bent on the door. Looking in
+the direction of the latter, he perceived that Nick had stealthily
+entered, the room.</p>
+
+<p>The unexpected appearance of Wyandott&eacute; might well alarm the youthful
+mother. He had applied his war-paint since entering the Hut; and this,
+though it indicated an intention to fight in defence of the house, left a
+picture of startling aspect. There was nothing hostile intended by this
+visit, however. Nick had come not only in amity, but in a kind concern to
+see after the females of the family, who had ever stood high in his
+friendship, notwithstanding the tremendous blow he had struck against
+their happiness. But he had been accustomed to see those close
+distinctions drawn between individuals and colours; and, the other
+proprieties admitted, would not have hesitated about consoling the widow
+with the offer of his own hand. Major Willoughby, understanding, from the
+manner of the Indian, the object of his visit, suffered him to pursue his
+own course, in the hope it might rouse his mother to a better
+consciousness of objects around her.</p>
+
+<p>Nick walked calmly up to the table, and gazed at the face of his victim
+with a coldness that proved he felt no compunction. Still he hesitated
+about touching the body, actually raising his hand, as if with that
+intent, and then withdrawing it, like one stung by conscience. Willoughby
+noted the act; and, for the first time, a shadowy suspicion glanced on
+his mind. Maud had told him all she knew of the manner of his father's
+death, and old distrusts began to revive, though so faintly as to produce
+no immediate results.</p>
+
+<p>As for the Indian, the hesitating gesture excepted, the strictest
+scrutiny, or the keenest suspicion could have detected no signs of
+feeling. The senseless form before him was not less moved than he appeared
+to be, so far as the human eye could penetrate. Wyandott&eacute; <i>was</i> unmoved.
+He believed that, in curing the sores on his own back in this particular
+manner, he had done what became a Tuscarora warrior and a chief. Let not
+the self-styled Christians of civilized society affect horror at this
+instance of savage justice, so long as they go the whole length of the law
+of their several communities, in avenging their own fancied wrongs, using
+the dagger of calumny instead of the scalping-knife, and rending and
+tearing <i>their</i> victims, by the agency of gold and power, like so many
+beasts of the field, in all the forms and modes that legal vindictiveness
+will either justify or tolerate; often exceeding those broad limits,
+indeed, and seeking impunity behind perjuries and frauds.</p>
+
+<p>Nick's examination of the body was neither hurried nor agitated. When it
+was over, he turned calmly to consider the daughters of the deceased.</p>
+
+<p>"Why you cry--why you 'fear'd," he said, approaching Beulah, and placing
+his swarthy hand on the head of her sleeping infant.--"Good squaw--good
+pappoose. Wyandott&eacute; take care 'em in woods. Bye'm-by go to pale-face town,
+and sleep quiet."</p>
+
+<p>This was rudely said, but it was well meant. Beulah so received it; and
+she endeavoured to smile her gratitude in the face of the very being from
+whom, more than from all of earth, she would have turned in horror, could
+her mental vision have reached the fearful secret that lay buried in his
+own bosom. The Indian understood her look; and making a gesture of
+encouragement, he moved to the side of the woman whom his own hand had
+made a widow.</p>
+
+<p>The appearance of Wyandott&eacute; produced no change in the look or manner of
+the matron. The Indian took her hand, and spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"Squaw <i>berry</i> good," he said, with emphasis. "Why look so sorry--cap'in
+gone to happy huntin'-ground of his people. All good dere--chief time
+come, <i>must</i> go."</p>
+
+<p>The widow knew the voice, and by some secret association it recalled the
+scenes of the past, producing a momentary revival of her faculties.</p>
+
+<p>"Nick, <i>you</i> are my friend," she said, earnestly. "Go speak to him, and
+see if <i>you</i> can wake him up."</p>
+
+<p>The Indian fairly started, as he heard this strange proposal. The weakness
+lasted only for a moment, however, and he became as stoical, in appearance
+at least, as before.</p>
+
+<p>"No," he said; "squaw quit cap'in, now. Warrior go on last path, all
+alone--no want companion.--She look at grave, now and den, and be happy."</p>
+
+<p>"Happy!" echoed the widow, "what is <i>that</i>, Nick?--what is <i>happy</i>, my
+son? It seems a dream--I <i>must</i> have known what it was; but I forget it
+all now. Oh! it was cruel, cruel, cruel, to stab a husband, and a
+father--wasn't it, Robert?--What say you, Nick--shall I give you more
+medicine?--You'll die, Indian, unless you take it--mind what a Christian
+woman tells you, and be obedient.--Here, let me hold the cup--there; now
+you'll live!"</p>
+
+<p>Nick recoiled an entire step, and gazed at the still beautiful victim of
+his ruthless revenge, in a manner no one had ever before noted in his
+mien. His mixed habits left him in ignorance of no shade of the fearful
+picture before his eyes, and he began better to comprehend the effects of
+the plow he had so hastily struck--a blow meditated for years, though
+given at length under a sudden and vehement impulse. The widowed mother,
+however, was past noting these changes.</p>
+
+<p>"No--no--no--Nick," she added, hurriedly, scarce speaking above a whisper,
+"do not awake him! God will do that, when he summons his blessed ones to
+the foot of his throne. Let us all lie down, and sleep with him. Robert,
+do you lie there, at his side, my noble, noble boy; Beulah, place little
+Evert and yourself at the other side; Maud, your place is by the head; I
+will sleep at his feet; while Nick shall watch, and let us know when it
+will be time to rise and pray"</p>
+
+<p>The general and intense--almost spell-bound--attention with which all in
+the room listened to these gentle but touching wanderings of a mind so
+single and pure, was interrupted by yells so infernal, and shrieks so wild
+and fearful, that it seemed, in sooth, as if the last trump had sounded,
+and men were passing forth from their graves to judgment. Willoughby
+almost leaped out of the room, and Maud followed, to shut and bolt the
+door, when her waist was encircled by the arm of Nick, and she found
+herself borne forward towards the din.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch29">
+<h2>Chapter XXIX.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  "O, Time and Death! with certain pace,<br />
+  Though still unequal, hurrying on,<br />
+  O'erturning, in your awful race,<br />
+  The cot, the palace, and the throne!"</p>
+
+<p>  Sands.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+Maud had little leisure for reflection. The yells and shrieks were
+followed by the cries of combatants, and the crack of the rifle. Nick
+hurried her along at a rate so rapid that she had not breath to question
+or remonstrate, until she found herself at the door of a small store-room,
+in which her mother was accustomed to keep articles of domestic economy
+that required but little space. Into this room Nick thrust her, and then
+she heard the key turn on her egress. For a single moment, Wyandott&eacute; stood
+hesitating whether he should endeavour to get Mrs. Willoughby and her
+other daughter into the same place of security; then, judging of the
+futility of the attempt, by the approach of the sounds within, among which
+he heard the full, manly voice of Robert Willoughby, calling on the
+garrison to be firm, he raised an answering yell to those of the Mohawks,
+the war-whoop of his tribe, and plunged into the fray with the desperation
+of one who ran a muck, and with the delight of a demon.</p>
+
+<p>In order to understand the cause of this sudden change, it will be
+necessary to return a little, in the order of time. While Willoughby was
+with his mother and sisters, Mike had charge of the gate. The rest of the
+garrison was either at the loops, or was stationed on the roofs. As the
+darkness increased, Joel mustered sufficient courage to crawl through the
+hole, and actually reached the gate. Without him, it was found impossible
+to spring his mine, and he had been prevailed on to risk this much, on
+condition it should not be asked of him to do such violence to his
+feelings as to enter the court of a house in which he had seen so many
+happy days.</p>
+
+<p>The arrangement, by which this traitor intended to throw a family upon the
+tender mercies of savages, was exceedingly simple. It will be remembered
+that only one leaf of the inner gate was hung, the other being put in its
+place, where it was sustained by a prop. This prop consisted of a single
+piece of timber, of which one end rested on the ground, and the other on
+the centre of the gate; the last being effectually prevented from slipping
+by pins of wood, driven into the massive wood-work of the gate, above its
+end. The lower end of the prop rested against a fragment of rock that
+nature had placed at this particular spot. As the work had been set up in
+a hurry, it was found necessary to place wedges between the lower end of
+the prop and the rock, in order to force the leaf properly into its
+groove, without which it might have been canted to one side, and of course
+easily overturned by the exercise of sufficient force from without.</p>
+
+<p>To all this arrangement, Joel had been a party, and he knew, as a matter
+of course, its strong and its weak points. Seizing a favourable moment, he
+had loosened the wedges, leaving them in their places, however, but using
+the precaution to fasten a bit of small but strong cord to the most
+material one of the three, which cord he buried in the dirt, and led half
+round a stick driven into the earth, quite near the wall, and thence
+through a hole made by one of the hinges, to the outer side of the leaf.
+The whole had been done with so much care as to escape the vigilance of
+casual observers, and expressly that the overseer might assist his friends
+in entering the place, after he himself had provided for his own safety by
+flight. The circumstance that no one trod on the side of the gateway where
+the unhung leaf stood, prevented the half-buried cord from being disturbed
+by any casual footstep.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Joel reached the wall of the Hut, his first care was to
+ascertain if he were safe from missiles from the loops. Assured of this
+fact, he stole round to the gate, and had a consultation with the Mohawk
+chief, on the subject of springing the mine. The cord was found in its
+place; and, hauling on it gently, Joel was soon certain that he had
+removed the wedge, and that force might speedily throw down the unhung
+leaf. Still, he proceeded with caution. Applying the point of a lever to
+the bottom of the leaf, he hove it back sufficiently to be sure it would
+pass inside of its fellow; and then he announced to the grave warrior, who
+had watched the whole proceeding, that the time was come to lend his aid.</p>
+
+<p>There were a dozen reckless whites, in the cluster of savages collected at
+the gate; and enough of these were placed at handspikes to effect the
+intended dislodgement. The plan was this: while poles were set against the
+upper portion of the leaf, to force it within the line of the suspended
+part, handspikes and crowbars, of which a sufficiency had been provided by
+Joel's forethought, were to be applied between the hinge edge and the
+wall, to cast the whole over to the other side.</p>
+
+<p>Unluckily, Mike had been left at the gate as the sentinel. A more
+upfortunate selection could not have been made; the true-hearted fellow
+having so much self-confidence, and so little forethought, as to believe
+the gates impregnable. He had lighted a pipe, and was smoking as
+tranquilly as he had ever done before, in his daily indulgences of this
+character, when the unhung leaf came tumbling in upon the side where he
+sat; nothing saving his head but the upper edge's lodging against the
+wall. At the same moment, a dozen Indians leaped through the opening, and
+sprang into the court, raising the yells already described. Mike followed,
+armed with his shillelah, for his musket was abandoned in the surprise,
+and he began to lay about him with an earnestness that in nowise lessened
+the clamour. This was the moment when Joyce, nobly sustained by Blodget
+and Jamie Allen, poured a volley into the court, from the roofs; when the
+fray became general. To this point had the combat reached, when Willoughby
+rushed into the open air followed, a few instants later, by Nick.</p>
+
+<p>The scene that succeeded is not easily described. It was a <i>m&eacute;l&eacute;e</i> in the
+dark, illuminated, at instants, by the flashes of guns, and rendered
+horrible by shrieks, curses, groans and whoops. Mike actually cleared the
+centre of the court, where he was soon joined by Willoughby, when,
+together, they made a rush at a door, and actually succeeded in gaining
+their own party on the roof. It was not in nature for the young soldier to
+remain here, however, while his mother, Beulah, and, so far as he knew,
+Maud, lay exposed to the savages below. Arnid a shower of bullets he
+collected his whole force, and was on the point of charging into the
+court, when the roll of a drum without, brought everything to a stand.
+Young Blodget, who had displayed the ardour of a hero, and the coolness of
+a veteran throughout the short fray, sprang down the stairs unarmed, at
+this sound, passed through the astonished crowd in the court, unnoticed,
+and rushed to the outer gate. He had barely time to unbar it, when a body
+of troops marched through, led by a tall, manly-looking chief, who was
+accompanied by one that the young man instantly recognised, in spite of
+the darkness, for Mr. Woods, in his surplice. At the next moment, the
+strangers had entered, with military steadiness, into the court, to the
+number of, at least, fifty, ranging themselves in order across its area.</p>
+
+<p>"In the name of Heaven, who are you?" called out Willoughby, from a
+window. "Speak at once, or we fire."</p>
+
+<p>"I am Colonel Beekman, at the head of a regular force," was the answer,
+"and if, as I suspect, you are Major Willoughby, you know you are safe. In
+the name of Congress, I command all good citizens to keep the peace, or
+they will meet with punishment for their contumacy."</p>
+
+<p>This announcement ended the war, Beekman and Willoughby grasping each
+other's hands fervently, at the next instant.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Beekman!" exclaimed the last, "at what a moment has God sent you
+hither! Heaven be praised! notwithstanding all that has happened, you will
+find your wife and child safe. Place sentinels at both gates; for
+treachery has been at work here, and I shall ask for rigid justice."</p>
+
+<p>"Softly--softly--my good fellow," answered Beekman, pressing his hand.
+"Your own position is a little delicate, and we must proceed with
+moderation. I learned, just in time, that a party was coming hither, bent
+on mischief; and obtaining the necessary authority, I hastened to the
+nearest garrison, obtained a company, and commenced my march as soon as
+possible. Had we not met with Mr. Woods, travelling for the settlements in
+quest of succour, we might have been too late. As it was, God be
+praised!--I think we have arrived in season."</p>
+
+<p>Such were the facts. The Indians had repelled the zealous chaplain, as a
+madman; compelling him to take the route toward the settlements, however;
+their respect for this unfortunate class of beings, rendering them averse
+to his rejoining their enemies. He could, and did impart enough to Beekman
+to quicken his march, and to bring him and his followers up to the gate at
+a time when a minute might have cost the entire garrison their lives.</p>
+
+<p>Anxious as he was to seek Beulah and his child, Beekman had a soldier's
+duties to perform, and those he would not neglect. The sentinels were
+posted, and orders issued to light lanterns, and to make a fire in the
+centre of the court, so that the actual condition of the field of battle
+might be ascertained. A surgeon had accompanied Beekman's party, and he
+was already at work, so far as the darkness would allow. Many hands being
+employed, and combustibles easy to be found, ere long the desired light
+was gleaming on the terrible spectacle.</p>
+
+<p>A dozen bodies wexre stretched in the court, of which, three or four were
+fated never to rise again, in life. Of the rest, no less than four had
+fallen with broken heads, inflicted by O'Hearn's shillelah. Though these
+blows were not fatal, they effectually put the warriors <i>hors de combat</i>.
+Of the garrison, not one was among the slain, in this part of the field.
+On a later investigation, however, it was ascertained that the poor old
+Scotch mason had received a mortal hurt, through a window, and this by the
+very last shot that had been fired. On turning over the dead of the
+assailants, too, it was discovered that Daniel the Miller was of the
+number. A few of the Mohawks were seen, with glowing eyes, in corners of
+the court, applying their own rude dressings to their various hurts;
+succeeding, on the whole, in effecting the great purpose of the healing
+art, about as well as those who were committed to the lights of science.</p>
+
+<p>Surprisingly few uninjured members of the assaulting party, however, were
+to be found, when the lanterns appeared. Some had slipped through the gate
+before the sentinels were posted; others had found their way to the roof,
+and thence, by various means to the ground; while a few lay concealed in
+the buildings, until a favourable moment offered to escape. Among all
+those who remained, not an individual was found who claimed to be in any
+authority. In a word, after five minutes of examination, both Beekman and
+Willoughby were satisfied that there no longer existed a force to dispute
+with them the mastery of the Hut.</p>
+
+<p>"We have delayed too long relieving the apprehensions of those who are
+very dear to us, Major Willoughby," Beekman at length observed. "If you
+will lead the way to the parts of the buildings where your--<i>my</i> mother,
+and wife, are to be found, I will now follow you."</p>
+
+<p>"Hold, Beekman--there yet remains a melancholy tale to be told--nay, start
+not--I left our Beulah, and your boy, in perfect health, less than a
+quarter of an hour since. But my honoured, honourable, revered, beloved
+father has been killed in a most extraordinary manner, and you will find
+his widow and daughters weeping over his body."</p>
+
+<p>This appalling intelligence produced a halt, during which Willoughby
+explained all he knew of the manner of his father's death, which was
+merely the little he had been enabled to glean from Maud. As soon as this
+duty was performed, the gentlemen proceeded together to the apartment of
+the mourners, each carrying a light.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby made an involuntary exclamation, when he perceived that the
+door of his mother's room was open. He had hoped Maud would have had the
+presence of mind to close and lock it; but here he found it, yawning as if
+to invite the entrance of enemies. The light within, too, was
+extinguished, though, by the aid of the lanterns, he saw large traces of
+blood in the ante-room, and the passages he was obliged to thread. All
+this hastened his steps. Presently he stood in the chamber of death.</p>
+
+<p>Short as had been the struggle, the thirst for scalps had led some of the
+savages to this sanctuary. The instant the Indians had gained the court,
+some of the most ferocious of their number had rushed into the building,
+penetrating its recesses in a way to defile them with slaughter. The first
+object that Willoughby saw was one of these ruthless warriors, stretched
+on the floor, with a living Indian, bleeding at half a dozen wounds,
+standing over him; the eye-balls of the latter were glaring like the
+tiger's that is suddenly confronted to a foe. An involuntary motion was
+made towards the rifle he carried, by the major; but the next look told
+him that the living Indian was Nick. Then it was, that he gazed more
+steadily about him, and took in all the horrible truths of that fatal
+chamber.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Willoughby was sealed in the chair where she had last been seen,
+perfectly dead. No mark of violence was ever found on her body, however,
+and there is no doubt that her constant spirit had followed that of her
+husband to the other world, in submission to the blow which had separated
+them. Beulah had been shot; not, as was afterwards ascertained, by any
+intentional aim, but by one of those random bullets, of which so many had
+been flying through the buildings. The missile had passed through her
+heart, and she lay pressing the little Evert to her bosom, with that air
+of steady and unerring affection which had marked every act of her
+innocent and feeling life. The boy himself, thanks to the tiger-like
+gallantry of Nick, had escaped unhurt. The Tuscarora had seen a party of
+six take the direction of this chamber, and he followed with an instinct
+of their intentions. When the leader entered the room, and found three
+dead bodies, he raised a yell that betokened his delight at the prospect
+of gaining so many scalps; at the next instant, while his fingers were
+actually entwined in the hair of Captain Willoughby, he fell by a blow
+from Wyandott&eacute;. Nick next extinguished the lamp, and then succeeded a
+scene, which none of the actors, themselves, could have described. Another
+Mohawk fell, and the remainder, ailer suffering horribly from the keen
+knife of Nick, as well as from blows received from each other, dragged
+themselves away, leaving the field to the Tuscarora. The latter met the
+almost bewildered gaze of the major with a smile of grim triumph, as he
+pointed to the three bodies of the beloved ones, and said--</p>
+
+<p>"See--all got scalp! Deat', nothin'--scalp, ebbery t'ing."</p>
+
+<p>We shall not attempt to describe the outbreaking of anguish from the
+husband and brother. It was a moment of wild grief, that bore down all the
+usual restraints of manhood, though it was such a moment as an American
+frontier residence has often witnessed. The quiet but deep-feeling nature
+of Beekman received a shock that almost produced a dissolution of his
+earthly being. He succeeded, however, in raising the still warm body of
+Beulah from the floor, and folding it to his heart. Happily for his
+reason, a flood of tears, such as women shed, burst from his soul, rather
+than from his eyes, bedewing her still sweet and placid countenance.</p>
+
+<p>To say that Robert Willoughby did not feel the desolation, which so
+suddenly alighted on a family that had often been quoted for its mutual
+affection and happiness, would be to do him great injustice. He even
+staggered under the blow; yet his heart craved further information. The
+Indian was gazing intently on the sight of Beekman's grief, partly in
+wonder, but more in sympathy, when he felt an iron pressure of his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Maud--Tuscarora"--the major rather groaned than whispered in his ear,
+"know you anything of Maud?"</p>
+
+<p>Nick made a gesture of assent; then motioned for the other to follow. He
+led the way to the store-room, produced the key, and throwing open the
+door, Maud was weeping on Robert Willoughby's bosom in another instant. He
+would not take her to the chamber of death, but urged her, by gentle
+violence, to follow him to the library.</p>
+
+<p>"God be praised for this mercy!" exclaimed the ardent girl, raising her
+hands and streaming eyes to heaven. "I know not, care not, who is
+conqueror, since <i>you</i> are safe!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Maud--beloved one--we must now be all in all to each other. Death has
+stricken the others."</p>
+
+<p>This was a sudden and involuntary announcement, though it was best it
+should be so under the circumstances. It was long before Maud could hear
+an outline, even, of the details, but she bore them better than Willoughby
+could have hoped. The excitement had been so high, as to brace the mind to
+meet any human evil. The sorrow that came afterwards, though sweetened by
+so many tender recollections, and chastened hopes, was deep and enduring.</p>
+
+<p>Our picture would not have been complete, without relating the catastrophe
+that befell the Hutted Knoll; but, having discharged this painful duty, we
+prefer to draw a veil over the remainder of that dreadful night. The cries
+of the negresses, when they learned the death of their old and young
+mistress, disturbed the silence of the place for a few minutes and then a
+profound stillness settled on the buildings, marking them distinctly as
+the house of mourning. On further inquiry, too, it was ascertained that
+Great Smash, after shooting an Oneida, had been slain and scalped. Pliny
+the younger, also, fell fighting like a wild beast to defend the entrance
+to his mistresses' apartments.</p>
+
+<p>The following day, when light had returned, a more accurate idea was
+obtained of the real state of the valley. All of the invading party, the
+dead and wounded excepted, had made a rapid retreat, accompanied by most
+of the deserters and their families. The name, known influence, and actual
+authority of Colonel Beekman had wrought this change; the irregular powers
+that had set the expedition in motion, preferring to conceal their agency
+in the transaction, rather than make any hazardous attempt to claim the
+reward of patriotic service, as is so often done in revolutions, for
+merciless deeds and selfish acts. There had been no real design on the
+part of the whites to injure any of the family in their persons; but,
+instigated by Joel, they had fancied the occasion favourable for
+illustrating their own public virtue, while they placed themselves in the
+way of receiving fortune's favours. The assault that actually occurred,
+was one of those uncontrollable outbreakings of Indian ferocity, that have
+so often set at defiance the restraints of discipline.</p>
+
+<p>Nick was not to be found either. He had been last seen dressing his
+wounds, with Indian patience, and Indian skill, preparing to apply herbs
+and roots, in quest of which he went into the forest about midnight. As he
+did not return Willoughby feared that he might be suffering alone, and
+determined to have a search made, as soon as he had performed the last sad
+offices for the dead.</p>
+
+<p>Two days occurred, however, before this melancholy duty was discharged.
+The bodies of all the savages who had fallen were interred the morning
+after the assault; but that of Jamie Allen, with those of the principal
+persons of the family, were kept for the pious purposes of affection,
+until the time mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>The funeral was a touching sight. The captain, his wife, and daughter,
+were laid, side by side, near the chapel; the first and last of their race
+that ever reposed in the wilds of America. Mr. Woods read the funeral
+service, summoning all his spiritual powers to sustain him, as he
+discharged this solemn office of the church. Willoughby's arm was around
+the waist of Maud, who endeavoured to reward his tender assiduities by a
+smile, but could not. Colonel Beekman held little Evert in his arms, and
+stood over the grave with the countenance of a resolute man stricken with
+grief--one of the most touching spectacles of our nature.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord</i>," sounded in the
+stillness of that valley like a voice from heaven, pouring out consolation
+on the bruised spirits of the mourners. Maud raised her face from
+Willoughby's shoulder, and lifted her blue eyes to the cloudless vault
+above her; soliciting mercy, and offering resignation in the look. The
+line of troops in the back-ground moved, as by a common impulse, and then
+a breathless silence showed the desire of these rude beings not to lose a
+syllable.</p>
+
+<p>A round red spot formed on each of the cheeks of Mr. Woods as he
+proceeded, and his voice gathered strength, until its lowest intonations
+came clear and distinct on every ear. Just as the bodies were about to be
+lowered into their two receptacles, the captain, his wife and daughter
+being laid in the same grave, Nick came with his noiseless step near the
+little group of mourners. He had issued from the forest only a few minutes
+before, and understanding the intention of the ceremony, he approached the
+spot as fast as weakness and wounds would allow. Even he listened with
+profound attention to the chaplain, never changing his eye from his face,
+unless to glance at the coffins as they lay in their final resting-place.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto me, write, From henceforth
+blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; even so saith the Spirit, for
+they rest from their labours</i>," continued the chaplain, his voice
+beginning to betray a tremor; then the gaze of the Tuscarora became keen
+as the panther's glance at his discovered victim. Tears followed, and, for
+a moment, the voice was choked.</p>
+
+<p>"Why you woman?" demanded Nick, fiercely. "Save all 'e scalp!"</p>
+
+<p>This strange interruption failed to produce any effect. First Beekman
+yielded; Maud and Willoughby followed; until Mr. Woods, himself, unable to
+resist the double assaults of the power of sympathy and his own affection,
+closed the book and wept like a child.</p>
+
+<p>It required minutes for the mourners to recover their self-command. When
+the latter returned, however, all knelt on the grass, the line of soldiers
+included, and the closing prayers were raised to the throne of God.</p>
+
+<p>This act of devotion enabled the mourners to maintain an appearance of
+greater tranquillity until the graves were filled. The troops advanced,
+and fired three volleys over the captain's grave, when all retired towards
+the Hut. Maud had caught little Evert from the arms of his father, and,
+pressing him to her bosom, the motherless babe seemed disposed to slumber
+there. In this manner she walked away, attended closely by the father, who
+now cherished his boy as an only treasure.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby lingered the last at the grave, Nick alone remaining near him.
+The Indian had been struck by the exhibition of deep sorrow that he had
+witnessed, and he felt an uneasiness that was a little unaccountable to
+himself. It was one of the caprices of this strange nature of ours, that
+he should feel a desire to console those whom he had so deeply injured
+himself. He drew near to Robert Willoughby, therefore, and, laying a hand
+on the latter's arm, drew his look in the direction of his own red and
+speaking face.</p>
+
+<p>"Why so sorry, major?" he said. "Warrior nebber die but once--<i>must</i> die
+sometime."</p>
+
+<p>"There lie my father, my mother, and my only sister, Indian--is not that
+enough to make the stoutest heart bend? You knew them, too, Nick--did you
+ever know better?"</p>
+
+<p>"Squaw good--both squaw good--Nick see no pale-face squaw he like so
+much."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, Nick! This rude tribute to the virtues of my mother and
+sister, is far more grateful to me than the calculating and regulated
+condolence of the world."</p>
+
+<p>"No squaw <i>so</i> good as ole one--she, all heart--love every body, but
+self."</p>
+
+<p>This was so characteristic of his mother, that Willoughby was startled by
+the sagacity of the savage, though reflection told him so long an
+acquaintance with the family must have made a dog familiar with this
+beautiful trait in his mother.</p>
+
+<p>"And my father, Nick!" exclaimed the major, with feeling--"my noble,
+just, liberal, gallant father!--He, too, you knew well, and must have
+loved."</p>
+
+<p>"No so good as squaw," answered the Tuscarora, sententiously, and not
+altogether without disgust in his manner.</p>
+
+<p>"We are seldom as good as our wives, and mothers, and sisters, Nick, else
+should we be angels on earth. But, allowing for the infirmities of us men,
+my father was just and gocd."</p>
+
+<p>"Too much flog"--answered the savage, sternly--"make Injin's back sore."</p>
+
+<p>This extraordinary speech struck the major less, at the time, than it did,
+years afterwards, when he came to reflect on all the events and dialogues
+of this teeming week. Such was also the case as to what followed.</p>
+
+<p>"You are no flatterer, Tuscarora, as I have always found in our
+intercourse. If my father ever punished you with severity, you will allow,
+me, at least, to imagine it was merited."</p>
+
+<p>"Too much flog, I say," interrupted the savage, fiercely. "No difference,
+chief or not. Touch ole sore too rough. Good, some; bad, some. Like
+weather--now shine; now storm."</p>
+
+<p>"This is no time to discuss these points, Nick. You have fought nobly for
+us, and I thank you. Without your aid, these beloved ones would have been
+mutilated, as well as slain; and Maud--my own blessed Maud--might now have
+been sleeping at their sides."</p>
+
+<p>Nick's face was now all softness again, and he returned the pressure of
+Willoughby's hand with honest fervor. Here they separated. The major
+hastened to the side of Maud, to fold her to his heart, and console her
+with his love. Nick passed into the forest, returning no more to the Hut.
+His path led him near the grave. On the side where lay the body of Mrs.
+Willoughby, he threw a flower he had plucked in the meadow; while he shook
+his finger menacingly at the other, which hid the person of his enemy. In
+this, he was true to his nature, which taught him never to forget a
+favour, or forgive an injury.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter" id="ch30">
+<h2>Chapter XXX.</h2>
+
+
+
+<div class="epi"><p>  "I shall go on through all eternity, <br />
+  Thank God, I only am an embryo still: <br />
+  The small beginning of a glorious soul, <br />
+  An atom that shall fill immensity."</p>
+
+<p>  Coxe.</p></div>
+
+<p>
+A fortnight elapsed ere Willoughby and his party could tear themselves
+from a scene that had witnessed so much domestic happiness; but on which
+had fallen the blight of death. During that time, the future arrangements
+of the survivors were completed. Beekman was made acquainted with the
+state of feeling that existed between his brother-in-law and Maud, and he
+advised an immediate union.</p>
+
+<p>"Be happy while you can," he said, with bitter emphasis. "We live in
+troubled times, and heaven knows when we shall see better. Maud has not a
+blood-relation in all America, unless there may happen to be some in the
+British army. Though we should all be happy to protect and cherish the
+dear girl, she herself would probably, prefer to be near those whom nature
+has appointed her friends. To me, she will always seem a sister, as you
+must ever be a brother. By uniting yourselves at once, all appearances of
+impropriety will be avoided; and in time, God averting evil, you can
+introduce your wife to her English connections."</p>
+
+<p>"You forget, Beekman, that you are giving this advice to one who is a
+prisoner on parole, and one who may possibly be treated as a spy."</p>
+
+<p>"No--that is impossible. Schuyler, our noble commander, is both just and a
+gentleman. He will tolerate nothing of the sort. Your exchange can easily
+be effected, and, beyond your present difficulties, I can pledge myself to
+be able to protect you."</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby was not averse to following this advice; and he urged it upon
+Maud, as the safest and most prudent course they could pursue. Our
+heroine, however, was so reluctant even to assuming the appearance of
+happiness, so recently after the losses she had experienced, that the
+lover's task of persuasion was by no means easy. Maud was totally free
+from affectation, while she possessed the keenest sense of womanly
+propriety. Her intercourse with Robert Willoughby had been of the
+tenderest and most confidential nature, above every pretence of
+concealment, and was rendered sacred by the scenes through which they had
+passed. Her love, her passionate, engrossing attachment, she did not
+scruple to avow; but she could not become a bride while the stains of
+blood seemed so recent on the very hearth around which they were sitting.
+She still saw the forms of the dead, in their customary places, heard
+their laughs, the tones of their affectionate voices, the maternal
+whisper, the playful, paternal reproof, or Beulah's gentle call.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet, Robert," said Maud, for she could now call him by that name, and
+drop the desperate familiarity of 'Bob,'--"yet, Robert, there would be a
+melancholy satisfaction in making our vows at the altar of the little
+chapel, where we have so often worshipped together--the loved ones who are
+gone and we who alone remain."</p>
+
+<p>"True, dearest Maud; and there is another reason why we should quit this
+place only as man and wife. Beekman has owned that a question will
+probably be raised among the authorities at Albany concerning the nature
+of my visit here. It might relieve him from an appeal to more influence
+than would be altogether pleasant, did I appear as a bridegroom rather
+than as a spy."</p>
+
+<p>The word "spy" settled the matter. All ordinary considerations were lost
+sight of, under the apprehensions it created, and Maud frankly consented
+to become a wife that very day. The ceremony was performed by Mr. Woods
+accordingly, and the little chapel witnessed tears of bitter recollections
+mingling with the smiles with which the bride received the warm embrace of
+her husband, after the benediction was pronounced. Still, all felt that,
+under the circumstances, delay would have been unwise. Maud saw a species
+of holy solemnity in a ceremony so closely connected with scenes so sad.</p>
+
+<p>A day or two after the marriage, all that remained of those who had so
+lately crowded the Hut, left the valley together. The valuables were
+packed and transported to boats lying in the stream below the mills. All
+the cattle, hogs, &amp;c., were collected and driven towards the settlements;
+and horses were prepared for Maud and the females, who were to thread the
+path that led to Fort Stanwix. In a word, the Knoll was to be abandoned,
+as a spot unfit to be occupied in such a war. None but labourers, indeed,
+could, or would remain, and Beekman thought it wisest to leave the spot
+entirely to nature, for the few succeeding years.</p>
+
+<p>There had been some rumours of confiscations by the new state, and
+Willoughby had come to the conclusion that it would be safer to transfer
+this property to one who would be certain to escape such an infliction,
+than to retain it in his own hands. Little Evert was entitled to receive a
+portion of the captain's estate by justice, if not by law. No will had
+been found, and the son succeeded as heir-at-law. A deed was accordingly
+drawn up by Mr. Woods, who understood such matters, and being duly
+executed, the Beaver Dam property was vested in fee in the child. His own
+thirty thousand pounds, the personals he inherited from his mother, and
+Maud's fortune, to say nothing of the major's commission, formed an ample
+support for the new-married pair. When all was settled, and made
+productive, indeed, Willoughby found himself the master of between three
+and four thousand sterling a year, exclusively of his allowances from the
+British government, an ample fortune for that day. In looking over the
+accounts of Maud's fortune, he had reason to admire the rigid justice, and
+free-handed liberality with which his father had managed her affairs.
+Every farthing of her income had been transferred to capital, a long
+minority nearly doubling the original investment. Unknown to himself, he
+had married one of the largest heiresses then to be found in the American
+colonies. This was unknown to Maud, also; though it gave her great delight
+on her husband's account, when she came to learn the truth.</p>
+
+<p>Albany was reached in due time, though not without encountering the usual
+difficulties. Here the party separated. The remaining Plinys and Smashes
+were all liberated, handsome provisions made for their little wants, and
+good places found for them, in the connection of the family to which they
+had originally belonged. Mike announced his determination to enter a corps
+that was intended expressly to fight the Indians. He had a long score to
+settle, and having no wife or children, he thought he might amuse himself
+in this way, during a revolution, as well as in any other.</p>
+
+<p>"If yer honour was going anywhere near the county Leitrim," he said, in
+answer to Willoughby's offer to keep him near himself, "I might travel in
+company; seein' that a man likes to look on ould faces, now and then. Many
+thanks for this bag of gold, which will sarve to buy scalps wid'; for
+divil bur-r-n me, if I don't carry on <i>that</i> trade, for some time to come.
+T'ree cuts wid a knife, half a dozen pokes in the side, and a bullet
+scraping; the head, makes a man mindful of what has happened; to say
+nothing of the captain, and Madam Willoughby, and Miss Beuly--God for ever
+bless and presarve 'em all t'ree--and, if there was such a thing as a bit
+of a church in this counthry, wouldn't I use this gould for masses?--<i>dat</i>
+I would, and let the scalps go to the divil!"</p>
+
+<p>This was an epitome of the views of Michael O'Hearn. No arguments of
+Willoughby's could change his resolution; but he set forth, determined to
+illustrate his career by procuring as many Indian scalps, as an atonement
+for the wrongs done "Madam Willoughby and Miss Beuly," as came within his
+reach.</p>
+
+<p>"And you, Joyce," said the major, in an interview he had with the
+serjeant, shortly after reaching Albany; "I trust <i>we</i> are not to part.
+Thanks to Colonel Beekman's influence and zeal, I am already exchanged,
+and shall repair to New York next week. You are a soldier; and these are
+times in which a <i>good</i> soldier is of some account. I think I can safely
+promise you a commission in one of the new provincial regiments, about to
+be raised."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank your honour, but do not feel at liberty to accept the offer. I
+took service with Captain Willoughby for life; had he lived, I would have
+followed wherever he led. But that enlistment has expired; and I am now
+like a recruit before he takes the bounty. In such cases, a man has always
+a right to pick his corps. Politics I do not much understand; but when the
+question comes up of pulling a trigger <i>for</i> or <i>against</i> his country, an
+<i>unengaged</i> man has a right to choose. Between the two, meaning no
+reproach to yourself, Major Willoughby, who had regularly taken service
+with the other side, before the war began--but, between the two, I would
+rather fight an Englishman, than an American."</p>
+
+<p>"You may possibly be right, Joyce; though, as you say, my service is
+taken. I hope you follow the dictates of conscience, as I am certain I do
+myself. We shall never meet in arms, however, if I can prevent it. There
+is a negotiation for a lieutenant-colonelcy going on, which, if it
+succeed, will carry me to England. I shall never serve an hour longer
+against these colonies, if it be in my power to avoid it."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>States</i>, with your permission, Major Willoughby," answered the serjeant,
+a little stiffly. "I am glad to hear it, sir; for, though I wish my
+enemies good soldiers, I would rather not have the son of my old captain
+among them. Colonel Beekman has offered to make me serjeant-major of his
+own regiment; and we both of us join next week."</p>
+
+<p>Joyce was as good as his word. He became serjeant-major, and, in the end,
+lieutenant and adjutant of the regiment he had mentioned. He fought in
+most of the principal battles of the war, and retired at the peace, with
+an excellent character. Ten years later, he fell, in one of the murderous
+Indian affairs, that occurred during the first oresidential term, a
+grey-headed captain of foot. The manner of his death was not to be
+regretted, perhaps, as it was what he had always wished might happen; but,
+it was a singular fact, that Mike stood over his body, and protected it
+from mutilation; the County Leitrim-man having turned soldier by trade,
+re-enlisting regularly, as soon as at liberty, and laying up scalps on all
+suitable occasions.</p>
+
+<p>Blodget, too, had followed Joyce to the wars. The readiness and
+intelligence of this young man, united to a courage of proof, soon brought
+him forward, and he actually came out of the revolution a captain. His
+mind, manners and information advancing with himself, he ended his career,
+not many years since, a prominent politician in one of the new states; a
+general in the militia--no great preferment, by the way, for one who had
+been a corporal at the Hut--and a legislator. Worse men have often acted
+in all these capacities among us; and it was said, with truth, at the
+funeral of General Blodget, an accident that does not always occur on such
+occasions, that "another revolutionary hero is gone." Beekman was never
+seen to smile, from the moment he first beheld the dead body of Beulah,
+lying with little Evert in her arms. He served faithfully until near the
+close of the war, falling in battle only a few months previously to the
+peace. His boy preceded him to the grave, leaving, as confiscations had
+gone out of fashion by that time, his uncle heir-at-law, again, to the
+same property that he had conferred on himself.</p>
+
+<p>As for Willoughby and Maud, they were safely conveyed to New York, where
+the former rejoined his regiment. Our heroine here met her great-uncle,
+General Meredith, the first of her own blood relations whom she had seen
+since infancy. Her reception was grateful to her feelings; and, there
+being a resemblance in years, appearance and manners, she transferred much
+of that affection which she had thought interred for ever in the grave of
+her reputed father, to this revered relative. He became much attached to
+his lovely niece, himself; and, ten years later, Willoughby found his
+income quite doubled, by his decease.</p>
+
+<p>At the expiration of six months, the gazette that arrived from England,
+announced the promotion of "Sir Robert Willoughby, Bart., late major in
+the ---th, to be lieutenant colonel, by purchase, in His Majesty's ---th
+regiment of foot." This enabled Willoughby to quit America; to which
+quarter of the world he had no occasion to be sent during the remainder of
+the war.</p>
+
+<p>Of that war, itself, there is little occasion to speak. Its progress and
+termination have long been matters of history. The independence of America
+was acknowledged by England in 1783; and, immediately after, the
+republicans commenced the conquest of their wide-spread domains, by means
+of the arts of peace. In 1785, the first great assaults were made on the
+wilderness, in that mountainous region which has been the principal scene
+of our tale. The Indians had been driven off, in a great measure, by the
+events of the revolution; and the owners of estates, granted under the
+crown, began to search for their lands in the untenanted woods. Such
+isolated families, too, as had taken refuge in the settlements, now began
+to return to their deserted possessions; and soon the smokes of clearings
+were obscuring the sun. Whitestown, Utica, on the site of old Fort
+Stanwix, Cooperstown, for years the seat of justice for several thousand
+square miles of territory, all sprang into existence between the years
+1785 and 1790. Such places as Oxford, Binghamton, Norwich, Sherburne,
+Hamilton, and twenty more, that now dot the region of which we have been
+writing, did not then exist, even in name; for, in that day, the
+appellation and maps came after the place; whereas, now, the former
+precede the last.</p>
+
+<p>The ten years that elapsed between 1785 and 1795, did wonders for all this
+mountain district. More favourable lands lay spread in the great west, but
+the want of roads, and remoteness from the markets, prevented their
+occupation. For several years, therefore, the current of emigration which
+started out of the eastern states, the instant peace was proclaimed,
+poured its tide into the counties mentioned in our opening
+chapter--<i>counties</i> as they are to-day; <i>county</i> ay, and fragment of a
+county, too, as they were then.</p>
+
+<p>The New York Gazette, a journal that frequently related facts that
+actually occurred, announced in its number of June 11th, 1795, "His
+Majesty's Packet that has just arrived"--it required half a century to
+teach the journalists of this country the propriety of saying "His
+<i>Britannic</i> Majesty's Packet," instead of "His Majesty's," a bit of good
+taste, and of good sense, that many of them have yet to learn--"has
+brought <i>out</i>," <i>home</i> would have been better "among her passengers,
+Lieutenant-General Sir Robert Willoughby, and his lady, both of whom are
+natives of this state. We welcome them back to their land of nativity
+where we can assure them they will be cordially received notwithstanding
+old quarrels. <i>Major</i> Willoughby's kindness to American prisoners is
+gratefully remembered; nor is it forgotten that he desired to exchange to
+another regiment in order to avoid further service in this country."</p>
+
+<p>It will be conceded, this was a very respectable puff for the year 1795,
+when something like moderation, truth, and propriety were observed upon
+such occasions. The effect was to bring the English general's name into
+the mouths of the whole state; a baronet causing a greater sensation then,
+in America, than a duke would produce to-day. It had the effect, however,
+of bringing around General Willoughby many of his father's, and his own
+old friends, and he was as well received in New York, twelve years after
+the termination of the conflict, as if he had fought on the other side.
+The occurrence of the French revolution, and the spread of doctrines that
+were termed Jacobinical, early removed all the dissensions between a large
+portion of the whigs of America and the tories of England, on this side of
+the water at least; and Providence only can tell what might have been the
+consequences, had this feeling been thoroughly understood on the other.</p>
+
+<p>Passing over all political questions, however, our narrative calls us to
+the relation of its closing scene. The visit of Sir Robert and Lady
+Willoughby to the land of their birth was, in part, owing to feeling; in
+part, to a proper regard for the future provision of their children. The
+baronet had bought the ancient paternal estate of his family in England,
+and having two daughters, besides an only son, it occurred to him that the
+American property, called the Hutted Knoll, might prove a timely addition
+to the ready money he had been able to lay up from his income. Then, both
+he and his wife had a deep desire to revisit those scenes where they had
+first learned to love each other, and which still held the remains of so
+many who were dear to them.</p>
+
+<p>The cabin of a suitable sloop was therefore engaged, and the party,
+consisting of Sir Robert, his wife, a man and woman servant, and a sort of
+American courier, engaged for the trip, embarked on the morning of the
+25th of July. On the afternoon of the 30th, the sloop arrived in safety at
+Albany, where a carriage was hired to proceed the remainder of the way by
+land. The route by old Fort Stanwix, as Utica was still generally called,
+was taken. Our travellers reached it on the evening of the third day; the
+'Sands, which are now traversed in less than an hour, then occupying more
+than half of the first day. When at Fort Stanwix, a passable country road
+was found, by which the travellers journeyed until they reached a tavern
+that united many of the comforts of a coarse civilisation, with frontier
+simplicity. Here they were given to understand they had only a dozen miles
+to go, in order to reach the Knoll.</p>
+
+<p>It was necessary to make the remainder of the journey on horseback. A
+large, untenanted estate lay between the highway and the valley, across
+which no public road had yet been made. Foot-paths, however, abounded, and
+the rivulet was found without any difficulty. It was, perhaps, fortunate
+for the privacy of the Knoll, that it lay in the line of no frequented
+route, and, squatters being rare in that day, Willoughby saw, the instant
+he struck the path that followed the sinuosities of the stream, that it
+had been seldom trodden in the interval of the nineteen-years which had
+occurred since he had last seen it himself. The evidences of this fact
+increased, as the stream was ascended, until the travellers reached the
+mill, when it was found that the spirit of destruction, which so widely
+prevails in the loose state of society that exists in all new countries,
+had been at work. Every one of the buildings at the falls had been burnt;
+probably as much because it was in the power of some reckless wanderer to
+work mischief, as for any other reason. That the act was the result of
+some momentary impulse, was evident in the circumstance that the mischief
+went no further. Some of the machinery had been carried away, however, to
+be set up in other places, on a principle that is very widely extended
+through all border settlements, which considers the temporary disuse of
+property as its virtual abandonment.</p>
+
+<p>It was a moment of pain and pleasure, strangely mingled, when Willoughby
+and Maud reached the rocks, and got a first view of the ancient Beaver
+Dam. All the buildings remained, surprisingly little altered to the eye by
+the lapse of years. The gates had been secured when they left the place,
+in 1776; and the Hut, having no accessible external windows, that dwelling
+remained positively intact. It is true, quite half the palisadoes were
+rotted down; but the Hut, itself, had resisted the ravages of time. A
+fire had been kindled against its side, but the stone walls had opposed an
+obstacle to its ravages; and an attempt, by throwing a brand upon the
+roof, had failed of its object, the shingles not igniting. On examination,
+the lock of the inner gate was still secure. The key had been found, and,
+on its application, an entrance was obtained into the court.</p>
+
+<p>What a moment was that, when Maud, fresh from the luxuries of an English
+home, entered this long and well remembered scene of her youth! Rank
+grasses were growing in the court, but they soon disappeared before the
+scythes that had been brought, in expectation of the circumstance. Then,
+all was clear for an examination of the house. The Hut was exactly in the
+condition in which it had been left, with the exception of a little, and a
+very little, dust collected by time.</p>
+
+<p>Maud was still in the bloom of womanhood, feminine, beautiful, full of
+feeling, and as sincere as when she left these woods, though her feelings
+were tempered a little by intercourse with the world. She went from room
+to room, hanging on Willoughby's arm, forbidding any to follow. All the
+common furniture had been left in the house, in expectation it would be
+inhabited again, ere many years; and this helped to preserve the identity.
+The library was almost entire; the bed-rooms, the parlours, and even the
+painting-room, were found very much as they would have appeared, after an
+absence of a few months. Tears flowed in streams down the cheeks of Lady
+Willoughby, as she went through room after room, and recalled to the mind
+of her husband the different events of which they had been the silent
+witnesses. Thus passed an hour or two of unutterable tenderness, blended
+with a species of holy sorrow. At the end of that time, the attendants, of
+whom many had been engaged, had taken possession of the offices, &amp;c., and
+were bringing the Hut once more into a habitable condition. Soon, too, a
+report was brought that the mowers, who had been brought in anticipation
+of their services being wanted, had cut a broad swathe to the ruins of the
+chapel, and the graves of the family.</p>
+
+<p>It was now near the setting of the sun, and the hour was favourable for
+the melancholy duty that remained. For bidding any to follow, Willoughby
+proceeded with Maud to the graves. These had been dug within a little
+thicket of shrubs, planted by poor Jamie Allen, under Maud's own
+directions. She had then thought that the spot might one day be wanted.
+These bushes, lilacs, and ceringos, had grown to a vast size, in that rich
+soil. They completely concealed the space within, an area of some fifty
+square feet, from the observation of those without. The grass had been cut
+over all, however, and an opening made by the mowers gave access to the
+graves. On reaching this opening, Willoughby started at hearing voices
+within the inclosure; he was about to reprove the intruders, when Maud
+pressed his arm, and whispered--</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, Willoughby--those voices sound strangely to my ears! We have
+heard them before."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell ye, Nick--ould Nicky, or Saucy Nick, or whatever's yer name," said
+one within in a strong Irish accent "that Jamie, the mason that was, is
+forenent ye, at this minute, under that bit of a sod--and, it's his
+honour, and Missus, and Miss Beuly, that is buried here. Och! ye're a
+cr'ature, Nick; good at takin' scalps, but ye knows nothin' of graves;
+barrin' the quhantity ye've helped to fill."</p>
+
+<p>"Good"--answered the Indian. "Cap'in here; squaw here; darter here. Where
+son?--where t'other gal?"</p>
+
+<p>"Here," answered Willoughby, leading Maud within the hedge. "I am Robert
+Willoughby, and this is Maud Meredith, my wife."</p>
+
+<p>Mike fairly started; he even showed a disposition to seize a musket which
+lay on the grass. As for the Indian, a tree in the forest could not have
+stood less unmoved than he was at this unexpected interruption. Then all
+four stood in silent admiration, noting the changes which time had, more
+or less, wrought in all.</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby was in the pride of manhood. He had served with distinction,
+and his countenance and frame both showed it, though neither had suffered
+more than was necessary to give him a high military air, and a look of
+robust vigour. As for Maud, with her graceful form fully developed by her
+riding-habit, her soft lineaments and polished expression, no one would
+have thought her more than thirty, which was ten years less than her real
+age. With Mike and Nick it was very different. Both had grown old, not
+only in fact, but in appearance. The Irishman was turned of sixty, and his
+hard, coarse-featured face, burnt as red as the sun in a fog, by exposure
+and Santa Cruz, was getting to be wrinkled and a little emaciated. Still,
+his frame was robust and powerful. His attire was none of the best, and it
+was to be seen at a glance that it was more than half military. In point
+of fact, the poor fellow had been refused a reinlistment in the army, on
+account of his infirmities and years, and America was not then a country
+to provide retreats for her veterans. Still, Mike had an ample pension for
+wounds, and could not be said to be in want. He had suffered in the same
+battle with Joyce, in whose company he had actually been corporal O'Hearn,
+though his gallant commander had not risen to fight again, as had been the
+case with the subordinate.</p>
+
+<p>Wyandott&eacute; exhibited still greater changes. He had seen his threescore and
+ten years; and was fast falling into the "sere and yellow leaf." His hair
+was getting grey, and his frame, though still active and sinewy, would
+have yielded under the extraordinary marches he had once made. In dress,
+there was nothing to remark; his ordinary Indian attire being in as good
+condition as was usual for the man. Willoughby thought, however, that his
+eye was less wild than when he knew him before; and every symptom of
+intemperance had vanished, not only from his countenance, but his person.</p>
+
+<p>From the moment Willoughby appeared, a marked change came over the
+countenance of Nick. His dark eye, which still retained much of its
+brightness, turned in the direction of the neighbouring chapel, and he
+seemed relieved when a rustling in the bushes announced a footstep. There
+had not been another word spoken when the lilacs were shoved aside, and
+Mr. Woods, a vigorous little man, in a green old age, entered the area.
+Willoughby had not seen the chaplain since they parted at Albany, and the
+greetings were as warm as they were unexpected.</p>
+
+<p>"I have lived a sort of hermit's life, my dear Bob, since the death of
+your blessed parents," said the divine, clearing his eyes of tears; "now
+and then cheered by a precious letter from yourself and Maud--I call you
+both by the names I gave you both in baptism--and it was, 'I, <i>Maud</i>,
+take thee, <i>Robert</i>,' when you stood before the altar in that little
+edifice--you will pardon me if I am too familiar with a general officer
+and his lady"</p>
+
+<p>"Familiar!" exclaimed both in a breath;--and Maud's soft, white hand was
+extended towards the chaplain, with reproachful earnestness;--"We, who
+were made Christians by you, and who have so much reason to remember and
+love you always!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well; I see you are Robert and Maud, still"--dashing streaming
+tears from his eyes now. "Yes, I did bring you both into God's visible
+church on earth, and you were baptised by one who received his ordination
+from the Archbishop of Canterbury himself,"--Maud smiled a little
+archly--"and who has never forgotten his ordination vows, as he humbly
+trusts. But you are not the only Christians I have made--I now rank
+Nicholas among the number"--</p>
+
+<p>"Nick!" interrupted Sir Robert--"Wyandott&eacute;!" added his wife, with a more
+delicate tact.</p>
+
+<p>"I call him Nicholas, now, since he was christened by that name--there is
+no longer a Wyandott&eacute;, or a Saucy Nick. Major Willoughby, I have a secret
+to communicate--I beg pardon, Sir Robert--but you will excuse old habits
+--if you will walk this way."</p>
+
+<p>Willoughby was apart with the chaplain a full half-hour, during which time
+Maud wept over the graves, the rest standing by in respectful silence. As
+for Nick, a stone could scarcely have been more fixed than his attitude.
+Nevertheless, his mien was rebuked, his eye downcast; even his bosom was
+singularly convulsed. He knew that the chaplain was communicating to
+Willoughby the manner in which he had slain his father. At length, the
+gentlemen returned slowly towards the graves; the general agitated,
+frowning, and flushed. As for Mr. Woods, he was placid and full of hope.
+Willoughby had yielded to his expostulations and arguments a forgiveness,
+which came reluctantly, and perhaps as much for the want of a suitable
+object for retaliation, as from a sense of Christian duty.</p>
+
+<p>"Nicholas," said the chaplain, "I have told the general all."</p>
+
+<p>"He know him!" cried the Indian, with startling energy.</p>
+
+<p>"I do, Wyandott&eacute;; and sorry have I been to learn it. You have made my
+heart bitter."</p>
+
+<p>Nick was terribly agitated. His youthful and former opinions maintained a
+fearful struggle with those which had come late in life; the result being
+a wild admixture of his sense of Indian justice, and submission to the
+tenets of his new, and imperfectly-comprehended faith. For a moment, the
+first prevailed. Advancing, with a firm step, to the general, he put his
+own bright and keen tomahawk into the other's hands, folded his arms on
+his bosom, bowed his head a little, and said, firmly--</p>
+
+<p>"Strike--Nick kill cap'in--Major kill Nick."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Tuscarora, no," answered Sir Robert Willoughby, his whole soul
+yielding before this act of humble submission--"May God in heaven forgive
+the deed, as I now forgive you."</p>
+
+<p>There was a wild smile gleaming on the face of the Indian; he grasped both
+hands of Willoughby in his own. He then muttered the words, "God forgive,"
+his eye rolled upward at the clouds, and he fell dead on the grave of his
+victim. It was thought, afterwards, that agitation had accelerated the
+crisis of an incurable affection of the heart.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes of confusion followed. Then Mike, bare-headed, his old face
+flushed and angry, dragged from his pockets a string of strange-looking,
+hideous objects, and laid them by the Indian's side. They were human
+scalps, collected by himself, in the course of many campaigns, and
+brought, as a species of hecatomb, to the graves of the fallen.</p>
+
+<p>"Out upon ye, Nick!" he cried. "Had I known the like of that, little would
+I have campaigned in yer company! Och! 'twas an undacent deed, and a
+hundred confessions would barely wipe it from yer sowl. It's a pity, too,
+that ye've died widout absolution from a praist, sich as I've tould ye
+off. Barrin' the brache of good fellieship, I could have placed yer own
+scalp wid the rest, as a p'ace-offering, to his Honour, the Missus and
+Miss Beuly----"</p>
+
+<p>"Enough," interrupted Sir Robert Willoughby, with an authority of manner
+that Mike's military habits could not resist; "the man has repented, and
+is forgiven. Maud, love, it is time to quit this melancholy scene;
+occasions will offer to revisit it."</p>
+
+<p>In the end, Mr. Woods took possession of the Hut, as a sort of hermitage,
+in which to spend the remainder of his days. He had toiled hard for the
+conversion of Nick, in gratitude for the manner in which he had fought in
+defence of the females. He now felt as keen a desire to rescue the
+Irishman from the superstitions of what he deemed an error quite as fatal
+as heathenism. Mike consented to pass the remainder of his days at the
+Knoll, which was to be, and in time, <i>was</i>, renovated, under their joint
+care.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Robert and Lady Willoughby passed a month in the valley. Nick had been
+buried within the bushes; and even Maud had come to look upon this strange
+conjunction of graves, with the eye of a Christian, blended with the
+tender regrets of a woman. The day that the general and his wife left the
+valley for ever, they paid a final visit to the graves. Here Maud wept for
+an hour. Then her husband, passing an arm around her waist, drew her
+gently away; saying, as they were quitting the inclosure--</p>
+
+<p>"They are in Heaven, dearest--looking down in love, quite likely, on us,
+the objects of so much of their earthly affection. As for Wyandott&eacute;, he
+lived according to his habits and intelligence, and happily died under the
+convictions of a conscience directed by the lights of divine grace. Little
+will the deeds of this life be remembered, among those who have been the
+true subjects of its blessed influence. If this man were unmerciful in his
+revenge, he also remembered my mother's kindnesses, and bled for her and
+her daughters. Without his care, my life would have remained unblessed
+with your love, my ever-precious Maud! He never forgot a favour, or
+forgave an injury."</p></div>
+<br />
+<br />
+<hr />
+<pre>
+
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Wyandotte, by James Fenimore Cooper
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Wyandotte
+
+Author: James Fenimore Cooper
+
+Release Date: December 11, 2003  [eBook #10434]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: US-ASCII
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WYANDOTTE***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders
+
+
+
+Wyandotte;
+
+or,
+
+The Hutted Knoll.
+
+A Tale.
+
+Complete in One Volume.
+
+By J. Fenimore Cooper.
+
+1871.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+    "I venerate the Pilgrim's cause,
+    Yet for the red man dare to plead:
+    We bow to Heaven's recorded laws,
+    He turns to Nature for his creed."
+
+    Sprague.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Preface.
+
+
+
+The history of the borders is filled with legends of the sufferings of
+isolated families, during the troubled scenes of colonial warfare.
+Those which we now offer to the reader, are distinctive in many of
+their leading facts, if not rigidly true in the details. The first
+alone is necessary to the legitimate objects of fiction.
+
+One of the misfortunes of a nation, is to hear little besides its own
+praises. Although the American revolution was probably as just an
+effort as was ever made by a people to resist the first inroads of
+oppression, the cause had its evil aspects, as well as all other human
+struggles. We have been so much accustomed to hear everything extolled,
+of late years, that could be dragged into the remotest connection with
+that great event, and the principles which led to it, that there is
+danger of overlooking truth, in a pseudo patriotism. Nothing is really
+patriotic, however, that is not strictly true and just; any more than
+it is paternal love to undermine the constitution of a child by an
+indiscriminate indulgence in pernicious diet. That there were
+demagogues in 1776, is as certain as that there are demagogues in 1843,
+and will probably continue to be demagogues as long as means for
+misleading the common mind shall exist.
+
+A great deal of undigested morality is uttered to the world, under the
+disguise of a pretended public virtue. In the eye of reason, the man
+who deliberately and voluntarily contracts civil engagements is more
+strictly bound to their fulfilment, than he whose whole obligations
+consist of an accident over which he had not the smallest control, that
+of birth; though the very reverse of this is usually maintained under
+the influence of popular prejudice. The reader will probably discover
+how we view this master, in the course of our narrative.
+
+Perhaps this story is obnoxious to the charge of a slight anachronism,
+in representing the activity of the Indians a year earlier than any
+were actually employed in the struggle of 1775. During the century of
+warfare that existed between the English and French colonies, the
+savage tribes were important agents in furthering the views of the
+respective belligerents. The war was on the frontiers, and these fierce
+savages were, in a measure, necessary to the management of hostilities
+that invaded their own villages and hunting-grounds. In 1775, the enemy
+came from the side of the Atlantic, and it was only after the struggle
+had acquired force, that the operations of the interior rendered the
+services of such allies desirable. In other respects, without
+pretending to refer to any real events, the incidents of this tale are
+believed to be sufficiently historical for all the legitimate purposes
+of fiction.
+
+In this book the writer has aimed at sketching several distinct
+varieties of the human race, as true to the governing impulses of their
+educations, habits, modes of thinking and natures. The red man had his
+morality, as much as his white brother, and it is well known that even
+Christian ethics are coloured and governed, by standards of opinion set
+up on purely human authority. The honesty of one Christian is not
+always that of another, any more than his humanity, truth, fidelity or
+faith. The spirit must quit its earthly tabernacle altogether, ere it
+cease to be influenced by its tints and imperfections.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter I.
+
+  "An acorn fell from an old oak tree,
+  And lay on the frosty ground--
+  'O, what shall the fate of the acorn be?'
+  Was whispered all around
+  By low-toned voices chiming sweet,
+  Like a floweret's bell when swung--
+  And grasshopper steeds were gathering fleet,
+  And the beetle's hoofs up-rung."
+
+  Mrs. Seba Smith.
+
+There is a wide-spread error on the subject of American scenery. From
+the size of the lakes, the length and breadth of the rivers, the vast
+solitudes of the forests, and the seemingly boundless expanse of the
+prairies, the world has come to attach to it an idea of grandeur; a
+word that is in nearly every case, misapplied. The scenery of that
+portion of the American continent which has fallen to the share of the
+Anglo-Saxon race, very seldom rises to a scale that merits this term;
+when it does, it is more owing to the accessories, as in the case of
+the interminable woods, than to the natural face of the country. To him
+who is accustomed to the terrific sublimity of the Alps, the softened
+and yet wild grandeur of the Italian lakes, or to the noble witchery of
+the shores of the Mediterranean, this country is apt to seem tame, and
+uninteresting as a whole; though it certainly has exceptions that carry
+charms of this nature to the verge of loveliness.
+
+Of the latter character is the face of most of that region which lies
+in the angle formed by the junction of the Mohawk with the Hudson,
+extending as far south, or even farther, than the line of Pennsylvania,
+and west to the verge of that vast rolling plain which composes Western
+New York. This is a region of more than ten thousand square miles of
+surface, embracing to-day, ten counties at least, and supporting a
+rural population of near half a million of souls, excluding the river
+towns.
+
+All who have seen this district of country, and who are familiar with
+the elements of charming, rather than grand scenery it possesses, are
+agreed in extolling its capabilities, and, in some instances, its
+realities. The want of high finish is common to everything of this sort
+in America; and, perhaps we may add, that the absence of
+picturesqueness as connected with the works of man, is a general
+defect; still, this particular region, and all others resembling it--
+for they abound on the wide surface of the twenty-six states--has
+beauties of its own, that it would be difficult to meet with in any of
+the older portions of the earth.
+
+They who have done us the honour to read our previous works, will at
+once understand that the district to which we allude, is that of which
+we have taken more than one occasion to write; and we return to it now,
+less with a desire to celebrate its charms, than to exhibit them in a
+somewhat novel, and yet perfectly historical aspect. Our own earlier
+labours will have told the reader, that all of this extended district
+of country, with the exception of belts of settlements along the two
+great rivers named, was a wilderness, anterior to the American
+revolution. There was a minor class of exceptions to this general rule,
+however, to which it will be proper to advert, lest, by conceiving us
+too literally, the reader may think he can convict us of a
+contradiction. In order to be fully understood, the explanations shall
+be given at a little length.
+
+While it is true, then, that the mountainous region, which now contains
+the counties of Schoharie, Otsego, Chenango, Broome, Delaware, &c., was
+a wilderness in 1775, the colonial governors had begun to make grants
+of its lands, some twenty years earlier. The patent of the estate on
+which we are writing lies before us; and it bears the date of 1769,
+with an Indian grant annexed, that is a year or two older. This may be
+taken as a mean date for the portion of country alluded to; some of the
+deeds being older, and others still more recent. These grants of land
+were originally made, subject to quit-rents to the crown; and usually
+on the payment of heavy fees to the colonial officers, after going
+through the somewhat supererogatory duty of "extinguishing the Indian
+title," as it was called. The latter were pretty effectually
+"extinguished" in that day, as well as in our own; and it would be a
+matter of curious research to ascertain the precise nature of the
+purchase-money given to the aborigines. In the case of the patent
+before us, the Indian right was "extinguished" by means of a few
+rifles, blankets, kettles, and beads; though the grant covers a nominal
+hundred thousand, and a real hundred and ten or twenty thousand acres
+of land.
+
+The abuse of the grants, as land became more valuable, induced a law,
+restricting the number of acres patented to any one person, at any one
+time, to a thousand. Our monarchical predecessors had the same
+facilities, and it may be added, the same propensities, to rendering a
+law a dead letter, as belongs to our republican selves. The patent on
+our table, being for a nominal hundred thousand acres, contains the
+names of one hundred different grantees, while three several parchment
+documents at its side, each signed by thirty-three of these very
+persons, vest the legal estate in the first named, for whose sole
+benefit the whole concession was made; the dates of the last
+instruments succeeding, by one or two days, that of the royal patent
+itself.
+
+Such is the history of most of the original titles to the many estates
+that dotted the region we have described, prior to the revolution.
+Money and favouritism, however were not always the motives of these
+large concessions. Occasionally, services presented their claims; and
+many instances occur in which old officers of the army, in particular,
+received a species of reward, by a patent for land, the fees being duly
+paid, and the Indian title righteously "extinguished." These grants to
+ancient soldiers were seldom large, except in the cases of officers of
+rank; three or four thousand well-selected acres, being a sufficient
+boon to the younger sons of Scottish lairds, or English squires, who
+had been accustomed to look upon a single farm as an estate.
+
+As most of the soldiers mentioned were used to forest life, from having
+been long stationed at frontier posts, and had thus become familiarized
+with its privations, and hardened against its dangers, it was no
+unusual thing for them to sell out, or go on half-pay, when the wants
+of a family began to urge their claims, and to retire to their
+"patents," as the land itself, as well as the instrument by which it
+was granted, was invariably termed, with a view of establishing
+themselves permanently as landlords.
+
+These grants from the crown, in the portions of the colony of New York
+that lie west of the river counties, were generally, if not invariably,
+simple concessions of the fee, subject to quit-rents to the king, and
+reservations of mines of the precious metals, without any of the
+privileges of feudal seignory, as existed in the older manors on the
+Hudson, on the islands, and on the Sound. Why this distinction was
+made, it exceeds our power to say; but, that the fact was so, as a
+rule, we have it in proof, by means of a great number of the original
+patents, themselves, that have been transmitted to us from various
+sources. Still, the habits of "home" entailed the name, even where the
+thing was not to be found. Titular manors exist, in a few instances, to
+this day, where no manorial rights were ever granted; and manor-houses
+were common appellations for the residences of the landlords of large
+estates, that were held in fee, without any exclusive privileges, and
+subject to the reservation named. Some of these manorial residences
+were of so primitive an appearance, as to induce the belief that the
+names were bestowed in pleasantry; the dwellings themselves being of
+logs, with the bark still on them, and the other fixtures to
+correspond. Notwithstanding all these drawbacks, early impressions and
+rooted habits could easily transfer terms to such an abode; and there
+was always a saddened enjoyment among these exiles, when they could
+liken their forest names and usages to those they had left in the
+distant scenes of their childhood.
+
+The effect of the different causes we have here given was to dot the
+region described, though at long intervals, with spots of a semi-
+civilized appearance, in the midst of the vast--nay, almost boundless--
+expanse of forest. Some of these early settlements had made
+considerable advances towards finish and comfort, ere the war of '76
+drove their occupants to seek protection against the inroads of the
+savages; and long after the influx of immigration which succeeded the
+peace, the fruits, the meadows, and the tilled fields of these oases in
+the desert, rendered them conspicuous amidst the blackened stumps,
+piled logs, and smooty fallows of an active and bustling settlement. At
+even a much later day, they were to be distinguished by the smoother
+surfaces of their fields, the greater growth and more bountiful yield
+of their orchards, and by the general appearance of a more finished
+civilization, and of greater age. Here and there, a hamlet had sprung
+up; and isolated places, like Cherry Valley and Wyoming, were found,
+that have since become known to the general history of the country.
+
+Our present tale now leads us to the description of one of those early,
+personal, or family settlements, that had grown up, in what was then a
+very remote part of the territory in question, under the care and
+supervision of an ancient officer of the name of Willoughby. Captain
+Willoughby, after serving many years, had married an American wife, and
+continuing his services until a son and daughter were born, he sold his
+commission, procured a grant of land, and determined to retire to his
+new possessions, in order to pass the close of his life in the tranquil
+pursuits of agriculture, and in the bosom of his family. An adopted
+child was also added to his cares. Being an educated as well as a
+provident man, Captain Willoughby had set about the execution of this
+scheme with deliberation, prudence, and intelligence. On the frontiers,
+or lines, as it is the custom to term the American boundaries, he had
+become acquainted with a Tuscarora, known by the English
+_sobriquet_ of "Saucy Nick." This fellow, a sort of half-outcast from
+his own people, had early attached himself to the whites, had acquired
+their language, and owing to a singular mixture of good and bad
+qualities, blended with great native shrewdness, he had wormed himself
+into the confidence of several commanders of small garrisons, among
+whom was our captain. No sooner was the mind of the latter made up,
+concerning his future course, than he sent for Nick, who was then in
+the fort; when the following conversation took place:
+
+"Nick," commenced the captain, passing his hand over his brow, as was
+his wont when in a reflecting mood; "Nick, I have an important movement
+in view, in which you can be of some service to me."
+
+The Tuscarora, fastening his dark basilisk-like eyes on the soldier,
+gazed a moment, as if to read his soul; then he jerked a thumb
+backward, over his own shoulder, and said, with a grave smile--
+
+"Nick understand. Want six, two, scalp off Frenchman's head; wife and
+child; out yonder, over dere, up in Canada. Nick do him--what you
+give?"
+
+"No, you red rascal, I want nothing of the sort--it is peace now, (this
+conversation took place in 1764), and you know I never bought a scalp,
+in time of war. Let me hear no more of this."
+
+"What you want, _den_?" asked Nick, like one who was a good deal
+puzzled.
+
+"I want land--_good_ land--little, but _good_. I am about to
+get a grant--a patent--"
+
+"Yes," interrupted Nick, nodding; "I know _him_--paper to take
+away Indian's hunting-ground."
+
+"Why, I have no wish to do that--I am willing to pay the red men
+reasonably for their right, first."
+
+"Buy Nick's land, den--better dan any oder."
+
+"Your land, knave!--You own no land--belong to no tribe--have no rights
+to sell."
+
+"What for ask Nick help, den?"
+
+"What for?--Why because you _know_ a good deal, though you own
+literally nothing. That's what for."
+
+"Buy Nick _know_, den. Better dan he great fader _know_, down
+at York."
+
+"That is just what I do wish to purchase. I will pay you well, Nick, if
+you will start to-morrow, with your rifle and a pocket-compass, off
+here towards the head-waters of the Susquehannah and Delaware, where
+the streams run rapidly, and where there are no fevers, and bring me an
+account of three or four thousand acres of rich bottom-land, in such a
+way as a surveyor can find it, and I can get a patent for it. What say
+you, Nick; will you go?"
+
+"He not wanted. Nick sell 'e captain, his own land: here in 'e fort."
+
+"Knave, do you not know me well enough not to trifle, when I am
+serious?"
+
+"Nick ser'ous too--Moravian priest no ser'ouser more dan Nick at dis
+moment. Got land to sell."
+
+Captain Willoughby had found occasion to punish the Tuscarora, in the
+course of his services; and as the parties understood each other
+perfectly well, the former saw the improbability of the latter's daring
+to trifle with him.
+
+"Where is this land of yours, Nick," he inquired, after studying the
+Indian's countenance for a moment. "Where does it lie, what is it like,
+how much is there of it, and how came you to own it?"
+
+"Ask him just so, ag'in," said Nick, taking up four twigs, to note down
+the questions, _seriatim_.
+
+The captain repeated his inquiries, the Tuscarora laying down a stick
+at each separate interrogatory.
+
+"Where he be?" answered Nick, taking up a twig, as a memorandum. "He
+out dere--where he want him--where he say.--One day's march from
+Susquehanna."
+
+"Well; proceed."
+
+"What he like?--Like land, to be sure. T'ink he like water! Got
+_some_ water--no too much--got some land--got no tree--got some tree.
+Got good sugar-bush--got place for wheat and corn."
+
+"Proceed."
+
+"How much of him?" continued Nick, taking up another twig; "much as he
+want--want little, got him--want more, got him. Want none at all, got
+none at all--got what he want."
+
+"Go on."
+
+"To be sure. How came to own him?--How a pale face come to own America?
+_Discover_ him--ha!--Well, Nick discover land down yonder, up
+dere, over here."
+
+"Nick, what the devil do you mean by all this?"
+
+"No mean devil, at all--mean land--_good_ land. _Discover_
+him--know where he is--catch beaver dere, three, two year. All Nick
+say, true as word of honour; much more too."
+
+"Do you mean it is an old beaver-dam destroyed?" asked the captain,
+pricking up his ears; for he was too familiar with the woods, not to
+understand the value of such a thing.
+
+"No destroy--stand up yet--good as ever.--Nick dere, last season."
+
+"Why, then, do you tell of it? Are not the beaver of more value to you,
+than any price you may receive for the land?"
+
+"Cotch him all, four, two year ago--rest run away. No find beaver to
+stay long, when Indian once know, two time, where to set he trap.
+Beaver cunninger 'an pale face--cunning as bear."
+
+"I begin to comprehend you, Nick. How large do you suppose this pond to
+be?"
+
+"He 'm not as big as Lake Ontario. S'pose him smaller, what den? Big
+enough for farm."
+
+"Does it cover one or two hundred acres, think you?--Is it as large as
+the clearing around the fort?"
+
+"Big as two, six, four of him. Take forty skin, dere one season. Little
+lake; all 'e tree gone."
+
+"And the land around it--is it mountainous and rough, or will it be
+good for corn?"
+
+"All sugar-bush--what you want better? S'pose you want corn;
+_plant_ him. S'pose you want sugar; _make_ him."
+
+Captain Willoughby was struck with this description, and he returned to
+the subject, again and again. At length, after extracting all the
+information he could get from Nick, he struck a bargain with the
+fellow. A surveyor was engaged, and he started for the place, under the
+guidance of the Tuscarora. The result showed that Nick had not
+exaggerated. The pond was found, as he had described it to be, covering
+at least four hundred acres of low bottom-land; while near three
+thousand acres of higher river-flat, covered with beach and maple,
+spread around it for a considerable distance. The adjacent mountains
+too, were arable, though bold, and promised, in time, to become a
+fertile and manageable district. Calculating his distances with
+judgment, the surveyor laid out his metes and bounds in such a manner
+as to include the pond, all the low-land, and about three thousand
+acres of hill, or mountain, making the materials for a very pretty
+little "patent" of somewhat more than six thousand acres of capital
+land. He then collected a few chiefs of the nearest tribe, dealt out
+his rum, tobacco, blankets, wampum, and gunpowder, got twelve Indians
+to make their marks on a bit of deer-skin, and returned to his employer
+with a map, a field-book, and a deed, by which the Indian title was
+"extinguished." The surveyor received his compensation, and set off on
+a similar excursion, for a different employer, and in another
+direction. Nick got his reward, too, and was well satisfied with the
+transaction. This he afterwards called "sellin' beaver when he all run
+away."
+
+Furnished with the necessary means, Captain Willoughby now "sued out
+his patent," as it was termed, in due form. Having some influence, the
+affair was soon arranged; the grant was made by the governor in
+council, a massive seal was annexed to a famous sheet of parchment, the
+signatures were obtained, and "Willoughby's Patent" took its place on
+the records of the colony, as well as on its maps. We are wrong as
+respects the latter particular; it did not take _its_ place, on
+the maps of the colony, though it took _a_ place; the location
+given for many years afterwards, being some forty or fifty miles too
+far west. In this peculiarity there was nothing novel, the surveys of
+all new regions being liable to similar trifling mistakes. Thus it was,
+that an estate, lying within five-and-twenty miles of the city of New
+York, and in which we happen to have a small interest at this hour, was
+clipped of its fair proportions, in consequence of losing some miles
+that run over obtrusively into another colony; and, within a short
+distance of the spot where we are writing, a "patent" has been squeezed
+entirely out of existence, between the claims of two older grants.
+
+No such calamity befell "Willoughby's Patent," however. The land was
+found, with all its "marked or _blazed_ trees," its "heaps of
+stones," "large butternut corners," and "dead oaks." In a word,
+everything was as it should be; even to the quality of the soil, the
+beaver-pond, and the quantity. As respects the last, the colony never
+gave "struck measure;" a thousand acres on paper, seldom falling short
+of eleven or twelve hundred in soil. In the present instance, the six
+thousand two hundred and forty-six acres of "Willoughby's Patent," were
+subsequently ascertained to contain just seven thousand and ninety-two
+acres of solid ground.
+
+Our limits and plan will not permit us to give more than a sketch of
+the proceedings of the captain, in taking possession; though we feel
+certain that a minute account of the progress of such a settlement
+would possess a sort of Robinson Crusoe-like interest, that might repay
+the reader. As usual, the adventurers commenced their operations in the
+spring. Mrs. Willoughby, and the children, were left with their
+friends, in Albany; while the captain and his party pioneered their way
+to the patent, in the best manner they could. This party consisted of
+Nick, who went in the capacity of hunter, an office of a good deal of
+dignity, and of the last importance, to a set of adventurers on an
+expedition of this nature. Then there were eight axe-men, a house-
+carpenter, a mason, and a mill-wright. These, with Captain Willoughby,
+and an invalid sergeant, of the name of Joyce, composed the party.
+
+Our adventurers made most of their journey by water. After finding
+their way to the head of the Canaideraga, mistaking it for the Otsego,
+they felled trees, hollowed them into canoes, embarked, and, aided by a
+yoke of oxen that were driven along the shore, they wormed their way,
+through the Oaks, into the Susquehanna, descending that river until
+they reached the Unadilla, which stream they ascended until they came
+to the small river, known in the parlance of the country, by the
+erroneous name of a creek, that ran through the captain's new estate.
+The labour of this ascent was exceedingly severe; but the whole journey
+was completed by the end of April, and while the streams were high.
+Snow still lay in the woods; but the sap had started, and the season
+was beginning to show its promise.
+
+The first measure adopted by our adventurers was to "hut." In the very
+centre of the pond, which, it will be remembered, covered four hundred
+acres, was an island of some five or six acres in extent. It was a
+rocky knoll, that rose forty feet above the surface of the water, and
+was still crowned with noble pines, a species of tree that had escaped
+the ravages of the beaver. In the pond, itself, a few "stubs" alone
+remained, the water having killed the trees, which had fallen and
+decayed. This circumstance showed that the stream had long before been
+dammed; successions of families of beavers having probably occupied the
+place, and renewed the works, for centuries, at intervals of
+generations. The dam in existence, however, was not very old; the
+animals having fled from their great enemy, man, rather than from any
+other foe.
+
+To the island Captain Willoughby transferred all his stores, and here
+he built his hut. This was opposed to the notions of his axe-men, who,
+rightly enough, fancied the mainland would be more convenient; but the
+captain and the sergeant, after a council of war, decided that the
+position on the knoll would be the most military, and might be defended
+the longest, against man or beast. Another station was taken up,
+however, on the nearest shore, where such of the men were permitted to
+"hut," as preferred the location.
+
+These preliminaries observed, the captain meditated a bold stroke
+against the wilderness, by draining the pond, and coming at once into
+the possession of a noble farm, cleared of trees and stumps, as it
+might be by a _coup de main_. This would be compressing the
+results of ordinary years of toil, into those of a single season, and
+everybody was agreed as to the expediency of the course, provided it
+were feasible.
+
+The feasibility was soon ascertained. The stream which ran through the
+valley, was far from swift, until it reached a pass where the hills
+approached each other in low promontories; there the land fell rapidly
+away to what might be termed a lower terrace. Across this gorge, or
+defile, a distance of about five hundred feet, the dam had been thrown,
+a good deal aided by the position of some rocks that here rose to the
+surface, and through which the little river found its passage. The part
+which might be termed the key-stone of the dam, was only twenty yards
+wide, and immediately below it, the rocks fell away rapidly, quite
+sixty feet, carrying down the waste water in a sort of fall. Here the
+mill-wright announced his determination to commence operations at
+once, putting in a protest against destroying the works of the beavers.
+A pond of four hundred acres being too great a luxury for the region,
+the man was overruled, and the labour commenced.
+
+The first blow was struck against the dam about nine o'clock, on the 2d
+day of May, 1765, and, by evening, the little sylvan-looking lake,
+which had lain embedded in the forest, glittering in the morning sun,
+unruffled by a breath of air, had entirely disappeared! In its place,
+there remained an open expanse of wet mud, thickly covered with pools
+and the remains of beaver-houses, with a small river winding its way
+slowly through the slime. The change to the eye was melancholy indeed;
+though the prospect was cheering to the agriculturist. No sooner did
+the water obtain a little passage, than it began to clear the way for
+itself, gushing out in a torrent, through the pass already mentioned.
+
+The following morning, Captain Willoughby almost mourned over the works
+of his hands. The scene was so very different from that it had
+presented when the flats were covered with water, that it was
+impossible not to feel the change. For quite a month, it had an
+influence on the whole party. Nick, in particular, denounced it, as
+unwise and uncalled for, though he had made his price out of the very
+circumstance in prospective; and even Sergeant Joyce was compelled to
+admit that the knoll, an island no longer, had lost quite half its
+security as a military position. The next month, however, brought other
+changes. Half the pools had vanished by drainings and evaporation; the
+mud had begun to crack, and, in some places to pulverize; while the
+upper margin of the old pond had become sufficiently firm to permit the
+oxen to walk over it, without miring. Fences of trees, brush, and even
+rails, enclosed, on this portion of the flats, quite fifty acres of
+land; and Indian corn, oats, pumpkins, peas, potatoes, flax, and
+several other sorts of seed, were already in the ground. The spring
+proved dry, and the sun of the forty-third degree of latitude was doing
+its work, with great power and beneficence. What was of nearly equal
+importance, the age of the pond had prevented any recent accumulation
+of vegetable matter, and consequently spared those who laboured around
+the spot, the impurities of atmosphere usually consequent on its decay.
+Grass-seed, too, had been liberally scattered on favourable places, and
+things began to assume the appearance of what is termed "living."
+
+August presented a still different picture. A saw-mill was up, and had
+been at work for some time. Piles of green boards began to make their
+appearance, and the plane of the carpenter was already in motion.
+Captain Willoughby was rich, in a small way; in other words, he
+possessed a few thousand pounds besides his land, and had yet to
+receive the price of his commission. A portion of these means were
+employed judiciously to advance his establishment; and, satisfied that
+there would be no scarcity of fodder for the ensuing winter, a man had
+been sent into the settlements for another yoke of cattle, and a couple
+of cows. Farming utensils were manufactured on the spot, and sleds
+began to take the place of carts; the latter exceeding the skill of any
+of the workmen present.
+
+October offered its products as a reward for all this toil. The yield
+was enormous, and of excellent quality. Of Indian corn, the captain
+gathered several hundred bushels, besides stacks of stalks and tops.
+His turnips, too, were superabundant in quantity, and of a delicacy and
+flavour entirely unknown to the precincts of old lands. The potatoes
+had not done so well; to own the truth, they were a little watery,
+though there were enough of them to winter every hoof he had, of
+themselves. Then the peas and garden truck were both good and plenty;
+and a few pigs having been procured, there was the certainty of
+enjoying a plenty of that important article, pork, during the coming
+winter.
+
+Late in the autumn, the captain rejoined his family in Albany, quitting
+the field for winter quarters. He left sergeant Joyce, in garrison,
+supported by Nick, a miller, the mason, carpenter, and three of the
+axe-men. Their duty was to prepare materials for the approaching
+season, to take care of the stock, to put in winter crops, to make a
+few bridges, clear out a road or two, haul wood to keep themselves from
+freezing, to build a log barn and some sheds, and otherwise to advance
+the interests of the settlement. They were also to commence a house for
+the patentee.
+
+As his children were at school, captain Willoughby determined not to
+take his family immediately to the Hutted Knoll, as the place soon came
+to be called, from the circumstance of the original bivouack. This name
+was conferred by sergeant Joyce, who had a taste in that way, and as it
+got to be confirmed by the condescension of the proprietor and his
+family, we have chosen it to designate our present labours. From time
+to time, a messenger arrived with news from the place; and twice, in
+the course of the winter, the same individual went back with supplies,
+and encouraging messages to the different persons left in the clearing.
+As spring approached, however, the captain began to make his
+preparations for the coming campaign, in which he was to be accompanied
+by his wife; Mrs. Willoughby, a mild, affectionate, true-hearted New
+York woman, having decided not to let her husband pass another summer
+in that solitude without feeling the cheering influence of her
+presence.
+
+In March, before the snow began to melt, several sleigh-loads of
+different necessaries were sent up the valley of the Mohawk, to a point
+opposite the head of the Otsego, where a thriving village called
+Fortplain now stands. Thence men were employed in transporting the
+articles, partly by means of "jumpers" _improvised_ for the
+occasion, and partly on pack-horses, to the lake, which was found this
+time, instead of its neighbour the Canaderaiga. This necessary and
+laborious service occupied six weeks, the captain having been up as far
+as the lake once himself; returning to Albany, however, ere the snow
+was gone.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter II.
+
+  All things are new--the buds, the leaves,
+  That gild the elm-tree's nodding crest,
+  And even the nest beneath the eaves--
+  There are no birds in last year's nest.
+
+  Longfellow.
+
+"I have good news for you, Wilhelmina," cried the captain, coming into
+the parlour where his wife used to sit and knit or sew quite half the
+day, and speaking with a bright face, and in a cheerful voice--"Here is
+a letter from my excellent old colonel; and Bob's affair is all settled
+and agreed on. He is to leave school next week, and to put on His
+Majesty's livery the week after."
+
+Mrs. Willoughby smiled, and yet two or three tears followed each other
+down her cheeks, even while she smiled. The first was produced by
+pleasure at hearing that her son had got an ensigncy in the 60th, or
+Royal Americans; and the last was a tribute paid to nature; a mother's
+fears at consigning an only boy to the profession of arms.
+
+"I am rejoiced, Willoughby," she said, "because _you_ rejoice,
+and I know that Robert will be delighted at possessing the king's
+commission; but, he is _very_ young to be sent into the dangers of
+battle and the camp!"
+
+"I was younger, when I actually went into battle, for _then_ it
+was war; now, we have a peace that promises to be endless, and Bob will
+have abundance of time to cultivate a beard before he smells gunpowder.
+As for myself"--he added in a half-regretful manner, for old habits and
+opinions would occasionally cross his mind--"as for myself, the
+cultivation of _turnips_ must be my future occupation. Well, the
+bit of parchment is sold, Bob has got _his_ in its place, while
+the difference in price is in my pocket, and no more need be said--and
+here come our dear girls, Wilhelmina, to prevent any regrets. The
+father of two such daughters _ought_, at least, to be happy."
+
+At this instant, Beulah and Maud Willoughby, (for so the adopted child
+was called as well as the real), entered the room, having taken the
+lodgings of their parents, in a morning walk, on which they were
+regularly sent by the mistress of the boarding-school, in which they
+were receiving what was _then_ thought to be a first-rate American
+female education. And much reason had their fond parents to be proud of
+them! Beulah, the eldest, was just eleven, while her sister was
+eighteen months younger. The first had a staid, and yet a cheerful
+look; but her cheeks were blooming, her eyes bright, and her smile
+sweet. Maud, the adopted one, however, had already the sunny
+countenance of an angel, with quite as much of the appearance of health
+as her sister; her face had more finesse, her looks more intelligence,
+her playfulness more feeling, her smile more tenderness, at times; at
+others, more meaning. It is scarcely necessary to say that both had
+that delicacy of outline which seems almost inseparable from the female
+form in this country. What was, perhaps, more usual in that day among
+persons of their class than it is in our own, each spoke her own
+language with an even graceful utterance, and a faultless accuracy of
+pronunciation, equally removed from effort and provincialisms. As the
+Dutch was in very common use then, at Albany, and most females of Dutch
+origin had a slight touch of their mother tongue in their enunciation
+of English, this purity of dialect in the two girls was to be ascribed
+to the fact that their father was an Englishman by birth; their mother
+an American of purely English origin, though named after a Dutch god-
+mother; and the head of the school in which they had now been three
+years, was a native of London, and a lady by habits and education.
+
+"Now, Maud," cried the captain, after he had kissed the forehead, eyes
+and cheeks of his smiling little favourite--"Now, Maud, I will set you
+to guess what good news I have for you and Beulah."
+
+"You and mother don't mean to go to that bad Beave Manor this summer,
+as some call the ugly pond?" answered the child, quick as lightning.
+
+"That is kind of you, my darling; more kind than prudent; but you are
+not right."
+
+"Try Beulah, now," interrupted the mother, who, while she too doted on
+her youngest child, had an increasing respect for the greater solidity
+and better judgment of her sister: "let us hear Beulah's guess."
+
+"It is something about my brother, I know by mother's eyes," answered
+the eldest girl, looking inquiringly into Mrs. Willoughby's face.
+
+"Oh! yes," cried Maud, beginning to jump about the room, until she
+ended her saltations in her father's arms--"Bob has got his
+commission!--I know it all well enough, now--I would not thank you to
+tell me--I know it all now--_dear_ Bob, how he _will_ laugh!
+and how happy I am!"
+
+"Is it so, mother?" asked Beulah, anxiously, and without even a smile.
+
+"Maud is right; Bob is an ensign--or, will be one, in a day or two. You
+do not seem pleased, my child?"
+
+"I wish Robert were not a soldier, mother. Now he will be always away,
+and we shall never see him; then he may be obliged to fight, and who
+knows how unhappy it may make _him_?"
+
+Beulah thought more of her brother than she did of herself; and, sooth
+to say, her mother had many of the child's misgivings. With Maud it was
+altogether different: she saw only the bright side of the picture; Bob
+gay and brilliant, his face covered with smiles, his appearance admired
+himself, and of course his sisters, happy. Captain Willoughby
+sympathized altogether with his pet. Accustomed to arms, he rejoiced
+that a career in which he had partially failed--this he did not conceal
+from himself or his wife--that this same career had opened, as he
+trusted, with better auspices on his only son. He covered Maud with
+kisses, and then rushed from the house, finding his heart too full to
+run the risk of being unmanned in the presence of females.
+
+A week later, availing themselves of one of the last falls of snow of
+the season, captain Willoughby and his wife left Albany for the Knoll.
+The leave-taking was tender, and to the parents bitter; though after
+all, it was known that little more than a hundred miles would separate
+them from their beloved daughters. Fifty of these miles, however, were
+absolutely wilderness; and to achieve them, quite a hundred of tangled
+forest, or of difficult navigation, were to be passed. The
+communications would be at considerable intervals, and difficult. Still
+they might be held, and the anxious mother left many injunctions with
+Mrs. Waring, the head of the school, in relation to the health of her
+daughters, and the manner in which she was to be sent for, in the event
+of any serious illness.
+
+Mrs. Willoughby had often overcome, as she fancied, the difficulties of
+a wilderness, in the company of her husband. It is the fashion highly
+to extol Napoleon's passage of the Alps, simply in reference to its
+physical obstacles. There never was a brigade moved twenty-four hours
+into the American wilds, that had not greater embarrassments of this
+nature to overcome, unless in those cases in which favourable river
+navigation has offered its facilities. Still, time and necessity had
+made a sort of military ways to all the more important frontier points
+occupied by the British garrisons, and the experience of Mrs.
+Willoughby had not hitherto been of the severe character of that she
+was now compelled to undergo.
+
+The first fifty miles were passed over in a sleigh, in a few hours, and
+with little or no personal fatigue. This brought the travellers to a
+Dutch inn on the Mohawk, where the captain had often made his halts,
+and whither he had from time to time, sent his advanced parties in the
+course of the winter and spring. Here a jumper was found prepared to
+receive Mrs. Willoughby; and the horse being led by the captain
+himself, a passage through the forest was effected as far as the head
+of the Otsego. The distance being about twelve miles, it required two
+days for its performance. As the settlements extended south from the
+Mohawk a few miles, the first night was passed in a log cabin, on the
+extreme verge of civilization, if civilization it could be called, and
+the remaining eight miles were got over in the course of the succeeding
+day. This was more than would probably have been achieved in the virgin
+forest, and under the circumstances, had not so many of the captain's
+people passed over the same ground, going and returning, thereby
+learning how to avoid the greatest difficulties of the route, and here
+and there constructing a rude bridge. They had also blazed the trees,
+shortening the road by pointing out its true direction.
+
+At the head of the Otsego, our adventurers were fairly in the
+wilderness. Huts had been built to receive the travellers, and here the
+whole party assembled, in readiness to make a fresh start in company.
+It consisted of more than a dozen persons, in all; the black domestics
+of the family being present, as well as several mechanics whom Captain
+Willoughby had employed to carry on his improvements. The men sent in
+advance had not been idle, any more than those left at the Hutted
+Knoll. They had built three or four skiffs, one small batteau, and a
+couple of canoes. These were all in the water, in waiting for the
+disappearance of the ice; which was now reduced to a mass of
+stalactites in form, greenish and sombre in hue, as they floated in a
+body, but clear and bright when separated and exposed to the sun. The
+south winds began to prevail, and the shore was glittering with the
+fast-melting piles of the frozen fluid, though it would have been vain
+yet to attempt a passage through it.
+
+The Otsego is a sheet that we have taken more than one occasion to
+describe, and the picture it then presented, amidst its frame of
+mountains, will readily be imagined by most of our readers. In 1765, no
+sign of a settlement was visible on its shores; few of the grants of
+land in that vicinity extending back so far. Still the spot began to be
+known, and hunters had been in the habit of frequenting its bosom and
+its shores, for the last twenty years or more Not a vestige of their
+presence, however, was to be seen from the huts of the captain; but
+Mrs. Willoughby assured her husband, as she stood leaning on his arm,
+the morning after her arrival, that never before had she gazed on so
+eloquent, and yet so pleasing a picture of solitude as that which lay
+spread before her eyes.
+
+"There is something encouraging and soothing in this bland south wind,
+too," she added, "which seems to promise that we shall meet with a
+beneficent nature, in the spot to which we are going. The south airs of
+spring, to me are always filled with promise."
+
+"And justly, love; for they are the harbingers of a renewed vegetation.
+If the wind increase, as I think it may, we shall see this chilling
+sheet of ice succeeded by the more cheerful view of water. It is in
+this way, that all these lakes open their bosoms in April."
+
+Captain Willoughby did not know it, while speaking, but, at that
+moment, quite two miles of the lower, or southern end of the lake, was
+clear, and the opening giving a sweep to the breeze, the latter was
+already driving the sheets of ice before it, towards the head, at a
+rate of quite a mile in the hour. Just then, an Irishman, named Michael
+O'Hearn, who had recently arrived in America, and whom the captain had
+hired as a servant of all work, came rushing up to his master, and
+opened his teeming thoughts, with an earnestness of manner, and a
+confusion of rhetoric, that were equally characteristic of the man and
+of a portion of his nation.
+
+"Is it journeying south, or to the other end of this bit of wather, or
+ice, that yer honour is thinking of?" he cried "Well, and there'll be
+room for us all, and to spare; for divil a bir-r-d will be left in that
+quarter by night, or forenent twelve o'clock either, calculating by the
+clock, if one had such a thing; as a body might say."
+
+As this was said not only vehemently, but with an accent that defies
+imitation with the pen, Mrs. Willoughby was quite at a loss to get a
+clue to the idea; but, her husband, more accustomed to men of Mike's
+class, was sufficiently lucky to comprehend what he was at.
+
+"You mean the pigeons, Mike, I suppose," the captain answered, good-
+humouredly. "There are certainly a goodly number of them; and I dare
+say our hunters will bring us in some, for dinner. It is a certain sign
+that the winter is gone, when birds and beasts follow their instincts,
+in this manner. Where are you from, Mike?"
+
+"County Leitrim, yer honour," answered the other, touching his cap.
+
+"Ay, that one may guess," said the captain, smiling, 'but where last?"
+
+"From looking at the bir-r-ds, sir!--Och! It's a sight that will do
+madam good, and contains a sartainty there'll be room enough made for
+us, where all these cr'atures came from. I'm thinking, yer honour, if
+we don't ate _them_, they'll be wanting to ate _us_. What a
+power of them, counting big and little; though they 're all of a size,
+just as much as if they had flown through a hole made on purpose to
+kape them down to a convanient bigness, in body and feathers."
+
+"Such a flight of pigeons in Ireland, would make a sensation, Mike,"
+observed the captain, willing to amuse his wife, by drawing out the
+County Leitrim-man, a little.
+
+"It would make a dinner, yer honour, for every mother's son of 'em,
+counting the gur-r-rls, in the bargain! Such a power of bir-r-ds, would
+knock down 'praties, in a wonderful degree, and make even butthermilk
+chape and plenthiful. Will it be always such abundance with us, down at
+the Huts, yer honour? or is this sight only a delusion to fill us with
+hopes that's never to be satisfied?"
+
+"Pigeons are seldom wanting in this country, Mike, in the spring and
+autumn; though we have both birds and beasts, in plenty, that are
+preferable for food."
+
+"Will it be plentthier than this?--Well, it's enough to destroy human
+appetite, the sight of 'em! I'd give the half joe I lost among them
+blackguards in Albany, at their Pauss, as they calls it, jist to let my
+sisther's childer have their supper out of one of these flocks, such as
+they are, betther or no betther. Och! its pleasant to think of them
+childer having their will, for once, on such a power of wild, savage
+bir-r-ds!"
+
+Captain Willoughby smiled at this proof of _naivete_ in his new
+domestic, and then led his wife back to the hut; if being time to make
+some fresh dispositions for the approaching movement. By noon, it
+became apparent to those who were waiting such an event, that the lake
+was opening; and, about the same time, one of the hunters came in from
+a neighbouring mountain, and reported that he had seen clear water, as
+near their position as three or four miles. By this time it was blowing
+fresh, and the wind, having a clear rake, drove up the honeycomb-
+looking sheet before it, as the scraper accumulates snow. When the sun
+set, the whole north shore was white with piles of glittering icicles;
+while the bosom of the Otsego, no longer disturbed by the wind,
+resembled a placid mirror.
+
+Early on the following morning, the whole party embarked. There was no
+wind, and men were placed at the paddles and the oars. Care was taken,
+on quitting the huts, to close their doors and shutters; for they were
+to be taverns to cover the heads of many a traveller, in the frequent
+journeys that were likely to be made, between the Knoll and the
+settlements. These stations, then, were of the last importance, and a
+frontier-man always had the same regard for them, that the mountaineer
+of the Alps has for his "refuge."
+
+The passage down the Otsego was the easiest and most agreeable portion
+of the whole journey. The day was pleasant, and the oarsmen vigorous,
+if not very skilful, rendering the movement rapid, and sufficiently
+direct. But one drawback occurred to the prosperity of the voyage.
+Among the labourers hired by the captain, was a Connecticut man, of the
+name of Joel Strides, between whom and the County Leitrim-man, there
+had early commenced a warfare of tricks and petty annoyances; a warfare
+that was perfectly defensive on the part of O'Hearn, who did little
+more, in the way of retort, than comment on the long, lank, shapeless
+figure, and meagre countenance of his enemy. Joel had not been seen to
+smile, since he engaged with the captain; though three times had he
+laughed outright, and each time at the occurrence of some mishap to
+Michael O'Hearn the fruit of one of his own schemes of annoyance.
+
+On the present occasion, Joel, who had the distribution of such duty,
+placed Mike in a skiff, by himself, flattering the poor fellow with the
+credit he would achieve, by rowing a boat to the foot of the lake,
+without assistance. He might as well have asked Mike to walk to the
+outlet on the surface of the water! This arrangement proceeded from an
+innate love of mischief in Joel, who had much of the quiet waggery,
+blended with many of the bad qualities of the men of his peculiar
+class. A narrow and conceited selfishness lay at the root of the larger
+portion of this man's faults. As a physical being, he was a perfect
+labour-saving machine, himself; bringing all the resources of a
+naturally quick and acute mind to bear on this one end, never doing
+anything that required a particle more than the exertion and strength
+that were absolutely necessary to effect his object. He rowed the skiff
+in which the captain and his wife had embarked, with his own hands;
+and, previously to starting, he had selected the best sculls from the
+other boats, had fitted his twhart with the closest attention to his
+own ease, and had placed a stretcher for his feet, with an intelligence
+and knowledge of mechanics, that would have done credit to a Whitehall
+waterman. This much proceeded from the predominating principle of his
+nature, which was, always to have an eye on the interests of Joel
+Strides; though the effect happened, in this instance, to be beneficial
+to those he served.
+
+Michael O'Hearn, on the contrary, thought only of the end; and this so
+intensely, not to so say vehemently, as generally to overlook the
+means. Frank, generous, self-devoted, and withal accustomed to get most
+things wrong-end-foremost, he usually threw away twice the same labour,
+in effecting a given purpose, that was expended by the Yankee; doing
+the thing worse, too, besides losing twice the time. He never paused to
+think of this, however. The _masther's_ boat was to be rowed to
+the other end of the lake, and, though he had never rowed a boat an
+inch in his life, he was ready and willing to undertake the job. "If a
+certain quantity of work will not do it," thought Mike, "I'll try as
+much ag'in; and the divil is in it, if _that_ won't sarve the
+purpose of that little bit of a job."
+
+Under such circumstances the party started. Most of the skiffs and
+canoes went off half an hour before Mrs. Willoughby was ready, and Joel
+managed to keep Mike for he last, under the pretence of wishing his aid
+in loading his own boat, with the bed and bedding from the hut. All was
+ready, at length, and taking his seat, with a sort of quiet
+deliberation, Joel said, in his drawling way, "You'll follow _us_,
+Mike, and you can't be a thousand miles out of the way." Then he pulled
+from the shore with a quiet, steady stroke of the sculls, that sent the
+skiff ahead with great rapidity, though with much ease to himself.
+
+Michael O'Hearn stood looking at the retiring skiff, in silent
+admiration, for two or three minutes. He was quite alone; for all the
+other boats were already two or three miles on their way, and distance
+already prevented him from seeing the mischief that was lurking in
+Joel's hypocritical eyes.
+
+"Follow _yees_!" soliloquized Mike--"The divil burn ye, for a
+guessing yankee as ye ar'--how am I to follow with such legs as the
+likes of these? If it wasn't for the masther and the missus, ra'al
+jontlemen and ladies they be, I'd turn my back on ye, in the desert,
+and let ye find that Beaver estate, in yer own disagreeable company.
+Ha!--well, I must thry, and if the boat won't go, it'll be no fault of
+the man that has a good disposition to make it."
+
+Mike now took his seat on a board that lay across the gunwale of the
+skiff at a most inconvenient height, placed two sculls in the water,
+one of which was six inches longer than the other, made a desperate
+effort, and got his craft fairly afloat. Now, Michael O'Hearn was not
+left-handed, and, as usually happens with such men, the inequality
+between the two limbs was quite marked. By a sinister accident, too, it
+happened that the longest oar got into the strongest hand, and there it
+would have staid to the end of time; before Mike would think of
+changing it, on that account. Joel, alone, sat with his face towards
+the head of the lake, and he alone could see the dilemma in which the
+county Leitrim-man was placed. Neither the captain nor his wife thought
+of looking behind, and the yankee had all the fun to himself. As for
+Mike, he succeeded in getting a few rods from the land, when the strong
+arm and the longer lever asserting their superiority, the skiff began
+to incline to the westward. So intense, however, was the poor fellow's
+zeal, that he did not discover the change in his course until he had so
+far turned as to give him a glimpse of his retiring master; then he
+inferred that all was right, and pulled more leisurely. The result was,
+that in about ten minutes, Mike was stopped by the land, the boat
+touching the north shore again, two or three rods from the very point
+whence it had started. The honest fellow got up, looked around him,
+scratched his head, gazed wistfully after the fast-receding boat of his
+master, and broke out in another soliloquy.
+
+"Bad luck to them that made ye, ye one-sided thing!" he said, shaking
+his head reproachfully at the skiff: "there's liberty for ye to do as
+ye ought, and ye'll not be doing it, just out of contrairiness. Why the
+divil can't ye do like the other skiffs, and go where ye're wanted, on
+the road towards thim beavers? Och, ye'll be sorry for this, when ye're
+left behind, out of sight!"
+
+Then it flashed on Mike's mind that possibly some article had been left
+in the hut, and the skiff had come back to look after it; so, up he ran
+to the captain's deserted lodge, entered it, was lost to view for a
+minute, then came in sight again, scratching his head, and renewing his
+muttering--"No," he said, "divil a thing can I see, and it must be pure
+con_trair_iness! Perhaps the baste will behave betther next time,
+so I'll thry it ag'in, and give it an occasion. Barring obstinacy, 't
+is as good-lookin' a skiff as the best of them."
+
+Mike was as good as his word, and gave the skiff as fair an opportunity
+of behaving itself as was ever offered to a boat. Seven times did he
+quit the shore, and as often return to it, gradually working his way
+towards the western shore, and slightly down the lake. In this manner,
+Mike at length got himself so far on the side of the lake, as to
+present a barrier of land to the evil disposition of his skiff to
+incline to the westward. It could go no longer in that direction, at
+least.
+
+"Divil burn ye," the honest fellow cried, the perspiration rolling down
+his face; "I think ye'll be satisfied without walking out into the
+forest, where I wish ye war' with all my heart, amang the threes that
+made ye! Now, I'll see if yer con_trair_y enough to run up a
+hill."
+
+Mike next essayed to pull along the shore, in the hope that the sight
+of the land, and of the overhanging pines and hemlocks, would cure the
+boat's propensity to turn in that direction. It is not necessary to say
+that his expectations were disappointed, and he finally was reduced to
+getting out into the water, cool as was the weather, and of wading
+along the shore, dragging the boat after him. All this Joel saw before
+he passed out of sight, but no movement of his muscles let the captain
+into the secret of the poor Irishman's strait.
+
+In the meanwhile, the rest of the flotilla, or _brigade_ of boats,
+as the captain termed them, went prosperously on their way, going from
+one end of the lake to the other, in the course of three hours. As one
+of the party had been over the route several times already, there was
+no hesitation on the subject of the point to which the boats were to
+proceed. They all touched the shore near the stone that is now called
+the "Otsego Rock," beneath a steep wooded bank, and quite near to the
+place where the Susquehannah glanced out of the lake, in a swift
+current, beneath a high-arched tracery of branches that were not yet
+clothed with leaves.
+
+Here the question was put as to what had become of Mike. His skiff was
+nowhere visible, and the captain felt the necessity of having him
+looked for, before he proceeded any further. After a short
+consultation, a boat manned by two negroes, father and son, named Pliny
+the elder, and Pliny the younger, or, in common parlance, "old Plin"
+and "young Plin," was sent back along the west-shore to hunt him up. Of
+course, a hut was immediately prepared for the reception of Mrs.
+Willoughby, upon the plain that stretches across the valley, at this
+point. This was on the site of the present village of Cooperstown, but
+just twenty years anterior to the commencement of the pretty little
+shire town that now exists on the spot.
+
+It was night ere the two Plinies appeared towing Mike, as their great
+namesakes of antiquity might have brought in a Carthaginian galley, in
+triumph. The county Leitrim-man had made his way with excessive toil
+about a league ere he was met, and glad enough was he to see his
+succour approach. In that day, the strong antipathy which now exists
+between the black and the emigrant Irishman was unknown, the
+competition for household service commencing more than half a century
+later. Still, as the negro loved fun constitutionally, and Pliny the
+younger was somewhat of a wag, Mike did not entirely escape, scot-free.
+
+"Why you drag 'im like ox, Irish Mike?" cried the younger negro--"why
+you no row 'im like other folk?"
+
+"Ah--you're as bad as the rest of 'em," growled Mike. "They tould me
+Ameriky was a mighty warm country, and war-r-m I find it, sure enough,
+though the wather isn't as warm as good whiskey. Come, ye black divils,
+and see if ye can coax this _contrairy_ crathure to do as a person
+wants."
+
+The negroes soon had Mike in tow, and then they went down the lake
+merrily, laughing and cracking their jokes, at the Irishman's expense,
+after the fashion of their race. It was fortunate for the Leitrim-man
+that he was accustomed to ditching, though it may be questioned if the
+pores of his body closed again that day, so very effectually had they
+been opened. When he rejoined his master, not a syllable was said of
+the mishap, Joel having the prudence to keep his own secret, and even
+joining Mike in denouncing the bad qualities of the boat. We will only
+add here, that a little calculation entered into this trick, Joel
+perceiving that Mike was a favourite, and wishing to bring him into
+discredit.
+
+Early the next morning, the captain sent the negroes and Mike down the
+Susquehannah a mile, to clear away some flood-wood, of which one of the
+hunters had brought in a report the preceding day. Two hours later, the
+boats left the shore, and began to float downward with the current,
+following the direction of a stream that has obtained its name from its
+sinuosities.
+
+In a few minutes the boats reached the flood-wood, where, to Joel's
+great amusement, Mike and the negroes, the latter having little more
+calculation than the former, had commenced their operations on the
+upper side of the raft, piling the logs on one another, with a view to
+make a passage through the centre. Of course, there was a halt, the
+females landing. Captain Willoughby now cast an eye round him in
+hesitation, when a knowing look from Joel caught his attention.
+
+"This does not seem to be right," he said--"cannot we better if a
+little?"
+
+"It's right wrong, captain," answered Joel, laughing like one who
+enjoyed other people's ignorance. "A sensible crittur' would begin the
+work on such a job, at the lower side of the raft."
+
+"Take the direction, and order things to suit yourself."
+
+This was just what Joel liked. _Head-work_ before all other work
+for him, and he set about the duty authoritatively and with
+promptitude. After rating the negroes roundly for their stupidity, and
+laying it on Mike without much delicacy of thought or diction, over the
+shoulders of the two blacks, he mustered his forces, and began to clear
+the channel with intelligence and readiness.
+
+Going to the lower side of the jammed flood-wood, he soon succeeded in
+loosening one or two trees, which floated away, making room for others
+to follow. By these means a passage was effected in half an hour, Joel
+having the prudence to set no more timber in motion than was necessary
+to his purpose, lest it might choke the stream below. In this manner
+the party got through, and, the river being high at that season, by
+night the travellers were half-way to the mouth of the Unadilla. The
+next evening they encamped at the junction of the two streams, making
+their preparations to ascend the latter the following morning.
+
+The toil of the ascent, however, did not commence, until the boats
+entered what was called the creek, or the small tributary of the
+Unadilla, on which the beavers had erected their works, and which ran
+through the "Manor." Here, indeed, the progress was slow and laborious,
+the rapidity of the current and the shallowness of the water rendering
+every foot gained a work of exertion and pain. Perseverance and skill,
+notwithstanding, prevailed; all the boats reaching the foot of the
+rapids, or straggling falls, on which the captain had built his mills,
+about an hour before the sun disappeared. Here, of course, the boats
+were left, a rude road having been cut, by means of which the freights
+were transported on a sledge the remainder of the distance. Throughout
+the whole of this trying day, Joel had not only worked head-work, but
+he had actually exerted himself with his body. As for Mike, never
+before had he made such desperate efforts. He felt all the disgrace of
+his adventure on the lake, and was disposed to wipe it out by his
+exploits on the rivers. Thus Mike was ever loyal to his employer. He
+had sold his flesh and blood for money, and a man of his conscience was
+inclined to give a fair penny's-worth. The tractable manner in which
+the boat had floated down the river, it is true, caused him some
+surprise, as was shown in his remark to the younger Pliny, on landing.
+
+"This is a curious boat, afther all," said Pat. "One time it's all
+con_trar_iness, and then ag'in it's as obliging as one's own
+mother. It _followed_ the day all's one like a puppy dog, while
+yon on the big wather there was no more _dhriving_ it than a hog.
+Och! it's a faimale boat, by its whims!"
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter III.
+
+  "He sleeps forgetful of his once bright flame
+  He has no feeling of the glory gone;
+  He has no eye to catch the mounting flame
+  That once in transport drew him on;
+  He lies in dull oblivious dreams, nor cares
+  Who the wreathed laurel bears."
+
+  Percival.
+
+The appearance of a place in which the remainder of one's life is to be
+past is always noted with interest on a first visit. Thus it was that
+Mrs. Willoughby had been observant and silent from the moment the
+captain informed her that they had passed the line of his estate, and
+were approaching the spot where they were to dwell. The stream was so
+small, and the girding of the forest so close, that there was little
+range for the sight; but the anxious wife and mother could perceive
+that the hills drew together, at this point, the valley narrowing
+essentially, that rocks began to appear in the bed of the river, and
+that the growth of the timber indicated fertility and a generous soil.
+
+When the boat stopped, the little stream came brawling down a ragged
+declivity, and a mill, one so arranged as to grind and saw, both in a
+very small way, however, gave the first signs of civilization she had
+beheld since quitting the last hut near the Mohawk. After issuing a few
+orders, the captain drew his wife's arm through his own, and hurried up
+the ascent, with an eagerness that was almost boyish, to show her what
+had been done towards the improvement of the "Knoll." There is a
+pleasure in diving into a virgin forest and commencing the labours of
+civilization, that has no exact parallel in any other human occupation.
+That of building, or of laying out grounds, has certainly some
+resemblance to it, but it is a resemblance so faint and distant as
+scarcely to liken the enjoyment each produces. The former approaches
+nearer to the feeling of creating, and is far more pregnant with
+anticipations and hopes, though its first effects are seldom agreeable,
+and are sometimes nearly hideous. Our captain, however, had escaped
+most of these last consequences, by possessing the advantage of having
+a clearing, without going through the usual processes of chopping and
+burning; the first of which leaves the earth dotted, for many years,
+with unsightly stumps, while the rains and snows do not wash out the
+hues of the last for several seasons.
+
+An exclamation betrayed the pleasure with which Mrs. Willoughby got her
+first glimpse of the drained pond. It was when she had clambered to the
+point of the rocks, where the stream began to tumble downward into the
+valley below. A year had done a vast deal for the place. The few stumps
+and stubs which had disfigured the basin when it was first laid bare,
+had all been drawn by oxen, and burned. This left the entire surface of
+the four hundred acres smooth and fit for the plough. The soil was the
+deposit of centuries, and the inclination, from the woods to the
+stream, was scarcely perceptible to the eye. In fact, it was barely
+sufficient to drain the drippings of the winter's snows. The form of
+the area was a little irregular; just enough so to be picturesque;
+while the inequalities were surprisingly few and trifling. In a word,
+nature had formed just such a spot as delights the husbandman's heart,
+and placed it beneath a sun which, while its fierceness is relieved by
+winters of frost and snow, had a power to bring out all its latent
+resources.
+
+Trees had been felled around the whole area, with the open spaces
+filled by branches, in a way to form what is termed a brush fence. This
+is not a sightly object, and the captain had ordered the line to be
+drawn _within_ the woods, so that the visible boundaries of the
+open land were the virgin forest itself. His men had protested against
+this, a fence, however unseemly, being in their view an indispensable
+accessory to civilization. But the captain's authority, if not his
+better taste, prevailed; and the boundary of felled trees and brush was
+completely concealed in the back-ground of woods. As yet, there was no
+necessity for cross-fences, the whole open space lying in a single
+field. One hundred acres were in winter wheat. As this grain had been
+got in the previous autumn, it was now standing on the finest and
+driest of the soil, giving an air of rich fertility to the whole basin.
+Grass-seed had been sown along both banks of the stream, and its waters
+were quietly flowing between two wide belts of fresh verdure, the young
+plants having already started in that sheltered receptacle of the sun's
+rays. Other portions of the flat showed signs of improvement, the
+plough having actually been at work for quite a fortnight.
+
+All this was far more than even the captain had expected, and much more
+than his wife had dared to hope. Mrs. Willoughby had been accustomed to
+witness the slow progress of a new settlement; but never before had she
+seen what might be done on a beaver-dam. To her all appeared like
+magic, and her first question would have been to ask her husband to
+explain what had been done with the trees and stumps, had not her
+future residence caught her eye. Captain Willoughby had left his orders
+concerning the house, previously to quitting the Knoll; and he was now
+well pleased to perceive that they had been attended to. As this spot
+will prove the scene of many of the incidents we are bound to relate,
+it may be proper, here, to describe it, at some length.
+
+The hillock that rose out of the pond, in the form of a rocky little
+island, was one of those capricious formations that are often met with
+on the surface of the earth. It stood about thirty rods from the
+northern side of the area, very nearly central as to its eastern and
+western boundaries, and presented a slope inclining towards the south.
+Its greatest height was at its northern end, where it rose out of the
+rich alluvion of the soil, literally a rock of some forty feet in
+perpendicular height, having a summit of about an acre of level land,
+and falling off on its three sides; to the east and west precipitously;
+to the south quite gently and with regularity. It was this accidental
+formation which had induced the captain to select the spot as the site
+of his residence; for dwelling so far from any post, and in a place so
+difficult of access, something like military defences were merely
+precautions of ordinary prudence. While the pond remained, the islet
+was susceptible of being made very strong against any of the usual
+assaults of Indian warfare; and, now that the basin was drained, it had
+great advantages for the same purpose. The perpendicular rock to the
+north, even overhung the plain. It was almost inaccessible; while the
+formation on the other sides, offered singular facilities, both for a
+dwelling and for security. All this the captain, who was so familiar
+with the finesse of Indian stratagem, had resolved to improve in the
+following manner:
+
+In the first place, he directed the men to build a massive wall of
+stone, for a hundred and fifty feet in length, and six feet in height.
+This stretched in front of the perpendicular rock, with receding walls
+to its verge. The latter were about two hundred feet in length, each.
+This was enclosing an area of two hundred, by one hundred and fifty
+feet, within a blind wall of masonry. Through this wall there was only
+a single passage; a gateway, in the centre of its southern face. The
+materials had all been found on the hill itself, which was well covered
+with heavy stones. Within this wall, which was substantially laid, by a
+Scotch mason, one accustomed to the craft, the men had erected a
+building of massive, squared, pine timber, well secured by cross
+partitions. This building followed the wall in its whole extent, was
+just fifteen feet in elevation, without the roof, and was composed, in
+part, by the wall itself; the latter forming nearly one-half its
+height, on the exterior. The breadth of this edifice was only twenty
+feet, clear of the stones and wood-work; leaving a court within of
+about one hundred by one hundred and seventy-five feet in extent. The
+roof extended over the gateway even; so that the space within was
+completely covered, the gates being closed. This much had been done
+during the preceding fall and winter; the edifice presenting an
+appearance of rude completeness on the exterior. Still it had a sombre
+and goal-like air, there being nothing resembling a window visible; no
+aperture, indeed, on either of its outer faces, but the open gateway,
+of which the massive leaves were finished, and placed against the
+adjacent walls, but which were not yet hung. It is scarcely necessary
+to say, this house resembled barracks, more than an ordinary dwelling.
+Mrs. Willoughby stood gazing at it, half in doubt whether to admire or
+to condemn, when a voice, within a few yards, suddenly drew her
+attention in another direction.
+
+"How you like him?" asked Nick, who was seated on a stone, at the
+margin of the stream, washing his feet, after a long day's hunt. "No
+t'ink him better dan beaver skin? Cap'in know all 'bout him; now he
+give Nick some more last quit-rent?"
+
+"_Last_, indeed, it will be, then, Nick; for I have already paid
+you _twice_ for your rights."
+
+"Discovery wort' great deal, cap'in--see what great man he make pale-
+face."
+
+"Ay, but _your_ discovery, Nick, is not of that sort."
+
+"What sort, den?" demanded Nick, with the rapidity of lightning. "Give
+him back 'e beaver, if you no like he discovery. Grad to see 'em back,
+ag'in; skin higher price dan ever."
+
+"Nick, you're a cormorant, if there ever was one in this world! Here--
+there is a dollar for you; the quit-rent is paid for this year, at
+least. It ought to be for the last time."
+
+"Let him go for all summer, cap'in. Yes, Nick wonderful commerant! no
+such eye he got, among Oneida!"
+
+Here the Tuscarora left the side of the stream, and came up on the
+rock, shaking hands, good-humouredly, with Mrs. Willoughby, who rather
+liked the knave; though she knew him to possess most of the vices of
+his class.
+
+"He very han'som beaver-dam," said Nick, sweeping his hand gracefully
+over the view; "bye 'nd bye, he'll bring potatoe, and corn, and cider--
+all 'e squaw want. Cap'in got good fort, too. Old soldier love fort;
+like to live in him."
+
+"The day may come, Nick, when that fort may serve us all a good turn,
+out here in the wilderness," Mrs. Willoughby observed, in a somewhat
+melancholy tone; for her tender thoughts naturally turned towards her
+youthful and innocent daughters.
+
+The Indian gazed at the house, with that fierce intentness which
+sometimes glared, in a manner that had got to be, in its ordinary
+aspects, dull and besotted. There was a startling intelligence in his
+eye, at such moments; the feelings of youth and earlier habit, once
+more asserting their power. Twenty years before, Nick had been foremost
+on the war-path; and what was scarcely less honourable, among the
+wisest around the council-fire. He was born a chief, and had made
+himself an outcast from his tribe, more by the excess of ungovernable
+passions, than from any act of base meanness.
+
+"Cap'm tell Nick, now, what he mean by building such house, out here,
+among ole beaver bones?" he said, sideling up nearer to his employer,
+and gazing with some curiosity into his face.
+
+"What do I mean, Nick?--Why I mean to have a place of safety to put the
+heads of my wife and children in, at need. The road to Canada is not so
+long, but a red-skin can make one pair of moccasins go over it. Then,
+the Oneidas and Mohawks are not all children of heaven."
+
+"No pale-face rogue, go about, I s'pose?" said Nick, sarcastically.
+
+"Yes, there are men of that class, who are none the worse for being
+locked out of one's house, at times. But, what do _you_ think of
+the hut?--You know I call the place the 'Hut,' the Hutted Knoll."
+
+"He hole plenty of beaver, if you cotch him!--But no water left, and he
+all go away. Why you make him stone, first; den you make him wood,
+a'ter; eh? Plenty rock; plenty tree."
+
+"Why, the stone wall can neither be cut away, nor set fire to, Nick;
+that's the reason. I took as much stone as was necessary, and then used
+wood, which is more easily worked, and which is also drier."
+
+"Good--Nick t'ought just dat. How you get him water if Injen come?"
+
+"There's the stream, that winds round the foot of the hill, Nick, as
+you see; and then there is a delicious spring, within one hundred yards
+of the very gate."
+
+"Which side of him?" asked Nick, with his startling rapidity.
+
+"Why, here, to the left of the gate, and a little to the right of the
+large stone--"
+
+"No--no," interrupted the Indian, "no left--no right--which side--
+_inside_ gate; _outside_ gate?"
+
+"Oh!--the spring is outside the gate, certainly; but means might be
+found to make a covered way to it; and then the stream winds round
+directly underneath the rocks, behind the house, and wafer could be
+raised from _that_, by means of a rope. Our rifles would count for
+something, too, in drawing water, as well as in drawing blood."
+
+"Good.--Rifle got long arm. He talk so, Ingin mind him. When you t'ink
+red-skin come ag'in your fort, cap'in, now you got him done?"
+
+"A long time first, I hope, Nick. We are at peace with France, again;
+and I see no prospect of any new quarrel, very soon. So long as the
+French and English are at peace, the red men will not dare to touch
+either."
+
+"Dat true as missionary! What a soldier do, cap'in, if so much peace?
+Warrior love a war-path."
+
+"I wish it were not so, Nick. But _my_ hatchet is buried, I hope,
+for ever."
+
+"Nick hope cap'in know where to find him, if he want to? Very bad to
+put anyt'ing where he forget; partic'larly tomahawk. Sometime quarrel
+come, like rain, when you don't tink."
+
+"Yes, that also cannot be denied. Yet, I fear the next quarrel will be
+among ourselves, Nick.--The government at home, and the people of the
+colonies, are getting to have bad blood between them."
+
+"Dat very queer! Why pale-face mo'der and pale-face darter no love one
+anoder, like red-skin?"
+
+"Really, Nick, you are somewhat interrogating this evening; but, my
+squaw must be a little desirous of seeing the inside of her house, as
+well as its outside, and I must refer you to that honest fellow,
+yonder, for an answer. His name is Mike; I hope he and you will always
+be good friends."
+
+So saying, the captain nodded in a friendly manner, and led Mrs.
+Willoughby towards the hut, taking a foot-path that was already trodden
+firm, and which followed the sinuosities of the stream, to which it
+served as a sort of a dyke. Nick took the captain at his word, and
+turning about he met the county Leitrim-man, with an air of great
+blandness, thrusting out a hand, in the pale-face fashion, as a sign of
+amity, saying, at the same time--
+
+"How do, Mike?--Sago--Sago--grad you come--good fellow to drink Santa
+Cruz, wid Nick."
+
+"How do, Mike!" exclaimed the other, looking at the Tuscarora with
+astonishment, for this was positively the first red man the Irishman
+had ever seen. "How do Mike! Ould Nick be ye?--well--ye look pretty
+much as I expected to see you--pray, how did ye come to know _my_
+name?"
+
+"Nick know him--know every t'ing. Grad to see you, Mike--hope we live
+together like good friend, down yonder, up here, over dere."
+
+"Ye do, do ye! Divil burn me, now, if I want any sich company. Ould
+Nick's yer name, is it?"
+
+"Old Nick--young Nick--saucy Nick; all one, all to'ther. Make no odd
+what you call; I come."
+
+"Och, yer a handy one! Divil trust ye, but ye'll come when you arn't
+wanted, or yer not of yer father's own family. D'ye live hereabouts,
+masther Ould Nick?"
+
+"Live here--out yonder--in he hut, in he wood--where he want. Make no
+difference to Nick."
+
+Michael now drew back a pace or two, keeping his eyes fastened on the
+other intently, for he actually expected to see some prodigious and
+sudden change in his appearance. When he thought he had got a good
+position for manly defence or rapid retreat, as either might become
+necessary the county Leitrim-man put on a bolder front and resumed the
+discourse.
+
+"If it's so indifferent to ye where ye dwell," asked Mike, "why can't
+you keep at home, and let a body carry these cloaks and bundles of the
+missuses, out yonder to the house wither she's gone?"
+
+"Nick help carry 'em. Carry t'ing for dat squaw hundred time."
+
+"That what! D'ye mane Madam Willoughby by yer blackguard name?"
+
+"Yes; cap'in wife--cap'in squaw, mean him. Carry bundle, basket,
+hundred time for him."
+
+"The Lord preserve me, now, from sich atrocity and impudence!" laying
+down the cloaks and bundles, and facing the Indian, with an appearance
+of great indignation--"Did a body ever hear sich a liar! Why, Misther
+Ould Nick, Madam Willoughby wouldn't let the likes of ye touch the ind
+of her garments. You wouldn't get the liberty to walk in the same path
+with her, much less to carry her bundles. I'll answer for it, ye're a
+great liar, now, ould Nick, in the bottom of your heart."
+
+"Nick great liar," answered the Indian, good-naturedly; for he so well
+knew this was his common reputation, that he saw no use in denying it.
+"What of dat? Lie good sometime."
+
+"That's another! Oh, ye animal; I've a great mind to set upon ye at
+once, and see what an honest man can do wid ye, in fair fight! If I
+only knew what ye'd got about yer toes, now, under them fine-looking
+things ye wear for shoes, once, I'd taich ye to talk of the missus, in
+this style."
+
+"Speak as well as he know how. Nick never been to school. Call 'e
+squaw, _good_ squaw. What want more?"
+
+"Get out! If ye come a foot nearer, I'll be at ye, like a dog upon a
+bull, though ye gore me. What brought ye into this paiceful sittlement,
+where nothing but virtue and honesty have taken up their abode?"
+
+What more Mike might have said is not known, as Nick caught a sign from
+the captain, and went loping across the flat, at his customary gait,
+leaving the Irishman standing on the defensive, and, to own the truth,
+not sorry to be rid of him. Unfortunately for the immediate
+enlightenment of Mike's mind, Joel overheard the dialogue, and
+comprehending its meaning, with his native readiness, he joined his
+companion in a mood but little disposed to clear up the error.
+
+"Did ye see that _crathure_?" asked Mike, with emphasis.
+
+"Sartain--he is often seen here, at the Hut. He may be said to live
+here, half his time."
+
+"A pritty hut, then, ye must have of it! Why do ye tolerate the
+vagabond? He's not fit for Christian society."
+
+"Oh! he's good company, sometimes, Mike. When you know him better,
+you'll like him better. Come; up with the bundles, and let us follow.
+The captain is looking after us, as you see."
+
+"Well may he look, to see us in sich company!--Will he har-r-m the
+missus?"
+
+"Not he. I tell you, you'll like him yourself when you come to know
+him."
+
+"If I do, burn me! Why, he says _himself_, that he's Ould Nick,
+and I'm sure I never fancied the crathure but it was in just some such
+for-r-m. Och! he's ill-looking enough, for twenty Ould Nicks."
+
+Lest the reader get an exaggerated notion of Michael's credulity, it
+may be well to say that Nick had painted a few days before, in a fit of
+caprice, and that one-half of his face was black, and the other a deep
+red, while each of his eyes was surrounded with a circle of white, all
+of which had got to be a little confused in consequence of a night or
+two of orgies, succeeded by mornings in which the toilet had been
+altogether neglected. His dress, too, a blanket with tawdry red and
+yellow trimmings, with ornamented leggings and moccasins to correspond,
+had all aided in maintaining the accidental mystification. Mike
+followed his companion, growling out his discontent, and watching the
+form of the Indian, as the latter still went loping over the flat,
+having passed the captain, with a message to the barns.
+
+"I'll warrant ye, now, the captain wouldn't tolerate such a crathure,
+but he's sent him off to the woods, as ye may see, like a divil, as he
+is! To think of such a thing's spakeing to the missus! Will I fight
+him?--That will I, rather than he'll say an uncivil word to the likes
+of her! He's claws they tell me, though he kapes them so well covered
+in his fine brogues; divil burn me, but I'd grapple him by the toes."
+
+Joel now saw how deep was Michael's delusion, and knowing it
+_must_ soon be over, he determined to make a merit of necessity, by
+letting his friend into the truth, thereby creating a confidence that
+would open the way to a hundre'd future mischievous scenes.
+
+"Claws!" he repeated, with an air of surprise--"And why do you think an
+Injin has claws, Mike?"
+
+"An Injin! D'ye call that miscoloured crathure an Injin Joel. Isn't it
+one of yer yankee divils?"
+
+"Out upon you, for an Irish ninny. Do you think the captain would
+_board_ a devil! The fellow's a Tuscarora, and is as well known here
+as the owner of the Hut himself. It's Saucy Nick."
+
+"Yes, saucy Ould Nick--had it from his very mout' and even the divil
+would hardly be such a blackguard as to lie about his own name. Och!
+he's a roarer, sure enough; and then for the tusks you mintion, I
+didn't see 'em, with my eyes; but the crathure has a mouth that might
+hould a basket-full."
+
+Joel now perceived that he must go more seriously to work to undeceive
+his companion. Mike honestly believed he had met an American devil, and
+it required no little argumentation to persuade him of the contrary. We
+shall leave Joel employed in this difficult task, in which he finally
+succeeded, and follow the captain and his wife to the hut.
+
+The lord and lady of the manor examined everything around their future
+residence, with curious eyes. Jamie Allen, the Scotch mason mentioned,
+was standing in front of the house, to hear what might be said of his
+wall, while two or three other mechanics betrayed some such agitation
+as the tyro in literature manifests, ere he learns what the critics
+have said of his first work. The exterior gave great satisfaction to
+the captain. The wall was not only solid and secure, but it was really
+handsome. This was in some measure owing to the quality of the stones,
+but quite as much to Jamie's dexterity in using them. The wall and
+chimneys, of the latter of which there were no less than six, were all
+laid in lime, too; it having been found necessary to burn some of the
+material to plaster the interior. Then the gates were massive, being
+framed in oak, filled in with four-inch plank, and might have resisted
+a very formidable assault. Their strong iron hinges were all in their
+places, but the heavy job of hanging had been deferred to a leisure
+moment, when all the strength of the manor might be collected for that
+purpose. There they stood, inclining against the wall, one on each side
+of the gateway, like indolent sentinels on post, who felt too secure
+from attack to raise their eyes.
+
+The different mechanics crowded round the captain, each eager to show
+his own portion of what had been done. The winter had not been wasted,
+but, proper materials being in abundance, and on the spot, captain
+Willoughby had every reason to be satisfied with what he got for his
+money. Completely shut out from the rest of the world, the men had
+worked cheerfully and with little interruption; for their labours
+composed their recreation. Mrs. Willoughby found the cart of the
+building her family was to occupy, with the usual offices, done and
+furnished. This comprised all the front on the-eastern side of the
+gateway, and most of the wing, in the same half, extending back to the
+cliff. It is true, the finish was plain; but everything was
+comfortable. The ceilings were only ten feet high certainly, but it was
+thought prodigious in the colony in that day; and then the plastering
+of Jamie was by no means as unexceptionable as his stone-work; still
+every room had its two coats, and white-wash gave them a clean and
+healthful aspect. The end of the wing that came next the cliff was a
+laundry, and a pump was fitted, by means of which water was raised from
+the rivulet. Next came the kitchen, a spacious and comfortable room of
+thirty by twenty feet; an upper-servant's apartment succeeded; after
+which were the bed-rooms of the family a large parlour, and a library,
+or office, for the captain. As the entire range, on this particular
+side of the house, extended near or quite two hundred and fifty feet,
+there was no want of space or accommodation.
+
+The opposite, or western half of the edifice, was devoted to more
+homely uses. It contained an eating-room and divers sleeping-rooms far
+the domestics and labourers, besides store-rooms, garners, and
+_omnium gatherums_ of all sorts. The vast ranges of garrets, too,
+answered for various purposes of household and farming economy. All the
+windows, and sundry doors, opened into the court, while the whole of
+the exterior wall, both wooden and stone, presented a perfect blank, in
+the way of outlets. It was the captain's intention, however, to cut
+divers loops through the logs, at some convenient moment, so that men
+stationed in the garrets might command the different faces of the
+structure with their musketry. But, like the gates, these means of
+defence were laid aside for a more favourable opportunity.
+
+Our excellent matron was delighted with her domestic arrangements. They
+much surpassed any of the various barracks in which she had dwelt, and
+a smile of happiness beamed on her handsome face, as she followed her
+husband from room to room, listening to his explanations. When they
+entered their private apartments, and these were furnished and ready to
+receive them, respect caused the rest to leave them by themselves, and
+once more they found that they were alone.
+
+"Well, Wilhelmina," asked the gratified husband--gratified, because he
+saw pleasure beaming in the mild countenance and serene blue eyes of
+one of the best wives living--"Well, Wilhelmina," he asked, "can you
+give up Albany, and all the comforts of your friends' dwellings, to be
+satisfied in a home like this? It is not probable I shall ever build
+again, whatever Bob may do, when he comes after me. This structure,
+then, part house, part barrack, part fort, as it is, must be our
+residence for the remainder of our days. We are _hutted_ for
+life."
+
+"It is all-sufficient, Willoughby. It has space, comfort, warmth,
+coolness and security. What more can a wife and a mother ask, when she
+is surrounded by those she most loves? Only attend to the security,
+Hugh. Remember how far we are removed from any succour, and how sudden
+and fierce the Indians are in their attacks. Twice have we, ourselves,
+been near being destroyed by surprises, from which accident, or God's
+providence, protected us, rather than our own vigilance. If this could
+happen in garrisons, and with king's troops around us, how much more
+easily might it happen here, with only common labourers to watch what
+is going on!"
+
+"You exaggerate the danger, wife. There are no Indians, in this part of
+the country, who would dare to molest a settlement like ours. We count
+thirteen able-bodied men in all, besides seven women, and could use
+seventeen or eighteen muskets and rifles on an emergency. No _tribe_
+would dare commence hostilities, in a time of general peace,
+and so near the settlements too; and, as to stragglers, who might
+indeed murder to rob, we are so strong, ourselves, that we may sleep in
+peace, so far as they are concerned."
+
+"One never knows that, dearest Hugh. A marauding party of half-a-dozen
+might prove too much for many times their own number, when unprepared.
+I _do_ hope you will have the gates hung, at least; should the
+girls come here, in the autumn, I could not sleep without hanging the
+gates."
+
+"Fear nothing, love," said the captain, kissing his wife with manly
+tenderness. "As for Beulah and Maud, let them come when they please; we
+shall always have a welcome for them, and no place can be safer than
+under their father's eyes."
+
+"I care not so much for myself, Hugh, but _do_ not let the gates
+be forgotten until the girls come."
+
+"Everything shall be done as you desire, wife of mine, though it will
+be a hard job to get two such confounded heavy loads of wood on their
+hinges. We must take some day when everybody is at home, and everybody
+willing to work. Saturday next, I intend to have a review; and, once a
+month, the year round, there will be a muster, when all the arms are to
+be cleaned and loaded, and orders given how to act in case of an alarm.
+An old soldier would be disgraced to allow himself to be run down by
+mere vagabonds. My pride is concerned, and you may sleep in peace."
+
+"Yes, do, dearest Hugh."--Then the matron proceeded through the rooms,
+expressing her satisfaction at the care which had been had for her
+comfort, in her own rooms in particular.
+
+Sooth to say, the interior of the hut presented that odd contrast
+between civilization and rude expedients, which so frequently occurs on
+an American frontier, where persons educated in refinement often find
+themselves brought in close collision with savage life. Carpets, in
+America, and in the year of our Lord 1765, were not quite as much a
+matter of course in domestic economy, as they are to-day. Still they
+were to be found, though it was rare, indeed, that they covered more
+than the centre of the room. One of these great essentials, without
+which no place can appear comfortable in a cold climate, was spread on
+the floor of Mrs. Willoughby's parlour--a room that served for both
+eating and as a sala, the Knight's Hall of the Hut, measuring twenty by
+twenty-four feet--though in fact this carpet concealed exactly two-
+thirds of the white clean plank. Then the chairs were massive and even
+rich, while one might see his face in the dark mahogany of the tables.
+There were cellarets--the captain being a connoisseur in wines--
+bureaus, secretaries, beaufets, and other similar articles, that had
+been collected in the course of twenty years' housekeeping, and
+scattered at different posts, were collected, and brought hither by
+means of sledges, and the facilities of the water-courses. Fashion had
+little to do with furniture, in that simple age, when the son did not
+hesitate to wear even the clothes of the father, years and years after
+the tailor had taken leave of them. Massive old furniture, in
+particular, lasted for generations, and our matron now saw many
+articles that had belonged to her grandfather assembled beneath the
+first roof that she could ever strictly call her own.
+
+Mrs. Willoughby took a survey of the offices last. Here she found,
+already established, the two Plinies, with Mari', the sister of the
+elder Pliny, Bess, the wife of the younger, and Mony--alias Desdemona--
+a collateral of the race, by ties and affinities that garter-king-at-
+arms could not have traced genealogically; since he would have been
+puzzled to say whether the woman was the cousin, or aunt, or step-
+daughter of Mari', or all three. All the women were hard at work, Bess
+singing in a voice that reached the adjoining forest. Mari'--this name
+was pronounced with a strong emphasis on the last syllable, or like
+Maria, without the final vowel--Mari' was the head of the kitchen, even
+Pliny the elder standing in salutary dread of her authority; and her
+orders to her brother and nephew were pouring forth, in an English that
+was divided into three categories; the Anglo-Saxon, the Low Dutch, and
+the Guinea dialect; a medley that rendered her discourse a droll
+assemblage of the vulgar and the classical.
+
+"Here, niggers," she cried, "why you don't jump about like Paus dance?
+Ebbery t'ing want a hand, and some want a foot. Plate to wash, crockery
+to open, water to b'ile, dem knife to clean, and not'ing missed. Lord,
+here's a madam, and 'e whole kitchen in a diffusion."
+
+"Well, Mari'," exclaimed the captain, good-naturedly, "here you are,
+scolding away as if you had been in the place these six months, and
+knew all its faults and weaknesses."
+
+"Can't help a scold, master, in sich a time as dis--come away from dem
+plates, _you_ Great Smash, and let a proper hand take hold on
+'em."
+
+Here we ought to say, that captain Willoughby had christened Bess by
+the sobriquet of Great Smash, on account of her size, which fell little
+short of two hundred, estimated in pounds, and a certain facility she
+possessed in destroying crockery, while 'Mony went by the milder
+appellation of "Little Smash;" not that bowls or plates fared any
+better in her hands, but because _she_ weighed only one hundred
+and eighty.
+
+"Dis is what I tell 'em, master," continued Mari', in a remonstrating,
+argumentative sort of a tone, with dogmatism and respect singularly
+mingled in her manner--"Dis, massa, just what I tell 'em _all_. I
+tell 'em, says I, this is Hunter Knoll, and not All_bon_ny--here
+no store--no place to buy t'ing if you break 'em; no good woman who
+know ebbery t'ing, to tell you where to find t'ing, if you _lose_
+him. If dere was only good woman, _dat_ somet'ing; but no fortun'-
+teller out here in de bushes--no, no--when a silber spoon go,
+_here_, he go for good and all--Goody, massy"--staring at something
+in the court--"what he call _dat_, sa?"
+
+"That--oh! that is only an Indian hunter I keep about me, to bring us
+game--you'll never have an empty spit, Mari', as long as _he_ is
+with us. Fear nothing; he will not harm you. His name is Nick."
+
+"De _Ole_ Nick, massa?"
+
+"No, only _Saucy_ Nick. The fellow is a little slovenly to-day in
+his appearance, and you see he has brought already several partridges,
+besides a rabbit. We shall have venison, in the season."
+
+Here all the negroes, after staring at Nick, quite a minute, set up a
+loud shout, laughing as if the Tuscarora had been created for their
+special amusement. Although the captain was somewhat of a martinet in
+his domestic discipline, it had ever altogether exceeded his authority,
+or his art, to prevent these bursts of merriment; and he led his wife
+away from the din, leaving Mari', Great Smash, and Little Smash, with
+the two Plinies, in ecstasies at their own uproar. Burst succeeded
+burst, until the Indian walked away, in offended dignity.
+
+Such was the commencement of the domestication of the Willoughbys at
+the Hutted Knoll. The plan of our tale does not require us to follow
+them minutely for, the few succeeding years, though some further
+explanation may be necessary to show why this settlement varied a
+little from the ordinary course.
+
+That very season, or, in the summer of 1765, Mrs. Willoughby inherited
+some real estate in Albany, by the death of an uncle, as well as a few
+thousand pounds currency, in ready money. This addition to his fortune
+made the captain exceedingly comfortable; or, for that day, rich; and
+it left him to act his pleasure as related to his lands. Situated as
+these last were, so remote from other settlements as to render
+highways, for some time, hopeless, he saw no use in endeavouring to
+anticipate the natural order of things. It would only create
+embarrassment to raise produce that could not be sent to market; and he
+well knew that a population of any amount could not exist, in quiet,
+without the usual attendants of buying and selling. Then it suited his
+own taste to be the commander-in-chief of an isolated establishment
+like this; and he was content to live in abundance, on his flats,
+feeding his people, his cattle, and even his hogs to satiety, and
+having wherewithal to send away the occasional adventurer, who entered
+his clearing, contented and happy.
+
+Thus it was that he neither sold nor leased. No person dwelt on his
+land who was not a direct dependant, or hireling, and all that the
+earth yielded he could call his own. Nothing was sent abroad for sale
+but cattle. Every year, a small drove of fat beeves and milch cows
+found their way through the forest to Albany, and the proceeds returned
+in the shape of foreign supplies. The rents, and the interests on
+bonds, were left to accumulate, or were applied to aid Robert in
+obtaining a new step in the army. Lands began to be granted nearer and
+nearer to his own, and here and there some old officer like himself, or
+a solitary farmer, began to cut away the wilderness; but none in his
+immediate vicinity.
+
+Still the captain did not live altogether as a hermit. He visited
+Edmeston of Mount Edmeston, a neighbour less than fifty miles distant;
+was occasionally seen at Johnson Hall, with Sir William; or at the
+bachelor establishment of Sir John, on the Mohawk; and once or twice he
+so far overcame his indolence, as to consent to serve as a member for a
+new county, that was called Tryon, after a ruling governor.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IV.
+
+  Hail! sober evening! Thee the harass'd brain
+  And aching heart with fond orisons greet;
+  The respite thou of toil; the balm of pain;
+  To thoughtful mind the hour for musing meet,
+  'Tis then the sage from forth his lone retreat,
+  The rolling universe around espies;
+  'Tis then the bard may hold communion sweet
+  With lovely shapes unkenned by grosser eyes,
+  And quick perception comes of finer mysteries.
+
+  Sands.
+
+In the preceding chapter we closed the minuter narrative with a scene
+at the Hut, in the spring of 1765. We must now advance the time just
+ten years, opening, anew, in the month of May, 1775. This, it is
+scarcely necessary to tell the reader, is bringing him at once up to
+the earliest days of the revolution. The contest which preceded that
+great event had in fact occurred in the intervening time, and we are
+now about to plunge into the current of some of the minor incidents of
+the struggle itself.
+
+Ten years are a century in the history of a perfectly new settlement.
+The changes they produce are even surprising, though in ordinary cases
+they do not suffice to erase the signs of a recent origin. The forest
+is opened, and the light of day admitted, it is true; but its remains
+are still to be seen in multitudes of unsightly stumps, dead standing
+trees, and ill-looking stubs. These vestiges of the savage state
+usually remain a quarter of a century; in certain region they are to be
+found for even more than twice that period. All this, however, had
+captain Willoughby escaped, in consequence of limiting his clearing, in
+a great measure, to that which had been made by the beavers, and from
+which time and natural decay had, long before his arrival, removed
+every ungainly object. It is true, here and there a few acres had been
+cleared on the firmer ground, at the margin of the flats, where barns
+and farm buildings had been built, and orchards planted; but, in order
+to preserve the harmony of his view, the captain had caused all the
+stumps to be pulled and burnt, giving to these places the same air of
+agricultural finish as characterized the fields on the lower land.
+
+To this sylvan scene, at a moment which preceded the setting of the sun
+by a little more than an hour, and in the first week of the genial
+month of May, we must now bring the reader in fancy. The season had
+been early, and the Beaver Manor, or the part of it which was
+cultivated, lying low and sheltered, vegetation had advanced
+considerably beyond the point that is usual, at that date, in the
+elevated region of which we have been writing. The meadows were green
+with matted grasses, the wheat and rye resembled rich velvets, and the
+ploughed fields had the fresh and mellowed appearance of good husbandry
+and a rich soil. The shrubbery, of which the captain's English taste
+had introduced quantities, was already in leaf, and even portions of
+the forest began to veil their sombre mysteries with the delicate
+foliage of an American spring.
+
+The site of the ancient pond was a miracle of rustic beauty. Everything
+like inequality or imperfection had disappeared, the whole presenting a
+broad and picturesquely shaped basin, with outlines fashioned
+principally by nature, an artist that rarely fails in effect. The flat
+was divided into fields by low post-and-rail fences, the captain making
+it a law to banish all unruly animals from his estate. The barns and
+out-buildings were neatly made and judiciously placed, and the three or
+four roads, or lanes, that led to them, crossed the low-land in such
+graceful curves, as greatly to increase the beauty of the landscape.
+Here and there a log cabin was visible, nearly buried in the forest,
+with a few necessary and neat appliances around it; the homes of
+labourers who had long dwelt in them, and who seemed content to pass
+their lives in the same place. As most of these men had married and
+become fathers, the whole colony, including children, notwithstanding
+the captain's policy not to settle, had grown to considerably more than
+a hundred souls, of whom three-and-twenty were able-bodied men. Among
+the latter were the millers; but, their mills were buried in the ravine
+where they had been first placed, quite out of sight from the picture
+above, concealing all the unavoidable and ungainly-looking objects of a
+saw-mill yard.
+
+As a matter of course, the object of the greatest interest, as it was
+the most conspicuous, was the Hutted Knoll, as the house was now
+altogether called, and the objects it contained. Thither, then, we will
+now direct our attention, and describe things as they appeared ten
+years after they were first presented to the reader.
+
+The same agricultural finish as prevailed on the flats pervaded every
+object on the Knoll, though some labour had been expended to produce
+it. Everything like a visible rock, the face of the cliff on the
+northern end excepted, had disappeared, the stones having been blasted,
+and either worked into walls for foundations, or walls for fence. The
+entire base of the Knoll, always excepting the little precipice at the
+rivulet, was encircled by one of the latter, erected under the
+superintendence of Jamie Allen, who still remained at the Hut, a
+bachelor, and as he said himself, a happy man. The southern-face of the
+Knoll was converted into lawn, there being quite two acres intersected
+with walks, and well garnished with shrubbery. What was unusual in
+America, at that day, the captain, owing to his English education, had
+avoided straight lines, and formal paths; giving to the little spot the
+improvement on nature which is a consequence of embellishing her works
+without destroying them. On each side of this lawn was an orchard,
+thrifty and young, and which were already beginning to show signs of
+putting forth their blossoms.
+
+About the Hut itself, the appearance of change was not so manifest.
+Captain Willoughby had caused it to be constructed originally, as he
+intended to preserve it, and if formed no part of his plan to cover it
+with tawdry colours. There it stood, brown above, and grey beneath, as
+wood or stone was the material, with a widely projecting roof. It had
+no piazzas, or stoups, and was still without external windows, one
+range excepted. The loops had been cut, but it was more for the benefit
+of lighting the garrets, than for any other reason, all of them being
+glazed, and serving the end for which they had been pierced. The gates
+remained precisely in the situation in which they were, when last
+presented to the eye of the reader! There they stood, each leaning
+against the wall on its own side of the gateway, the hinges beginning
+to rust, by time and exposure. Ten years had not produced a day of
+sufficient leisure in which to hang them: though Mrs. Willoughby
+frequently spoke of the necessity of doing so, in the course of the
+first summer. Even she had got to be so familiarized to her situation,
+and so accustomed to seeing the leaves where they stood, that she now
+regarded them as a couple of sleeping lions in stone, or as
+characteristic ornaments, rather than as substantial defences to the
+entrance of the dwelling.
+
+The interior of the Hut, however, had undergone many alterations. The
+western half had been completed, and handsome rooms had been fitted up
+for guests and inmates of the family, in the portion of the edifice
+occupied by the latter. Additional comforts had been introduced, and,
+the garners, cribs and lodgings of the labourers having been
+transferred to the skirts of the forest, the house was more strictly
+and exclusively the abode of a respectable and well-regulated family.
+In the rear, too, a wing had been thrown along the verge of the cliff,
+completely enclosing the court. This wing, which overhung the rivulet,
+and had, not only a most picturesque site, but a most picturesque and
+lovely view, now contained the library, parlour and music-room,
+together with other apartments devoted to the uses of the ladies,
+during the day; the old portions of the house that had once been
+similarly occupied being now converted into sleeping apartments. The
+new wing was constructed entirely of massive squared logs, so as to
+render it bullet-proof, here being no necessity for a stone foundation,
+standing, as it did, on the verge of a cliff some forty feet in height.
+This was the part of the edifice which had external windows, the
+elevation removing it from the danger of inroads, or hostile shot,
+while the air and view were both grateful and desirable. Some extra
+attention had been paid to the appearance of the meadows on this side
+of the Knoll, and the captain had studiously kept their skirts, as far
+as the eye could see from the windows, in virgin forest; placing the
+barns, cabins, and other detached buildings, so far south as to be
+removed from view. Beulah Willoughby, a gentle, tranquil creature, had
+a profound admiration of the beauties of nature; and to her, her
+parents had yielded the control of everything that was considered
+accessary to the mere charms of the eye; her taste had directed most of
+that which had not been effected by the noble luxuriance of nature.
+Wild roses were already putting forth their leaves in various fissures
+of the rocks, where earth had been placed for their support, and the
+margin of the little stream, that actually washed the base of the
+cliff, winding off in a charming sweep through the meadows, a rivulet
+of less than twenty feet in width, was garnished with willows and
+alder. Quitting this sylvan spot, we will return to the little shrub-
+adorned area in front of the Hut. This spot the captain called his
+_glacis_, while his daughters termed it the lawn. The hour, it will
+be remembered, was shortly before sunset, and thither nearly all the
+family had repaired to breathe the freshness of the pure air, and bathe
+in the genial warmth of a season, which is ever so grateful to those
+who have recently escaped from the rigour of a stern winter. Rude, and
+sufficiently picturesque garden-seats, were scattered about, and on one
+of these were seated the captain and his wife; he, with his hair
+sprinkled with grey, a hale, athletic, healthy man of sixty, and she a
+fresh-looking, mild-featured, and still handsome matron of forty-eight.
+In front, stood a venerable-looking personage, of small stature,
+dressed in rusty black, of the cut that denoted the attire of a
+clergyman, before it was considered aristocratic to wear the outward
+symbols of belonging to the church of God. This was the Rev. Jedidiah
+Woods, a native of New England, who had long served as a chaplain in
+the same regiment with the captain, and who, being a bachelor, on
+retired pay, had dwelt with his old messmate for the last eight years,
+in the double capacity of one who exercised the healing art as well for
+the soul as for the body. To his other offices, he added that of an
+instructor, in various branches of knowledge, to the young people. The
+chaplain, for so he was called by everybody in and around the Hut, was,
+at the moment of which we are writing, busy in expounding to his
+friends certain nice distinctions that existed, or which he fancied to
+exist, between a tom-cod and a chub, the former of which fish he very
+erroneously conceived he held in his hand at that moment; the Rev. Mr.
+Woods being a much better angler than naturalist. To his dissertation
+Mrs. Willoughby listened with great good-nature, endeavouring all the
+while to feel interested; while her husband kept uttering his "by all
+means," "yes," "certainly," "you're quite right, Woods," his gaze, at
+the same time, fastened on Joel Strides, and Pliny the elder, who were
+unharnessing their teams, on the flats beneath, having just finished a
+"land," and deeming it too late to commence another.
+
+Beulah, her pretty face shaded by a large sun-bonnet, was
+superintending the labours of Jamie Allen, who, finding nothing just
+then to do as a mason, was acting in the capacity of gardener; his hat
+was thrown upon the grass, with his white locks bare, and he was
+delving about some shrubs with the intention of giving them the benefit
+of a fresh dressing of manure. Maud, however, without a hat of any
+sort, her long, luxuriant, silken, golden tresses covering her
+shoulders, and occasionally veiling her warm, rich cheek, was
+exercising with a battledore, keeping Little Smash, now increased in
+size to quite fourteen stone, rather actively employed as an assistant,
+whenever the exuberance of her own spirits caused her to throw the
+plaything beyond her reach. In one of the orchards, near by, two men
+were employed trimming the trees. To these the captain next turned all
+his attention, just as he had encouraged the chaplain to persevere, by
+exclaiming, "out of all question, my dear sir"--though he was
+absolutely ignorant that the other had just advanced a downright
+scientific heresy. At this critical moment a cry from Little Smash,
+that almost equalled a downfall of crockery in its clamour, drew every
+eye in her direction.
+
+"What is the matter, Desdemona?" asked the chaplain, a little tartly,
+by no means pleased at having his natural history startled by sounds so
+inapplicable to the subject. "How often have I told you that the Lord
+views with displeasure anything so violent and improper as your
+outcries?"
+
+"Can't help him, dominie--nebber can help him, when he take me sudden.
+See, masser, dere come Ole Nick!"
+
+There was Nick, sure enough. For the first time, in more than two
+years, the Tuscarora was seen approaching the house, on the long,
+loping trot that he affected when he wished to seem busy, or honestly
+earning his money. He was advancing by the only road that was ever
+travelled by the stranger as he approached the Hut; or, he came up the
+valley. As the woman spoke, he had just made his appearance over the
+rocks, in the direction of the mills. At that distance, quite half a
+mile, he would not have been recognised, but for this gait, which was
+too familiar to all at the Knoll, however, to be mistaken.
+
+"That is Nick, sure enough!" exclaimed the captain. "The fellow comes
+at the pace of a runner; or, as if he were the bearer of some important
+news!"
+
+"The tricks of Saucy Nick are too well known to deceive any here,"
+observed Mrs. Willoughby, who, surrounded by her husband and children,
+always felt so happy as to deprecate every appearance of danger.
+
+"These savages will keep that pace for hours at a time," observed the
+chaplain; "a circumstance that has induced some naturalists to fancy a
+difference in the species, if not in the genus."
+
+"Is he chub or tom-cod, Woods?" asked the captain, throwing back on the
+other all he recollected of the previous discourse.
+
+"Nay," observed Mrs. Willoughby, anxiously, "I _do_ think he may
+have some intelligence! It is now more than a twelvemonth since we have
+seen Nick."
+
+"It is more than twice twelvemonth, my dear; I have not seen the
+fellow's face since I denied him the keg of rum for his 'discovery' of
+another beaver pond. He has tried to sell me a new pond every season
+since the purchase of this."
+
+"Do you think he took serious offence, Hugh, at that refusal? If so,
+would it not be better to give him what he asks?"
+
+"I have thought little about it, and care less, my dear. Nick and I
+know each other pretty well. It is an acquaintance of thirty years'
+standing, and one that has endured trials by flood and field, and even
+by the horse-whip. No less than three times have I been obliged to make
+these salutary applications to Nick's back, with my own hands; though
+it is, now, more than ten years since a blow has passed between us."
+
+"Does a savage ever forgive a blow?" asked the chaplain, with a grave
+air, and a look of surprise.
+
+"I fancy a _savage_ is quite as apt to forgive it, as a
+_civilized_ man, Woods. To you, who have served so long in His
+Majesty's army, a blow, in the way of punishment, can be no great
+novelty."
+
+"Certainly not, as respects the soldiers; but I did not know Indians
+were ever flogged."
+
+"That is because you never happened to be present at the ceremony--but,
+this is Nick, sure enough; and by his trot I begin to think the fellow
+has some message, or news."
+
+"How old is the man, captain? Does an Indian never break down?"
+
+"Nick must be fairly fifty, now. I have known him more than half that
+period, and he was an experienced, and, to own the truth, a brave and
+skilful warrior, when we first met. I rate him fifty, every day of it."
+
+By this time the new-comer was so near, that the conversation ceased,
+all standing gazing at him, as he drew near, and Maud gathering up her
+hair, with maiden bashfulness, though certainly Nick was no stranger.
+As for Little Smash, she waddled off to proclaim the news to the
+younger Pliny, Mari, and Great Smash, all of whom were still in the
+kitchen of the Hut, flourishing, sleek and glistening.
+
+Soon after, Nick arrived. He came up the Knoll on his loping trot,
+never stopping until he was within five or six yards of the Captain,
+when he suddenly halted, folded his arms, and stood in a composed
+attitude, lest he should betray a womanish desire to tell his story. He
+did not even pant but appeared as composed and unmoved, as if he had
+walked the half-mile he had been seen to pass over on a trot.
+
+"Sago--Sago," cried the captain, heartily--"you are welcome back, Nick;
+I am glad to see you still so active."
+
+"Sago"--answered the guttural voice of the Indian, who quietly nodded
+his head.
+
+"What will you have to refresh you, after such a journey, Nick--our
+trees give us good cider, now."
+
+"Santa Cruz better,"--rejoined the sententious Tuscarora.
+
+"Santa Cruz is certainly _stronger_" answered the captain
+laughing, "and, in that sense, you may find it better. You shall have a
+glass, as soon as we go to the house. What news do you bring, that you
+come in so fast?"
+
+"Glass won't do. Nick bring news worth _jug_. Squaw give _two_
+jug for Nick's news. Is it barg'in?"
+
+"I!" cried Mrs. Willoughby--"what concern can I have with your news. My
+daughters are both with me, and Heaven be praised! both are well. What
+_can_ I care for your news, Nick?"
+
+"Got no pap-poose but gal? T'ink you got boy--officer--great chief--up
+here, down yonder--over dere."
+
+"Robert!--Major Willoughby! What can _you_ have to tell me of my
+son?"
+
+"Tell all about him, for _one_ jug. Jug out yonder; Nick's story
+out here. One good as t'other."
+
+"You shall have all you ask, Nick."--These were not temperance days,
+when conscience took so firm a stand between the bottle and the
+lips.--"You shall have all you ask, Nick, provided you can really give
+me good accounts of my noble boy. Speak, then; what have you to say?"
+
+"Say you see him in ten, five minute. Sent Nick before to keep moder
+from too much cry."
+
+An exclamation from Maud followed; then the ardent girl was seen
+rushing down the lawn, her hat thrown aside; and her bright fair hair
+again flowing in ringlets on her shoulders. She flew rather than ran,
+in the direction of the mill, where the figure of Robert Willoughby was
+seen rushing forward to meet her. Suddenly the girl stopped, threw
+herself on a log, and hid her face. In a few minutes she was locked in
+her brother's arms. Neither Mrs. Willoughby nor Beulah imitated this
+impetuous movement on the part of Maud; but the captain, chaplain, and
+even Jamie Allen, hastened down the road to meet and welcome the young
+major. Ten minutes later, Bob Willoughby was folded to his mother's
+heart; then came Beulah's turn; after which, the news having flown
+through the household, the young man had to receive the greetings of
+_Mari'_, both the Smashes, the younger Pliny, and all the dogs. A
+tumultuous quarter of an hour brought all round, again, to its proper
+place, and restored something like order to the Knoll. Still an
+excitement prevailed the rest of the day, for the sudden arrival of a
+guest always produced a sensation in that retired settlement; much more
+likely, then, was the unexpected appearance of the only son and heir to
+create one. As everybody bustled and was in motion, the whole family
+was in the parlour, and major Willoughby was receiving the grateful
+refreshment of a delicious cup of tea, before the sun set. The chaplain
+would have retired out of delicacy, but to this the captain would not
+listen; he would have everything proceed as if the son were a customary
+guest, though it might have been seen by the manner in which his
+mother's affectionate eye was fastened on his handsome face, as well as
+that in which his sister Beulah, in particular, hung about him, under
+the pretence of supplying his wants, that the young man was anything
+but an every-day inmate.
+
+"How the lad has grown!" said the captain, tears of pride starting into
+his eyes, in spite of a very manful resolution to appear composed and
+soldier-like.
+
+"I was about to remark that myself, captain," observed the chaplain. "I
+do think Mr. Robert has got to his full six feet--every inch as tall as
+you are yourself, my good sir."
+
+"That is he, Woods--and taller in one sense. He is a major, already, at
+twenty-seven; it is a step I was not able to reach at near twice the
+age."
+
+"That is owing, my dear sir," answered the son quickly, and with a
+slight tremor in his voice, "to your not having as kind a father as has
+fallen to my share--or at least one not as well provided with the means
+of purchasing."
+
+"Say none at all, Bob, and you can wound no feeling, while you will
+tell the truth. _My_ father died a lieutenant-colonel when I was a
+school-boy; I owed my ensigncy to my uncle Sir Hugh, the father of the
+present Sir Harry Willoughby; after that I owed each step to hard and
+long service. Your mother's legacies have helped you along, at a faster
+rate, though I do trust there has been some merit to aid in the
+preferment."
+
+"Speaking of Sir Harry Willoughby, sir, reminds me of one part of my
+errand to the Hut," said the major, glancing his eye towards his
+father, as if to prepare him for some unexpected intelligence.
+
+"What of my cousin?" demanded the captain, calmly. "We have not met in
+thirty years, and are the next thing to strangers to each other. Has he
+made that silly match of which I heard something when last in York? Has
+he disinherited his daughter as he threatened? Use no reserve here; our
+friend Woods is one of the family."
+
+"Sir Harry Willoughby is not married, sir, but dead."
+
+"Dead!" repeated the captain, setting down his cup, like one who
+received a sudden shock. "I hope not without having been reconciled to
+his daughter, and providing for her large family?"
+
+"He died in her arms, and escaped the consequences of his silly
+intention to marry his own housekeeper. With one material exception, he
+has left Mrs. Bowater his whole fortune."
+
+The captain sat thoughtful, for some time; every one else being silent
+and attentive. But the mother's feelings prompted her to inquire as to
+the nature of the exception.
+
+"Why, mother, contrary to all my expectations, and I may say wishes, he
+has left _me_ twenty-five thousand pounds in the fives. I only
+hold the money as my father's trustee."
+
+"You do no such thing, Master Bob, I can tell you!" said the captain,
+with emphasis.
+
+The son looked at the father, a moment, as if to see whether he was
+understood, and then he proceeded--
+
+"I presume you remember, sir," said the major, "that _you_ are the
+heir to the title?"
+
+"I have not forgot that, major Willoughby; but what is an empty
+baronetcy to a happy husband and father like me, here in the wilds of
+America? Were I still in the army, and a colonel, the thing might be of
+use; as I am, I would rather have a tolerable road from this place to
+the Mohawk than the duchy of Norfolk, without the estate."
+
+"Estate there is none, certainly," returned the major, in a tone of a
+little disappointment, "except the twenty-five thousand pounds; unless
+you include that which you possess where you are; not insignificant, by
+the way, sir."
+
+"It will do well enough for old Hugh Willoughby, late a captain in His
+Majesty's 23d Regiment of Foot, but not so well for _Sir_ Hugh.
+No, no, Bob. Let the baronetcy sleep awhile; it has been used quite
+enough for the last hundred years or more. Out of this circle, there
+are probably not ten persons in America, who know that I have any
+claims to it."
+
+The major coloured, and he played with the spoon of his empty cup,
+stealing a glance or two around, before he answered.
+
+"I beg your pardon, Sir Hugh--my dear father, I mean--but--to own the
+truth, never anticipating such a decision on your part, I have spoken
+of the thing to a good many friends--I dare say, if the truth were
+known, I've called you the baronet, or Sir Hugh, to others, at least a
+dozen times."
+
+"Well, should it be so, the thing will be forgotten. A parson can be
+unfrocked, Woods, and a baronet can be unbaroneted, I suppose."
+
+"But, Sir William"--so everybody called the well-known Sir William
+Johnson, in the colony of New York--"But, Sir William found it useful,
+Willoughby, and so, I dare say, will his son and successor, Sir John,"
+observed the attentive wife and anxious mother; "and if _you_ are
+not now in the army, Bob is. It will be a good thing for our son one
+day, and ought not to be lost."
+
+"Ah, I see how it is, Beulah; your mother has no notion to lose the
+right of being called Lady Willoughby."
+
+"I am sure my mother, sir, wishes to be called nothing that does not
+become _your_ wife; if you remain Mr. Hugh Willoughby, she will
+remain Mrs. Hugh Willoughby. But papa, it _might_ be useful to
+Bob."
+
+Beulah was a great favourite with the captain, Maud being only his
+darling; he listened always to whatever the former said, therefore,
+with indulgence and respect. He often told the chaplain that his
+daughter Beulah had the true feelings of her sex, possessing a sort of
+instinct for whatever was right and becoming, in woman.
+
+"Well, Bob may have the baronetcy, then," he said, smiling. "Major Sir
+Robert Willoughby will not sound amiss in a despatch."
+
+"But, Bob _cannot_ have it, father," exclaimed Maud--"No one _can_
+have it but _you_; and it's a pity it should be lost."
+
+"Let him wait, then, until I am out of the way; when he may claim his
+own."
+
+"_Can_ that be done?" inquired the mother, to whom nothing was
+without interest that affected her children. "How is it, Mr. Woods?--
+may a title be dropped, and then picked up again?--how is this,
+Robert?"
+
+"I believe it may, my dear mother--it will always exist, so long as
+there is an heir, and my father's disrelish for it will not be binding
+on me."
+
+"Oh! in that case, then, all will come right in the end--though, as
+your father does not want it, I wish you could have it, now."
+
+This was said with the most satisfied air in the world, as if the
+speaker had no possible interest in the matter herself, and it closed
+the conversation, for that time. It was not easy to keep up an interest
+in anything that related to the family, where Mrs. Willoughby was
+concerned, in which heart did not predominate. A baronetcy was a
+considerable dignity in the colony of New York in the year of our Lord,
+1775, and it gave its possessor far more importance than it would have
+done in England. In the whole colony there was but one, though a good
+many were to be found further south; and he was known as "Sir John,"
+as, in England, Lord Rockingham, or, in America, at a later day, La
+Fayette, was known as "_The_ Marquis." Under such circumstances,
+then, it would have been no trifling sacrifice to an ordinary woman to
+forego the pleasure of being called "my lady." But the sacrifice cost
+our matron no pain, no regrets, no thought even: The same attachments
+which made her happy, away from the world, in the wilderness where she
+dwelt, supplanted all other feelings, and left her no room, or leisure,
+to think of such vanities. When the discourse changed, it was
+understood that "Sir Hugh" was not to be "Sir Hugh," and that "Sir
+Robert" must bide his time.
+
+"Where did you fall in with the Tuscarora, Bob?" suddenly asked the
+captain, as much to bring up another subject, as through curiosity.
+"The fellow had been so long away, I began to think we should never see
+him again.
+
+"He tells me, sir, he has been on a war path, somewhere out among the
+western savages. It seems these Indians fight among themselves, from
+time to time, and Nick has been trying to keep his hand in. I found him
+down at Canajoharie, and took him for a guide, though he had the
+honesty to own he was on the point of coming over here, had I not
+engaged him."
+
+"I'll answer for it he didn't tell you _that_, until you had paid
+him for the job."
+
+"Why, to own the truth, he did not, sir. He pretended something about
+owing money in the village, and got his pay in advance. I learned his
+intentions only when we were within a few miles of the Hut."
+
+"I'm glad to find, Bob, that you give the place its proper name. How
+gloriously Sir Hugh Willoughby, Bart., of The _Hut_, Tryon county,
+New York, would sound, Woods!--Did Nick boast of the scalps he has
+taken from the Carthaginians?"
+
+"He lays claim to three, I believe, though I have seen none of his
+trophies."
+
+"The Roman hero!--Yet, I have known Nick rather a dangerous warrior. He
+was out against us, in some of my earliest service, and our
+acquaintance was made by my saving his life from the bayonet of one of
+my own grenadiers. I thought the fellow remembered the act for some
+years; but, in the end, I believe I flogged all the gratitude out of
+him. His motives, now, are concentrated in the little island of Santa
+Cruz."
+
+"Here he is, father," said Maud, stretching her light, flexible form
+out of a window. "Mike and the Indian are seated at the lower spring,
+with a jug between them, and appear to be in a deep conversation."
+
+"Ay, I remember on their first acquaintance, that Mike mistook
+_Saucy_ Nick, for _Old_ Nick. The Indian was indignant for a
+while, at being mistaken for the Evil Spirit, but the worthies soon
+found a bond of union between them, and, before six months, he and the
+Irishman became sworn friends. It is said whenever two human beings
+love a common principle, that it never fails to make them firm allies."
+
+"And what was the principle, in this case, captain Willoughby?"
+inquired the chaplain, with curiosity.
+
+"Santa Cruz. Mike renounced whiskey altogether, after he came to
+America, and took to rum. As for Nick, he was never so vulgar as to
+find pleasure in the former liquor."
+
+The whole party had gathered to the windows, while the discourse was
+proceeding, and looking out, each individual saw Mike and his friend,
+in the situation described by Maud. The two _amateurs_--
+_connoisseurs_ would not be misapplied, either--had seated themselves
+at the brink of a spring of delicious water, and removing the corn-cob
+that Pliny the younger had felt it to be classical to affix to the
+nozzle of a quart jug, had, some time before, commenced the delightful
+recreation of sounding the depth, not of the spring, but of the vessel.
+As respects the former, Mike, who was a wag in his way, had taken a
+hint from a practice said to be common in Ireland, called "potatoe and
+point," which means to eat the potatoe and point at the butter;
+declaring that "rum and p'int" was every bit as entertaining as a
+"p'int of rum." On this principle, then, with a broad grin on a face
+that opened from ear to ear whenever he laughed, the county Leitrim-man
+would gravely point his finger at the water, in a sort of mock-homage,
+and follow up the movement with such a suck at the nozzle, as, aided by
+the efforts of Nick, soon analyzed the upper half of the liquor that
+had entered by that very passage. All this time, conversation did not
+flag, and, as the parties grew warm, confidence increased, though
+reason sensibly diminished. As a part of this discourse will have some
+bearing on what is to follow, it may be in place to relate it, here.
+
+"Ye're a jewel, ye be, _ould_ Nick, or _young_ Nick!" cried
+Mike, in an ecstasy of friendship, just after he had completed his
+first half-pint. "Ye're as wilcome at the Huts, as if ye owned thim,
+and I love ye as I did my own brother, before I left the county
+Leitrim--paice to his sowl!"
+
+"He dead?" asked Nick, sententiously; for he had lived enough among the
+pale-faces to have some notions of then theory about the soul.
+
+"That's more than I know--but, living or dead, the man must have a
+sowl, ye understand, Nicholas. A human crathure widout a sowl, is what
+I call a heretick; and none of the O'Hearns ever came to _that_."
+
+Nick was tolerably drunk, but by no means so far gone, that he had not
+manners enough to make a grave, and somewhat dignified gesture; which
+was as much as to say he was familiar with the subject.
+
+"All go ole fashion here?" he asked, avoiding every appearance of
+curiosity, however.
+
+"That does it--that it does, Nicholas. All goes ould enough. The
+captain begins to get ould; and the missus is oulder than she used to
+be; and Joel's wife looks a hundred, though she isn't t'irty; and Joel,
+himself, the spalpeen--he looks--" a gulp at the jug stopped the
+communication.
+
+"Dirty, too?" added the sententious Tuscarora, who did not comprehend
+more than half his friend said.
+
+"Ay, dir-r-ty--he's always _that_. He's a dirthy fellow, that
+thinks his yankee charactur is above all other things."
+
+Nick's countenance became illuminated with an expression nowise akin to
+that produced by rum, and he fastened on his companion one of his fiery
+gazes, which occasionally seemed to penetrate to the centre of the
+object looked at.
+
+"Why pale-face hate one anoder? Why Irishman don't love yankee?"
+
+"Och! love the crathure, is it? You'd betther ask me to love a to'd"--
+for so Michael would pronounce the word 'toad.' "What is there to love
+about him, but skin and bone! I'd as soon love a skiliten. Yes--an
+immortal skiliten."
+
+Nick made another gesture, and then he endeavoured to reflect, like one
+who had a grave business in contemplation. The Santa Cruz confused his
+brain, but the Indian never entirely lost his presence of mind; or
+never, at least, so long as he could either see or walk.
+
+"Don't like him"--rejoined Nick. "Like anybody?"
+
+"To be sure I does--I like the capt'in--och, _he_'s a jontleman--
+and I likes the missus; she's a laddy--and I likes Miss Beuly, who's a
+swate young woman--and then there's Miss Maud, who's the delight of my
+eyes. Fegs, but isn't _she_ a crathure to relish!"
+
+Mike spoke like a good honest fellow, as he was at the bottom, with all
+his heart and soul. The Indian did not seem pleased, but he made no
+answer.
+
+"You've been in the wars then, Nick!" asked the Irishman, after a short
+pause.
+
+"Yes--Nick been chief ag'in--take scalps."
+
+"Ach! That's a mighty ugly thrade! If you'd tell 'em that in Ireland,
+they'd not think it a possibility."
+
+"No like fight in Ireland, hah?"
+
+"I'll not say that--no, I'll not say that; for many's the jollification
+at which the fighting is the chafe amusement. But we likes
+_thumping_ on the head--not _skinning_ it."
+
+"That your fashion--my fashion take scalp. You thump; I skin--which
+best?"
+
+"Augh! skinnin' is a dreadthful operation; but shillaleh-work comes
+nately and nat'rally. How many of these said scalps, now, may ye have
+picked up, Nick, in yer last journey?"
+
+"T'ree--all man and woman--no pappoose. One big enough make _two_;
+so call him _four_."
+
+"Oh! Divil burn ye, Nick; but there's a spice of your namesake in ye,
+afther all. T'ree human crathures skinned, and you not satisfied, and
+so ye'll chait a bit to make 'em four! D'ye never think, now, of yer
+latther ind? D'ye never confess?"
+
+"T'ink every day of _dat_. Hope to find more, before last day
+come. Plenty scalp _here_; ha, Mike?"
+
+This was said a little incautiously, perhaps, but it was said under a
+strong native impulse. The Irishman, however, was never very logical or
+clear-headed; and three gills of rum had, by no means, helped to purify
+his brain. He heard the word "plenty," knew he was well fed and warmly
+clad, and just now, that Santa Cruz so much abounded, the term seemed
+peculiarly applicable.
+
+"It's a plinthiful place it is, is this very manor. There's all sorts
+of things in it that's wanted. There's food and raiment, and cattle,
+and grain, and porkers, and praiching--yes, divil burn it, Nick, but
+there's what _goes_ for praiching, though it's no more like what
+_we_ calls praiching than yer'e like Miss Maud in comeliness, and
+ye'll own, yourself, Nick, yer'e no beauty."
+
+"Got handsome hair," said Nick, surlily--"How she look widout scalp?"
+
+"The likes of her, is it! Who ever saw one of her beauthy without the
+finest hair that ever was! What do you get for your scalps?--are they
+of any use when you find 'em?"
+
+"Bring plenty bye'm-by. Whole country glad to see him before long--den
+beavers get pond ag'in."
+
+"How's that--how's that, Indian? Baiver get pounded? There's no pound,
+hereabouts, and baivers is not an animal to be shut up like a hog!"
+
+Nick perceived that his friend was past argumentation, and as he
+himself was approaching the state when the drunkard receives delight
+from he knows not what, it is unnecessary to relate any more of the
+dialogue. The jug was finished, each man very honestly drinking his
+pint, and as naturally submitting to its consequences; and this so much
+the more because the two were so engrossed with the rum that both
+forgot to pay that attention to the spring that might have been
+expected from its proximity.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter V.
+
+  The soul, my lord, is fashioned--like the lyre.
+  Strike one chord suddenly, and others vibrate.
+  Your name abruptly mentioned, casual words
+  Of comment on your deeds, praise from your uncle,
+  News from the armies, talk of your return,
+  A word let fall touching your youthful passion,
+  Suffused her cheek, call'd to her drooping eye
+  A momentary lustre, made her pulse
+  Leap headlong, and her bosom palpitate.
+
+  Hillhouse.
+
+The approach of night, at sea and in a wilderness, has always something
+more solemn in it, than on land in the centre of civilization. As the
+curtain is drawn before his eyes, the solitude of the mariner is
+increased, while even his sleepless vigilance seems, in a measure,
+baffled, by the manner in which he is cut off from the signs of the
+hour. Thus, too, in the forest, or in an isolated clearing, the
+mysteries of the woods are deepened, and danger is robbed of its
+forethought and customary guards. That evening, Major Willoughby stood
+at a window with an arm round the slender waist of Beulah, Maud
+standing a little aloof; and, as the twilight retired, leaving the
+shadows of evening to thicken on the forest that lay within a few
+hundred feet of that side of the Hut, and casting a gloom over the
+whole of the quiet solitude, he felt the force of the feeling just
+mentioned, in a degree he had never before experienced.
+
+"This is a _very_ retired abode, my sisters," he said,
+thoughtfully. "Do my father and mother never speak of bringing you out
+more into the world?"
+
+"They take us to New York every winter, now father is in the Assembly,"
+quietly answered Beulah. "We expected to meet you there, last season,
+and were greatly disappointed that you did not come."
+
+"My regiment was sent to the eastward, as you know, and having just
+received my new rank of major, it would not do to be absent at the
+moment. Do you ever see any one here, besides those who belong to the
+manor?"
+
+"Oh! yes"--exclaimed Maud eagerly--then she paused, as if sorry she had
+said anything; continuing, after a little pause, in a much more
+moderated vein--"I mean occasionally. No doubt the place is very
+retired."
+
+"Of what characters are your visiters?--hunters, trappers, settlers--
+savages or travellers?"
+
+Maud did not answer; but, Beulah, after waiting a moment for her sister
+to reply, took that office on herself.
+
+"Some of all," she said, "though few certainly of the latter class. The
+hunters are often here; one or two a month, in the mild season;
+settlers rarely, as you may suppose, since my father will not sell, and
+there are not many about, I believe; the Indians come more frequently,
+though I think we have seen less of them, during Nick's absence than
+while he was more with us. Still we have as many as a hundred in a
+year, perhaps, counting the women. They come in parties, you know, and
+five or six of these will make that number. As for travellers, they are
+rare; being generally surveyors, land-hunters, or perhaps a proprietor
+who is looking up his estate. We had two of the last in the fall,
+before we went below."
+
+"That is singular; and yet one might well look for an estate in a
+wilderness like this. Who were your proprietors?"
+
+"An elderly man, and a young one. The first was a sort of partner of
+the late Sir William's, I believe, who has a grant somewhere near us,
+for which he was searching. His name was Fonda. The other was one of
+the Beekmans, who has lately succeeded his father in a property of
+considerable extent, somewhere at no great distance from us, and came
+to take a look at it. They say he has quite a hundred thousand acres,
+in one body."
+
+"And did he find his land? Tracts of thousands and tens of thousands,
+are sometimes not to be discovered."
+
+"We saw him twice, going and returning, and he was successful. The last
+time, he was detained by a snow-storm, and staid with us some days--so
+long, indeed, that he remained, and accompanied us out, when we went
+below. We saw much of him, too, last winter, in town."
+
+"Maud, you wrote me nothing of all this! Are visiters of this sort so
+very common that you do not speak of them in your letters?"
+
+"Did I not?--Beulah will scarce pardon me for _that_. She thinks
+Mr. Evert Beekman more worthy of a place in a letter, than I do,
+perhaps."
+
+"I think him a very respectable and sensible young man," answered
+Beulah quietly though there was a deeper tint on her cheek than common,
+which it was too dark to see. "I am not certain, however, he need fill
+much space in the letters of either of your sisters.'
+
+"Well, this is _something_ gleaned!" said the major,
+laughing--"and now, Beulah, if you will only let out a secret of the
+same sort about Maud, I shall be _au fait_ of all the family
+mysteries."
+
+"All!" repeated Maud, quickly--"would there be nothing to tell of a
+certain major Willoughby, brother of mine?"
+
+"Not a syllable. I am as heart-whole as a sound oak, and hope to remain
+so. At all events, all I love is in this house. To tell you the truth,
+girls, these are not times for a soldier to think of anything but his
+duty. The quarrel is getting to be serious between the mother country
+and her colonies."
+
+"Not so serious, brother," observed Beulah, earnestly, "as to amount to
+_that_. Evert Beekman thinks there will be trouble, but he does
+not appear to fancy it will go as far as very serious violence."
+
+"Evert _Beekman_!--most of that family are loyal, I believe; how
+is it with this Evert?"
+
+"I dare say, _you_ would call him a _rebel_," answered Maud,
+laughing, for now Beulah chose to be silent, leaving her sister to
+explain, "He is not _fiery_; but he calls himself an _American_,
+with emphasis; and that is saying a good deal, when it means he
+is not an _Englishman_. Pray what do you call yourself, Bob?"
+
+"I!--Certainly an American in one sense, but an Englishman in another.
+An American, as my father was a Cumberland-man, and an Englishman as a
+subject, and as connected with the empire."
+
+"As St. Paul was a Roman. Heigho!--Well, I fear I have but one
+character--or, if I have two, they are an American, and a New York
+girl. Did I dress in scarlet, as you do, I might feel English too,
+possibly."
+
+"This is making a trifling misunderstanding too serious," observed
+Beulah. "Nothing can come of all the big words that have been used,
+than more big words. I know that is Evert Beekman's opinion."
+
+"I hope you may prove a true prophet," answered the major, once more
+buried in thought. "This place _does_ seem to be fearfully retired
+for a family like ours. I hope my father may be persuaded to pass more
+of his time in New York. Does he ever speak on the subject, girls, or
+appear to have any uneasiness?"
+
+"Uneasiness about what? The place is health itself: all sorts of
+fevers, and agues, and those things being quite unknown. Mamma says the
+toothache, even, cannot be found in this healthful spot."
+
+"That is lucky--and, yet, I wish captain Willoughby--_Sir Hugh_
+Willoughby could be induced to live more in New York. Girls of your
+time of life, ought to be in the way of seeing the world, too."
+
+"In other words, of seeing admirers, major Bob," said Maud, laughing,
+and bending forward to steal a glance in her brother's face. "Good
+night. _Sir Hugh_ wishes us to send you into his library when we
+can spare you, and _my lady_ has sent us a hint that it is ten
+o'clock, at which hour it is usual for sober people to retire."
+
+The major kissed both sisters with warm affection--Beulah fancied with
+a sobered tenderness, and Maud thought kindly--and then they retired to
+join their mother, while he went to seek his father.
+
+The captain was smoking in the library, as a room of all-_head_-
+work was called, in company with the chaplain. The practice of using
+tobacco in this form, had grown to be so strong in both of these old
+inmates of garrisons, that they usually passed an hour, in the
+recreation, before they went to bed. Nor shall we mislead the reader
+with any notions of fine-flavoured Havana segars; pipes, with Virginia
+cut, being the materials employed in the indulgence. A little excellent
+Cogniac and water, in which however the spring was not as much
+neglected, as in the orgies related in the previous chapter, moistened
+their lips, from time to time, giving a certain zest and comfort to
+their enjoyments. Just as the door opened to admit the major, he was
+the subject of discourse, the proud parent and the partial friend
+finding almost an equal gratification in discussing his fine, manly
+appearance, good qualities, and future hopes. His presence was
+untimely, then, in one sense; though he was welcome, and, indeed,
+expected. The captain pushed a chair to his son, and invited him to
+take a seat near the table, which held a spare pipe or two, a box of
+tobacco, a decanter of excellent brandy, a pitcher of pure water, all
+pleasant companions to the elderly gentlemen, then in possession.
+
+"I suppose you are too much of a maccaroni, Bob, to smoke," observed
+the smiling father. "I detested a pipe at your time of life; or may
+say, I was afraid of it; the only smoke that was in fashion among our
+scarlet coats being the smoke of gunpowder. Well, how comes on Gage,
+and your neighbours the Yankees?"
+
+"Why, sir," answered the major, looking behind him, to make sure that
+the door was shut--"Why, sir, to own the truth, my visit, here, just at
+this moment, is connected with the present state of that quarrel."
+
+Both the captain and the chaplain drew the pipes from their mouths,
+holding them suspended in surprise and attention.
+
+"The deuce it is!" exclaimed the former. "I thought I owed this
+unexpected pleasure to your affectionate desire to let me know I had
+inherited the empty honours of a baronetcy!"
+
+"That was _one_ motive, sir, but the least. I beg you to remember
+the awkwardness of my position, as a king's officer, in the midst of
+enemies."
+
+"The devil! I say, parson, this exceeds heresy and schism! Do you call
+lodging in your father's house, major Willoughby, being in the midst of
+enemies? This is rebellion against nature, and is worse than rebellion
+against the king."
+
+"My dear father, no one feels more secure with _you_, than I do;
+or, even, with Mr. Woods, here. But, there are others besides you two,
+in this part of the world, and your very settlement may not be safe a
+week longer; probably would not be, if my presence in it were known."
+
+Both the listeners, now, fairly laid down their pipes, and the smoke
+began gradually to dissipate, as it might have been rising from a field
+of battle. One looked at the other, in wonder, and, then, both looked
+at the major, in curiosity.
+
+"What is the meaning of all this, my son?" asked the captain, gravely.
+"Has anything new occurred to complicate the old causes of quarrel?"
+
+"Blood has, at length, been drawn, sir; open rebellion has commenced!"
+
+"This is a serious matter, indeed, if it be really so. But do you not
+exaggerate the consequences of some fresh indiscretion of the soldiery,
+in firing on the people? Remember, in the other affair, even the
+colonial authorities justified the officers."
+
+"This is a very different matter, sir. Blood has not been drawn in a
+_riot_, but in a _battle_."
+
+"Battle! You amaze me, sir! That is indeed a serious matter, and may
+lead to most serious consequences!"
+
+"The Lord preserve us from evil times," ejaculated the chaplain, "and
+lead us, poor, dependent creatures that we are, into the paths of peace
+and quietness! Without his grace, we are the blind leading the blind."
+
+"Do you mean, major Willoughby, that armed and disciplined bodies have
+met in actual conflict?"
+
+"Perhaps not literally so, my dear father; but the minute-men of
+Massachusetts, and His Majesty's forces, have met and fought. This I
+know, full well; for my own regiment was in the field, and, I hope it
+is unnecessary to add, that its second officer was not absent."
+
+"Of course these minute-men--rabble would be the better word--could not
+stand before you?" said the captain, compressing his lips, under a
+strong impulse of military pride.
+
+Major Willoughby coloured, and, to own the truth, at that moment he
+wished the Rev. Mr. Woods, if not literally at the devil, at least safe
+and sound in another room; anywhere, so it were out of ear-shot of the
+answer.
+
+"Why, sir," he said, hesitating, not to say stammering, notwithstanding
+a prodigious effort to seem philosophical and calm--"To own the truth,
+these minute-fellows are not quite as contemptible as we soldiers would
+be apt to think. It was a stone-wall affair, and dodging work; and, so,
+you know, sir, drilled troops wouldn't have the usual chance. They
+pressed us pretty warmly on the retreat."
+
+"_Retreat_! Major Willoughby!"
+
+"I called it retreat, sure enough; but it was only a march _in_,
+again, after having done the business on which we went out. I shall
+admit, I say, sir, that we were hard pressed, until _reinforced_."
+
+"_Reinforced_, my dear Bob! _Your_ regiment, _our_
+regiment could not need a reinforcement against all the Yankees in New
+England."
+
+The major could not abstain from laughing, a little, at this exhibition
+of his father's _esprit de corps_; but native frankness, and love
+of truth, compelled him to admit the contrary.
+
+"It _did_, sir, notwithstanding," he answered; "and, not to mince
+the matter, it needed it confoundedly. Some of our officers who have
+seen the hardest service of the last war, declare, that taking the
+march, and the popping work, and the distance, altogether, it was the
+warmest day _they_ remember. Our loss, too, was by no means
+insignificant, as I hope you will believe, when you know the troops
+engaged. We report something like three hundred casualties."
+
+The captain did not answer for quite a minute. All this time he sat
+thoughtful, and even pale; for his mind was teeming with the pregnant
+consequences of such an outbreak. Then he desired his son to give a
+succinct, but connected history of the whole affair. The major
+complied, beginning his narrative with an account of the general state
+of the country, and concluding it, by giving, as far as it was possible
+for one whose professional pride and political feelings were too deeply
+involved to be entirely impartial, a reasonably just account of the
+particular occurrence already mentioned.
+
+The events that led to, and the hot skirmish which it is the practice
+of the country to call the Battle of Lexington, and the incidents of
+the day itself, are too familiar to the ordinary reader, to require
+repetition here. The major explained all the military points very
+clearly, did full justice to the perseverance and daring of the
+provincials, as he called his enemies--for, an American himself, he
+would not term them Americans--and threw in as many explanatory remarks
+as he could think of, by way of vindicating the "march _in_,
+again." This he did, too, quite as much out of filial piety, as out of
+self-love; for, to own the truth, the captain's mortification, as a
+soldier, was so very evident as to give his son sensible pain.
+
+"The effect of all this," continued the major, when his narrative of
+the military movements was ended, "has been to raise a tremendous
+feeling, throughout the country, and God knows what is to follow."
+
+"And this you have come hither to tell me, Robert," said the father,
+kindly. "It is well done, and as I would have expected from you. We
+might have passed the summer, here, and not have heard a whisper of so
+important an event."
+
+"Soon after the affair--or, as soon as we got some notion of its effect
+on the provinces, general Gage sent me, privately, with despatches to
+governor Tryon. _He_, governor Tryon, was aware of your position;
+and, as I had also to communicate the death of Sir Harry Willoughby, he
+directed me to come up the river, privately, have an interview with Sir
+John, if possible, and then push on, under a feigned name, and
+communicate with you. He thinks, now Sir William is dead, that with
+your estate, and new rank, and local influence, you might be very
+serviceable in sustaining the royal cause; for, it is not to be
+concealed that this affair is likely to take the character of an open
+and wide-spread revolt against the authority of the crown."
+
+"General Tryon does me too much honour," answered the captain, coldly.
+"My estate is a small body of wild land; my influence extends little
+beyond this beaver meadow, and is confined to my own household, and
+some fifteen or twenty labourers; and as for the _new rank_ of
+which you speak, it is not likely the colonists will care much for
+_that,_ if they disregard the rights of the king. Still, you have
+acted like a son in running the risk you do, Bob; and I pray God you
+may get back to your regiment, in safety."
+
+"This is a cordial to my hopes, sir; for nothing would pain me more
+than to believe you think it my duty, because I was born in the
+colonies, to throw up my commission, and take side with the rebels."
+
+"I do not conceive that to be your duty, any more than I conceive it to
+be mine to take sides against them, because I happened to be born in
+England. It is a weak view of moral obligations, that confines them
+merely to the accidents of birth, and birth-place. Such a subsequent
+state of things may have grown up, as to change all our duties, and it
+is necessary that we discharge them as they _are_; not as they may
+have been, hitherto, or may be, hereafter. Those who clamour so much
+about mere birth-place, usually have no very clear sense of their
+higher obligations. Over our birth we can have no control; while we are
+rigidly responsible for the fulfilment of obligations voluntarily
+contracted."
+
+"Do you reason thus, captain?" asked the chaplain, with strong
+interest--"Now, I confess, I _feel_, in this matter, not only very
+much like a native American, but very much like a native Yankee, in the
+bargain. You know I was born in the Bay, and--the major must excuse
+me--but, it ill-becomes my cloth to deceive--I hope the major will
+pardon me--I--I do hope--"
+
+"Speak out, Mr. Woods," said Robert Willoughby, smiling--"_You_
+have nothing to fear from your old friend the major."
+
+"So I thought--so I thought--well, then, I was glad--yes, really
+rejoiced at heart, to hear that my countrymen, down-east, there, had
+made the king's troops scamper,"
+
+"I am not aware that I used any such terms, sir, in connection with the
+manner in which we marched in, after the duty we went out on was
+performed," returned the young soldier, a little stiffly. "I suppose it
+is natural for one Yankee to sympathize with another; but, my father,
+Mr. Woods, is an _Old_ England, and not a _New_-England-man;
+and he may be excused if he feel more for the servants of the crown."
+
+"Certainly, my dear major--certainly, my dear Mr. Robert--my old pupil,
+and, I hope, my friend--all this is true enough, and very natural. I
+allow captain Willoughby to wish the best for the king's troops, while
+I wish the best for my own countrymen."
+
+"This is natural, on both sides, out of all question, though it by no
+means follows that it is right. 'Our country, right or wrong,' is a
+high-sounding maxim, but it is scarcely the honest man's maxim. Our
+country, after all, cannot have nearer claims upon us, than our parents
+for instance; and who can claim a moral right to sustain even his own
+father, in error, injustice, or crime? No, no--I hate your pithy
+sayings; they commonly mean nothing that is substantially good, at
+bottom."
+
+"But one's country, in a time of actual war, sir!" said the major, in a
+tone of as much remonstrance as habit would allow him to use to his own
+father.
+
+"Quite true, Bob; but the difficulty here, is to know which _is_
+one's country. It is a family quarrel, at the best, and it will hardly
+do to talk about foreigners, at all. It is the same as if I should
+treat Maud unkindly, or harshly, because she is the child of only a
+friend, and not my own natural daughter. As God is my judge, Woods, I
+am unconscious of not loving Maud Meredith, at this moment, as tenderly
+as I love Beulah Willoughby. There was a period, in her childhood, when
+the playful little witch had most of my heart, I am afraid, if the
+truth were known. It is use, and duty, then, and not mere birth, that
+ought to tie our hearts."
+
+The major thought it might very well be that one child should be loved
+more than another, though he did not understand how there could be a
+divided allegiance. The chaplain looked at the subject with views still
+more narrowed, and he took up the cudgels of argument in sober earnest,
+conceiving this to be as good an opportunity as another, for disposing
+of the matter.
+
+"I am all for birth, and blood, and natural ties," he said, "always
+excepting the peculiar claims of Miss Maud, whose case is _sui
+generis_, and not to be confounded with any other case. A man can
+have but one country, any more than he can have but one nature; and, as
+he is forced to be true to that nature, so ought he morally to be true
+to that country. The captain says, that it is difficult to determine
+which is one's country, in a civil war; but I cannot admit the
+argument. If Massachusetts and England get to blows, Massachusetts is
+my country; if Suffolk and Worcester counties get into a quarrel, my
+duty calls me to Worcester, where I was born; and so I should carry out
+the principle from country to country, county to county, town to town,
+parish to parish; or, even household to household."
+
+"This is an extraordinary view of one's duty, indeed, my dear Mr.
+Woods," cried the major, with a good deal of animation; "and if one-
+half the household quarrelled with the other, you would take sides with
+that in which you happened to find yourself, at the moment."
+
+"It is an extraordinary view of one's duty, for a _parson_;"
+observed the captain. "Let us reason backward a little, and ascertain
+where we shall come out. You put the head of the household out of the
+question. Has he no claims? Is a father to be altogether overlooked in
+the struggle between the children? Are his laws to be broken--his
+rights invaded--or his person to be maltreated, perhaps, and his curse
+disregarded, because a set of unruly children get by the ears, on
+points connected with their own selfishness?"
+
+"I give up the household," cried the chaplain, "for the bible settles
+that; and what the bible disposes of, is beyond dispute--'Honour thy
+father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the
+Lord thy God giveth thee'--are terrible words, and must not be
+disobeyed. But the decalogue has not another syllable which touches the
+question. 'Thou shalt not kill,' means murder only; common, vulgar
+murder--and 'thou shalt not steal,' 'thou shalt not commit adultery,'
+&c., don't bear on civil war, as I see. 'Remember the Sabbath to keep
+it holy'--'Thou shalt not covet the ox nor the ass'--'Thou shalt not
+take the name of the Lord thy God in vain'--none of these, not one of
+them, bears, at all, on this question."
+
+"What do you think of the words of the Saviour, where he tells us to
+'render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's? Has Caesar no rights
+here? Can Massachusetts and my Lord North settle their quarrels in such
+a manner as to put Caesar altogether out of view?"
+
+The chaplain looked down a moment, pondered a little, and then he came
+up to the attack, again, with renewed ardour.
+
+"Caesar is out of the question here. If His Majesty will come and take
+sides with us, we shall be ready to honour and obey him; but if he
+choose to remain alienated from us, it is his act, not ours."
+
+"This is a new mode of settling allegiance! If Caesar will do as we
+wish, he shall still be Caesar; but, if he refuse to do as we wish, then
+down with Caesar. I am an old soldier, Woods, and while I feel that this
+question has two sides to it, my disposition to reverence and honour
+the king is still strong."
+
+The major appeared delighted, and, finding matters going on so
+favourably, he pleaded fatigue and withdrew, feeling satisfied that, if
+his father fairly got into a warm discussion, taking the loyal side of
+the question, he would do more to confirm himself in the desired views,
+than could be effected by any other means. By this time, the disputants
+were so warm as scarcely to notice the disappearance of the young man,
+the argument proceeding.
+
+The subject is too hackneyed, and, indeed, possesses too little
+interest, to induce us to give more than an outline of what passed. The
+captain and the chaplain belonged to that class of friends, which may
+be termed argumentative. Their constant discussions were a strong link
+in the chain of esteem; for they had a tendency to enliven their
+solitude, and to give a zest to lives that, without them, would have
+been exceedingly monotonous. Their ordinary subjects were theology and
+war; the chaplain having some practical knowledge of the last, and the
+captain a lively disposition to the first. In these discussions, the
+clergyman was good-natured and the soldier polite; circumstances that
+tended to render them far more agreeable to the listeners than they
+might otherwise have proved.
+
+On the present occasion, the chaplain rang the changes diligently, on
+the natural feelings, while his friend spoke most of the higher duties.
+The _ad captandum_ part of the argument, oddly enough, fell to the
+share of the minister of the church; while the intellectual,
+discriminating, and really logical portion of the subject, was handled
+by one trained in garrisons and camps, with a truth, both of ethics and
+reason, that would have done credit to a drilled casuist. The war of
+words continued till past midnight, both disputants soon getting back
+to their pipes, carrying on the conflict amid a smoke that did no
+dishonour to such a well-contested field. Leaving the captain and his
+friend thus intently engaged, we will take one or two glimpses into
+different parts of the house, before we cause all our characters to
+retire for the night.
+
+About the time the battle in the library was at its height, Mrs.
+Willoughby was alone in her room, having disposed of all the cares, and
+most of the duties of the day. The mother's heart was filled with a
+calm delight that it would have been difficult for herself to describe.
+All she held most dear on earth, her husband, her kind-hearted,
+faithful, long-loved husband; her noble son, the pride and joy of her
+heart; Beulah, her own natural-born daughter, the mild, tractable,
+sincere, true-hearted child that so much resembled herself; and Maud,
+the adopted, one rendered dear by solicitude and tenderness, and now so
+fondly beloved on her own account, were all with her, beneath her own
+roof, almost within the circle of her arms. The Hutted Knoll was no
+longer a solitude; the manor was not a wilderness to _her_; for
+where her heart was, there truly was her treasure, also. After passing
+a few minutes in silent, but delightful thought, this excellent,
+guileless woman knelt and poured out her soul in thanksgivings to the
+Being, who had surrounded her lot with so many blessings. Alas! little
+did she suspect the extent, duration, and direful nature of the evils
+which, at that very moment, were pending over her native country, or
+the pains that her own affectionate hear? was to endure! The major had
+not suffered a whisper of the real nature of his errand to escape him,
+except to his father and the chaplain; and we will now follow him to
+his apartment, and pass a minute, _tete-a-tete,_ with the young
+soldier, ere he too lays his head on his pillow.
+
+A couple of neat rooms were prepared and furnished, that were held
+sacred to the uses of the heir. They were known to the whole household,
+black and white, as the "young captain's quarters;" and even Maud
+called them, in her laughing off-handedness, "Bob's Sanctum." Here,
+then, the major found everything as he left it on his last visit, a
+twelvemonth before; and some few things that were strangers to him, in
+the bargain. In that day, toilets covered with muslin, more or less
+worked and ornamented, were a regular appliance of every bed-room, of a
+better-class house, throughout America. The more modern "Duchesses,"
+"Psyches," "dressing-tables," &c. &c., of our own extravagant and
+benefit-of-the-act-taking generation, were then unknown; a moderately-
+sized glass, surrounded by curved, gilded ornaments, hanging against
+the wall, above the said muslin-covered table, quite as a matter of
+law, if not of domestic faith.
+
+As soon as the major had set down his candle, he looked about him, as
+one recognises old friends, pleased at renewing his acquaintance with
+so many dear and cherished objects. The very playthings of his
+childhood were there; and, even a beautiful and long-used hoop, was
+embellished with ribbons, by some hand unknown to himself. "Can this be
+my mother?" thought the young man, approaching to examine the well-
+remembered hoop, which he had never found so honoured before; "can my
+kind, tender-hearted mother, who never will forget that I am no longer
+a child, can she have really done this? I must laugh at her, to-morrow,
+about it, even while I kiss and bless her." Then he turned to the
+toilet, where stood a basket, filled with different articles, which, at
+once, he understood were offerings to himself. Never had he visited the
+Hut without finding such a basket in his room at night. It was a tender
+proof how truly and well he was remembered, in his absence.
+
+"Ah!" thought the major, as he opened a bundle of knit lamb's-wool
+stockings, "here is my dear mother again, with her thoughts about damp
+feet, and the exposure of service. And a dozen shirts, too, with
+'Beulah' pinned on one of them--how the deuce does the dear girl
+suppose I am to carry away such a stock of linen, without even a horse
+to ease me of a bundle? My kit would be like that of the commander-in-
+chief, were I to take away all that these dear relatives design for me.
+What's this?--a purse! a handsome silken purse, too, with Beulah's name
+on it. Has Maud nothing, here? Why has Maud forgotten me! Ruffles,
+handkerchiefs, garters--yes, here is a pair of my good mother's own
+knitting, but nothing of Maud's--Ha! what have we here? As I live, a
+beautiful silken scarf--netted in a way to make a whole regiment
+envious. Can this have been bought, or has it been the work of a
+twelvemonth? No name on it, either. Would my father have done this?
+Perhaps it is one of his old scarfs--if so, it is an old _new_
+one, for I do not think it has ever been worn. I must inquire into
+this, in the morning--I wonder there is nothing of Maud's!"
+
+As the major laid aside his presents, he kissed the scarf, and then--I
+regret to say without saying _his_ prayers--the young man went to
+bed.
+
+The scene must now be transferred to the room where the sisters--in
+affection, if not in blood--were about to seek their pillows also.
+Maud, ever the quickest and most prompt in her movements, was already
+in her night-clothes; and, wrapping a shawl about herself, was seated
+waiting for Beulah to finish her nightly orisons. It was not long
+before the latter rose from her knees, and then our heroine spoke.
+
+"The major must have examined the basket by this time," she cried, her
+cheek rivalling the tint of a riband it leaned against, on the back of
+the chair. "I heard his heavy tramp--tramp--tramp--as he went to his
+room--how differently these men walk from us girls, Beulah!"
+
+"They do, indeed; and Bob has got to be so large and heavy, now, that
+he quite frightens me, sometimes. Do you not think he grows wonderfully
+like papa?"
+
+"I do not see it. He wears his own hair, and it's a pity he should ever
+cut it off, it's so handsome and curling. Then he is taller, but
+lighter--has more colour--is so much younger--and everyway so
+different, I wonder you think so. I do not think him in the least like
+father."
+
+"Well, that is odd, Maud. Both mother and myself were struck with the
+resemblance, this evening, and we were both delighted to see it. Papa
+is quite handsome, and so I think is Bob. Mother says he is not
+_quite_ as handsome as father was, at his age, but _so_ like
+him, it is surprising!"
+
+"Men may be handsome and not alike. Father is certainly one of the
+handsomest elderly men of my acquaintance--and the major is so-so-ish--
+but, I wonder you can think a man of seven-and-twenty so _very_
+like one of sixty odd. Bob tells me he can play the flute quite readily
+now, Beulah."
+
+"I dare say; he does everything he undertakes uncommonly well. Mr.
+Woods said, a few days since, he had never met with a boy who was
+quicker at his mathematics."
+
+"Oh! All Mr. Wood's geese are swans. I dare say there have been other
+boys who were quite as clever. I do not believe in _non-pareils,_
+Beulah."
+
+"You surprise me, Maud--you, whom I always supposed such a friend of
+Bob's! He thinks everything _you_ do, too, so perfect! Now, this
+very evening, he was looking at the sketch you have made of the Knoll,
+and he protested he did not know a regular artist in England, even,
+that would have done it better."
+
+Maud stole a glance at her sister, while the latter was speaking, from
+under her cap, and her cheeks now fairly put the riband to shame; but
+her smile was still saucy and wilful.
+
+"Oh nonsense," she said--"Bob's no judge of drawings--_He_ scarce
+knows a tree from a horse!"
+
+"I'm surprised to hear you say so, Maud," said the generous-minded and
+affectionate Beulah, who could see no imperfection in Bob; "and that of
+your brother. When he taught _you_ to draw, you thought him well
+skilled as an artist."
+
+"Did I?--I dare say I'm a capricious creature--but, somehow, I don't
+regard Bob, just as I used to. He has been away from us so much, of
+late, you know--and the army makes men so formidable--and, they are not
+like us, you know--and, altogether, I think Bob excessively changed."
+
+"Well, I'm glad mamma don't hear this, Maud. She looks upon her son,
+now he is a major, and twenty-seven, just as she used to look upon him,
+when he was in petticoats--nay, I think she considers us all exactly as
+so many little children."
+
+"She is a dear, good mother, I know," said Maud, with emphasis, tears
+starting to her eyes, involuntarily, almost _impetuously_--
+"whatever she says, does, wishes, hopes, or thinks, is right."
+
+"Oh! I knew you would come to, as soon as there was a question about
+mother! Well, for my part, I have no such horror of men, as not to feel
+just as much tenderness for father or brother, as I feel for mamma,
+herself."
+
+"Not for Bob, Beulah. Tenderness for Bob! Why, my dear sister, that is
+feeling tenderness for a _Major of Foot_, a very different thing
+from feeling it for one's mother. As for papa--dear me, he is glorious,
+and I do so love him!"
+
+"You ought to, Maud; for you were, and I am not certain that you are
+not, at this moment, _his_ darling."
+
+It was odd that this was said without the least thought, on the part of
+the speaker, that Maud was not her natural sister--that, in fact, she
+was not in the least degree related to her by blood. But so closely and
+judiciously had captain and Mrs. Willoughby managed the affair of their
+adopted child, that neither they themselves, Beulah, nor the inmates of
+the family or household, ever thought of her, but as of a real daughter
+of her nominal parents. As for Beulah, her feelings were so simple and
+sincere, that they were even beyond the ordinary considerations of
+delicacy, and she took precisely the same liberties with her titular,
+as she would have done with a natural sister. Maud alone, of all in the
+Hut, remembered her birth, and submitted to some of its most obvious
+consequences. As respects the captain, the idea never crossed her mind,
+that she was adopted by him; as respects her mother, she filled to her,
+in every sense, that sacred character; Beulah, too, was a sister, in
+thought and deed; but, Bob, he had so changed, had been so many years
+separated from her; had once actually called her Miss Meredith--
+somehow, she knew not how herself--it was fully six years since she had
+begun to remember that _he_ was not her brother.
+
+"As for my father," said Maud, rising with emotion, and speaking with
+startling emphasis--"I will not say I _love_ him--I _worship_
+him!"
+
+"Ah! I know that well enough, Maud; and to say the truth, you are a
+couple of idolaters, between you. Mamma says this, sometimes; though
+she owns she is not jealous. But it would pain her excessively to hear
+that you do not feel towards Bob, just as we all feel."
+
+"But, ought I?--Beulah, I cannot!"
+
+"Ought you!--Why not, Maud? Are you in your senses, child?"
+
+"But--you know--I'm sure--you ought to remember--"
+
+"_What_?" demanded Beulah, really frightened at the other's
+excessive agitation.
+
+"That I am _not_ his real--true--_born_ sister!"
+
+This was the first time in their lives, either had ever alluded to the
+fact, in the other's presence. Beulah turned pale; she trembled all
+over, as if in an ague; then she luckily burst into tears, else she
+might have fainted.
+
+"Beulah--my sister--my _own_ sister!" cried Maud, throwing herself
+into the arms of the distressed girl.
+
+"Ah! Maud, you _are_, you _shall_ for ever be, my only, only
+sister."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VI.
+
+  O! It is great for our country to die, where ranks are contending;
+    Bright is the wreath of our fame; Glory awaits us for aye--
+  Glory, that never is dim, shining on with light never ending--
+    Glory, that never shall fade, never, O! never away.
+
+  Percival.
+
+Notwithstanding the startling intelligence that had so unexpectedly
+reached it, and the warm polemical conflict that had been carried on
+within its walls, the night passed peacefully over the roof of the
+Hutted Knoll. At the return of dawn, the two Plinys, both the Smashes,
+and all the menials were again afoot; and, ere long, Mike, Saucy Nick
+Joel, and the rest were seen astir, in the open fields, or in the
+margin of the woods. Cattle were fed, cows milked fires lighted, and
+everything pursued its course, in the order of May. The three wenches,
+as female negroes were then termed, _ex officio_, in America,
+opened their throats, as was usual at that hour, and were heard singing
+at their labours, in a way nearly to deaden the morning carols of the
+tenants of the forest. _Mari'_ in particular, would have drowned
+the roar of Niagara. The captain used to call her his clarion.
+
+In due time, the superiors of the household made their appearance. Mrs.
+Willoughby was the first out of her room, as was ever the case when
+there was anything to be done. On the present occasion, the "fatted
+calf" was to be killed, not in honour of the return of a prodigal son,
+however, but in behalf of one who was the pride of her eyes, and the
+joy of her heart. The breakfast that she ordered was just the sort of
+breakfast, that one must visit America to witness. France can set forth
+a very scientific _dejeuner a la fourchette,_ and England has
+laboured-and ponderous imitations; but, for the spontaneous,
+superabundant, unsophisticated, natural, all-sufficing and all-subduing
+morning's meal, take America, in a better-class house, in the country,
+and you reach the _ne plus ultra_, in that sort of thing. Tea,
+coffee, and chocolate, of which the first and last were excellent, and
+the second respectable; ham, fish, eggs, toast, cakes, rolls,
+marmalades, &c. &c. &c., were thrown together in noble confusion;
+frequently occasioning the guest, as Mr. Woods naively confessed, an
+utter confusion of mind, as to which he was to attack, when all were
+inviting and each would be welcome.
+
+Leaving Mrs. Willoughby in deep consultation with Mari' on the subject
+of this feast, we will next look after the two sweet girls whom we so
+abruptly deserted in the last chapter. When Maud's glowing cheeks were
+first visible that morning, signs of tears might have been discovered
+on them, as the traces of the dew are found on the leaf of the rose;
+but they completely vanished under the duties of the toilet, and she
+came forth from her chamber, bright and cloudless as the glorious May-
+morning, which had returned to cheer the solitude of the manor. Beulah
+followed, tranquil, bland and mild as the day itself, the living image
+of the purity of soul, and deep affections, of her honest nature.
+
+The sisters went into the breakfast-room, where they had little lady-
+like offices of their own to discharge, too, in honour of the guest;
+each employing herself in decorating the table, and in seeing that it
+wanted nothing in the proprieties As their pleasing tasks were
+fulfilled, the discourse did not flag between them. Nothing, however,
+had been said, that made the smallest allusion to the conversation of
+the past night. Neither felt any wish to revive that subject; and, as
+for Maud, bitterly did she regret ever having broached it. At times,
+her cheeks burned with blushes, as she recalled her words; and yet she
+scarce knew the reason why. The feeling of Beulah was different. She
+wondered her sister could ever think she was a Meredith, and not a
+Willoughby. At times she feared some unfortunate oversight of her own,
+some careless allusion, or indiscreet act, might have served to remind
+Maud of the circumstances of her real birth. Yet there was nothing in
+the last likely to awaken unpleasant reflections, apart from the
+circumstance that she was not truly a child of the family into which
+she had been transplanted. The Merediths were, at least, as nonourable
+a family as the Willoughbys, in the ordinary worldly view of the
+matter; nor was Maud, by any means, a dependant, in the way of money.
+Five thousand pounds, in the English funds, had been settled on her, by
+the marriage articles of her parents; and twenty years of careful
+husbandry, during which every shilling had been scrupulously devoted to
+accumulation, had quite doubled the original amount. So far from being
+penniless, therefore, Maud's fortune was often alluded to by the
+captain, in a jocular way, as if purposely to remind her that she had
+the means of independence, and duties connected with it. It is true,
+Maud, herself, had no suspicion that she had been educated altogether
+by her "father," and that her own money had not been used for this
+purpose. To own the truth, she thought little about it; knew little
+about it, beyond the fact, that she had a fortune of her own, into the
+possession of which she must step, when she attained her majority. How
+she came by it, even, was a question she never asked though there were
+moments when tender regrets and affectionate melancholy would come over
+her heart, as she thought of her natural parents, and of their early
+deaths. Still, Maud implicitly reposed on the captain and Mrs.
+Willoughby, as on a father and mother; and it was not owing to _them_,
+or anything connected with their love, treatment, words, or
+thoughts, that she was reminded that they were not so in very fact, as
+well as in tenderness.
+
+"Bob will think _you_ made these plum sweetmeats, Beulah," said
+Maud, with a saucy smile, as she placed a glass plate on the table--"He
+never thinks I _can_ make anything of this sort; and, as he is so
+fond of plums, he will be certain to taste them; then _you_ will
+come in for the praise!"
+
+"You appear to think, that _praise_ he must. Perhaps he may not
+fancy them good."
+
+"If I thought so, I would take them away this instant," cried Maud,
+standing in the attitude of one in doubt. "Bob does _not_ think
+much of such things in girls, for he says ladies need not be cooks; and
+yet when one _does_ make a thing of this sort, one would certainly
+like to have it _well_ made."
+
+"Set your heart at ease, Maud; the plums are delicious--much the best
+we ever had, and we are rather famous for them, you know. I'll answer
+for it, Bob will pronounce them the best he has ever tasted."
+
+"And if he shouldn't, why should I care--that is, not _very
+much_--about it. You know they are the first I ever made, and one
+may be permitted to fail on a first effort. Besides, a man _may_
+go to England, and see fine sights, and live in great houses, and all
+that, and not understand when he has good plum sweetmeats before him,
+and when bad. I dare say there are many _colonels_ in the army,
+who are ignorant on this point."
+
+Beulah laughed, and admitted the truth of the remark; though, in her
+secret mind, she had almost persuaded herself that Bob knew everything.
+
+"Do you not think our brother improved in appearance, Maud," she asked,
+after a short pause. "The visit to England has done him that service,
+at least."
+
+"I don't see it, Beulah--I see no change. To me, Bob is just the same
+to-day, that he has ever been; that is, ever since he grew to be a
+man--with boys, of course, it is different. Ever since he was made a
+captain, I mean."
+
+As major Willoughby had reached that rank the day he was one-and-
+twenty, the reader can understand the precise date when Maud began to
+take her present views of his appearance and character.
+
+"I am surprised to hear you say so, Maud! Papa says he is better 'set
+up,' as he calls it, by his English drill, and that he looks altogether
+more like a soldier than he did."
+
+"Bob has always had a martial look!" cried Maud, quickly--"He got that
+in garrison, when a boy."
+
+"If so, I hope he may never lose it!" said the subject of the remark,
+himself, who had entered the room unperceived, and overheard this
+speech. "Being a soldier, one would wish to look like what he is, my
+little critic."
+
+The kiss that followed, and that given to Beulah, were no more than the
+usual morning salutations of a brother to his sisters, slight touches
+of rosy cheeks; and yet Maud blushed; for, as she said to herself, she
+had been taken by surprise.
+
+"They say listeners never hear good of themselves," answered Maud, with
+a vivacity that betokened confusion. "Had you come a minute sooner,
+master Bob, it might have been an advantage."
+
+"Oh! Beulah's remarks I do not fear; so long as I get off unscathed
+from yours, Miss Maud, I shall think myself a lucky fellow. But what
+has brought me and my training into discussion, this morning?"
+
+"It is natural for sisters to speak about their brother after so
+long----"
+
+"Tell him nothing about it, Beulah," interrupted Maud. "Let him listen,
+and eaves-drop, and find out as he may, if he would learn our secrets.
+There, major Willoughby, I hope that is a promise of a breakfast, which
+will satisfy even your military appetite!"
+
+"It looks well, indeed, Maud--and there, I perceive, are some of
+Beulah's excellent plums, of which I am so fond--know they were made
+especially for me, and I must kiss you, sister, for this proof of
+remembrance."
+
+Beulah, to whose simple mind it seemed injustice to appropriate credit
+that belonged to another, was about to tell the truth; but an imploring
+gesture from her sister induced her to smile, and receive the salute in
+silence.
+
+"Has any one seen captain Willoughby and parson Woods this morning?"
+inquired the major. "I left them desperately engaged in discussion, and
+I really feel some apprehension as to the remains left on the field of
+battle."
+
+"Here they both come," cried Maud, glad to find the discourse taking so
+complete a change; "and there is mamma, followed by Pliny, to tell
+Beulah to take her station at the coffee, while I go to the chocolate,
+leaving the tea to the only hand that can make it so that my father
+will drink it."
+
+The parties mentioned entered the room, in the order named; the usual
+salutations followed, and all took their seats at table. Captain
+Willoughby was silent and thoughtful at first, leaving his son to
+rattle on, in a way that betokened care, in his view of the matter,
+quite as much as it betokened light-heartedness in those of his mother
+and sisters. The chaplain was rather more communicative than his
+friend; but he, too, seemed restless, and desirous of arriving at some
+point that was not likely to come uppermost, in such a family party. At
+length, the impulses of Mr. Woods got the better of his discretion,
+even, and he could conceal his thoughts no longer.
+
+"Captain Willoughby," he said, in a sort of apologetic, and yet simple
+and natural manner, "I have done little since we parted, seven hours
+since, but think of the matter under discussion."
+
+"If you have, my dear Woods, there has been a strong sympathy between
+us; I have scarcely slept. I may say I have thought of nothing else,
+myself, and am glad you have broached the subject, again."
+
+"I was about to say, my worthy sir, that reflection, and my pillow, and
+your sound and admirable arguments, have produced an entire change in
+my sentiments. I think, now, altogether with you."
+
+"The devil you do, Woods!" cried the captain, looking up from his bit
+of dry toast, in astonishment. "Why, my dear fellow--this is odd--
+excessively odd, if the truth must be said.--To own the real state of
+the case, chaplain, you have won _me_ over, and I was just about
+to make proper acknowledgments of your victory!"
+
+It need scarcely be added that the rest of the company were not a
+little amazed at these cross-concessions, while Maud was exceedingly
+amused. As for Mrs. Willoughby, nothing laughable ever occurred in
+connection with her husband; and then she would as soon think of
+assailing the church itself, as to ridicule one of its ministers.
+Beulah could see nothing but what was right in her father, at least;
+and, as for the major, he felt too much concerned at this unexpected
+admission of his father's, to perceive anything but the error.
+
+"Have you not overlooked the injunction of scripture, my excellent
+friend?" rejoined the chaplain. "Have you left to the rights of Caesar,
+all their weight and authority? 'The king's name is a tower of
+strength.'"
+
+"Have not you, Woods, forgotten the superior claims of reason and
+right, over those of accident and birth--that man is to be considered
+as a reasoning being, to be governed by principles and ever-varying
+facts, and not a mere animal left to the control of an instinct that
+perishes with its usefulness?"
+
+"What _can_ they mean, mother?" whispered Maud, scarce able to
+repress the laughter that came so easily to one with a keen sense of
+the ludicrous.
+
+"They have been arguing about the right of parliament to tax the
+colonies, I believe, my dear, and _over-persuaded_ each other,
+that's all. It _is_ odd, Robert, that Mr. Woods should convert
+your father."
+
+"No, my dearest mother, it is something even more serious than that."
+By this time, the disputants, who sat opposite each other, were fairly
+launched into the discussion, again, and heeded nothing that
+passed--"No, dearest mother, it is far worse than even _that_.
+Pliny, tell my man to brush the hunting-jacket--and, see he has his
+breakfast, in good style--he is a grumbling rascal, and will give the
+house a bad character, else--you need not come back, until we ring for
+you--yes, mother, yes dearest girls, this is a far more serious matter
+than you suppose, though it ought not to be mentioned idly, among the
+people. God knows now they may take it--and bad news flies swift
+enough, of itself."
+
+"Merciful Providence!" exclaimed Mrs. Willoughby-"What _can_ you
+mean, my son?"
+
+"I mean, mother, that civil war has actually commenced in the colonies,
+and that the people of your blood and race are, in open arms, against
+the people of my father's native country--in a word, against me."
+
+"How can that be, Robert? Who would _dare_ to strike a blow
+against the king?"
+
+"When men get excited, and their passions are once inflamed, they will
+do much, my mother, that they might not dream of, else."
+
+"This must be a mistake! Some evil-disposed person has told you this,
+Robert, knowing your attachment to the crown."
+
+"I wish it were so, dear madam; but my own eyes have seen--I may say my
+own flesh has felt, the contrary."
+
+The major then related what had happened, letting his auditors into the
+secret of the true state of the country. It is scarcely necessary to
+allude to the degree of consternation and pain, with which he was
+heard, or to the grief which succeeded.
+
+"You spoke of yourself, dear Bob," said Maud, naturally, and with
+strong feeling--"_You_ were not hurt, in this cruel, cruel
+battle."
+
+"I ought not to have mentioned it, although I did certainly receive a
+smart contusion--nothing more, I assure you--here in the shoulder, and
+it now scarcely inconveniences me."
+
+By this time all were listening, curiosity and interest having silenced
+even the disputants, especially as this was the first they had heard of
+the major's casualty. Then neither felt the zeal which had warmed him
+in the previous contest, but was better disposed to turn aside from its
+pursuit.
+
+"I hope it did not send you to the rear, Bob?" anxiously inquired the
+father.
+
+"I _was_ in the rear, sir, when I got the hurt," answered the
+major, laughing. "The rear is the post of honour, on a retreat, you
+know, my dear father; and I believe our march scarce deserves another
+name."
+
+"That is hard, too, on king's troops! What sort of fellows had you to
+oppose, my son?"
+
+"A rather intrusive set, sir. Their object was to persuade us to go
+into Boston, as fast as possible; and, it was a little difficult, at
+times, not to listen to their arguments. If my Lord Percy had not come
+out, with a strong party, and two pieces of artillery, we might not
+have stood it much longer. Our men were fagged like hunted deer, and
+the day proved oppressively hot."
+
+"Artillery, too!" exclaimed the captain, his military pride reviving a
+little, to unsettle his last convictions of duty. "Did you open your
+columns, and charge your enemies, in line?"
+
+"It would have been charging air. No sooner did we halt, than our foes
+dispersed; or, no sooner did we renew the march, than every line of
+wall, along our route, became a line of hostile muskets. I trust you
+will do us justice, sir--you know the regiments, and can scarce think
+they misbehaved."
+
+"British troops seldom do that; although I have known it happen. No
+men, however, are usually more steady, and then these provincials are
+formidable as skirmishers. In that character, I know _them_, too.
+What has been the effect of all this on the country, Bob?--You told us
+something of it last night; complete the history."
+
+"The provinces are in a tumult. As for New England, a flame of fire
+could scarce be more devastating; though I think this colony is less
+excited. Still, here, men are arming in thousands."
+
+"Dear me--dear me"--ejaculated the peacefully-inclined chaplain--"that
+human beings can thus be inclined to self destruction!"
+
+"Is Tryon active?--What do the royal authorities, all this time?"
+
+"Of course they neglect nothing feasible; but, they must principally
+rely on the loyalty and influence of the gentry, until succour can
+arrive from Europe. If _that_ fail them, their difficulties will
+be much increased."
+
+Captain Willoughby understood his son; he glanced towards his
+unconscious wife, as if to see how far she felt with him.
+
+"Our own families are divided, of course, much as they have been in the
+previous discussions," he added. "The De Lanceys, Van Cortlandts,
+Philipses, Bayards, and most of that town connection, with a large
+portion of the Long Island families, I should think, are with the
+crown; while the Livingstons, Morrises, Schuylers, Rensselaers, and
+their friends, go with the colony. Is not this the manner in which they
+are divided?"
+
+"With some limitations, sir. All the De Lanceys, with most of their
+strong connections and influence, are with _us_--with the _king_,
+I mean--while all the Livingstons and Morrises are against
+us. The other families are divided--as with the Cortlandts, Schuylers,
+and Rensselaers. It is fortunate for the Patroon, that he is a boy."
+
+"Why so, Bob?" asked the captain, looking inquiringly up, at his son.
+
+"Simply, sir, that his great estate may not be confiscated. So many of
+his near connections are against us, that he could hardly escape the
+contamination; and the consequences would be inevitable."
+
+"Do you consider that so certain, sir? As there are two sides to the
+question, may there not be two results to the war?"
+
+"I think not, sir. England is no power to be defied by colonies
+insignificant as these."
+
+"This is well enough for a king's officer, major Willoughby; but all
+large bodies of men are formidable when they are right, and nations--
+these colonies are a nation, in extent and number--are not so easily
+put down, when the spirit of liberty is up and doing among them."
+
+The major listened to his father with pain and wonder. The captain
+spoke earnestly, and there was a flush about his fine countenance, that
+gave it sternness and authority. Unused to debate with his father,
+especially when the latter was in such a mood, the son remained silent,
+though his mother, who was thoroughly loyal in her heart--meaning loyal
+as applied to a sovereign--and who had the utmost confidence in her
+husband's tenderness and consideration for herself, was not so
+scrupulous.
+
+"Why, Willoughby," she cried, "you really incline to rebellion! I, even
+I, who was born in the colonies, think them very wrong to resist their
+anointed king, and sovereign prince."
+
+"Ah, Wilhelmina," answered the captain, more mildly, "you have a true
+colonist's admiration of _home_. But I was old enough, when I left
+England, to appreciate what I saw and knew, and cannot feel all this
+provincial admiration."
+
+"But surely, my dear captain, England is a very great country,"
+interrupted the chaplain--"a prodigious country; one that can claim all
+our respect and love. Look at the church, now, the purified
+continuation of the ancient visible authority of Christ on earth! It is
+the consideration of this church that has subdued my natural love of
+birth-place, and altered my sentiments."
+
+"All very true, and all very well, in _your_ mouth, chaplain; yet
+even the visible church may err. This doctrine of divine right would
+have kept the Stuarts on the throne, and it is not even English
+doctrine; much less, then, need it be American. I am no Cromwellian, no
+republican, that wishes to oppose the throne, in order to destroy it. A
+good king is a good thing, and a prodigious blessing to a country;
+still, a people needs look to its political privileges if it wish to
+preserve them. You and I will discuss this matter another time, parson.
+There will be plenty of opportunities," he added, rising, and smiling
+good-humouredly; "I must, now, call my people together, and let them
+know this news. It is not fair to conceal a civil war."
+
+"My dear sir!" exclaimed the major, in concern--"are you not wrong?--
+precipitate, I mean--Is it not better to preserve the secret, to give
+yourself time for reflection--to await events?--I can discover no
+necessity for this haste. Should you see things differently, hereafter,
+an incautious word uttered at this moment might bring much motive for
+regret."
+
+"I have thought of all this, Bob, during the night--for hardly did I
+close my eyes--and you cannot change my purpose. It is honest to let my
+people know how matters stand; and, so far from being hazardous, as you
+seem to think, I consider it wise. God knows what time will bring
+forth; but, in every, or any event, fair-dealing can scarcely injure
+him who practises it. I have already sent directions to have the whole
+settlement collected on the lawn, at the ringing of the bell, and I
+expect every moment we shall hear the summons."
+
+Against this decision there was no appeal. Mild and indulgent as the
+captain habitually was, his authority was not to be disputed, when he
+chose to exercise it. Some doubts arose, and the father participated in
+them, for a moment, as to what might be the effect on the major's
+fortunes; for, should a very patriotic spirit arise among the men, two-
+thirds of whom were native Americans, and what was more, from the
+eastern colonies, he might be detained; or, at least, betrayed on his
+return, and delivered into the hands of the revolted authorities. This
+was a very serious consideration, and it detained the captain in the
+house, some time after the people were assembled, debating the chances,
+in the bosom of his own family.
+
+"We exaggerate the danger," the captain, at length, exclaimed. "Most of
+these men have been with me for years, and I know not one among them
+who I think would wish to injure me, or even you, my son, in this way.
+There is far more danger in attempting to deceive them, than in making
+them confidants. I will go out and tell the truth; then we shall, at
+least, have the security of self-approbation. If you escape the danger
+of being sold by Nick, my son, I think you have little to fear from any
+other."
+
+"By Nick!" repeated half-a-dozen voices, in surprise--Surely, father--
+surely, Willoughby--surely, my dear captain, you cannot suspect as old
+and tried a follower, as the Tuscarora!"
+
+"Ay, he is an _old_ follower, certainly, and he has been
+_punished_ often enough, if he has not been _tried_. I have
+never suffered my distrust of that fellow to go to sleep--it is unsafe,
+with an Indian, unless you have a strong hold on his gratitude."
+
+"But, Willoughby, he it was who found this manor for us," rejoined the
+wife. "Without him, we should never have been the owners of this lovely
+place, this beaver-dam, and all else that we so much enjoy."
+
+"True, my dear; and without good golden guineas, we should not have had
+Nick."
+
+"But, sir, I pay as liberally as he can wish," observed the major. "If
+bribes will buy him, mine are as good as another's."
+
+"We shall see--under actual circumstances, I think we shall be, in
+every respect, safer, by keeping nothing back, than by telling all to
+the people."
+
+The captain now put on his hat, and issued through the undefended
+gateway, followed by every individual of his family. As the summons had
+been general, when the Willoughbys and the chaplain appeared on the
+lawn, every living soul of that isolated settlement, even to infants in
+the arms, was collected there. The captain commanded the profound
+respect of all his dependants, though a few among them did not love
+him. The fault was not his, however, but was inherent rather in the
+untoward characters of the disaffected themselves. His habits of
+authority were unsuited to their habits of a presuming equality,
+perhaps; and it is impossible for the comparatively powerful and
+affluent to escape the envy and repinings of men, who, unable to draw
+the real distinctions that separate the gentleman from the low-minded
+and grovelling, impute their advantages to accidents and money. But,
+even the few who permitted this malign and corrupting tendency to
+influence their feelings, could not deny that their master was just and
+benevolent, though he did not always exhibit this justice and
+benevolence precisely in the way best calculated to soothe their own
+craving self-love, and exaggerated notions of assumed natural claims.
+In a word, captain Willoughby, in the eyes of a few unquiet and bloated
+imaginations among his people, was obnoxious to the imputation of
+pride; and this because he saw and felt the consequences of education,
+habits, manners, opinions and sentiments that were hidden from those
+who not only had no perception of their existence, but who had no
+knowledge whatever of the qualities that brought them into being.
+Pope's familiar line of "what can we reason but from what we know?" is
+peculiarly applicable to persons of this class; who are ever for
+dragging all things down to standards created by their own ignorance;
+and who, slaves of the basest and meanest passions, reason as if they
+were possessors of all the knowledge, sensibilities and refinements of
+their own country and times. Of this class of men, comes the ordinary
+demagogue, a wretch equally incapable of setting an example of any of
+the higher qualities, in his own person or practice, and of
+appreciating it when exhibited by others. Such men abound under all
+systems where human liberty is highly privileged, being the moral
+_fungi_ of freedom, as the rankest weeds are known to be the
+troublesome and baneful productions of the richest soils.
+
+It was no unusual thing for the people of the Hutted Knoll to be
+collected, in the manner we have described. We are writing of a period,
+that the present enlightened generation is apt to confound with the
+darker ages of American knowledge, in much that relates to social
+usages at least, though it escaped the long-buried wisdom of the Mormon
+bible, and Miller's interpretations of the prophecies. In that day, men
+were not so silly as to attempt to appear always wise; but some of the
+fetes and festivals of our Anglo-Saxon ancestors were still tolerated
+among us; the all-absorbing and all-_swallowing_ jubilee of
+"Independence-day" not having yet overshadowed everything else in the
+shape of a holiday. Now, captain Willoughby had brought with him to the
+colonies the love of festivals that is so much more prevalent in the
+old world than in the new; and it was by no means an uncommon thing for
+him to call his people together, to make merry on a birth-day, or the
+anniversary of some battle in which he had been one of the victors.
+When he appeared on the lawn, on the present occasion, therefore, it
+was expected he was about to meet them with some such announcement.
+
+The inhabitants of the manor, or the estate of the Hutted Knoll, might
+be divided into three great physical, and we might add moral
+categories, or races, viz: the Anglo-Saxon, the Dutch, both high and
+low, and the African. The first was the most numerous, including the
+families of the millers, most of the mechanics, and that of Joel
+Strides, the land-overseer; the second was composed chiefly of
+labourers; and the last were exclusively household servants, with the
+exception of one of the Plinys, who was a ploughman, though permitted
+to live with his kinsfolk in the Hut. These divisions, Maud, in one of
+her merry humours, had nick-named the three tribes; while her father,
+to make the enumeration complete, had classed the serjeant, Mike, and
+Jamie Allen, as supernumeraries.
+
+The three tribes, and the three supernumeraries, then, were all
+collected on the lawn, as the captain and his family approached. By a
+sort of secret instinct, too, they had divided themselves into knots,
+the Dutch keeping a little aloof from the Yankees; and the blacks,
+almost as a matter of religion, standing a short distance in the rear,
+as became people of their colour, and slaves. Mike and Jamie, however,
+had got a sort of neutral position, between the two great divisions of
+the whites, as if equally indifferent to their dissensions or
+antipathies. In this manner all parties stood, impatiently awaiting an
+announcement that had been so long delayed. The captain advanced to the
+front, and removing his hat, a ceremony he always observed on similar
+occasions, and which had the effect to make his listeners imitate his
+own courtesy, he addressed the crowd.
+
+"When people live together, in a wilderness like this," commenced the
+captain, "there ought to be no secrets between them, my friends, in
+matters that touch the common interests. We are like men on a remote
+island; a sort of colony of our own; and we must act fairly and frankly
+by each other. In this spirit, then, I am now about to lay before you,
+all that I know myself, concerning an affair of the last importance to
+the colonies, and to the empire." Here Joel pricked up his ears, and
+cast a knowing glance at 'the miller,' a countryman and early neighbour
+of his own, who had charge of the grinding for the settlement, and who
+went by that appellation '_par excellence_!' "You all know,"
+continued the captain, "that there have been serious difficulties
+between the colonies and parliament, now, for more than ten years;
+difficulties that have been, once or twice, partially settled, but
+which have as often broken out, in some new shape, as soon as an old
+quarrel was adjusted."
+
+Here the captain paused a moment; and Joel, who was the usual spokesman
+of 'the people,' took an occasion to put a question.
+
+"The captain means, I s'pose," he said, in a sly, half-honest, half-
+jesuitical manner, "the right of parliament to tax us Americans,
+without our own consent, or our having any members in their
+le_gys_la_toore_?"
+
+"I mean what you say. The tax on tea, the shutting the port of Boston,
+and other steps, have brought larger bodies of the king's troops among
+us, than have been usual. Boston, as you probably know, has had a
+strong garrison, now, for some months. About six weeks since, the
+commander-in-chief sent a detachment out as far as Concord, in New
+Hampshire, to destroy certain stores. This detachment had a meeting
+with the minute-men, and blood was drawn. A running fight ensued, in
+which several hundreds have been killed and wounded; and I think I know
+both sides sufficiently well, to predict that a long and bloody civil
+war is begun. These are facts you should know, and accordingly I tell
+them to you."
+
+This simple, but explicit, account was received very differently, by
+the different listeners. Joel Strides leaned forward, with intense
+interest, so as not to lose a syllable. Most of the New Englanders, or
+Yankees, paid great attention, and exchanged meaning glances with each
+other, when the captain had got through. As for Mike, he grasped a
+shillelah that he habitually carried, when not at work, looking round,
+as if waiting for orders from the captain, on whom to begin. Jamie was
+thoughtful and grave, and, once or twice, as the captain proceeded, he
+scratched his head in doubt. The Dutch seemed curious, but bewildered,
+gaping at each other like men who might make up their minds, if you
+would give them time, but who certainly had not yet. As for the blacks,
+their eyes began to open like saucers, when they heard of the quarrel;
+when it got to the blows, their mouths were all grinning with the
+delight of a thing so exciting. At the mention of the number of the
+dead, however, something like awe passed over them, and changed their
+countenances to dismay. Nick alone was indifferent. By the cold apathy
+of his manner, the captain saw at once that the battle of Lexington had
+not been a secret to the Tuscarora, when he commenced his own account.
+As the captain always encouraged a proper familiarity in his
+dependants, he now told them he was ready to answer any questions they
+might think expedient to put to him, in gratification of their natural
+curiosity.
+
+"I s'pose this news comes by the major?" asked Joel.
+
+"You may well suppose that, Strides. My son is here, and we have no
+other means of getting it."
+
+"Will yer honour be wishful that we shoulther our fire-arms, and go out
+and fight one of them sides, or t'other?" demanded Mike.
+
+"I wish nothing of the sort, O'Hearn. It will be time enough for us to
+take a decided part, when we get better ideas of what is really going
+on."
+
+"Doesn't the captain, then, think matters have got far enough towards a
+head, for the Americans to make up their minds conclusively, as it
+might be?" put in Joel, in his very worst manner.
+
+"I think it will be wiser for us all to remain where we are, and
+_as_ we are. Civil war is a serious matter, Strides, And no man
+should rush blindly into its dangers and difficulties."
+
+Joel looked at the miller, and the miller looked at Joel. Neither said
+anything, however, at the time. Jamie Allen had been _out_ in the
+'forty-five,' when thirty years younger than he was that day; and
+though he had his predilections and antipathies, circumstances had
+taught him prudence.
+
+"Will the parliament, think ye, no be bidding the soldiery to wark
+their will on the puir unairmed folk, up and down the country, and they
+not provided with the means to resist them?"
+
+"Och, Jamie!" interrupted Mike, who did not appear to deem it necessary
+to treat this matter with even decent respect--"where will be yer
+valour and stomach, to ask sich a question as _that_! A man is
+always reathy, when he has his ar-r-ms and legs free to act accorthing
+to natur'. What would a rigiment of throops do ag'in the likes of sich
+a place as this? I'm sure it's tin years I've been _in_ it, and
+I've niver been able to find my way _out_ of it. Set a souldier to
+rowing on the lake forenent the rising sun, with orders to get to the
+other ind, and a pretty job he 'd make of marching on that same! I
+knows it, for I've thried it, and it is not a new beginner that will
+make much of _sich_ oare; barring he knows nothin' about them."
+
+This was not very intelligible to anybody but Joel, and _he_ had
+ceased to laugh at Mike's voyage, now, some six or seven years; divers
+other disasters, all having their origin in a similar confusion of
+ideas, having, in the interval, supplanted that calamity, as it might
+be, _seriatim_. Still it was an indication that Mike might be set
+down as a belligerent, who was disposed to follow his leader into the
+battle, without troubling him with many questions concerning the merits
+of the quarrel. Nevertheless, the county Leitrim-man acknowledged
+particular principles, all of which had a certain influence on his
+conduct, whenever he could get at them, to render them available. First
+and foremost, he cordially disliked a Yankee; and he hated an
+Englishman, both as an oppressor and a heretic; yet he loved his master
+and all that belonged to him. These were contradictory feelings,
+certainly; but Mike was all contradiction, both in theory and in
+practice.
+
+The Anglo-Saxon tribe now professed a willingness to retire, promising
+to _think of the matter_, a course against which Mike loudly
+protested, declaring he never knew any good come of thinking, when
+matters had got as far as blows. Jamie, too, went off scratching his
+head, and he was seen to make many pauses, that day, between the
+shovels-full of earth he, from time to time, threw around his plants,
+as if pondering on what he had heard. As for the Dutch, their hour had
+not come. No one expected them to decide the day they first heard of
+argument.
+
+The negroes got together, and began to dwell on the marvels of a battle
+in which so many Christians had been put to death. Little Smash placed
+the slain at a few thousands; but Great Smash, as better became her
+loftier appellation and higher spirit, affirmed that the captain had
+stated _hundreds_ of thousands; a loss, with less than which, as
+she contended, no great battle could possibly be fought.
+
+When the captain was housed, Serjeant Joyce demanded an audience; the
+object of which was simply to ask for _orders_, without the least
+reference to _principles_.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VII.
+
+        We are all here!
+        Father, mother,
+        Sister, brother,
+  All who hold each other dear.
+  Each chair is fill'd--we're all _at home_;
+  To-night let no cold stranger come:
+  It is not often thus around
+  Our old familiar hearth we're found:
+  Bless, then, the meeting and the spot;
+  For once be every care forgot;
+  Let gentle Peace assert her power,
+  And kind Affection rule the hour;
+        We're all--all here.
+
+  Sprague.
+
+Although most of the people retired to their dwellings, or their
+labours, as soon as the captain dismissed them, a few remained to
+receive his farther orders. Among these last were Joel, the carpenter,
+and the blacksmith. These men now joined the chief of the settlement
+and his son, who had lingered near the gateway, in conversation
+concerning the alterations that the present state of things might
+render necessary, in and about the Hut.
+
+"Joel," observed the captain, when the three men were near enough to
+hear his orders, "this great change in the times will render some
+changes in our means of defence prudent, if not necessary."
+
+"Does the captain s'pose the people of the colony will attack _us_?"
+asked the wily overseer, with emphasis.
+
+"Perhaps not the people of the colony, Mr. Strides, for we have not
+_yet_ declared ourselves their enemies; but there are other foes, who
+are more to be apprehended than the people of the colony."
+
+"I should think the king's troops not likely to trouble themselves to
+ventur' here--the road might prove easier to come than to return.
+Besides, our plunder would scarce pay for such a march."
+
+"Perhaps not--but there never has yet been a war in these colonies that
+some of the savage tribes were not engaged in it, before the whites had
+fairly got themselves into line."
+
+"Do you really think, sir, there can be much serious danger of
+_that_!" exclaimed the major, in surprise.
+
+"Beyond a question, my son. The scalping-knife will be at work in six
+months, if it be not busy already, should one-half of your reports and
+rumours turn out to be true. Such is American history."
+
+"I rather think, sir, your apprehensions for my mother and sisters may
+mislead you. I do not believe the American authorities will ever allow
+themselves to be driven into a measure so perfectly horrible and
+unjustifiable; and were the English ministry sufficiently cruel, or
+unprincipled, to adopt the policy, the honest indignation of so humane
+a people would be certain to drive them from power."
+
+As the major ceased speaking, he turned and caught the expression of
+Joel's countenance, and was struck with the look of intense interest
+with which the overseer watched his own warm and sincere manner.
+
+"Humanity is a very pretty stalking-horse for political orations, Bob,"
+quietly returned the father; "but it will scarcely count for much with
+an old campaigner. God send you may come out of this war with the same
+ingenuous and natural feelings as you go into it."
+
+"The major will scarce dread the savages, should he be on the side of
+his nat'ral friends!" remarked Joel; "and if what he says about the
+humanity of the king's advisers be true, he will be safe from _them_."
+
+"The major will be on the side to which duty calls him, Mr. Strides, if
+it may be agreeable to your views of the matter," answered the young
+man, with a little more _hauteur_ than the occasion required.
+
+The father felt uneasy, and he regretted that his son had been so
+indiscreet; though he saw no remedy but by drawing the attention of the
+men to the matter before them.
+
+"Neither the real wishes of the people of America, nor of the people of
+England, will avail much, in carrying on this war," he said. "Its
+conduct will fall into the hands of those who will look more to the
+ends than to the means; and success will be found a sufficient apology
+for any wrong. This has been the history of all the wars of my time,
+and it is likely to prove the history of this. I fear it will make
+little difference to us on which side we may be in feeling; there will
+be savages to guard against in either case. This gate must be hung, one
+of the first things, Joel; and I have serious thoughts of placing
+palisades around the Knoll. The Hut, well palisaded, would make a work
+that could not be easily carried, without artillery."
+
+Joel seemed struck with the idea, though it did not appear that it was
+favourably. He stood studying the house and the massive gates for a
+minute or two, ere he delivered his sentiments on the subject. When he
+did speak, it was a good deal more in doubt, than in approbation.
+
+"It's all very true, captain," he said; the house would _seem_ to
+be a good deal more safe like, if the gates were up; but, a body don't
+know; sometimes gates be a security, and sometimes they isn't. It all
+depends on which side the danger comes. Still, as these are _made_,
+and finished all to hanging, it's 'most a pity, too, they
+shouldn't be used, if a body could find _time_."
+
+"The time _must_ be found, and the gates be hung," interrupted the
+captain, too much accustomed to Joel's doubting, 'sort-o'-concluding
+manner, to be always patient under the infliction. "Not only the gates,
+but the palisades must be got out, holes dug, and the circumvallation
+completed."
+
+"It must be as the captain says, of course, he being master here. But
+time's precious in May. There's half our plantin' to be done yet, and
+some of the ground hasn't got the last ploughin'. Harvest won't come
+without seed-time; for no man, let him be great, or let him be small--
+and it does seem to me a sort o' wastin' of the Lord's blessin's, to be
+hangin' gates, and diggin' holes for that--the thing the captain
+mentioned--when there's no visible danger in sight to recommend the
+measure to prudence, as it might be."
+
+"That may be your opinion, Mr. Strides, but it is not mine. I intend to
+guard against a visible danger that is _out_ of sight, and I will
+thank you to have these gates hung, this very day."
+
+"This very day!--The captain's a mind to be musical about the matter!
+Every hand in the settlement couldn't get them gates in their places in
+less than a week."
+
+"It appears to me, Strides, you are 'playing on the music,' as you call
+it, yourself, now?"
+
+"No, indeed, captain; them gates will have to be hung on the mechanic
+principle; and it will take at least two or three days for the
+carpenter and blacksmith to get up the works that's to do it. Then the
+hanging, itself, I should think would stand us in hand a day for each
+side. As for the circumvalley, what between the cuttin', and haulin',
+and diggin', and settin', that would occupy all hands until after first
+hoein'. That is, hoein' would come afore the plantin'."
+
+"It does not appear to me, Bob, such a heavy job as Joel represents!
+The gates are heavy, certainly, and may take us a day or two; but, as
+for stockading--I've seen barracks stockaded in, in a week, if I
+remember right. You know something of this--what is your opinion?"
+
+"That this house can be stockaded in, in the time you mention; and, as
+I have a strong reluctance to leave the family before it is in
+security, with your permission I will remain and superintend the work."
+
+The offer was gladly accepted, on more accounts than one; and the
+captain, accustomed to be obeyed when he was in earnest, issued his
+orders forthwith, to let the work proceed. Joel, however, was excused,
+in order that he might finish the planting he had commenced, and which
+a very few hands could complete within the required time. As no ditch
+was necessary, the work was of a very simple nature, and the major set
+about his portion of it without even re-entering the house.
+
+The first thing was to draw a line for a trench some six or seven feet
+deep, that was to encircle the whole building, at a distance of about
+thirty yards from the house. This line ran, on each side of the Hut, on
+the very verge of the declivities, rendering the flanks far more secure
+than the front, where it crossed the lawn on a gently inclining
+surface. In one hour the major had traced this lines with accuracy; and
+he had six or eight men at work with spades, digging the trench. A gang
+of hands was sent into the woods, with orders to cut the requisite
+quantify of young chestnuts; and, by noon, a load of the material
+actually appeared on the ground. Still, nothing was done to the gates.
+
+To own the truth, the captain was now delighted. The scene reminded him
+of some in his military life, and he bustled about, giving his orders,
+with a good deal of the fire of youth renewed, taking care, however, in
+no manner to interfere with the plans of his son. Mike buried himself
+like a mole, and had actually advanced several feet, before either of
+the Yankees had got even a fair footing on the bottom of his part of
+the trench. As for Jamie Allen, he went to work with deliberation; but
+it was not long before his naked gray hairs were seen on a level with
+the surface of the ground. The digging was not hard, though a little
+stony, and the work proceeded with spirit and success. All that day,
+and the next, and the next, and the next, the Knoll appeared alive,
+earth being cast upward, teams moving, carpenters sawing, and labourers
+toiling. Many of the men protested that their work was useless,
+unnecessary, _unlawful_ even; but no one dared hesitate under the
+eyes of the major, when his father had once issued a serious command.
+In the mean time, Joel's planting was finished, though he made many
+long pauses while at work on the flats, to look up and gaze at the
+scene of activity and bustle that was presented at the Knoll. On the
+fourth day, towards evening, he was obliged to join the general "bee,"
+with the few hands he had retained with himself.
+
+By this time, the trench was dug, most of the timber was prepared, and
+the business of setting up the stockade was commenced. Each young tree
+was cut to the length of twenty feet, and pointed at one end. Mortices,
+to receive cross-pieces, were cut at proper distances, and holes were
+bored to admit the pins. This was all the preparation, and the timbers
+were set in the trench, pointed ends uppermost. When a sufficient
+number were thus arranged, a few inches from each other, the cross-
+pieces were pinned on, bringing the whole into a single connected
+frame, or bent. The bent was then raised to a perpendicular, and
+secured, by pounding the earth around the lower ends of the timbers.
+The latter process required care and judgment, and it was entrusted to
+the especial supervision of the deliberate Jamie, the major having
+discovered that the Yankees, in general, were too impatient to get on,
+and to make a show. Serjeant Joyce was particularly useful in dressing
+the rows of timber, and in giving the whole arrangement a military air.
+
+"_Guid_ wark is far better than _quick_ wark," observed the
+cool-headed Scotchman, as he moved about among the men, "and it's no
+the fuss and bustle of acteevity that is to give the captain pleasure.
+The thing that is well done, is done with the least noise and
+confusion. Set the stockades mair pairpendic'lar, my men."
+
+"Ay--dress them, too, my lads"--added the venerable ex-serjeant.
+
+"This is queer plantin', Jamie," put in Joel, "and queerer grain will
+come of it. Do you think these young chestnuts will ever grow, ag'in,
+that you put them out in rows, like so much corn?"
+
+"Now it's no for the growth we does it, Joel, but to presairve the
+human growth we have. To keep the savage bairbers o' the wilderness
+fra' clippin' our polls before the shearin' time o' natur' has gathered
+us a' in for the hairvest of etairnity. They that no like the safety
+we're makin' for them, can gang their way to 'ither places, where they
+'11 find no forts, or stockades to trouble their een."
+
+"I'm not critical at all, Jamie, though to my notion a much better use
+for your timber plantation would be to turn it into sheds for cattle,
+in the winter months. I can see some good in _that_, but none in
+_this_."
+
+"Bad luck to ye, then, Misther Sthroddle," cried Mike, from the bottom
+of the trench, where he was using a pounding instrument with the zeal
+of a paviour--"Bad luck to the likes of ye, say I, Misther Strides. If
+ye've no relish for a fortification, in a time of war, ye've only to
+shoulther yer knapsack, and go out into the open counthry, where ye'll
+have all to yer own satisfaction. Is it forthify the house, will we?
+That we will, and not a hair of the missuss's head, nor of the young
+ladies' heads, nor of the masther's head, though he's mighty bald as it
+is, but not a hair of _all_ their heads shall be harmed, while
+Jamie, and Mike, and the bould ould serjeant, here, can have their way.
+I wish I had the trench full of yer savages, and a gineral funeral we'd
+make of the vagabonds! Och! They're the divil's imps, I hear from all
+sides, and no love do I owe them."
+
+"And yet you're the bosom friend of Nick, who's anything but what I
+call a specimen of his people."
+
+"Is it Nick ye 're afther? Well, Nick's half-civilized accorthin' to
+yer Yankee manners, and he's no spicimen, at all. Let him hear you call
+him by sich a name, if ye want throuble."
+
+Joel walked away, muttering, leaving the labourers in doubt whether he
+relished least the work he was now obliged to unite in furthering, or
+Mike's hit at his own peculiar people. Still the work proceeded, and in
+one week from the day it was commenced, the stockade was complete, its
+gate excepted. The entrance through the palisades was directly in front
+of that to the house, and both passages still remained open, one set of
+gates not being completed, and the other not yet being hung.
+
+It was on a Saturday evening when the last palisade was placed firmly
+in the ground, and all the signs of the recent labour were removed, in
+order to restore as much of the former beauty of the Knoll as possible.
+It had been a busy week; so much so, indeed, as to prevent the major
+from holding any of that confidential intercourse with his mother and
+sisters, in which it had been his habit to indulge in former visits.
+The fatigues of the days sent everybody to their pillows early; and the
+snatches of discourse which passed, had been affectionate and pleasant,
+rather than communicative. Now that the principal job was so near being
+finished, however, and the rubbish was cleared away, the captain
+summoned the family to the lawn again, to enjoy a delicious evening
+near the close of the winning month of May. The season was early, and
+the weather more bland, than was usual, even in that sheltered and
+genial valley. For the first time that year, Mrs. Willoughby consented
+to order the tea-equipage to be carried to a permanent table that had
+been placed under the shade of a fine elm, in readiness for any _fete
+champetre_ of this simple character.
+
+"Come, Wilhelmina, give us a cup of your fragrant hyson, of which we
+have luckily abundance, tax or no tax. I should lose _caste_, were
+it known how much American treason we have gulped down, in this way;
+but, a little tea, up here in the forest, can do no man's conscience
+any great violence, in the long run. I suppose, major Willoughby, His
+Majesty's forces do not disdain tea, in these stirring times."
+
+"Far from it, sir; we deem it so loyal to drink it, that it is said the
+port and sherry of the different messes, at Boston, are getting to be
+much neglected. I am an admirer of tea, for itself, however, caring
+little about its collateral qualities. Farrel"--turning to his man, who
+was aiding Pliny the elder, in arranging the table--"when you are
+through here, bring out the basket you will find on the toilet, in my
+room."
+
+"True, Bob," observed the mother, smiling--"that basket has scarce been
+treated with civility. Not a syllable of thanks have I heard, for all
+the fine things it contains."
+
+"My mind has been occupied with care for your safety, dear mother, and
+that must be my excuse. Now, however, there is an appearance of
+security which gives one a breathing-time, and my gratitude receives a
+sudden impulse. As for you, Maud, I regret to be compelled to say that
+you stand convicted of laziness; not a single thing do I owe to your
+labours, or recollection of me."
+
+"Is that possible!" exclaimed the captain, who was pouring water into
+the tea-pot. "Maud is the last person I should suspect of neglect of
+this nature; I do assure you, Bob, no one listens to news of your
+promotions and movements with more interest than Maud."
+
+Maud, herself, made no answer. She bent her head aside, in a secret
+consciousness that her sister might alone detect, and form her own
+conclusions concerning the colour that she felt warming her cheeks.
+But, Maud's own sensitive feelings attributed more to Beulah than the
+sincere and simple-minded girl deserved. So completely was she
+accustomed to regard Robert and Maud as brother and sister, that even
+all which had passed produced no effect in unsettling her opinions, or
+in giving her thoughts a new direction. Just at this moment Farrel came
+back, and placed the basket on the bench, at the side of his master.
+
+"Now, my dearest mother, and you, girls"--the major had begun to drop
+the use of the word 'sisters' when addressing _both_ the young
+ladies--"Now, my dearest mother, and you, girls, I am about to give
+each her due. In the first place, I confess my own unworthiness, and
+acknowledge, that I do not deserve one-half the kind attention I have
+received in these various presents, after which we will descend to
+particulars."
+
+The major, then, exposed every article contained in the basket, finding
+the words "mother" and "Beulah" pinned on each, but nowhere any
+indication that his younger sister had even borne him in mind. His
+father looked surprised at this, not to say a little grave; and he
+waited, with evident curiosity, for the gifts of Maud, as one thing
+after another came up, without any signs of her having recollected the
+absentee.
+
+"This is odd, truly," observed the father, seriously; "I hope, Bob, you
+have done nothing to deserve this? I should be sorry to have my little
+girl affronted!"
+
+"I assure you, sir, that I am altogether ignorant of any act, and I can
+solemnly protest against any intention, to give offence. If guilty, I
+now pray Maud to pardon me."
+
+"You have done nothing, Bob--_said_ nothing, Bob--_thought_
+nothing to offend me," cried Maud, eagerly.
+
+"Why, then, have you forgotten him, darling, when your mother and
+sister have done so much in the way of recollection?" asked the
+captain.
+
+"Forced gifts, my dear father, are no gifts. I do not like to be
+compelled to make presents."
+
+This was uttered in a way to induce the major to throw all the articles
+back into the basket, as if he wished to get rid of the subject,
+without further comment. Owing to this precipitation, the scarf was not
+seen. Fortunately for Maud, who was ready to burst into tears, the
+service of the tea prevented any farther allusion to the matter.
+
+"You have told me, major," observed captain Willoughby, "that your old
+regiment has a new colonel; but you have forgotten to mention his name.
+I hope it is my old messmate, Tom Wallingford, who wrote me he had some
+such hopes last year."
+
+"General Wallingford has got a light-dragoon regiment--general Meredith
+has my old corps; he is now in this country, at the head of one of
+Gage's brigades."
+
+It is a strong proof of the manner in which Maud--Maud Willoughby, as
+she was ever termed--had become identified with the family of the
+Hutted Knoll, that, with two exceptions, not a person present thought
+of her, when the name of this general Meredith was mentioned; though,
+in truth, he was the uncle of her late father. The exceptions were the
+major and herself. The former now never heard the name without thinking
+of his beautiful little playfellow, and nominal sister; while Maud, of
+late, had become curious and even anxious on the subject of her natural
+relatives. Still, a feeling akin to awe, a sentiment that appeared as
+if it would be doing violence to a most solemn duty, prevented her from
+making any allusion to her change of thought, in the presence of those
+whom, during childhood, she had viewed only as her nearest relatives,
+and who still continued so to regard her. She would have given the
+world to ask Bob a few questions concerning the kinsman he had
+mentioned, but could not think of doing so before her mother, whatever
+she might be induced to attempt with the young man, when by himself.
+
+Nick next came strolling along, gazing at the stockade, and drawing
+near the table with an indifference to persons and things that
+characterized his habits. When close to the party he stopped, keeping
+his eye on the recent works.
+
+"You see, Nick, I am about to turn soldier again, in my old days,"
+observed the captain. "It is now many years since you and I have met
+within a line of palisades. How do you like our work?"
+
+"What you make him for, cap'in?"
+
+"So as to be secure against any red-skins who may happen to long for
+our scalps."
+
+"Why want _your_ scalp? Hatchet hasn't been dug up, atween us--
+bury him so deep can't find him in ten, two, six year."
+
+"Ay, it has long been buried, it is true; but you red gentlemen have a
+trick of digging it up, with great readiness, when there is any
+occasion for it. I suppose you know, Nick, that there are troubles in
+the colonies?"
+
+"Tell Nick all about him,"--answered the Indian, evasively--"No read--
+no hear--don't talk much--talk most wid Irisher--can't understand what
+he want--say t'ing one way, den say him, anoder."
+
+"Mike is not very lucid of a certainty," rejoined the captain,
+laughing, all the party joining in the merriment--"but he is a sterling
+good fellow, and is always to be found, in a time of need."
+
+"Poor rifle--nebber hit--shoot one way, look t'other?"
+
+"He is no great shot, I will admit; but he is a famous fellow with a
+shillaleh. Has he given you any of the news?"
+
+"All he say, news--much news ten time, as one time. Cap'in lend Nick a
+quarter dollar, yesterday."
+
+"I did lend you a quarter, certainly, Nick; and I supposed it had gone
+to the miller for rum, before this. What am I to understand by your
+holding it out in this manner?--that you mean to repay me!"
+
+"Sartain--good quarter--just like him cap'in lent Nick. Like as one
+pea. Nick man of honour; keep his word."
+
+"This does look more like it than common, Nick. The money was to be
+returned to-day, but I did not expect to see it, so many previous
+contracts of that nature having been vacated, as the lawyers call it."
+
+"Tuscarora chief alway gentleman. What he say, he do. Good quarter
+dollar, dat, cap'in?"
+
+"It is unexceptionable, old acquaintance; I'll not disdain receiving
+it, as it may serve for a future loan."
+
+"No need bye'm-by--take him, now--cap'in, lend Nick dollar; pay him to-
+morrow."
+
+The captain protested against the _sequitur_ that the Indian
+evidently wished to establish; declining, though in a good-natured
+manner, to lend the larger sum. Nick was disappointed, and walked
+sullenly away, moving nearer to the stockade, with the air of an
+offended man.
+
+"That is an extraordinary fellow, sir!" observed the major--"I really
+wonder you tolerate him so much about the Hut. It might be a good idea
+to banish him, now that the war has broken out."
+
+"Which would be a thing more easily said than done. A drop of water
+might as readily be banished from that stream, as an Indian, from any
+part of the forest he may choose to visit. You brought him here
+yourself, Bob, and should not blame us for tolerating his presence."
+
+"I brought him, sir, because I found he recognised me even in this
+dress, and it was wise to make a friend of him. Then I wanted a guide,
+and I was well assured he knew the way, if any man did. He is a surly
+scoundrel, however, and appears to have changed his character, since I
+was a boy."
+
+"If there be any change, Bob, it is in yourself. Nick has been Nick
+these thirty years, or as long as I have known him. Rascal he is, or
+his tribe would not have cast him out. Indian justice is stern, but it
+is natural justice. No man is ever put to the ban among the red men,
+until they are satisfied he is not fit to enjoy savage rights. In
+garrison, we always looked upon Nick as a clever knave, and treated him
+accordingly. When one is on his guard against such a fellow, he can do
+little harm, and this Tuscarora has a salutary dread of me, which keeps
+him in tolerable order, during his visits to the Hut. The principal
+mischief he does here, is to get Mike and Jamie deeper in the Santa
+Cruz than I could wish; but the miller has his orders to sell no more
+rum."
+
+"I hardly think you do Nick justice, Willoughby," observed the right-
+judging and gentle wife. "He has _some_ good qualities; but you
+soldiers always apply martial-law to the weaknesses of your fellow-
+creatures."
+
+"And you tender-hearted women, my dear Wilhelmina, think everybody as
+good as yourselves."
+
+"Remember, Hugh, when your son, there, had the canker-rash, how
+actively and readily the Tuscarora went into the forest to look for the
+gold-thread that even the doctors admitted cured him. It was difficult
+to find, Robert; but Nick remembered a spot where he had seen it, fifty
+miles off; and, without a request even, from us, he travelled that
+distance to procure it."
+
+"Yes, this is true"--returned the captain, thoughtfully--"though I
+question if the cure was owing to the gold-thread, as you call it,
+Wilhelmina. Every man has some good quality or other; and, I much fear,
+some bad ones also.--But, here is the fellow coming back, and I do not
+like to let him think himself of sufficient consequence to be the
+subject of our remarks."
+
+"Very true, sir--it adds excessively to the trouble of such fellows, to
+let them fancy themselves of importance."
+
+Nick, now, came slowly back, after having examined the recent changes
+to his satisfaction. He stood a moment in silence, near the table, and
+then, assuming an air of more dignity than common, he addressed the
+captain.
+
+"Nick ole _chief_" he said. "Been at Council Fire, often as
+cap'in. Can't tell, all he know; want to hear about new war."
+
+"Why, Nick, it is a family quarrel, this time. The French have nothing
+to do with it."
+
+"Yengeese fight Yengeese--um?"
+
+"I am afraid it will so turn out. Do not the Tuscaroras sometimes dig
+up the hatchet against the Tuscaroras?"
+
+"Tuscarora man kill Tuscarora man--good--he quarrel, and kill he enemy.
+But Tuscarora warrior nebber take scalp of Tuscarora squaw and
+pappoose! What you t'ink he do dat for? Red man no hog, to eat pork."
+
+"It must be admitted, Nick, you are a very literal logician--'dog won't
+eat dog,' is our English saying. Still the _Yankee_ will fight the
+Yengeese, it would seem. In a word, the Great Father, in England, has
+raised the hatchet against his American children."
+
+"How you like him, cap'in--um? Which go on straight path, which go on
+crooked? How you like him?"
+
+"I like it little, Nick, and wish with all my heart the quarrel had not
+taken place."
+
+"Mean to put on regimentals--hah! Mean to be cap'in, ag'in? Follow drum
+and fife, like ole time?"
+
+"I rather think not, old comrade. After sixty, one likes peace better
+than war; and I intend to stay at home."
+
+"What for, den, build fort? Why you put fence round a house, like pound
+for sheep?"
+
+"Because I intend to _stay_ there. The stockade will be good to
+keep off any, or every enemy who may take it into their heads to come
+against us. You have known me defend a worse position than this."
+
+"He got no gate," muttered Nick--"What he good for, widout gate?
+Yengeese, Yankees, red man, French man, walk in just as he please. No
+good to leave such squaw wid a door wide open."
+
+"Thank you, Nick," cried Mrs. Willoughby. "I knew you were _my_
+friend, and have not forgotten the gold-thread."
+
+"He _very_ good," answered the Indian, with an important look.
+"Pappoose get well like not'ing. He a'most die, to-day; to-morrow he
+run about and play. Nick do him, too; cure him wid gold-thread."
+
+"Oh! you are, or were quite a physician at one time, Nick. I remember
+when you had the smallpox, yourself."
+
+The Indian turned, with the quickness of lightning, to Mrs. Willoughby,
+whom he startled with his energy, as he demanded--
+
+"You remember dat, Mrs. cap'in! Who gib him--who cure him--um?"
+
+"Upon my word, Nick, you almost frighten me. I fear I gave you the
+disease, but it was for your own good it was done. You were inoculated
+by myself, when the soldiers were dying around us, because they had
+never had that care taken of them. All I inoculated lived; yourself
+among the number."
+
+The startling expression passed away from the fierce countenance of the
+savage, leaving in its place another so kind and amicable as to prove
+he not only was aware of the benefit he had received, but that he was
+deeply grateful for it. He drew near to Mrs. Willoughby, took her still
+white and soft hand in his own sinewy and dark fingers, then dropped
+the blanket that he had thrown carelessly across his body, from a
+shoulder, and laid it on a mark left by the disease, by way of pointing
+to her good work. He smiled, as this was done.
+
+"Ole mark," he said, nodding his head--"sign we good friend--he nebber
+go away while Nick live."
+
+This touched the captain's heart, and he tossed a dollar towards the
+Indian, who suffered it, however, to lie at his feet unnoticed. Turning
+to the stockade, he pointed significantly at the open gateways.
+
+"Great danger go t'rough little 'ole," he said, sententiously, walking
+away as he concluded. "Why you leave big 'ole open?"
+
+"We _must_ get those gates hung next week," said the captain,
+positively; "and yet it is almost absurd to apprehend anything serious
+in this remote settlement, and that at so early a period in the war."
+
+Nothing further passed on the lawn worthy to be recorded. The sun set,
+and the family withdrew into the house, as usual, to trust to the
+overseeing care of Divine Providence, throughout a night passed in a
+wilderness. By common consent, the discourse turned upon things noway
+connected with the civil war, or its expected results, until the party
+was about to separate for the night, when the major found himself alone
+with his sisters, in his own little parlour, dressing-room, or study,
+whatever the room adjoining his chamber could properly be called.
+
+"You will not leave us soon, Robert," said Beulah, taking her brother's
+hand, with confiding affection, "I hardly think my father young and
+active enough, or rather _alarmed_ enough, to live in times like
+these!"
+
+"He is a soldier, Beulah, and a good one; so good that his son can
+teach him nothing. I wish I could say that he is as good a
+_subject_: I fear he leans to the side of the colonies."
+
+"Heaven be praised!" exclaimed Beulah--"Oh! that his son would incline
+in the same direction."
+
+"Nay, Beulah," rejoined Maud, reproachfully; "you speak without
+reflection. Mamma bitterly regrets that papa sees things in the light
+he does. _She_ thinks the parliament right, and the colonies
+wrong."
+
+"What a thing is a civil war!" ejaculated the major--"Here is husband
+divided against wife--son against father--brother against sister. I
+could almost wish I were dead, ere I had lived to see this!"
+
+"Nay, Robert, it is not so bad as that, either," added Maud. "My mother
+will never oppose my father's will or judgment. Good wives, you know,
+never do _that_. She will only pray that he may decide right, and
+in a way that his children will never have cause to regret. As for me,
+I count for nothing, of course."
+
+"And Beulah, Maud; is she nothing, too? Here will Beulah be praying for
+her brother's defeat, throughout this war. It has been some
+presentiment of this difference of opinion that has probably induced
+you to forget me, while Beulah and my mother were passing so many hours
+to fill that basket."
+
+"Perhaps you do Maud injustice, Robert," said Beulah, smiling. "I think
+I can say none loves you better than our dear sister--or no one has
+thought of you more, in your absence."
+
+"Why, then, does the basket contain no proof of this remembrance--not
+even a chain of hair--a purse, or a ring--nothing, in short, to show
+that I have not been forgotten, when away."
+
+"Even if this be so," said Maud, with spirit, "in what am I worse than
+yourself. What proof is there that you have remembered _us?_"
+
+"This," answered the major, laying before his sisters two small
+packages, each marked with the name of its proper owner. "My mother has
+her's, too, and my father has not been forgotten."
+
+Beulah's exclamations proved how much she was gratified with her
+presents; principally trinkets and jewelry, suited to her years and
+station. First kissing the major, she declared her mother must see what
+she had received, before she retired for the night, and hurried from
+the room. That Maud was not less pleased, was apparent by her glowing
+cheeks and tearful eyes; though, for a wonder, she was far more
+restrained in the expression of her feelings. After examining the
+different articles, with pleasure, for a minute or two, she went, with
+a quick impetuous movement, to the basket, tumbled all its contents on
+the table, until she reached the scarf, which she tossed towards the
+major, saying, with a faint laugh--
+
+"There, unbeliever--heathen--is _that_ nothing? Was that made in a
+minute, think you?"
+
+"_This!_" cried the major, opening the beautiful, glossy fabric in
+surprise. "Is not this one of my father's old sashes, to which I have
+fallen heir, in the order of nature?"
+
+Maud dropped her trinkets, and seizing two corners of the sash, she
+opened it, in a way to exhibit its freshness and beauty.
+
+"Is this _old_, or _worn?_" she asked, reproachfully. "Your
+father never even saw it, Bob. It has not yet been around the waist of
+man."
+
+"It is not possible!--This would be the work of months--is _so_
+beautiful--you cannot have purchased it."
+
+Maud appeared distressed at his doubts. Opening the folds still wider,
+she raised the centre of the silk to the light, pointed to certain
+letters that had been wrought into the fabric, so ingeniously as to
+escape ordinary observation, and yet so plainly as to be distinctly
+legible when the attention was once drawn to them. The major took the
+sash into his own hands altogether, held it opened before the candles,
+and read the words "Maud Meredith" aloud. Dropping the sash, he turned
+to seek the face of the donor, but she had fled the room. He followed
+her footsteps and entered the library, just as she was about to escape
+from it, by a different door.
+
+"I am offended at your incredulity," said Maud, making an effort to
+laugh away the scene, "and will not remain to hear lame excuses. Your
+new regiment can have no nature in it, or brothers would not treat
+sisters thus."
+
+"Maud _Meredith_ is not my sister," he said, earnestly, "though
+Maud _Willoughby_ may be. Why is the name Meredith?"
+
+"As a retort to one of your own allusions--did you not call me Miss
+Meredith, one day, when I last saw you in Albany?"
+
+"Ay, but that was in jest, my dearest Maud. It was not a deliberate
+thing, like the name on that sash."
+
+"Oh! jokes may be premeditated as well as murder; and many a one _is_
+murdered, you know. Mine is a prolonged jest."
+
+"Tell me, does my mother--does Beulah know who made this sash?"
+
+"How else could it have been made, Bob? Do you think I went into the
+woods, and worked by myself, like some romantic damsel who had an
+unmeaning secret to keep against the curious eyes of persecuting
+friends!"
+
+"I know not what I thought--scarce know what I think now. But, my
+mother; does she know of this _name_?"
+
+Maud blushed to the eyes; but the habit and the love of truth were so
+strong in her, that she shook her head in the negative.
+
+"Nor Beulah?--_She_, I am certain, would not have permitted
+'Meredith' to appear where 'Willoughby' should have been."
+
+"Nor Beulah, either, major Willoughby," pronouncing the name with an
+affectation of reverence. "The honour of the Willoughbys is thus
+preserved from every taint, and all the blame must fall on poor Maud
+Meredith."
+
+"You dislike the name of Willoughby, then, and intend to drop it, in
+future--I have remarked that you sign yourself only 'Maud,' in your
+last letters--never before, however, did I suspect the reason."
+
+"Who wishes to live for ever an impostor? It is not my legal name, and
+I shall soon be called on to perform legal acts. Remember, Mr. Robert
+Willoughby, I am twenty; when it comes to pounds, shillings, and pence,
+I must not forge. A little habit is necessary to teach me the use of my
+own _bona fide_ signature."
+
+"But ours--the name is not hateful to you--you do not throw it aside,
+seriously, for ever!"
+
+"_Yours_! What, the honoured name of my dear, dearest father--of
+my mother--of Beulah--of yourself, Bob!"
+
+Maud did not remain to terminate her speech. Bursting into tears, she
+vanished.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter VIII.
+
+  The village tower--'tis joy to me!--I cry, the Lord is here!
+  The village bells! They fill the soul with ecstasy sincere.
+  And thus, I sing, the light hath shined to lands in darkness hurled,
+  Their sound is now in all the earth, their words throughout the world.
+
+  Coxe.
+
+Another night past in peace within the settlement of the Hutted Knoll.
+The following morning was the Sabbath, and it came forth, balmy,
+genial, and mild; worthy of the great festival of the Christian world.
+On the subject of religion, captain Willoughby was a little of a
+martinet; understanding by liberty of conscience, the right of
+improving by the instruction of those ministers who belonged to the
+church of England. Several of his labourers had left him because he
+refused to allow of any other ministrations on his estate; his doctrine
+being that every man had a right to do as he pleased in such matters;
+and as he did not choose to allow of schism, within the sphere of his
+own influence, if others desired to be schismatics they were at liberty
+to go elsewhere, in order to indulge their tastes. Joel Strides and
+Jamie Allen were both disaffected to this sort of orthodoxy, and they
+had frequent private discussions on its propriety; the former in his
+usual wily and jesuitical mode of sneering and insinuating, and the
+latter respectfully as related to his master, but earnestly as it
+concerned his conscience. Others, too, were dissentients, but with less
+repining; though occasionally they would stay away from Mr. Wood's
+services. Mike, alone, took an open and manly stand in the matter, and
+he a little out-Heroded Herod; or, in other words, he exceeded the
+captain himself in strictness of construction. On the very morning we
+have just described, he was present at a discussion between the Yankee
+overseer and the Scotch mason, in which these two dissenters, the first
+a congregationalist, and the last a seceder, were complaining of the
+hardships of a ten years' abstinence, during which no spiritual
+provender had been fed out to them from a proper source. The Irishman
+broke out upon the complainants in a way that will at once let the
+reader into the secret of the county Leitrim-man's principles, if he
+has any desire to know them.
+
+"Bad luck to all sorts of religion but the right one!" cried Mike, in a
+most tolerant spirit. "Who d'ye think will be wishful of hearing mass
+and pr'aching that comes from _any_ of your heretick parsons?
+Ye're as dape in the mire yerselves, as Mr. Woods is in the woods, and
+no one to lade ye out of either, but an evil spirit that would rather
+see all mankind br'iling in agony, than dancing at a fair."
+
+"Go to your confessional, Mike," returned Joel, with a sneer--"It's a
+month, or more, sin' you seen it, and the priest will think you have
+forgotten him, and go away offended."
+
+"Och! It's such a praist, as the likes of yees has no nade of
+throubling! Yer conscience is aisy, Misther Straddle, so that yer belly
+is filled, and yer wages is paid. Bad luck o sich religion!"
+
+The allusion of Joel related to a practice of Michael's that is
+deserving of notice. It seems that the poor fellow, excluded by his
+insulated position from any communication with a priest of his own
+church, was in the habit of resorting to a particular rock in the
+forest, where he would kneel and acknowledge his sins, very much as he
+would have done had the rock been a confessional containing one
+authorized to grant him absolution. Accident revealed the secret, and
+from that time Michael's devotion was a standing jest among the
+dissenters of the valley. The county Leitrim-man was certainly a little
+too much addicted to Santa Cruz, and he was accused of always visiting
+his romantic chapel after a debauch. Of course, he was but little
+pleased with Joel's remark on the present occasion; and being, like a
+modern newspaper, somewhat more vituperative than logical, he broke out
+as related.
+
+"Jamie," continued Joel, too much accustomed to Mike's violence to heed
+it, "it does seem to me a hardship to be obliged to frequent a church
+of which a man's conscience can't approve. Mr. Woods, though a native
+colonist, is an Old England parson, and he has so many popish ways
+about him, that I am under considerable concern of _mind_"--
+concern, of _itself_, was not sufficiently emphatic for one of
+Joel's sensitive feelings--"I am under considerable _concern of
+mind_ about the children. They _sit under_ no other preaching;
+and, though Lyddy and I do all we can to gainsay the sermons, as soon
+as meetin' is out, some of it _will_ stick. You may worry the best
+Christian into idolatry and unbelief, by parseverance and falsehood.
+Now that things look so serious, too, in the colonies, we ought to be
+most careful."
+
+Jamie did not clearly understand the application of the present state
+of the colonies, nor had he quite made up his mind, touching the merits
+of the quarrel between parliament and the Americans. As between the
+Stuarts and the House of Hanover, he was for the former, and that
+mainly because he thought them Scotch, and it was surely a good thing
+for a Scotchman to govern England; but, as between the _Old_
+countries and the _New_, he was rather inclined to think the
+rights of the first ought to predominate; there being something opposed
+to natural order, agreeably to his notions, in permitting the reverse
+of this doctrine to prevail. As for presbyterianism, however, even in
+the mitigated form of New England church government, he deemed it to be
+so much better than episcopacy, that he would have taken up arms, old
+as he was, for the party that it could be made to appear was fighting
+to uphold the last. We have no wish to mislead the reader. Neither of
+the persons mentioned, Mike included, actually _knew_ anything of
+the points in dispute between the different sects, or churches,
+mentioned; but only _fancied_ themselves in possession of the
+doctrines, traditions, and authorities connected with the subject.
+These fancies, however, served to keep alive a discussion that soon had
+many listeners; and never before, since his first ministration in the
+valley, did Mr. Woods meet as disaffected a congregation, as on this
+day.
+
+The church of the Hutted Knoll, or, as the clergyman more modestly
+termed it, the chapel, stood in the centre of the meadows, on a very
+low swell of their surface, where a bit of solid dry ground had been
+discovered, fit for such a purpose. The principal object had been to
+make it central; though some attention had been paid also to the
+picturesque. It was well shaded with young elms, just then opening into
+leaf; and about a dozen graves, principally of very young children,
+were memorials of the mortality of the settlement. The building was of
+stone, the work of Jamie Allen's own hands, but small, square, with a
+pointed roof, and totally without tower, or belfry. The interior was of
+unpainted cherry, and through a want of skill in the mechanics, had a
+cold and raw look, little suited to the objects of the structure.
+Still, the small altar, the desk and the pulpit, and the large, square,
+curtained pew of the captain, the only one the house contained, were
+all well ornamented with hangings, or cloth, and gave the place
+somewhat of an air of clerical comfort and propriety. The rest of the
+congregation sat on benches, with kneeling-boards before them. The
+walls were plastered, and, a proof that parsimony had no connection
+with the simple character of the building, and a thing almost as
+unusual in America at that period as it is to-day in parts of Italy,
+the chapel was entirely finished.
+
+It has been said that the morning of the particular Sabbath at which we
+have now arrived, was mild and balmy. The sun of the forty-third degree
+of latitude poured out its genial rays upon the valley, gilding the
+tender leaves of the surrounding forest with such touches of light as
+are best known to the painters of Italy. The fineness of the weather
+brought nearly all the working people of the settlement to the chapel
+quite an hour before the ringing of its little bell, enabling the men
+to compare opinions afresh, on the subject of the political troubles of
+the times, and the women to gossip about their children.
+
+On all such occasions, Joel was a principal spokesman, nature having
+created him for a demagogue, in a small way; an office for which
+education had in no degree unfitted him. As had been usual with him, of
+late, he turned the discourse on the importance of having correct
+information of what was going on, in the inhabited parts of the
+country, and of the expediency of sending some trustworthy person on
+such an errand. He had frequently intimated his own readiness to go, if
+his neighbours wished it.
+
+"We're all in the dark here," he remarked, "and might stay so to the
+end of time, without some one to be relied on, to tell us the news.
+Major Willoughby is a fine man"--Joel meant _morally_, not
+_physically_--"but he's a king's officer, and nat'rally feels
+inclined to make the best of things for the rig'lars. The captain, too,
+was once a soldier, himself, and his feelin's turn, as it might be,
+unav'idably, to the side he has been most used to. We are like people
+on a desart island, out here in the wilderness--and if ships won't
+arrive to tell us how matters come on, we must send one out to l'arn it
+for us. I'm the last man at the Dam"--so the _oi polloi_ called
+the valley--"to say anything hard of either the captain or his son; but
+one is English born, and the other is English bred; and each will make
+a difference in a man's feelin's."
+
+To this proposition the miller, in particular, assented; and, for the
+twentieth time, he made some suggestion about the propriety of Joel's
+going himself, in order to ascertain how the land lay.
+
+"You can be back by hoeing," he added, "and have plenty of time to go
+as far as Boston, should you wish to."
+
+Now, while the great events were in progress, which led to the
+subversion of British power in America, an under-current of feeling, if
+not of incidents, was running in this valley, which threatened to wash
+away the foundations of the captain's authority. Joel and the miller,
+if not downright conspirators, had hopes, calculations, and even
+projects of their own, that never would have originated with men of the
+same class, in another state of society; or, it might almost be said,
+in another part of the world. The sagacity of the overseer had long
+enabled him to foresee that the issue of the present troubles would be
+insurrection; and a sort of instinct which some men possess for the
+strongest side, had pointed out to him the importance of being a
+patriot. The captain, he little doubted, would take part with the
+crown, and then no one knew what might be the consequences. It is not
+probable that Joel's instinct for the strongest side predicted the
+precise confiscations that subsequently ensued, some of which had all
+the grasping lawlessness of a gross abuse of power; but he could easily
+foresee that if the owner of the estate should be driven off, the
+property and its proceeds, probably for a series of years, would be
+very apt to fall under his own control and management. Many a patriot
+has been made by anticipations less brilliant than these; and as Joel
+and the miller talked the matter over between them, they had calculated
+all the possible emolument of fattening beeves, and packing pork for
+hostile armies, or isolated frontier posts, with a strong gusto for the
+occupation. Should open war but fairly commence, and could the captain
+only be induced to abandon the Knoll, and take refuge within a British
+camp, everything might be made to go smoothly, until settling day
+should follow a peace. At that moment, _non est inventus_ would be
+a sufficient answer to a demand for any balance.
+
+"They tell me," said Joel, in an aside to the miller, "that law is as
+good as done with in the Bay colony, already; and you know if the law
+has run out _there_, it will quickly come to an end, here. York
+never had much character for law."
+
+"That's true, Joel; then you know the captain himself is the only
+magistrate hereabout; and, when he is away, we shall have to be
+governed by a committee of safety, or something of that natur'."
+
+"A committee of safety will be the thing!"
+
+"What is a committee of safety, Joel?" demanded the miller, who had
+made far less progress in the arts of the demagogue than his friend,
+and who, in fact, had much less native fitness for the vocation; "I
+have heer'n tell of them regulations, but do not rightly understand
+'em, a'ter all."
+
+"You know what a committee is?" asked Joel, glancing inquiringly at his
+friend.
+
+"I s'pose I do--it means men's takin' on themselves the trouble and
+care of public business."
+
+"That's it--now a committee of safety means a few of us, for instance,
+having the charge of the affairs of this settlement, in order to see
+that no harm shall come to anything, especially to the people."
+
+"It would be a good thing to have one, here. The carpenter, and you,
+and I might be members, Joel."
+
+"We'll talk about it, another time. The corn is just planted, you know;
+and it has got to be hoed _twice_, and topped, before it can be
+gathered. Let us wait and see how things come on at Boston."
+
+While this incipient plot was thus slowly coming to a head, and the
+congregation was gradually collecting at the chapel, a very different
+scene was enacting in the Hut. Breakfast was no sooner through, than
+Mrs. Willoughby retired to her own sitting-room, whither her son was
+shortly summoned to join her. Expecting some of the inquiries which
+maternal affection might prompt, the major proceeded to the place named
+with alacrity; but, on entering the room, to his great surprise he
+found Maud with his mother. The latter seemed grave and concerned,
+while the former was not entirely free from alarm. The young man
+glanced inquiringly at the young lady, and he fancied he saw tears
+struggling to break out of her eyes.
+
+"Come hither, Robert"--said Mrs. Willoughby, pointing to a chair at her
+side--with a gravity that struck her son as unusual--"I have brought
+you here to listen to one of the old-fashioned lectures, of which you
+got so many when a boy."
+
+"Your advice, my dear mother--or even your reproofs--would be listened
+to with far more reverence and respect, now, than I fear they were
+then," returned the major, seating himself by the side of Mrs.
+Willoughby, and taking one of her hands, affectionately, in both his
+own. "It is only in after-life that we learn to appreciate the
+tenderness and care of such a parent as you have been; though what I
+have done lately, to bring me in danger of the guard-house, I cannot
+imagine. Surely _you_ cannot blame me for adhering to the crown,
+at a moment like this!"
+
+"I shall not interfere with your conscience in this matter, Robert; and
+my own feelings, American as I am by birth and family, rather incline
+me to think as you think. I have wished to see you, my son, on a
+different business."
+
+"Do not keep me in suspense, mother; I feel like a prisoner who is
+waiting to hear his charges read. What have I done?"
+
+"Nay, it is rather for _you_ to tell _me_ what you have done.
+You cannot have forgotten, Robert, how very anxious I have been to
+awaken and keep alive family affection, among my children; how very
+important both your father and I have always deemed it; and how
+strongly we have endeavoured to impress this importance on all your
+minds. The tie of family, and the love it ought to produce, is one of
+the sweetest of all our earthly duties. Perhaps we old people see its
+value more than you young; but, to us, the weakening of it seems like a
+disaster only a little less to be deplored than death."
+
+"Dearest--dearest mother! What _can_ you--what _do_ you
+mean?--What can _I_--what can _Maud_ have to do with this?"
+
+"Do not your consciences tell you, both? Has there not been some
+misunderstanding--perhaps a quarrel--certainly a coldness between you?
+A mother has a quick and a jealous eye; and I have seen, for some time,
+that there is not the old confidence, the free natural manner, in
+either of you, that there used to be, and which always gave your father
+and me so much genuine happiness. Speak, then, and let me make peace
+between you."
+
+Robert Willoughby would not have looked at Maud, at that moment, to
+have been given a regiment; as for Maud, herself, she was utterly
+incapable of raising her eyes from the floor. The former coloured to
+the temples, a proof of consciousness, his mother fancied; while the
+latter's face resembled ivory, as much as flesh and blood.
+
+"If you think, Robert," continued Mrs. Willoughby, "that Maud has
+forgotten you, or shown pique for any little former misunderstanding,
+during your last absence, you do her injustice. No one has done as much
+for you, in the way of memorial; that beautiful sash being all her own
+work, and made of materials purchased with her own pocket-money. Maud
+loves you truly, too; for, whatever may be the airs she gives herself,
+while you are together, when absent, no one seems to care more for your
+wishes and happiness, than that very wilful and capricious girl."
+
+"Mother!--mother!" murmured Maud, burying her face in both her hands.
+
+Mrs. Willoughby was woman in all her feelings, habits and nature. No
+one would have been more keenly alive to the peculiar sensibilities of
+her sex, under ordinary circumstances, than herself; but she was now
+acting and thinking altogether in her character of a mother; and so
+long and intimately had she regarded the two beings before her, in that
+common and sacred light, that it would have been like the dawn of a new
+existence for her, just then, to look upon them as not really akin to
+each other.
+
+"I shall not, nor can I treat either of you as a child," she continued,
+"and must therefore appeal only to your own good sense, to make a
+peace. I know it can be nothing serious; but, it is painful to me to
+see even an affected coldness among my children. Think, Maud, that we
+are on the point of a war, and how bitterly you would regret it, should
+any accident befall your brother, and your memory not be able to recall
+the time passed among us, in his last visit, with entire satisfaction."
+
+The mother's voice trembled; but tears no longer struggled about the
+eyelids of Maud. Her face was pale as death, and it seemed as if every
+ordinary fountain of sorrow were dried up.
+
+"Dear Bob, this is too much!" she said eagerly, though in husky tones.
+"Here is my hand--nay, here are _both_. Mother must not think this
+cruel charge is--_can_ be true."
+
+The major arose, approached his sister, and impressed a kiss on her
+cold cheek. Mrs. Willoughby smiled at these tokens of amity, and the
+conversation continued in a less earnest manner.
+
+"This is right, my children," said the single-hearted Mrs. Willoughby,
+whose sensitive maternal love saw nothing but the dreaded consequences
+of weakened domestic affections; "and I shall be all the happier for
+having witnessed it. Young soldiers, Maud, who are sent early from
+their homes, have too many inducements to forget them and those they
+contain; and we women are so dependent on the love of our male friends,
+that it is wisdom in _us_ to keep alive all the earlier ties as
+long and as much as possible."
+
+"I am sure, dearest mother," murmured Maud, though in a voice that was
+scarcely audible, "_I_ shall be the last to wish to weaken this
+family tie. No one can feel a warmer--more proper--a more _sisterly_
+affection for Robert, than I do--he was always so kind to
+me when a child--and so ready to assist me--and so manly--and so
+everything that he ought to be--it is surprising you should have
+fancied there was any coldness between us!"
+
+Major Willoughby even bent forward to listen, so intense was his
+curiosity to hear what Maud said; a circumstance which, had she seen
+it, would probably have closed her lips. But her eyes were riveted on
+the floor, her cheeks were bloodless, and her voice so low, that
+nothing but the breathless stillness he observed, would have allowed
+the young man to hear it, where he sat.
+
+"You forget, mother"--rejoined the major, satisfied that the last
+murmur had died on his ears--"that Maud will probably be transplanted
+into another family, one of these days, where we, who know her so well,
+and have reason to love her so much, can only foresee that she will
+form new, and even stronger ties than any that accident may have formed
+for her here."
+
+"Never--never"--exclaimed Maud, fervently--"I can never love any as
+well as I love those who are in this house."
+
+The relief she wanted stopped her voice, and, bursting into tears, she
+threw-herself into Mrs. Willoughby's arms, and sobbed like a child. The
+mother now motioned to her son to quit the room, while she remained
+herself to soothe the weeping girl, as she so often had done before,
+when overcome by her infantile, or youthful griefs. Throughout this
+interview, habit and single-heartedness so exercised their influence,
+that the excellent matron did not, in the most remote manner, recollect
+that her son and Maud were not natural relatives. Accustomed herself to
+see the latter every day, and to think of her, as she had from the
+moment when she was placed in her arms, an infant of a few weeks old
+the effect that separation might produce on others, never presented
+itself to her mind. Major Willoughby, a boy of eight when Maud was
+received in the family, had known from the first her precise position;
+and it was perhaps morally impossible that _he_ should not recall
+the circumstance in their subsequent intercourse; more especially as
+school, college, and the army, had given him so much leisure to reflect
+on such things, apart from the influence of family habits; while it was
+to be expected that a consequence of his own peculiar mode of thinking
+on this subject, would be to produce something like a sympathetic
+sentiment in the bosom of Maud. Until within the last few years,
+however, she had been so much of a child herself, and had been treated
+so much like a child by the young soldier, that it was only through a
+change in him, that was perceptible only to herself, and which occurred
+when he first met her grown into womanhood, that she alone admitted any
+feelings that were not strictly to be referred to sisterly regard. All
+this, nevertheless, was a profound mystery to every member of the
+family, but the two who were its subjects; no other thoughts than the
+simplest and most obvious, ever suggesting themselves to the minds of
+the others.
+
+In half an hour, Mrs. Willoughby had quieted all Maud's present
+troubles, and the whole family left the house to repair to the chapel.
+Michael, though he had no great reverence for Mr. Wood's ministrations,
+had constituted himself sexton, an office which had devolved on him in
+consequence of his skill with the spade. Once initiated into one branch
+of this duty, he had insisted on performing all the others; and it was
+sometimes a curious spectacle to see the honest fellow, busy about the
+interior of the building, during service, literally stopping one of his
+ears with a thumb, with a view, while he acquitted himself of what he
+conceived to be temporal obligations, to exclude as much heresy as
+possible. One of his rules was to refuse to commence tolling the bell,
+until he saw Mrs. Willoughby and her daughter, within a reasonable
+distance of the place of worship; a rule that had brought about more
+than one lively discussion between himself and the levelling-minded, if
+not heavenly-minded Joel Strides. On the present occasion, this simple
+process did not pass altogether without a dispute.
+
+"Come, Mike; it's half-past ten; the people have been waiting about the
+meetin' 'us, some time; you should open the doors and toll the bell.
+People can't wait, for ever for anybody; not even for your church."
+
+"Then let 'em just go home, ag'in, and come when they're called.
+Because, the ould women, and the young women, and the childer, and the
+likes o' them, wishes to scandalize their fellow cr'atures, Christians
+I will not call 'em, let 'em mate in the mill, or the school-house, and
+not come forenent a church on sich a business as that. Is it toll the
+bell, will I, afore the Missus is in sight?--No--not for a whole
+gineration of ye, Joel; and every one o' them, too, a much likelier man
+than ye bees yerself."
+
+"Religion is no respecter of persons"--returned the philosophical Joel.
+"Them that likes masters and mistresses may have them, for all me; but
+it riles me to meet with meanness."
+
+"It does!" cried Mike, looking up at his companion, with a very
+startling expression of wonder. "If that be true, ye must be in a
+mighty throubled state, most of the live-long day, ye must!"
+
+"I tell you, Michael O'Hearn, religion is no respecter of persons. The
+Lord cares jist as much for _me_, as he does for captain
+Willoughby, or his wife, or his son, or his darters, or anything that
+is his."
+
+"Divil burn me, now, Joel, if I believe _that_!" again cried Mike,
+in his dogmatic manner. "Them that understands knows the difference
+between mankind, and I'm sure it can be no great sacret to the Lord,
+when it is so well known to a poor fellow like myself. There's a
+plenthy of fellow-cr'atures that has a mighty good notion of their own
+excellence, but when it comes to r'ason and thruth, it's no very great
+figure ye all make, in proving what ye say. This chapel is the
+master's, if chapel the heretical box can be called, and yonder bell
+was bought wid his money; and the rope is his; and the hands that mane
+to pull it, is his; and so there's little use in talking ag'in rocks,
+and ag'in minds that's made up even harder than rocks, and to spare."
+
+This settled the matter. The bell was not tolled until Mrs. Willoughby,
+and her daughters, had got fairly through the still unprotected gateway
+of the stockade, although the recent discussion of political questions
+had so far substituted discontent for subordination in the settlement,
+that more than half of those who were of New England descent, had
+openly expressed their dissatisfaction at the delay. Mike, however, was
+as unmoved as the little chapel itself, refusing to open the door until
+the proper moment had arrived, according to his own notion of the
+fitness of things. He then proceeded to the elm, against which the
+little bell was hung, and commenced tolling it with as much seriousness
+as if the conveyer of sounds had been duly consecrated.
+
+When the family from the Hut entered the chapel, all the rest of the
+congregation were in their customary seats. This arrival, however,
+added materially to the audience, Great Smash and Little Smash, the two
+Plinys, and some five or six coloured children, between the ages of six
+and twelve, following in the train of their master. For the blacks, a
+small gallery had been built, where they could sit apart, a proscribed,
+if not a persecuted race. Little did the Plinys or the Smashes,
+notwithstanding, think of this. Habit had rendered their situation more
+than tolerable, for it had created notions and usages that would have
+rendered them uncomfortable, in closer contact with the whites. In that
+day, the two colours never ate together, by any accident; the eastern
+castes being scarcely more rigid in the observance of their rules, than
+the people of America were on this great point. The men who would toil
+together, joke together, and pass their days in familiar intercourse,
+would not sit down at the same board. There seemed to be a sort of
+contamination, according to the opinions of one of these castes, in
+breaking bread with the other. This prejudice often gave rise to
+singular scenes, more especially in the households of those who
+habitually laboured in company with their slaves. In such families, it
+not unfrequently happened that a black led the councils of the farm. He
+might be seen seated by the fire, uttering his opinions dogmatically,
+reasoning warmly against his own master, and dealing out his wisdom
+_ex cathedra_, even while he waited, with patient humility, when he
+might approach, and satisfy his hunger, after all of the other colour
+had quitted the table.
+
+Mr. Woods was not fortunate in the selection of his subject, on the
+occasion of which we are writing. There had been so much personal
+activity, and so much political discussion during the past week, as to
+prevent him from writing a new sermon, and of course he was compelled
+to fail back on the other end of the barrel. The recent arguments
+inclined him to maintain his own opinions, and he chose a discourse
+that he had delivered to the garrison of which he had last been
+chaplain. To this choice he had been enticed by the text, which was,
+"Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's," a mandate that would
+be far more palatable to an audience composed of royal troops, than to
+one which had become a good deal disaffected by the arts and arguments
+of Joel Strides and the miller. Still, as the sermon contained a proper
+amount of theological truisms, and had a sufficiency of general
+orthodoxy to cover a portion of its political bearing, it gave far more
+dissatisfaction to a few of the knowing, than to the multitude. To own
+the truth, the worthy priest was so much addicted to continuing his
+regimental and garrison course of religious instruction, that his
+ordinary listeners would scarcely observe this tendency to loyalty;
+though it was far different with those who were eagerly looking for
+causes of suspicion and denunciation, in the higher quarters.
+
+"Well," said Joel, as he and the miller, followed by their respective
+families, proceeded towards the mill, where the household of the
+Strides' were to pass the remainder of the day, "well, this is a bold
+sermon for a minister to preach in times like these! I kind o' guess,
+if Mr. Woods was down in the Bay, 'render unto Caesar the things that
+are Caesars,' wouldn't be doctrine to be so quietly received by every
+congregation. What's your notion about that, Miss Strides?"
+
+_Miss_ Strides thought exactly as her husband thought, and the
+miller and his wife were not long in chiming in with her, accordingly.
+The sermon furnished material for conversation throughout the remainder
+of the day, at the mill, and divers conclusions were drawn from it,
+that were ominous to the preacher's future comfort and security.
+
+Nor did the well-meaning parson entirely escape comment in the higher
+quarters.
+
+"I wish, Woods, you had made choice of some other subject," observed
+the captain, as he and his friend walked the lawn together, in waiting
+for a summons to dinner.
+
+"In times like these, one cannot be too careful of the political
+notions he throws out; and to own the truth to you, I am more than half
+inclined to think that Caesar is exercising quite as much authority, in
+these colonies, as justly falls to his share."
+
+"Why, my dear captain, you have heard this very sermon three or four
+times already, and you have more than once mentioned it with
+commendation!"
+
+"Ay, but that was in garrison, where one is obliged to teach
+subordination. I remember the sermon quite well, and a very good one it
+was, twenty years since, when you first preached it; but--"
+
+"I apprehend, captain Willoughby, that '_tempora mutantur, et, nos
+mutamus in illis.'_ That the mandates and maxims of the Saviour are
+far beyond the mutations and erring passions of mortality. His sayings
+are intended for all times."
+
+"Certainly, as respects their general principles and governing truths.
+But no text is to be interpreted without some reference to
+circumstances. All I mean is, that the preaching which might be very
+suitable to a battalion of His Majesty's Fortieth might be very
+unsuitable for the labourers of the Hutted Knoll; more especially so
+soon after what I find is called the Battle of Lexington."
+
+The summons to dinner cut short the discourse; and probably prevented a
+long, warm, but friendly argument.
+
+That afternoon and evening, captain Willoughby and his son had a
+private and confidential discourse. The former advised the major to
+rejoin his regiment without delay, unless he were prepared to throw up
+his commission and take sides with the colonists, altogether. To this
+the young soldier would not listen, returning to the charge, in the
+hope of rekindling the dormant flame of his father's loyalty.
+
+The reader is not to suppose that captain Willoughby's own mind was
+absolutely made up to fly into open rebellion. Far from it. He had his
+doubts and misgivings on the subjects of both principles and prudence,
+but he inclined strongly to the equity of the demands of the Americans.
+Independence, or separation, if thought of at all in 1775 entered into
+the projects of but very few; the warmest wish of the most ardent of
+the whigs of the colonies being directed toward compromise, and a
+distinct recognition of their political franchises. The events that
+followed so thickly were merely the consequences of causes which, once
+set in motion, soon attained an impetus that defied ordinary human
+control. It was doubtless one of the leading incidents of the great and
+mysterious scheme of Divine Providence for the government of the future
+destinies of man, that political separation should commence, in this
+hemisphere, at that particular juncture, to be carried out, ere the end
+of a century, to its final and natural conclusion.
+
+But the present interview was less to debate the merits of any disputed
+question, than to consult on the means of future intercourse, and to
+determine on what was best to be done at the present moment. After
+discussing the matter, pro and con, it was decided that the major
+should quit the Knoll the next day, and return to Boston, avoiding
+Albany and those points of the country in which he would be most
+exposed to detection. So many persons were joining the American forces
+that were collecting about the besieged town, that his journeying on
+the proper road would excite no suspicion; and once in the American
+camp, nothing would be easier than to find his way into the peninsula.
+All this young Willoughby felt no difficulty in being able to
+accomplish, provided he could get into the settlements without being
+followed by information of his real character. The period of spies, and
+of the severe exercise of martial-law, was not yet reached; and all
+that was apprehended was detention. Of the last, however, there was
+great danger; positive certainty, indeed, in the event of discovery;
+and major Willoughby had gleaned enough during his visit, to feel some
+apprehensions of being betrayed. He regretted having brought his
+servant with him; for the man was a European, and by his dulness and
+speech might easily get them both into difficulties. So serious,
+indeed, was this last danger deemed by the father, that he insisted on
+Robert's starting without the man, leaving the last to follow, on the
+first suitable occasion.
+
+As soon as this point was settled, there arose the question of the
+proper guide. Although he distrusted the Tuscarora, captain Willoughby,
+after much reflection, came to the opinion that it would be safer to
+make an ally of him, than to give him an opportunity of being employed
+by the other side. Nick was sent for, and questioned. He promised to
+take the major to the Hudson, at a point between Lunenburg and
+Kinderhook, where he would be likely to cross the river without
+awakening suspicion; his own reward to depend on his coming back to the
+Hutted Knoll with a letter from the major, authorizing the father to
+pay him for his services. This plan, it was conceived, would keep Nick
+true to his faith, for the time being, at least.
+
+Many other points were discussed between the father and son, the latter
+promising if anything of importance occurred, to find the means of
+communicating it to his friends at the Knoll, while Parrel was to
+follow his master, at the end of six weeks or two months, with letters
+from the family. Many of the captain's old army-friends were now in
+situations of authority and command, and he sent to them messages of
+prudence, and admonitions to be moderate in their views, which
+subsequent events proved were little regarded. To general Gage he even
+wrote, using the precaution not to sign the letter, though its
+sentiments were so much in favour of the colonies, that had it been
+intercepted, it is most probable the Americans would have forwarded the
+missive to its direction.
+
+These matters arranged, the father and son parted for the night, some
+time after the house-clock had struck the hour of twelve.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter IX.
+
+  Though old in cunning, as in years,
+  He is so small, that like a child
+  In face and form, the god appears,
+  And sportive like a boy, and wild;
+  Lightly he moves from place to place,
+  In none at rest, in none content;
+  Delighted some new toy to chase--
+  On childish purpose ever bent.
+  Beware! to childhood's spirits gay
+  Is added more than childhood's power;
+  And you perchance may rue the hour
+  That saw you join his seeming play.
+
+  Griffen
+
+The intention of the major to quit the Knoll that day, was announced to
+the family at breakfast, on the following morning. His mother and
+Beulah heard this intelligence, with a natural and affectionate
+concern, that they had no scruples in avowing; but Maud seemed to have
+so schooled her feelings, that the grief she really felt was under a
+prudent control. To her, it appeared as if her secret were constantly
+on the point of exposure, and she believed _that_ would cause her
+instant death. To survive its shame was impossible in her eyes, and all
+the energies of her nature were aroused, with the determination of
+burying her weakness in her own bosom. She had been so near revealing
+it to Beulah, that even now she trembled as she thought of the
+precipice over which she had been impending, strengthening her
+resolution by the recollection of the danger she had run.
+
+As a matter of necessary caution, the intended movements of the young
+man were kept a profound secret from all in the settlement. Nick had
+disappeared in the course of the night, carrying with him the major's
+pack, having repaired to a designated point on the stream, where he was
+to be joined by his fellow-traveller at an hour named. There were
+several forest-paths which led to the larger settlements. That usually
+travelled was in the direction of old Fort Stanwix, first proceeding
+north, and then taking a south-eastern direction, along the shores of
+the Mohawk. This was the route by which the major had come. Another
+struck the Otsego, and joined the Mohawk at the point more than once
+mentioned in our opening chapters. As these were the two ordinary
+paths--if paths they could be called, where few or no traces of
+footsteps were visible--it was more than probable any plan to arrest
+the traveller would be laid in reference to their courses. The major
+had consequently resolved to avoid them both, and to strike boldly into
+the mountains, until he should reach the Susquehanna, cross that stream
+on its flood wood, and finding one of its tributaries that flowed in
+from the eastward, by following its banks to the high land, which
+divides the waters of the Mohawk from this latter river, place himself
+on a route that would obliquely traverse the water-courses, which, in
+this quarter of the country, have all a general north or south
+direction. Avoiding Schenectady and Albany, he might incline towards
+the old establishments of the descendants of the emigrants from the
+Palatinate, on the Schoharie, and reach the Hudson at a point deemed
+safe for his purposes, through some of the passes of the mountains in
+their vicinity. He was to travel in the character of a land-owner who
+had been visiting his patent, and his father supplied him with a map
+and an old field-book, which would serve to corroborate his assumed
+character, in the event of suspicion, or arrest. Not much danger was
+apprehended, however, the quarrel being yet too recent to admit of the
+organization and distrust that subsequently produced so much vigilance
+and activity.
+
+"You will contrive to let us hear of your safe arrival in Boston, Bob,"
+observed the father, as he sat stirring his tea, in a thoughtful
+way--"I hope to God the matter will go no farther, and that our
+apprehensions, after all, have given this dark appearance to what has
+already happened."
+
+"Ah, my dear father; you little know the state of the country, through
+which I have so lately travelled!" answered the major, shaking his
+head. "An alarm of fire, in an American town, would scarce create more
+movement, and not so much excitement. The colonies are alive,
+particularly those of New England, and a civil war is inevitable;
+though I trust the power of England will render it short."
+
+"Then, Robert, do not trust yourself among the people of New England"--
+cried the anxious mother. "Go rather to New York, where we have so many
+friends, and so much influence. It will be far easier to reach New York
+than to reach Boston."
+
+"That may be true, mother, but it will scarcely be as creditable. My
+regiment is in Boston, and its enemies are _before_ Boston; an old
+soldier like captain Willoughby will tell you that the major is a very
+necessary officer to a corps. No--no--my best course is to fall into
+the current of adventurers who are pushing towards Boston, and appear
+like one of their number, until I can get an opportunity of stealing
+away from them, and join my own people."
+
+"Have a care, Bob, that you do not commit a military crime. Perhaps
+these provincial officers may take it into their heads to treat you as
+a spy, should you fall into their hands!"
+
+"Little fear of that, sir; at present it is a sort of colonial scramble
+for what they fancy liberty. That they will fight, in their zeal, I
+know; for I have seen it; but matters have not at all gone as far as
+you appear to apprehend. I question if they would even stop Gage,
+himself, from going through their camp, were he outside, and did he
+express a desire to return."
+
+"And yet you tell me, arms and ammunition are seized all over the land;
+that several old half-pay officers of the king have been arrested, and
+put under a sort of parole!"
+
+"Such things were talked of, certainly, though I question if they have
+yet been done. Luckily for yourself, under your present opinions at
+least, _you_ are not on half-pay, even."
+
+"It is fortunate, Bob, though you mention it with a smile. With my
+present feelings, I should indeed be sorry to be on half-pay, or
+quarter-pay, were there such a thing. I now feel myself my-own master,
+at liberty to follow the dictates of my conscience, and the suggestions
+of my judgment."
+
+"Well, sir, you are a little fortunate, it must be acknowledged. I
+cannot see how any man _can_ be at liberty to throw off the
+allegiance he owes his natural sovereign. What think you, Maud?"
+
+This was said half in bitterness, half in jest, though the appeal at
+its close was uttered in a serious manner, and a little anxiously. Maud
+hesitated, as if to muster her thoughts, ere she replied.
+
+"My feelings are against rebellion," she said, at length; "though I
+fear my reason tells me there is no such thing as a natural sovereign.
+If the parliament had not given us the present family, a century since,
+by what rule of nature would it be our princes, Bob?"
+
+"Ah! these are some of the flights of your rich imagination, my dear--
+Maud; it is parliament that has made them our princes, and parliament,
+at least, is our legal, constitutional master."
+
+"That is just the point in dispute. Parliament may be the rightful
+governors of England, but are they the rightful governors of America?"
+
+"Enough," said the captain, rising from table--"We will not discuss
+such a question, just as we are about to separate. Go, my son; a duty
+that is to be performed, cannot be done too soon. Your fowling-piece
+and ammunition are ready for you, and I shall take care to circulate
+the report that you have gone to pass an hour in the woods, in search
+of pigeons. God bless you, Bob; however we may differ in this matter--
+you are my son--my _only_ son--my dear and well-beloved boy--God
+for ever bless you!"
+
+A profound stillness succeeded this burst of nature, and then the young
+man took his leave of his mother and the girls. Mrs. Willoughby kissed
+her child. She did not even weep, until she was in her room; then,
+indeed, she went to her knees, her tears, and her prayers. Beulah, all
+heart and truth as she was, wept freely on her brother's neck; but
+Maud, though pale and trembling, received his kiss without returning
+it; though she could not help saying with a meaning that the young man
+had in his mind all that day, ay, and for many succeeding days--"be
+careful of yourself, and run into no unnecessary dangers; God bless
+you, dear, _dear_ Bob."
+
+Maud alone followed the movements of the gentlemen with her eyes. The
+peculiar construction of the Hut prevented external view from the south
+windows; but there was a loop in a small painting-room of the garret
+that was especially under her charge. Thither, then, she flew, to ease
+her nearly bursting heart with tears, and to watch the retiring
+footsteps of Robert. She saw him, accompanied by his father and the
+chaplain, stroll leisurely down the lawn, conversing and affecting an
+indifferent manner, with a wish to conceal his intent to depart. The
+glass of the loop was open, to admit the air, and Maud strained her
+sense of hearing, in the desire to catch, if possible, another tone of
+his voice. In this she was unsuccessful; though he stopped and gazed
+back at the Hut, as if to take a parting look. Her father and Mr. Woods
+did not turn, and Maud thrust her hand through the opening and waved
+her handkerchief. "He will think it Beulah or I," she thought, "and it
+may prove a consolation to him to know how much _we_ love him."
+The major saw the signal, and returned it. His father unexpectedly
+turned, and caught a glimpse of the retiring hand, as it was
+disappearing within the loop. "That is our precious Maud," he said,
+without other thought than of her sisterly affection. "It is _her_
+painting-room; Beulah's is on the other side of the gateway; but the
+window does not seem to be open."
+
+The major started, kissed his hand fervently, five or six times, and
+then he walked on. As if to change the conversation, he said hastily,
+and with a little want of connection with what had just passed--
+
+"Yes, sir, that gate, sure enough--have it hung, at once, I do entreat
+of you. I shall not be easy until I hear that both the gates are hung--
+that in the stockade, and that in the house, itself."
+
+"It was my intention to commence to-day," returned the father, "but
+your departure has prevented it. I will wait a day or two, to let your
+mother and sisters tranquillize their minds a little, before we besiege
+them with the noise and clamour of the workmen."
+
+"Better besiege them with _that_, my dear sir, than leave them
+exposed to an Indian, or even a rebel attack."
+
+The major then went on to give some of his more modern military
+notions, touching the art of defence. As one of the old school, he
+believed his father a miracle of skill; but what young man, who had
+enjoyed the advantages of ten or fifteen years of the most recent
+training in any branch of knowledge, ever believed the educations of
+those who went before him beyond the attacks of criticism. The captain
+listened patiently, and with an old man's tolerance for inexperience,
+glad to have any diversion to unhappy thoughts.
+
+All this time Maud watched their movements from the loop, with eyes
+streaming with tears. She saw Robert pause, and look back, again and
+again; and, once more, she thrust out the handkerchief. It was plain,
+however, he did not see it; for he turned and proceeded, without any
+answering signal.
+
+"He never _can_ know whether it was Beulah or I," thought Maud;
+"yet, he may fancy we are _both_ here."
+
+On the rocks, that overhung the mills, the gentlemen paused, and
+conversed for quite a quarter of an hour. The distance prevented Maud
+from discerning their countenances; but she could perceive the
+thoughtful, and as she fancied melancholy, attitude of the major, as,
+leaning on his fowling-piece, his lace was turned towards the Knoll,
+and his eyes were really riveted on the loop. At the end of the time
+mentioned, the young soldier shook hands hastily and covertly with his
+companions, hurried towards the path, and descended out of sight,
+following the course of the stream. Maud saw him no more, though her
+father and Mr. Woods stood on the rocks quite half an hour longer,
+catching occasional glimpses of his form, as it came out of the shadows
+of the forest, into the open space of the little river; and, indeed,
+until the major was within a short distance of the spot where he was to
+meet the Indian. Then they heard the reports of both barrels of his
+fowling-piece, fired in quick succession, the signals that he had
+joined his guide. This welcome news received, the two gentlemen
+returned slowly towards the house.
+
+Such was the commencement of a day, which, while it brought forth
+nothing alarming to the family of the Hutted Knoll, was still pregnant
+with important consequences. Major Willoughby disappeared from the
+sight of his father about ten in the morning; and before twelve, the
+settlement was alive with the rumours of a fresh arrival. Joel knew not
+whether to rejoice or to despair, as he saw a party of eight or ten
+armed men rising above the rock, and holding their course across the
+flats towards the house. He entertained no doubt of its being a party
+sent by the provincial authorities to arrest the captain, and he
+foresaw the probability of another's being put into the lucrative
+station of receiver of the estate, during the struggle which was in
+perspective. It is surprising how many, and sometimes how pure patriots
+are produced by just such hopes as those of Joel's. At this day, there
+is scarce an instance of a confiscated estate, during the American
+revolution, connected with which racy traditions are not to be found,
+that tell of treachery very similar to this contemplated by the
+overseer in some instances of treachery effected by means of kinsmen
+and false friends.
+
+Joel had actually got on his Sunday coat, and was making his way
+towards the Knoll, in order to be present, at least, at the anticipated
+scene, when, to his amazement, and somewhat to his disappointment, he
+saw the captain and chaplain moving down the lawn, in a manner to show
+that these unexpected arrivals brought not unwelcome guests. This
+caused him to pause; and when he perceived that the only two among the
+strangers who had the air of gentlemen, were met with cordial shakes of
+the hand, he turned back towards his own tenement, a half-dissatisfied,
+and yet half contented man.
+
+The visit which the captain had come out to receive, instead of
+producing any uneasiness in his family, was, in truth, highly
+agreeable, and very opportune. It was Evert Beekman, with an old
+friend, attended by a party of chain-bearers, hunters, &c., on his way
+from the "Patent" he owned in the neighbourhood--that is to say, within
+fifty miles--and halting at the Hutted Knoll, under the courteous
+pretence of paying his respects to the family, but, in reality, to
+bring the suit he had now been making to Beulah for quite a
+twelvemonth, to a successful termination.
+
+The attachment between Evert Beekman and Beulah Willoughby was of a
+character so simple, so sincere, and so natural, as scarce to furnish
+materials for a brief episode. The young man had not made his addresses
+without leave obtained from the parents; he had been acceptable to the
+daughter from the commencement of their acquaintance; and she had only
+asked time to reflect, ere she gave her answer, when he proposed, a day
+or two before the family left New York.
+
+To own the truth, Beulah was a little surprised that her suitor had
+delayed his appearance till near the close of May, when she had
+expected to see him at the beginning of the month. A letter, however,
+was out of the question, since there was no mode of transmitting it,
+unless the messenger were sent expressly; and the young man had now
+come in person, to make his own apologies.
+
+Beulah received Evert Beekman naturally, and without the least
+exaggeration of manner, though a quiet happiness beamed in her handsome
+face, that said as much as lover could reasonably desire. Her parents
+welcomed him cordially, and the suitor must have been dull indeed, not
+to anticipate all he hoped. Nor was it long before every doubt was
+removed. The truthful, conscientious Beulah, had well consulted her
+heart; and, while she blushed at her own temerity, she owned her
+attachment to her admirer. The very day of his arrival they became
+formally betrothed. As our tale, however, has but a secondary
+connection with this little episode, we shall not dwell on it more than
+is necessary to the principal object. It was a busy morning,
+altogether; and, though there were many tears, there were also many
+smiles. By the time it was usual, at that bland season, for the family
+to assemble on the lawn, everything, even to the day, was settled
+between Beulah and her lover, and there was a little leisure to think
+of other things. It was while the younger Pliny and one of the Smashes
+were preparing the tea, that the following conversation was held, being
+introduced by Mr. Woods, in the way of digressing from feelings in
+which he was not quite as much interested as some of the rest of the
+party.
+
+"Do you bring us anything new from Boston?" demanded the chaplain. "I
+have been dying to ask the question these two hours--ever since dinner,
+in fact; but, somehow, Mr. Beekman, I have not been able to edge in an
+inquiry."
+
+This was said good-naturedly, but quite innocently; eliciting smiles,
+blushes, and meaning glances in return. Evert Beekman, however, looked
+grave before he made his reply.
+
+"To own the truth, Mr. Woods," he said, "things are getting to be very
+serious. Boston is surrounded by thousands of our people; and we hope,
+not only to keep the king's forces in the Peninsula, but, in the end,
+to drive them out of the colony."
+
+"This is a bold measure, Mr. Beekman!--a very bold step to take against
+Caesar!"
+
+"Woods preached about the rights of Caesar, no later than yesterday, you
+ought to know, Beekman," put in the laughing captain; "and I am afraid
+he will be publicly praying for the success of the British arms, before
+long."
+
+"I _did_ pray for the Royal Family," said the chaplain, with
+spirit, "and hope I shall ever continue to do so."
+
+"My dear fellow, I do not object to _that_. Pray for all
+conditions of men, enemies and friends alike; and, particularly, pray
+for our princes; but pray also to turn the hearts of their advisers."
+
+Beekman seemed uneasy. He belonged to a decidedly whig family, and was
+himself, at the very moment, spoken of as the colonel of one of the
+regiments about to be raised in the colony of New York. He held that
+rank in the militia, as it was; and no one doubted his disposition to
+resist the British forces, at the proper moment. He had even stolen
+away from what he conceived to be very imperative duties, to secure the
+woman of his heart before he went into the field. His answer, in
+accordance, partook essentially of the bias of his mind.
+
+"I do not know, sir, that it is quite wise to pray so very willingly
+for the Royal Family," he said. "We may wish them worldly happiness,
+and spiritual consolation, as part of the human race; but political and
+specific prayers, in times like these, are to be used with caution. Men
+attach more than the common religious notion, just now, to prayers for
+the king, which some interpret into direct petitions against the United
+Colonies."
+
+"Well," rejoined the captain, "I cannot agree to this, myself. If there
+were a prayer to confound parliament and its counsels, I should be very
+apt to join in it cordially; but I am not yet ready to throw aside
+king, queen, princes and princesses, all in a lump, on account of a few
+taxes, and a tittle tea."
+
+"I am sorry to hear this from you, sir," answered Evert. "When your
+opinions were canvassed lately at Albany, I gave a sort of pledge that
+you were certainly more with us than against us."
+
+"Well then, I think, Beekman, you drew me in my true outlines. In the
+main, I think the colonies right, though I am still willing to pray for
+the king."
+
+"I am one of those, captain Willoughby, who look forward to the most
+serious times. The feeling throughout the colonies is tremendous, and
+the disposition on the part of the royal officers is to meet the crisis
+with force."
+
+"You have a brother a captain of foot in one of the regiments of the
+crown, colonel Beekman--what are his views in this serious state of
+affairs?"
+
+"He has already thrown up his commission--refusing even to sell out, a
+privilege that was afforded him. His name is now before congress for a
+majority in one of the new regiments that are to be raised."
+
+The captain looked grave; Mrs. Willoughby anxious; Beulah interested;
+and Maud thoughtful.
+
+"This has a serious aspect, truly," observed the first. "When men
+abandon all their early hopes, to assume new duties, there must be a
+deep and engrossing cause. I had not thought it like to come to this!"
+
+"We have had hopes major Willoughby might do the same; I know that a
+regiment is at his disposal, if he be disposed to join us. No one would
+be more gladly received. We are to have Gates, Montgomery, Lee, and
+many other old officers, from regular corps, on our side."
+
+"Will colonel Lee be put at the head of the American forces?"
+
+"I think not, sir. He has a high reputation, and a good deal of
+experience, but he is a humourist; and what is something, though you
+will pardon it, he is not an American born."
+
+"It is quite right to consult such considerations, Beekman; were I in
+congress, they would influence _me_, Englishman as I am, and in
+many things must always remain."
+
+"I am glad to hear you say that, Willoughby," exclaimed the chaplain--"
+right down rejoiced to hear you say so! A man is bound to stand by his
+birth-place, through thick and thin."
+
+"How do you, then, reconcile your opinions, in this matter, to _your_
+birth-place, Woods?" asked the laughing captain.
+
+To own the truth, the chaplain was a little confused. He had entered
+into the controversy with so much zeal, of late, as to have imbibed the
+feelings of a thorough partisan; and, as is usual, with such
+philosophers, was beginning to overlook everything that made against
+his opinions, and to exaggerate everything that sustained them.
+
+"How?"--he cried, with zeal, if not with consistency--"Why, well
+enough. I am an Englishman too, in the general view of the case, though
+born in Massachusetts. Of English descent, and an English subject."
+
+"Umph!--Then Beekman, here, who is of Dutch descent, is not bound by
+the same principles as we are ourselves?"
+
+"Not by the same _feelings_ possibly; but, surely, by the same
+principles. Colonel Beekman is an Englishman by construction, and you
+are by birth. Yes, I'm what may be called a _constructive_
+Englishman."
+
+Even Mrs. Willoughby and Beulah laughed at this, though not a smile had
+crossed Maud's face, since her eye had lost Robert Willoughby from
+view. The captain's ideas seemed to take a new direction, and he was
+silent some little time before he spoke.
+
+"Under the circumstances in which we are now placed, as respects each
+other, Mr. Beekman," he said, "it is proper that there should be no
+concealments on grave points. Had you arrived an hour or two earlier,
+you would have met a face well known to you, in that of my son, major
+Willoughby."
+
+"Major Willoughby, my dear sir!" exclaimed Beekman, with a start of
+unpleasant surprise; "I had supposed him with the royal army, in
+Boston. You say he has left the Knoll--I sincerely hope not for
+Albany."
+
+"No--I wished him to go in that direction, at first, and to see you, in
+particular; but his representations of the state of the country induced
+me to change my mind; he travels by a private way, avoiding all the
+towns of note, or size."
+
+"In that he has done well, sir. Near to me as a brother of Beulah's
+must always seem, I should be sorry to see Bob, just at this moment. If
+there be no hope of getting him to join us, the farther we are
+separated the better."
+
+This was said gravely, and it caused all who heard it fully to
+appreciate the serious character of a quarrel that threatened to arm
+brother against brother. As if by common consent, the discourse
+changed, all appearing anxious, at a moment otherwise so happy, to
+obliterate impressions so unpleasant from their thoughts.
+
+The captain, his wife, Beulah and the colonel, had several long and
+private communications in the course of the evening. Maud was not sorry
+to be left to herself, and the chaplain devoted his time to the
+entertainment of the friend of Beekman, who was in truth a surveyor,
+brought along partly to preserve appearances, and partly for service.
+The chain-bearers, hunters, &c., had been distributed in the different
+cabins of the settlement, immediately on the arrival of the party.
+
+That night, when the sisters retired, Maud perceived that Beulah had
+something to communicate, out of the common way. Still, she did not
+know whether it would be proper for her to make any inquiries, and
+things were permitted to take their natural course. At length Beulah,
+in her gentle way, remarked--"It is a fearful thing, Maud, for a woman
+to take upon herself the new duties, obligations and ties of a wife."
+
+"She should _not_ do it, Beulah, unless she feels a love for the
+man of her choice, that will sustain her in them. You, who have
+_real_ parents living, ought to feel this fully, as I doubt not you
+do."
+
+"_Real_ parents! Maud, you frighten me! Are not _my_ parents
+_yours?_--Is not all our love common?"
+
+"I am ashamed of myself, Beulah. Dearer and better parents than mine,
+no girl ever had. I am ashamed of my words, and beg you will forget
+them."
+
+"That I shall be very ready to do. It was a great consolation to think
+that should I be compelled to quit home, as compelled I must be in the
+end, I should leave with my father and mother a child as dutiful, and
+one that loves them as sincerely as yourself, Maud."
+
+"You have thought right, Beulah. I do love them to my heart's core!
+Then you are right in another sense; for I shall _never_ marry. My
+mind is made up to _that_"
+
+"Well, dear, many are happy that never marry--many women are happier
+than those that do. Evert has a kind, manly, affectionate heart, and I
+know will do all he can to prevent my regretting home; but we can never
+have more than _one_ mother, Maud!"
+
+Maud did not answer, though she looked surprised that Beulah should say
+this to _her_.
+
+"Evert has reasoned and talked so much to my father and mother,"
+continued the _fiancee_, blushing, "that they have thought we had
+better be married at once. Do you know, Maud, that it has been settled
+this evening, that the ceremony is to take place to-morrow!"
+
+"This is sudden, indeed, Beulah! Why have they determined on so
+unexpected a thing?"
+
+"It is all owing to the state of the country. I know not how he has
+done it--but Evert has persuaded my father, that the sooner I am his
+wife, the more secure we shall _all_ be, here at the Knoll."
+
+"I hope you love Evert Beekman, dearest, dearest Beulah?"
+
+"What a question, Maud! Do you suppose I could stand up before a
+minister of God, and plight my faith to a man I did not love?--Why have
+you seemed to doubt it?"
+
+"I do not doubt it--I am very foolish, for I know you are conscientious
+as the saints in heaven--and yet, Beulah, I think _I_ could scarce
+be so tranquil about one I loved."
+
+The gentle Beulah smiled, but she no longer felt uneasiness. She
+understood the impulses and sentiments of her own pure but tranquil
+nature too well, to distrust herself; and she could easily imagine that
+Maud would not be as composed under similar circumstances.
+
+"Perhaps it is well, sister of mine," she answered laughing, though
+blushing, "that you are so resolved to remain single; for one hardly
+knows where to find a suitor sufficiently devoted and ethereal for your
+taste. No one pleased you last winter, though the least encouragement
+would have Brought a dozen to your feet; and here there is no one you
+can possibly have, unless it be dear, good, old Mr. Woods."
+
+Maud compressed her lips, and really looked stern, so determined was
+she to command herself; then she answered somewhat in her sister's
+vein--
+
+"It is very true," she said, "there is no hero for me to accept, unless
+it be dear Mr. Woods; and he, poor man, has had one wife that cured him
+of any desire to possess another, they say."
+
+"Mr. Woods! I never knew that he was married. Who can have told you
+this, Maud?"
+
+"I got it from Robert"--answered the other, hesitating a little. "He
+was talking one day of such things."
+
+"What things, dear?"
+
+"Why--of getting married--I believe it was about marrying relatives--or
+connections--or, some such thing; for Mr. Woods married a cousin-
+german, it would seem--and so he told me all about it. Bob was old
+enough to know his wife, when she died. Poor man, she led him a hard
+life--he must be far from the Knoll, by this time, Beulah!"
+
+"Mr. Woods!--I left him with papa, a few minutes since, talking over
+the ceremony for to-morrow!"
+
+"I meant Bob----"
+
+Here the sisters caught each other's eyes, and both blushed,
+consciousness presenting to them, at the same instant, the images that
+were uppermost in their respective minds. But, no more was said. They
+continued their employments in silence, and soon each was kneeling in
+prayer.
+
+The following day, Evert Beekman and Beulah Willoughby were married.
+The ceremony took place, immediately after breakfast, in the little
+chapel; no one being present but the relatives, and Michael O'Hearn,
+who quieted his conscience for not worshipping with the rest of the
+people, by acting as their sexton. The honest county Leitrim man was
+let into the secret--as a great secret, however--at early dawn; and he
+had the place swept and in order in good season, appearing in his
+Sunday attire to do honour to the occasion, as he thought became him.
+
+A mother as tender as Mrs. Willoughby, could not resign the first claim
+on her child, without indulging her tears, Maud wept, too; but it was
+as much in sympathy for Beulah's happiness, as from any other cause.
+The marriage in other respects, was simple, and without any
+ostentatious manifestations of feeling. It was, in truth, one of those
+rational and wise connections, which promise to wear well, there being
+a perfect fitness, in station, wealth, connections, years, manners and
+habits, between the parties. Violence was done to nothing, in bringing
+this discreet and well-principled couple together. Evert was as worthy
+of Beulah, as she was worthy of him. There was confidence in the
+future, on every side; and not a doubt, or a misgiving of any sort,
+mingled with the regrets, if regrets they could be called, that were,
+in some measure, inseparable from the solemn ceremony.
+
+The marriage was completed, the affectionate father had held the
+weeping but smiling bride on his bosom, the tender mother had folded
+her to her heart, Maud had pressed her in her arms in a fervent
+embrace, and the chaplain had claimed his kiss, when the well-meaning
+sexton approached.
+
+"Is it the likes of yees I wish well to!" said Mike--"Ye may well say
+_that_; and to yer husband, and childer, and all that will go
+before, and all that have come after ye! I know'd ye, when ye was
+mighty little, and that was years agone; and niver have I seen a cross
+look on yer pretthy face. I've app'inted to myself, many's the time, a
+consait to tell ye all this, by wor-r-d of mouth; but the likes of
+yees, and of the Missus, and of Miss Maud there--och! isn't she a swate
+one! and many's the pity, there's no sich tall, handsome jontleman to
+take _her_, in the bargain, bad luck to him for staying away; and
+so God bless ye, all, praist in the bargain, though he's no praist at
+all; and here's my good wishes said and done."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter X.
+
+  Ho! Princes of Jacob! the strength and the stay
+  Of the daughters of Zion;--now up, and away;
+  Lo, the hunters have struck her, and bleeding alone
+  Like a pard in the desert she maketh her moan:
+  Up with war-horse and banner, with spear and with sword,
+  On the spoiler go down in the might of the Lord!
+
+  Lunt.
+
+The succeeding fortnight, or three weeks, brought no material changes,
+beyond those connected with the progress of the season. Vegetation was
+out in its richest luxuriance, the rows of corn and potatoes, freshly
+hoed, were ornamenting the flats, the wheat and other grains were
+throwing up their heads, and the meadows were beginning to exchange
+their flowers for the seed. As for the forest, it had now veiled its
+mysteries beneath broad curtains of a green so bright and lively, that
+one can only meet it, beneath a generous sun, tempered by genial rains,
+and a mountain air. The chain-bearers, and other companions of Beekman,
+quitted the valley the day after the wedding, leaving no one of their
+party behind but its principal.
+
+The absence of the major was not noted by Joel and his set, in the
+excitement of receiving so many guests, and in the movement of the
+wedding. But, as soon as the fact was ascertained, the overseer and
+miller made the pretence of a 'slack-time' in their work, and obtained
+permission to go to the Mohawk, on private concerns of their own. Such
+journeys were sufficiently common to obviate suspicion; and, the leave
+had, the two conspirators started off, in company, the morning of the
+second day, or forty-eight hours after the major and Nick had
+disappeared. As the latter was known to have come in by the Fort
+Stanwix route, it was naturally enough supposed that he had returned by
+the same; and Joel determined to head him on the Mohawk, at some point
+near Schenectady, where he might make a merit of his own patriotism, by
+betraying the son of his master. The reader is not to suppose Joel
+intended to do all this openly; so far from it, his plan was to keep
+himself in the back-ground, while he attracted attention to the
+supposed toryism of the captain, and illustrated his own attachment to
+the colonies.
+
+It is scarcely necessary to say that this plan failed, in consequence
+of the new path taken by Nick. At the very moment when Joel and the
+miller were lounging about a Dutch inn, some fifteen or twenty miles
+above Schenectady, in waiting for the travellers to descend the valley
+of the Mohawk, Robert Willoughby and his guide were actually crossing
+the Hudson, in momentary security at least. After remaining at his post
+until satisfied his intended prey had escaped him, Joel, with his
+friend, returned to the settlement. Still, the opportunity had been
+improved, to make himself better acquainted with the real state of the
+country; to open communications with certain patriots of a moral
+calibre about equal to his own, but of greater influence; to throw out
+divers injurious hints, and secret insinuations concerning the captain;
+and to speculate on the propriety of leaving so important a person to
+work his will, at a time so critical. But the pear was not yet ripe,
+and all that could now be done was to clear the way a little for
+something important in future.
+
+In the meantime, Evert Beekman having secured his gentle and true-
+hearted wife, began, though with a heavy heart, to bethink him of his
+great political duties. It was well understood that he was to have a
+regiment of the new levies, and Beulah had schooled her affectionate
+heart to a degree that permitted her to part with him, in such a cause,
+with seeming resignation. It was, sooth to say, a curious spectacle, to
+see how these two sisters bent all their thoughts and wishes, in
+matters of a public nature, to favour the engrossing sentiments of
+their sex and natures; Maud being strongly disposed to sustain the
+royal cause, and the bride to support that in which her husband had
+enlisted, heart and hand.
+
+As for captain Willoughby, he said little on the subject of politics;
+but the marriage of Beulah had a powerful influence in confirming his
+mind in the direction it had taken after the memorable argument with
+the chaplain. Colonel Beekman was a man of strong good sense, though
+without the least brilliancy; and his arguments were all so clear and
+practical, as to carry with them far more weight than was usual in the
+violent partisan discussions of the period. Beulah fancied him a Solon
+in sagacity, and a Bacon in wisdom. Her father, without proceeding
+quite as far as this, was well pleased with his cool discriminating
+judgment, and much disposed to defer to his opinions. The chaplain was
+left out of the discussions as incorrigible.
+
+The middle of June was passed, at the time colonel Beekman began to
+think of tearing himself from his wife, in order to return into the
+active scenes of preparation he had quitted, to make this visit. As
+usual, the family frequented the lawn, at the close of the day, the
+circumstance of most of the windows of the Hut looking on the court,
+rendering this resort to the open air more agreeable than might
+otherwise have been the case. Evert was undecided whether to go the
+following morning, or to remain a day longer, when the lawn was thus
+occupied, on the evening of the 25th of the month, Mrs. Willoughby
+making the tea, as usual, her daughters sitting near her, sewing, and
+the gentlemen at hand, discussing the virtues of different sorts of
+seed-corn.
+
+"There is a stranger!" suddenly exclaimed the chaplain, looking towards
+the rocks near the mill, the point at which all arrivals in the valley
+were first seen from the Hut. "He comes, too, like a man in haste,
+whatever may be his errand."
+
+"God be praised," returned the captain rising; "it is Nick, on his
+usual trot, and this is about the time he should be back, the bearer of
+good news. A week earlier might have augured better; but this will do.
+The fellow moves over the ground as if he really had something to
+communicate!"
+
+Mrs. Willoughby and her daughters suspended their avocations, and the
+gentlemen stood, in silent expectation, watching the long, loping
+strides of the Tuscarora, as he came rapidly across the plain. In a few
+minutes the Indian came upon the lawn, perfectly in wind, moving with
+deliberation and gravity, as he drew nearer to the party. Captain
+Willoughby, knowing his man, waited quite another minute, after the
+red-man was leaning against an apple-tree, before he questioned him.
+
+"Welcome back, Nick," he then said. "Where did you leave my son?"
+
+"He tell dere," answered the Indian, presenting a note, which the
+captain read.
+
+"This is all right, Nick; and it shows you have been a true man. Your
+wages shall be paid to-night. But, this letter has been written on the
+eastern bank of the Hudson, and is quite three weeks old--why have we
+not seen you, sooner?"
+
+"Can't see, when he don't come."
+
+"That is plain enough; but why have you not come back sooner? That is
+my question."
+
+"Want to look at country--went to shore of Great Salt Lake."
+
+"Oh!--Curiosity, then, has been at the bottom of your absence?"
+
+"Nick warrior--no squaw--got no cur'osity."
+
+"No, no--I beg your pardon, Nick; I did not mean to accuse you of so
+womanish a feeling. Far from it; I know you are a man. Tell us,
+however, how far, and whither you went?"
+
+"Bos'on," answered Nick, sententiously.
+
+"Boston! That has been a journey, indeed. Surely my son did not allow
+you to travel in his company through Massachusetts?"
+
+"Nick go alone. Two path; one for major; one for Tuscarora. Nick got
+dere first."
+
+"That I can believe, if you were in earnest. Were you not questioned by
+the way?"
+
+"Yes. Tell 'em I'm Stockbridge--pale-face know no better. T'ink he fox;
+more like wood-chuck."
+
+"Thank you, Nick, for the compliment. Had my son reached Boston before
+you came away?"
+
+"Here he be"--answered the Indian, producing another missive, from the
+folds of his calico shirt.
+
+The captain received the note which he read with extreme gravity, and
+some surprise.
+
+"This is in Bob's handwriting," he said, "and is dated 'Boston, June
+18th, 1775;' but it is without signature, and is not only Bob, but Bob
+Short."
+
+"Read, dear Willoughby," exclaimed the anxious mother. "News from
+_him_, concerns us all."
+
+"News, Wilhelmina!--They may call this news in Boston, but one is very
+little the better for it at the Hutted Knoll. However, such as it is,
+there is no reason for keeping it a secret, while there is _one_
+reason, at least, why it should be known. This is all. 'My dearest
+sir--Thank God I am unharmed; but we have had much to make us reflect;
+you know what duty requires--my best and endless love to my mother, and
+Beulah--and dear, laughing, capricious, _pretty_ Maud. Nick was
+present, and can tell you all. I do not think he will extenuate, or
+aught set down in malice."' And this without direction, or signature;
+with nothing, in fact, but place and date. What say _you_ to all
+this, Nick?"
+
+"He very good--major dere; he know. Nick dere--hot time--a t'ousand
+scalp--coat red as blood."
+
+"There has been another battle!" exclaimed the captain; "that is too
+plain to admit of dispute. Speak out at once, Nick--which gained the
+day; the British or the Americans?"
+
+"Hard to tell--one fight, t'other fight. Red-coat take de ground;
+Yankee kill. If Yankee could take scalp of all he kill, he whip. But,
+poor warriors at takin' scalp. No know how."
+
+"Upon my word, Woods, there does seem to be something in all this! It
+can hardly be possible that the Americans would dare to attack Boston,
+defended as it is, by a strong army of British regulars."
+
+"That would they not," cried the chaplain, with emphasis. "This has
+been only another skirmish."
+
+"What you call skirmge?" asked Nick, pointedly. "It skirmge to take
+t'ousand scalp, ha?"
+
+"Tell us what _has_ happened, Tuscarora?" said the captain,
+motioning his friend to be silent.
+
+"Soon tell--soon done. Yankee on hill; reg'lar in canoe. Hundred,
+t'ousand, fifty canoe--full of red-coat. Great chief, dere!--ten--six--
+two--all go togeder. Come ashore--parade, pale-face manner--march--
+booh--booh--dem cannon; pop, pop--dem gun. Wah! how he run!"
+
+"Run!--who ran, Nick?--Though I suppose it must have been the poor
+Americans, of course."
+
+"Red-coat run," answered the Indian, quietly.
+
+This reply produced a general sensation, even the ladies starting, and
+gazing at each other.
+
+"Red-coat run"--repeated the captain, slowly. "Go on with your history,
+Nick--where was this battle fought?"
+
+"T'other Bos'on--over river--go in canoe to fight, like Injin from
+Canada."
+
+"That must have been in Charlestown, Woods--you may remember Boston is
+on one peninsula, and Charlestown on another. Still, I do not recollect
+that the Americans were in the latter, Beekman--you told me nothing of
+that?"
+
+"They were not so near the royal forces, certainly, when I left Albany,
+sir," returned the colonel. "A few direct questions to the Indian,
+however, would bring out the whole truth."
+
+"We must proceed more methodically. How many Yankees were in this
+fight, Nick?--Calculate as we used to, in the French war."
+
+"Reach from here to mill--t'ree, two deep, cap'in. All farmer; no
+sodger. Carry gun, but no carry baggonet; no carry knapsack. No wear
+red-coat. _Look_ like town-meetin'; _fight_ like devils."
+
+"A line as long as from this to the mill, three deep, would contain
+about two thousand men, Beekman. Is that what you wish to say, Nick?"
+
+"That about him--pretty near--just so."
+
+"Well, then, there were about two thousand Yankees on this hill--how
+many king's troops crossed in the canoes, to go against them?"
+
+"Two time--one time, so many; t'other time, half so many. Nick close
+by; count _him_."
+
+"That would make three thousand in all! By George, this does look like
+work. Did they all go together, Nick?"
+
+"No; one time go first; fight, run away. Den two time go, fight good
+deal--run away, too. Den try harder--set fire to wigwam--go up hill;
+Yankee run away."
+
+"This is plain enough, and quite graphical. Wigwam on fire? Charlestown
+is not burnt, Nick?"
+
+"Dat he--Look like old Council Fire, gone out. Big canoe fire--booh--
+booh--Nick nebber see such war before--wah! Dead man plenty as leaves
+on tree; blood run like creek!"
+
+"Were you in this battle, Nick? How came you to learn so much about
+it?"
+
+"Don't want to be in it--better out--no scalp taken. Red-man not'in' to
+do, dere. How know about him?--_See_ him--dat all. Got eye; why no
+see him, behind stone wall. Good see, behind stone wall."
+
+"Were you across the water yourself, or did you remain in Boston, and
+see from a distance?"
+
+"Across in canoe--tell red-coat, general send letter by Nick--major
+say, he _my_ friend--let Nick go."
+
+"My son was in this bloody battle, then!" said Mrs. Willoughby. "He
+writes, Hugh, that he is safe?"
+
+"He does, dearest Wilhelmina; and Bob knows us too well, to attempt
+deception, in such a matter."
+
+"Did you see the major in the field, Nick--after you crossed the water,
+I mean?"
+
+"See him, all. Six--two--seven t'ousand. Close by; why not see major
+stand up like pine--no dodge he head, _dere_. Kill all round him--
+no hurt _him_! Fool to stay dere--tell him so; but he no come
+away. Save he scalp, too."
+
+"And how many slain do you suppose there might have been left on the
+ground--or, did you riot remain to see?"
+
+"Did see--stay to get gun--knapsack--oder good t'ing--plenty about;
+pick him up, fast as want him." Here Nick coolly opened a small bundle,
+and exhibited an epaulette, several rings, a watch, five or six pairs
+of silver buckles, and divers other articles of plunder, of which he
+had managed to strip the dead. "All good t'ing--plenty as stone--have
+him widout askin'."
+
+"So I see, Master Nick--and is this the plunder of Englishmen, or of
+Americans?"
+
+"Red-coat nearest--got most t'ing, too. Go farder, fare worse; as pale-
+face say."
+
+"Quite satisfactory. Were there more red-coats left on the ground, or
+more Americans?"
+
+"Red-coat so," said Nick, holding up _four_ fingers--Yankee, so;
+"holding up _one_. Take big grave to hold red-coat. Small grave
+won't hold Yankee. Hear what he count; most red-coat. More than
+t'ousand warrior! British groan, like squaw dat lose her hunter."
+
+Such was Saucy Nick's description of the celebrated, and, in some
+particulars, unrivalled combat of Bunker Hill, of which he had actually
+been an eye-witness, on the ground, though using the precaution to keep
+his body well covered. He did not think it necessary to state the fact
+that he had given the _coup-de-grace_, himself, to the owner of
+the epaulette, nor did he deem it essential to furnish all the
+particulars of his mode of obtaining so many buckles. In other
+respects, his account was fair enough, "nothing extenuating, or setting
+down aught in malice." The auditors had listened with intense feeling;
+and Maud, when the allusion was made to Robert Willoughby, buried her
+pallid face in her hands, and wept. As for Beulah, time and again, she
+glanced anxiously at her husband, and bethought her of the danger to
+which he might so soon be exposed.
+
+The receipt of this important intelligence confirmed Beekman in the
+intention to depart. The very next morning he tore himself away from
+Beulah, and proceeded to Albany. The appointment of Washington, and a
+long list of other officers, soon succeeded, including his own as a
+colonel; and the war may be said to have commenced systematically. Its
+distant din occasionally reached the Hutted Knoll; but the summer
+passed away, bringing with it no event to affect the tranquillity of
+that settlement. Even Joel's schemes were thwarted for a time, and he
+was fain to continue to wear the mask, and to gather that harvest for
+another, which he had hoped to reap for his own benefit.
+
+Beulah had all a young wife's fears for her husband; but, as month
+succeeded month, and one affair followed another, without bringing him
+harm, she began to submit to the anxieties inseparable from her
+situation, with less of self-torment, and more of reason. Her mother
+and Maud were invaluable friends to her, in this novel and trying
+situation, though each had her own engrossing cares on account of
+Robert Willoughby. As no other great battle, however, occurred in the
+course of the year '75, Beekman remained in safety with the troops that
+invested Boston, and the major with the army within it. Neither was
+much exposed, and glad enough were these gentle affectionate hearts,
+when they learned that the sea separated the combatants.
+
+This did not occur, however, until another winter was passed. In
+November, the family left the Hut, as had been its practice of late
+years, and went out into the more inhabited districts to pass the
+winter. This time it came only to Albany, where colonel Beekman joined
+it, passing a few happy weeks with his well-beloved Beulah. The ancient
+town mentioned was not gay at a moment like that; but it had many young
+officers in it, on the American side of the question, who were willing
+enough to make themselves acceptable to Maud. The captain was not sorry
+to see several of these youths manifesting assiduity about her he had
+so long been accustomed to consider as his youngest daughter; for, by
+this time, his opinions had taken so strong a bias in favour of the
+rights of the colonies, that Beekman himself scarce rejoiced more
+whenever he heard of any little success alighting on the American arms.
+
+"It will all come right in the end," the worthy captain used to assure
+his friend the chaplain. "They will open their eyes at home, ere long,
+and the injustice of taxing the colonies will be admitted. Then all
+will come round again; the king will be as much beloved as ever, and
+England and America will be all the better friends for having a mutual
+respect. I know my countrymen well; they mean right, and will do right,
+as soon as their stomachs are a little lowered, and they come to look
+at the truth, coolly. I'll answer for it, the Battle of Bunker's Hill
+made _us_"--the captain had spoken in this way, now, for some
+months--"made _us_ a thousand advocates, where we had one before.
+This is the nature of John Bull; give him reason to respect you, and he
+will soon do you justice; but give him reason to feel otherwise, and he
+becomes a careless, if not a hard master."
+
+Such were the opinions captain Willoughby entertained of his native
+land; a land he had not seen in thirty years, and one in which he had
+so recently inherited unexpected honours, without awakening a desire to
+return and enjoy them. His opinions were right in part, certainly; for
+they depended on a law of nature, while it is not improbable they were
+wrong in all that was connected with the notions of any peculiarly
+manly quality, in any particular part of christendom. No maxim is truer
+than that which teaches us "like causes produce like effects;" and as
+human beings are governed by very similar laws all over the face of
+this round world of ours, nothing is more certain than the similarity
+of their propensities.
+
+Maud had no smiles, beyond those extracted by her naturally sweet
+disposition, and a very prevalent desire to oblige, for any of the
+young soldiers, or young civilians, who crowded about her chair, during
+the Albany winter mentioned. Two or three of colonel Beekman's military
+friends, in particular, would very gladly have become connected with an
+officer so much respected, through means so exceedingly agreeable; but
+no encouragement emboldened either to go beyond the attention and
+assiduities of a marked politeness.
+
+"I know not how it is," observed Mrs. Willoughby, one day, in a
+_tete-a-tete_ with her husband; "Maud seems to take less pleasure
+than is usual with girls of her years, in the attentions of your sex.
+That her heart is affectionate--warm--even tender, I am very certain;
+and yet no sign of preference, partiality, or weakness, in favour of
+any of these fine young men, of whom we see so many, can I discover in
+the child. They all seem alike to her!"
+
+"Her time will come, as it happened to her mother before her," answered
+the captain. "Whooping-cough and measles are not more certain to befall
+children, than love to befall a young woman. You were all made for it,
+my dear Willy, and no fear but the girl will catch the disease, one of
+these days; and that, too, without any inoculation."
+
+"I am sure, I have no wish to separate from my child"--so Mrs.
+Willoughby always spoke of, and so she always felt towards Maud--"I am
+sure, I have no wish to separate from my child; but as we cannot always
+remain, it is perhaps better this one should marry, like the other.
+There is young Verplanck much devoted to her; he is everyway a suitable
+match; and then he is in Evert's own regiment."
+
+"Ay, he would do; though to my fancy Luke Herring is the far better
+match."
+
+"That is because he is richer and more powerful, Hugh--you men cannot
+think of a daughter's establishment, without immediately dragging in
+houses and lands, as part of the ceremony."
+
+"By George, wife of mine, houses and lands in moderation, are very good
+sweeteners of matrimony!"
+
+"And yet, Hugh, I have been very happy as a wife, nor have you been
+very miserable as a husband, without any excess of riches to sweeten
+the state!" answered Mrs. Willoughby, reproachfully. "Had you been a
+full general, I could not have loved you more than I have done as a
+mere captain."
+
+"All very true, Wilhelmina, dearest," returned the husband, kissing the
+faithful partner of his bosom with strong affection--"very true, my
+dear girl; for girl you are and ever will be in my eyes; but _you_
+are one in a million, and I humbly trust there are not ten hundred and
+one, in every thousand, just like myself. For my part, I wish dear,
+saucy, capricious little Maud, no worse luck in a husband, than Luke
+Herring."
+
+"She will never be _his_ wife; I know her, and my own sex, too
+well to think it. You are wrong, however, Willoughby, in applying such
+terms to the child. Maud is not in the least capricious, especially in
+her affections. See with what truth and faithfulness of sisterly
+attachment she clings to Bob. I do declare I am often ashamed to feel
+that even his own mother has less solicitude about him than this dear
+girl."
+
+"Pooh, Willy; don't be afflicted with the idea that you don't make
+yourself sufficiently miserable about the boy. Bob will do well enough,
+and will very likely come out of this affair a lieutenant-colonel. I
+may live yet to see him a general officer; certainly, if I live to be
+as old as my grandfather, Sir Thomas. As for Maud, she finds Beulah
+uneasy about Beekman; and having no husband herself, or any over that
+she cares a straw about, why she just falls upon Bob as a _pis
+aller_. I'll warrant you she cares no more for him than any of the
+rest of us--than myself, for instance; though as an old soldier, I
+don't scream every time I fancy a gun fired over yonder at Boston."
+
+"I wish it were well over. It is _so_ unnatural for Evert and
+Robert to be on opposite sides."
+
+"Yes, it is out of the common way, I admit; and yet 'twill all come
+round, in the long run. This Mr. Washington is a clever fellow, and
+seems to play his cards with spirit and judgment. He was with us, in
+that awkward affair of Braddock's; and between you and me, Wilhelmina,
+he covered the regulars, or we should all have laid our bones on that
+accursed field. I wrote you at the time, what I thought of him, and now
+you see it is all coming to pass."
+
+It was one of the captain's foibles to believe himself a political
+prophet; and, as he had really both written and spoken highly of
+Washington, at the time mentioned, it had no small influence on his
+opinions to find himself acting on the same side with this admired
+favourite. Prophecies often produce their own fulfilment, in cases of
+much greater gravity than this; and it is not surprising that our
+captain found himself strengthened in his notions by the circumstance.
+
+The winter passed away without any of Maud's suitors making a visible
+impression on her heart. In March, the English evacuated Boston, Robert
+Willoughby sailing with his regiment for Halifax, and thence with the
+expedition against Charleston, under Sir Henry Clinton. The next month,
+the family returned to the Knoll, where it was thought wiser, and even
+safer to be, at a moment so critical, than even in a more frequented
+place. The war proceeded, and, to the captain's great regret, without
+any very visible approaches towards the reconciliation he had so
+confidently anticipated. This rather checked his warmth in favour of
+the colonial cause; for, an Englishman by birth, he was much opposed at
+bottom to anything like a dissolution of the tie that connected America
+with the mother country; a political event that now began seriously to
+be talked of among the initiated.
+
+Desirous of thinking as little as possible of disagreeable things, the
+worthy owner of the valley busied himself with his crops, his mills,
+and his improvements. He had intended to commence leasing his wild
+lands about this time, and to begin a more extended settlement, with an
+eye to futurity; but the state of the country forbade the execution of
+the project, and he was fain to limit his efforts by their former
+boundaries. The geographical position of the valley put it beyond any
+of the ordinary exactions of military service; and, as there was a
+little doubt thrown around its owner's opinions, partly in consequence
+of his son's present and his own previous connection with the royal
+army, and partly on account of Joel's secret machinations, the
+authorities were well content to let the settlement alone, provided it
+would take care of itself. Notwithstanding the prominent patriotism of
+Joel Strides and the miller, they were well satisfied, themselves, with
+this state of things; preferring peace and quietness to the more
+stirring scenes of war. Their schemes, moreover, had met with somewhat
+of a check, in the feeling of the population of the valley, which, on
+an occasion calculated to put their attachment to its owner to the
+proof, had rather shown that they remembered his justice, liberality,
+and upright conduct, more than exactly comported with their longings.
+This manifestation of respect was shown at an election for a
+representative in a local convention, in which every individual at the
+Hutted Knoll, who had a voice at all, the two conspirators excepted,
+had given it in favour of the captain. So decided was this expression
+of feeling, indeed, that it compelled Joel and the miller to chime in
+with the cry of the hour, and to vote contrary to their own wishes.
+
+One, dwelling at the Hutted Knoll, in the summer of 1776, could never
+have imagined that he was a resident of a country convulsed by a
+revolution, and disfigured by war. There, everything seemed peaceful
+and calm, the woods sighing with the airs of their sublime solitude,
+the genial sun shedding its heats on a grateful and generous soil,
+vegetation ripening and yielding with all the abundance of a bountiful
+nature, as in the more tranquil days of peace and hope.
+
+"There is something frightful in the calm of this valley, Beulah!"
+exclaimed Maud one Sunday, as she and her sister looked out of the
+library window amid the breathing stillness of the forest, listening to
+the melancholy sound of the bell that summoned them to prayers. "There
+is a frightful calm over this place, at an hour when we know that
+strife and bloodshed are so active in the country. Oh! that the hateful
+congress had never thought of making this war!"
+
+"Evert writes me all is well, Maud; that the times will lead to good;
+the people are right; and America will now be a nation--in time, he
+thinks, a great, and a very great nation."
+
+"Ah! It is this ambition of greatness that hurries them all on! Why can
+they not be satisfied with being respectable subjects of so great a
+country as England, that they must destroy each other for this phantom
+of liberty? Will it make them wiser, or happier, or better than they
+are?"
+
+Thus reasoned Maud, under the influence of one engrossing sentiment. As
+our tale proceeds, we shall have occasion to show, perhaps, how far was
+that submission to events which she inculcated, from the impulses of
+her true character. Beulah answered mildly, but it was more as a young
+American wife:
+
+"I know Evert thinks it all right, Maud; and you will own he is neither
+fiery nor impetuous. If _his_ cool judgment approve of what has
+been done, we may well suppose that it has not been done in too much
+haste, or needlessly."
+
+"Think, Beulah," rejoined Maud, with an ashen cheek, and in trembling
+tones, "that Evert and Robert may, at this very moment, be engaged in
+strife against each other. The last messenger who came in, brought us
+the miserable tidings that Sir William Howe was landing a large army
+near New York, and that the Americans were preparing to meet it. We are
+certain that Bob is with his regiment; and his regiment we know is in
+the army. How can we think of this liberty, at a moment so critical?"
+
+Beulah did not reply; for in spite of her quiet nature, and implicit
+confidence in her husband, she could not escape a woman's solicitude.
+The colonel had promised to write at every good occasion, and that
+which he promised was usually performed. She thought, and thought
+rightly, that a very few days would bring them intelligence of
+importance; though it came in a shape she had little anticipated, and
+by a messenger she had then no desire to see.
+
+In the meantime, the season and its labours advanced. August was over,
+and September with its fruits had succeeded, promising to bring the
+year round without any new or extraordinary incidents to change the
+fortunes of the inmates of the Hutted Knoll. Beulah had now been
+married more than a twelvemonth, and was already a mother; and of
+course all that time had elapsed since the son quitted his father's
+house. Nick, too, had disappeared shortly after his return from Boston;
+and throughout this eventful summer, his dark, red countenance had not
+been seen in the valley.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XI.
+
+  And now 'tis still! no sound to wake
+  The primal forest's awful shade;
+  And breathless lies the covert brake,
+  Where many an ambushed form is laid:
+  I see the red-man's gleaming eye,
+  Yet all so hushed the gloom profound,
+  That summer birds flit heedlessly,
+  And mocking nature smiles around.
+
+  Lunt.
+
+The eventful summer of 1776 had been genial and generous in the valley
+of the Hutted Knoll. With a desire to drive away obtrusive thoughts,
+the captain had been much in his fields, and he was bethinking himself
+of making a large contribution to the good cause, in the way of fatted
+porkers, of which he had an unusual number, that he thought might yet
+be driven through the forest to Fort Stanwix, before the season closed.
+In the way of intelligence from the seat of war, nothing had reached
+the family but a letter from the major, which he had managed to get
+sent, and in which he wrote with necessary caution. He merely mentioned
+the arrival of Sir William Howe's forces, and the state of his own
+health. There was a short postscript, in the following words, the
+letter having been directed to his father:--"Tell dearest Maud," he
+said, "that charming women have ceased to charm me; glory occupying so
+much of my day-dreams, like an _ignis fatuus_, I fear; and that as
+for love, _all_ my affections are centred in the dear objects at
+the Hutted Knoll. If I had met with a single woman I admired half as
+much as I do her pretty self, I should have been married long since."
+This was written in answer to some thoughtless rattle that the captain
+had volunteered to put in his last letter, as coming from Maud, who had
+sensitively shrunk from sending a message when asked; and it was read
+by father, mother, and Beulah, as the badinage of a brother to a
+sister, without awaking a second thought in either. Not so with Maud,
+herself, however. When her seniors had done with this letter, she
+carried it to her own room, reading and re-reading it a dozen times;
+nor could she muster resolution to return it; but, finding at length
+that the epistle was forgotten, she succeeded in retaining it without
+awakening attention to what she had done. This letter now became her
+constant companion, and a hundred times did the sweet gill trace its
+characters, in the privacy of her chamber, or in that of her now
+solitary walks in the woods.
+
+As yet, the war had produced none of those scenes of ruthless frontier
+violence, that had distinguished all the previous conflicts of America.
+The enemy was on the coast, and thither the efforts of the combatants
+had been principally directed. It is true, an attempt on Canada had
+been made, but it failed for want of means; neither party being in a
+condition to effect much, as yet, in that quarter. The captain had
+commented on this peculiarity of the present struggle; all those which
+had preceded it having, as a matter of course, taken the direction of
+the frontiers between the hostile provinces.
+
+"There is no use, Woods, in bothering ourselves about these things,
+after all," observed captain Willoughby, one day, when the subject of
+hanging the long-neglected gates came up between them. "It's a heavy
+job, and the crops will suffer if we take off the hands this week. We
+are as safe, here, as we should be in Hyde Park; and safer too; for
+there house-breakers and foot-pads abound; whereas, _your_
+preaching has left nothing but very vulgar and everyday sinners at the
+Knoll."
+
+The chaplain had little to say against this reasoning; for, to own the
+truth, he saw no particular cause for apprehension. Impunity had
+produced the feeling of security, until these gates had got to be
+rather a subject of amusement, than of any serious discussion. The
+preceding year, when the stockade was erected, Joel had managed to
+throw so many obstacles in the way of hanging the gates, that the duty
+was not performed throughout the whole of the present summer, the
+subject having been mentioned but once or twice, and then only to be
+postponed to a more fitting occasion.
+
+As yet no one in the valley knew of the great event which had taken
+place in July. A rumour of a design to declare the provinces
+independent had reached the Hut, in May; but the major's letter was
+silent on this important event, and positive information had arrived by
+no other channel; otherwise, the captain would have regarded the
+struggle as much more serious than he had ever done before; and he
+might have set about raising these all-important gates in earnest. As
+it was, however, there they stood; each pair leaning against its proper
+wall or stockade, though those of the latter were so light as to have
+required but eight or ten men to set them on their hinges, in a couple
+of hours at most.
+
+Captain Willoughby still confined his agricultural schemes to the site
+of the old Beaver Pond. The area of that was perfectly beautiful, every
+unsightly object having been removed, while the fences and the tillage
+were faultlessly neat and regular. Care had been taken, too, to render
+the few small fields around the cabins which skirted this lovely rural
+scene, worthy of their vicinage. The stumps had all been dug, the
+surfaces levelled, and the orchards and gardens were in keeping with
+the charms that nature had so bountifully scattered about the place.
+
+While, however, all in the shape of tillage was confined to this one
+spot, the cattle ranged the forest for miles. Not only was the valley,
+but the adjacent mountain-sides were covered with intersecting paths,
+beaten by the herds, in the course of years. These paths led to many a
+glen, or look-out, where Beulah and Maud had long been in the habit of
+pursuing their rambles, during the sultry heats of summer, Though so
+beautiful to the eye, the flats were not agreeable for walks; and it
+was but natural for the lovers of the picturesque to seek the
+eminences, where they could overlook the vast surfaces of leaves that
+were spread before them; or to bury themselves in ravines and glens,
+within which the rays of the sun scarce penetrated. The paths mentioned
+led near, or to, a hundred of these places, all within a mile or two of
+the Hut. As a matter of course, then, they were not neglected.
+
+Beulah had now been a mother several months. Her little Evert was born
+at the Knoll, and he occupied most of those gentle and affectionate
+thoughts which were not engrossed by his absent father. Her marriage,
+of itself, had made some changes in her intercourse with Maud; but the
+birth of the child had brought about still more. The care of this
+little being formed Beulah's great delight; and Mrs. Willoughby had all
+that peculiar interest in her descendant, which marks a grandmother's
+irresponsible love. These two passed half their time in the nursery, a
+room fitted between their respective chambers; leaving Maud more alone
+than it was her wont to be, and of course to brood over her thoughts
+and feelings. These periods of solitude our heroine was much accustomed
+to pass in the forest. Use had so far emboldened her, that apprehension
+never shortened her walks, or lessened their pleasure. Of danger, from
+any ordinary source, there was literally next to none, man never having
+been known to approach the valley, unless by the regular path; while
+the beasts of prey had been so actively hunted, as rarely to be seen in
+that quarter of the country. The panther excepted, no wild quadruped
+was to be in the least feared in summer; and, of the first, none had
+ever been met with by Nick, or any of the numerous woodsmen who had now
+frequented the adjacent hills for two lustrums.
+
+About three hours before the setting of the sun, on the evening of the
+23d of September, 1776, Maud Willoughby was pursuing her way, quite
+alone, along one of the paths beaten by the cattle, at some little
+distance from a rocky eminence, where there was a look-out, on which
+Mike, by her father's orders, had made a rude seat. It was on the side
+of the clearing most remote from all the cabins; though once on the
+elevation, she could command a view of the whole of the little panorama
+around the site of the ancient pond. In that day, ladies wore the well-
+known gipsey hat, a style that was peculiarly suited to the face of our
+heroine. Exercise had given her cheeks a rich glow; and though a shade
+of sadness, or at least of reflection, was now habitually thrown
+athwart her sweet countenance, this bloom added an unusual lustre to
+her eyes, and a brilliancy to her beauty, that the proudest belle of
+any drawing-room might have been glad to possess. Although living so
+retired, her dress always became her rank; being simple, but of the
+character that denotes refinement, and the habits and tastes of a
+gentlewoman. In this particular, Maud had ever been observant of what
+was due to herself; and, more than all, had she attended to her present
+appearance since a chance expression of Robert Willoughby's had
+betrayed how much he prized the quality in her.
+
+Looking thus, and in a melancholy frame of mind, Maud reached the rock,
+and took her place on its simple seat, throwing aside her hat, to catch
+a little of the cooling air on her burning cheeks. She turned to look
+at the lovely view again, with a pleasure that never tired. The rays of
+the sun were streaming athwart the verdant meadows and rich corn,
+lengthening the shadows, and mellowing everything, as if expressly to
+please the eye of one like her who now gazed upon the scene. Most of
+the people of the settlement were in the open air, the men closing
+their day's works in the fields, and the women and children busied
+beneath shades, with their wheels and needles; the whole presenting
+such a picture of peaceful, rural life, as a poet might delight to
+describe, or an artist to delineate with his pencil.
+
+  "The landscape smiles
+  Calm in the sun; and silent are the hills
+  And valleys, and the blue serene of air."
+
+_The Vanished Lark_.
+
+"It is very beautiful!" thought Maud. "Why cannot men be content with
+such scenes of loveliness and nature as this, and love each other, and
+be at peace, as God's laws command? Then we might all be living happily
+together, Mere, without trembling lest news of some sad misfortune
+should reach us, from hour to hour. Beulah and Evert would not be
+separated; but both could remain with their child--and my dear, dear
+father and mother would be so happy to have us all around them, in
+security--and, then, Bob, too--perhaps Bob might bring a wife from the
+town, with him, that I could love as I do Beulah"--It was one of Maud's
+day-dreams to love the wife of Bob, and make him happy by contributing
+to the happiness of those he most prized--"No; I could never love her
+as I do _Beulah_; but I should make her very dear to me, as I
+ought to, since she would be Bob's wife."
+
+The expression of Maud's face, towards the close of this mental
+soliloquy, was of singular sadness; and yet it was the very picture of
+sincerity and truth. It was some such look as the windows of the mind
+assume, when the feelings struggle against nature and hope, for
+resignation and submission to duty.
+
+At this instant, a cry arose from the valley! It was one of those
+spontaneous, involuntary outbreakings of alarm, that no art can
+imitate, no pen describe; but which conveys to the listener's ear,
+terror in the very sound. At the next instant, the men from the mill
+were seen rushing up to the summit of the cliff that impended over
+their dwellings, followed by their wives dragging children after them,
+making frantic gestures, indicative of alarm. The first impulse of Maud
+was to fly; but a moment's reflection told her it was much too late for
+that. To remain and witness what followed would be safer, and more
+wise. Her dress was dark, and she would not be likely to be observed at
+the distance at which she was placed; having behind her, too, a back-
+ground of gloomy rock. Then the scene was too exciting to admit of much
+hesitation or delay in coming to a decision; a fearful species of
+maddened curiosity mingling with her alarm. Under such circumstances,
+it is not surprising that Maud continued gazing on what she saw, with
+eyes that seemed to devour the objects before them.
+
+The first cry from the valley was followed by the appearance of the
+fugitives from the mill. These took the way towards the Hut, calling on
+the nearest labourers by name, to seek safety in flight. The words
+could not be distinguished at the rock, though indistinct sounds might;
+but the gestures could not be mistaken. In half a minute, the plain was
+alive with fugitives; some rushing to their cabins for their children,
+and all taking the direction of the stockade, as soon as the last were
+found. In five minutes the roads and lanes near the Knoll were crowded
+with men, women and children, hastening forward to its protection,
+while a few of the former had already rushed through the gateways, as
+Maud correctly fancied, in quest of their arms.
+
+Captain Willoughby was riding among his labourers when this fearful
+interruption to a tranquillity so placid first broke upon his ear.
+Accustomed to alarms, he galloped forward to meet the fugitives from
+the mill, issuing orders as he passed to several of the men nearest the
+house. With the miller, who thought little of anything but safety at
+that instant, he conversed a moment, and then pushed boldly on towards
+the verge of the cliffs. Maud trembled as she saw her father in a
+situation which she thought must be so exposed; but his cool manner of
+riding about proved that he saw no enemy very near. At length he waved
+his hat to some object, or person in the glen beneath; and she even
+thought she heard his shout. At the next moment, he turned his horse,
+and was seen scouring along the road towards the Hut. The lawn was
+covered with the fugitives as the captain reached it, while a few armed
+men were already coming out of the court-yard. Gesticulating as if
+giving orders, the captain dashed through them all, without drawing the
+rein, and disappeared in the court. A minute later, he re-issued,
+bearing his arms, followed by his wife and Beulah, the latter pressing
+little Evert to her bosom.
+
+Something like order now began to appear among the men. Counting all
+ages and both colours, the valley, at this particular moment, could
+muster thirty-three males capable of bearing arms. To these might be
+added some ten or fifteen women who had occasionally brought down a
+deer, and who might be thought more or less dangerous, stationed at a
+loop, with a rifle or a musket. Captain Willoughby had taken some pains
+to drill the former, who could go through some of the simpler light-
+infantry evolutions. Among them he had appointed sundry corporals,
+while Joel Strides had been named a serjeant. Joyce, now an aged and
+war-worn veteran, did the duty of adjutant. Twenty men were soon drawn
+up in array, in front of the open gateway on the lawn, under the
+immediate orders of Joyce; and the last woman and child, that had been
+seen approaching the place of refuge, had passed within the stockade.
+At this instant captain Willoughby called a party of the stragglers
+around him, and set about hanging the gates of the outer passage, or
+that which led through the palisades.
+
+Maud would now have left the rock, but, at that moment, a dark body of
+Indians poured up over the cliffs, crowning it with a menacing cloud of
+at least fifty armed warriors. The rivulet lay between her and the Hut,
+and the nearest bridge that crossed it would have brought her within
+reach of danger. Then it would require at least half an hour to reach
+that bridge by the circuitous path she would be compelled to take, and
+there was little hope of getting over it before the strangers should
+have advanced. It was better to remain where she could behold what was
+passing, and to be governed by events, than to rush blindly into unseen
+risks.
+
+The party that crowned the cliffs near the mills, showed no impatience
+to advance. It was evidently busy in reconnoitring, and in receiving
+accessions to its numbers. The latter soon increased to some seventy or
+eighty warriors. After waiting several minutes in inaction, a musket,
+or rifle, was fired towards the Hut, as if to try the effect of a
+summons and the range of a bullet. At this hint the men on the lawn
+retired within the stockade, stacked their arms, and joined the party
+that was endeavouring to get the gates in their places. From the
+circumstance that her father directed all the women and children to
+retire within the court, Maud supposed that the bullet might have
+fallen somewhere near them. It was quite evident, however, that no one
+was injured.
+
+The gates intended for the stockade, being open like the rest of that
+work, were materially lighter than those constructed for the house
+itself. The difficulty was in handling them with the accuracy required
+to enter the hinges, of which there were three pairs. This difficulty
+existed on account of their great height. Of physical force, enough
+could be applied to toss them over the stockade itself, if necessary;
+but finesse was needed, rather than force, to effect the principal
+object, and that under difficult circumstances. It is scarcely possible
+that the proximity of so fierce an enemy as a body of savages in their
+war-paint, for such the men at the mill had discovered was the guise of
+their assailants, would in any measure favour the coolness and tact of
+the labourers. Poor Maud lost the sense of her own danger, in the
+nervous desire to see the long-forgotten gates hung; and she rose once
+or twice, in feverish excitement, as she saw that the leaf which was
+raised fell in or out, missing its fastenings. Still the men
+persevered, one or two sentinels being placed to watch the Indians, and
+give timely notice of their approach, should they advance.
+
+Maud now kneeled, with her face bowed to the seat, and uttered a short
+but most fervent prayer, in behalf of the dear beings that the Hut
+contained. This calmed her spirits a little, and she rose once more to
+watch the course of events. The body of men had left the gate at which
+they had just been toiling, and were crowding around its fellow. One
+leaf was hung! As an assurance of this, she soon after saw her father
+swing it backward and forward on its hinges, to cause it to settle into
+its place. This was an immense relief, though she had heard too many
+tales of Indian warfare, to think there was any imminent danger of an
+attack by open day, in the very face of the garrison. The cool manner
+in which her father proceeded, satisfied her that he felt the same
+security, for the moment; his great object being, in truth, to make
+suitable provision against the hours of darkness.
+
+Although Maud had been educated as a lady, and possessed the delicacy
+and refinement of her class, she had unavoidably caught some of the
+fire and resolution of a frontier life. To her, the forest, for
+instance, possessed no fancied dangers; but when there was real ground
+for alarm, she estimated its causes intelligently, and with calmness.
+So it was, also, in the present crisis. She remembered all she had been
+taught, or had heard, and quick of apprehension, her information was
+justly applied to the estimate of present circumstances.
+
+The men at the Hut soon had the second leaf of the gate ready to be
+raised. At this instant, an Indian advanced across the flat alone,
+bearing a branch of a tree in his hand, and moving swiftly. This was a
+flag of truce, desiring to communicate with the pale-faces. Captain
+Willoughby met the messenger alone, at the foot of the lawn, and there
+a conference took place that lasted several minutes. Maud could only
+conjecture its objects, though she thought her father's attitude
+commanding, and his gestures stern. The red-man, as usual, was quiet
+and dignified. This much our heroine saw, or fancied she saw; but
+beyond this, of course, all was vague conjecture. Just as the two were
+about to part, and had even made courteous signs of their intention, a
+shout arose from the workmen, which ascended, though faintly, as high
+as the rock. Captain Willoughby turned, and then Maud saw his arm
+extended towards the stockade. The second leaf of the gate was in its
+place, swinging to and fro, in a sort of exulting demonstration of its
+uses! The savage moved away, more slowly than he had advanced,
+occasionally stopping to reconnoitre the Knoll and its defences.
+
+Captain Willoughby now returned to his people, and he was some time
+busied in examining the gates, and giving directions about its
+fastenings. Utterly forgetful of her own situation, Maud shed tears of
+joy, as she saw that this great object was successfully effected. The
+stockade was an immense security to the people of the Hut. Although it
+certainly might be scaled, such an enterprise would require great
+caution, courage, and address; and it could hardly be effected, at all,
+by daylight. At night, even, it would allow the sentinels time to give
+the alarm, and with a vigilant look-out, might be the means of
+repelling an enemy. There was also another consideration connected with
+this stockade. An enemy would not be fond of trusting himself
+_inside_ of it, unless reasonably certain of carrying the citadel
+altogether; inasmuch as it might serve as a prison to place him in the
+hands of the garrison. To recross it under a fire from the loops, would
+be an exploit so hazardous that few Indians would think of undertaking
+it. All this Maud knew from her father's conversations, and she saw how
+much had been obtained in raising the gates. Then the stockade, once
+properly closed, afforded great security to those moving about within
+it; the timbers would be apt to stop a bullet, and were a perfect
+defence against a rush; leaving time to the women and children to get
+into the court, even allowing that the assailants succeeded in scaling
+the palisades.
+
+Maud thought rapidly and well, in the strait in which she was placed.
+She understood most of the movements, on both sides, and she also saw
+the importance of her remaining where she could note all that passed,
+if she intended to make an attempt at reaching the Hut, after dark.
+This necessity determined her to continue at the rock, so long as light
+remained. She wondered she was not missed, but rightly attributed the
+circumstance to the suddenness of the alarm, and the crowd of other
+thoughts which would naturally press upon the minds of her friends, at
+such a fearful moment. "I will stay where I am," thought Maud, a little
+proudly, "and prove, if I am not really the daughter of Hugh
+Willoughby, that I am not altogether unworthy of his love and care! I
+can even pass the night in the forest, at this warm season, without
+suffering."
+
+Just as these thoughts crossed her mind, in a sort of mental soliloquy,
+a stone rolled from a path above her, and fell over the rock on which
+the seat was placed. A footstep was then heard, and the girl's heart
+beat quick with apprehension. Still she conceived it safest to remain
+perfectly quiet. She scarce breathed in her anxiety to be motionless.
+Then it occurred to her, that some one beside herself might be out from
+the Hut, and that a friend was near. Mike had been in the woods that
+very afternoon, she knew; for she had seen him; and the true-hearted
+fellow would indeed be a treasure to her, at that awful moment. This
+idea, which rose almost to certainty as soon as it occurred, induced
+her to spring forward, when the appearance of a man, whom she did not
+recognise, dressed in a hunting-shirt, and otherwise attired for the
+woods, carrying a short rifle in the hollow of his arm, caused her to
+stop, in motionless terror. At first, her presence was not observed;
+but, no sooner did the stranger catch a glimpse of her person, than he
+stopped, raised his hands in surprise, laid his rifle against a tree,
+and sprang forward; the girl closing her eyes, and sinking on the seat,
+with bowed head, expecting the blow of the deadly tomahawk.
+
+"Maud--dearest, _dearest_ Maud--do you not know me!" exclaimed
+one, leaning over the pallid girl, while he passed an arm round her
+slender waist, with an affection so delicate and reserved, that, at
+another time, it might have attracted attention. "Look up, dear girl,
+and show that at least you fear not _me!_"
+
+"Bob," said the half-senseless Maud. "Whence come you?--_Why_ do
+you come at this fearful instant!--Would to God your visit had been
+better timed!"
+
+"Terror makes you say this, my poor Maud! Of all the family, I had
+hoped for the warmest welcome from _you_. We think alike about
+this war--then you are not so much terrified at the idea of my being
+found here, but can hear reason. Why do you say this, then, my dearest
+Maud?"
+
+By this time Maud had so far recovered as to be able to look up into
+the major's face, with an expression in which alarm was blended with
+unutterable tenderness. Still she did not throw her arms around him, as
+a sister would clasp a beloved brother; but, rather, as he pressed her
+gently to his bosom, repelled the embrace by a slight resistance.
+Extricating herself, however, she turned and pointed towards the
+valley.
+
+"Why do I say this? See for yourself--the savages have at length come,
+and the whole dreadful picture is before you."
+
+Young Willoughby's military eye took in the scene at a glance. The
+Indians were still at the cliff, and the people of the settlement were
+straining at the heavier gates of the Hut, having already got one of
+them into a position where it wanted only the proper application of a
+steady force to be hung. He saw his father actively employed in giving
+directions; and a few pertinent questions drew all the other
+circumstances from Maud. The enemy had now been in the valley more than
+an hour, and the movements of the two parties were soon related.
+
+"Are you alone, dearest Maud? are you shut out by this sudden inroad?"
+demanded the major, with concern and surprise.
+
+"So it would seem. I can see no other--though I did think Michael might
+be somewhere near me, in the woods, here; I at first mistook your
+footsteps for his."
+
+"That is a mistake"--returned Willoughby, levelling a small pocket spy-
+glass at the Hut--"Mike is tugging at that gate, upholding a part of
+it, like a corner-stone. I see most of the faces I know there, and my
+dear father is as active, and yet as cool, as if at the head of a
+regiment."
+
+"Then I am alone--it is perhaps better that as many as possible should
+be in the house to defend it."
+
+"Not alone, my sweet Maud, so long as I am with you. Do you still think
+my visit so ill-timed?"
+
+"Perhaps not, after all. Heaven knows what I should have done, by
+myself, when it became dark!"
+
+"But are we safe on this seat?--May we not be seen by the Indians,
+since we so plainly see them?"
+
+"I think not. I have often remarked that when Evert and Beulah have
+been here, their figures could not be perceived from the lawn; owing, I
+fancy, to the dark back-ground of rock. My dress is not light, and you
+are in green; which is the colour of the leaves, and not easily to be
+distinguished. No other spot gives so good a view of what takes place
+in the valley. We must risk a little exposure, or act in the dark."
+
+"You are a soldier's daughter, Maud"--This was as true of major
+Meredith as of captain Willoughby, and might therefore be freely said
+by even Bob--"You are a soldier's daughter, and nature has clearly
+intended you to be a soldier's wife. This is a _coup-d'-oeil_ not
+to be despised."
+
+"I shall never be a wife at all"--murmured Maud, scarce knowing what
+she said; "I may not live to be a soldier's daughter, even, much
+longer. But, why are _you_ here?--surely, surely _you_ can
+have no connection with those savages!--I have heard of such horrors;
+but _you_ would not accompany _them_, even though it were to
+_protect_ the Hut."
+
+"I'll not answer for that, Maud. One would do a great deal to preserve
+his paternal dwelling from pillage, and his father's grey hairs from
+violence. But I came alone; that party and its objects being utterly
+strangers to me."
+
+"And _why_ do you come at all, Bob?" inquired the anxious girl,
+looking up into his face with open affection--"The situation of the
+country is now such, as to make your visits very hazardous."
+
+"Who could know the regular major in this hunting-shirt, and forest
+garb? I have not an article about my person to betray me, even were I
+before a court. No fear for me then, Maud; unless it be from these
+demons in human shape, the savages. Even they do not seem to be very
+fiercely inclined, as they appear at this moment more disposed to eat,
+than to attack the Hut. Look for yourself; those fellows are certainly
+preparing to take their food; the group that is just now coming over
+the cliffs, is dragging a deer after it."
+
+Maud took the glass, though with an unsteady hand, and she looked a
+moment at the savages. The manner in which the instrument brought these
+wild beings nearer to her eye, caused her to shudder, and she was soon
+satisfied.
+
+"That deer was killed this morning by the miller," she said; "they have
+doubtless found it in or near his cabin. We will be thankful, however,
+for this breathing-time--it may enable my dear father to get up the
+other gate. Look, Robert, and see what progress they make?"
+
+"One side is just hung, and much joy does it produce among them!
+Persevere, my noble old father, and you will soon be safe against your
+enemies. What a calm and steady air he has, amid it all! Ah! Maud, Hugh
+Willoughby ought, at this moment, to be at the head of a brigade,
+helping to suppress this accursed and unnatural rebellion. Nay, more;
+he _may_ be there, if he will only listen to reason and duty."
+
+"And _this_ is then your errand here, Bob?" asked his fair
+companion, gazing earnestly at the major.
+
+"It is, Maud--and I hope you, whose feelings I know to be right, can
+encourage me to hope."
+
+"I fear not. It is now too late. Beulah's marriage with Evert has
+strengthened his opinions--and then"
+
+"What, dearest Maud? You pause as if that '_then_' had a meaning
+you hesitated to express."
+
+Maud coloured; after which she smiled faintly, and proceeded: "We
+should speak reverently of a father--and such a father, too. But does
+it not seem probable to you, Bob, that the many discussions he has with
+Mr. Woods may have a tendency to confirm each in his notions?"
+
+Robert Willoughby would have answered in the affirmative, had not a
+sudden movement at the Hut prevented.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XII.
+
+  From Flodden ridge
+  The Scots beheld the English host
+  Leave Barmore wood, their evening post,
+  And heedful watched them as they crossed
+  The Till by Twisal Bridge.
+
+  Scott
+
+It was just at this instant that most of the women of the settlement
+rushed from the court, and spread themselves within the stockade, Mrs.
+Willoughby and Beulah being foremost in the movement. The captain left
+the gate, too, and even the men, who were just about to raise the last
+leaf, suspended their toil. It was quite apparent some new cause for
+uneasiness or alarm had suddenly awoke among them. Still the stack of
+arms remained untouched, nor was there any new demonstration among the
+Indians. The major watched everything, with intense attention, through
+the glass.
+
+"What is it, dear Bob?" demanded the anxious Maud. "I see my dearest
+mother--she seems alarmed."
+
+"Was it known to her that you were about to quit the house, when you
+came out on this walk?"
+
+"I rather think not. She and Beulah were in the nursery with little
+Evert, and my father was in the fields. I came out without speaking to
+any person, nor did I meet any before entering the forest."
+
+"Then you are now first missed. Yes, that is it--and no wonder, Maud,
+it creates alarm. Merciful God! How must they all feel, at a moment
+like this!"
+
+"Fire your rifle, Bob--that will draw their eyes in this direction, and
+I will wave my handkerchief--perhaps _that_ might be seen. Beulah
+has received such signals from me, before."
+
+"It would never do. No, we must remain concealed, watching their
+movements, in order to be able to aid them at the proper time. It is
+painful to endure this suspense, beyond a doubt; but the pain must be
+borne in order to ensure the safety of one who is so very, very
+precious to us all."
+
+Notwithstanding the fearful situation in which she was placed, Maud
+felt soothed by these words. The language of affection, as coming from
+Robert Willoughby, was very dear to her at all times, and never more
+than at a moment when it appeared that even her life was suspended, as
+it might be, by a hair.
+
+"It is as you say," she answered gently, giving him her hand with much
+of her ancient frankness of manner; "we should be betrayed, and of
+course lost--but what means the movement at the Hut?"
+
+There was indeed a movement within the stockade. Maud's absence was now
+clearly ascertained, and it is needless to describe the commotion the
+circumstance produced. No one thought any longer of the half of the
+gate that still remained to be hung, but every supposable part of the
+house and enclosure had been examined in quest of her who was missing.
+Our heroine's last remark, however, was produced by certain indications
+of an intention to make a descent from one of the external windows of
+the common parlour, a room it will be remembered that stood on the
+little cliff, above the rivulet that wound beneath its base. This cliff
+was about forty feet high, and though it offered a formidable obstacle
+to any attempt to scale it, there was no great difficulty in an active
+man's descending, aided by a rope. The spot, too, was completely
+concealed from the view of the party which still remained on the rock,
+near the mill, at a distance of quite half a mile from the gates of the
+stockade. This fact greatly facilitated the little sortie, since, once
+in the bed of the rivulet, which was fringed with bushes, it would be
+very practicable, by following its windings, to gain the forest unseen.
+The major levelled his glass at the windows, and immediately saw the
+truth of all that has here been mentioned.
+
+"They are preparing to send a party out," he said, "and doubtless in
+quest of you, Maud. The thing is very feasible, provided the savages
+remain much longer in their present position. It is matter of surprise
+to me, that the last have not sent a force in the rear of the Hut,
+where the windows are at least exposed to fire, and the forest is so
+close as to afford a cover to the assailants. In front there is
+literally none, but a few low fences, which is the reason I presume
+that they keep so much aloof."
+
+"It is not probable they know the valley. With the exception of Nick,
+but few Indians have ever visited us, and that rarely. Those we have
+seen have all been of the most peaceable and friendly tribes; not a
+true warrior, as my father says, ever having been found among them.
+Nick is the only one of them all that can thus be termed."
+
+"Is it possible that fellow has led this party? I have never more than
+half confided in him, and yet he is too old a friend of the family, I
+should think, to be guilty of such an act of baseness."
+
+"My father thinks him a knave, but I question if he has an opinion of
+him as bad as that. Besides, _he_ knows the valley, and would have
+led the Indians round into the rear of the house, if it be a place so
+much more favourable for the attack, as you suppose. These wretches
+have come by the common paths, all of which first strike the river, as
+you know, below the mills."
+
+"That is true. I lost my way, a few miles from this, the path being
+very blind on the eastern route, which I travelled as having gone it
+last with Nick, and thinking it the safest. Fortunately I recognised
+the crest of this mountain above us, by its shape, or I might never
+have found my way; although the streams, when struck, are certain
+guides to the woodsman. As soon as I hit the cow-paths, I knew they
+would lead me to the barns and sheds. See! a man is actually descending
+from a window!"
+
+"Oh! Bob, I hope it is not my father! He is too old--it is risking too
+much to let him quit the house."
+
+"I will tell you better when he reaches the ground. Unless mistaken--
+ay--it is the Irishman, O'Hearn."
+
+"Honest Mike! He is always _foremost_ in everything, though he so
+little knows how anything but digging ought to be done. Is there not
+another following him--or am I deceived?"
+
+"There is--he has just reached the ground, too. This might be spared,
+did they know how well you are guarded, Maud. By one who would die
+cheerfully to prevent harm from reaching you!"
+
+"They little dream of that, Bob," answered Maud, in a low tone. "Not a
+human being in that valley fancies you nearer to him than the royal
+armies are, at this moment. But they do not send a third--I am glad
+they weaken their own force no further."
+
+"It is certainly best they should not. The men had their rifles slung
+when they descended, and they are now getting them ready for service.
+It is Joel Strides who is with Mike."
+
+"I am sorry for it. _That_ is a man I little like, Bob, and I
+should be sorry he knew of your being here."
+
+This was said quickly, and with a degree of feeling that surprised the
+major, who questioned Maud earnestly as to her meaning and its reasons.
+The latter told him she scarce knew herself; that she disliked the
+man's manner, had long thought his principles bad, and that Mike in his
+extraordinary way had said certain things to her, to awaken distrust.
+
+"Mike speaks in hieroglyphics," said the major, laughing, in spite of
+the serious situation in which he and his companion were placed, "and
+one must never be too sure of _his_ meaning. Joel has now been
+many years with my father, and he seems to enjoy his confidence."
+
+"He makes himself useful, and is very guarded in what he says at the
+Hut. Still--I wish him not to know of your being here."
+
+"It will not be easy to prevent it, Maud. I should have come boldly
+into the valley, but for this accidental meeting with you, trusting
+that my father has no one about him so base as to betray his son."
+
+"Trust not Joel Strides. I'll answer for Mike with my life; but sorry
+indeed should I be that Joel Strides knew of your being among us. It
+were better, perhaps, that most of the workmen should not be in the
+secret. See--the two men are quitting the foot of the rocks."
+
+This was true, and Robert Willoughby watched their movements with the
+glass. As had been expected, they first descended into the bed of the
+rivulet, wading along its shore, under the cover of the bushes, until
+they soon became concealed even from the view of one placed on a height
+as elevated as that occupied by Robert and Maud. It was sufficiently
+apparent, however, that their intention was to reach the forest in this
+manner, when they would probably commence their search for the missing
+young lady. Nor was it long before Robert and Maud plainly saw the two
+adventurers quit the bed of the stream and bury themselves in the
+forest. The question now seriously arose as to the best course for the
+major and his companion to pursue. Under ordinary circumstances, it
+would have been wisest, perhaps, to descend at once and meet the
+messengers, who might soon be found at some of the usual haunts of the
+girl; but against this the latter so earnestly protested, and that in a
+manner so soothing to the young man's feelings, that he scarce knew how
+to oppose her wishes. She implored him not to confide in Joel Strides
+too hastily, at least. It might be time enough, when there was no
+alternative; until the true character of the party then in the valley
+was known, it would be premature. Nothing was easier than to conceal
+himself until it was dark, when he might approach the Hut, and be
+admitted without his presence being known to any but those on whom the
+family could certainly rely. The major urged the impossibility of his
+quitting Maud, until she was joined by the two men sent in quest of
+her, and then it would be too late, as he must be seen. Although he
+might escape immediate recognition in his present dress, the presence
+of a stranger would excite suspicions, and compel an explanation. To
+this Maud replied in the following manner: Her customary places of
+resort, when in the woods, were well known; more especially to Michael,
+who was frequently employed in their vicinity. These were a little
+water-fall, that was situated a hundred rods up the rivulet, to which a
+path had been made expressly, and where an arbour, seat, and little
+table had been arranged, for the purposes of working, reading, or
+taking refreshments. To this spot the men would unquestionably proceed
+first. Then, there was a deep ravine, some distance farther, that was
+often visited for its savage beauty, and whither she more frequently
+went, perhaps, than to any other place. Thither Michael would be
+certain to lead his companion. These two places visited, they might
+infallibly expect to see the men at the rock, where the two were then
+seated, as the last spot in which Maud might naturally be expected to
+be found. It would require an hour to visit the two places first named,
+and to examine the surrounding woods; and by that time, not only would
+the sun be set, but the twilight would be disappearing. Until that
+moment, then, the major might remain at her side, and on the sound of
+the approaching footsteps of the messengers, he had only to retire
+behind a projection of the rocks, and afterwards follow towards the
+Knoll, at a safe distance.
+
+This plan was too plausible to be rejected; and giving Robert an hour
+of uninterrupted discourse with his companion, it struck him as having
+more advantages than any other mentioned. The party near the mills,
+too, remaining perfectly quiet, there was less occasion for any change
+of their own, than might otherwise have been the case. So far, indeed,
+from appearing to entertain any hostile intention, not a cabin had been
+injured, if approached, and the smoke of the conflagration which had
+been expected to rise from the mills and the habitations in the glen,
+did not make its appearance. If any such ruthless acts as applying the
+brand and assaulting the people were in contemplation, they were at
+least delayed until night should veil them in a fitting darkness.
+
+It is always a great relief to the mind, in moments of trial, to have
+decided on a course of future action. So the major and Maud now found;
+for, taking his seat by her side, he began to converse with his
+companion more connectedly, and with greater calmness than either had
+yet been able to achieve. Many questions were asked, and answers given,
+concerning the state of the family, that of his father and mother, and
+dear Beulah and her infant, the latter being as yet quite a stranger to
+the young soldier.
+
+"Is he like his rebel of a father?" asked the royal officer, smiling,
+but as his companion fancied, painfully; "or has he more of the look of
+the Willoughbys. Beekman is a good-looking Dutchman; yet, I would
+rather have the boy resemble the good old English stock, after all."
+
+"The sweet little fellow resembles both father and mother; though the
+first the most, to Beulah's great delight. Papa says he is true
+'Holland's come of', as they call it, though neither mamma nor I will
+allow of any such thing. Colonel Beekman is a very worthy man, Bob, and
+a most affectionate and attentive husband. Beulah, but for this war,
+could not be happier."
+
+"Then I forgive him one-half of his treason--for the remainder let him
+take his luck. Now I am an uncle, my heart begins to melt a little
+towards the rebel. And you, Maud, how do the honours of an aunt sit
+upon your feelings? But women are all heart, and would love a rat."
+
+Maud smiled, but she answered not. Though Beulah's child were almost as
+dear to her as one of her own could have been, she remembered that she
+was _not_ its aunt, in fact; and, though she knew not why, in that
+company, and even at that grave moment, the obtrusive thought summoned
+a bright flush to her cheeks. The major probably did not notice this
+change of countenance, since, after a short pause, he continued the
+conversation naturally.
+
+"The child is called Evert, is it not, _aunt_ Maud?" he asked,
+laying an emphasis on 'aunt.'
+
+Maud wished this word had not been used; and yet Robert Willoughby,
+could the truth have been known, had adverted to it with an association
+in his own mind, that would have distressed her, just then, still more.
+_Aunt_ Maud was the name that others, however, were most fond of
+adopting, since the birth of the child; and remembering this, our
+heroine smiled.
+
+"That is what Beulah has called me, these six months," she said--"or
+ever since Evert was born. I became an aunt the day he became a nephew;
+and dear, good Beulah has not once called me _sister_ since, I
+think."
+
+"These little creatures introduce new ties into families," answered the
+major, thoughtfully. "They take the places of the generations before
+them, and edge us out of our hold on the affections, as in the end they
+supplant us in our stations in life. If Beulah love me only as an
+_uncle_, however, she may look to it. I'll be supplanted by no
+Dutchman's child that was ever born!"
+
+"_You_, Bob!" cried Maud, starting. "You are its _real_
+uncle; Beulah must ever remember _you_, and _love_ you, as
+her _own_ brother!"
+
+Maud's voice became suddenly hushed, like one who feared she had said
+too much. The major gazed at her intently, but he spoke not; nor did
+his companion see his look, her own eyes being cast meekly and
+tremblingly on the earth at her feet. A considerable pause succeeded,
+and then the conversation reverted to what was going on in the valley.
+
+The sun was now set, and the shadows of evening began to render objects
+a little indistinct beneath them. Still it was apparent that much
+anxiety prevailed in and about the Hut, doubtless on account of our
+heroine's absence. So great was it, indeed, as entirely to supersede
+the hanging of the remaining leaf of the gate, which stood in the gap
+where it belonged, stayed by pieces of timber, but unhung. The major
+thought some disposition had been made, however, by which the inmates
+might pass and repass by the half that was suspended, making a
+tolerable defence, when all was closed.
+
+"Hist!" whispered Maud, whose faculties were quickened by the danger of
+her companion; "I hear the voice of Michael, and they approach. No
+sense of danger can repress poor O'Hearn's eloquence; his ideas seeming
+to flow from his tongue very much as they rise to his thoughts, chance
+directing which shall appear first."
+
+"It is true, dear girl; and as you seem so strongly to wish it, I will
+withdraw. Depend on my keeping near you, and on my presence, should it
+be required."
+
+"You will not forget to come beneath the windows, Bob," said Maud,
+anxiously, but in great haste; for the footsteps of the men drew
+rapidly near; "at the very spot where the others descended."
+
+The major bent forward and kissed a cheek that was chilled with
+apprehension, but which the act caused to burn like fire; then he
+disappeared behind the projection of rock he had himself pointed out.
+As for Maud, she sat in seeming composure, awaiting the approach of
+those who drew near.
+
+"The divil bur-r-n me, and all the Injins in Ameriky along wid me,"
+said Mike, scrambling up the ascent by a short cut, "but I think we'll
+find the young Missus, here, or I don't think we'll be finding her the
+night. It's a cursed counthry to live in, Misther Strides, where a
+young lady of the loveliness and pithiful beauty of Miss Maud can be
+lost in the woods, as it might be a sheep or a stray baste that was for
+tasting the neighbour's pastures."
+
+"You speak too loud, Mike, and you speak foolishness into the bargain,"
+returned the wary Joel.
+
+"Is it I, you mane! Och! don't think ye 're goin' to set me a rowin' a
+boat once more, ag'in my inclinations and edication, as ye did in ould
+times. I've rung ye into yer ma'tin', and out of yer m'atin', too,
+twenty times too often to be catched in that same trap twice. It's Miss
+Maud I wants, and Miss Maud I'll find, or ---- Lord bless her swate
+face and morals, and her cha_rack_ter, and all belonging to her!--
+isn't that, now, a prathy composure for the likes of her, and the
+savages at the mill, and the Missus in tears, and the masther mighty
+un'asy, and all of us bothered! See how she sits on that bit of a sate
+that I puts there for her wid my own hands, as a laddy should, looking
+jist what she is, the quane of the woods, and the delight of our eyes!"
+
+Maud was too much accustomed to the rhapsodies of the county Leitrim-
+man to think much of this commencement; but resolute to act her part
+with discretion, she rose to meet him, speaking with great apparent
+self-possession.
+
+"Is it possible you are in quest of me?" she said--"why has this
+happened?--I usually return about this hour."
+
+"Hoors is it! Don't talk of hoors, beauthiful young laddy, when a
+single quarther may be too late," answered Mike, dogmatically. "It's
+your own mother that's not happy at yer being in the woods the night,
+and yer ould father that has moore un'asiness than he'll confess; long
+life to the church in which confession is held to be right, and dacent,
+and accorthing to the gospel of St. Luke, and the whole calender in the
+bargain. Ye'll not be frightened, Miss Maud, but take what I've to tell
+ye jist as if ye didn't bel'ave a wo-r-r-d of it; but, divil bur-r-n
+me, if there arn't Injins enough on the rocks, forenent the mill, to
+scalp a whole province, and a county along wid it, if ye'll give 'em
+time and knives enough."
+
+"I understand you, Michael, but am not in the least alarmed," answered
+Maud, with an air of great steadiness; such, indeed, as would have
+delighted the captain. "Something of what has been passing below have I
+seen; but, by being calm and reasonable, we shall escape the danger.
+Tell me only, that all is safe in the Hut--that my dear mother and
+sister are well."
+
+"Is it the Missus? Och, she's as valiant as a peacock, only strick down
+and overcome about your own self! As for Miss Beuly, where's the likes
+of her to be found, unless it's on this same bit of a rock? And it's
+agraable to see the captain, looking for all the wor-r-ld like a
+commander-in-chaif of six or eight rijiments, ordering one this-a-way,
+and another that-a-way--By St. Patrick, young laddy, I only hopes them
+vagabonds will come on as soon as yourself is inside the sticks, jist
+to give the ould jontleman a better occasion to play souldier on 'em.
+Should they happen to climb over the sticks, I've got the prattiest bit
+of a shillaleh ready that mortal eyes iver adorned! 'Twould break a
+head and niver a hat harmed--a thousand's the pities them chaps wears
+no hats. Howsever, we'll see."
+
+"Thank you, Mike, for the courage you show, and the interest you take
+in all our welfares--Is it not too soon to venture down upon the flats,
+Joel? I must trust to _you_ as a guide."
+
+"I think Miss Maud would do full as well if she did. Mike must be told,
+too, not to talk so much, and above all, not to speak so loud. He may
+be heard, sometimes, a dozen rods."
+
+"Tould!" exclaimed the county Leitrim-man, in heat--"And isn't tould
+I've been twenty times already, by your own smooth conversation?
+Where's the occasion to tell a thing over and over ag'in, when a man is
+not wanting in ears. It's the likes of you that loves to convarse."
+
+"Well, Mike, for my sake, you will be silent, I hope," said Maud.
+"Remember, I am not fitted for a battle, and the first thing is to get
+safely into the house. The sooner we are down the hill, perhaps, the
+better it may be. Lead the way, then, Joel, and I will follow. Michael
+will go next to you, in readiness for any enemy, and I will bring up
+the rear. It will be better for all to keep a dead silence, until it be
+necessary to speak."
+
+This arrangement was made, and the party proceeded, Maud remaining a
+little behind, in order that the major might catch glimpses of her
+person, in the sombre light of the hour and the forest, and not miss
+the road. A few minutes brought them all upon the level land, where,
+Joel, instead of entering the open fields, inclined more into the
+woods, always keeping one of the many paths. His object was to cross
+the rivulet under cover, a suitable place offering a short distance
+from the point where the stream glided out of the forest. Towards this
+spot Joel quietly held his way, occasionally stopping to listen if any
+movement of importance had occurred on the flats. As for Maud, her eyes
+were frequently cast behind her, for she was fearful Robert Willoughby
+might miss the path, having so little acquaintance with the thousand
+sinuosities he encountered. She caught glimpses of his person, however,
+in the distance, and saw that he was on the right track. Her chief
+concern, therefore, soon became an anxiety that he should not be seen
+by her companions. As they kept a little in advance, and the underbrush
+was somewhat thick, she had strong hopes that this evil would be
+avoided.
+
+The path being very circuitous, it took some time to reach the spot
+Joel sought. Here he, Mike, and Maud, crossed the rivulet on a tree
+that had been felled expressly to answer the purposes of a rustic foot-
+bridge; a common expedient of the American forest. As our heroine had
+often performed this exploit when alone, she required no assistance,
+and she felt as if half the danger of her critical situation had
+vanished, when she found herself on the same side of the stream as the
+Hut. Joel, nothing suspecting, and keeping all his faculties on the
+sounds and sights that might occur in front, led the way diligently,
+and soon reached the verge of the woods. Here he paused for his
+companions to join him.
+
+Twilight had, by this time, nearly disappeared. Still, enough remained
+to enable Maud to perceive that many were watching for her, either at
+the windows above the cliff, or through different parts of the
+stockades. The distance was so small, that it might have been possible,
+by raising the voice, even to converse; but this would be an experiment
+too hazardous, as some hostile scouts, at that hour might very well be
+fearfully near.
+
+"I see nothing, Miss Maud," observed Joel, after taking a good look
+around him. "By keeping the path that follows the edge of the brook,
+though it is so crooked, we shall be certain of good walking, and shall
+be half hid by the bushes. It's best to walk quick, and to be silent."
+
+Maud bade him go on, waiting herself behind a tree, to let the two men
+precede her a short distance. This was done, and the major stole up to
+her side unseen. A few words of explanation passed, when the young lady
+ran after her guides, leaving Robert Willoughby seated on a log. It was
+a breathless moment to Maud, that in which she was passing this bit of
+open land. But the distance was so short, that it was soon gotten over;
+and the three found themselves beneath the cliff. Here they passed the
+spring, and following a path which led from it, turned the edge of the
+rocks, and ascended to the foot of the stockades. It remained to turn
+these also, in order to reach the so recently suspended gates. As Maud
+passed swiftly along, almost brushing the timbers with her dress, she
+saw, in the dim light, fifty faces looking at her, and thrust between
+the timbers; but she paused not, spoke not--scarcely breathed. A
+profound stillness reigned on the Knoll; but when Joel arrived at the
+gate, it was instantly opened, and he glided in. Not so with Mike, who
+stopped and waited until she he had been in quest of entered before
+him, and was in safety.
+
+Maud found herself in her mother's arms, the instant the gate was
+passed. Mrs. Willoughby had been at the angle of the cliff, had
+followed her child, in her swift progress round the stockade, and was
+ready to receive her, the moment she entered. Beulah came next, and
+then the captain embraced, kissed, wept over, and scolded his little
+favourite.
+
+"No reproaches now, Hugh"--said the more considerate wife, and gentle
+woman--"Maud has done no more than has long been her custom, and no one
+could have foreseen what has happened."
+
+"Mother--father"--said Maud, almost gasping for breath--"let us bless
+God for my safety, and for the safety of all that are dear to us--thank
+you, dear Mr. Woods--there is a kiss, to thank you--now let us go into
+the house; I have much to tell you--come dear sir--come dearest mother,
+do not lose a moment; let us all go to the library."
+
+As this was the room in which the family devotions were usually held,
+the auditors fancied the excited girl wished to return her thanks in
+that mode, one not unfrequent in that regulated family, and all
+followed her, who dared, with tender sympathy in her feelings, and
+profoundly grateful for her safety. As soon as in the room, Maud
+carefully shut the door, and went from one to another, in order to
+ascertain who were present. Finding none but her father, mother,
+sister, and the chaplain, she instantly related all that had passed,
+and pointed out the spot where the major was, at that moment, waiting
+for the signal to approach. It is unnecessary to dwell on the
+astonishment and delight, mingled with concern, that this intelligence
+produced.
+
+Maud then rapidly recounted her plan, and implored her father to see it
+executed. The captain had none of her apprehensions on the subject of
+his people's fidelity, but he yielded to the girl's earnest entreaties.
+Mrs. Willoughby was so agitated with all the unlooked-for events of the
+day, that she joined her daughter in the request, and Maud was told to
+proceed with the affair, in her own way.
+
+A lamp was brought, and placed by Maud in a pantry that was lighted by
+a single, long, narrow, external window, at the angle of the building
+next the offices, and the door was closed on it. This lamp was the
+signal for the major to approach, and with beating hearts the females
+bent forward from the windows, secure of not being seen in the night,
+which had now fairly closed on the valley, to listen to his approaching
+footsteps beneath. They did not wait long ere he was not only heard,
+but dimly seen, though totally out of the line of sight from all in the
+Hut, with the exception of those above his head. Captain Willoughby had
+prepared a rope, one end of which was dropped, and fastened by the
+major, himself, around his body. A jerk let those above know when he
+was ready.
+
+"What shall we do next?" asked the captain, in a sort of despair.
+"Woods and I can never drag that tall, heavy fellow up such a distance.
+He is six feet, and weighs a hundred and eighty, if he weighs a pound."
+
+"Peace," half-whispered Maud, from a window. "All will be right in a
+moment." Then drawing in her body, the pale but earnest girl begged her
+father to have patience. "I have thought of all. Mike and the blacks
+may be trusted with our lives--I will call them."
+
+This was done, and the county Leitrim-man and the two Plinys were soon
+in the room.
+
+"O'Hearn," said Maud, inquiringly--"I think you are my friend?"
+
+"Am I my own!--Is it yees, is the question? Well, jist wish for a
+tooth, and ye may take all in my head for the asking. Och, I 'd be a
+baste, else! I'd ate the remain of my days wid not'ing but a spoon to
+obleege ye."
+
+"As for you, Pliny, and your son here, you have known us from children.
+Not a word must pass the lips of either, as to what you see--now pull,
+but with great care, lest the rope break."
+
+The men did as ordered, raising their load from the ground, a foot or
+two at a time. In this manner the burthen approached, yard after yard,
+until it was evidently drawing near the window.
+
+"It's the captain hoisting up the big baste of a hog, for provisioning
+the hoose, ag'in a saige," whispered Mike to the negroes, who grinned
+as they tugged; "and when the cr'atur squails, see to it, that ye do
+not squail yerselves."
+
+At that moment the head and shoulders of a man appeared at the window,
+Mike let go the rope, seized a chair, and was about to knock the
+intruder on the head; but the captain arrested the blow.
+
+"It's one of the vagabond Injins that has undermined the hog, and coome
+up in its stead," roared Mike."
+
+"It's my son"--answered the captain, mildly--"see that you are silent,
+and secret."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIII.
+
+  And glory long has made the sages smile,
+  Tis something, nothing, words, illusion, wind--
+  Depending more upon the historian's style
+  Than on the name a person leaves behind.
+  Troy owes to Homer what whist owes to Hoyle
+  The present century was growing blind
+  To the great Marlborough's skill in giving knocks,
+  Until his late Life by Archdeacon Coxe.
+
+  Byron.
+
+Major Willoughby's feet were scarcely on the library floor, when he was
+clasped in his mother's arms. From these he soon passed into Beulah's;
+nor did his father hesitate about giving him an embrace nearly as warm.
+As for Maud, she stood by, weeping in sympathy and in silence.
+
+"And you, too, old man," said Robert Willoughby, dashing the tears from
+his eyes, and turning to the elder black, holding out a hand--"this is
+not the first time, by many, old Pliny, that you have had me between
+heaven and earth. Your son was my old play-fellow, and we must shake
+hands also. As for O'Hearn, steel is not truer, and we are friends for
+life."
+
+The negroes were delighted to see their young master, for, in that day,
+the slaves exulted in the honour, appearance, importance and dignity of
+their owners, far more than their liberated descendants do now in their
+own. The major had been their friend when a boy; and he was, at
+present, their pride and glory. In their view of the matter, the
+English army did not contain his equal in looks, courage, military
+skill, or experience; and it was treason _per se_ to fight against
+a cause that he upheld. The captain had laughingly related to his wife
+a conversation to this effect he had not long before overheard between
+the two Plinys.
+
+"Well, Miss Beuly do a pretty well"--observed the elder, "but, den he
+all'e better, if he no get 'Merican 'mission. What you call raal
+colonel, eh? Have 'e paper from 'e king like Masser Bob, and wear a
+rigimental like a head of a turkey cock, so! Dat bein' an up and down
+officer."
+
+"P'rhaps Miss Beuly bring a colonel round, and take off a blue coat,
+and put on a scarlet," answered the younger.
+
+"Nebber!--nebber see dat, Plin, in a rebbleushun. Dis got to be a
+rebbleushun; and when _dat_ begin in 'arnest, gib up all idee of
+'mendment. Rebbleushuns look all one way--nebber see two side, any more
+dan coloured man see two side in a red-skin."
+
+As we have not been able to trace the thought to antiquity, this
+expression may have been the original of the celebrated axiom of
+Napoleon, which tells us that "revolutions never go backwards." At all
+events, such was the notion of Pliny Willoughby, Sen., as the namesake
+of the great Roman styled himself; and it was greatly admired by Pliny
+Willoughby, Jun., to say nothing of the opinions of Big Smash and
+Little Smash, both of whom were listeners to the discourse.
+
+"Well, I wish a colonel Beekman"--To this name the fellow gave the true
+Doric sound of _Bakeman_--"I wish a colonel Beekman only corprul
+in king's troops, for Miss Beuly's sake. Better be sarjun dere, dan
+briggerdeer-ginral in 'Merikan company; dat _I_ know."
+
+"What a briggerdeer mean, Plin?" inquired Little Smash, with interest.
+"Who he keep company wid, and what he do? Tell a body, do--so many
+officer in 'e army, one nebber know all he name."
+
+"'Mericans can't hab 'em. Too poor for _dat_. Briggerdeer great
+gentleum, and wear a red coat. Ole time, see 'em in hundreds, come to
+visit Masser, and Missus, and play wid Masser Bob. Oh! no rebbleushun
+in dem days; but ebbery body know he own business, and _do_ it,
+too."
+
+This will serve to show the political sentiments of the Plinys, and may
+also indicate the bias that the Smashes were likely to imbibe in such
+company. As a matter of course, the major was gladly welcomed by these
+devoted admirers; and when Maud again whispered to them the necessity
+of secresy, each shut his mouth, no trifling operation in itself, as if
+it were to be henceforth hermetically sealed.
+
+The assistants were now dismissed, and the major was left alone with
+his family. Again and again Mrs. Willoughby embraced her son; nor had
+her new ties at all lessened Beulah's interest in her brother. Even the
+captain kissed his boy anew, while Mr. Woods shook hands once more with
+his old pupil, and blessed him. Maud alone was passive in this scene of
+feeling and joy.
+
+"Now, Bob, let us to business," said the captain, as soon as
+tranquillity was a little restored. "You have not made this difficult
+and perilous journey without an object; and, as we are somewhat
+critically situated ourselves, the sooner we know what it is, the less
+will be the danger of its not producing its proper effect."
+
+"Heaven send, dear sir, that it fail not in its effect, indeed,"
+answered the son. "But is not this movement in the valley pressing, and
+have I not come opportunely to take a part in the defence of the
+house?"
+
+"That will be seen a few hours later, perhaps. Everything is quiet now,
+and will probably so remain until near morning; or Indian tactics have
+undergone a change. The fellows have lighted camp-fires on their rocks,
+and seem disposed to rest for the present, at least. Nor do I know that
+they are bent on war at all. We have no Indians near us, who would be
+likely to dig up the hatchet; and these fellows profess peace, by a
+messenger they have sent me."
+
+"Are they not in their war-paint, sir? I remember to have seen
+warriors, when a boy, and my glass has given these men the appearance
+of being on what they call 'a war-path.'"
+
+"Some of them are certainly in that guise, though he who came to the
+Knoll was not. _He_ pretended that they were a party travelling
+towards the Hudson in order to learn the true causes of the
+difficulties between their Great English and their Great American
+Fathers. He asked for meal and meat to feed his young men with. This
+was the whole purport of his errand."
+
+"And your answer, sir; is it peace, or war, between you?"
+
+"Peace in professions, but I much fear war in reality. Still one cannot
+know. An old frontier garrison-man, like myself, is not apt to put much
+reliance on Indian faith. We are now, God be praised! all within the
+stockade; and having plenty of arms and ammunition, are not likely to
+be easily stormed. A siege is out of the question; we are too well
+provisioned to dread that."
+
+"But you leave the mills, the growing grain, the barns, even the cabins
+of your workmen, altogether at the mercy of these wretches."
+
+"That cannot well be avoided, unless we go out and drive them off, in
+open battle. For the last, they are too strong, to say nothing of the
+odds of risking fathers of families against mere vagabonds, as I
+suspect these savages to be. I have told them to help themselves to
+meal, or grain, of which they will find plenty in the mill. Pork can be
+got in the houses, and they have made way with a deer already, that I
+had expected the pleasure of dissecting myself. The cattle roam the
+woods at this season, and are tolerably safe; but they can burn the
+barns and other buildings, should they see fit. In this respect, we are
+at their mercy. If they ask for rum, or cider, that may bring matters
+to a head; for, refusing may exasperate them, and granting either, in
+any quantity, will certainly cause them all to get intoxicated."
+
+"Why would not that be good policy, Willoughby?" exclaimed the
+chaplain. "If fairly disguised once, our people might steal out upon
+them, and take away all their arms. Drunken men sleep very profoundly."
+
+"It would be a canonical mode of warfare, perhaps, Woods," returned the
+chaplain, smiling, "but not exactly a military. I think it safer that
+they should continue sober; for, as yet, they manifest no great
+intentions of hostility. But of this we can speak hereafter. Why are
+you here, my son, and in this guise?"
+
+"The motive may as well be told now, as at another time," answered the
+major, giving his mother and sisters chairs, while the others imitated
+their example in being seated. "Sir William Howe has permitted me to
+come out to see you--I might almost say _ordered_ me out; for
+matters have now reached a pass when we think every loyal gentleman in
+America must feel disposed to take sides with the crown."
+
+A general movement among his auditors told the major the extent of the
+interest they felt in what was expected to follow. He paused an instant
+to survey the dark-looking group that was clustering around him; for no
+lights were in the room on account of the open windows, and he spoke in
+a low voice from motives of prudence; then he proceeded:
+
+"I should infer from the little that passed between Maud and myself,"
+he said, "that you are ignorant of the two most important events that
+have yet occurred in this unhappy conflict?"
+
+"We learn little here," answered the father. "I have heard that my Lord
+Howe and his brother Sir William have been named commissioners by His
+Majesty to heal all the differences. I knew them both, when young men,
+and their elder brother before them. Black Dick, as we used to call the
+admiral, is a discreet, well-meaning man; though I fear both of them
+owe their appointments more to their affinity to the sovereign than to
+the qualities that might best fit them to deal with the Americans."
+
+"Little is known of the affinity of which you speak[*], and less said
+in the army," returned the major, "but I fear there is no hope of the
+object of the commission's being effected. The American congress has
+declared the colonies altogether independent of England; and so far as
+this country is concerned, the war is carried on as between nation and
+nation. All allegiance, even in name, is openly cast aside."
+
+  [* The mother of the three Lords Howe, so well known in American
+  history, viz: _George_, killed before Ticonderoga, in the war of
+  '56; _Richard_, the celebrated admiral, and the hero of the 1st
+  June; and Sir _William_, for several years commander-in-chief in
+  this country, and the 5th and last viscount; was a Mademoiselle
+  Kilmansegge, who was supposed to be a natural daughter of George I.
+  This would make these three officers and George II. first-cousins;
+  and George III their great-nephew _a la mode de Bretagne_.
+  Walpole, and various other English writers, speak openly, not only of
+  the connection, but of the family resemblance. Indeed, most of the
+  gossiping writers of that age seem to allow that Lord Howe was a
+  grandson of the first English sovereign of the House of Brunswick.]
+
+"You astonish me, Bob! I did not think it could ever come to this!"
+
+"I thought your native attachments would hardly endure as strong a
+measure as this has got to be," answered the major, not a little
+satisfied with the strength of feeling manifested by his father. "Yet
+has this been done, sir, and done in a way that it will not be easy to
+recall. Those who now resist us, resist for the sake of throwing off
+all connection with England."
+
+"Has France any agency in this, Bob?--I own it startles me, and has a
+French look."
+
+"It has driven many of the most respectable of our enemies into our
+arms, sir. We have never considered you a direct enemy, though
+unhappily inclining too much against us; 'but this will determine Sir
+Hugh,' said the commander-in-chief in our closing interview--I suppose
+you know, my dear father, that all your old friends, knowing what has
+happened, insist on calling you Sir Hugh. I assure you, I never open my
+lips on the subject; and yet Lord Howe drank to the health of Sir Hugh
+Willoughby, openly at his own table, the last time I had the honour to
+dine with him."
+
+"Then the next time he favours you with an invitation, Bob, be kind
+enough to thank him. I want no empty baronetcy, nor do I ever think of
+returning to England to live. Were all I had on earth drummed together,
+it would barely make out a respectable competency for a private
+gentleman in that extravagant state of society; and what is a mere name
+to one in such circumstances? I wish it were transferable, my dear boy,
+in the old Scotch mode, and you should be Sir Bob before you slept."
+
+"But, Willoughby, it may be useful to Robert, and why should he not
+have the title, since neither you nor I care for it?" asked the
+considerate mother.
+
+"So he may, my dear; though he must wait for an event that I fancy you
+are not very impatient to witness--my death. When I am gone, let him be
+Sir Robert, in welcome. But, Bob--for plain, honest Bob must you remain
+till then, unless indeed you earn your spurs in this unhappy war--have
+you any military tidings for us? We have heard nothing since the
+arrival of the fleet on the coast."
+
+"We are in New York, after routing Washington on Long Island. The
+rebels"--the major spoke a little more confidently than had been his
+wont--"The rebels have retreated into the high country, near the
+borders of Connecticut, where they have inveterate nests of the
+disaffected in their rear."
+
+"And has all this been done without bloodshed? Washington had staff in
+him, in the old French business."
+
+"_His_ stuff is not doubted, sir; but his men make miserable work
+of it. Really I am sometimes ashamed of having been born in the
+country. These Yankees fight like wrangling women, rather than
+soldiers."
+
+"How's this!--You spoke honestly of the affair at Lexington, and wrote
+us a frank account of the murderous work at Bunker Hill. Have their
+natures changed with the change of season?"
+
+"To own the truth, sir, they did wonders on the Hill, and not badly in
+the other affair; but all their spirit seems gone. I am quite ashamed
+of them. Perhaps this declaration of independence, as it is called, has
+damped their ardour."
+
+"No, my son--the change, if change there is, depends on a general and
+natural law. Nothing but discipline and long training can carry men
+with credit through a campaign, in the open field. Fathers, and
+husbands, and brothers and lovers, make formidable enemies, in sight of
+their own chimney-tops; but the most flogging regiments, we used to
+say, were the best fighting regiments for a long pull. But, have a
+care, Bob; you are now of a rank that may well get you a separate
+command, and do not despise your enemy. I know these Yankees well--you
+are one, yourself, though only half-blooded; but I know them well, and
+have often seen them tried. They are very apt to be badly commanded,
+heaven cursing them for their sins, in this form more than any other--
+but get them fairly at work, and the guards will have as much as they
+can wish, to get along with. Woods will swear to _that_."
+
+"Objecting to the _mode_ of corroboration, my dear sir, I can
+support its substance. Inclined as I am to uphold Caesar, and to do
+honour to the Lord's anointed, I will not deny my countrymen's courage;
+though I think, Willoughby, now I recall old times, it was rather the
+fashion of our officers to treat it somewhat disrespectfully."
+
+"It was, indeed," answered the captain, thoughtfully--"and a silly
+thing it was. They mistook the nature of a mild and pacific people,
+totally without the glitter and habits of military life, for a timid
+people; and I have often heard the new hands in the colonies speak of
+their inhabitants with contempt on this very head. Braddock had that
+failing to a great degree; and yet this very major Washington saved his
+army from annihilation, when it came to truly desperate work. Mark the
+words of a much older soldier than yourself, Bob; you may have more of
+the bravery of apparel, and present a more military aspect; may even
+gain advantages over them by means of higher discipline, better arms,
+and more accurate combinations; but, when you meet them fairly, depend
+on it you will meet dangerous foes, and men capable of being sooner
+drilled into good soldiers than any nation I have met with. Their great
+curse is, and probably will be, in selecting too many of their officers
+from classes not embued with proper military pride, and altogether
+without the collaterals of a good military education."
+
+To all this the major had nothing very material to object, and
+remembering that the silent but thoughtful Beulah had a husband in what
+he called the rebel ranks, he changed the subject. Arrangements were
+now made for the comfort and privacy of the unlooked-for guest.
+Adjoining the library, a room with no direct communication with the
+court by means of either door, or window, was a small and retired
+apartment containing a cot-bed, to which the captain was accustomed to
+retire in the cases of indisposition, when Mrs. Willoughby wished to
+have either of her daughters with herself, on their account, or on her
+own. This room was now given to the major, and in it he would be
+perfectly free from every sort of intrusion. He might eat in the
+library, if necessary; though, all the windows of that wing of the
+house opening outward, there was little danger of being seen by any but
+the regular domestics of the family, all of whom were to be let into
+the secret of his presence, and all of whom were rightly judged to be
+perfectly trustworthy.
+
+As the evening promised to be dark, it was determined among the
+gentlemen that the major should disguise himself still more than he was
+already, and venture outside of the building, in company with his
+father, and the chaplain, as soon as the people, who were now crowded
+into the vacant rooms in the empty part of the house, had taken
+possession of their respective quarters for the night. In the meantime
+a hearty supper was provided for the traveller in the library, the
+bullet-proof window-shutters of which room, and indeed of all the
+others on that side of the building, having first been closed, in order
+that lights might be used, without drawing a shot from the adjoining
+forest.
+
+"We are very safe, here," observed the captain, as his son appeased his
+hunger, with the keen relish of a traveller. "Even Woods might stand a
+siege in a house built and stockaded like this. Every window has solid
+bullet-proof shutters, with fastenings not easily broken; and the logs
+of the buildings might almost defy round-shot. The gates are all up,
+one leaf excepted, and that leaf stands nearly in its place, well
+propped and supported. In the morning it shall be hung like the others.
+Then the stockade is complete, and has not a speck of decay about it
+yet. We shall keep a guard of twelve men up the whole night, with three
+sentinels outside of the buildings; and all of us will sleep in our
+clothes, and on our arms. My plan, should an assault be made, is to
+draw in the sentinels, as soon as they have discharged their pieces, to
+close the gate, and man the loops. The last are all open, and spare
+arms are distributed at them. I had a walk made within the ridge of the
+roofs this spring, by which men can run round the whole Hut, in the
+event of an attempt to, set fire to the shingles, or fire over the
+ridge at an enemy at the stockades. It is a great improvement, Bob;
+and, as it is well railed, will make a capital station in a warm
+conflict, before the enemy make their way within the stockade."
+
+"We must endeavour not to let them get there, sir," answered the
+major--"but, as soon as your people are housed, I shall have an
+opportunity to reconnoitre. Open work is most to the taste of us
+regulars."
+
+"Not against an Indian enemy. You will be glad of such a fortress as
+this, boy, before the question of independence, or no independence,
+shall be finally settled. Did not Washington entrench in the town?"
+
+"Not much on that side of the water, sir; though he was reasonably well
+in the ground on Long Island. _There_ he had many thousands of
+men, and works of some extent."
+
+"And how did he get off the island?" demanded the captain, turning
+round to look his son in the face. "The arm of the sea is quite half-a-
+mile in width, at that point--how did he cross it in the face of a
+victorious army?--or did he only save himself, while you captured his
+troops?"
+
+The major coloured a little, and then he looked at Beulah and smiled
+good-naturedly.
+
+"I am so surrounded by rebels here," he said, "that it is not easy to
+answer all your questions, sir. Beat him we did, beyond a question, and
+that with a heavy loss to his army--and out of New York we have driven
+him, beyond a question--but--I will not increase Beulah's conceit by
+stating any more!"
+
+"If you can tell me anything kind of Evert, Bob, you will act like a
+brother in so doing," said the gentle wife.
+
+"Ay, Beekman did well too, they said. I heard some of our officers
+extolling a charge he made; and to own the truth, I was not sorry to be
+able to say he was my sister's husband, since a fierce rebel she would
+marry. All our news of _him_ is to his credit; and now I shall get
+a kiss for my pains."
+
+The major was not mistaken. With a swelling heart, but smiling
+countenance, his sister threw herself into his arms, when she kissed
+and was kissed until the tears streamed down her cheeks.
+
+"It was of Washington I intended to speak, sir," resumed the major,
+dashing a tear or two from his own eyes, as Beulah resumed her chair.
+"His retreat from the island is spoken of as masterly, and has gained
+him great credit. He conducted it in person, and did not lose a man. I
+heard Sir William mention it as masterly."
+
+"Then by heaven, America will prevail in this contest!" exclaims I the
+captain, striking his fist upon the table, with a suddenness and force
+that caused all in the room to start. "If she has a general who can
+effect such a movement skilfully, the reign of England is over, here.
+Why, Woods, Xenophon never did a better thing! The retreat of the ten
+thousand was boy's play to getting across that water. Besides, your
+victory could have been no great matter, Bob, or it would never have
+been done."
+
+"Our victory was respectable, sir, while I acknowledge that the retreat
+was great. No one among us denies it, and Washington is always named
+with respect in the army."
+
+In a minute more, Big Smash came in, under the pretence of removing the
+dishes, but, in reality to see Master Bob, and to be noticed by him.
+She was a woman of sixty, the mother of Little Smash, herself a
+respectable matron of forty; and both had been born in the household of
+Mrs. Willoughby's father, and had rather more attachment for any one of
+her children than for all of their own, though each had been reasonably
+prolific. The _sobriquets_ had passed into general use, and the
+real names of Bess and Ma_ri'_ were nearly obsolete. Still, the
+major thought it polite to use the latter on the present occasion.
+
+"Upon my word, Mrs. Bess," he said, shaking the old woman cordially by
+the hand, though he instinctively shrunk back from the sight of a pair
+of lips that were quite ultra, in the way of pouting, which used often
+to salute him twenty years before--"Upon my word, Mrs. Bess, you
+improve in beauty, everytime I see you. Old age and you seem to be
+total strangers to each other. How do you manage to remain so comely
+and so young?"
+
+"God send 'e fus', Masser Bob, heabben be praise, and a good conscience
+do 'e las'. I _do_ wish you could make ole Plin hear _dat_!
+He nebber t'ink any good look, now-a-day, in a ole wench."
+
+"Pliny is half blind. But that is the way with most husbands, Smash;
+they become blind to the charms of their spouses, after a few years of
+matrimony."
+
+"Nebber get marry, Masser Bob, if dat be 'e way."
+
+Then Great Smash gave such a laugh, and such a swing of her unwieldy
+body, that one might well have apprehended her downfall. But, no such
+thing. She maintained the equilibrium; for, renowned as she had been
+all her life at producing havoc among plates, and cups, and bowls, she
+was never known to be thrown off her own centre of gravity. Another
+hearty shake of the hand followed, and the major quitted the table. As
+was usual on all great and joyous occasions in the family, when the
+emotions reached the kitchen, that evening was remarkable for a
+"smash," in which half the crockery that had just been brought from the
+table, fell an unresisting sacrifice. This produced a hot discussion
+between "The Big" and "The Little" as to the offender, which resulted,
+as so often happens, in these inquiries into the accidents of domestic
+life, in the conclusion that "nobody" was alone to blame.
+
+"How 'e t'ink he _can_ come back, and not a plate crack!"
+exclaimed Little Smash, in a vindicatory tone, she being the real
+delinquent--"Get in 'e winder, too! Lor! _dat_ enough to break all
+'e dish in 'e house, and in 'e mill, too! I _do_ wish ebbery plate
+we got was an Injin--den you see fun! Can nebber like Injin; 'em so
+red, and so sabbage!"
+
+"Nebber talk of Injin, now," answered the indignant mother--"better
+talk of plate. Dis make forty t'ousand dish you break, Mari', sin' you
+war' a young woman. S'pose you t'ink Masser made of plate, dat you
+break 'em up so! Dat what ole Plin say--de nigger! He say all men made
+of clay, and plate made of clay, too--well, bot' clay, and bot'
+_break_. All on us wessels, and all on us break to pieces some day,
+and den dey'll t'row _us_ away, too."
+
+A general laugh succeeded this touch of morality, Great Smash being a
+little addicted to ethical remarks of this nature; after which the war
+was renewed on the subject of the broken crockery. Nor did it soon
+cease; wrangling, laughing, singing, toiling, a light-heartedness that
+knew no serious cares, and affection, making up the sum of the everyday
+existence of these semi-civilized beings. The presence of the party in
+the valley, however, afforded the subject of an episode; for a negro
+has quite as much of the _de haut en bas_ in his manner of viewing
+the aborigines, as the whites have in their speculations on his own
+race. Mingled with this contempt, notwithstanding, was a very active
+dread, neither of the Plinys, nor of their amiable consorts, in the
+least relishing the idea of being shorn of the wool, with shears as
+penetrating as the scalping-knife. After a good deal of discussion on
+this subject, the kitchen arrived at the conclusion that the visit of
+the major was ordered by Providence, since it was out of all the rules
+of probability and practice to have a few half-clad savages get the
+better of "Masser Bob," who was born a soldier, and had so recently
+been fighting for the king.
+
+On the latter subject, we ought to have stated that the captain's
+kitchen was ultra-loyal. The rude, but simple beings it contained, had
+a reverence for rank and power that even a "rebbelushun" could not
+disturb, and which closely associated, in their minds, royal authority
+with divine power. Next to their own master, they considered George
+III, as the greatest man of the age; and there was no disposition in
+them to rob him of his rights or his honours.
+
+"You seem thoughtful, Woods," said the captain, while his son had
+retired to his own room, in order to assume a disguise less likely to
+attract attention in the garrison than a hunting-shirt. "Is it this
+unexpected visit of Bob's that furnishes food for reflection?"
+
+"Not so much his visit, my dear Willoughby, as the news he brings us.
+God knows what will befall the church, should this rebellion make
+serious head. The country is in a dreadful way, already, on the subject
+of religion; but it will be far worse if these 'canters' get the upper
+hand of the government."
+
+The captain was silent and thoughtful for a moment; then he laughingly
+replied--
+
+"Fear nothing for the church, chaplain. It is of God, and will outlast
+a hundred political revolutions."
+
+"I don't know that, Willoughby--I don't know that"--The chaplain did
+not exactly mean what he said--"'Twouldn't surprise me if we had
+'_taking_ up collections,' '_sitting under preaching,' 'providentially
+happening,' 'exercised in mind_,' and '_our Zion_' finding their way
+into dictionaries."
+
+"Quite likely, Woods"--returned the captain, smiling--"Liberty is known
+to produce great changes in _things_; why not in language?"
+
+"Liberty, indeed! Yes; '_liberty_ in prayer' is another of their
+phrases. Well, captain Willoughby, if this rebellion should succeed, we
+may give up all hopes for the church. What sort of government shall we
+have, do you imagine, sir?"
+
+"Republican, of course," answered the captain, again becoming
+thoughtful, as his mind reverted to the important results that were
+really dependent on the present state of things. "Republican--it
+_can_ be no other. These colonies have always had a strong bias in
+that direction, and they want the elements necessary to a monarchy. New
+York has a landed gentry, it is true; and so has Maryland, and
+Virginia, and the Carolinas; but they are not strong enough to set up a
+political aristocracy, or to prop a throne; and then this gentry will
+probably be much weakened by the struggle. Half the principal families
+are known to be with the crown, as it is; and new men will force them
+out of place, in a revolution. No, Woods, if this revolution prosper,
+the monarchy is done in America, for at least a century."
+
+"And the prayers for the king and royal family--what will become of
+_them_?"
+
+"I should think they must cease, also. I question if a people will
+continue long to pray for authorities that they refuse to obey."
+
+"I shall stick to the rubrics as long as I have a tongue in my head. I
+trust, Willoughby, _you_ will not stop these prayers, in your
+settlement?"
+
+"It is the last mode in which I should choose to show hostility. Still,
+you must allow it is a little too much to ask a congregation to pray
+that the king shall overcome his enemies, when they are among those
+very enemies? The question presents a dilemma."
+
+"And, yet, I have never failed to read that prayer, as well as all the
+rest. You have not objected, hitherto."
+
+"I have not, for I have considered the war as being waged with
+parliament and the ministers, whereas it is now clearly with the king.
+This paper is certainly a plain and forcible document."
+
+"And what is that paper? Not the Westminster Confession of Faith, or
+the Saybrook Platform, I hope; one of which will certainly supersede
+the Thirty-nine Articles in all our churches, if this rebellion
+prosper."
+
+"It is the manifesto issued by congress, to justify their declaration
+of independence. Bob has brought it with him, as a proof how far
+matters have been carried; but, really, it seems to be a creditable
+document, and is eloquently reasoned."
+
+"I see how it is, Willoughby--I see how it is. We shall find you a
+rebel general yet; and I expect to live to hear _you_ talk about
+'our Zion' and 'providential accidents.'"
+
+"Neither, Woods. For the first, I am too old; and, for the last, I have
+too much taste, I trust. Whether I shall always pray for the king is
+another matter. But, here is the major, ready for his sortie. Upon my
+word, his masquerade is so complete, I hardly know him myself."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIV.
+
+  He could not rest, he could not stay
+  Within his tent to wait for day;
+  But walked him forth along the sand,
+  Where thousand sleepers strewed the strand.
+
+  _Siege of Corinth_.
+
+It was now so late that most of the men of the Hut, and all the women
+and children, were housed for the night, provided no alarm occurred.
+There was consequently little risk in the major's venturing forth,
+disguised as he was, should care be taken not to approach a light. The
+great number of the latter, streaming through the windows of the
+western wing of the building, showed how many were now collected within
+the walls, and gave an unusual appearance of life and animation to the
+place. Still, the court was clear, the men seeking their pallets, in
+readiness for their coming watches, while the women were occupied with
+those great concerns of female life, the care of children.
+
+The captain, major, and chaplain, each carrying a rifle, and the two
+former pistols, moved rapidly across the court, and passed the gate.
+The moveable leaf of the latter was left unbarred, it being the orders
+of the captain to the sentinels without, on the approach of an enemy,
+to retire within the court, and then to secure the fastenings.
+
+The night was star-light, and it was cool, as is common to this region
+of country. There being neither lamp nor candle on the exterior of the
+house, even the loops being darkened, there was little danger in moving
+about within the stockades. The sentinels were directed to take their
+posts so near the palisades as to command views of the open lawn
+without, a precaution that would effectually prevent the usual stealthy
+approach of an enemy without discovery. As the alarm had been very
+decided, these irregular guardians of the house were all at their
+posts, and exceedingly watchful, a circumstance that enabled the
+captain to avoid them, and thus further remove the danger of his son's
+being recognised. He accordingly held himself aloof from the men,
+keeping within the shadows of the sides of the Hut.
+
+As a matter of course, the first object to which our two soldiers
+directed their eyes, was the rock above the mill. The Indians had
+lighted fires, and were now apparently bivouacked at no great distance
+from them, having brought boards from below with that especial object.
+Why they chose to remain in this precise position, and why they
+neglected the better accommodations afforded by some fifteen or twenty
+log-cabins, that skirted the western side of the valley in particular,
+were subjects of conjecture. That they were near the fires the board
+shanties proved, and that they were to the last degree careless of the
+proximity of the people of the place, would seem also to be apparent in
+the fact that they had not posted, so far as could be ascertained, even
+a solitary sentinel.
+
+"This is altogether surprising for Indian tactics," observed the
+captain, in a low voice; for everything that was uttered that night
+without the building was said in very guarded tones. "I have never
+before known the savages to cover themselves in that manner; nor is it
+usual with them to light fires to point out the positions they occupy,
+as these fellows seem to have done."
+
+"Is it not all _seeming_, sir?" returned the major. "To me that
+camp, if camp it can be called, has an air of being deserted."
+
+"There is a look about it of premeditated preparation that one ought
+always to distrust in war."
+
+"Is it not unmilitary, sir, for two soldiers like ourselves to remain
+in doubt on such a point? My professional pride revolts at such a state
+of things; and, with your leave, I will go outside, and set the matter
+at rest by reconnoitring."
+
+"Professional pride is a good thing, Bob, rightly understood and
+rightly practised. But the highest point of honour with the really good
+soldier is to do that for which he was precisely intended. Some men
+fancy armies were got together just to maintain certain exaggerated
+notions of military honour; whereas, military honour is nothing but a
+moral expedient to aid in effecting the objects for which they are
+really raised. I have known men so blinded as to assert that a soldier
+is bound to maintain his honour at the expense of the law; and this in
+face of the fact that, in a free country, a soldier is in truth nothing
+but one of the props of the law, in the last resort. So with us; we are
+here to defend this house, and those it contains; and our military
+honour is far more concerned in doing that effectually, and by right
+means, than in running the risk of not doing it at all, in order to
+satisfy an abstract and untenable notion of a false code. Let us do
+what is _right_, my son, and feel no concern that our honour
+suffer."
+
+Captain Willoughby said this, because he fancied it a fault in his
+son's character, sometimes to confound the end with the means, in
+appreciating the ethics of his profession. This is not an uncommon
+error among those who bear arms, instances not being wanting in which
+bodies of men that are the mere creatures of authority, have not
+hesitated to trample the power that brought them into existence under
+foot, rather than submit to mortify the feelings of a purely
+conventional and exaggerated pride. The major was rebuked rather than
+convinced, it not being the natural vocation of youth to perceive the
+justice of all the admonitions of age.
+
+"But, if one can be made auxiliary to the other, sir," the son
+remarked, "then you will allow that professional _esprit_, and
+professional prudence, may very well march hand in hand."
+
+"Of that there can be no doubt, though I think it far wiser and more
+soldier-like, even, to use all proper precautions to guard this house,
+under our actual circumstances, than to risk anything material in order
+to satisfy our doubts concerning the state of that camp."
+
+"But the cabins, and all the property that lies exposed to fire and
+other accidents, including the mills? Is it not worth your while to let
+me make a little excursion, in order to ascertain the state of things,
+as connected with them?"
+
+"Perhaps it would, Bob"--returned the father, after a little
+reflection. "It would be a great point gained, to send a man to look
+after the buildings, and the horses. The poor beasts may be suffering
+for water; and, as you say, the first thing will be to ascertain where
+our wild visiters really are, and what they are actually bent on.
+Woods, go with us to the gate, and let us out. I rely on your saying
+nothing of our absence, except to explain to the two nearest sentinels
+who we are, and to be on the look-out for us, against the moment we may
+return."
+
+"Will it not be very hazardous to be moving in front of the stockade,
+in the dark? Some of our own people may fire upon you."
+
+"You will tell them to be cautious, and we shall use great
+circumspection in our turn. I had better give you a signal by which we
+shall be known."
+
+This was done, and the party moved from under the shadows of the Hut,
+down to the gate. Here the two soldiers halted for several minutes,
+taking a deliberate and as thorough a survey of the scene without, as
+the darkness permitted. Then the chaplain opened the gate, and they
+issued forth, moving with great caution down the lawn, towards the
+fleets. As a matter of course, captain Willoughby was perfectly
+familiar with all the lanes, ditches, bridges and fields of his
+beautiful possessions. The alluvial soil that lay spread around him was
+principally the result of ages of deposit while the place was covered
+with water; but, as the overflowing of the water had been produced by a
+regular dam, the latter once removed, the meadows were free, from the
+excessive moisture which generally saturates drained lands. Still,
+there were two or three large open ditches, to collect the water that
+came down the adjacent mountains or bubbled up from springs near the
+margin of the woods Across these ditches the roads led, by bridges, and
+the whole valley was laid out, in this manner, equally with a view to
+convenience and rural beauty. A knowledge of all the windings was of
+great use, on the present occasion, even on the advance; while, on the
+retreat, it might clearly be the means of preserving the lives, or
+liberties, of the two adventurers.
+
+The captain did not proceed by the principal road which led from the
+Hut to the mills, the great thoroughfare of the valley, since it might
+be watched, in order to prevent a hostile sortie against the camp; but
+he inclined to the right, or to the westward, in order to visit the
+cabins and barns in that quarter. It struck him his invaders might have
+quietly taken possession of the houses, or even have stolen his horses
+and decamped. In this direction, then, he and his son proceeded, using
+the greatest caution in their movements, and occasionally stopping to
+examine the waning fires at the rock, or to throw a glance behind them
+at the stockade. Everything remained in the quiet which renders a
+forest settlement so solemn and imposing, after the daily movements of
+man have ceased. The deepest and most breathless attention could not
+catch an unaccustomed sound. Even the bark of a dog was not heard, all
+those useful animals having followed their masters into the Hut, as if
+conscious that their principal care now lay in that direction. Each of
+the sentinels had one of these animals near him, crouched under the
+stockade, in the expectation of their giving the alarm, should any
+strange footstep approach. In this manner most of the distance between
+the Knoll and the forest was crossed, when the major suddenly laid a
+hand on his father's arm.
+
+"Here is something stirring on our left," whispered the former--"It
+seems, too, to be crouching under the fence."
+
+"You have lost your familiarity with our rural life, Bob," answered the
+father, with a little more confidence of tone, but still guardedly, "or
+this fragrant breath would tell you we are almost on a cow. It is old
+Whiteback; I know her by her horns. Feel; she is here in the lane with
+us, and within reach of your hand. A gentler animal is not in the
+settlement. But, stop--pass your hand on her udder--she will not stir--
+how is it, full or not?"
+
+"If I can judge, sir, it is nothing remarkable in the way of size."
+
+"I understand this better. By Jupiter, boy, that cow has been milked!
+It is certain none of our people have left the house to do it, since
+the alarm was first given. This is ominous of neighbours."
+
+The major made no reply, but he felt to ascertain if his arms were in a
+state for immediate service. After a moment's further pause the captain
+proceeded, moving with increased caution. Not a word was now uttered,
+for they were getting within the shadows of the orchard, and indeed of
+the forest, where objects could not well be distinguished at the
+distance of a very few yards. A cabin was soon reached, and it was
+found empty; the fire reduced to a few embers, and quite safe. This was
+the residence of the man who had the care of the horses, the stables
+standing directly behind it. Captain Willoughby was a thoughtful and
+humane man, and it struck him the animals might now be turned into a
+field that joined the barn-yard, where there was not only rich pasture,
+but plenty of sweet running water. This he determined to do at once,
+the only danger being from the unbridled movements of cattle that must
+be impatient from unusual privation, and a prolonged restraint.
+
+The major opened the gate of the field, and stationed himself in a way
+to turn the animals in the desired direction, while his father went
+into the stable to set them free. The first horse came out with great
+deliberation, being an old animal well cooled with toil at the plough,
+and the major had merely to swing his arm, to turn him into the field.
+Not so with the next, however. This was little better than a colt, a
+creature in training for his master's saddle; and no sooner was it
+released than it plunged into the yard, then bounded into the field,
+around which it galloped, until it found the water. The others imitated
+this bad example; the clatter of hoofs, though beaten on a rich turf,
+soon resounding in the stillness of the night, until it might be heard
+across the valley. The captain then rejoined his son.
+
+"This is a good deed somewhat clumsily done, Bob," observed the father,
+as he picked up his rifle and prepared to proceed. "An Indian ear,
+however, will not fail to distinguish between the tramping of horses
+and a charge of foot."
+
+"Faith, sir, the noise may serve us a good turn yet. Let us take
+another look at the fires, and see if this tramping has set any one in
+motion near them. We can get a glimpse a little further ahead."
+
+The look was taken, but nothing was seen. While standing perfectly
+motionless, beneath the shadows of an apple-tree, however, a sound was
+heard quite near them, which resembled that of a guarded footstep. Both
+gentlemen drew up, like sportsmen expecting the birds to rise, in
+waiting for the sound to approach. It did draw nearer, and presently a
+human form was seen moving slowly forward in the path, approaching the
+tree, as if to get within its cover. It was allowed to draw nearer and
+nearer, until captain Willoughby laid his hand, from behind the trunk,
+on the stranger's shoulder, demanding sternly, but in a low voice, "who
+are you?"
+
+The start, the exclamation, and the tremor that succeeded all denoted
+the extent of this man's surprise. It was some little time, even,
+before he could recover from his alarm, and then he let himself be
+known by his answer.
+
+"Massy!" exclaimed Joel Strides, who ordinarily gave this doric sound
+to the word 'mercy'--"Massy, captain, is it _you!_ I should as
+soon thought of seeing a ghost! What in natur' has brought you out of
+the stockade, sir?"
+
+"I think that is a question I might better ask you, Mr. Strides. My
+orders were to keep the gate close, and for no one to quit the court-
+yard even, until sent on post, or called by an alarm."
+
+"True, sir--quite true--true as gospel. But let us moderate a little,
+captain, and speak lower; for the Lord only knows who's in our
+neighbourhood. Who's that with you, sir?--Not the Rev. Mr. Woods, is
+it?"
+
+"No matter who is with me. _He_ has the authority of my commands
+for being here, whoever he may be, while you are here in opposition to
+them. You know me well enough, Joel, to understand nothing but the
+simple truth will satisfy me."
+
+"Lord, sir, I am one of them that never wish to tell you anything
+_but_ truth. The captain has known me now long enough to understand
+my natur', I should think; so no more need be said about _that._"
+
+"Well, sir--give me the reason--and see that it is given to me without
+reserve."
+
+"Yes, sir; the captain shall have it. He knows we scrambled out of our
+houses this afternoon a little onthinkingly, Injin alarms being skeary
+matters. It was an awful hurrying time! Well, the captain understands,
+too, we don't work for him without receiving our wages; and I have been
+laying up a little, every year, until I've scraped together a few
+hundred dollars, in good half-joes; and I bethought me the money might
+be in danger, should the savages begin to plunder; and I've just came
+out to look a'ter the money."
+
+"If this be true, as I hope and can easily believe to be the case, you
+must have the money about you, Joel, to prove it."
+
+The man stretched forth his arm, and let the captain feel a
+handkerchief, in which, sure enough, there was a goodly quantity of
+coin. This gave him credit for truth, and removed all suspicion of his
+present excursion being made with any sinister intention. The man was
+questioned as to his mode of passing the stockade, when he confessed he
+had fairly clambered over it, an exploit of no great difficulty from
+the inside. As the captain had known Joel too long to be ignorant of
+his love of money, and the offence was very pardonable in itself, he
+readily forgave the breach of orders. This was the only man in the
+valley who did not trust his little hoard in the iron chest at the Hut;
+even the miller reposing that much confidence in the proprietor of the
+estate; but Joel was too conscious of dishonest intentions himself to
+put any unnecessary faith in others.
+
+All this time, the major kept so far aloof as not to be recognised,
+though Joel, once or twice, betrayed symptoms of a desire to ascertain
+who he was. Maud had awakened suspicions that now became active, in
+both father and son, when circumstances so unexpectedly and
+inconveniently threw the man in their way. It was consequently the wish
+of the former to get rid of his overseer as soon as possible.
+Previously to doing this, however, he saw fit to interrogate him a
+little further.
+
+"Have you seen anything of the Indians since you left the stockade,
+Strides?" demanded the captain. "We can perceive no other traces of
+their presence than yonder fires, though we think that some of them
+must have passed this way, for Whiteback's udder is empty."
+
+"To own the truth, captain, I haven't. I some think that they've left
+the valley; though the Lord only can tell when they'll be back ag'in.
+Such critturs be beyond calcilation! They outdo arithmetic, nohow. As
+for the cow, I milked her myself; for being the crittur the captain has
+given to Phoebe for her little dairy, I thought it might hurt her not
+to be attended to. The pail stands yonder, under the fence, and the
+women and children in the Hut may be glad enough to see it in the
+morning."
+
+This was very characteristic of Joel Strides. He did not hesitate about
+disobeying orders, or even to risk his life, in order to secure his
+money; but, determined to come out, he had the forethought and care to
+bring a pail, in order to supply the wants of those who were now
+crowded within the stockade, and who were too much accustomed to this
+particular sort of food, not to suffer from its absence. If we add,
+that, in the midst of all this prudent attention to the wants of his
+companions, Joel had an eye to his personal popularity and what are
+called "ulterior events", and that he selected his own cow for the
+precise reason given, the reader has certain distinctive traits of the
+man before him.
+
+"This being the case," returned the captain, a good deal relieved at
+finding that the savages had not been the agents in this milking
+affair, since it left the probability of their remaining
+stationary--"This being the case, Joel, you had better find the pail,
+and go in. As soon as day dawns, however, I recommend that all the cows
+be called up to the stockade and milked generally. They are feeding in
+the lanes, just now, and will come readily, if properly invited. Go,
+then, but say nothing of having met me, and--"
+
+"Who else did the captain say?" inquired Joel, curiously, observing
+that the other paused.
+
+"Say nothing of having met us at all, I tell you. It is very important
+that my movements should be secret."
+
+The two gentlemen now moved on, intending to pass in front of the
+cabins which lined this part of the valley, by a lane which would bring
+them out at the general highway which led from the Knoll to the mill.
+The captain marched in front, while his son brought up the rear, at a
+distance of two or three paces. Each walked slowly and with caution,
+carrying his rifle in the hollow of his arm, in perfect readiness for
+service. In this manner both had proceeded a few yards, when Robert
+Willoughby felt his elbow touched, and saw Joel's face, within eighteen
+inches of his own, as the fellow peered under his hat. It was an action
+so sudden and unexpected, that the major saw, at once, nothing but
+perfect coolness could avert his discovery.
+
+"Is't you, Dan'el"--so was the miller named. "What in natur' has
+brought the old man on this tramp, with the valley filled with Injins?"
+whispered Joel, prolonging the speech in order to get a better view of
+a face and form that still baffled his conjectures. "Let's know all
+about it."
+
+"You'll get me into trouble," answered he major, shaking off his
+unwelcome neighbour, moving a step further from him, and speaking also
+in a whisper. "The captain's bent on a scout, and you know he'll not
+bear contradiction. Off with you, then, and don't forget the milk."
+
+As the major moved away, and seemed determined to baffle him, Joel had
+no choice between complying and exposing his disobedience of orders to
+the captain. He disliked doing the last, for his cue was to seem
+respectful and attached, and he was fain to submit. Never before,
+however, did Joel Strides suffer a man to slip through his fingers with
+so much reluctance. He saw that the captain's companion was not the
+miller, while the disguise was too complete to enable him to
+distinguish the person or face. In that day, the different classes of
+society were strongly distinguished from each other, by their ordinary
+attire; and, accustomed to see major Willoughby only in the dress that
+belonged to his station, he would not be likely to recognise him in his
+present guise, had he even known of or suspected his visit. As it was,
+he was completely at fault; satisfied it was not his friend Daniel,
+while unable to say who it was.
+
+In this doubting state of mind, Joel actually forgot the savages, and
+the risks he might run from their proximity. He walked, as it might be
+mechanically, to the place where he had left the pail, and then
+proceeded slowly towards the Knoll, pondering at every step on what he
+had just seen. He and the miller had secret communications with certain
+active agents of the revolutionists, that put them in possession of
+facts, notwithstanding their isolated position, with which even their
+employer was totally unacquainted. It is true, these agents were of
+that low caste that never fail to attach themselves to all great
+political enterprises, with a sole view to their own benefit; still, as
+they were active, cunning and bold, and had the sagacity to make
+themselves useful, they passed in the throng of patriots created by the
+times, and were enabled to impart to men of similar spirits much
+available information.
+
+It was through means like these, that Joel knew of the all-important
+measure of the declaration of independence, while it still remained a
+secret to captain Willoughby. The hope of confiscations was now active
+in the bosoms of all this set, and many of them had even selected the
+portions of property that they intended should be the reward of their
+own love of freedom and patriotism. It has been said that the English
+ministry precipitated the American revolution, with a view to share,
+among their favourites, the estates that it was thought it would bring
+within the gift of the crown, a motive so heinous as almost to defy
+credulity, and which may certainly admit of rational doubts. On the
+other hand, however, it is certain that individuals, who will go down
+to posterity in company with the many justly illustrious names that the
+events of 1776 have committed to history, were actuated by the most
+selfish inducements, and, in divers instances, enriched themselves with
+the wrecks of estates that formerly belonged to their kinsmen or
+friends. Joel Strides was of too low a class to get his name enrolled
+very high on the list of heroes, nor was he at all ambitious of any
+such distinction; but he was not so low that he could not and did not
+aspire to become the owner of the property of the Hutted Knoll. In an
+ordinary state of society, so high a flight would seem irrational in so
+low an aspirant; but Joel came of a people who seldom measure their
+pretensions by their merits, and who imagine that to boldly aspire,
+more especially in the way of money, is the first great step to
+success. The much talked of and little understood doctrine of political
+equality has this error to answer for, in thousands of cases; for
+nothing can be more hopeless, in the nature of things, than to convince
+a man of the necessity of possessing qualities of whose existence he
+has not even a faint perception, ere he may justly pretend to be put on
+a level with the high-minded, the just, the educated, and the good.
+Joel, therefore, saw no other reason than the law, against his becoming
+the great landlord, as well as captain Willoughby; and could the law be
+so moulded as to answer his purposes, he had discreetly resolved to
+care for no other considerations. The thought of the consequences to
+Mrs. Willoughby and her daughters gave him no concern whatever; they
+had already possessed the advantages of their situation so long, as to
+give Phoebe and the miller's wife a sort of moral claim to succeed
+them. In a word, Joel, in his yearnings after wealth, had only faintly
+shadowed forth the modern favourite doctrine of "rotation in office."
+
+The appearance of a stranger in company with captain Willoughby could
+not fail, therefore, to give rise to many conjectures in the mind of a
+man whose daily and hourly thoughts were running on these important
+changes. "Who _can_ it be," thought Joel, as he crawled along the
+lane, bearing the milk, and lifting one leg after the other, as if lead
+were fastened to his feet. "Dan'el it is not--nor is it any one that I
+can consait on, about the Hut. The captain is mightily strengthened by
+this marriage of his da'ter with colonel Beekman, that's sartain. The
+colonel stands wonderful well with our folks, and he 'll not let all
+this first-rate land, with such capital betterments, go out of the
+family without an iffort, I conclude--but then I calcilate on _his_
+being killed--there must be a disperate lot on 'em shot, afore
+the war's over, and _he_ is as likely to be among 'em as another.
+Dan'el thinks the colonel has the look of a short-lived man. Waal; to-
+morrow will bring about a knowledge of the name of the captain's
+companion, and then a body may calcilate with greater sartainty!"
+
+This is but an outline of what passed through Joel's mind as he moved
+onward. It will serve, however, to let the reader into the secret of
+his thoughts, as well as into their ordinary train, and is essentially
+connected with some of the succeeding events of our legend. As the
+overseer approached the stockade, his ideas were so abstracted that he
+forgot the risk he ran; but walking carelessly towards the palisades,
+the dogs barked, and then he was saluted by a shot. This effectually
+aroused Joel, who called out in his natural voice, and probably saved
+his life by so doing. The report of the rifle, however, produced an
+alarm, and by the time the astounded overseer had staggered up to the
+gate, the men were pouring out from the court, armed, and expecting an
+assault. In the midst of this scene of confusion, the chaplain admitted
+Joel, as much astonished as the man himself, at the whole of the
+unexpected occurrence.
+
+It is unnecessary to say that many questions were asked. Joel got rid
+of them, by simply stating that he had gone out to milk a cow, by the
+captain's private orders, and that he had forgotten to arrange any
+signal, by which his return might be known. He ventured to name his
+employer, because he knew he was not there to contradict him; and Mr.
+Woods, being anxious to ascertain if his two friends had been seen,
+sent the men back to their lairs, without delay, detaining the overseer
+at the gate for a minute's private discourse. As the miller obeyed,
+with the rest, he asked for the pail with an eye to his own children's
+comfort; but, on receiving it, he found it empty! The bullet had passed
+through it, and the contents had escaped.
+
+"Did you see any _thing, or person_, Strides?" demanded the
+chaplain, as soon as the two were alone.
+
+"Lord, Mr. Woods, I met the captain!--The sight on him came over me
+a'most as cruelly as the shot from the rifle; for I no more expected it
+than I do to see you rise up to heaven, in your clothes, like Elijah of
+old. Sure enough, _there_ was the captain, himself, and--and--"
+
+Here Joel sneezed, repeating the word "and" several times, in hopes the
+chaplain would supply the name he so much wished to hear.
+
+"But you saw no savages?--I know the captain is out, and you will be
+careful not to mention it, lest it get to Mrs. Willoughby's ears, and
+make her uneasy. You saw nothing of the savages?"
+
+"Not a bit--the critturs lie cluss enough, if they haven't actually
+tramped. _Who_ did you say was with the captain, Mr. Woods?"
+
+"I said nothing about it--I merely asked after the Indians, who, as you
+say, do keep themselves very close. Well, Joel, go to your wife, who
+must be getting anxious about you, and be prudent."
+
+Thus dismissed, the overseer did not dare to hesitate; but he entered
+the court, still pondering on the late meeting.
+
+As for the two adventurers, they pursued their march in silence. As a
+matter of course, they heard the report of the rifle, and caught some
+faint sounds from the alarm that succeeded; but, readily comprehending
+the cause, they produced no uneasiness; the stillness which succeeded
+soon satisfying them that all was right. By this time they were within
+a hundred yards of the flickering fires. The major had kept a strict
+watch on the shanties at the report of the rifle; but not a living
+thing was seen moving in their vicinity. This induced him to think the
+place deserted, and he whispered as much to his father.
+
+"With any other enemy than an Indian", answered the latter, "you might
+be right enough, Bob; but with these rascals one is never certain. We
+must advance with a good deal of their own caution."
+
+This was done, and the gentlemen approached the fires in the most
+guarded manner, keeping the shantees between them and the light. By
+this time, however, the flames were nearly out, and there was no great
+difficulty in looking into the nearest shantee, without much exposure.
+It was deserted, as proved to be the case with all the others, on
+further examination. Major Willoughby now moved about on the rock with
+greater confidence; for, naturally brave, and accustomed to use his
+faculties with self-command in moments of trial, he drew the just
+distinctions between real danger and unnecessary alarm; the truest of
+all tests of courage.
+
+The captain, feeling a husband's and a father's responsibility, was a
+little more guarded; but success soon gave him more confidence, and the
+spot was thoroughly explored. The two then descended to the mills,
+which, together with the adjacent cabins, they entered also, and found
+uninjured and empty. After this, several other suspected points were
+looked at, until the captain came to the conclusion that the party had
+retired, for the night at least, if not entirely. Making a circuit,
+however, he and his son visited the chapel, and one or two dwellings on
+that side of the valley, when they bent their steps towards the Knoll.
+
+As the gentlemen approached the stockade, the captain gave a loud hem,
+and clapped his hands. At the signal the gate flew open, and they found
+themselves in company with their friend the chaplain once more. A few
+words of explanation told all they had to say, and then the three
+passed into the court, and separated; each taking the direction towards
+his own room. The major, fatigued with the toils of a long march, was
+soon in a soldier's sleep; but it was hours before his more thoughtful,
+and still uneasy father, could obtain the rest which nature so much
+requires.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XV.
+
+  ----"I could teach you,
+  How to choose right, but then I am forsworn;
+  So will I never be; so may you miss me;
+  But if you do, you'll make me wish a sin
+  That I had been forsworn."----
+
+  _Portia_.
+
+Captain Willoughby knew that the hour which preceded the return of
+light, was that in which the soldier had the most to apprehend, when in
+the field. This is the moment when it is usual to attempt surprises;
+and it was, in particular, the Indian's hour of blood. Orders had been
+left, accordingly, to call him at four o'clock, and to see that all the
+men of the Hut were afoot, and armed also. Notwithstanding the deserted
+appearance of the valley, this experienced frontier warrior distrusted
+the signs of the times; and he looked forward to the probability of an
+assault, a little before the return of day, with a degree of concern he
+would have been sorry to communicate to his wife and daughters.
+
+Every emergency had been foreseen, and such a disposition made of the
+forces, as enabled the major to be useful, in the event of an attack,
+without exposing himself unnecessarily to the danger of being
+discovered. He was to have charge of the defence of the rear of the
+Hut, or that part of the buildings where the windows opened outwards;
+and Michael and the two Plinys were assigned him as assistants. Nor was
+the ward altogether a useless one. Though the cliff afforded a material
+safeguard to this portion of the defences, it might be scaled; and, it
+will be remembered, there was no stockade at all, on this, the northern
+end of the house.
+
+When the men assembled in the court, therefore, about an hour before
+the dawn, Robert Willoughby collected his small force in the dining-
+room, the outer apartment of the _suite_, where he examined their
+arms by lamp-light, inspected their accoutrements, and directed them to
+remain until he issued fresh orders. His father, aided by serjeant
+Joyce, did the same in the court; issuing out, through the gate of the
+buildings, with his whole force, as soon as this duty was performed.
+The call being general, the women and children were all up also; many
+of the former repairing to the loops, while the least resolute, or the
+less experienced of their number, administered to the wants of the
+young, or busied themselves with the concerns of the household. In a
+word, the Hut, at that early hour, resembled a hive in activity, though
+the different pursuits had not much affinity to the collection of
+honey.
+
+It is not to be supposed that Mrs. Willoughby and her daughters still
+courted their pillows on an occasion like this. They rose with the
+others, the grandmother and Beulah bestowing their first care on the
+little Evert, as if _his_ life and safety were the considerations
+uppermost in their thoughts. This seemed so natural, that Maud wondered
+she too could not feel all this absorbing interest in the child, a
+being so totally dependent on the affection of its friends and
+relatives to provide for its wants and hazards, in an emergency like
+the present.
+
+"_We_ will see to the child, Maud," observed her mother, ten or
+fifteen minutes after all were up and dressed. "Do you go to your
+brother, who will be solitary, alone in his citadel. He may wish, too,
+to send some message to his father. Go, then, dear girl, and help to
+keep up poor Bob's spirits."
+
+What a service for Maud! Still, she went, without hesitation or delay;
+for the habits of her whole infancy were not to be totally overcome by
+the natural and more engrossing sentiments of her later years. She
+could not feel precisely the reserve and self-distrust with one she had
+so long regarded as a brother, as might have been the case with a
+stranger youth in whom she had begun to feel the interest she
+entertained for Robert Willoughby. But, Maud did not hesitate about
+complying. An order from her mother to her was law; and she had no
+shame, no reserves on the subject of contributing to Bob's comfort or
+happiness.
+
+Her presence was a great relief to the young man himself, whom she
+found in the library. His assistants were posted without, as sentinels
+to keep off intruders, a disposition that left him quite alone, anxious
+and uneasy. The only intercourse he could have with his father was by
+means of messages; and the part of the building he occupied was
+absolutely without any communication with the court, except by a single
+door near the offices, at which he had stationed O'Hearn.
+
+"This is kind, and like yourself, dearest Maud," exclaimed the young
+man, taking the hand of his visiter, and pressing it in both his own,
+though he strangely neglected to kiss her cheek, as he certainly would
+have done had it been Beulah--"This is kind and like yourself; now I
+shall learn something of the state of the family. How is my mother?"
+
+It might have been native coyness, or even coquetry, that unconsciously
+to herself influenced Maud's answer. She knew not why--and yet she felt
+prompted to let it be understood she had not come of her own impulses.
+
+"Mother is well, and not at all alarmed," she said. "She and Beulah are
+busy with little Evert, who crows and kicks his heels about as if
+_he_ despised danger as becomes a soldier's son, and has much amused
+even _me_; though I am accused of insensibility to his perfections.
+Believing you might be solitary, or might wish to communicate with
+some of us, my mother desired me to come and inquire into your wants."
+
+"Was such a bidding required, Maud! How long has an order been
+necessary to bring _you_ to console _me_?"
+
+"That is a calculation I have never entered into, Bob," answered Maud,
+slightly blushing, and openly smiling, and that in a way, too, to take
+all the sting out of her words--"as young ladies can have more suitable
+occupations, one might think. You will admit I guided you faithfully
+and skilfully into the Hut last evening, and such a service should
+suffice for the present. But, my mother tells me we have proper causes
+of complaint against you, for having so thoughtlessly left the place of
+safety into which you were brought, and for going strolling about the
+valley, after we had retired, in a very heedless and boyish manner!"
+
+"I went with my father; surely I could not have been in better
+company."
+
+"At his suggestion, or at your own, Bob?" asked Maud, shaking her head.
+
+"To own the truth, it was, in some degree, at my own. It seemed so very
+unmilitary for two old soldiers to allow themselves to be shut up in
+ignorance of what their enemies were at, that I could not resist the
+desire to make a little _sortie_. You must feel, dear Maud, that
+our motive was _your_ safety--the safety, I mean, of my mother,
+and Beulah, and nil of you together--and you ought to be the last to
+blame us."
+
+The tint on Maud's cheek deepened as Robert Willoughby laid so heavy an
+emphasis on "_your_ safety;" but she could not smile on an act
+that risked so much more than was prudent.
+
+"This is well enough as to motive," she said, after a pause; "but
+frightfully ill-judged, I should think, as to the risks. You do not
+remember the importance our dear father is to us all--to my mother--to
+Beulah--even to me, Bob."
+
+"Even to _you_, Maud!--And why not as much to _you_ as to any
+of us?"
+
+Maud could speak to Beulah of her want of natural affinity to the
+family; but, it far exceeded her self-command to make a direct allusion
+to it to Robert Willoughby. Still, it was now rarely absent from her
+mind; the love she bore the captain and his wife, and Beulah, and
+little Evert, coming to her heart through a more insidious and possibly
+tenderer tie, than that of purely filial or sisterly affection. It was,
+indeed, this every-day regard, strangely deepened and enlivened by that
+collateral feeling we so freely bestow on them who are bound by natural
+ties to those who have the strongest holds on our hearts, and which
+causes us to see with their eyes, and to feel with their affections.
+Accordingly, no reply was made to the question; or, rather, it was
+answered by putting another.
+
+"Did you see anything, after all, to compensate for so much risk?"
+asked Maud, but not until a pause had betrayed her embarrassment.
+
+"We ascertained that the savages had deserted their fires, and had not
+entered any of the cabins. Whether this were done to mislead us, or to
+make a retreat as sudden and unexpected as their inroad, we are
+altogether in the dark. My father apprehends treachery, however; while,
+I confess, to me it seems probable that the arrival and the departure
+may be altogether matters of accident. The Indians are in motion
+certainly, for it is known that our agents are busy among them; but, it
+is by no means so clear that _our_ Indians would molest captain
+Willoughby--Sir Hugh Willoughby, as my father is altogether called, at
+head-quarters."
+
+"Have not the Americans savages on their side, to do us this ill
+office?"
+
+"I think not. It is the interest of the rebels to keep the savages out
+of the struggle; they have so much at risk, that this species of
+warfare can scarcely be to _their_ liking."
+
+"And ought it to be to the liking of the king's generals, or ministers
+either, Bob!"
+
+"Perhaps not, Maud. I do not defend it; but I have seen enough of
+politics and war, to know that results are looked to, far more than
+principles. Honour, and chivalry, and humanity, and virtue, and right,
+are freely used in terms; but seldom do they produce much influence on
+facts. Victory is the end aimed at, and the means are made to vary with
+the object."
+
+"And where is all we have read together?--Yes, _together_, Bob?
+for I owe you a great deal for having directed my studies--where is all
+we have read about the glory and truth of the English name and cause?"
+
+"Very much, I fear, Maud, where the glory and truth of the American
+name and cause will be, as soon as this new nation shall fairly burst
+the shell, and hatch its public morality. There are men among us who
+believe in this public honesty, but I do not."
+
+"You are then engaged in a bad cause, major Willoughby, and the sooner
+you abandon it, the better."
+
+"I would in a minute, if I knew where to find a better. Rely on it,
+dearest Maud, all causes are alike, in this particular; though one side
+may employ instruments, as in the case of the savages, that the other
+side finds it its interest to decry. Men, as individuals, _may_
+be, and sometimes _are_, reasonably upright--but, _bodies_ of
+men, I much fear, never. The latter escape responsibility by dividing
+it."
+
+"Still, a good cause may elevate even bodies of men," said Maud,
+thoughtfully.
+
+"For a time, perhaps; but not in emergencies. You and I think it a good
+cause, my good and frowning Maud, to defend the rights of our sovereign
+lord the king. Beulah I have given up to the enemy; but on you I have
+implicitly replied."
+
+"Beulah follows her heart, perhaps, as they say it is natural to women
+to do. As for myself, I am left free to follow my own opinion of my
+duties."
+
+"And they lead you to espouse the cause of the king, Maud!"
+
+"They will be very apt to be influenced by the notions of a certain
+captain Willoughby, and Wilhelmina, his wife, who have guided me aright
+on so many occasions, that I shall not easily distrust their opinions
+on this."
+
+The major disliked this answer; and yet, when he came to reflect on it,
+as reflect he did a good deal in the course of the day, he was
+dissatisfied with himself at being so unreasonable as to expect a girl
+of twenty-one not to think with her parents, real or presumed, in most
+matters. At the moment, however, he did not wish further to press the
+point.
+
+"I am glad to learn, Bob," resumed Maud, looking more cheerful and
+smiling, "that you met with no one in your rash sortie--for rash I
+shall call it, even though sanctioned by my father."
+
+"I am wrong in saying that. We did meet with one man, and that was no
+less a person than your bug-bear, Joel Strides--as innocent, though as
+meddling an overseer as one could wish to employ."
+
+"Robert Willoughby, what mean you! Does this man know of your presence
+at the Knoll?"
+
+"I should hope not--_think_ not." Here the major explained all
+that is known to the reader on this head, when he continued--"The
+fellow's curiosity brought his face within a few inches of mine; yet I
+do not believe he recognised me. This disguise is pretty thorough; and
+what between his ignorance, the darkness and the dress, I must believe
+he was foiled."
+
+"Heaven be praised!" exclaimed Maud, breathing more freely. "I have
+long distrusted that man, though he seems to possess the confidence of
+every one else. Neither my father nor my mother will see him, as I see
+him; yet to me his design to injure you is _so_ clear--_so_
+obvious!--I wonder, often wonder, that others cannot view it as I do.
+Even Beulah is blind!"
+
+"And what do you see so clearly, Maud? I have consented to keep myself
+incog. in submission to your earnest request; and yet, to own the
+truth, I can discover no particular reason why Strides is to be
+distrusted more than any one else in the valley--than Mike, for
+instance."
+
+"Mike! I would answer for _his_ truth with my life. _He_ will
+never betray you, Bob."
+
+"But why is Joel so much the object of your distrust?--and why am _I_
+the particular subject of your apprehensions?"
+
+Maud felt the tell-tale blood flowing again to her cheeks; since, to
+give a simple and clear reason for her distrust, exceeded her power. It
+was nothing but the keen interest which she took in Robert Willoughby's
+safety that had betrayed to her the truth; and, as usually happens,
+when anxiety leads the way in discoveries of this sort, logical and
+plausible inferences are not always at command. Still, Maud not only
+thought herself right, but, in the main, she _was_ right; and this
+she felt so strongly as to be enabled to induce others to act on her
+impressions.
+
+"_Why_ I believe in Strides' sinister views is more than I may be
+able to explain to you, in words, Bob," she replied, after a moment's
+thought; "still, I _do_ believe in them as firmly as I believe in
+my existence. His looks, his questions, his journeys, and an occasional
+remark, have all aided in influencing the belief; nevertheless, no one
+proof may be perfectly clear and satisfactory. Why _you_ should be
+the subject of his plans, however, is simple enough, since you are the
+only one among us he can seriously injure. By betraying you, he might
+gain some great advantage to himself."
+
+"To whom can he betray me, dear? My father is the only person here, in
+any authority, and of him I have no cause to be afraid."
+
+"Yet, you were so far alarmed when last here, as to change your route
+back to Boston. If there were cause for apprehension then, the same
+reason may now exist."
+
+"That was when many strangers were in the valley, and we knew not
+exactly where we stood. I have submitted to your wishes, however, Maud,
+and shall lie _perdu_, until there is a serious alarm; then it is
+understood I am to be permitted to show myself. In a moment of
+emergency my unexpected appearance among the men might have a dramatic
+effect, and, of itself, give us a victory. But tell me of my
+prospects--am I likely to succeed with my father? Will he be brought
+over to the royal cause?"
+
+"I think not. All common inducements are lost on him. His baronetcy,
+for instance, he will never assume; _that_, therefore, cannot
+entice him. Then his feelings are with his adopted country, which he
+thinks right, and which he is much disposed to maintain; more
+particularly since Beulah's marriage, and our late intercourse with all
+that set. My mother's family, too, has much influence with him. They,
+you know, are all whigs."
+
+"Don't prostitute the name, Maud. Whig does not mean rebel; these
+misguided men are neither more nor less than rebels. I had thought this
+declaration of independence would have brought my father at once to our
+side."
+
+"I can see it has disturbed him, as did the Battle of Bunker's Hill.
+But he will reflect a few days, and decide now, as he did then, in
+favour of the Americans. He has English partialities, Bob, as is
+natural to one born in that country; but, on this point, his mind is
+very strongly American."
+
+"The accursed Knoll has done this! Had he lived in society, as he ought
+to have done, among his equals and the educated, we should now see him
+at the head--Maud, I know I can confide in _you_."
+
+Maud was pleased at this expression of confidence, and she looked up in
+the major's face, her full blue eyes expressing no small portion of the
+heartfelt satisfaction she experienced. Still, she said nothing.
+
+"You may well imagine," the major continued, "that I have not made this
+journey entirely without an object--I mean some object more important,
+even, than to see you all. The commander-in-chief is empowered to raise
+several regiments in this country, and it is thought useful to put men
+of influence in the colonies at their head. Old Noll de Lancey, for
+instance, so well known to us all, is to have a brigade; and I have a
+letter in my pocket offering to Sir Hugh Willoughby one of his
+regiments. One of the Allens of Pennsylvania, who was actually serving
+against us, has thrown up his commission from congress, since this
+wicked declaration, and has consented to take a battalion from the
+king. What think you of all this? Will it not have weight with my
+father?"
+
+"It may cause him to reflect, Bob; but it will not induce him to change
+his mind. It may suit Mr. Oliver de Lancey to be a general, for he has
+been a soldier his whole life; but my father has retired, and given up
+all thoughts of service. He tells us he never liked it, and has been
+happier here at the Knoll, than when he got his first commission. Mr.
+Allen's change of opinion may be well enough, he will say, but I have
+no need of change; I am here, with my wife and daughters, and have them
+to care for, in these troubled times. What think you he said, Bob, in
+one of his conversations with us, on this very subject?"
+
+"I am sure I cannot imagine--though I rather fear it was some wretched
+political stuff of the day."
+
+"So far from this, it was good natural feeling that belongs, or ought
+to belong to all days, and all ages," answered Maud, her voice
+trembling a little as she proceeded. "'There is my son,' he said; 'one
+soldier is enough in a family like this. _He_ keeps all our hearts
+anxious, and may cause them all to mourn.'"
+
+Major Willoughby was mute for quite a minute, looking rebuked and
+thoughtful.
+
+"I fear I do cause my parents concern," he at length answered; "and why
+should I endeavour to increase that of my excellent mother, by
+persuading her husband to return to the profession? If this were
+ordinary service, I could not think of it. I do not know that I ought
+to think of it, as it is!"
+
+"Do not, dear Robert. We are all--that is, mother is often miserable on
+your account; and why would you increase her sorrows? Remember that to
+tremble for one life is sufficient for a woman."
+
+"My mother is miserable on _my_ account!" answered the young man,
+who was thinking of anything but his father, at that instant. "Does
+Beulah never express concern for me? or have her new ties completely
+driven her brother from her recollection? I know she can scarce wish me
+success; but she might still feel some uneasiness for an only brother.
+We are but two--"
+
+Maud started, as if some frightful object glared before her eyes; then
+she sat in breathless silence, resolute to hear what would come next.
+But Robert Willoughby meant to pursue that idea no farther. He had so
+accustomed himself--had endeavoured even so to accustom himself to
+think of Beulah as his only sister, that the words escaped him
+unconsciously. They were no sooner uttered, however, than the
+recollection of their possible effect on Maud crossed his mind.
+Profoundly ignorant of the true nature of her feelings towards himself,
+he had ever shrunk from a direct avowal of his own sentiments, lest he
+might shock her; as a sister's ear would naturally be wounded by a
+declaration of attachment from a brother; and there were bitter moments
+when he fancied delicacy and honour would oblige him to carry his
+secret with him to the grave. Two minutes of frank communication might
+have dissipated all these scruples for ever; but, how to obtain those
+minutes, or how to enter on the subject at all, were obstacles that
+often appeared insurmountable to the young man. As for Maud, she but
+imperfectly understood her own heart--true, she had conscious glimpses
+of its real state; but, it was through those sudden and ungovernable
+impulses that were so strangely mingled with her affections. It was
+years, indeed, since she had ceased to think of Robert Willoughby as a
+brother, and had begun to view him with different eyes; still, she
+struggled with her feelings, as against a weakness. The captain and his
+wife were her parents; Beulah her dearly, dearly beloved sister; little
+Evert her nephew; and even the collaterals, in and about Albany, came
+in for a due share of her regard; while Bob, though called Bob as
+before; though treated with a large portion of the confidence that was
+natural to the intimacy of her childhood; though loved with a
+tenderness he would have given even his high-prized commission to know,
+was no longer thought of as a brother. Often did Maud find herself
+thinking, if never saying, "Beulah may do that, for Beulah is his
+sister; but it would be wrong in me. I may write to him, talk freely
+and even confidentially with him, and be affectionate to him; all this
+is right, and I should be the most ungrateful creature on earth to act
+differently; but I cannot sit on his knee as Beulah sometimes does; I
+cannot throw my arms around his neck when I kiss him, as Beulah does; I
+cannot pat his cheek, as Beulah does, when he says anything to laugh
+at; nor can I pry into his secrets, as Beulah does, or affects to do,
+to tease him. I should be more reserved with one who has not a drop of
+my blood in his veins--no, not a single drop." In this way, indeed,
+Maud was rather fond of disclaiming any consanguinity with the family
+of Willoughby, even while she honoured and loved its two heads, as
+parents. The long pause that succeeded the major's broken sentence was
+only interrupted by himself.
+
+"It is vexatious to be shut up here, in the dark, Maud," he said, "when
+every minute _may_ bring an attack. This side of the house might
+be defended by you and Beulah, aided and enlightened by the arm and
+counsels of that young 'son of liberty,' little Evert; whereas the
+stockade in front may really need the presence of men who have some
+knowledge of the noble art. I wish there were a look-out to the front,
+that one might at least see the danger as it approached."
+
+"If your presence is not indispensable here, I can lead you to my
+painting-room, where there is a loop directly opposite to the gate.
+That half of the garrets has no one in it."
+
+The major accepted the proposal with joy, and forthwith he proceeded to
+issue a few necessary orders to his subordinates, before he followed
+Maud. When all was ready, the latter led the way, carrying a small
+silver lamp that she had brought with her on entering the library. The
+reader already understands that the Hut was built around a court, the
+portion of the building in the rear, or on the cliff, alone having
+windows that opened outward. This was as true of the roofs as of the
+perpendicular parts of the structure, the only exceptions being in the
+loops that had been cut in the half-story, beneath the eaves. Of
+course, the garrets were very extensive. They were occupied in part,
+however, by small rooms, with dormer-windows, the latter of which
+opened on the court, with the exception of those above the cliff. It
+was on the roofs of these windows that captain Willoughby had laid his
+platform, or walk, with a view to extinguish fires, or to defend the
+place. There were many rooms also that were lighted only by the loops,
+and which, of course, were on the outer side of the buildings. In
+addition to these arrangements, the garret portions of the Hut were
+divided into two great parts, like the lower floor, without any doors
+of communication. Thus, below, the apartments commenced at the gateway,
+and extended along one-half the front; the whole of the east wing, and
+the whole of the rear, occupying five-eighths of the entire structure.
+This part contained all the rooms occupied by the family and the
+offices. The corresponding three-eighths, or the remaining half of the
+front, and the whole of the west wing, were given to visiters, and were
+now in possession of the people of the valley; as were all the rooms
+and garrets above them. On the other hand, captain Willoughby, with a
+view to keep his family to itself, had excluded every one, but the
+usual inmates, from his own portion of the house, garret-rooms
+included.
+
+Some of the garret-rooms, particularly those over the library, drawing-
+room, and parlour, were convenient and well-furnished little
+apartments, enjoying dormer-windows that opened on the meadows and
+forest, and possessing a very tolerable elevation, for rooms of that
+particular construction. Here Mr. Woods lodged and had his study. The
+access was by a convenient flight of steps, placed in the vestibule
+that communicated with the court. A private and narrower flight also
+ascended from the offices.
+
+Maud now led the way up the principal stairs, Mike being on post at the
+outer door to keep off impertinent eyes, followed by Robert Willoughby.
+Unlike most American houses, the Hut had few passages on its principal
+floor; the rooms communicating _en suite_, as a better arrangement
+where the buildings were so long, and yet so narrow. Above, however,
+one side was left in open garret; sometimes in front and sometimes in
+the rear, as the light came from the court, or from without. Into this
+garret, then, Maud conducted the major, passing a line of humble rooms
+on her right, which belonged to the families of the Plinys and the
+Smashes, with their connections, until she reached the front range of
+the buildings. Here the order was changed along the half of the
+structure reserved to the use of the family; the rooms being on the
+outer side lighted merely by the loops, while opposite to them was an
+open garret with windows that overlooked the court.
+
+Passing into the garret just mentioned, Maud soon reached the door of
+the little room she sought. It was an apartment she had selected for
+painting, on account of the light from the loop, which in the morning
+was particularly favourable, though somewhat low. As she usually sat on
+a little stool, however, this difficulty was in some measure obviated;
+and, at all events, the place was made to answer her purposes. She kept
+the key herself, and the room, since Beulah's marriage in particular,
+was her sanctum; no one entering it unless conducted by its mistress.
+Occasionally, Little Smash was admitted with a broom; though Maud, for
+reasons known to herself, often preferred sweeping the small carpet
+that covered the centre of the floor, with her own fair hands, in
+preference to suffering another to intrude.
+
+The major was aware that Maud had used this room for the last seven
+years. It was here he had seen her handkerchief waving at the loop,
+when he last departed; and hundreds of times since had he thought of
+this act of watchful affection, with doubts that led equally to pain or
+pleasure, as images of merely sisterly care, or of a tenderer feeling,
+obtruded themselves. These loops were four feet long, cut in the usual
+bevelling manner, through the massive timbers; were glazed, and had
+thick, bullet-proof, inside shutters, that in this room were divided
+in equal parts, in order to give Maud the proper use of the light she
+wanted. All these shutters were now closed by command of the captain,
+in order to conceal the lights that would be flickering through the
+different garrets; and so far had caution become a habit, that Maud
+seldom exposed her person at night, near the loop, with the shutter
+open.
+
+On the present occasion, she left the light without, and threw open the
+upper-half of her heavy shutter, remarking as she did so, that the day
+was just beginning to dawn.
+
+"In a few minutes it will be light," she added; "then we shall be able
+to see who is and who is not in the valley. Look--you can perceive my
+father near the gate, at this moment."
+
+"I do, to my shame, Maud. He should not be there, I am cooped up here,
+behind timbers that are almost shot-proof."
+
+"It will be time for you to go to the front, as you soldiers call it,
+when there is an enemy to face. You cannot think there is any danger of
+an attack upon the Hut this morning."
+
+"Certainty not. It is now too late. If intended at all, it would have
+been made before that streak of light appeared in the east."
+
+"Then close the shutter, and I will bring in the lamp, and show you
+some of my sketches. We artists are thirsting always for praise; and I
+know you have a taste, Bob, that one might dread."
+
+"This is kind of you, dear Maud," answered the major, closing the
+shutter; "for they tell me you are niggardly of bestowing such favours.
+I hear you have got to likenesses--little Evert's, in particular."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVI.
+
+  Anxious, she hovers o'er the web the while,
+  Reads, as it grows, thy figured story there;
+  Now she explains the texture with a smile,
+  And now the woof interprets with a tear.
+
+  Fawcett.
+
+All Maud's feelings were healthful and natural. She had no exaggerated
+sentiments, and scarcely art enough to control or to conceal any of the
+ordinary impulses of her heart. We are not about to relate a scene,
+therefore, in which a long-cherished but hidden miniature of the young
+man is to play a conspicuous part, and to be the means of revealing to
+two lovers the state of their respective hearts; but one of a very
+different character. It is true, Maud had endeavoured to make, from
+memory, one or two sketches of "Bob's" face; but she had done it
+openly, and under the cognizance of the whole family. This she might
+very well do, indeed, in her usual character of a sister, and excite no
+comments. In these efforts, her father and mother, and Beulah, had
+uniformly pronounced her success to be far beyond their hopes; but
+Maud, herself, had thrown them all aside, half-finished, dissatisfied
+with her own labours. Like the author, whose fertile imagination
+fancies pictures that defy his powers of description, her pencil ever
+fell far short of the face that her memory kept so constantly in view.
+This sketch wanted animation, that gentleness, another fire, and a
+fourth candour; in short, had Maud begun a thousand all would have been
+deficient, in her eyes, in some great essential of perfection. Still,
+she had no secret about her efforts, and half-a-dozen of these very
+sketches lay uppermost in her portfolio, when she spread it, and its
+contents, before the eyes of the original.
+
+Major Willoughby thought Maud had never appeared more beautiful than as
+she moved about making her little preparations for the exhibition.
+Pleasure heightened her colour; and there was such a mixture of frank,
+sisterly regard, in every glance of her eye, blended, however, with
+sensitive feeling, and conscious womanly reserve, as made her a
+thousand times--measuring amounts by the young man's sensations--more
+interesting than he had ever seen her. The lamp gave but an indifferent
+light for a gallery, but it was sufficient to betray Maud's smiles, and
+blushes, and each varying emotion of her charming countenance.
+
+"Now, Bob," she said, opening her portfolio, with all her youthful
+frankness and confidence, "you know well enough I am not one of those
+old masters of whom you used to talk so much, but your own pupil--the
+work of your own hands; and if you find more faults than you have
+expected, you will have the goodness to remember that the master has
+deserted his peaceful pursuits to go a campaigning--there--that is a
+caricature of your own countenance, staring you in the face, as a
+preface!"
+
+"This is like, I should think--was it done from memory, dear Maud?"
+
+"How else should it be done? All our entreaties have never been able to
+persuade you to send us even a miniature. You are wrong in this, Bob"--
+by no accident did Maud now ever call the major, Robert, though Beulah
+often did. There was a desperate sort of familiarity in the _Bob_,
+that she could easily adopt; but the 'Robert' had a family sound that
+she disliked; and yet a more truly feminine creature than Maud Meredith
+did not exist--"You are wrong, Bob; for mother actually pines to
+possess your picture, in some shape or other. It was this wish that
+induced me to attempt these things."
+
+"And why has no one of them ever been finished?--Here are six or eight
+beginnings, and all, more or less, like, I should think, and not one of
+them more than half done. Why have I been treated so cavalierly, Miss
+Maud?"
+
+The fair artist's colour deepened a little; but her smile was quite as
+sweet as it was saucy, as she replied--
+
+"Girlish caprice, I suppose. I like neither of them; and of that which
+a woman dislikes, she will have none. To be candid, however, I hardly
+think there is one of them all that does you justice."
+
+"No?--what fault have you to find with this? This might be worked up to
+something very natural."
+
+"It would be _a_ natural, then--it wants expression, fearfully."
+
+"And this, which is still better. That might be finished while I am
+here, and I will give you some sittings."
+
+"Even mother dislikes _that_--there is too much of the Major of
+Foot in it. Mr. Woods says it is a martial picture."
+
+"And ought not a soldier to look like a soldier? To me, now, that seems
+a capital beginning."
+
+"It is not what mother, or Beulah--or father--or even any of us wants.
+It is too full of Bunker's Hill. Your friends desire to see you as you
+appear to _them_; not as you appear to your enemies."
+
+"Upon my word, Maud, you have made great advances in the art! This is a
+view of the Knoll, and the dam--and here is another of the mill, and
+the water-fall--all beautifully done, and in water-colours, too. What
+is this?--Have you been attempting a sketch of yourself!--The glass
+must have been closely consulted, my fair coquette, to enable you to do
+this!"
+
+The blood had rushed into Maud's face, covering it with a rich tell-
+tale mantle, when her companion first alluded to the half-finished
+miniature he held in his hand; then her features resembled ivory, as
+the revulsion of feeling, that overcame her confusion, followed. For
+some little time she sate, in breathless stillness, with her looks cast
+upon the floor, conscious that Robert Willoughby was glancing from her
+own face to the miniature, and from the miniature to her face again,
+making his observations and comparisons. Then she ventured to raise her
+eyes timidly towards his, half-imploringly, as if to beseech him to
+proceed to something else. But the young man was too much engrossed
+with the exceedingly pretty sketch he held in his hand, to understand
+her meaning, or to comply with her wishes.
+
+"This is yourself, Maud!" he cried--"though in a strange sort of
+dress--why have you spoilt so beautiful a thing, by putting it in this
+masquerade?"
+
+"It is not myself--it is a copy of--a miniature I possess."
+
+"A miniature you possess!--Of whom can you possess so lovely a
+miniature, and I never see it?"
+
+A faint smile illumined the countenance of Maud, and the blood began to
+return to her cheeks. She stretched her hand over to the sketch, and
+gazed on it, with intense feeling, until the tears began to stream from
+her eyes.
+
+"Maud--dear, _dearest_ Maud--have I said that which pains you?--I
+do not understand all this, but I confess there are secrets to which I
+can have no claim to be admitted--"
+
+"Nay, Bob, this is making too much of what, after all, must sooner or
+later be spoken of openly among us. I believe that to be a copy of a
+miniature of my mother."
+
+"Of mother, Maud--you are beside yourself--it has neither her features,
+expression, nor the colour of her eyes. It is the picture of a far
+handsomer woman, though mother is still pretty; and it is perfection!"
+
+"I mean of _my_ mother--of Maud Yeardley; the wife of my father,
+Major Meredith."
+
+This was said with a steadiness that surprised our heroine herself,
+when she came to think over all that had passed, and it brought the
+blood to her companion's heart, in a torrent.
+
+"This is strange!" exclaimed Willoughby, after a short pause. "And
+_my_ mother--_our_ mother has given you the original, and told
+you this? I did not believe she could muster the resolution necessary
+to such an act."
+
+"She has not. You know, Bob, I am now of age; and my father, a month
+since, put some papers in my hand, with a request that I would read
+them. They contain a marriage settlement and other things of that sort,
+which show I am mistress of more money than I should know what to do
+with, if it were not for dear little Evert--but, with such a precious
+being to love, one never can have too much of anything. With the papers
+were many trinkets, which I suppose father never looked at. This
+beautiful miniature was among the last; and I feel certain, from some
+remarks I ventured to make, mother does not know of its existence."
+
+As Maud spoke, she drew the original from her bosom, and placed it in
+Robert Willoughby's hands. When this simple act was performed, her mind
+seemed relieved; and she waited, with strong natural interest, to hear
+Robert Willoughby's comments.
+
+"This, then, Maud, was your _own_--your _real_ mother!" the
+young man said, after studying the miniature, with a thoughtful
+countenance, for near a minute. "It is _like_ her--like you."
+
+"Like _her_, Bob?--How can you know anything or that?--I suppose
+it to be my mother, because I think it like myself, and because it is
+not easy to say who else it can be. But you cannot know anything of
+this?"
+
+"You are mistaken, Maud--I remember both your parents well--it could
+not be otherwise, as they were the bosom friends of my own. You will
+remember that I am now eight-and-twenty, and that I had seen seven of
+these years when you were born. Was my first effort in arms never
+spoken of in your presence?"
+
+"Never--perhaps it was not a subject for me to hear, if it were in any
+manner connected with my parents."
+
+"You are right--that must be the reason it has been kept from your
+ears."
+
+"Surely, surely, I am old enough to hear it _now_--_you_ will
+conceal nothing from me, Bob?"
+
+"If I would, I could not, now. It is too late, Maud. You know the
+manner in which Major Meredith died?--"
+
+"He fell in battle, I have suspected," answered the daughter, in a
+suppressed, doubtful tone--"for no one has ever directly told me even
+that."
+
+"He did, and I was at his side. The French and savages made an assault
+on us, about an hour earlier than this, and our two fathers rushed to
+the pickets to repel it--I was a reckless boy, anxious even at that
+tender age to see a fray, and was at their side. Your father was one of
+the first that fell; but Joyce and _our_ father beat the Indians
+back from his body, and saved it from mutilation. Your mother was
+buried in the same grave, and then you came to us, where our have been
+ever since."
+
+Maud's tears flowed fast, and yet it was not so much in grief as in a
+gush of tenderness she could hardly explain to herself. Robert
+Willoughby understood her emotions, and perceived that he might
+proceed.
+
+"I was old enough to remember both your parents well--I was a
+favourite, I believe, with, certainly was much petted by, both--I
+remember your birth, Maud, and was suffered to carry you in my arms,
+ere you were a week old."
+
+"Then you have known me for an impostor from the beginning, Bob--must
+have often thought of me as such!"
+
+"I have known you for the daughter of Lewellen Meredith, certainly; and
+not for a world would I have you the real child of Hugh Willoughby--"
+
+"Bob!" exclaimed Maud, her heart beating violently, a rush of feeling
+nearly overcoming her, in which alarm, consciousness, her own secret,
+dread of something wrong, and a confused glimpse of the truth, were all
+so blended, as nearly to deprive her, for the moment, of the use of her
+senses.
+
+It is not easy to say precisely what would have followed this tolerably
+explicit insight into the state of the young man's feelings, had not an
+outcry on the lawn given the major notice that his presence was needed
+below. With a few words of encouragement to Maud, first taking the
+precaution to extinguish the lamp, lest its light should expose her to
+a shot in passing some of the open loops, he sprang towards the stairs,
+and was at his post again, literally within a minute. Nor was he a
+moment too soon. The alarm was general, and it was understood an
+assault was momentarily expected.
+
+The situation of Robert Willoughby was now tantalizing in the extreme.
+Ignorant of what was going on in front, he saw no enemy in the rear to
+oppose, and was condemned to inaction, at a moment when he felt that,
+by training, years, affinity to the master of the place, and all the
+usual considerations, he ought to be in front, opposed to the enemy. It
+is probable he would have forgotten his many cautions to keep close,
+had not Maud appeared in the library, and implored him to remain
+concealed, at least until there was the certainty his presence was
+necessary elsewhere.
+
+At that instant, every feeling but those connected with the danger, was
+in a degree forgotten. Still, Willoughby had enough consideration for
+Maud to insist on her joining her mother and Beulah, in the portion of
+the building where the absence of external windows rendered their
+security complete, so long as the foe could be kept without the
+palisades. In this he succeeded, but not until he had promised, again
+and again, to be cautious in not exposing himself at any of the
+windows, the day having now fairly dawned, and particularly not to let
+it be known in the Hut that he was present until it became
+indispensable.
+
+The major felt relieved when Maud had left him. For her, he had no
+longer any immediate apprehensions, and he turned all his faculties to
+the sounds of the assault which he supposed to be going on in front. To
+his surprise, however, no discharges of fire-arms succeeded; and even
+the cries, and orders, and calling from point to point, that are a
+little apt to succeed an alarm in an irregular garrison, had entirely
+ceased; and it became doubtful whether the whole commotion did not
+proceed from a false alarm. The Smashes, in particular, whose
+vociferations for the first few minutes had been of a very decided
+kind, were now mute; and the exclamations of the women and children had
+ceased.
+
+Major Willoughby was too good a soldier to abandon his post without
+orders, though bitterly did he regret the facility with which he had
+consented to accept so inconsiderable a command. He so far disregarded
+his instructions, however, as to place his whole person before a
+window, in order to reconnoitre; for it was now broad daylight, though
+the sun had not yet risen. Nothing rewarded this careless exposure; and
+then it flashed upon his mind that, as the commander of a separate
+detachment, he had a perfect right to employ any of his immediate
+subordinates, either as messengers or scouts. His choice of an agent
+was somewhat limited, it is true, lying between Mike and the Plinys;
+after a moment of reflection, he determined to choose the former.
+
+Mike was duly relieved from his station at the door, the younger Pliny
+being substituted for him, and he was led into the library. Here he
+received hasty but clear orders from the major how he was to proceed,
+and was thrust, rather than conducted from the room, in his superior's
+haste to hear the tidings. Three or four minutes might have elapsed,
+when an irregular volley of musketry was heard in front; then succeeded
+an answering discharge, which sounded smothered and distant. A single
+musket came from the garrison a minute later, and then Mike rushed into
+the library, his eyes dilated with a sort of wild delight, dragging
+rather than carrying his piece after him.
+
+"The news!" exclaimed the major, as soon as he got a glimpse of his
+messenger. "What mean these volleys, and how comes on my father in
+front?"
+
+"Is it what do they mane?" answered Mike. "Well, there's but one maning
+to powther and ball, and that's far more sarious than shillelah wor-r-
+k. If the rapscallions didn't fire a whole plathoon, as serjeant Joyce
+calls it, right at the Knoll, my name is not Michael O'Hearn, or my
+nature one that dales in giving back as good as I get."
+
+"But the volley came first from the house--why did my father order his
+people to make the first discharge?"
+
+"For the same r'ason that he didn't. Och! there was a big frown on his
+f'atures, when he heard the rifles and muskets; and Mr. Woods never
+pr'ached more to the purpose than the serjeant himself, ag'in that
+same. But to think of them rapscallions answering a fire that was ag'in
+orders! Not a word did his honour say about shooting any of them, and
+they just pulled their triggers on the house all the same as if it had
+been logs growing in senseless and uninhabited trees, instead of a
+rational and well p'apled abode. Och! arn't they vagabonds!"
+
+"If you do not wish to drive me mad, man, tell me clearly what has
+past, that I may understand you."
+
+"Is it understand that's wanting?--Lord, yer honour, if ye can
+understand that Misther Strhides, that's yon, ye'll be a wise man. He
+calls hisself a 'son of the poor'atin's,' and poor 'ating it must have
+been, in the counthry of his faders, to have produced so lane and
+skinny a baste as that same. The orders was as partic'lar as tongue of
+man could utter, and what good will it all do?--Ye're not to fire, says
+serjeant Joyce, till ye all hear the wor-r-d; and the divil of a wor-r-
+d did they wait for; but blaze away did they, jist becaase a knot of
+savages comes on to them rocks ag'in, where they had possession all
+yesterday afthernoon; and sure it is common enough to breakfast where a
+man sups."
+
+"You mean to say that the Indians have reappeared on the rocks, and
+that some of Strides's men fired at them, without orders?--Is that the
+history of the affair?"
+
+"It's jist that, majjor; and little good, or little har-r-m, did it do.
+Joel, and his poor'atin's, blazed away at 'em, as if they had been so
+many Christians--and 'twould have done yer heart good to have heard the
+serjeant belabour them with hard wor-r-ds, for their throuble. There's
+none of the poor'atin' family in the serjeant, who's a mighty man wid
+his tongue!"
+
+"And the savages returned the volley--which explains the distant
+discharge I heard."
+
+"Anybody can see, majjor, that ye're yer father's son, and a souldier
+bor-r-n. Och! who would of t'ought of that, but one bred and bor-r-n in
+the army? Yes; the savages sent back as good as they got, which was
+jist not'in' at all, seem' that no one is har-r-m'd."
+
+"And the single piece that followed--there was one discharge, by
+itself?"
+
+Mike opened his mouth with a grin that might have put either of the
+Plinys to shame, it being rather a favourite theory with the
+descendants of the puritans--or "poor'atin's," as the county Leitrim-
+man called Joel and his set--that the Irishman was more than a match
+for any son of Ham at the Knoll, in the way of capacity about this
+portion of the human countenance. The major saw that there was a good
+deal of self-felicitation in the expression of Mike's visage, and he
+demanded an explanation in more direct terms.
+
+"'Twas I did it, majjor, and 'twas as well fired a piece as ye've ever
+hear-r-d in the king's sarvice. Divil bur-r-n me, if I lets Joel get
+any such advantage over me, as to have a whole battle to himself. No--
+no--as soon as I smelt his Yankee powther, and could get my own musket
+cock'd, and pointed out of the forthifications, I lets 'em have it, as
+if it had been so much breakfast ready cooked to their hands. 'Twas
+well pointed, too; for I'm not the man to shoot into a fri'nd's
+countenance."
+
+"And you broke the orders for a reason no better than the fact that
+Strides had broken them before?"
+
+"Divil a bit, majjor--Joel had _broken_ the orders, ye see and
+that settled the matter. The thing that is once broken is broken, and
+wor-r-ds can't mend it, any more than for bearin' to fire a gun will
+mend it."
+
+By dint of cross-questioning, Robert Willoughby finally succeeded in
+getting something like an outline of the truth from Mike. The simple
+facts were, that the Indians had taken possession of their old bivouac,
+as soon as the day dawned, and had commenced their preparations for
+breakfast, when Joel, the miller, and a few of that set, in a paroxysm
+of valour, had discharged a harmless volley at them; the distance
+rendering the attempt futile. This fire had been partially returned,
+the whole concluding with the _finale_ from the Irishman's gun, as
+has been related. As it was now too light to apprehend a surprise, and
+the ground in front of the palisade had no very dangerous covers,
+Robert Willoughby was emboldened to send one of the Plinys to request
+an interview with his father. In a few minutes the latter appeared,
+accompanied by Mr. Woods.
+
+"The same party has reappeared, and seems disposed to occupy its old
+position near the mill," said the captain, in answer to his son's
+inquiries. "It is difficult to say what the fellows have in view; and
+there are moments when I think there are more or less whites among
+them. I suggested as much to Strides, chaplain; and I thought the
+fellow appeared to receive the notion as if he thought it might be
+true."
+
+"Joel is a little of an enigma to me, captain Willoughby," returned the
+chaplain; "sometimes seizing an idea like a cat pouncing upon a rat,
+and then coquetting with it, as the same cat will play with a mouse,
+when it has no appetite for food."
+
+"Och! he's a precious poor'atin'!" growled Mike, from his corner of the
+room.
+
+"If whites are among the savages, why should they not make themselves
+known?" demanded Robert Willoughby. "Your character, sir, is no secret;
+and they must be acquainted with their own errand here."
+
+"I will send for Strides, and get his opinion a little more freely,"
+answered the captain, after a moment of deliberation. "You will
+withdraw, Bob; though, by leaving your door a little ajar, the
+conversation will reach you; and prevent the necessity of a
+repetition."
+
+As Robert Willoughby was not unwilling to hear what the overseer might
+have to say in the present state of things, he did not hesitate about
+complying, withdrawing into his own room as requested, and leaving the
+door ajar, in a way to prevent suspicion of his presence, as far as
+possible. But, Joel Strides, like all bad men, ever suspected the
+worst. The innocent and pure of mind alone are without distrust; while
+one constituted morally, like the overseer, never permitted his
+thoughts to remain in the tranquillity that is a fruit of confidence.
+Conscious of his own evil intentions, his very nature put on armour
+against the same species of machinations in others, as the hedge-hog
+rolls himself into a ball, and thrusts out his quills, at the sight of
+the dog. Had not captain Willoughby been one of those who are slow to
+see evil, he might have detected something wrong in Joel's feelings, by
+the very first glance he cast about him, on entering the library.
+
+In point of fact, Strides' thoughts had not been idle since the
+rencontre of the previous night. Inquisitive, and under none of the
+usual restraints of delicacy, he had already probed all he dared
+approach on the subject; and, by this time, had become perfectly
+assured that there was some mystery about the unknown individual whom
+he had met in his master's company. To own the truth, Joel did not
+suspect that major Willoughby had again ventured so far into the lion's
+den; but he fancied that some secret agent of the crown was at the Hut,
+and that the circumstance offered a fair opening for helping the
+captain down the ladder of public favour, and to push himself up a few
+of its rounds. He was not sorry, therefore, to be summoned to this
+conference, hoping it might lead to some opening for farther
+discoveries.
+
+"Sit down, Strides"--said captain Willoughby, motioning towards a chair
+so distant from the open door of the bed-room, and so placed as to
+remove the danger of too close a proximity--"Sit down--I wish to
+consult you about the state of things towards the mills. To me it seems
+as If there were more pale-faces than red-skins among our visitors."
+
+"That's not onlikely, captain--the people has got to be greatly given
+to paintin' and imitatin', sin' the hatchet has been dug up ag'in the
+British. The tea-boys were all in Indian fashion."
+
+"True; but, why should white men assume such a disguise to come to the
+Knoll? I am not conscious of having an enemy on earth who could
+meditate harm to me or mine."
+
+Alas! poor captain. That a man at sixty should yet have to learn that
+the honest, and fair-dealing, and plain-dealing, and affluent--for
+captain Willoughby was affluent in the eyes of those around him--that
+such a man should imagine he was without enemies, was to infer that the
+Spirit of Darkness had ceased to exercise his functions among men. Joel
+knew better, though he did not perceive any necessity, just then, for
+letting the fact reach the ears of the party principally concerned.
+
+"A body might s'pose the captain was pop'lar, if any man is pop'lar,"
+answered the overseer; "nor do I know that visiters in paint betoken
+onpopularity to a person in these times more than another. May I ask
+why the captain consaits these Injins a'n't Injins? To me, they have a
+desperate savage look, though I a'n't much accustomed to red skin
+usages."
+
+"Their movements are too open, and yet too uncertain, for warriors of
+the tribes. I think a savage, by this time, would have made up his mind
+to act as friend or foe."
+
+Joel seemed struck with the idea; and the expression of his
+countenance, which on entering had been wily, distrustful and prying,
+suddenly changed to that of deep reflection.
+
+"Has the captain seen anything else, partic'lar, to confirm this idee?"
+he asked.
+
+"Their encampment, careless manner of moving, and unguarded exposure of
+their persons, are all against their being Indians."
+
+"The messenger they sent across the meadow, yesterday, _seemed_ to
+me to be a Mohawk?"
+
+"He was. Of _his_ being a real red-skin there can be no question.
+But he could neither speak nor understand English. The little that
+passed between us was in Low Dutch. Our dialogue was short; for,
+apprehensive of treachery, I brought it to a close sooner than I might
+otherwise have done."
+
+"Yes; treachery is a cruel thing," observed the conscientious Joel; "a
+man can't be too strongly on his guard ag'in it. Does the captain
+ra'ally calcilate on defending the house, should a serious attempt be
+brought forward for the day?"
+
+"Do I! That is an extraordinary question, Mr. Strides. Why have I built
+in this mode, if I have no such intention?--why palisaded?--why armed
+and garrisoned, if not in earnest?"
+
+"I s'posed all this might have been done to prevent a surprise, but not
+in any hope of standin' a siege. I should be sorry to see all our women
+and children shut up under one roof, if the inimy came ag'in us, in
+airnest, with fire and sword."
+
+"And I should be sorry to see them anywhere else. But, this is losing
+time. My object in sending for you, Joel, was to learn your opinion
+about the true character of our visiters. Have you any opinion, or
+information to give me, on that point?"
+
+Joel placed his elbow on his knee, and his chin in the palm of his
+hand, and pondered on what had been suggested, with seeming good-will,
+and great earnestness.
+
+"If any one could be found venturesome enough to go out with a flag,"
+he at length remarked, "the whole truth might be come at, in a few
+minutes."
+
+"And who shall I employ? Cheerfully would I go myself, were such a step
+military, or at all excusable in one in my situation."
+
+"If the likes of myself will sarve yer honour's turn," put in Mike,
+promptly, and yet with sufficient diffidence as regarded his views of
+his own qualifications--"there'll be nobody to gainsay that same; and
+it isn't wilcome that I nade tell you, ye'll be to use me as ye would
+yer own property."
+
+"I hardly think Mike would answer," observed Joel, not altogether
+without a sneer. "He scurce knows an Indian from a white man; when it
+comes to the paint, it would throw him into dreadful confusion."
+
+"If ye thinks that I am to be made to believe in any more Ould Nicks,
+Misther Strhides, then ye're making a mistake in my nature. Let but the
+captain say the word, and I'll go to the mill and bring in a grist of
+them same, or l'ave my own body for toll."
+
+"I do not doubt you in the least, Mike," captain Willoughby mildly
+observed; "but there will be no occasion, just now, of your running any
+such risks. I shall be able to find other truce-bearers."
+
+"It seems the captain has his man in view," Joel said, keenly eyeing
+his master. "Perhaps 'tis the same I saw out with him last night.
+That's a reliable person, I do s'pose."
+
+"You have hit the nail on the head. It was the man who was out last
+night, at the same time I was out myself, and his name is Joel
+Strides."
+
+"The captain's a little musical, this morning--waal--if go I must, as
+there was two on us out, let us go to these savages together. I saw
+enough of _that_ man, to know he is reliable; and if he'll go,
+_I_'ll go."
+
+"Agreed"--said Robert Willoughby, stepping into the library--"I take
+you at your word, Mr. Strides; you and I will run what risks there may
+be, in order to relieve this family from its present alarming state."
+
+The captain was astounded, though he knew not whether to be displeased
+or to rejoice. As for Mike, his countenance expressed great
+dissatisfaction; for he ever fancied things were going wrong so long as
+Joel obtained his wishes. Strides, himself, threw a keen glance at the
+stranger, recognised him at a glance, and had sufficient self-command
+to conceal his discovery, though taken completely by surprise. The
+presence of the major, however, immediately removed all his objections
+to the proposed expedition; since, should the party prove friendly to
+the Americans, he would be safe on his own account; or, should it prove
+the reverse, a king's officer could not fail to be a sufficient
+protection.
+
+"The gentleman's a total stranger to me," Joel hypocritically resumed;
+"but as the captain has belief in him, I must have the same. I am ready
+to do the ar'nd, therefore, as soon as it is agreeable."
+
+"This is well, captain Willoughby," put in the major, in order to
+anticipate any objections from his father; "and the sooner a thing of
+this sort is done, the better will it be for all concerned. I am ready
+to proceed this instant; and I take it this worthy man--I think you
+called him Strides--is quite as willing."
+
+Joel signified his assent; and the captain, perceiving no means of
+retreat, was fain to yield. He took the major into the bed-room,
+however, and held a minute's private discourse, when he returned, and
+bade the two go forth together.
+
+"Your companion has his instructions, Joel," the captain observed, as
+they left the library together; "and you will follow his advice. Show
+the white flag as soon as you quit the gate; if they are true warriors,
+it must be respected."
+
+Robert Willoughby was too intent on business, and too fearful of the
+reappearance and reproachful looks of Maud, to delay. He had passed the
+court, and was at the outer gate, before any of the garrison even noted
+his appearance among them. Here, indeed, the father's heart felt a
+pang; and, but for his military pride, the captain would gladly have
+recalled his consent. It was too late, however; and, squeezing his
+hand, he suffered his son to pass outward. Joel followed steadily, as
+to appearances, though not without misgivings as to what might be the
+consequences to himself and his growing family.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVII.
+
+  "I worship not the sun at noon,
+  The wandering stars, the changing moon,
+  The wind, the flood, the flame;
+  I will not bow the votive knee
+  To wisdom, virtue, liberty;
+  There is no god, but God for me,
+  Jehovah is his name."
+
+  Montgomery.
+
+So sudden and unexpected had been the passage of Robert Willoughby
+through the court, and among the men on post without the inner gates,
+that no one recognised his person. A few saw that a stranger was in
+their midst; but, under his disguise, no one was quick enough of eye
+and thought to ascertain who that stranger was. The little white flag
+that they displayed, denoted the errand of the messengers; the rest was
+left to conjecture.
+
+As soon as captain Willoughby ascertained that the alarm of the morning
+was not likely to lead to any immediate results, he had dismissed all
+the men, with the exception of a small guard, that was stationed near
+the outer gait, under the immediate orders of serjeant Joyce. The
+latter was one of those soldiers who view the details of the profession
+as forming its great essentials; and when he saw his commander about to
+direct a _sortie_, it formed his pride not to ask questions, and
+to seem to know nothing about it. To this, Jamie Allen, who composed
+one of the guard, quietly assented; but it was a great privation to the
+three or four New England-men to be commanded not to inquire into the
+why and wherefore.
+
+"Wait for orders, men, wait for orders," observed the serjeant, by way
+of quieting an impatience that was very apparent. "If his honour, the
+captain, wished us to be acquainted with his movements, he would direct
+a general parade, and lay the matter before us, as you know he always
+does, on proper occasions. 'Tis a flag going out, as you can see, and
+should a truce follow, we'll lay aside our muskets, and seize the
+plough-shares; should it be a capitulation--I know our brave old
+commander too well to suppose it possible--but _should_ it be even
+_that_, we'll ground arms like men, and make the best of it."
+
+"And should Joel, and the other man, who is a stranger to me, be
+scalped?" demanded one of the party.
+
+"Then we'll avenge their scalps. That was the way with us, when my Lord
+Howe fell--'avenge his death! cried our colonel; and on we pushed,
+until near two thousand of us fell before the Frenchmen's trenches. Oh!
+_that_ was a sight worth seeing, and a day to talk of!"
+
+"Yes, but you were threshed soundly, serjeant, as I've heard from many
+that were there."
+
+"What of that, sir! we obeyed orders. 'Avenge his death!' was the cry;
+and on we pushed, in obedience, until there were not men enough left in
+our battalion to carry the wounded to the rear."
+
+"And what did you do with them?" asked a youth, who regarded the
+serjeant as another Caesar--Napoleon not having come into notice in
+1776.
+
+"We let them lie where they fell. Young man, war teaches us all the
+wholesome lesson that impossibilities are impossible to be done. War is
+the great schoolmaster of the human race; and a learned man is he who
+has made nineteen or twenty campaigns."
+
+"If he live to turn his lessons to account"--remarked the first
+speaker, with a sneer.
+
+"If a man is to die in battle, sir, he had better die with his mind
+stored with knowledge, than be shot like a dog that has outlived his
+usefulness. Every pitched battle carries out of the world learning upon
+learning that has been got in the field. Here comes his honour, who
+will confirm all I tell you, men. I was letting these men, sir,
+understand that the army and the field are the best schools on earth.
+Every old soldier will stick to that, your honour."
+
+"We are apt to think so, Joyce--have the arms been inspected this
+morning?"
+
+"As soon as it was light, I did that myself, sir."
+
+"Flints, cartridge-boxes and bayonets, I hope?"
+
+"Each and all, sir. Does your honour remember the morning we had the
+affair near Fort du Quesne?"
+
+"You mean Braddock's defeat, I suppose, Joyce?"
+
+"I call nothing a defeat, captain Willoughby. We were roughly handled
+that day, sir; but I am not satisfied it was a defeat. It is true, we
+fell back, and lost some arms and stores; but, in the main, we stuck to
+our colours, considering it was in the woods. No, sir; I do not call
+that a defeat, by any means."
+
+"You will at least own we were hard pressed, and might have fared worse
+than we did, had it not been for a certain colonial corps, that
+manfully withstood the savages?"
+
+"Yes, sir; that I allow. I remember the corps, and its commander, a
+colonel Washington, with your honour's permission."
+
+"It was, indeed, Joyce. And do you happen to know what has became of
+this same colonel Washington?"
+
+"It never crossed my mind to inquire, sir, as he was a provincial. I
+dare say he may have a regiment--or even a brigade by this time; and
+good use would he make of either."
+
+"You have fallen far behind his fortunes, Joyce. The man is a
+commander-in-chief--a captain-general."
+
+"Your honour is jesting--since many of his seniors are still living."
+
+"This is the man who leads the American armies, in the war with
+England."
+
+"Well, sir, in _that_ way, he may indeed get a quick step, or two.
+I make no doubt, sir, so good a soldier will know how to obey orders."
+
+"From which I infer you think him right, in the cause he has espoused?"
+
+"Bless your honour, sir, I think nothing about it, and care nothing
+about it. If the gentleman has taken service with congress, as they
+call the new head-quarters, why he ought to obey congress; and if he
+serve the king, His Majesty's orders should be attended to."
+
+"And, in this crisis, serjeant, may I ask in what particular service
+you conceive yourself to be, just at the present moment?"
+
+"Captain Willoughby's, late of His Majesty's ---th Regiment of Foot, at
+your honour's command."
+
+"If all act in the same spirit, Joyce, we shall do well enough at the
+Knoll, though twice as many savages brave us as are to be seen on yon
+rocks," returned the captain, smiling.
+
+"And why should they no?" demanded Jamie Allen, earnestly. "Ye're laird
+here, and we've no the time, nor the grace, to study and understand the
+orthodoxy and heterodoxy of the quarrel atween the House of Hanover and
+the houses of these Americans; so, while we a'stand up for the house
+and household of our old maister, the Lord will smile on our efforts,
+and lead us to victory."
+
+"Divil bur-r-n me, now, Jamie," said Mike, who having seen the major to
+the gate, now followed his father, in readiness to do him any good turn
+that might offer--"Divil bur-r-n me, now, Jamie, if ye could have said
+it better had ye just aised yer conscience to a proper praist, and were
+talking on a clane breast! Stick up for the captain, says I, and the
+Lord will be of our side!"
+
+The serjeant nodded approbation of this sentiment, and the younger
+Pliny, who happened also to be within hearing, uttered the sententious
+word "gosh" and clenched his fist, which was taken as proof of assent
+also, on his part. But, the Americans of the guard, all of whom were
+the tools of Joel's and the miller's arts, manifested a coldness that
+even exceeded the usual cold manner of their class. These men meant
+right; but they had been deluded by the falsehoods, machinations, and
+frauds of a demagogue, and were no longer masters of their own opinions
+or acts. It struck the captain that something was wrong; but, a
+foreigner by birth himself, he had early observed, and long known, the
+peculiar exterior and phlegm of the people of the country, which so
+nearly resemble the stoicism of the aborigines, as to induce many
+writers to attribute both alike to a cause connected with climate. The
+present was not a moment however, nor was the impression strong enough
+to induce the master of the place to enter into any inquiries. Turning
+his eyes in the direction of the two bearers of the flag, he there
+beheld matter for new interest, completely diverting his thoughts from
+what had just passed.
+
+"I see they have sent two men to meet our messengers serjeant," he
+said--"This looks as if they understood the laws of war."
+
+"Quite true, your honour. They should now blindfold our party, and lead
+them within their own works, before they suffer them to see at all;
+though there would be no great advantage in it, as Strides is as well
+acquainted with every inch of that rock as I am with the manual
+exercise."
+
+"Which would seem to supersede the necessity of the ceremony you have
+mentioned?"
+
+"One never knows, your honour. Blindfolding is according to the rules,
+and I should blindfold a flag before I let him approach, though the
+hostile ranks stood drawn up, one on each side of a parade ground. Much
+is gained, while nothing is ever lost, by sticking to the rules of a
+trade."
+
+The captain smiled, as did all the Americans of the guard; the last
+having too much sagacity not to perceive that a thing might be
+overdone, as well as too little attended to. As for Jamie and Mike,
+they both received the serjeant's opinions as law; the one from having
+tried the troops of the line at Culloden, and the other on account of
+divers experiences through which he had gone, at sundry fairs, in his
+own green island. By this time, however, all were too curious in
+watching the result of the meeting, to continue the discourse.
+
+Robert Willoughby and Joel had moved along the lane towards the rocks,
+without hesitating, keeping their little flag flying. It did not appear
+that their approach produced any change among the savages, who were now
+preparing their breakfasts, until they had got within two hundred yards
+of the encampment, when two of the red-men, having first laid aside
+their arms, advanced to meet their visiters. This was the interview
+which attracted the attention of those at the Hut, and its progress was
+noted with the deepest interest.
+
+The meeting appeared to be friendly. After a short conference, in which
+signs seemed to be a material agent in the communications, the four
+moved on in company, walking deliberately towards the rocks. Captain
+Willoughby had sent for his field-glass, and could easily perceive much
+that occuired in the camp, on the arrival of his son. The major's
+movements were calm and steady, and a feeling of pride passed over the
+father's heart, as he noted this, amid a scene that was well adapted to
+disturbing the equilibrium of the firmest mind. Joel certainly betrayed
+nervousness, though he kept close at his companion's side, and together
+they proceeded into the very centre of the party of strangers.
+
+The captain observed, also, that this arrival caused no visible
+sensation among the red-men. Even those the major almost touched in
+passing did not look up to note his appearance, while no one seemed to
+speak, or in any manner to heed him. The cooking and other preparations
+for the breakfast proceeded precisely as if no one had entered the
+camp. The two who had gone forth to meet the flag alone attended its
+bearers, whom they led through the centre of the entire party; stopping
+only on the side opposite to the Hut, where there was an open space of
+flat rock, which it had not suited the savages to occupy.
+
+Here the four halted, the major turning and looking back like a soldier
+who was examining his ground. Nor did any one appear disposed to
+interrupt him in an employment that serjeant Joyce pronounced to be
+both bold and against the usages of war to permit. The captain thought
+the stoicism of the savages amounted to exaggeration, and it renewed
+his distrust of the real characters of his visiters. In a minute or
+two, however, some three or four of the red-men were seen consulting
+together apart, after which they approached the bearers of the flag,
+and some communications passed between the two sides. The nature of
+these communications could not be known, of course, though the
+conference appeared to be amicable. After two or three minutes of
+conversation, Robert Willoughby, Strides, the two men who had advanced
+to meet them, and the four chiefs who had joined the group, left the
+summit of the rock in company, taking a foot-path that descended in the
+direction of the mills. In a short time they all disappeared in a body.
+
+The distance was not so great but these movements could easily be seen
+by the naked eye, though the glass was necessary to discover some of
+the details. Captain Willoughby had planted the instrument among the
+palisades, and he kept his gaze riveted on the retiring group as long
+as it was visible; then, indeed, he looked at his companions, as if to
+read their opinions in their countenances. Joyce understood the
+expression of his face; and, saluting in the usual military manner, he
+presumed to speak, in the way of reply.
+
+"It seems all right, your honour, the bandage excepted," said the
+serjeant. "The flag has been met at the outposts, and led into the
+camp; there the officer of the day, or some savage who does the duty,
+has heard his errand; and, no doubt, they have all now gone to head-
+quarters, to report."
+
+"I desired my son, Joyce--"
+
+"Whom, your honour--?"
+
+The general movement told the captain how completely his auditors were
+taken by surprise, at this unlooked-for announcement of the presence of
+the major at the Knoll. It was too late to recall the words, however,
+and there was so little prospect of Robert's escaping the penetration
+of Joel, the father saw no use in attempting further concealment.
+
+"I say I desired my son, major Willoughby, who is the bearer of that
+flag," the captain steadily resumed, "to raise his hat in a particular
+manner, if all seemed right; or to make a certain gesture with his left
+arm, did he see anything that required us to be more than usually on
+our guard."
+
+"And which notice has he given to the garrison, if it be your honour's
+pleasure to let us know?"
+
+"Neither. I thought he manifested an intention to make the signal with
+the hat, when the chiefs first joined him; but he hesitated, and
+lowered his hand without doing as I had expected. Then, again, just as
+he disappeared behind the rocks, the left arm was in motion, though not
+in a way to complete the signal."
+
+"Did he seem hurried, your honour, as if prevented from communicating
+by the enemy?"
+
+"Not at all, Joyce. Irresolution appeared to be at the bottom of it, so
+far as I could judge."
+
+"Pardon me, your honour; uncertainty would be a better word, as applied
+to so good a soldier. Has major Willoughby quitted the king's service,
+that he is among us, sir, just at his moment?"
+
+"I will tell you his errand another time, serjeant. At present, I can
+think only of the risk he runs. These Indians are lawless wretches; one
+is never sure of then faith."
+
+"They are bad enough, sir; but no man can well be so bad as to
+disregard the rights of a flag," answered the serjeant, in a grave and
+slightly important manner. "Even the French, your honour, have always
+respected our _flags_."
+
+"That is true; and, yet, I wish we could overlook that position at the
+mill. It's a great advantage to them, Joyce, that they can place
+themselves behind such a cover, when they choose!"
+
+The serjeant looked at the encampment a moment; then his eye followed
+the woods, and the mountain sides, that skirted the little plain, until
+his back was fairly turned upon the supposed enemy, and he faced the
+forest in the rear of the Hut.
+
+"If it be agreeable to your honour, a detachment can be detailed to
+make a demonstration"--Joyce did not exactly understand this word, but
+it sounded military--"in the following manner: I can lead out the
+party, by the rear of the house, using the brook as a covered-way. Once
+in the woods, it will be easy enough to make a flank movement upon the
+enemy's position; after which, the detachment can be guided by
+circumstances."
+
+This was very martial in sound, and the captain felt well assured that
+Joyce was the man to attempt carrying out his own plan; but he made no
+answer, sighing and shaking his head, as he walked away towards the
+house. The chaplain followed, leaving the rest to observe the savages.
+
+"Ye're proposition, serjeant, no seems to give his honour much
+satisfaction," said the mason, as soon as his superior was out of
+hearing. "Still, it was military, as I know by what I saw mysal' in the
+Forty-five. Flainking, and surprising, and obsairving, and
+demonstrating, and such devices, are the soul of war, and are a' on the
+great highway to victory. Had Chairlie's men obsairved, and
+particularised mair, there might have been a different family on the
+throne, an' the prince wad ha' got his ain ag'in. I like your idea
+much, serjaint, and gin' ye gang oot to practise it, I trust ye 'll no
+forget that ye've an auld fri'nd here, willing to be of the pairty."
+
+"I didn't think the captain much relished the notion of being
+questioned about his son's feelin's, and visit up here, at a time like
+this," put in one of the Americans.
+
+"There's bowels in the man's body!" cried Mike, "and it isn't the likes
+of him that has no falin'. Ye don't know what it is to be a father, or
+ye'd groan in spirit to see a child of yer own in the grip of fiery
+divils like them same. Isn't he a pratty man, and wouldn't I be
+sorrowful to hear that he had come to har-r-m? Ye've niver asked,
+serjeant, how the majjor got into the house, and ye a military sentry
+in the bargain!"
+
+"I suppose he came by command, Michael, and it is not the duty of the
+non-commissioned officers to question their superiors about anything
+that has happened out of the common way. I take things as I find them,
+and obey orders. I only hope that the son, as a field-officer, will not
+out-rank the father, which would be unbecoming: though date of
+commissions, and superiority, must be respected."
+
+"I rather think if a major in the king's service was to undertake to
+use authority here," said the spokesman of the Americans, a little
+stiffly, "he wouldn't find many disposed to follow at his heels."
+
+"Mutiny would not fare well, did it dare to lift its head in this
+garrison"--answered the serjeant, with a dignity that might better have
+suited the mess-room of a regular regiment, than the situation in which
+he was actually placed. "Both captain Willoughby and myself have seen
+mutiny attempted, but neither has ever seen it succeed."
+
+"Do you look on us as lawful, enlisted soldiers?" demanded one of the
+labourers, who had a sufficient smattering of the law, to understand
+the difference between a mercenary and a volunteer. "If I'm regimented,
+I should at least like to know in whose service it is?"
+
+"Ye're over-quick at yer objections and sentiments," said Jamie Allen,
+coolly, "like most youths, who see only their ain experience in the
+airth, and the providence o' the Lord. Enlisted we are, a' of us, even
+to Michael here, and it's in the sairvice of our good master, his
+honour captain Willoughby; whom, with his kith and kin, may the Lord
+presairve from this and all other dangers."
+
+The word master would, of itself, be very likely to create a revolt to-
+day, in such a corps as it was the fortune of our captain to command,
+though to that of "boss" there would not he raised the slightest
+objection. But the English language had not undergone half of its
+present mutations in the year 1776; and no one winced in admitting that
+he served a "master," though the gorges of several rose at the idea of
+being engaged in the service of any one, considered in a military point
+of view. It is likely the suggestion of the mason would have led to a
+hot discussion, had not a stir among the savages, just at that instant,
+called off the attention of all present, to matters of more importance
+than even an angry argument.
+
+The movement seemed to be general, and Joyce ordered his men to stand
+to their arms; still he hesitated about giving the alarm. Instead of
+advancing towards the Hut, however, the Indians raised a general yell,
+and went over the cliffs, disappearing in the direction of the mill,
+like a flock of birds taking wing together. After waiting half an hour,
+in vain, to ascertain if any signs of the return of the Indians were to
+be seen, the serjeant went himself to report the state of things to his
+commander.
+
+Captain Willoughby had withdrawn to make his toilet for the day, when
+he saw the last of his son and the overseer. While thus employed he had
+communicated to his wife all that had occurred; and Mrs. Willoughby, in
+her turn, had told the same to her daughters. Maud was much the most
+distressed, her suspicions of Joel being by far the most active and the
+most serious. From the instant she learned what had passed, she began
+to anticipate grave consequences to Robert Willoughby, though she had
+sufficient fortitude, and sufficient consideration for others, to keep
+most of her apprehensions to herself.
+
+When Joyce demanded his audience, the family was at breakfast, though
+little was eaten, and less was said. The serjeant was admitted, and he
+told his story with military precision.
+
+"This has a suspicious air, Joyce," observed the captain, after musing
+a little; "to me it seems like an attempt to induce us to follow, and
+to draw us into an ambuscade."
+
+"It may be that, your honour; or, it may be a good honest retreat.
+_Two_ prisoners is a considerable exploit for savages to achieve. I
+have known them count _one_ a victory."
+
+"Be not uneasy, Wilhelmina; Bob's rank will secure him good treatment,
+his exchange being far more important to his captors, if captors they
+be, than his death. It is too soon to decide on such a point, serjeant.
+After all, the Indians may be at the mills, in council. On a war-path,
+all the young men are usually consulted, before any important step is
+taken. Then, it may be the wish of the chiefs to impress our flag-
+bearers with an idea of their force."
+
+"All that is military, your honour, and quite possible. Still, to me
+the movement seems as if a retreat was intended, in fact, or that the
+_appearance_ of one was in view."
+
+"I will soon know the truth," cried the chaplain. "I, a man of peace,
+can surely go forth, and ascertain who these people are, and what is
+their object."
+
+"You, Woods! My dear fellow, do you imagine a tribe of blood-thirsty
+savages will respect you, or your sacred office? You have a sufficient
+task with the king's forces, letting his enemies alone. You are no
+missionary to still a war-cry."
+
+"I beg pardon, sir"--put in the serjeant--"his reverence is more than
+half right"--here the chaplain rose, and quitted the room in haste,
+unobserved by the two colloquists--"There is scarce a tribe in the
+colony, your honour, that has not some knowledge of our priesthood; and
+I know of no instance in which the savages have ever ill-treated a
+divine."
+
+"Poh, poh, Joyce; this is much too sentimental for your Mohawks, and
+Oneidas, and Onondagas, and Tuscaroras. They will care no more for
+little Woods than they care for the great woods through which they
+journey on their infernal errands."
+
+"One cannot know, Hugh"--observed the anxious mother--"Our dear Robert
+is in their hands; and, should Mr. Woods be really disposed to go on
+this mission of mercy, does it comport with our duty as parents to
+oppose it?"
+
+"A mother is all mother"--murmured the captain, who rose from table,
+kissed his wife's cheek affectionately, and left the room, beckoning to
+the serjeant to follow.
+
+Captain Willoughby had not been gone many minutes when the chaplain
+made his appearance, attired in his surplice, and wearing his best wig;
+an appliance that all elderly gentlemen in that day fancied necessary
+to the dignity and gravity of their appearance. Mrs. Willoughby, to own
+the truth, was delighted. If this excellent woman was ever unjust, it
+was in behalf of her children; solicitude for whom sometimes induced
+her to overlook the rigid construction of the laws of equality.
+
+"We will see which best understands the influence of the sacred office,
+captain Willoughby, or myself;" observed the chaplain, with a little
+more importance of manner than it was usual for one so simple to
+assume. "I do not believe the ministry was instituted to be brow-beaten
+by tribes of savages, any more than it is to be silenced by the
+unbeliever, or schismatic."
+
+It was very evident that the Rev. Mr. Woods was considerably excited;
+and this was a condition of mind so unusual with him, as to create a
+species of awe in the observers. As for the two young women, deeply as
+they were interested in the result, and keenly as Maud, in particular,
+felt everything which touched the fortunes of Robert Willoughby,
+neither would presume to interfere, when they saw one whom they had
+been taught to reverence from childhood, acting in a way that so little
+conformed to his ordinary manner. As for Mrs. Willoughby, her own
+feelings were so much awakened, that never had Mr. Woods seemed so
+evangelical and like a saint, as at that very moment; and it would not
+have been difficult to persuade her that he was acting under something
+very like righteous superhuman impulses.
+
+Such, however, was far from being the case. The worthy priest had an
+exalted idea of his office; and, to fancy it might favorably impress
+even savages, was little more than carrying out his every-day notions
+of its authority. He conscientiously believed that he, himself, a
+regularly ordained presbyter, would be more likely to succeed in the
+undertaking before him, than a mere deacon; were a bishop present, he
+would cheerfully have submitted to his superior claims to sanctity and
+success. As for arch-bishops, arch-deacons, deans, rural deans, and all
+the other worldly machinery which has been superadded to the church,
+the truth compels us to add, that our divine felt no especial reverence
+since he considered them as so much clerical surplusage, of very
+questionable authority, and of doubtful use. He adhered strictly to the
+orders of divine institution, to these he attached so much weight, as
+to be entirely willing, in his own person, to demonstrate how little
+was to be apprehended, when their power was put forth, even against
+Indians, in humility and faith.
+
+"I shall take this sprig of laurel in my hand, in lieu of the olive-
+branch," said the excited chaplain, "as the symbol of peace. It is not
+probable that savages can tell one plant from the other; and if they
+could, it will be easy to explain that olives do not grow in America.
+It is an eastern tree, ladies, and furnishes the pleasant oil we use on
+our salads. I carry with me, notwithstanding, the oil which proves a
+balm to many sorrows; that will be sufficient."
+
+"You will bid them let Robert return to us, without delay?" said Mrs.
+Willoughby, earnestly.
+
+"I shall bid them respect God and their consciences. I cannot now stop
+to rehearse to you the mode of proceeding I shall adopt; but it is all
+arranged in my own mind. It will be necessary to call the Deity the
+'Great Spirit' or 'Manitou'--and to use many poetical images; but this
+can I do, on an emergency. Extempore preaching is far from agreeable to
+me, in general; nor do I look upon it, in this age of the world, as
+exactly canonical; nevertheless, it shall be seen I know how to submit
+even to _that_, when there is a suitable necessity."
+
+It was so seldom Mr. Woods used such magnificent ideas, or assumed a
+manner in the least distinguishable from one of the utmost simplicity,
+that his listeners now felt really awed; and when he turned to bless
+them, as he did with solemnity and affection, the two daughters knelt
+to receive his benedictions. These delivered, he walked out of the
+room, crossed the court, and proceeded straightway to the outer gate.
+
+It was, perhaps, fortunate to the design of the Rev. Mr. Woods, that
+neither the captain nor the serjeant was in the way, to arrest it. This
+the former would certainly have done, out of regard to his friend, and
+the last out of regard to "orders." But these military personages were
+in the library, in deep consultation concerning the next step necessary
+to take. This left the coast clear, no one belonging to the guard
+conceiving himself of sufficient authority to stop the chaplain, more
+especially when he appeared in his wig and surplice. Jamie Allen was a
+corporal, by courtesy; and, at the first summons, he caused the outer
+gate to be unlocked and unbarred, permitting the chaplain to make his
+egress, attended by his own respectful bows. This Jamie did, out of
+reverence to religion, generally; though the surplice ever excited his
+disgust; and, as for the Liturgy, he deemed it to be a species of
+solemn mockery of worship.
+
+The captain did not reappear outside of the court, until the chaplain,
+who had made the best of his way towards the rocks, was actually
+stalking like a ghost among ruins, through the deserted shantees of the
+late encampment.
+
+"What in the name of Indian artifice is the white animal that I see
+moving about on the rocks?" demanded the captain, whose look was first
+turned in the direction of the camp.
+
+"It seems an Indian wrapped up in a shirt, your honour--as I live, sir,
+it has a cocked hat on its head!"
+
+"Na--na"--interrupted Jamie, "ye'll no be guessing the truth this time,
+without the aid of a little profane revelation. The chiel ye see yan,
+yer honour, is just chaplain Woods."
+
+"Woods--the devil!"
+
+"Na--na--yer honour, it's the reverend gentleman, hissel', and no the
+de'il, at a'. He's in his white frock--though why he didn't wear his
+black gairment is more than I can tell ye--but there he is, walking
+about amang the Indian dwellings, all the same as if they were so many
+pews in his ain kirk."
+
+"And, how came you to let him pass the gate, against orders?"
+
+"Well, and it is aboot the orders of the priesthood, that he so often
+preaches, and seeing him in the white gairment, and knowing ye've so
+many fast-days, and Christmas', in the kirk o' England, I fancied it
+might be a bit matter o' prayer he wished to offer up, yan, in the
+house on the flat; and so I e'en thought church prayers better than no
+prayers at all, in such a strait."
+
+As it was useless to complain, the captain was fain to submit, even
+beginning to hope some good might come of the adventure, when he saw
+Mr. Woods walking unmolested through the deserted camp. The glass was
+levelled, and the result was watched in intense interest.
+
+The chaplain first explored every shantee, fearlessly and with
+diligence. Then he descended the rocks, and was lost to view, like
+those who had preceded him. A feverish hour passed, without any symptom
+of human life appearing in the direction of the mills. Sometimes those
+who watched, fancied they beheld a smoke beginning to steal up over the
+brow of the rocks, the precursor of the expected conflagration; but a
+few moments dispersed the apprehension and the fancied smoke together.
+The day advanced, and yet the genius of solitude reigned over the
+mysterious glen. Not a sound emerged from it, not a human form was seen
+near it, not a sign of a hostile assault or of a friendly return could
+be detected. All in that direction lay buried in silence, as if the
+ravine had swallowed its tenants, in imitation of the grave.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XVIII.
+
+  To deck my list by Nature were design'd
+  Such shining expletives of human kind;
+  Who want, while through blank life they dream along,
+  Sense to be right, and passion to be wrong.
+
+  Young.
+
+The disappearance of Mr. Woods occasioned no uneasiness at first. An
+hour elapsed before the captain thought it necessary to relate the
+occurrence to his family, when a general panic prevailed among the
+females. Even Maud had hoped the savages would respect the sacred
+character of the divine, though she knew not why; and here was one of
+her principal grounds of hope, as connected with Robert Willoughby,
+slid from beneath her feet.
+
+"What _can_ we do, Willoughby?" asked the affectionate mother,
+almost reduced to despair. "I will go myself, in search of my son--they
+will respect _me_, a woman and a mother."
+
+"You little know the enemy we have to deal with, Wilhelmina, or so rash
+a thought could not have crossed your mind. We will not be precipitate;
+a few hours may bring some change to direct us. One thing I learn from
+Woods' delay. The Indians cannot be far off, and he must be with them,
+or in their hands; else would he return alter having visited the mills
+and the houses beneath the cliffs."
+
+This sounded probable, and all felt there was a relief in fancying that
+their friends were still near them, and were not traversing the
+wilderness as captives.
+
+"I feel less apprehension than any of you," observed Beulah, in her
+placid manner. "If Bob is in the hands of an American party, the
+brother-in-law of Evert Beekman cannot come to much harm; with British
+Indians he will be respected for his own sake, as soon as he can make
+himself known."
+
+"I have thought of all this, my child"--answered the father,
+musing--"and there is reason in it. It will be difficult, however, for
+Bob to make his real character certain, in his present circumstances.
+He does not appear the man he is; and should there even be a white
+among his captors who can read, he has not a paper with him to sustain
+his word."
+
+"But, he promised me faithfully to use Evert's name, did he ever fall
+into American hands"--resumed Beulah, earnestly--"and Evert has said,
+again and again, that _my_ brother could never be his enemy."
+
+"Heaven help us all, dear child!" answered the captain, kissing his
+daughter--"It is, indeed, a cruel war, when such aids are to be called
+in for our protection. We will endeavour to be cheerful,
+notwithstanding; for we know of nothing yet, that ought to alarm us,
+out of reason; all may come right before the sun set."
+
+The captain looked at his family, and endeavoured to smile, but he met
+no answering gleam of happiness on either face; nor was his own effort
+very successful. As for his wife, she was never known to be aught but
+miserable, while any she loved were in doubtful safety. She lived
+entirely out of herself, and altogether for her husband, children, and
+friends; a woman less selfish, or one more devoted to the affections,
+never existing. Then Beulah, with all her reliance on the magic of
+Evert's name, and with the deep feelings that had been awakened within
+her, as a wife and a mother, still loved her brother as tenderly as
+ever. As for Maud, the agony she endured was increased by her efforts
+to keep it from breaking out in some paroxysm that might betray her
+secret; and her features were getting an expression of stern
+resolution, which, blended with her beauty, gave them a grandeur her
+father had never before seen in her bright countenance.
+
+"This child suffers on Bob's account more than any of us"--observed the
+captain, drawing his pet towards him, placing her kindly on his knee,
+and folding her to his bosom. "She has no husband yet, to divide her
+heart; all her love centres in her brother."
+
+The look which Beulah cast upon her father was not reproachful, for
+that was an expression she would not have indulged with him; but it was
+one in which pain and mortification were so obvious, as to induce the
+mother to receive her into her own arms.
+
+"Hugh, you are unjust to Beulah"--said the anxious mother--"Nothing can
+ever cause this dear girl, either, to forget to feel for any of us."
+
+The captain's ready explanation, and affectionate kiss, brought a smile
+again to Beulah's face, though it shone amid tears. All was, however,
+immediately forgotten; for the parties understood each other, and Maud
+profited by the scene to escape from the room. This flight broke up the
+conference; and the captain, after exhorting his wife and daughter to
+set an example of fortitude to the rest of the females, left the house,
+to look after his duties among the men.
+
+The absence of Joel cast a shade of doubt over the minds of the
+disaffected. These last were comparatively numerous, comprising most of
+the native Americans in the Hut, the blacks and Joyce excepted. Strides
+had been enabled to effect his purposes more easily with his own
+countrymen by working on their good qualities, as well as on their bad.
+Many of these men--most of them, indeed--meant well, but their
+attachment to the cause of their native land laid them open to
+assaults, against which Mike and Jamie Allen were insensible. Captain
+Willoughby was an Englishman, in the first place; he was an old army-
+officer, in the next; and he had an only son who was confessedly in
+open arms against the independence of America. It is easy to see how a
+demagogue like Joel, who had free access to the ears of his comrades,
+could improve circumstances like these to his own particular objects.
+Nevertheless, he had difficulties to contend with. If it were true that
+parson Woods still insisted on praying for the king, it was known that
+the captain laughed at him for his reverence for Caesar; if Robert
+Willoughby were a major in the royal forces, Evert Beekman was a
+colonel in the continentals; if the owner of the manor were born in
+England, his wife and children were born in America; and he, himself,
+was often heard to express his convictions of the justice of most of
+that for which the provincials were contending--_all_, the worthy
+captain had not yet made up his mind to concede to them.
+
+Then, most of the Americans in the Hut entertained none of the selfish
+and narrow views of Joel and the miller. Their wish was to do right, in
+the main; and though obnoxious to the charge of entertaining certain
+prejudices that rendered them peculiarly liable to become the dupes of
+a demagogue, they submitted to many of the better impulses, and were
+indisposed to be guilty of any act of downright injustice. The perfect
+integrity with which they had ever been treated, too, had its
+influence; nor was the habitual kindness of Mrs. Willoughby to their
+wives and children forgotten; nor the gentleness of Beulah, or the
+beauty, spirit, and generous impulses of Maud. In a word, the captain,
+when he went forth to review his men, who were now all assembled under
+arms within the palisades for that purpose, went to meet a wavering,
+rather than a positively disaffected or rebellious body.
+
+"Attention!" cried Joyce, as his commanding officer came in front of a
+line which contained men of different colours, statures, ages, dresses,
+countries, habits and physiognomies, making it a sort of epitome of the
+population of the whole colony, as it existed in that day--"Attention!
+Present, arms."
+
+The captain pulled off his hat complacently, in return to this salute,
+though he was obliged to smile at the array which met his eyes. Every
+one of the Dutchmen had got his musket to an order, following a sort of
+fugleman of their own; while Mike had invented a "motion" that would
+have puzzled any one but himself to account for. The butt of the piece
+was projected towards the captain, quite out of line, while the barrel
+rested on his own shoulder. Still, as his arms were extended to the
+utmost, the county Leitrim-man fancied he was performing much better
+than common. Jamie had correct notions of the perpendicular, from
+having used the plumb-bob so much, though even he made the trifling
+mistake of presenting arms with the lock outwards. As for the Yankees,
+they were all tolerably exact, in everything but time, and the line;
+bringing their pieces down, one after another, much as they were in the
+practice of following their leaders, in matters of opinion. The negroes
+defied description; nor was it surprising they failed, each of them
+thrusting his head forward to see how the "motions" looked, in a way
+that prevented any particular attention to his own part of the duty.
+The serjeant had the good sense to see that his drill had not yet
+produced perfection, and he brought his men to a shoulder again, as
+soon as possible. In this he succeeded perfectly, with the exception
+that just half of the arms were brought to the right, and the other
+half to the left shoulders.
+
+"We shall do better, your honour, as we get a little more drill"--said
+Joyce, with an apologetic salute--"Corporal Strides has a tolerable
+idea of the manual, and he usually acts as our fugleman. When he gets
+back, we shall improve."
+
+"When he gets back, serjeant--can you, or any other man, tell when that
+will be?"
+
+"Yes, yer honour," sputtered Mike, with the eagerness of a boy. "I'se
+the man to tell yees that same."
+
+"_You_?--What can _you_ know, that is not known to all of us,
+my good Michael?"
+
+"I knows what I sees; and if yon isn't Misther Strhides, then I am not
+acquainted with his sthraddle."
+
+Sure enough, Joel appeared at the gate, as Mike concluded his
+assertions. How he got there, no one knew; for a good look-out had been
+kept in the direction of the mill; and, yet here was the overseer
+applying for admission, as if he had fallen from the clouds! Of course,
+the application was not denied, though made in a manner so unexpected,
+and Joel stood in front of his old comrades at the hoe and plough, if
+not in arms, in less than a minute. His return was proclaimed through
+the house in an incredibly short space of time, by the aid of the
+children, and all the females came pouring out from the court to learn
+the tidings, led by Mrs. Strides and her young brood.
+
+"Have you anything to communicate to me in private, Strides?" the
+captain demanded, maintaining an appearance of _sang froid_ that
+he was far from feeling--"or, can your report be made here, before the
+whole settlement?"
+
+"It's just as the captain pleases," answered the wily demagogue;
+"though, to my notion, the people have a right to know all, in an
+affair that touches the common interest."
+
+"Attention! men"--cried the serjeant--"By platoons, to the right"
+
+"No matter, Joyce," interrupted the captain, waving his hand--"Let the
+men remain. You have held communications with our visiters, I know,
+Strides?"
+
+"We have, captain Willoughby, and a desperate sort of visiters be they!
+A more ugly set of Mohawks and Onondagas I never laid eyes on."
+
+"As for their appearance, it is matter of indifference to me--what is
+the object of their visit?"
+
+"I mean ugly behaved, and they deserve all I say of 'em. Their ar'nd,
+according to their own tell, is to seize the captain, and his family,
+in behalf of the colonies."
+
+As Joel uttered this, he cast a glance along the line of faces paraded
+before him, in order to read the effect it might produce. That it was
+not lost on some, was as evident as that it was on others. The captain,
+however, appeared unmoved, and there was a slight air of incredulity in
+the smile that curled his lip.
+
+"This, then, you report as being the business of the party in coming to
+this place!" he said, quietly.
+
+"I do, sir; and an ugly ar'nd it is, in times like these."
+
+"Is there any person in authority in a party that pretends to move
+about the colony, with such high duties?"
+
+"There's one or two white men among 'em, if that's what the captain
+means; they pretend to be duly authorised and appointed to act in
+behalf of the people."
+
+At each allusion to the people, Joel invariably looked towards his
+particular partisans, in order to note the effect the use of the word
+might produce. On the present occasion, he even ventured to wink at the
+miller.
+
+"If acting on authority, why do they keep aloof?--I have no such
+character for resisting the laws, that any who come clothed with its
+mantle need fear resistance."
+
+"Why, I s'pose they reason in some such manner as this. There's
+_two_ laws in operation at this time; the king's law, and the
+people's law. I take it, this party comes in virtue of the people's
+law, whereas it is likely the law the captain means is the king's law.
+The difference is so great, that one or t'other carries the day, just
+as the king's friends or the people's friends happen to be the
+strongest. These men don't like to trust to _their_ law, when the
+captain may think it safest to trust a little to his'n."
+
+"And all this was told you, Strides, in order to be repeated to me?"
+
+"Not a word on't; it's all my own consait about the matter. Little
+passed between us."
+
+"And, now," said the captain, relieving his breast by a long sigh, "I
+presume I may inquire about your companion. You probably have
+ascertained who he is?"
+
+"Lord, captain Willoughby, I was altogether dumbfounded, when the truth
+came upon me of a sudden! I never should have known the major in that
+dress, in the world, or out of the world either; but he walks so like
+the captain, that as I followed a'ter him, I said to myself, who
+_can_ it be?--and then the walk came over me, as it might be; and
+then I remembered last night, and the stranger that was out with the
+captain, and how he occupied the room next to the library, and them
+things; and so, when I come to look in his face, there was the major
+sure enough!"
+
+Joel lied famously in this account; but he believed himself safe, as no
+one could very well contradict him.
+
+"Now, you have explained the manner in which you recognised my son,
+Strides," added the captain, "I will thank you to let me know what has
+become of him?"
+
+"He's with the savages. Having come so far to seize the father, it
+wasn't in natur' to let the son go free, when he walked right into the
+lion's den, like."
+
+"And how could the savages know he _was_ my son? Did they, too,
+recognise the family walk?"
+
+Strides was taken aback at this question, and he even had the grace to
+colour a little. He saw that he was critically placed; for, in addition
+to the suggestions of conscience, he understood the captain
+sufficiently to know he was a man who would not trifle, in the event of
+his suspicions becoming active. He knew he deserved the gallows, and
+Joyce was a man who would execute him in an instant, did his commander
+order it. The idea fairly made the traitor tremble in his shoes.
+
+"Ah! I've got a little ahead of my story," he said, hastily. "But,
+perhaps I had best tell everything as it happened--"
+
+"That will be the simplest and clearest course. In order that there be
+no interruption, we will go into my room, where Joyce will follow us,
+as soon as he has dismissed his men."
+
+This was done, and in a minute or two the captain and Joel were seated
+in the library, Joyce respectfully standing; the old soldier always
+declining to assume any familiarity with his superior. We shall give
+the substance of most of Joel's report in our own language; preferring
+it, defective as it is, to that of the overseer's, which was no bad
+representative of his cunning, treacherous and low mind.
+
+It seems, then, that the bearers of the flag were amicably received by
+the Indians. The men towards whom they were led on the rocks, were the
+chiefs of the party, who treated them with proper respect. The sudden
+movement was explained to them, as connected with their meal; and the
+chiefs, accompanied by the major and Strides, proceeded to the house of
+the miller. Here, by means of a white man for an interpreter, the major
+had demanded the motive of the strangers in coming into the settlement.
+The answer was a frank demand for the surrender of the Hut, and all it
+contained, to the authorities of the continental congress. The major
+had endeavoured to persuade a white man, who professed to hold the
+legal authority for what was doing, of the perfectly neutral
+disposition of his father, when, according to Joel's account, to his
+own great astonishment, the argument was met by the announcement of
+Robert Willoughby's true character, and a sneering demand if it were
+likely a man who had a son in the royal army, and who had kept that son
+secreted in his own house, would be very indifferent to the success of
+the royal cause.
+
+"They've got a wonderful smart man there for a magistrate, I can tell
+you," added Joel, with emphasis, "and he ra'ally bore as hard on the
+major as a lawyer before a court. How he found out that the major was
+at the Hut is a little strange, seein' that none of us know'd of it;
+but they've got extraor'nary means, now-a-days."
+
+"And, did major Willoughby admit his true character, when charged with
+being in the king's service?"
+
+"He did--and like a gentleman. He only insisted that his sole ar'nd out
+here was to see his folks, and that he intended to go back to York the
+moment he had paid his visit."
+
+"How did the person you mention receive his explanations?"
+
+"Waal, to own the truth, he laugh'd at it, like all natur'. I don't
+believe they put any great weight on a syllable the major told 'em. I
+never see critturs with such onbelievin' faces! After talking as long
+as suited themselves, they ordered the major to be shut up in a
+buttery, with a warrior at the door for a sentinel; a'ter which they
+took to examining me."
+
+Joel then proceeded with an account--his own account, always, be it
+remembered--of what passed between himself and the strangers. They had
+questioned him closely touching the nature of the defences of the Hut,
+the strength of the garrison, its disposition, the number and quality
+of the arms, and the amount of the ammunition.
+
+"You may depend on't, I gave a good account," continued the overseer,
+in a self-satisfied way. "In the first place, I told 'em, the captain
+had a lieutenant with him that had sarved out the whull French war;
+then I put the men up to fifty at once, seein' it was just as easy to
+say that, as thirty or thirty-three. As to the arms, I told 'em more
+than half the pieces were double-barrelled; and that the captain, in
+particular, carried a rifle that had killed nine savages in one fight."
+
+"You were much mistaken in that, Joel. It is true, that a celebrated
+chief once fell by this rifle; even that is not a matter for boasting."
+
+"Waal, them that told me on't, said that _two_ had fallen before
+it, and I put it up to nine at once, to make a good story better. Nine
+men had a more desperate sound than two; and when you _do_ begin
+to brag, a man shouldn't be backward. I thought, howsever, that they
+was most non-plussed, when I told 'em of the field-piece."
+
+"The field-piece, Strides!--Why did you venture on an exaggeration that
+any forward movement of theirs must expose?"
+
+"We'll see to that, captain--we'll see to that. Field-pieces are
+desperate dampers to Indian courage, so I thought I'd just let 'em have
+a six-pounder, by way of tryin' their natur's. They look'd like men
+goin' to execution, when I told 'em of the cannon, and what a history
+it had gone through."
+
+"And what may have been this history, pray?"
+
+"I just told 'em it was the very gun the captain had took from the
+French, about which we've all heer'n tell; and that, as everybody
+knows, was a desperate piece, havin' killed more than a hundred
+reg'lars, before the captain charged baggonet on it, and carried it
+off."
+
+This was a very artful speech, since it alluded to the most
+distinguished exploit of captain Willoughby's military life; one of
+which it would have been more than human, had he not been a little
+proud. All who knew him, had heard of this adventure, and Joel
+cunningly turned it to account, in the manner seen. The allusion served
+to put to sleep, for the moment at least, certain very unpleasant
+suspicions that were getting to be active in his superior's mind.
+
+"There was no necessity, Strides, for saying anything about that
+affair"--the captain, modestly, interposed. "It happened a long time
+since, and might well be forgotten. Then, you know we have no gun to
+support your account, when our deficiency is ascertained, it will all
+be set down to the true cause--a wish to conceal our real weakness."
+
+"I beg your honour's pardon," put in Joyce--"I think Strides has acted
+in a military manner in this affair. It is according to the art of war
+for the besieged to pretend to but stronger than they are; and even
+besiegers sometimes put a better face than the truth will warrant, on
+their strength. Military accounts, as your honour well knows, never
+pass exactly for gospel, unless it be with the raw hands."
+
+"Then," added Joel, "I know'd what I was about, seem that we had a
+cannon ready for use, as soon as it could be mounted."
+
+"I think I understand Strides, your honour," resumed the serjeant. "I
+have carved a 'quaker' as an ornament for the gateway, intending to saw
+it in two, in the middle, and place the pieces, crosswise, over the
+entrance, as your honour has often seen such things in garrisons--like
+the brass ornaments on the artillery caps, I mean, your honour. Well,
+this gun is finished and painted, and I intended to split it, and have
+it up this very week. I suppose Joel has had it in his mind, quaker
+fashion."
+
+"The Serjeant's right. That piece looks as much like a real cannon as
+one of our cathechisms is like another. The muzzle is more than a foot
+deep, and has a plaguy gunpowder look!"
+
+"But this gun is not mounted; even if it were, it could only be set up
+for show," observed the captain.
+
+"Put that cannon up once, and I'll answer for it that no Injin faces
+it. 'Twill be as good as a dozen sentinels," answered Joel. "As for
+mountin', I thought of that before I said a syllable about the crittur.
+There's the new truck-wheels in the court, all ready to hold it, and
+the carpenters can put the hinder part to the whull, in an hour or two,
+and that in a way no Injin could tell the difference between it and a
+ra'al cannon, at ten yards."
+
+"This is plausible, your honour," said Joyce, respectfully, "and it
+shows that corporal Strides"--Joel insisted he was a serjeant, but the
+real Simon Pure never gave him a title higher than that of
+corporal--"and it shows that corporal Strides has an idea of war. By
+mounting that piece, and using it with discretion--refusing it, at the
+right moment, and showing it at another--a great deal might be done
+with it, either in a siege or an assault. If your honour will excuse
+the liberty, I would respectfully suggest that it might be well to set
+the quaker on his legs, and plant him at the gate, as an exhorter."
+
+The captain reflected a moment, and then desired the overseer to
+proceed in his account. The rest of Joel's story was soon told. He had
+mystified the strangers, according to his own account of the matter, so
+thoroughly, by affecting to withhold nothing, that they considered him
+as a sort of ally, and did not put him in confinement at all. It is
+true, he was placed _en surveillance_; but the duty was so
+carelessly performed, that, at the right moment, he had passed down the
+ravine, a direction in which a movement was not expected, and buried
+himself in the woods, so very effectually that it would have baffled
+pursuit, had any been attempted. After making a very long _detour_,
+that consumed hours, he turned the entire valley, and actually reached
+the Hut, under the cover of the rivulet and its bushes, or precisely
+by the route in which he and Mike had gone forth, in quest of Maud,
+the evening of the major's arrival. This latter fact, however, Joel
+had reasons of his own for concealing.
+
+"You have told us nothing of Mr. Woods, Strides," the captain observed,
+when Joel's account was ended.
+
+"Mr. Woods! I can tell the captain nothing of that gentleman; I
+supposed he was here."
+
+The manner in which the chaplain had left the Hut, and his
+disappearance in the ravine, were then explained to the overseer, who
+evidently had quitted the mill, on his return, before the divine
+performed his exploit. There was a sinister expression in Joel's eyes,
+as he heard the account, that might have given the alarm to men more
+suspicious than the two old soldiers; but he had the address to conceal
+all he felt or thought.
+
+"If Mr. Woods has gone into the hands of the Injins, in his church
+shirt," rejoined the overseer, "his case is hopeless, so far as
+captivity is consarned. One of the charges ag'in the captain is, that
+the chaplain he keeps prays as regulairly for the king as he used to do
+when it was lawful, and agreeable to public feelin'."
+
+"This you heard, while under examination before the magistrate you have
+named?" demanded the captain.
+
+"As good as that, and something more to the same p'int. The 'squire
+complained awfully of a minister's prayin' for the king and r'yal
+family, when the country was fightin' 'em."
+
+"In that, the Rev. Mr. Woods only obeys orders," said the serjeant.
+
+"But they say not. The orders is gone out, now, _they_ pretend,
+for no man to pray for any on 'em."
+
+"Ay--orders from the magistrates, perhaps. But the Rev. Mr. Woods is a
+divine, and has his own superiors in the church, and _they_ must
+issue the commands that he obeys. I dare to say, your honour, if the
+archbishop of Canterbury, or the commander-in-chief of the church,
+whoever he may be, should issue a general order directing all the
+parsons not to pray for King George, the Rev. Mr. Woods would have no
+scruple about obeying. But, it's a different thing when a justice of
+the peace undertakes to stand fugleman for the clergy. It's like a navy
+captain undertaking to wheel a regiment."
+
+"Poor Woods!" exclaimed the captain--"Had he been ruled by me, he would
+have dropped those prayers, and it would have been better for us both.
+But, he is of your opinion, serjeant, and thinks that a layman can have
+no authority over a gownsman."
+
+"And isn't he right, your honour! Think what a mess of it the militia
+officers make, when they undertake to meddle with a regular corps. Some
+of our greatest difficulties in the last war came from such awkward
+hands attempting to manage machines of which they had no just notions.
+As for praying, your honour, I'm no wise particular _who_ I pray
+for, or _what_ I pray for, so long as it be all set down in
+general orders that come from the right head-quarters; and I think the
+Rev. Mr. Woods ought to be judged by the same rule."
+
+As the captain saw no use in prolonging the dialogue, he dismissed his
+companions. He then sought his wife, in order to make her acquainted
+with the actual state of things. This last was a painful duty, though
+Mrs. Willoughby and her daughters heard the truth with less of
+apprehension than the husband and father had anticipated. They had
+suffered so much from uncertainty, that there was a relief in learning
+the truth. The mother did not think the authorities of the colony would
+hurt her son, whom she fancied all men must, in a degree, love as she
+loved. Beulah thought of her own husband as Bob's safeguard; while Maud
+felt it to be comparative happiness to know he was unharmed, and still
+so near her.
+
+This unpleasant duty discharged, the captain began to bethink him
+seriously of his military trust. After some reflection, and listening
+to a few more suggestions from Joyce, he consented to let the "quaker"
+be put on wheels. The carpenters were immediately set at work to
+achieve this job, which the serjeant volunteered to superintend, in
+person. As for Joel, his wife and children, with the miller, occupied
+most of the morning; the day turning, and even drawing towards its
+close, ere he became visible, as had formerly been his wont, among the
+men of the settlement.
+
+All this time, everything without the palisades lay in the silence of
+nature. The sun cast its glories athwart the lovely scene, as in one of
+the Sabbaths of the woods; but man was nowhere visible. Not a hostile
+Indian, or white, exhibited himself; and the captain began to suspect
+that, satisfied with their captures, the party had commenced its return
+towards the river, postponing his own arrest for some other occasion.
+So strong did this impression become towards the close of the day, that
+he was actually engaged in writing to some friends of influence in
+Albany and on the Mohawk to interpose their names and characters in his
+son's behalf, when the serjeant, about nine o'clock, the hour when he
+had been ordered to parade the guard for the first half of the night,
+presented himself at the door of his room, to make an important report.
+
+"What now, Joyce?" demanded the captain. "Are any of our fellows
+sleepy, and plead illness?"
+
+"Worse than that, your honour, I greatly fear," was the answer. Of the
+ten men your honour commanded me to detail for the guard, five are
+missing. I set them down as deserters."
+
+"Deserters!--This is serious, indeed; let the signal be made for a
+general parade--the people cannot yet have gone to bed; we will look
+into this."
+
+As Joyce made it matter of religion "to obey orders," this command was
+immediately put in execution. In five minutes, a messenger came to
+summon the captain to the court, where the garrison was under arms. The
+serjeant stood in front of the little party, with a lantern, holding
+his muster-roll in his hand. The first glance told the captain that a
+serious reduction had taken place in his forces, and he led the
+serjeant aside to hear his report.
+
+"What is the result of your inquiries, Joyce?" he demanded, with more
+uneasiness than he would have liked to betray openly.
+
+"We have lost just half our men, sir. The miller, most of the Yankees,
+and two of the Dutchmen, are not on parade; neither is one of them to
+be found in his quarters. They have either gone over to the enemy,
+captain Willoughby, or, disliking the appearance of things here, they
+have taken to the woods for safety."
+
+"And abandoned their wives and children, serjeant! Men would scarcely
+do that."
+
+"Their wives and children have deserted too, sir. Not a chick or child
+belonging to either of the runaways is to be found in the Hut."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XIX.
+
+  "For all the Welshmen, hearing thou wert dead,
+  Are gone to Bolingbroke, dispersed and fled."
+
+  _Richard III_
+
+This was startling intelligence to receive just as night had shut in,
+and under the other circumstances of the case. Touching the men who
+still remained, captain Willoughby conceived it prudent to inquire into
+their characters and names, in order to ascertain the ground he stood
+on, and to govern his future course accordingly. He put the question to
+the serjeant, therefore, as soon as he could lead him far enough from
+the little array, to be certain he was out of ear-shot.
+
+"We have Michael O'Hearn, Jamie Allen, the two carpenters, the three
+niggers, Joel, and the three Dutchmen that last came into the
+settlement, and the two lads that Strides engaged at the beginning of
+the year, left," was the answer. "These, counting your honour and
+myself, make just fifteen men; quite enough yet, I should think, to
+make good the house, in case of an assault--though I fear everything
+like an outwork must be abandoned."
+
+"On the whole, these are the best of our men," returned the captain; "I
+mean the most trustworthy. I count on Mike, Jamie, and the blacks, as
+being as much to be relied on as we are ourselves. Joel, too, is a man
+of resources, if he will but do his duty under fire."
+
+"Corporal Strides is still an untried soldier, your honour; though
+recruits, even, sometimes do wonders. Of course, I shall reduce the
+guard to half its former strength, as the men must have some sleep,
+sir."
+
+"We must depend very much on your vigilance and mine, to-night, Joyce.
+You shall take the guard till one, when I will stand it for the rest of
+the night. I will speak to the men before you dismiss them. An
+encouraging word, just now, may be worth a platoon to us."
+
+The serjeant seldom dissented from any suggestion of his commanding
+officer, and the scheme was carried out on the spot. The lantern was so
+placed as to permit the captain to see the heterogeneous row of
+countenances that was drawn up before him, and he proceeded:
+
+"It seems, my friends," he said, "that some of our people have been
+seized with a panic, and have deserted. These mistaken men have not
+only fled themselves, but they have induced their wives and children to
+follow them. A little reflection will show you to what distress all
+must be reduced by this ill-judged flight. Fifty miles from another
+settlement of any size, and more than thirty from even a single hut,
+beyond the cabin of a hunter, days must pass before they can reach a
+place of safety, even should they escape the savage foe that we know to
+be scouring the woods. The women and children will not have sufficient
+art to conceal their trail, nor sufficient strength to hold out against
+hunger and fatigue many hours. God forgive them for what they have
+done, and guide them through the difficulties and pains by which they
+are menaced! As for us, we must determine to do our whole duty, or, at
+once to retire, with the consent of each other. If there is a man among
+you, then, who apprehends the consequences of standing to his arms, and
+of defending this house, let him confess it frankly; he shall have
+leave to depart, with all that belongs to him, taking food and the
+means of subsistence and defence with him. I wish no man to remain with
+me and mine, but he who can do it cheerfully. The night is now dark,
+and, by quitting the Hut at an early hour, such a start might be gained
+over any pursuers, as to place him in comparative security before
+morning. If any such man is here, let him now speak out honestly, and
+fear nothing. The gate shall be opened for his march."
+
+The captain paused, but not a soul answered. A common sentiment of
+loyalty seemed to bind every one of the listeners to his duty. The dark
+eyes of the negroes rolled along the short rank to see who would be the
+first to desert their master, and grins of delight showed the
+satisfaction with which they noted the effect of the appeal. As for
+Mike, he felt too strongly to keep silence, and he muttered the passing
+impressions aloud.
+
+"Och!"--growled the county Leitrim-man--"Is it a good journey that I
+wish the runaways? That it isn't, nor many a good male either, as they
+trudge alang t'rough the woods, with their own consciences forenent
+their eyes, pricking them up to come back, like so many t'ieves of the
+wor-r-ld, as they are, every mother's son of 'em, women and all. I'd
+nivir do _that_; no, not if my head was _all_ scalp, down to
+the soles of my fut, and an Injin was at every inch of it, to cut out
+his summer clothes of my own skin. Talk of religion amang sich
+crathures!--Why, there isn't enough moral in one of thim to carry him
+through the shortest prayer the Lord allows a Christian to utter. Divil
+burn 'em say I, and that's my kindest wish in their behalf."
+
+The captain waited patiently for this soliloquy to terminate; then he
+dismissed the men, with a few more words of encouragement, and his
+thanks for the fidelity they, at least, had shown. By this time the
+night had got to be dark, and the court was much more so, on account of
+the shadows of the buildings, than places in the open air. As the
+captain turned aside to give his last instructions to Joyce, he
+discovered, by the light of the lantern the latter held, a figure
+standing at no great distance, quite dimly seen on account of its
+proximity to the walls of the Hut. It was clearly a man; and as all the
+males able to bear arms, a single sentinel outside the court excepted,
+were supposed to be in the group that had not yet separated, the
+necessity of ascertaining the character of this unlooked-for visiter
+flashed on the minds of both the old soldiers at the same instant.
+Joyce raised the lantern, as they moved quickly towards the motionless
+form, and its light glanced athwart a pair of wild, glowing, dark eyes,
+and the red visage of an Indian.
+
+"Nick!" exclaimed the captain, "is that you?--What has brought you here
+again, and how have you entered the palisades?--Do you come as a
+friend, to aid us, or as an enemy?"
+
+"Too much question, cap'in--too much like squaw; ask all togeder. Go to
+book-room; Nick follow; tell all he got to say."
+
+The captain whispered the serjeant to ascertain whether the watch
+without was vigilant, when he led the way to the library, where, as he
+expected, he found his wife and daughters, anxiously waiting his
+appearance.
+
+"Oh! Hugh, I trust it is not as bad as we feared!" cried the mother, as
+the captain entered the room, closely attended by the Tuscarora; "our
+men cannot be so heartless as to desert us at such a moment!"
+
+The captain kissed his wife, said a word or two of encouragement, and
+pointed to the Indian.
+
+"Nick!" exclaimed all three of the females, in a breath. Though the
+tones of their voices denoted very different sensations, at the
+unexpected appearance of their old acquaintance. Mrs. Willoughby's
+exclamation was not without pleasure, for _she_ thought the man
+her friend. Beulah's was filled with alarm, little Evert and savage
+massacres suddenly crossing the sensitive mind of the young mother;
+while Maud's tone had much of the stern resolution that she had
+summoned to sustain her in a moment of such fearful trial.
+
+"Yes, Nick--Sassy Nick," repeated the Indian, in his guttural
+voice--"Ole friend--you no glad see him?"
+
+"That will depend on your errand," interposed the captain. "Are you one
+of the party that is now lying at the mill?--but, stop; how did you get
+within the palisades? First answer me _that_."
+
+"Come in. Tree no good to stop Injin. Can't do it wid branches, how do
+it widout? Want plenty of musket and plenty of soldier to do _dat_.
+Dis no garrison, cap'in, to make Nick afeard. Always tell him
+too much hole to be tight."
+
+"This is not answering my question, fellow. By what means did you pass
+the palisades?"
+
+"What means?--Injin means, sartain. Came like cat, jump like deer,
+slide like snake. Nick great Tuscarora chief; know well how warrior
+march, when he dig up hatchet."
+
+"And Nick has been a great hanger-on of garrisons, and should know the
+use that I can make of his back. You will remember, Tuscarora, that I
+have had you flogged, more than once, in my day."
+
+This was said menacingly, and with more warmth, perhaps, than was
+prudent. It caused the listeners to start, as if a sudden and new
+danger rose before their eyes, and the anxious looks he encountered
+warned the captain that he was probably going too far. As for Nick,
+himself, the gathering thunder-cloud is not darker than his visage
+became at the words he heard; it seemed by the moral writhing of his
+spirit as if every disgracing blow he had received was at that instant
+torturing his flesh anew, blended with the keenest feelings of
+ignominy. Captain Willoughby was startled at the effect he had
+produced; but it was too late to change his course; and he remained in
+dignified quiet, awaiting the workings of the Tuscarora's mind.
+
+It was more than a minute ere Nick made any reply. Gradually, but very
+slowly, the expression of his visage changed. It finally became as
+stoical in expression as severe training could render the human
+countenance, and as unmoved as marble. Then he found the language he
+wanted.
+
+"Listen," said the Indian, sternly. "Cap'in ole man. Got a head like
+snow on rock. He bold soldier; but he no got wisdom enough for gray
+hair. Why he put he hand rough, on place where whip strike? Wise man
+nebber do _aat_. Last winter he cold; fire wanted to make him
+warm. Much ice, much storm, much snow. World seem bad--fit only for
+bear, and snake, dat hide in rock. Well; winter gone away; ice gone
+away; snow gone away; storm gone away. Summer come, in his place.
+Ebbery t'ing _good_--ebbery t'ing _pleasant_. Why t'ink of
+winter, when summer come, and drive him away wid pleasant sky?"
+
+"In order to provide for its return. He who never thought of the evil
+day, in the hour of his prosperity, would find that he has forgotten,
+not only a duty, but the course of wisdom."
+
+"He _not_ wise!" said Nick, sternly. "Cap'in pale-face chief. He
+got garrison; got soldier; got musket. Well, he flog warrior's back;
+make blood come. Dat bad enough; worse to put finger on ole sore, and
+make 'e pain, and 'e shame, come back ag'in."
+
+"Perhaps it would have been more generous, Nick, to have said nothing
+about it; but, you see how I am situated; an enemy without, my men
+deserting, a bad look-out, and one finding his way into my very court-
+yard, and I ignorant of the means."
+
+"Nick tell cap'in all about means. If red-men outside, shoot
+_'em_; if garrison run away, flog garrison; if don't know, l'arn;
+but, don't flog back, ag'in, on ole sore!"
+
+"Well, well, say no more about it, Nick. Here is a dollar to keep you
+in rum, and we will talk of other matters."
+
+Nick heeded not the money, though it was held before his eyes, some
+little time, to tempt him. Perceiving that the Tuscarora was now acting
+as a warrior and a chief, which Nick would do, and do well, on
+occasion, the captain pocketed the offering, and regulated his own
+course accordingly.
+
+"At all events, I have a right to insist on knowing, first, by what
+means you entered the palisades; and, second, what business has brought
+you here, at night, and so suddenly."
+
+"Ask Nick, cap'in, all he right to ask; but, don't touch ole flog. How
+I cross palisade? Where your sentinel to stop Injin? One at gate; well,
+none all round, t'other place. Get in, up here, down dere, over yonder.
+Ten, twenty, t'ree spot--s'pose him tree? climb him. S'pose him
+palisade?--climb him, too. What help?--Soldier out at gate when Nick
+get over t'other end! Come in court, too, when he want. Half gate half
+no gate. So easy, 'shamed to brag of. Cap'in once Nick's friend--went
+on same war-path--dat in ole time. Both warrior; both went ag'in French
+garrison. Well; who crept in, close by cannon, open gate, let pale-men
+in. Great Tuscarora do _dat_; no flog, _den_--no talk of ole
+sore, dat night!"
+
+"This is all true enough, Wyandotte"--This was Nick's loftiest
+appellation; and a grim, but faint smile crossed his visage, as he
+heard it, again, in the mouth of one who had known him when its sound
+carried terror to the hearts of his enemies--"This is all true,
+Wyandotte, and I have even given you credit for it. On that occasion
+you were bold as the lion, and as cunning as a fox--you were much
+honoured for that exploit."
+
+"No ole sore in _dat_, um?" cried Nick, in a way so startling as
+to sicken Mrs. Willoughby to the heart. "No call Nick dog, dat night.
+He _all_ warrior, den--all face; no _back_."
+
+"I have said you were honoured for your conduct, Nick, and paid for it.
+Now, let me know what has brought you here to-night, and whence you
+come."
+
+There was another pause. Gradually, the countenance of the Indian
+became less and less fierce, until it lost its expression of malignant
+resentment in one in which human emotions of a kinder nature
+predominated.
+
+"Squaw good," he said, even gently, waving his hand towards Mrs.
+Willoughby--"Got son; love him like little baby. Nick come six, two
+time before, runner from her son."
+
+"My son, Wyandotte!" exclaimed the mother--"Bring you any tidings, now,
+from my boy?"
+
+"No bring tidin'--too heavy; Indian don't love to carry load--bring
+_letter_"
+
+The cry from the three females was now common, each holding out her
+hand, with an involuntary impulse, to receive the note. Nick drew the
+missive from a fold of his garment, and placed it in the hand of Mrs.
+Willoughby, with a quiet grace that a courtier might have wished to
+equal, in vain.
+
+The note was short, and had been written in pencil, on a leaf torn from
+some book of coarse paper. The handwriting however, was at once
+recognised as Robert Willoughby's though there was no address, nor any
+signature. The paper merely contained the following--
+
+"Trust to your defences, and to nothing else. This party has many white
+men in it, disguised as Indians. I am suspected, if not known. You will
+be tampered with, but the wisest course is to be firm. If Nick is
+honest, he can tell you more; if false, this note will be shown, even
+though it be delivered. Secure the inner gates, and depend more on the
+house itself, than on the palisades. Fear nothing for me--my life can
+be in no danger."
+
+This note was read by each, in succession, Maud turning aside to
+conceal the tears that fell fast on the paper, as she perused it. She
+read it last, and was enabled to retain it; and precious to her heart
+was the boon, at such a moment, when nearly every sensation of her
+being centred in intense feeling in behalf of the captive.
+
+"We are told to inquire the particulars of you, Nick," observed the
+captain; "I hope you will tell us nothing but truth. A lie is so
+unworthy a warrior's mouth!"
+
+"Nick didn't lie 'bout beaver dam! Cap'in no find him good, as Indian
+say?"
+
+"In that you dealt honestly, and I give you credit for it. Has any one
+seen this letter but ourselves, yourself, and the person who wrote it?"
+
+"What for ask? If Nick say no, cap'in t'ink he lie. Even fox tell trut'
+some time; why not Injin? Nick say no."
+
+"Where did you leave my son, and when?--Where is the party of red-skins
+at this moment?"
+
+"All pale-face in hurry! Ask ten, one, four question, altogeder. Well;
+answer him so. Down here, at mill; down dere, at mill; half an hour,
+six, two, ten o'clock."
+
+"I understand you to say that major Willoughby was at the mill when you
+saw him last, and that this was only half an hour since?"
+
+The Tuscarora nodded his head in assent, but made no other reply. Even
+as he did this, his keen eyes rolled over the pallid faces of the
+females in a way to awaken the captain's distrust, and he resumed his
+questions in a tone that partook more of the military severity of his
+ancient habits than of the gentler manner he had been accustomed to use
+of late years.
+
+"You know me, Nick," he said sternly, "and ought to dread my
+displeasure."
+
+"What cap'in mean, now?" demanded the Indian, quietly.
+
+"That the same whip is in this fort that I always kept in the other, in
+which you knew me to dwell; nor have I forgotten how to use it."
+
+The Tuscarora gazed at the captain with a very puzzling expression,
+though, in the main, his countenance appeared to be ironical rather
+than fierce.
+
+"What for, talk of whip, now?" he said. "Even Yengeese gen'ral hide
+whip, when he see enemy. Soldier can't fight when back sore. When
+battle near, den all good friend; when battle over, den flog, flog,
+flog. Why talk so?--Cap'in nebber strike _Wyandotte_."
+
+"Your memory must be short, to say this! I thought an Indian kept a
+better record of what passed."
+
+"No man _dare_ strike Wyandotte!" exclaimed the Indian, with
+energy. "No man--pale-face or red-skin, _can_ give blow on back of
+Wyandotte, and see sun set!"
+
+"Well--well--Nick; we will not dispute on this point, but let bye-gones
+be bye-gones. What _has_ happened, _has_ happened, and I hope
+will never occur again."
+
+"Dat happen to Nick--Sassy Nick--poor, drunken Nick--to Wyandotte,
+nebber!"
+
+"I believe I begin to understand you, now, Tuscarora, and am glad I
+have a chief and a warrior in my house, instead of a poor miserable
+outcast. Shall I have the pleasure of filling you a glass in honour of
+our old campaigns?"
+
+"Nick alway dry--Wyandotte know no thirst. Nick, beggar--ask for
+rum--_pray_ for rum--_t'ink_ of rum, _talk_ of rum, _laugh_ for rum,
+_cry_ for rum. Wyandotte don't know rum, when he see him. Wyandotte
+beg not'in'; no, not his scalp."
+
+"All this sounds well, and I am both willing and glad, chief, to
+receive you in the character in which you give me to understand you
+have now come. A warrior of Wyandotte's high name is too proud to carry
+a forked tongue in his mouth, and I shall hear nothing but truth. Tell
+me, then, all you know about this party at the mill; what has brought
+it here, how you came to meet my son, and what will be the next step of
+his captors. Answer the questions in the order in which I put them."
+
+"Wyandotte not newspaper to tell ebbery t'ing at once. Let cap'in talk
+like one chief speaking to anoder."
+
+"Then, tell me first, what you know of this party at the mill. Are
+there many pale-faces in it?"
+
+"Put 'em in the river," answered the Indian, sententiously; "water tell
+the trut'."
+
+"You think that there are many among them that would wash white?"
+
+"Wyandotte _know_ so. When did red warriors ever travel on their
+path like hogs in drove? _One_ red-man there, as Great Spirit make
+him; by his side _two_ red-men as _paint_ make 'em. This soon
+told on trail."
+
+"You struck their trail, then, and joined their company, in that
+manner?"
+
+Another nod indicated the assent of the Indian. Perceiving that the
+Tuscarora did not intend to speak, the captain continued his
+interrogatories.
+
+"And how did the trail betray this secret, chief?" he asked.
+
+"Toe turn out--step too short--trail too broad--trail too plain--march
+too short."
+
+"You must have followed them some distance, Wyandotte, to learn all
+this?"
+
+"Follow from Mohawk--join 'em at mill. Tuscarora don't like too much
+travel with Mohawk."
+
+"But, according to your account, there cannot be a great many red-skins
+in the party, if the white men so much out-number them."
+
+Nick, now, raised his right hand, showing all the fingers and the
+thumb, at each exhibition, four several times. Then he raised it once,
+showing only the fore-finger and thumb.
+
+"This makes twenty-two, Nick--Do you include yourself in the number?"
+
+"Wyandotte, a Tuscarora--he count _Mohawks_"
+
+"True--Are there any other red-men among them?"
+
+"Oneida, so"--holding up four fingers only. After which he held up a
+single finger, adding--"Onondaga, so."
+
+"Twenty-two Mohawks, four Oneidas, and a single Onondaga, make twenty-
+seven in all. To these, how many whites am I to add?--You counted them,
+also?"
+
+The Indian now showed both hands, with all the fingers extended,
+repeating the gestures four times; then he showed one hand entire, and
+two fingers on the other.
+
+"Forty-seven. Add these to the red-skins, and we get seventy-four for
+the total. I had supposed them rather stronger than this, Wyandotte?"
+
+"No stronger--no weaker--just so. Good many ole womans, too, among
+pale-faces."
+
+"Old women!--You are not speaking literally, Nick? All that I have seen
+appear to be men."
+
+"Got beard; but ole woman, too. Talk--talk--talk;--do not'in'.
+_Dat_ what Injin call ole woman. Party, poor party; cap'in beat 'em,
+if he fight like ole time."
+
+"Well, this is encouraging, Wilhelmina, and Nick seems to be dealing
+fairly with us."
+
+"Now, inquire more about Robert, Hugh"--said the wife, in whose
+maternal heart her children were always uppermost.
+
+"You hear, Nick; my wife is desirous of learning something about her
+son, next."
+
+During the preceding dialogue, there had been something equivocal in
+the expression of the Indian's face. Every word he uttered about the
+party, its numbers, and his own manner of falling in with it, was true,
+and his countenance indicated that he was dealing fairly. Still, the
+captain fancied that he could detect a covert fierceness in his eye and
+air, and he felt uneasiness even while he yielded him credence. As soon
+as Mrs. Willoughby, however, interposed, the gleam of ferocity that
+passed so naturally and readily athwart the swarthy features of the
+savage, melted into a look of gentleness, and there were moments when
+it might be almost termed softness.
+
+"Good to have moder"--said Nick, kindly. "Wyandotte got no squaw--wife
+dead, moder dead, sister dead--all gone to land of spirits--bye'm-by,
+chief follow. No one throw stone on his grave! Been on death-path long
+ago, but cap'in's squaw say 'stop, Nick; little too soon, now; take
+medicine, and get well.' Squaw made to do good. Chief alway like 'e
+squaw, when his mind not wild with war."
+
+"And _your_ mind, Wyandotte, is not wild with war, now," answered
+Mrs. Willoughby, earnestly. "You will help a mother, then, to get her
+son out of the hands of merciless enemies?"
+
+"Why you t'ink merciless? Because pale-face dress like Injin, and try
+to cheat?"
+
+"That may be one reason; but I fear there are many others. Tell me,
+Wyandotte, how came you to discover that Robert was a prisoner, and by
+what means did he contrive to give you his letter?"
+
+The Indian assumed a look of pride, a little blended with hauteur; for
+he felt that he was manifesting the superiority of a red-man over the
+pale-face, as he related the means through which he had made his
+discoveries.
+
+"Read book on ground," Nick answered gravely. "Two book alway open
+before chief; one in sky, t'other on ground. Book in sky, tell
+weather--snow, rain, wind, thunder, lightning, war--book on ground,
+tell what happen."
+
+"And what had this book on the ground to do with my son, Wyandotte?"
+
+"Tell all about him. Major's trail first seen at mill. No moccasin--
+much boot. Soldier boot like letter--say great deal, in few word. First
+t'ink it cap'in; but it too short. Den _know_ it Major."
+
+"This sounds very well, Nick," interrupted the captain, "though you
+will excuse me if I say it is going a little too far. It seems
+impossible that you should know that the print of the foot was that of
+my son. How _could_ you be certain of this?"
+
+"How _could_, eh? Who follow trail from house, here, to Hudson
+river? T'ink Nick blind, and can't see? Tuscarora read _his_ book
+well as pale-face read bible." Here Nick looked round him a moment,
+raised his fore-finger, dropped his voice, and added earnestly--"see
+him at Bunker Hill--know him among ten, six, two t'ousand warrior. Know
+dat foot, if meet him in Happy Hunting Ground."
+
+"And why my son's foot, in particular? The boot is often changed, can
+never be exactly like its predecessor, and one boot is so much like
+another, that to me the thing seems impossible. This account of the
+boot, Nick, makes me distrust your whole story."
+
+"What distrust?" demanded the Indian like lightning.
+
+"It means doubt, uncertainty--distrust."
+
+"Don't believe, ha?"
+
+"Yes, that is it, substantially. Don't more than _half_ believe,
+perhaps, would be nearer to the mark."
+
+"Why, ole soldier alway distrust; squaw nebber? Ask moder--ha!--you
+t'ink Nick don't know son's trail--handsome trail, like young chief's?"
+
+"I can readily believe Nick might recognise Bob's trail, Hugh"--
+expostulated Mrs. Willoughby. "He has a foot in a thousand--you may
+remember how every one was accustomed to speak of his beautiful foot,
+even when he was a boy. As a man, I think it still more remarkable."
+
+"Ay, go on, Nick, in this way, and my wife will believe all you say.
+There is no distrust in a mother's partiality, certainly. You are an
+old courtier, and would make your way at St. James's."
+
+"Major nebber tell about foot?" asked Nick, earnestly.
+
+"I remember nothing; and had he spoken of any such thing, I must have
+heard it. But, never mind the story, now; you saw the foot-print, and
+knew it for my son's. Did you ask to be admitted to his prison? or was
+your intercourse secret?"
+
+"Wyandotte too wise to act like squaw, or boy. See him, widout look.
+Talk, widout speak--hear, widout ear. Major write letter, Nick take
+him. All done by eye and hand; not'in' done by tongue, or at Council
+Fire. Mohawk blind like owl!"
+
+"May I believe you, Tuscarora; or, incited by demons, do you come to
+deceive me?"
+
+"Ole warrior look two time before he go; t'ink ten time before he say,
+yes. All good. Nick no affronted. Do so himself, and t'ink it right.
+Cap'in _may_ believe all Nick say."
+
+"Father!" cried Maud, with simple energy, "I will answer for the
+Indian's honesty. He has guided Robert so often, and been with him in
+so many trying scenes, he never _can_ have the heart to betray
+him, or us. Trust him, then he may be of infinite service."
+
+Even captain Willoughby, little disposed as he was to judge Nick
+favourably, was struck with the gleam of mamy kindness that shot across
+the dark face of the Indian, as he gazed at the glowing cheek and
+illuminated countenance of the ardent and beautiful girl.
+
+"Nick seems disposed to make a truce with _you_, at least, Maud,"
+he said, smiling, "and I shall now know where to look for a mediator,
+whenever any trouble arises between us."
+
+"I have known Wyandotte, dear sir, from childhood, and he has ever been
+my friend. He promised me, in particular, to be true to Bob, and I am
+happy to say he has ever kept his word."
+
+This was telling but half the story. Maud had made the Indian many
+presents, and most especially had she attended to his wants, when it
+was known he was to be the major's guide, the year previously, on his
+return to Boston. Nick had known her real father, and was present at
+his death. He was consequently acquainted with her actual position in
+the family of the Hutted Knoll; and, what was of far more consequence
+in present emergencies, he had fathomed the depths of her heart, in a
+way our heroine could hardly be said to have done herself. Off her
+guard with such a being, Maud's solicitude, however, had betrayed her,
+and the penetrating Tuscarora had discerned that which had escaped the
+observation of father, and mother, and sister. Had Nick been a pale-
+face, of the class of those with whom he usually associated, his
+discovery would have gone through the settlement, with scoffings and
+exaggerations; but this forest gentleman, for such was Wyandotte, in
+spite of his degradation and numerous failings, had too much
+consideration to make a woman's affections the subject of his
+coarseness and merriment. The secrets of Maud would not have been more
+sacred with her own brother, had such a relative existed to become her
+confidant, than it was with Saucy Nick.
+
+"Nick gal's friend," observed the Indian, quietly; "dat enough; what
+Nick say, Nick mean. What Nick _mean_, he _do_. Come, cap'in;
+time to quit squaw, and talk about war."
+
+At this hint, which was too plain to be misunderstood, captain
+Willoughby bade the Indian withdraw to the court, promising to follow
+him, as soon as he could hold a short conference with Joyce, who was
+now summoned to the council. The subject of discussion was the manner
+in which the Tuscarora had passed the stockade, and the probability of
+his being true. The serjeant was disposed to distrust all red-men, and
+he advised putting Nick under arrest, and to keep him in durance, until
+the return of light, at least.
+
+"I might almost say, your honour, that such are orders, sir. The advice
+to soldiers carrying on war with savages, tells us that the best course
+is to pay off treachery with treachery; and treachery is a red-skin's
+manual exercise. There is O'Hearn will make a capital sentinel, for the
+fellow is as true as the best steel in the army. Mr. Woods' room is
+empty, and it is so far out of the way that nothing will be easier than
+to keep the savage snug enough. Besides, by a little management, he
+might fancy we were doing him honour all the while."
+
+"We will see, serjeant," answered the captain. "It has a bad
+appearance, and yet it may be the wisest thing we can do. Let us first
+go the rounds, taking Nick with us for safety, and determine
+afterwards."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XX.
+
+  "His hand was stay'd--he knew not why;
+  'Twas a presence breathed around--
+  A pleading from the deep-blue sky,
+  And up from the teeming ground.
+  It told of the care that lavish'd had been
+  In sunshine and in dew--
+  Of the many things that had wrought a screen
+  When peril round it grew."
+
+  Mrs. Seba Smith.
+
+The desertions gave not only the captain, but his great support and
+auxiliary, the serjeant, the gravest apprehensions. A disposition of
+that nature is always contagious, men abandoning a failing cause much
+as rats are known to quit a sinking ship. It is not a matter of
+surprise, therefore, that the distrust which accompanied the unexpected
+appearance of the Tuscarora, became associated with this falling off in
+the loyalty of the garrison, in the minds of the two old soldiers.
+
+"I do think, your honour," said Joyce, as they entered the court
+together, "that we may depend on O'Hearn, and Jamie, and Strides. The
+latter, as a matter of course, being a corporal, or serjeant as he
+calls himself; and the two first, as men who have no ties but such as
+would be likely to keep them true to this family. But here is the
+corporal to speak for himself."
+
+As this was said, corporal Strides, as the serjeant persisted in
+terming Joel, on the ground that being but one step higher himself, the
+overseer could justly claim no rank of greater pretension, approached
+the captain, taking care to make the military salute which Joyce had
+never succeeded before in extracting from him, notwithstanding a
+hundred admonitions on the subject.
+
+"This is a distressing affair, captain Willoughby," observed Joel, in
+his most jesuitical manner; "and to me it is altogether onaccountable!
+It does seem to me ag'in natur', for a man to desart his own household
+and hum' (Joel meant '_home_') in the hour of trial. If a fellow-
+being wunt (Anglice 'wont') stand by his wife and children, he can
+hardly be expected to do any of his duties."
+
+"Quite true. Strides," answered the confiding captain, "though these
+deserters are not altogether as bad as you represent, since, you will
+remember, they have carried their wives and children with them."
+
+"I believe they have, sir--yes, that must be allowed to be true, and
+that it is, which to me seems the most extr'or'nary. The very men that
+a person would calcilate on the most, or the heads of families, have
+desarted, while them that remain behind are mostly single!"
+
+"If we single men have no wives and children of our own to fight for,
+Strides," observed Joyce, with a little military stiffness, "we have
+the wife and children of captain Willoughby; no man who wishes to sell
+his life dearly, need look for a better motive."
+
+"Thank you, serjeant," the captain said, feelingly--"On _you_, I
+can rely as on myself. So long as I have _you_, and Joel, here,
+and Mike and the blacks, and the rest of the brave fellows who have
+stood by me thus far, I shall not despair. _We_ can make good the
+house against ten times our own number. But, it is time to look to the
+Indians."
+
+"I was going to speak to the captain about Nick," put in Joel, who had
+listened to the eulogium on his own fidelity with some qualms of
+conscience. "I can't say I like the manner he has passed between the
+two parties; and that fellow has always seemed to me as if he owed the
+captain a mortal grudge; when an Injin _does_ owe a grudge, he is
+pretty sartain to pay it, in full."
+
+"This has passed over my mind, too, I will confess, Joel; yet Nick and
+I have been on reasonably good terms, when one comes to remember his
+character, on the one side, and the fact that I have commanded a
+frontier garrison on the other. If I have had occasion to flog him a
+few times, I have also had occasion to give him more rum than has done
+him good, with now and then a dollar."
+
+"There I think the captain miscalcilates," observed Joel with a
+knowledge of human nature that would have been creditable to him, had
+he practised on it himself. "No man is thankful for rum when the
+craving is off, sin' he knows he has been taking an inimy into his
+stomach; and as for the money, it was much the same as giving the
+liquor, seem' that it went for liquor as soon as he could trot down to
+the mill. A man will seek his revenge for rum, as soon as for anything
+else, when he gets to feel injuries uppermost. Besides, I s'pose the
+captain knows an injury will be remembered long a'ter a favour is
+forgotten."
+
+"This may be true, Strides, and certainly I shall keep my eyes on the
+Indian. Can you mention any particular act, that excites your
+suspicion?"
+
+"Don't the captain think Nick may have had suthin' to do with the
+desartions?--A dozen men would scarce desart all at once, as it might
+be, onless someone was at the bottom of it."
+
+This was true enough, certainly, though Joel chose to keep out of view
+all his own machinations and arts on the subject. The captain was
+struck by the suggestion, and he determined to put his first intention
+in respect to Nick in force immediately. Still, it was necessary to
+proceed with caution, the state of the Hut rendering a proper watch and
+a suitable prison difficult to be obtained. These circumstances were
+mentioned to the overseer, who led the way to the part of the buildings
+occupied by his own family; and, throwing open the doors,
+ostentatiously exhibited Phoebe and her children in their customary
+beds, at a moment when so many others had proved recreant. His
+professed object was to offer a small closet in his own rooms as a
+prison for Nick, remarking he must be an ingenious savage indeed, if he
+could escape the vigilance of as many watchful eyes as would then be on
+him.
+
+"I believe you, Strides," said the captain, smiling as he walked away
+from the place; "if he can escape Phoebe and _her_ children, the
+fellow must be made of quicksilver. Still, I have a better prison in
+view. I am glad to see this proof, however, of your own fidelity, by
+finding all your family in their beds; for those are not wanting who
+would have me suspect even _you_"
+
+"Me!--Well, if the captain can't count on his own overseer, I should
+like to ask such persons on whom he _can_ count? Madam Willoughby
+and the young ladies isn't more likely to remain true than I am,
+myself, I should think--What in reason, or natur', or all lawful
+objects, could make _me_----"
+
+Joel was about to run into that excess of vindication that is a little
+apt to mark guilt; but, the captain cut him short, by telling him it
+was unnecessary, recommending vigilance, and walking away in search of
+Nick.
+
+The Indian was found standing beneath the arch of the gateway, upright,
+motionless, and patient. A lantern was kept burning here, the place
+being used as a sort of guard-house; and, by its light, it was easy to
+perceive the state of the still unhung leaf of the passage. This leaf,
+however, was propped in its place, by strong timbers; and, on the
+whole, many persons would think it the most secure half of the gate.
+Captain Willoughby observed that the Indian was studying this
+arrangement when he entered the place himself. The circumstance caused
+him uneasiness, and quickened his determination to secure the Indian.
+
+"Well, Nick," he said, concealing his intention under an appearance of
+indifference, "you see our gates are well fastened, and steady hands
+and quick eyes will do the rest. It is getting late, and I wish to have
+you comfortably lodged before I lie down myself. Follow me, and I will
+show you to a place where you will be at your ease."
+
+The Tuscarora understood the captain's object the instant he spoke of
+giving him comfortable lodgings, a bed being a thing that was virtually
+unknown to his habits. But, he raised no objections, quietly treading
+in the other's footsteps, until both were in the bed-room of the absent
+Mr. Woods. The apartments of the chaplain were above the library, and,
+being in the part of the house that was fortified by the cliff, they
+had dormer windows that looked toward the forest. The height of these
+windows the captain thought would be a sufficient security against
+flight; and by setting Mike and one of the Plinys on the look-out, to
+relieve each other at intervals of four hours, he thought the Tuscarora
+might be kept until the return of light. The hour when he most
+apprehended danger was that which just precedes the day, sleep then
+pressing the heaviest on the sentinel's eyelids, and rest having
+refreshed the assailants.
+
+"Here, Wyandotte, I intend you shall pass the night," said the captain,
+assuming as much courtesy of manner as if he were doing the honours of
+his house to an invited and honoured guest. "I know you despise a bed,
+but there are blankets, and by spreading them on the floor, you can
+make your own arrangements."
+
+Nick made a gesture of assent, looking cautiously around him, carefully
+avoiding every appearance of curiosity at the same time, more in pride
+of character, however, than in cunning. Nevertheless, he took in the
+history of the locality at a glance.
+
+"It is well," he said; "a Tuscarora chief no t'ink of sleep. Sleep come
+standing, walking; _where_ he will, _when_ he will. Dog eats,
+den lie down to sleep; warrior always ready. Good bye, cap'in--to-
+morrow see him ag'in."
+
+"Good night, Nick. I have ordered your old friend Mike, the Irishman,
+to come and sit in your room, lest you might want something in the
+night. You are good friends with Mike, I believe; I chose him on that
+account."
+
+The Indian understood this, too; but not an angry gleam, no smile, nor
+any other sign, betrayed his consciousness of the captain's motives.
+
+"Mike _good_" he answered, with emphasis. "Long tongue--short
+t'ink. Say much; mean little. Heart sound, like hard oak--mind, like
+spunk--burn quick, no too much strong."
+
+This sententious and accurate delineation of the county Leitrim-man's
+characteristics induced a smile in the captain; but, O'Hearn entering
+at the moment, and possessing his entire confidence, he saw no use in
+replying. In another minute the two worthies were left in possession of
+the bed-room, Michael having received a most solemn injunction not to
+be tempted to drink.
+
+It was now so late, the captain determined to let the regular watches
+of the night take their course. He held a short consultation with
+Joyce, who took the first ward, and then threw himself on a mattrass,
+in his clothes, his affectionate wife having done the same thing, by
+the side of her daughters and grandson in an adjoining room. In a short
+time, the sounds of footsteps ceased in the Hut; and, one unacquainted
+with the real state of the household, might have fancied that the peace
+and security of one of its ancient midnights were reigning about the
+Knoll.
+
+It was just two in the morning, when the serjeant tapped lightly at the
+door of his commanding officer's room. The touch was sufficient to
+bring the captain to his feet, and he instantly demanded the news.
+
+"Nothing but sentry-go, your honour," replied Joyce. "I am as fresh as
+a regiment that is just marching out of barracks, and can easily stand
+the guard till daylight. Still, as it was orders to call your honour at
+two, I could do no less, you know, sir."
+
+"Very well, serjeant--I will just wash my eyes, and be with you in a
+minute. How has the night gone?"
+
+"Famously quiet, sir. Not even an owl to trouble it. The sentinels have
+kept their eyes wide open, dread of the scalping-knife being a good
+wakener, and no sign of any alarm has been seen. I will wait for your
+honour, in the court, the moment of relieving guard being often chosen
+by a cunning enemy for the assault."
+
+"Yes," sputtered the captain, his face just emerging from the
+water--"if he happen to know when that is."
+
+In another minute, the two old soldiers were together in the court,
+waiting the return of Jamie Allen with his report, the mason having
+been sent round to the beds of the fresh men to call the guard. It was
+not long, however, before the old man was seen hastening towards the
+spot where Joyce had bid him come.
+
+"The Lord ha' maircy on us, and on a' wretched sinners!" exclaimed
+Jamie, as soon as near enough to be heard without raising his voice on
+too high a key--"there are just the beds of the three Connecticut lads
+that were to come into the laird's guard, as empty as a robin's nest
+fra' which the yang ha' flown!"
+
+"Do you mean, Jamie, that the boys have deserted?"
+
+"It's just that; and no need of ca'ing it by anither name. The Hoose o'
+Hanover wad seem to have put the de'il in a' the lads, women and
+children included, and to have raised up a spirit o' disaffection, that
+is fast leaving us to carry on this terrible warfare with our ain
+hearts and bodies."
+
+"With your honour's permission," said the serjeant, "I would ask
+corporal Allen if the deserters have gone off with their arms and
+accoutrements?"
+
+"Airms? Ay, and legs, and a' belonging to 'em, with mair that is the
+lawfu' property of the laird. Not so much as a flint is left behind."
+
+"Then we may count on seeing all the fellows in the enemy's ranks," the
+serjeant quietly remarked, helping himself to the tobacco from which he
+had refrained throughout the previous hours of the night, Joyce being
+too much of a _martinet_ to smoke or chew on duty. "It's up-hill
+work, your honour, when every deserter counts two, in this manner. The
+civil wars, however, are remarkable for this sort of wheeling, and
+facing to the right-about; the same man often changing his colours two
+or three times in a campaign."
+
+Captain Willoughby received the news of this addition to his ill luck
+with an air of military stoicism, though he felt, in reality, more like
+a father and a husband on the occasion than like a hero. Accustomed to
+self-command, he succeeded in concealing the extent of his uneasiness,
+while he immediately set about inquiring into the extent of the evil.
+
+"Joel is to join my watch," he said, "and _he_ may throw some
+light on this affair. Let us call him, at once, for a few minutes may
+prove of importance."
+
+Even while speaking, the captain crossed the court, accompanied by the
+serjeant and mason; and, ceremony being little attended to on such
+occasions, they all entered the quarters of Strides, in a body. The
+place was empty! Man, woman, and children had abandoned the spot,
+seemingly in a body; and this, too, far from empty-handed. The manner
+in which the room had been stripped, indeed, was the first fact which
+induced the captain to believe that a man so much and so long trusted
+would desert him in a strait so serious. There could be no mistake;
+and, for a moment, the husband and father felt such a sinking of the
+heart as would be apt to follow the sudden conviction that his enemies
+must prevail.
+
+"Let us look further, Joyce," he said, "and ascertain the extent of the
+evil at once."
+
+"This is a very bad example, your honour, that corporal Strides has set
+the men, and we may expect to hear of more desertions. A non-
+commissioned officer should have had too much pride for this! I have
+always remarked, sir, in the army, that when a non-commissioned officer
+left his colours, he was pretty certain to carry off a platoon with
+him."
+
+The search justified this opinion of the serjeant. A complete
+examination of the quarters of all the men having been made, it was
+ascertained that every white man in the Hut, the serjeant, Jamie Allen,
+and a young New England labourer of the name of Blodget excepted, had
+abandoned the place. Every man had carried off with him his arms and
+ammunition, leaving the rooms as naked of defence as they had been
+before they were occupied. Women and children, too, were all gone,
+proving that the flights had been made deliberately, and with concert.
+This left the Hut to be defended by its owner, the serjeant, the two
+Plinys and a young descendant of the same colour, Jamie Allen, Blodget
+and Mike, who had not yet been relieved from his ward over the Indian;
+eight men in all, who might possibly receive some assistance from the
+four black females in the kitchen.
+
+The captain examined this small array of force, every man but Mike
+being up and in the line, with a saddened countenance; for he
+remembered what a different appearance it made only the previous day,
+when he had his gallant son too, with him, a host in himself. It added
+mortification to regret, also, when he remembered that this great loss
+had been made without a single blow having been struck in defence of
+his precious family, and his lawful rights.
+
+"We must close the gate of the court, and bar it at once, Joyce," the
+captain said, as soon as fully apprised of the true state of his force.
+"It will be quite sufficient if we make good the house, with this
+handful of men; giving up all hope of doing anything with the stockade.
+It is the facility offered by the open gateway that has led to all this
+mischief."
+
+"I don't know, your honour. When desertion once fairly gets into a
+man's mind, it's wonderful the means he will find to bring about his
+wishes. Corporal Strides, no doubt has passed his family and his kit
+through both gates; for, being in authority, our people were hardly
+disciplined enough to understand the difference between a non-
+commissioned officer _on_ guard and one _off_ guard; but,
+there were a hundred ways to mischief, even had there been no gate.
+Jamie, take one of the blacks, and bar the inner gate. What is your
+honour's pleasure next?"
+
+"I wish my mind were at ease on the subject of the Tuscarora. With
+Nick's assistance as a runner and spy, and even as a sharp-shooter, we
+should be vastly stronger. See to the gate yourself, serjeant, then
+follow me to Mr. Woods' room."
+
+This was done, the captain waiting for his companion on the threshold
+of the outer door. Ascending the narrow stairs, they were soon on the
+floor above, and were happy to find the door of the Tuscarora's prison
+fastened without, as they had left it; this precaution having been
+taken as a salutary assistance to O'Hearn's sagacity. Undoing these
+fastenings, the serjeant stepped aside to allow his superior to precede
+him, as became their respective stations. The captain advanced, holding
+the lantern before him, and found an empty room. Both Nick and Mike
+were gone, though it was not easy to discover by what means they had
+quitted the place. The door was secure, the windows were down, and the
+chimney was too small to allow of the passage of a human body. The
+defection of the Irishman caused the captain great pain, while it
+produced surprise even in the serjeant. Mike's fidelity had been
+thought of proof; and, for an instant, the master of the place was
+disposed to believe some evil spirit had been at work to corrupt his
+people.
+
+"This is more than I could have expected, Joyce!" he said, as much in
+sorrow as in anger. "I should have as soon looked for the desertion of
+old Pliny as that of Mike!"
+
+"It is extr'or'nary, sir; but one is never safe without in-and-in
+discipline. A drill a week, and that only for an hour or two of a
+Saturday afternoon, captain Willoughby, may make a sort of country
+militia, but it will do nothing for the field. 'Talk of enlisting men
+for a year, serjeant Joyce,' said old colonel Flanker to me, one day in
+the last war--'why it will take a year to teach a soldier how to eat.
+Your silly fellows in the provincial assemblies fancy because a man has
+teeth, and a stomach, and an appetite, that he knows how to _eat_;
+but eating is an _art_, serjeant; and military eating above all
+other branches of it; and I maintain a soldier can no more learn how to
+eat, as a soldier, the colonel meant, your honour, than he can learn to
+plan a campaign by going through the manual exercise.' For my part,
+captain Willoughby, I have always thought it took a man his first five
+years' enlistment to learn how to obey orders."
+
+"I had thought that Irishman's heart in the right place, Joyce, and
+counted as much on him as I did on you!"
+
+"On me, captain Willoughby!" answered the serjeant, in a tone of
+mortification. "I should think your honour would have made some
+difference between your old orderly--a man who had served thirty years
+in your own regiment, and most of the time in your own company, and a
+bit of a wild Hibernian of only ten years' acquaintance, and he a man
+who never saw a battalion paraded for real service!"
+
+"I see my error now, Joyce; but Michael had so much blundering honesty
+about him, or seemed to have, that I have been his dupe. It is too
+late, however, to repine; the fellow is gone; it only remains to
+ascertain the manner of his flight. May not Joel have undone the
+fastenings of the door, and let him and the Indian escape together, in
+common with the rest of the deserters?"
+
+"I secured that door, sir, with my own hands, in a military manner, and
+know that it was found as I left it. The Rev. Mr. Woods' bed seems to
+have been disturbed; perhaps that may furnish a clue."
+
+A clue the bed did furnish, and it solved the problem. The bed-cord was
+removed, and both the sheets and one of the blankets were missing. This
+directed the inquiry to the windows, one of which was not closed
+entirely. A chimney stood near the side of this window, and by its aid
+it was not difficult to reach the ridge of the roof. On the inner side
+of the roof was the staging, or walk, already mentioned; and, once on
+that, a person could make the circuit of the entire roof, in perfect
+safety. Joyce mounted to the ridge, followed by the captain, and gained
+the staging with a little effort, whence they proceeded round the
+buildings to ascertain if the rope was not yet hanging over the
+exterior, as a means of descent. It was found as expected, and
+withdrawn lest it might be used to introduce enemies within the house.
+
+These discoveries put the matter of Michael's delinquency at rest. He
+had clearly gone off with his prisoner, and might next be looked for in
+the ranks of the besiegers. The conviction of this truth gave the
+captain more than uneasiness; it caused him pain, for the county
+Leitrim-man had been a favourite with the whole family, and most
+especially with his daughter Maud.
+
+"I do not think you and the blacks will leave me, Joyce," he observed,
+as the serjeant and himself descended, by the common passage, to the
+court. "On _you_ I can rely, as I would rely on my noble son, were
+he with me at this moment."
+
+"I beg your honour's pardon--few words tell best for a man, deeds being
+his duty--but, if your honour will have the condescension just to issue
+your orders, the manner in which they shall be obeyed will tell the
+whole story."
+
+"I am satisfied of that, serjeant; we must put shoulder to shoulder,
+and die in the breach, should it be necessary, before we give up the
+place."
+
+By this time the two old soldiers were again in the court, where they
+found all their remaining force, of the male sex; the men being too
+uneasy, indeed, to think of going to their pallets, until better
+assured of their safety. Captain Willoughby ordered Joyce to draw them
+up in line again, when he addressed them once more in person.
+
+"My friends," the captain commenced, "there would be little use in
+attempting to conceal from you our real situation; nor would it be
+strictly honest. You see here every man on whom I can now depend for
+the defence of my fireside and family. Mike has gone with the rest, and
+the Indian has escaped in his company. You can make up your own
+opinions of our chances of success, but my resolution is formed. Before
+I open a gate to the merciless wretches without, who are worse than the
+savages of the wilderness, possessing all their bad and none of their
+redeeming qualities, it is my determination to be buried under the
+ruins of this dwelling. But you are not bound to imitate my example;
+and, if any man among you, black or white, regrets being here at this
+moment, he shall still have arms and ammunition, and food given him,
+the gates shall be opened and he may go freely to seek his safety in
+the forest. For God's sake let there be no more desertions; he that
+wishes to quit me, may now quit me unmolested; but, after this moment,
+martial law will _be_, enforced, and I shall give orders to shoot
+down any man detected in treachery, as I would shoot down a vicious
+dog."
+
+This address was heard in profound silence. No man stirred, nor did any
+man speak.
+
+"Blodget," continued the captain, "you have been with me a shorter time
+than any other person present, and cannot feel the same attachment to
+me and mine as the rest. You are the only native American among us,
+Joyce excepted--for we count the blacks as nothing in respect to
+country--may feel that I am an Englishman born, as I fear has been the
+case with the rest of your friends. Perhaps I ought not to ask you to
+remain. Take your arms, then, and make the best of your way to the
+settlements. Should you reach Albany, you might even serve me
+essentially by delivering a letter I will confide to you, and which
+will bring us effectual succour."
+
+The young man did not answer, though his fingers worked on the barrel
+of his musket, and he shifted his weight, from leg to leg, like one
+whose inward feelings were moved.
+
+"I believe I understand you, captain Willoughby," he said, at length,
+"though I think you don't understand me. I know you old country people
+think meanly of us new country people, but I suppose that's in the
+nature of things; then, I allow Joel Strides' conduct has been such as
+to give you reason to judge us harshly. But there is a difference among
+_us_, as well as among the English; and some of us--won't say I am
+such a man, but actions speak louder than words, and all will be known
+in the end--but _some_ of us will be found true to our bargains,
+as well as other men."
+
+"Bravely answered, my lad," cried the serjeant, heartily, and looking
+round at his commander with exultation, to congratulate him on having
+such a follower--"This is a man who will obey orders through thick and
+thin, I'll answer for it, your honour. Little does he care who's king
+or who's governor, so long as he knows his captain and his corps."
+
+"There you are mistaken, serjeant Joyce," the youth observed, firmly.
+"I'm for my country, and I'd quit this house in a minute, did I believe
+captain Willoughby meant to help the crown. But I have lived long
+enough here to know he is at the most neutral; though I think he rather
+favours the side of the colonies than that of the crown."
+
+"You have judged rightly, Blodget," observed the captain. "I do not
+quite like this declaration of independence, though I can scarce blame
+congress for having made it. Of the two, I think the Americans nearest
+right, and I now conceive myself to be more of an American than an
+Englishman. I wish this to be understood, Joyce."
+
+"Do you, sir?--It's just as your honour pleases. I didn't know which
+side it was your pleasure to support, nor does it make any great
+difference with most of us. Orders are orders, let them come from king
+or colonies. I would take the liberty of recommending, your honour,
+that this young man be promoted. Strides' desertion has left a vacancy
+among the corporals, and we shall want another for the guard. It would
+hardly do to make a nigger a corporal."
+
+"Very well, Joyce, have it as you wish," interrupted the captain, a
+little impatiently; for he perceived he had a spirit to deal with in
+Blodget that must hold such trifles at their true value. "Let it be
+corporal Allen and corporal Blodget in future."
+
+"Do you hear, men?--These are general orders. The relieved guard will
+fall out, and try to get a little sleep, as we shall parade again half
+an hour before day."
+
+Alas! the relieved guard, like the relief itself, consisted of only two
+men, corporal Blodget and Pliny the younger; old Pliny, in virtue of
+his household work, being rated as an idler. These five, with the
+captain and the serjeant, made the number of the garrison seven, which
+was the whole male force that now remained.
+
+Captain Willoughby directed Joyce and his two companions to go to their
+pallets, notwithstanding, assuming the charge of the look-out himself,
+and profiting by the occasion to make himself better acquainted with
+the character of his new corporal than circumstances had hitherto
+permitted.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXI.
+
+ "For thee they fought, for thee they fell,
+  And their oath was on thee laid;
+  To thee the clarions raised their swell,
+  And the dying warriors pray'd."
+
+  Percival.
+
+The distaste for each other which existed between the people of New
+England and those of the adjoining colonies, anterior to the war of the
+revolution, is a matter of history. It was this feeling that threw
+Schuyler, one of the ablest and best men in the service of his country,
+into the shade, a year later than the period of which we are writing.
+This feeling was very naturally produced, and, under the circumstances,
+was quite likely to be active in a revolution. Although New England and
+New York were contiguous territories, a wide difference existed between
+their social conditions. Out of the larger towns, there could scarcely
+be said to be a gentry at all, in the former; while the latter, a
+conquered province, had received the frame-work of the English system,
+possessing Lords of the Manor, and divers other of the fragments of the
+feudal system. So great was the social equality throughout the interior
+of the New England provinces, indeed, as almost to remove the commoner
+distinctions of civilised associations, bringing all classes
+surprisingly near the same level, with the exceptions of the very low,
+or some rare instance of an individual who was raised above his
+neighbours by unusual wealth, aided perhaps by the accidents of birth,
+and the advantages of education.
+
+The results of such a state of society are easily traced. Habit had
+taken the place of principles, and a people accustomed to see even
+questions of domestic discipline referred, either to the church or to
+public sentiment, and who knew few or none of the ordinary distinctions
+of social intercourse, submitted to the usages of other conditions of
+society, with singular distaste and stubborn reluctance. The native of
+New England deferred singularly to great wealth, in 1776 as he is known
+to defer to it to-day; but it was opposed to all his habits and
+prejudices to defer to social station. Unused to intercourse with what
+was then called the great world of the provinces, he knew not how to
+appreciate its manners or opinions; and, as is usual with the
+provincial, he affected to despise that which he neither practised nor
+understood. This, at once, indisposed him to acknowledge the
+distinctions of classes; and, when accident threw him into the
+adjoining province, he became marked, at once, for decrying the usages
+he encountered, comparing them, with singular self-felicitation, to
+those he had left behind him; sometimes with justice beyond a doubt,
+but oftener in provincial ignorance and narrow bigotry.
+
+A similar state of things, on a larger scale, has been witnessed, more
+especially in western New York, since the peace of '83; the great
+inroads of emigrants from the New England states having almost
+converted that district of country into an eastern colony. Men of the
+world, while they admit how much has been gained in activity, available
+intelligence of the practical school, and enterprise, regret that the
+fusion has been quite so rapid and so complete; it being apparently a
+law of nature that nothing precious that comes of man shall be enjoyed
+altogether without alloy.
+
+The condition in which captain Willoughby was now placed, might have
+been traced to causes connected with the feelings and habits above
+alluded to. It was distasteful to Joel Strides, and one or two of his
+associates, to see a social chasm as wide as that which actually
+existed between the family of the proprietor of the Knoll and his own,
+growing no narrower; and an active cupidity, with the hopes of
+confiscations, or an abandonment of the estate, came in aid of this
+rankling jealousy of station; the most uneasy, as it is the meanest of
+all our vices. Utterly incapable of appreciating the width of that void
+which separates the gentleman from the man of coarse feelings and
+illiterate vulgarity, he began to preach that doctrine of exaggerated
+and mistaken equality which says "one man is as good as another," a
+doctrine that is nowhere engrafted even on the most democratic of our
+institutions to-day, since it would totally supersede the elections,
+and leave us to draw lots for public trusts, as men are drawn for
+juries. On ordinary occasions, the malignant machinations of Strides
+would probably have led to no results; but, aided by the opinions and
+temper of the times, he had no great difficulty in undermining his
+master's popularity, by incessant and well-digested appeals to the envy
+and cupidity of his companions. The probity, liberality, and manly
+sincerity of captain Willoughby, often counteracted his schemes, it is
+true; but, as even the stone yields to constant attrition, so did Joel
+finally succeed in overcoming the influence of these high qualities, by
+dint of perseverance, and cunning, not a little aided by certain
+auxiliaries freely obtained from the Father of Lies.
+
+As our tale proceeds, Joel's connection with the late movement will
+become more apparent, and we prefer leaving the remainder of the
+explanations to take their proper places in the course of the
+narrative.
+
+Joyce was so completely a matter of drill, that he was in a sound sleep
+three minutes after he had lain down, the negro who belonged to his
+guard imitating his industry in this particular with equal coolness. As
+for the thoughtful Scotchman, Jamie Allen, sleep and he were strangers
+that night. To own the truth, the disaffection of Mike not only
+surprised, but it disappointed him. He remained in the court,
+therefore, conversing on the subject with the "laird," after his
+companions had fallen asleep.
+
+"I wad na hae' thought that o' Michael," he said, "for the man had an
+honest way with him, and was so seeming valiant, that I could na hae'
+supposed him capable of proving a desairter. Mony's the time that I've
+heard him swear--for Michael was an awfu' hand at that vice, when his
+betters were no near to rebuke him--but often has he swore that Madam,
+and her winsome daughters, were the pride of his een; ay, and their
+delight too!"
+
+"The poor fellow has yielded to my unlucky fortune, Jamie," returned
+the captain, "and I sometimes think it were better had you all imitated
+his example."
+
+"Begging pairdon, captain Willoughby, for the familiarity, but ye're
+just wrang, fra' beginning to end, in the supposition. No man with a
+hairt in his body wad desairt ye in a time like this, and no mair 's to
+be said in the matter. Nor do I think that luuk has had anything to do
+with Michael's deficiency, unless ye ca' it luuk to be born and
+edicated in a misguiding religion. Michael's catholicity is at the
+bottom of his backsliding, ye'll find, if ye look closely into the
+maiter."
+
+"I do not see how that is to be made out, Allen; all sects of the
+Christian religion, I believe, teaching us to abide by our engagements,
+and to perform our duties."
+
+"Na doubt--na doubt, 'squire Willoughby--there's a seeming desire to
+teach as much in a' churches; but ye'll no deny that the creatur' o'
+Rome wears a mask, and that catholicity is, at the best, but a wicked
+feature to enter into the worship of God."
+
+"Catholicism, Jamie, means adherence to the catholic church--"
+
+"Just that--just that"--interrupted the Scot, eagerly--and it's that o'
+which I complain. All protestants--wather fully disposed, or ainly
+half-disposed, as may be the case with the English kirk--all
+protestants agree in condemning the varry word catholic, which is a
+sign and a symbol of the foul woman o' Babylon."
+
+"Then, Jamie, they agree in condemning what they don't understand. I
+should be sorry to think I am not a member of the catholic church
+myself."
+
+Yersal'!--No, captain Willoughby, ye're no catholic, though you are a
+bit akin to it, perhaps. I know that Mr. Woods, that's now in the hands
+o' the savages, prays for the catholics, and professes to believe in
+what he ca's the 'Holy Catholic Kirk;' but, then, I've always supposed
+that was in the way o' Christian charity like; for one is obleeged to
+use decent language, ye'll be acknowledging, sir, in the pulpit, if
+it's only for appearance's sake."
+
+"Well--well--Jamie; a more fitting occasion may occur for discussing
+matters of this nature, and we will postpone the subject to another
+time. I may have need of your services an hour or two hence, and it
+will be well for every man to come to the work fresh and clear-headed.
+Go to your pallet then, and expect an early call."
+
+The mason was not a man to oppose such an order coming from the
+'laird;' and he withdrew, leaving the captain standing in the centre of
+the court quite alone. We say alone, for young Blodget had ascended to
+the gallery or staging that led around the inner sides of the roofs,
+while the negro on guard was stationed at the gateway, as the only
+point where the Hut could be possibly carried by a _coup-de-main._
+As the first of these positions commanded the best exterior view from
+the inside of the buildings, the captain mounted the stairs he had so
+recently descended, and joined the young Rhode Islander at his post.
+
+The night was star-light, but the elevation at which the two watchers
+were placed, was unfavourable to catching glimpses of any lurking
+enemy. The height confounded objects with the ground on which they were
+placed, though Blodget told the captain he did not think a man could
+cross the palisades without his being seen. By moving along the staging
+on the southern side of the quadrangle, he could keep a tolerable look-
+out, on the front and two flanks, at the same time. Still, this duty
+could not be performed without considerable risk, as the head and
+shoulders of a man moving along the ridge of the building would be
+almost certain to attract the eye of any Indian without. This was the
+first circumstance that the captain remarked on joining his companion,
+and gratitude induced him to point it out, in order that the other
+might, in a degree at least, avoid the danger.
+
+"I suppose, Blodget, this is the first of your service," said captain
+Willoughby, "and it is not easy to impress on a young man the
+importance of unceasing vigilance against savage artifices."
+
+"I admit the truth of all you say, sir," answered Blodget, "though I do
+not believe any attempt will be made on the house, until the other side
+has sent in what the serjeant calls another flag."
+
+"What reason have you for supposing this?" asked the captain, in a
+little surprise.
+
+"It seems unreasonable for men to risk their lives when an easier way
+to conquest may seem open to them. That is all I meant, captain
+Willoughby."
+
+"I believe I understand you, Blodget. You think Joel and his friends
+have succeeded so well in drawing off my men, that they may be inclined
+to wait a little, in order to ascertain if further advantages may not
+be obtained in the same way."
+
+Blodget confessed that he had some such thoughts in his mind, while, at
+the same time, he declared that he believed the disaffection would go
+no further.
+
+"It is not easy for it to do so," returned the captain, smiling a
+little bitterly, as he remembered how many who had eaten of his bread,
+and had been cared for by him, in sickness and adversity, had deserted
+him in his need, "unless they persuade my wife and daughters to follow
+those who have led the way."
+
+Respect kept Blodget silent for a minute; then uneasiness induced him
+to speak.
+
+"I hope captain Willoughby don't distrust any who now remain with him,"
+he said. "If so, I know I must be the person."
+
+"Why you, in particular, young man? With you, surely, have every reason
+to be satisfied."
+
+"It cannot be serjeant Joyce, for he will stay until he get your orders
+to march," the youth replied, not altogether without humour in his
+manner; "and, as for the Scotchman, he is old, and men of his years are
+not apt to wait so long, if they intend to be traitors. The negroes all
+love you, as if you were their father, and there is no one but me left
+to betray you."
+
+"I thank you for this short enumeration of my strength, Blodget, since
+it gives me new assurance of my people's fidelity. You I _will_
+not distrust; the others I _cannot_, and there is a feeling of
+high confidence--What do you see?--why do you lower your piece, and
+stand at guard, in this manner?"
+
+"That is a man's form, sir, on the right of the gate, trying to climb
+the palisades. I have had my eye on it, for some time, and I feel sure
+of my aim."
+
+"Hold an instant, Blodget; let us be certain before we act."
+
+The young man lowered the butt of his piece, waiting patiently and
+calmly for his superior to decide. There was a human form visible, sure
+enough, and it was seen slowly and cautiously rising until it reached
+the summit of the stockade, where it appeared to pause to reconnoitre.
+Whether it were a pale-face or a red-skin, it was impossible to
+distinguish, though the whole movement left little doubt that an
+assailant or a spy was attempting to pass the outer defences.
+
+"We cannot spare that fellow," said the captain, with a little regret
+in his manner; "it is more than we can afford. You must bring him down,
+Blodget. The instant you have fired, come to the other end of the
+stage, where we will watch the result."
+
+This arranged, the captain prudently passed away from the spot, turning
+to note the proceedings of his companion, the moment he was at the
+opposite angle of the gallery. Blodget was in no haste. He waited until
+his aim was certain; then the stillness of the valley was rudely broken
+by the sharp report of a rifle, and a flash illumined its obscurity.
+The figure fell outward, like a bird shot from its perch, lying in a
+ball at the foot of the stockade. Still, no cry or groan gave evidence
+of nature surprised by keen and unexpected anguish. At the next instant
+Blodget was by captain Willoughby's side. His conduct was a pledge of
+fidelity that could not be mistaken, and a warm squeeze of the hand
+assured the youth of his superior's approbation.
+
+It was necessary to be cautious, however, and to watch the result with
+ceaseless vigilance. Joyce and the men below had taken the alarm, and
+the serjeant with his companions were ordered up on the stage
+immediately, leaving the negro, alone, to watch the gate. A message was
+also sent to the females, to give them confidence, and particularly to
+direct the blacks to arm, and to repair to the loops.
+
+All this was done without confusion, and with so little noise as to
+prevent those without from understanding what was in progress. Terror
+kept the negroes silent, and discipline the others. As every one had
+lain down in his or her clothes, it was not a minute before every being
+in the Hut was up, and in motion. It is unnecessary to speak of the
+mental prayers and conflicting emotions with which Mrs. Willoughby and
+her daughters prepared themselves for the struggle; and, yet, even the
+beautiful and delicate Maud braced her nerves to meet the emergency of
+a frontier assault. As for Beulah, gentle, peaceful, and forgiving as
+she was by nature, the care of little Evert aroused all the mother
+within her, and something like a frown that betokened resolution was,
+for a novelty, seen on her usually placid face.
+
+A moment sufficed to let Joyce and his companions into the state of
+affairs. There now being four armed men on the stage, one took each of
+the three exposed sides of the buildings to watch, leaving the master
+of the house to move from post to post, to listen to suggestions, hear
+reports, and communicate orders.
+
+The dark object that lay at the foot of the palisades was pointed out
+to the serjeant the instant he was on the stage, and one of his offices
+was to observe it, in order to ascertain if it moved, or whether any
+attempts were made to carry off the body. The American Indians attach
+all the glory or shame of a battle to the acquisition or loss of
+scalps, and one of their practices was to remove those who had fallen,
+at every hazard, in order to escape the customary mutilation. Some
+tribes even believed it disgrace to suffer a dead body to be struck by
+the enemy, and many a warrior has lost his life in the effort to save
+the senseless corpse of a comrade from this fancied degradation.
+
+As soon as the little stir created in the Hut by the mustering of the
+men was over, a stillness as profound as that which had preceded the
+alarm reigned around the place. No noise came from the direction of the
+mill; no cry, or call, or signal of battle was heard; everything lay in
+the quiet of midnight. Half an hour thus passed, when the streak of
+light that appeared in the east announced the approach of day.
+
+The twenty minutes that succeeded were filled with intense anxiety. The
+slow approach of light gradually brought out object after object in the
+little panorama, awakening and removing alike, conjectures and
+apprehensions. At first the grey of the palisades became visible; then
+the chapel, in its sombre outlines; the skirts of the woods; the
+different cabins that lined them; the cattle in the fields, and the
+scattering trees. As for Joyce, he kept his gaze fastened on the object
+at the foot of the stockade, expecting every instant there would be an
+attempt to carry it off.
+
+At length, the light became so strong as to allow the eye to take in
+the entire surface of the natural _glacis_ without the defences,
+bringing the assurance that no enemy was near. As the ground was
+perfectly clear, a few fruit-trees and shrubs on the lawn excepted, and
+by changing positions on the stage, these last could now be examined on
+all sides, nothing was easier than to make certain of this fact. The
+fences, too, were light and open, rendering it impossible for any
+ambush or advancing party to shelter itself behind them. In a word,
+daylight brought the comfortable assurance to those within the
+palisades that another night was passed without bringing an assault.
+
+"We shall escape this morning, I do believe, Joyce," said the captain,
+who had laid down his rifle, and no longer felt it necessary to keep
+the upper portions of his body concealed behind the roof--"Nothing can
+be seen that denotes an intention to attack, and not an enemy is near."
+
+"I will take one more thorough look, your honour," answered the
+serjeant, mounting to the ridge of the building, where he obtained the
+immaterial advantage of seeing more at the same time, at the risk of
+exposing his whole person, should any hostile rifle be in reach of a
+bullet--"then we may be certain."
+
+Joyce was a man who stood just six feet in his stockings, and, losing
+no part of this stature by his setting up, a better object for a sharp-
+shooter could not have been presented than he now offered. The crack of
+a rifle soon saluted the ears of the garrison; then followed the
+whizzing of the bullet as it came humming through the air towards the
+Hut. But the report was so distant as at once to announce that the
+piece was discharged from the margin of the forest; a certain evidence
+of two important facts; one, that the enemy had fallen back to a cover;
+the other, that the house was narrowly watched.
+
+Nothing tries the nerves of a young soldier more than the whizzing of a
+distant fire. The slower a bullet or a shot approaches, the more noise
+it makes; and, the sound continuing longer than is generally imagined,
+the uninitiated are apt to imagine that the dangerous missile is
+travelling on an errand directly towards themselves. Space appears
+annihilated, and raw hands are often seen to duck at a round shot that
+is possibly flying a hundred yards from them.
+
+On the present occasion, the younger Pliny fairly squatted below the
+root Jamie thought it prudent to put some of his own masonry, which was
+favourably placed in an adjacent chimney for such a purpose, between
+him and the spot whence the report proceeded; while even Blodget looked
+up into the air, as if he expected to _see_ where the bullet was
+going. Captain Willoughby had no thought of the missile he was looking
+for the smoke in the skirts of the woods, to note the spot; while
+Joyce, with folded arms, stood at rest on the ridge, actually examining
+the valley in another direction, certain that a fire so distant could
+not be very dangerous.
+
+Jamie's calculation proved a good one. The bullet struck against the
+chimney, indented a brick, and fell upon the shingles of the roof.
+Joyce descended at the next instant, and he coolly picked up, and kept
+tossing the flattened bit of lead in his hand, for the next minute or
+two, with the air of a man who seemed unconscious of having it at all.
+
+"The enemy is besieging us, your honour," said Joyce, "but he will not
+attack at present. If I might presume to advise, we shall do well to
+leave a single sentinel on this stage, since no one can approach the
+palisades without being seen, if the man keeps in motion."
+
+"I was thinking of this myself, serjeant; we will first post Blodget
+here. We can trust him; and, as the day advances, a-less intelligent
+sentinel will answer. At the same time, he must be instructed to keep
+an eye in the rear of the Hut, danger often coming from the quarter
+least expected."
+
+All this was done, and the remainder of the men descended to the court.
+Captain Willoughby ordered the gate unbarred, when he passed outside,
+taking the direction towards the lifeless body, which still lay where
+it had fallen, at the foot of the stockades. He was accompanied by
+Joyce and Jamie Allen, the latter carrying a spade, it being the
+intention to inter the savage as the shortest means of getting rid of a
+disagreeable object. Our two old soldiers had none of the sensitiveness
+on the subject of exposure that is so apt to disturb the tyro in the
+art of war. With sentinels properly posted, they had no apprehensions
+of dangers that did not exist, and they moved with confidence and
+steadily wherever duty called. Not only was the inner gate opened and
+passed, but the outer also, the simple precaution of stationing a man
+at the first being the only safeguard taken.
+
+When outside of the palisades, the captain and his companions proceeded
+at once towards the body. It was now sunrise, and a rich light was
+illuminating the hill-tops, though the direct rays of the luminary had
+not yet descended to the valley. There lay the Indian, precisely as he
+had fallen, no warrior having interposed to save him from the scalping-
+knife. His head had reached the earth first, and the legs and body were
+tumbled on it, in a manner to render the form a confused pile of legs
+and blanket, rather than a bold savage stretched in the repose of
+death.
+
+"Poor fellow!" exclaimed the captain, as the three approached the spot;
+"it is to be hoped Blodget's bullet did its commission faithfully, else
+the fall must have hurt him sadly."
+
+"By Jove, 'tis nothing but a stuffed soldier!" cried Joyce, rolling the
+ingeniously contrived bundle over with his foot; "and here, the lad's
+ball has passed directly through its head! This is Injin deviltry, sir;
+it has been tried, in order to see whether our sentinels were or were
+not asleep."
+
+"To me, Joyce, it seems more like a white man's clumsiness. The fellow
+has been made to resemble an Indian, but people of our own colour have
+had a hand in the affair."
+
+"Well, sir, let that be as it may, it is lucky our youngster had so
+quick, an eye, and so nimble a finger. See, your honour; here is the
+pole by which the effigy was raised to the top of the palisades, and
+here is the trail on the grass yet, by which his supporter has crept
+off. The fellow seems to have scrambled along in a hurry; his trail is
+as plain as that of a whole company."
+
+The captain examined the marks left on the grass, and was of opinion
+that more than one man had been employed to set up the decoy figure, a
+circumstance that seemed probable in itself, when the weight of the
+image and the danger of exposure were remembered.--Let that be as it
+might, he was rejoiced on reflection that no one was hurt, and he still
+retained the hope of being able to come to such an understanding with
+his invaders as to supersede the necessity of actual violence.
+
+"At all events, your honour, I will carry the quaker in," said Joyce,
+tossing the stuffed figure on a shoulder. "He do to man the quaker gun
+at least, and may be of use in frightening some one of the other side,
+more than he has yet frightened us."
+
+Captain Willoughby did not object, though he reminded Joyce that the
+desertions had probably put the enemy in possession of a minute
+statement of their defences and force, including the history of the
+wooden gun. If Joel and his fellow-delinquents had joined the party at
+the mill, the name, age, character and spirit of every man remaining in
+the garrison were probably known to its leaders; and neither quakers
+nor paddies would count for much in opposing an assault.
+
+The captain came within the gate of the palisades last, closing,
+barring, and locking it with his own hands, when all immediate
+apprehensions from the enemy ceased. He knew, certainly, that it would
+probably exceed his present means of resistance, to withstand a
+vigorous assault; but, on the other hand, he felt assured that Indians
+would never approach a stockade in open day, and expose themselves to
+the hazards of losing some fifteen or twenty of their numbers, before
+they could carry the place. This was opposed to all their notions of
+war, neither honour nor advantage tempting them to adopt it. As for the
+first, agreeably to savage notions, glory was to be measured by the
+number of scalps taken and lost; and, counting all the women left in
+the Hut, there would not be heads enough to supply a sufficient number
+to prove an offset to those which would probably be lost in the
+assault.
+
+All this did the captain discuss in few words, with the serjeant, when
+he proceeded to join his anxious and expecting wife and daughters.
+
+"God has looked down upon us in mercy, and protected us this night,"
+said the grateful Mrs. Willoughby, with streaming eyes, as she received
+and returned her husband's warm embrace. "We cannot be too thankful,
+when we look at these dear girls, and our precious little Evert. If
+Robert were only with us now, I should be entirely happy!"
+
+"Such is human nature, my little Maud"--answered the captain, drawing
+his darling towards himself and kissing her polished forehead. "The
+very thoughts of being in our actual strait would have made your mother
+as miserable as her worst enemy could wish--if, indeed, there be such a
+monster on earth as _her_ enemy--and, now she protests she is
+delighted because our throats were not all cut last night. We are safe
+enough for the day I think, and not another night shall one of you pass
+in the Hut, if I can have my way. If there be such a thing as
+desertion, there is such a thing as evacuation also."
+
+"Hugh!--What _can_ you, _do_ you mean! Remember, we are
+surrounded by a wilderness."
+
+"I know our position reasonably well, wife of mine, and intend to turn
+that knowledge to some account, God willing, and aiding. I mean to
+place old Hugh Willoughby by the side of Xenophon and Washington, and
+let the world see what a man is capable of, on a retreat, when he has
+such a wife, two such daughters, and a grandson like that, on his
+hands. As for Bob, I would not have him here, on any account. The young
+dog would run away with half the glory."
+
+The ladies were too delighted to find their father and husband in such
+spirits, to be critical, and all soon after sat down to an early
+breakfast, to eat with what appetite they could.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXII.
+
+  Yet I well remember
+  The favours of these men: were they not mine?
+  Did they not sometimes cry, all hail! to me?
+  So Judas did to Christ: but he, in twelve
+  Found truth in all but one; I in twelve thousand none.
+
+  _Richard II_.
+
+That which captain Willoughby had said in seeming pleasantry he
+seriously meditated. The idea of passing another night in the Hut,
+supported by only six men, with more than ten times that number
+besieging him, and with all the secrets of his defences known, through
+the disaffection of his retainers, was, to the last degree, painful to
+him. Had his own life, alone, been at risk, military pride might have
+tempted him to remain; but his charge was far too precious to be
+exposed on account of considerations so vain.
+
+No sooner, therefore, was the breakfast over, than captain summoned
+Joyce to a consultation on the contemplated movement. The interview
+took place in the library, whither the serjeant repaired, on receiving
+his superior's orders. As to the party without, no apprehension was
+felt, so long as the sentinels were even moderately vigilant, and the
+day lasted.
+
+"I suppose, serjeant," commenced captain Willoughby, "a soldier of your
+experience is not to be taught what is the next resort of a commanding
+officer, when he finds himself unable to make good his ground against
+his enemy in front?"
+
+"It is to retreat, your honour. The road that cannot be passed, must be
+turned."
+
+"You have judged rightly. It is now my intention to evacuate the Hut,
+and to try our luck on a march to the rear. A retreat, skilfully
+executed, is a creditable thing; and any step appears preferable to
+exposing the dear beings in the other room to the dangers of a night
+assault."
+
+Joyce appeared struck with the suggestion; though, if one might have
+judged from the expression of his countenance, far from favourably. He
+reflected a moment ere he answered.
+
+"Did your honour send for me," he then inquired, "to issue orders for
+this retreat, or was it your pleasure to hear anything I might have to
+say about it?"
+
+"The last--I shall give no orders, until I know your opinion of the
+measure."
+
+"It is as much the duty of an inferior to speak his mind freely, when
+he is called for an opinion, captain Willoughby, as it is to obey in
+silence, when he gets nothing but orders. According to my views of the
+matter, we shall do better to stand our ground, and try to make good
+the house against these vagabonds, than to trust to the woods."
+
+"Of course you have your reasons for this opinion, Joyce?"
+
+"Certainly, your honour. In the first place, I suppose it to be against
+the rules of the art of war to evacuate a place that is well
+provisioned, without standing an assault. This we have not yet done. It
+is true, sir, that our ranks are thinned by desertions; but I never
+heard of a garrisoned town, or a garrisoned house, capitulating on
+account of a few deserters; and, I take it, evacuation is only the next
+step before capitulation."
+
+"But our desertions, Joyce, have not been _few_, but _many._
+Three times as many have left us, if we include our other losses, as
+remain. It matters not whence the loss proceeds, so long as it is a
+loss."
+
+"A retreat, with women and baggage, is always a ticklish operation,
+your honour, especially if an enemy is pressing your rear! Then we have
+a wilderness before us, and the ladies could hardly hold out for so
+long a march as that from this place to the Mohawk; short of which
+river they will hardly be as safe as they are at present."
+
+"I have had no such march in view, Joyce. You know there is a
+comfortable hut, only a mile from this very spot on the mountain side,
+where we commenced a clearing for a sheep-pasture, only three summers
+since. The field is in rich grass; and, could we once reach the cabin,
+and manage to drive a cow or two up there, we might remain a month in
+security. As for provisions and clothes, we could carry enough on our
+backs to serve us all several weeks; especially if assisted by the
+cows."
+
+"I'm glad your honour has thought of this idea," said the serjeant, his
+face brightening as he listened; "it will be a beautiful operation to
+fall back on that position, when we can hold out no longer in this. The
+want of some such arrangement has been my only objection to this post,
+captain Willoughby; for, we have always seemed to me, out here in the
+wilderness, like a regiment drawn up with a ravine or a swamp in its
+rear."
+
+"I am glad to find you relishing the movement for any cause, serjeant.
+It is my intention at present to make the necessary arrangements to
+evacuate the Hut, while it is light; and, as soon as it is dark, to
+retreat by the gates, the palisades, and the rivulet--How now, Jamie?
+You look as if there were news to communicate?"
+
+Jamie Allen, in truth, had entered at that instant in so much haste as
+to have overlooked the customary ceremony of sending in his name, or
+even of knocking.
+
+"News!" repeated the mason, with a sort of wondering smile "and it's
+just that I've come to bring. Wad ye think it, baith, gentlemen, that
+our people are in their am cabins ag'in, boiling their pots, and frying
+their pork, a' the same as if the valley was in a state of
+tranquillity, and we so many lairds waiting for them to come and do our
+pleasure!"
+
+"I do not understand you, Jamie--whom do you mean by 'our people'?"
+
+"Sure, just the desairters; Joel, and the miller, and Michael, and the
+rest."
+
+"And the cabins--and the pots--and the pork--it is gibberish to me."
+
+"I hae what ye English ca' an aiccent, I know; but, in my judgment,
+captain Willoughby, the words may be comprehended without a dictionary.
+It's just that Joel Strides, and Daniel the miller, and the rest o'
+them that fleed, the past night, have gane into their ain abodes, and
+have lighted their fires, and put over their pots and kettles, and set
+up their domestic habitudes, a' the same as if this Beaver Dam was ain
+o' the pairks o' Lonnon!"
+
+"The devil they have! Should this be the case, serjeant, our sortie may
+be made at an earlier hour than that mentioned. I never will submit to
+such an insult."
+
+Captain Willoughby was too much aroused to waste many words; and,
+seizing his hat, he proceeded forthwith to take a look for himself. The
+stage, or gallery on the roofs, offering the best view, in a minute he
+and his two companions were on it.
+
+"There; ye'll be seein' a smoke in Joel's habitation, with your own
+een; and, yon is anither, in the dwelling of his cousin Seth," said
+Jamie, pointing in the direction he named.
+
+"Smoke there is, of a certainty; but the Indians may have lighted fires
+in the kitchen, to do their own cooking. This looks like investing us,
+serjeant, rather more closely than the fellows have done before."
+
+"I rather think not, your honour--Jamie is right, or my eyes do not
+know a man from a woman. That is certainly a female in the garden of
+Joel, and I'll engage it's Phoebe, pulling onions for his craving
+stomach, the scoundrel!"
+
+Captain Willoughby never moved without his little glass, and it was
+soon levelled at the object mentioned.
+
+"By Jupiter, you are right, Joyce"--he cried. "It is Phoebe, though the
+hussy is coolly weeding, not culling the onions! Ay--and now I see Joel
+himself! The rascal is examining some hoes, with as much philosophy as
+if he were master of them, and all near them. This is a most singular
+situation to be in!"
+
+This last remark was altogether just. The situation of those in the Hut
+was now singular indeed. Further examination showed that every cabin
+had its tenant, no one of the party that remained within the palisades
+being a householder. By using the glass, and pointing it, in
+succession, at the different dwellings, the captain in due time
+detected the presence of nearly every one of the deserters. Not a man
+of them all, in fact, was missing, Mike alone excepted. There they
+were, with their wives and children, in quiet possession of their
+different habitations. Nor was this all; the business of the valley
+seemed as much on their minds as had been their practice for years.
+Cows were milked, the swine were fed, poultry was called and cared for,
+and each household was also making the customary preparations for the
+morning meal.
+
+So absorbed was the captain with this extraordinary scene, that he
+remained an hour on the staging, watching the course of events. The
+breakfasts were soon over, having been later than common, and a little
+hurried; then commenced the more important occupations of the day. A
+field was already half ploughed, in preparation for a crop of winter
+grain; thither Joel himself proceeded, with the necessary cattle,
+accompanied by the labourers who usually aided him in that particular
+branch of husbandry. Three ploughs were soon at work, with as much
+regularity and order as if nothing had occurred to disturb the
+tranquillity of the valley. The axes of the wood-choppers were next
+heard, coming out of the forest, cutting fuel for the approaching
+winter; and a half-finished ditch had its workmen also, who were soon
+busy casting up the soil, and fashioning their trench. In a word, all
+the suspended toil was renewed with perfect system and order.
+
+"This beats the devil himself, Joyce!" said the captain, after a half-
+hour of total silence. "Here are all these fellows at work as coolly as
+if I had just given them their tasks, and twice as diligently. Their
+unusual industry is a bad symptom of itself!"
+
+"Your honour will remark one circumstance. Not a rascal of them all
+comes within the fair range of a musket, for, as to throwing away
+ammunition at such distances, it would be clearly unmilitary, and might
+be altogether useless."
+
+"I have half a mind to scatter them with a volley"--said the captain,
+doubtingly. "Bullets would take effect among those ploughmen, could
+they only be made to hit."
+
+"And amang the cattle, too," observed the Scotsman, who had an eye on
+the more economical part of the movement, as well as on that which was
+military. "A ball would slay a horse as well as a man in such a
+skairmish."
+
+"This is true enough, Jamie; and it is not exactly the sort of warfare
+I could wish, to be firing at men who were so lately my friends. I do
+not see, Joyce, that the rascals have any arms with them?"
+
+"Not a musket, sir. I noticed that, when Joel first detailed his
+detachments. Can it be possible that the savages have retired?"
+
+"Not they; else would Mr. Strides and his friends have gone with them.
+No, serjeant, there is a deep plan to lead us into some sort of ambush
+in this affair, and we will be on the look-out for them."
+
+Joyce stood contemplating the scene for some, time, in profound
+silence, when he approached the captain formally, and made the usual
+military salute; a ceremony he had punctiliously observed, on all
+proper occasions, since the garrison might be said to be placed under
+martial law.
+
+"If it's your honour's pleasure," he said, "I will detail a detachment,
+and go out and bring in two or three of these deserters; by which means
+we shall get into their secrets."
+
+"A detachment, Joyce!" answered the captain, eyeing his subordinate a
+little curiously--"What troops do you propose to tell-off for the
+service?"
+
+"Why, your honour, there's corporal Allen and old Pliny off duty; I
+think the thing might be done with them, if your honour would have the
+condescension to order corporal Blodget, with the two other blacks, to
+form as a supporting party, under the cover of one of the fences."
+
+"A disposition of my force that would leave captain Willoughby for a
+garrison! I thank you, serjeant, for your offer and gallantry, but
+prudence will not permit it. We may set down Strides and his companions
+as so many knaves, and----"
+
+"That may ye!" cried Mike's well-known voice, from the scuttle that
+opened into the garrets, directly in front of which the two old
+soldiers were conversing--"That may ye, and no har-r-m done the trut',
+or justice, or for that matther, meself. Och! If I had me will of the
+blackguards, every rogue of 'em should be bound hand and fut and laid
+under that pratthy wather-fall, yon at the mill, until his sins was
+washed out of him. Would there be confessions then?--That would there;
+and sich letting out of sacrets as would satisfy the conscience of a
+hog!"
+
+By the time Mike had got through this sentiment he was on the staging,
+where he stood hitching up his nether garment, with a meaning grin on
+his face that gave a peculiar expression of heavy cunning to the
+massive jaw and capacious mouth, blended with an honesty and good-
+nature that the well-meaning fellow was seldom without when he
+addressed any of the captain's family. Joyce glanced at the captain,
+expecting orders to seize the returned run-away; but his superior read
+at once good faith in the expression of his old retainer's countenance.
+
+"You have occasioned us a good deal of surprise, O'Hearn, on more
+accounts than one," observed the captain, who thought it prudent to
+assume more sternness of manner than his feelings might have actually
+warranted. "You have not only gone off yourself, but you have suffered
+your prisoner to escape with you. Then your manner of getting into the
+house requires an explanation. I shall hear what you have to say before
+I make up my mind as to your conduct."
+
+"Is it spake I will?--That will I, and as long as it plase yer honour
+to listen. Och! Isn't that Saucy Nick a quare one? Divil burn me if I
+thinks the likes of him is to be found in all Ameriky, full as it is of
+Injins and saucy fellies! Well, now, I suppose, sarjeant, ye've set me
+down as sin riding off with Misther Joel and his likes, if ye was to
+open yer heart, and spake yer thrue mind?"
+
+"You have been marked for a deserter, O'Hearn, and one, too, that
+deserted from post."
+
+"Post! Had I been _that_, I shouldn't have stirred, and ye'd be
+wanting in the news I bring ye from the Majjor, and Mr. Woods, and the
+savages, and the rest of the varmints."
+
+"My son!--Is this possible, Michael? Have you seen _him_, or can
+you tell us anything of his state?"
+
+Mike now assumed a manner of mysterious importance, laying a finger on
+his nose, and pointing towards the sentinel and Jamie.
+
+"It's the sarjeant that I considers as one of the family," said the
+county Leitrim-man, when his pantomime was through, "but it isn't
+dacent to be bawling out sacrets through a whole nighbourhood; and
+then, as for _Ould_ Nick--or Saucy Nick, or whatever ye calls
+him--Och! isn't he a _pratthy_ Injin! Ye'll mar-r-ch t'rough
+Ameriky, and never see his aiquel!"
+
+"This will never do, O'Hearn. Whatever you have to say must be said
+clearly, and in the simplest manner. Follow to the library, where I
+will hear your report. Joyce, you will accompany us."
+
+"Let him come, if he wishes to hear wonderful achaivements!" answered
+Mike, making way for the captain to descend the steps; then following
+himself, talking as he went. "He'll niver brag of his campaigns ag'in
+to the likes of me, seeing that I've outdone him, ten--ay, forty times,
+and boot. Och! that Nick's a divil, and no har-r-m said!"
+
+"In the first place, O'Hearn," resumed the captain, as soon as the
+three were alone in the library--"you must explain your own desertion."
+
+"Me!--Desart! Sure, it isn't run away from yer honour, and the Missus,
+and Miss Beuly, and pratthy Miss Maud, and the child, that's yer
+honour's m'aning?"
+
+This was said with so much nature and truth, that the captain had not
+the heart to repeat the question, though Joyce's more drilled feelings
+were less moved. The first even felt a tear springing to his eye, and
+he no longer distrusted the Irishman's fidelity, as unaccountable as
+his conduct did and must seem to his cooler judgment. But Mike's
+sensitiveness had taken the alarm, and it was only to be appeased by
+explanations.
+
+"Yer honour's not sp'aking when I questions ye on that same?" he
+resumed, doubtingly.
+
+"Why, Mike, to be sincere, it did look a little suspicious when you not
+only went, off yourself, but you let the Indian go off with you."
+
+"Did it?"--said Mike, mus'ng--"No, I don't allow that, seein' that the
+intent and object was good. And, then, I never took the Injin wid
+_me_; but 'twas I, meself, that went wid _him_."
+
+"I rather think, your honour," said Joyce, smiling, "we'll put
+O'Hearn's name in its old place on the roster, and make no mark against
+him at pay-day."
+
+"I think it will turn out so, Joyce. We must have patience, too, and
+let Mike tell his story in his own way."
+
+"Is it tell a story, will I? Ah!--Nick's the cr'ature for that same!
+See, he has given me foor bits of sticks, every one of which is to tell
+a story, in its own way. This is the first; and it manes let the
+captain into the sacret of your retrait; and how you got out of the
+windie, and how you comes near to breaking yer neck by a fall becaase
+of the fut's slipping; and how ye wint down the roof by a rope, the
+divil a bit fastening it to yer neck, but houlding it in yer hand with
+sich a grip as if 'twere the fait' of the church itself; and how Nick
+led ye to the hole out of which ye hot' wint, as if ye had been two
+cats going t'rough a door!"
+
+Mike stopped to grin and look wise, as he recounted the manner of the
+escape, the outlines of which, however, were sufficiently well known to
+his auditors before he, began.
+
+"Throw away that stick, now, and let us know where this hole is, and
+what you mean by it."
+
+"No"--answered Mike, looking at the stick, in a doubting manner--"I'll
+not t'row it away, wid yer honour's l'ave, 'till I've told ye how we
+got into the brook, forenent the forest, and waded up to the woods,
+where we was all the same as if we had been two bits of clover tops hid
+in a haymow. That Nick is a cr'ature at consailment!"
+
+"Go on," said the captain, patiently, knowing that there was no use in
+hurrying one of Mike's peculiar mode of communicating his thoughts.
+"What came next?"
+
+"That will I; and the r'ason comes next, as is seen by this oder stick.
+And, so, Nick and meself was in the chaplain's room all alone, and
+n'ither of us had any mind to dhrink; Nick becaase he was a prisoner
+and felt crass, and full of dignity like; and meself becaase I was a
+sentinel; and sarjeant Joyce, there, had tould me, the Lord knows how
+often, that if I did my duty well, I might come to be a corporal, which
+was next in rank to himself; barring, too, that I was a sentinel, and a
+drunken sentinel is a disgrace to a man, sowl and body, and musket."
+
+"And so neither of you drank?"--put in the captain, by way of a
+reminder.
+
+"For that same r'ason, and one betther still, as we had nothin' _to_
+dhrink. Well, says Nick--'Mike,' says he--'you like cap'in, and
+Missus, and Miss Beuly, and Miss Maud, and the babby?' Divil burn ye,
+Nick,' says I, 'why do ye ask so foolish a question? Is it likes ye
+would know? Well--then just ask yerself if you likes yer own kith and
+kin, and ye've got yer answer.'"
+
+"And Nick made his proposal, on getting this answer," interrupted the
+captain, "which was--"
+
+"Here it is, on the stick. 'Well,' says Nick, says he--'run away wid
+Nick, and see Majjor; bring back news. Nick cap'in friend, but cap'in
+don't know it--won't believe'--Fait', I can't _tell_ yer honour
+all Nick said, in his own manner; and so, wid yer Pave, I'll just tell
+it in my own way."
+
+"Any way, Mike, so that you do but tell it."
+
+"Nick's a cr'ature! His idee was for us two to get out of the windie,
+and up on the platform, and to take the bedcord, and other things, and
+slide down upon the ground--and we _did_ it! As sure as yer honour
+and the sarjeant is there, we did _that same_, and no bones broke!
+'Well,' says I, 'Nick, ye're here, sure enough, but how do you mane to
+get _out_ of here? Is it climb the palisades ye will, and be shot
+by a sentinel?'--if there was one, which there wasn't, yer honour,
+seeing that all had run away--'or do ye mane to stay here,' says I,
+'and be taken a prisoner of war ag'in, in which case ye'll be two
+prisoners, seem' that ye've been taken wonst already, will ye Nick?'
+says I. So Nick never spoke, but he held up his finger, and made a sign
+for me to follow, as follow I did; and we just crept through the
+palisade, and a mhighty phratty walk we had of it, alang the meadies,
+and t'rough the lanes, the rest of the way."
+
+"You crept through the palisades, Mike! There is no outlet of
+sufficient size."
+
+"I admits the hole is a tight squaze, but 'twill answer. And then it's
+just as good for an inlet as it is for an outlet, seein' that I came
+t'rough it this very marnin'. Och! Nick's a cr'ature! And how d'ye
+think that hole comes there, barring all oversights in setting up the
+sticks?"
+
+"It has not been made intentionally, I should hope, O'Hearn?"
+
+"'Twas made by Joel, and that by just sawing off a post, and forcin'
+out a pin or two, so that the palisade works like a door. Och! it's
+nately contrived, and it manes mischief."
+
+"This must be looked to, at once," cried the captain; "lead the way,
+Mike, and show us the spot."
+
+As the Irishman was nothing loth, all three were soon in the court,
+whence Mike led the way through the gate, round to the point where the
+stockade came near the cliffs, on the eastern side of the buildings.
+This was the spot where the path that led down to the spring swept
+along the defences, and was on the very route by which the captain
+contemplated retreating, as well as on that by which Maud had entered
+the Hut, the night of the invasion. At a convenient place, a palisade
+had been sawed off, so low in the ground that the sods, which had been
+cut and were moveable, concealed the injury, while the heads of the
+pins that ought to have bound the timber to the cross-piece, were in
+their holes, leaving everything apparently secure. On removing the
+sods, and pushing the timber aside, the captain ascertained that a man
+might easily pass without the stockade. As this corner was the most
+retired within the works, there was no longer any doubt that the hole
+had been used by all the deserters, including the women and children.
+In what manner it became known to Nick, however, still remained matter
+of conjecture.
+
+Orders were about to be given to secure this passage, when it occurred
+to the captain it might possibly be of use in effecting his own
+retreat. With this object in view, then, he hastened away from the
+place, lest any wandering eye without might detect his presence near
+it, and conjecture the cause. On returning to the library, the
+examination of Mike was resumed.
+
+As the reader must be greatly puzzled with the county Leitrim-man's
+manner of expressing himself, we shall relate the substance of what he
+now uttered, for the sake of brevity. It would seem that Nick had
+succeeded in persuading Mike, first, that he, the Tuscarora, was a fast
+friend of the captain and his family, confined by the former, in
+consequence of a misconception of the real state of the Indian's
+feelings, much to the detriment of all their interests; and that no
+better service could be rendered the Willoughbys than to let Nick
+depart, and for the Irishman to go with him. Mike, however, had not the
+slightest idea of desertion, the motive which prevailed on him to quit
+the Hut being a desire to see the major, and, if possible, to help him
+escape. As soon as this expectation was placed before his eyes, Mike
+became a convert to the Indian's wishes. Like all exceedingly zealous
+men, the Irishman had an itching propensity to be doing, and he was
+filled with a sort of boyish delight at the prospect of effecting a
+great service to those whom he so well loved, without their knowing it.
+Such was the history of Michael's seeming desertion; that of what
+occurred after he quitted the works remains to be related.
+
+The Tuscarora led his companion out of the Hut, within half an hour
+after they had been left alone together, in the room of Mr. Woods. As
+this was subsequently to Joel's flight, Nick, in anticipation of this
+event, chose to lie in ambush a short time, in order to ascertain
+whether the defection was likely to go any further. Satisfied on this
+head, he quietly retired towards the mill. After making a sufficient
+_detour_ to avoid being seen from the house, Nick gave himself no
+trouble about getting into the woods, or of practising any of the
+expedients of a time of real danger, as had been done by all of the
+deserters; but he walked leisurely across the meadows, until he struck
+the highway, along which he proceeded forthwith to the rocks. All this
+was done in a way that showed he felt himself at home, and that he had
+no apprehensions of falling into an ambush. It might have arisen from
+his familiarity with the ground; or, it might have proceeded from the
+consciousness that he was approaching friends, instead of enemies.
+
+At the rocks, however, Nick did not deem it wise to lead Mike any
+farther, without some preliminary caution. The white man was concealed
+in one of the clefts, therefore, while the Indian pursued his way
+alone. The latter was absent an hour; at the end of that time he
+returned, and, after giving Mike a great many cautions about silence
+and prudence, he led him to the cabin of the miller, in the buttery of
+which Robert Willoughby was confined. To this buttery there was a
+window; but, as it was so small as to prevent escape, no sentinel had
+been placed on the outside of the building. For his own comfort, too,
+and in order to possess his narrow lodgings to himself, the major had
+given a species of parole, by which he was bound to remain in duresse,
+until the rising of the next sun. Owing to these two causes, Nick had
+been enabled to approach the window, and to hold communications with
+the prisoner. This achieved, he returned to the rocks, and led Mike to
+the same spot.
+
+Major Willoughby had not been able to write much, in consequence of the
+darkness. That which he communicated, accordingly, had to pass through
+the fiery ordeal of the Irishman's brains. As a matter of course it did
+not come with particular lucidity, though Mike did succeed in making
+his auditors comprehend this much.
+
+The major was substantially well treated, though intimations had been
+given that he would be considered as a spy. Escape seemed next to
+impossible; still, he should not easily abandon the hope. From all he
+had seen, the party was one of that irresponsible character that would
+render capitulation exceedingly hazardous, and he advised his father to
+hold out to the last. In a military point of view, he considered his
+captors as contemptible, being without a head; though many of the
+men:--the savages in particular--appeared to be ferocious and
+reckless. The whole party was guarded in discourse, and little was said
+in English, though he was convinced that many more whites were present
+than he had at first believed. Mr. Woods he had not seen, nor did he
+know anything of his arrest or detention.
+
+This much Mike succeeded in making the captain comprehend, though a
+great deal was lost through the singular confusion that prevailed in
+the mind of the messenger. Mike however, had still another
+communication, which we reserve for the ears of the person to whom it
+was especially sent.
+
+This news produced a pause in captain Willoughby's determination. Some
+of the fire of youth awoke within him, and he debated with himself on
+the possibility of making a sortie, and of liberating his son, as a
+step preliminary to victory; or, at least, to a successful retreat.
+Acquainted with every foot of the ground, which had singular facilities
+for a step so bold, the project found favour in his eyes each minute,
+and soon became fixed.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIII.
+
+  Yet I well remember
+  The favours of these men: were they not mine?
+  Did they not sometimes cry, all hail! to me?
+  So Judas did to Christ: but he, in twelve
+  Found truth in all but one; I in twelve thousand none.
+
+  Willis.
+
+While the captain and Joyce were digesting their plans Mike proceeded
+on an errand of peculiar delicacy with which he had been entrusted by
+Robert Willoughby. The report that he had returned flew through the
+dwellings, and many were the hearty greetings and shakings of the hand
+that the honest fellow had to undergo from the Plinys and Smashes, ere
+he was at liberty to set about the execution of this trust. The
+wenches, in particular, having ascertained that Mike had not broken his
+fast, insisted on his having a comfortable meal, in a sort of servants'
+hall, before they would consent to his quitting their sight. As the
+county Leitrim-man was singularly ready with a knife and fork, he made
+no very determined opposition, and, in a few minutes, he was hard at
+work, discussing a cold ham, with the other collaterals of a
+substantial American breakfast.
+
+The blacks, the Smashes inclusive, had been seriously alarmed at the
+appearance of the invading party. Between them and the whole family of
+red-men there existed a sort of innate dislike; an antipathy that
+originated in colour, and wool, and habits, and was in no degree
+lessened by apprehensions on the score of scalps.
+
+"How you look, ole Plin, widout wool?" Big Smash had reproachfully
+remarked, not five minutes before Mike made his appearance in the
+kitchen, in answer to some apologetic observation of her husband, as to
+the intentions of the savages being less hostile than he had at first
+imagined; "why you say dey _no_ murder, and steal and set fire,
+when you know dey's Injin! Natur' be natur'; and dat I hear dominie
+Woods say t'ree time one Sunday. What 'e dominie say _often_, he
+mean, and dere no use in saying dey don't come to do harm."
+
+As Great Smash was an oracle in her own set, there was no gainsaying
+her dogmas, and Pliny the elder was obliged to succumb. But the
+presence of Mike, one who was understood to have been out, _near_,
+if not actually _in_, the enemy's camp, and a great favourite in
+the bargain, was a circumstance likely to revive the discourse. In
+fact, all the negroes, crowded into the hall, as soon as the Irishman
+was seated at table, one or two eager to talk, the rest as eager to
+listen.
+
+"How near you been to sabbage, Michael?" demanded Big Smash, her two
+large coal-black eyes seeming to open in a degree proportioned to her
+interest in the answer.
+
+"I wint as nigh as there was occasion, Smash, and that was nigher than
+the likes of yer husband there would be thinking of travelling. Maybe
+'twas as far as from my plate here to yon door; maybe not quite so far.
+They 're a dhirty set, and I wish to go no nearer."
+
+"What dey look like, in 'e dark?" inquired Little Smash--"Awful as by
+daylight?"
+
+"It's not meself that stopped to admire 'em. Nick and I had our
+business forenent us, and when a man is hurried, it isn't r'asonable to
+suppose he can kape turning his head about to see sights."
+
+"What dey do wid Misser Woods?--What sabbage want wid dominie?"
+
+"Sure enough, little one; and the question is of yer own asking. A
+praist, even though he should be only a heretic, can have no great call
+for his sarvices, in _sich_ a congregation. And, I don't think the
+fellows are blackguards enough to scalp a parson."
+
+Then followed a flood of incoherent questions that were put by all the
+blacks in a body, accompanied by divers looks ominous of the most
+serious disasters, blended with bursts of laughter that broke out of
+their risible natures in a way to render the medley of sensations as
+ludicrous as it was strange. Mike soon found answering a task too
+difficult to be attempted, and he philosophically came to a
+determination to confine his efforts to masticating.
+
+Notwithstanding the terror that actually prevailed among the blacks, it
+was not altogether unmixed with a resolution to die with arms in their
+hands, in preference to yielding to savage clemency. Hatred, in a
+measure, supplied the place of courage, though both sexes had
+insensibly imbibed some of that resolution which is the result of
+habit, and of which a border life is certain to instil more or less
+into its subjects, in a form suited to border emergencies. Nor was this
+feeling confined to the men; the two Smashes, in particular, being
+women capable of achieving acts that would be thought heroic under
+circumstances likely to arouse their feelings.
+
+"Now, Smashes," said Mike, when, by his own calculation, he had about
+three minutes to the termination of his breakfast before him, "ye'll do
+what I tells ye, and no questions asked. Ye'll find the laddies,
+Missus, and Miss Beuly, and Miss Maud, and ye'll give my humble
+respects to 'em all--divil the bit, now, will ye be overlooking either
+of the t'ree, but ye'll do yer errand genteely and like a laddy
+yerself--and ye'll give my jewty and respects to 'em _all_, I
+tells ye, and say that Michael O'Hearn asks the honour of being allowed
+to wish 'em good morning."
+
+Little Smash screamed at this message; yet she went, forthwith, and
+delivered it, making reasonably free with Michael's manner and
+gallantry in so doing.
+
+"O'Hearn has something to tell us from Robert"--said Mrs. Willoughby,
+who had been made acquainted with the Irishman's exploits and return;
+"he must be suffered to come in as soon as he desires."
+
+With this reply, Little Smash terminated her mission.
+
+"And now, laddies and gentlemen," said Mike, with gravity, as he rose
+to quit the servants' hall, "my blessing and good wishes be wid ye. A
+hearty male have I had at yer hands and yer cookery, and good thanks it
+desarves. As for the Injins, jist set yer hearts at rest, as not one of
+ye will be scalp'd the day, seeing that the savages are all to be
+forenent the mill this morning, houlding a great council, as I knows
+from Nick himself. A comfortable time, then, ye may all enjoy, wid yer
+heads on yer shoulters, and yer wool on yer heads."
+
+Mike's grin, as he retreated, showed that he meant to be facetious,
+having all the pleasantry that attends a full stomach uppermost in his
+animal nature at that precise moment. A shout rewarded this sally, and
+the parties separated with mutual good humour and good feeling. In this
+state of mind, the county Leitrim-man was ushered into the presence of
+the ladies. A few words of preliminary explanations were sufficient to
+put Mike in the proper train, when he came at once to his subject.
+
+"The majjor is no way down-hearted," he said, "and he ordered me to
+give his jewty and riverence, and obligations, to his honoured mother
+and his sisters. 'Tell 'em, Mike,' says he, says the majjor, 'that I
+feels for 'em, all the same as if I was their own fader; and tell 'em,'
+says he, 'to keep up their spirits, and all will come right in the ind.
+This is a throublesome wor-r-ld, but they that does their jewties to
+God and man, and the church, will not fail, in the long run, to wor-r-k
+their way t'rough purgatory even, into paradise.'"
+
+"Surely my son--my dear Robert--never sent us such a message as this,
+Michael?"
+
+"Every syllable of it, and a quantity moor that has slipped my memory,"
+answered the Irishman, who was inventing, but who fancied he was
+committing a very pious fraud--"'Twould have done the Missuses heart
+good to have listened to the majjor, who spoke more in the
+cha_rack_ter of a praist, like, than in that of a souldier."
+
+All three of the ladies looked a little abashed, though there was a
+gleam of humour about the mouth of Maud, that showed she was not very
+far from appreciating the Irishman's report at its just value. As for
+Mrs. Willoughby and Beulah, less acquainted with Mike's habits, they
+did not so readily penetrate his manner of substituting his own
+desultory thoughts for the ideas of others.
+
+"As I am better acquainted with Mike's language, dear mother"--
+whispered Maud--"perhaps it will be well if I take him into the library
+and question him a little between ourselves about what actually passed.
+Depend on it, I shall get the truth."
+
+"Do, my child, for it really pains me to hear Robert so much
+misrepresented--and, as Evert must now begin to have ideas, I really do
+not like that his uncle should be so placed before the dear little
+fellow's mind."
+
+Maud did not even smile at this proof of a grandmother's weakness,
+though she felt and saw all its absurdity. Heart was ever so much
+uppermost with the excellent matron, that it was not easy for those she
+loved to regard anything but her virtues; and least of all did her
+daughter presume to indulge in even a thought that was ludicrous at her
+expense. Profiting by the assent, therefore, Maud quietly made a motion
+for Mike to follow, and proceeded at once to the room she had named.
+
+Not a word was exchanged between the parties until both were in the
+library, when Maud carefully closed the door, her face pale as marble,
+and stood looking inquiringly at her companion. The reader will
+understand that, Mr. Woods and Joyce excepted, not a soul at the Hut,
+out of the limits of the Willoughby connection, knew anything of our
+heroine's actual relation to the captain and his family. It is true,
+some of the oldest of the blacks had once some vague notions on the
+subject; but _their_ recollections had become obscured by time,
+and habit was truly second nature with all of the light-hearted race.
+
+"_That_ was mighty injanious of you, Miss Maud!" Mike commenced,
+giving one of his expressive grins again, and fairly winking. "It shows
+how fri'nds wants no spache but their own minds. Barrin' mistakes and
+crass-accidents, I'm sartain that Michael O'Hearn can make himself
+understood any day by Miss Maud Willoughby, an' niver a word said."
+
+"Your success then, Mike, will be greater at dumb-show than it always
+is with your tongue," answered the young lady, the blood slowly
+returning to her cheek, the accidental use of the name of Willoughby
+removing the apprehension of anything immediately embarrassing; "what
+have you to tell me that you suppose I have anticipated?"
+
+"Sure, the like o' yees needn't be tould, Miss Maud, that the majjor
+bad me spake to ye by yerself, and say a word that was not to be
+overheerd by any one else."
+
+"This is singular--extraordinary even--but let me know more, though the
+messenger be altogether so much out of the common way!"
+
+"I t'ought ye 'd say _that_, when ye come to know me. Is it meself
+that 's a messenger? and where is there another that can carry news
+widout spilling any by the way? Nick's a cr'ature, I allows; but the
+majjor know'd a million times bhetter than to trust an Injin wid sich a
+jewty. As for Joel, and _that_ set of vagabonds, we'll grind 'em
+all in the mill, before we've done wid 'em. Let 'em look for no
+favours, if they wishes no disapp'intment."
+
+Maud sickened at the thought of having any of those sacred feelings
+connected with Robert Willoughby that she had so long cherished in her
+inmost heart, rudely probed by so unskilful a hand; though her last
+conversation with the young soldier had told so much, even while it
+left so much unsaid, that she could almost kneel and implore Mike to be
+explicit. The reserve of a woman, notwithstanding, taught her how to
+preserve her sex's decorum, and to maintain appearances.
+
+"If major Willoughby desired you to communicate anything to me, in
+particular," she said, with seeming composure, "I am ready to hear it."
+
+"Divil the word did he desire, Miss Maud, for everything was in
+whispers between us, but jist what I'm about to repait. And here's my
+stick, that Nick tould me to kape as a reminderer; it 's far bhetter
+for me than a book, as I can't read a syllable. 'And now, Mike,' says
+the majjor, says he, 'conthrive to see phratty Miss Maud by
+herself'----"
+
+"_Pretty_ Miss Maud!" interrupted the young lady, involuntarily.
+
+"Och! it's meself that says _that_, and sure there 's plenty of
+r'ason for it; so we'll agree it's all right and proper--'phratty Miss
+Maud by herself, letting no mortal else know what you are about.
+_That_ was the majjor's."
+
+"It is very extraordinary!--Perhaps it will be better Michael, if you
+tell me nothing but what is strictly the major's. A message should be
+delivered as nearly like the words that were actually sent as
+possible."
+
+"Wor-r-ds!--And it isn't wor-r-ds at all, that I have to give ye."
+
+"If not a message in words, in what else can it be?--Not in sticks,
+surely."
+
+"In _that_"--cried Mike, exultingly--"and, I'll warrant, when the
+trut' comes out, that very little bit of silver will be found as good
+as forty Injin scalps."
+
+Although Mike put a small silver snuff-box that Maud at once recognised
+as Robert Willoughby's property into the young lady's hand, nothing was
+more apparent than the circumstance that he was profoundly ignorant of
+the true meaning of what he was doing. The box was very beautiful, and
+his mother and Beulah had often laughed at the major for using an
+article that was then deemed _de rigueur_ for a man of extreme
+_ton_, when all his friends knew he never touched snuff. So far from
+using the stimulant, indeed, he never would show how the box was
+opened, a secret spring existing; and he even manifested or betrayed
+shyness on the subject of suffering either of his sisters to search for
+the means of doing so.
+
+The moment Maud saw the box, her heart beat tumultuously. She had a
+presentiment that her fate was about to be decided. Still, she had
+sufficient self-command to make an effort to learn all her companion
+had to communicate.
+
+"Major Willoughby gave you this box," she said, her voice trembling in
+spite of herself. "Did he send any message with it? Recollect yourself;
+the words may be very important."
+
+"Is it the wor-r-ds? Well, it's little of _them_ that passed
+between us, barrin' that the Injins was so near by, that it was whisper
+we did, and not a bit else."
+
+"Still there _must_ have been _some_ message."
+
+"Ye are as wise as a sarpent, Miss Maud, as Father O'Loony used to tell
+us all of a Sunday! Was it wor-r-ds!--Give _that_ to Miss Maud,'
+says the majjor, says he, 'and tell her she is now _misthress of my
+sacret._"
+
+"Did he say this, Michael?--For heaven's sake, be certain of what you
+tell me."
+
+"Irish Mike--Masser want you in monstrous hurry," cried the youngest of
+the three black men, thrusting his glistening lace into the door,
+announcing the object of the intrusion, and disappearing almost in the
+same instant.
+
+"Do not leave me, O'Hearn," said Maud, nearly gasping for breath, "do
+not leave me without an assurance there is no mistake."
+
+"Divil bur-r-n me if I 'd brought the box, or the message, or anything
+like it, phretty Miss Maud, had I t'ought it would have done this har-
+r-m."
+
+"Michael O'Hearn," called the serjeant from the court, in his most
+authoritative military manner, and that on a key that would not brook
+denial.
+
+Mike did not dare delay; in half a minute Maud found herself standing
+alone, in the centre of the library, holding the well-known snuff-box
+of Robert Willoughby in her little hand. The renowned caskets of Portia
+had scarcely excited more curiosity in their way than this little
+silver box of the major's had created in the mind of Maud. In addition
+to his playful evasions about letting her and Beulah pry into its
+mysteries, he had once said to herself, in a grave and feeling manner,
+"When you get at the contents of this box, dear girl, you will learn
+the great secret of my life." These words had made a deep impression at
+the time--it was in his visit of the past year--but they had been
+temporarily forgotten in the variety of events and stronger sensations
+that had succeeded. Mike's message, accompanied by the box itself,
+however, recalled them, and Maud fancied that the major, considering
+himself to be in some dangerous emergency, had sent her the bauble in
+order that she might learn what that secret was. Possibly he meant her
+to communicate it to others. Persons in our heroine's situation feel,
+more than they reason; and it is possible Maud might have come to some
+other conclusion had she been at leisure, or in a state of mind to
+examine all the circumstances in a more logical manner.
+
+Now she was in possession of this long-coveted box--coveted at least so
+far as a look into its contents were concerned--Maud not only found
+herself ignorant of the secret by which it was opened, but she had
+scruples about using the means, even had she been in possession of
+them. At first she thought of carrying the thing to Beulah, and of
+asking if she knew any way of getting at the spring; then she shrunk
+from the exposure that might possibly attend such a step. The more she
+reflected, the more she felt convinced that Robert Willoughby would not
+have sent _her_ that particular box, unless it were connected with
+herself, in some way more than common; and ever since the conversation
+in the painting-room she had seen glimmerings of the truth, in relation
+to his feelings. These glimmerings too, had aided her in better
+understanding her own heart, and all her sentiments revolted at the
+thought of having a witness to any explanation that might relate to the
+subject. In every event she determined, after a few minutes of thought,
+not to speak of the message, or the present, to a living soul.
+
+In this condition of mind, filled with anxiety, pleasing doubts,
+apprehensions, shame, and hope, all relieved, however, by the secret
+consciousness of perfect innocence, and motives that angels might avow,
+Maud stood, in the very spot where Mike had left her, turning the box
+in her hands, when accidentally she touched the spring, and the lid
+flew open. To glance at the contents was an act so natural and
+involuntary as to anticipate reflection.
+
+Nothing was visible but a piece of white paper, neatly folded, and
+compressed into the box in a way to fill its interior. "Bob has
+written," thought Maud--"Yet how could he do this? He was in the dark,
+and had not pen or paper!" Another look rendered this conjecture still
+more improbable, as it showed the gilt edge of paper of the quality
+used for notes, an article equally unlikely to be found in the mill and
+in his own pocket. "Yet it must be a note," passed through her mind,
+"and of course it was written before he left the Hut--quite likely
+before he arrived--possibly the year before, when he spoke of the box
+as containing the evidence of the great secret of his life."
+
+Maud now wished for Mike, incoherent, unintelligible, and blundering as
+he was, that she might question him still further as to the precise
+words of the message. "Possibly Bob did not intend me to open the-box
+at all," she thought, "and meant merely that I should keep it until he
+could return to claim it. It contains a great secret; and, because he
+wishes to keep this secret from the Indians, it does not follow that he
+intends to reveal it to me. I will shut the box again, and guard his
+secret as I would one of my own."
+
+This was no sooner _thought_ than it was _done_. A pressure
+of the lid closed it, and Maud heard the snap of the spring with a
+start. Scarcely was the act performed ere she repented it. "Bob would
+not have sent the box without some particular object," she went on to
+imagine; "and had he intended it not to be opened, he would have told
+as much to O'Hearn. How easy would it have been for him to say, and for
+Mike to repeat, 'tell her to keep the box till I ask for it--it
+contains a secret, and I wish my captors not to learn it.' No, he has
+sent the box with the design that I should examine its contents. His
+very life may depend on my doing so; yes, and on my doing so this
+minute!"
+
+This last notion no sooner glanced athwart our heroine's mind, than she
+began diligently to search for the hidden spring. Perhaps curiosity had
+its influence on the eagerness to arrive at the secret, which she now
+manifested; possibly a tenderer and still more natural feeling lay
+concealed behind it all. At any rate, her pretty little fingers never
+were employed more nimbly, and not a part of the exterior of the box
+escaped its pressure. Still, the secret spring eluded her search. The
+box had two or three bands of richly chased work on each side of the
+place of opening, and amid these ornaments Maud felt certain that the
+little projection she sought must lie concealed. To examine these,
+then, she commenced in a regular and connected manner, resolved that
+not a single raised point should be neglected. Accident, however, as
+before, stood her friend; and, at a moment when she least expected it,
+the lid flew back, once more exposing the paper to view.
+
+Maud had been too seriously alarmed about re-opening the box, to
+hesitate a moment now, as to examining its contents. The paper was
+removed, and she began to unfold it slowly, a slight tremor passing
+through her frame as she did so. For a single instant she paused to
+scent the delightful and delicate perfume that seemed to render the
+interior sacred; then her fingers resumed their office. At each
+instant, her eyes expected to meet Robert Willoughby's well known
+handwriting. But the folds of the paper opened on a blank. To Maud's
+surprise, and, for a single exquisitely painful moment, she saw that a
+lock of hair was all the box contained, besides the paper in which it
+was enveloped. Her look became anxious, and her face pale; then the
+eyes brightened, and a blush that might well be likened to the tints
+with which the approach of dawn illumines the sky, suffused her cheeks,
+as, holding the hair to the light, the long ringlets dropped at length,
+and she recognised one of those beautiful tresses, of which so many
+were falling at that very moment, in rich profusion around her awn
+lovely face. To unloosen her hair from the comb, and to lay the secret
+of Bob Willoughby by its side, in a way to compare the glossy shades,
+was the act of only a moment; it sufficed, however, to bring a perfect
+conviction of the truth. It was a memorial of herself, then, that
+Robert Willoughby so prized, had so long guarded with care, and which
+he called the secret of his life!
+
+It was impossible for Maud not to understand all this. Robert
+Willoughby loved her; he had taken this mode of telling his passion. He
+had been on the point of doing this in words the very day before; and
+now he availed himself of the only means that offered of completing the
+tale. A flood of tenderness gushed to the heart of Maud, as she passed
+over all this in her mind; and, from that moment, she ceased to feel
+shame at the recollection of her own attachment. She might still have
+shrunk a little from avowing it to her father, and mother, and Beulah;
+but, as to herself the world, and the object of her affections, she now
+stood perfectly vindicated in her own eyes.
+
+That was a precious half-hour which succeeded. For the moment, all
+present dangers were lost sight of, in the glow of future hopes. Maud's
+imagination portrayed scenes of happiness, in which domestic duties,
+Bob beloved, almost worshipped, and her father and mother happy in the
+felicity of their children, were the prominent features; while Beulah
+and little Evert filled the back-ground of the picture in colours of
+pleasing softness. But these were illusions that could not last, for
+ever, the fearful realities of her situation returning with the greater
+consciousness of existence. Still, Bob might now be loved, without
+wounding any of the sensitiveness of her sex's opinions; and dearly,
+engrossingly, passionately was he rewarded, for the manner in which he
+had thought of letting her know the true state of his heart, at a
+moment when he had so much reason to think only of himself.
+
+It was time for Maud to return to her mother and sister. The box was
+carefully concealed, leaving the hair in its old envelope, and she
+hurried to the nursery. On entering the room, she found that her father
+had just preceded her. The captain was grave, more thoughtful than
+usual, and his wife, accustomed to study his countenance for so much of
+her happiness, saw at once that something lay heavy on his mind.
+
+"Has anything out of the way happened, Hugh?" she asked, "to give you
+uneasiness?"
+
+Captain Willoughby drew a chair to the side of that of his wife, seated
+himself, and took her hand before he answered. Little Evert, who sat on
+her knee, was played with, for a moment, as if to defer a disagreeable
+duty; not till then did he even speak.
+
+"You know, dearest Wilhelmina," the captain finally commenced, "that
+there have never been any concealments between us, on the score of
+danger, even when I was a professed soldier, and might be said to carry
+my life in my hand."
+
+"You have ever found me reasonable, I trust, while feeling like a
+woman, mindful of my duty as a wife?"
+
+"I have, love; this is the reason I have always dealt with you so
+frankly."
+
+"We understand each other, Hugh. Now tell me the worst at once."
+
+"I am not certain you will think there is any worst about it,
+Wilhelmina, as Bob's liberty is the object. I intend to go out myself,
+at the head of all the white men that remain, in order to deliver him
+from the hands of his enemies. This will leave you, for a time--six or
+seven hours perhaps--in the Hut, with only the three blacks as a guard,
+and with the females. You need have no apprehension of an assault,
+however, everything indicating a different intention on the part of our
+enemies; on that score you may set your hearts at rest."
+
+"All my apprehensions and prayers will be for you, my husband--for
+ourselves, we care not."
+
+"This I expected; it is to lessen these very apprehensions that I have
+come to tell you my whole plan."
+
+Captain Willoughby now related, with some minuteness, the substance of
+Mike's report, and his own plan, of the last of which we have already
+given an outline. Everything had been well matured in his mind, and all
+promised success. The men were apprised of the service on which they
+were to be employed, and every one of them had manifested the best
+spirit. They were then busy in equipping themselves; in half an hour
+they would be ready to march.
+
+To all this Mrs. Willoughby listened like a soldier's wife, accustomed
+to the risks of a frontier warfare, though she felt like a woman.
+Beulah pressed little Evert to her heart, while her pallid countenance
+was turned to her father with a look that seemed to devour every
+syllable. As for Maud, a strange mixture of dread and wild delight were
+blended in her bosom. To have Bob liberated, and restored to them, was
+approaching perfect happiness, though it surpassed her powers not to
+dread misfortunes. Nevertheless, the captain was so clear in his
+explanations, so calm in his manner, and of a judgment so approved,
+that his auditors felt far less concern than might naturally have been
+expected.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIV.
+
+  "March--march--march!
+  Making sounds as they tread,
+  Ho-ho! how they step,
+  Going down to the dead."
+
+  Coxe.
+
+The time Maud consumed in her meditations over the box and its
+contents, had been employed by the captain in preparations for his
+enterprise. Joyce, young Blodget, Jamie and Mike, led by their
+commander in person, were to compose the whole force on the occasion;
+and every man had been busy in getting his arms, ammunition and
+provisions ready, for the last half-hour. When captain Willoughby,
+therefore, had taken leave of his family, he found the party in a
+condition to move.
+
+The first great desideratum was to quit the Hut unseen. Joel and his
+followers were still at work, in distant fields; but they all carefully
+avoided that side of the Knoll which would have brought them within
+reach of the musket, and this left all behind the cliff unobserved,
+unless Indians were in the woods in that direction. As Mike had so
+recently passed in by that route, however, the probability was the
+whole party still remained in the neighbourhood of the mills, where all
+accounts agreed in saying they mainly kept. It was the intention of the
+captain, therefore, to sally by the rivulet and the rear of the house,
+and to gain the woods under cover of the bushes on the banks of the
+former, as had already been done by so many since the inroad.
+
+The great difficulty was to quit the house, and reach the bed of the
+stream, unseen. This step, however, was a good deal facilitated by
+means of Joel's sally-port, the overseer having taken, himself, all the
+precautions against detection of which the case well admitted.
+Nevertheless, there was the distance between the palisades and the base
+of the rocks, some forty or fifty yards, which was entirely uncovered,
+and had to be passed under the notice of any wandering eyes that might
+happen to be turned in that quarter. After much reflection, the captain
+and serjeant came to the conclusion to adopt the following mode of
+proceeding.
+
+Blodget passed the hole, by himself, unarmed, rolling down the
+declivity until he reached the stream. Here a thicket concealed him
+sufficiently, the bushes extending along the base of the rocks,
+following the curvature of the rivulet. Once within these bushes, there
+was little danger of detection. As soon as it was ascertained that the
+young man was beneath the most eastern of the outer windows of the
+northern wing, the only one of the entire range that had bushes
+directly under it, all the rifles were lowered down to him, two at a
+time, care being had that no one should appear at the window during the
+operation. This was easily effected, jerks of the rope sufficing for
+the necessary signals to haul in the line. The ammunition succeeded;
+and in this manner, all the materials of offence and defence were soon
+collected on the margin of the stream.
+
+The next step was to send the men out, one by one, imitating the
+precautions taken by Blodget. Each individual had his own provisions,
+and most of the men carried some sort of arms, such as a pistol, or a
+knife, about his person. In half an hour the four men were armed, and
+waited for the leader, concealed by the bushes on the border of the
+brook. It only remained for captain Willoughby to give some
+instructions to those he left in the Hut, and to follow.
+
+Pliny the elder, in virtue of his years, and some experience in Indian
+warfare, succeeded to the command of the garrison, in the absence of
+its chief. Had there remained a male white at the Knoll, this trust
+never could have devolved on him, it being thought contrary to the laws
+of nature for a negro to command one of the other colour; but such was
+not the fact, and Pliny the elder succeeded pretty much as a matter of
+course. Notwithstanding, he was to obey not only his particular
+_old_ mistress, but both his _young_ mistresses, who exercised
+an authority over him that was not to be disputed, without doing
+violence to all the received notions of the day. To him, then, the
+captain issued his final orders, bidding him be vigilant, and above all
+to keep the gates closed.
+
+As soon as this was done, the husband and father went to his wife and
+children to take a last embrace. Anxious not to excite too strong
+apprehensions by his manner, this was done affectionately--solemnly,
+perhaps--but with a manner so guarded as to effect his object.
+
+"I shall look for no other signal, or sign of success, Hugh," said the
+weeping wife, "than your own return, accompanied by our dearest boy.
+When I can hold you both in my arms, I shall be happy, though all the
+Indians of the continent were in the valley."
+
+"Do not miscalculate as to time, Wilhelmina. That affectionate heart of
+yours sometimes travels over time and space in a way to give its owner
+unnecessary pain. Remember we shall have to proceed with great caution,
+both in going and returning; and it will require hours to make the
+_detour_ I have in view. I hope to see you again before sunset, but a
+delay may carry us into the night. It may even become necessary to
+defer the final push until after dark."
+
+This was melancholy intelligence for the females; but they listened to
+it with calmness, and endeavoured to be, as well as to seem, resigned.
+Beulah received her father's kiss and blessing with streaming eyes,
+straining little Evert to her heart as he left her. Maud was the last
+embraced, He even led her, by gentle violence, to the court, keeping
+her in discourse by the way, exhorting her to support her mother's
+spirits by her own sense and steadiness.
+
+"I shall have Bob in the Hut, soon," he added, "and this will repay us
+all for more than twice the risks--all but you, little vixen; for your
+mother tells me you are getting, through some caprice of that variable
+humour of your sex, to be a little estranged from the poor fellow."
+
+"Father!"
+
+"O! I know it is not very serious still, even Beulah tells me you once
+called him a Major of Foot."
+
+"Did I?" said Maud, trembling in her whole frame lest her secret had
+been prematurely betrayed by the very attempt to conceal it. "My tongue
+is not always my heart."
+
+"I know it, darling, unless where I am concerned. Treat the son as you
+will, Maud, I am certain that you will always love the father." A
+pressure to the heart, and kisses on the forehead, eyes, and cheeks
+followed. "You have all your own papers, Maud, and can easily
+understand your own affairs. When examined into, it will be seen that
+every shilling of your fortune has gone to increase it; and, little
+hussy, you are now become something like a great heiress."
+
+"What does this mean, dearest, dearest father? Your words frighten me!"
+
+"They should not, love. Danger is never increased by being prepared to
+meet it. I have been a steward, and wish it to be known that the duty
+has not been unfaithfully discharged. That is all. A hundred-fold am I
+repaid by possessing so dutiful and sweet a child."
+
+Maud fell on her father's bosom and sobbed. Never before had he made so
+plain allusions to the true relations which existed between them; the
+papers she possessed having spoken for themselves, and having been
+given in silence. Nevertheless, as he appeared disposed to proceed no
+further, at present, the poor girl struggled to command herself,
+succeeded in part, rose, received her father's benediction, most
+solemnly and tenderly delivered, and saw him depart, with an air of
+calmness that subsequently astonished even herself.
+
+We must now quit the interesting group that was left behind in the Hut,
+and accompany the adventurers in their march.
+
+Captain Willoughby was obliged to imitate his men, in the mode of
+quitting the palisades. He had dressed himself in the American hunting-
+shirt and trowsers for the occasion, and, this being an attire he now
+rarely used, it greatly diminished the chances of his being recognised,
+if seen. Joyce was in a similar garb, though neither Jamie nor Mike
+could ever be persuaded to assume a style that both insisted so much
+resembled that of the Indians. As for Blodget, he was in the usual
+dress of a labourer.
+
+As soon as he had reached the bottom of the cliff, the captain let the
+fact be known to Old Pliny, by using his voice with caution, though
+sufficiently loud to be heard on the staging of the roof, directly
+above his head. The black had been instructed to watch Joel and his
+companions, in order to ascertain if they betrayed, in their movements,
+any consciousness of what was in progress at the Hut. The report was
+favourable, Pliny assuring his master that "all 'e men work, sir, just
+as afore. Joel hammer away at plough-handle, tinkerin' just like
+heself. Not an eye turn dis away, massa."
+
+Encouraged by this assurance, the whole party stole through the bushes,
+that lined this part of the base of the cliffs, until they entered the
+bed of the stream. It was September, and the water was so low, as to
+enable the party to move along the margin of the rivulet dry-shod,
+occasionally stepping from stone to stone. The latter expedient,
+indeed, was adopted wherever circumstances allowed, with a view to
+leave as few traces of a trail as was practicable. Otherwise the cover
+was complete; the winding of the rivulet preventing any distant view
+through its little reaches, and the thick fringe of the bushes on each
+bank, effectually concealing the men against any passing, lateral,
+glimpse of their movements.
+
+Captain Willoughby had, from the first, apprehended an assault from
+this quarter. The house, in its elevation, however, possessed an
+advantage that would not be enjoyed by an enemy on the ground; and,
+then, the cliff offered very serious obstacles to anything like a
+surprise on that portion of the defences. Notwithstanding, he now led
+his men, keeping a look riveted on the narrow lane in his front, far
+from certain that each turn might not bring him in presence of an
+advancing party of the enemy. No such unpleasant encounter occurred;
+and the margin of the forest was gained, without any appearance of the
+foe, and seemingly without discovery.
+
+Just within the cover of the woods, a short reach of the rivulet lay
+fairly in sight, from the rear wing of the dwellings. It formed a
+beautiful object in the view; the ardent and tasteful Maud having
+sketched the silvery ribbon of water, as it was seen retiring within
+the recesses of the forest, and often calling upon others to admire its
+loveliness and picturesque effect. Here the captain halted, and made a
+signal to Old Pliny, to let him know he waited for an answer. The reply
+was favourable, the negro showing the sign that all was still well.
+This was no sooner done, than the faithful old black hurried down to
+his mistress, to communicate the intelligence that the party was safely
+in the forest; while the adventurers turned, ascended the bank of the
+stream, and pursued their way on more solid ground.
+
+Captain Willoughby and his men were now fairly engaged in the
+expedition, and every soul of them felt the importance and gravity of
+the duty he was on. Even Mike was fain to obey the order to be silent,
+as the sound of a voice, indiscreetly used, might betray the passage of
+the party to some outlying scouts of the enemy. Caution was even used
+in treading on dried sticks, lest their cracking should produce the
+same effect.
+
+The sound of the axe was heard in the rear of the cabins coming from a
+piece of woodland the captain had ordered cleared, with the double view
+of obtaining fuel, and of increasing his orchards. This little clearing
+was near a quarter of a mile from the flats, the plan being, still to
+retain a belt of forest round the latter; and it might have covered
+half-a-dozen acres of land, having now been used four or five years for
+the same purpose. To pass between this clearing and the cabins would
+have been too hazardous, and it became necessary to direct the march in
+a way to turn the former.
+
+The cow-paths answered as guides for quite a mile, Mike being
+thoroughly acquainted with all their sinuosities. The captain and
+serjeant, however, each carried a pocket compass, an instrument without
+which few ventured far into the forests. Then the blows of the axes
+served as sounds to let the adventurers know their relative position,
+and, as they circled the place whence they issued, they gave the
+constant assurance of their own progress, and probable security.
+
+The reader will probably comprehend the nature of the ground over which
+our party was now marching. The 'flats' proper, or the site of the old
+Beaver Dam, have already been described. The valley, towards the south,
+terminated at the rocks of the mill, changing its character below that
+point, to a glen, or vast ravine. On the east were mountains of
+considerable height, and of unlimited range; to the north, the level
+land extended miles, though on a platform many feet higher than the
+level of the cleared meadows; while, to the west, along the route the
+adventurers were marching, broad slopes of rolling forest spread their
+richly-wooded surfaces, filled with fair promise for the future. The
+highest swell of this undulating forest was that nearest to the Hut,
+and it was its elevation only that gave the home-scene the character of
+a valley.
+
+Captain Willoughby's object was to gain the summit of this first ridge
+of land, which would serve as a guide to his object, since it
+terminated at the line of rocks that made the water-fall, quite a mile,
+however, in the rear of the mills. It would carry him also quite beyond
+the clearing of the wood-choppers, and be effectually turning the whole
+of the enemy's position. Once at the precipitous termination caused by
+the face of rock that had been thrown to the surface by some geological
+phenomenon, he could not miss his way, since these rugged marks must of
+themselves lead him directly to the station known to be occupied by the
+body of his foes.
+
+Half an hour served to reach the desired ridge, when the party changed
+its march, pursuing a direction nearly south, along its summit.
+
+"Those axes sound nearer and nearer, serjeant," Captain Willoughby
+observed, after the march had lasted a long time in profound silence.
+"We must be coming up near the point where the men are at work."
+
+"Does your honour reflect at all on the reason why these fellows are so
+particularly industrious in a time like this?--To me it has a very
+ambuscadish sort of look!"
+
+"It cannot be connected with an ambuscade, Joyce, inasmuch as we are
+not supposed to be on a march. There can be no ambuscade, you will
+remember, practised on a garrison."
+
+"I ask your honour's pardon--may not a sortie be ambushed, as well as a
+march?"
+
+"In that sense, perhaps, you may be right. And, now you mention it, I
+think it odd there should be so much industry at wood-chopping, in a
+moment like this. We will halt as soon as the sounds are fairly abreast
+of us, when you and I can reconnoitre the men, and ascertain the
+appearance of things for ourselves."
+
+"I remember, sir, when your honour led out two companies of ours, with
+one of the Royal Irish, a major's command, of good rights, to observe
+the left flank of the French, the evening before we stormed the enemy's
+works at Ty--"
+
+"Your memory is beginning to fail you, Joyce," interrupted the captain,
+smiling. "We were far from storming those works, having lost two
+thousand men before them, and failed of seeing their inside at all."
+
+"I always look upon a soldierly attempt, your honour, the same as a
+thing that is done. A more gallant stand than we made I never
+witnessed; and, though we were driven back, I will allow, yet I call
+that assault as good as storming!"
+
+"Well, have it your own way, Joyce.--The morning before your storming,
+I remember to have led out three companies; though it was more in
+advance, than on either flank. The object was to unmask a suspected
+ambush."
+
+"That's just what I wanted to be at, your honour. The general sent you,
+as an old captain, with three companies, to spring the trap, before he
+should put his own foot into it."
+
+"He certainly did--and the movement had the desired effect."
+
+"Better and better, sir.--I remember we were fired on, and lost some
+ten or fifteen men, but I would not presume to say whether the march
+succeeded or not; for nothing was said of the affair, next day, in
+general orders, sir--"
+
+"Next day we had other matters to occupy our minds. It was a bloody and
+a mournful occasion for England and her colonies."
+
+"Well, your honour, that does not affect our movement, which, you say,
+yourself, was useful."
+
+"Very true, Joyce, though the great calamity of the succeeding day
+prevented the little success of the preceding morning from being
+mentioned in general orders. But to what does all this tend; as I know
+it must lead to something?"
+
+"It was merely meant as a respectful hint, your honour, that the
+inferior should be sent out, now, according to our own ancient rules,
+to reconn'itre the clearing, while the commander-in-chief remain with
+the main body, to cover the retreat."
+
+"I thank you, serjeant, and shall not fail to employ you, on all proper
+occasions. At present, it is my intention that we go together, leaving
+the men to take breath, in a suitable cover."
+
+This satisfied Joyce, who was content to wait for orders. As soon as
+the sounds of the axes showed that the party were far enough in
+advance, and the formation of the land assured the captain that he was
+precisely where he wished to be, the men were halted, and left secreted
+in a cover made by the top of a fallen tree. This precaution was taken,
+lest any wandering savage might get a glimpse of their persons, if they
+stood lounging about in the more open forest, during the captain's
+absence.
+
+This disposition made, the captain and serjeant, first examining the
+priming of their pieces, moved with the necessary caution towards the
+edge of the wood-chopper's clearing. The axe was a sufficient guide,
+and ere they had proceeded far the light began to shine through the
+trees, proof in itself that they were approaching an opening in the
+forest.
+
+"Let us incline to the left, your honour," said Joyce, respectfully;
+"there is a naked rock hereabouts, that completely overlooks the
+clearing, and where we can get even a peep at the Hut. I have often sat
+on it, when out with the gun, and wearied; for the next thing to being
+at home, is to see home."
+
+"I remember the place, serjeant, and like your suggestion," answered
+the captain, with an eagerness that it was very unusual for him to
+betray. "I could march with a lighter heart, after getting another look
+at the Knoll, and being certain of its security."
+
+The parties being both of a mind, it is not surprising that each looked
+eagerly for the spot in question. It was an isolated rock that rose
+some fifteen or twenty feet above the surface of the ground, having a
+width and depth about double its height--one of those common
+excrescences of the forest that usually possess interest for no one but
+the geologist. Such an object was not difficult to find in an open
+wood, and the search was soon rewarded by a discovery. Bending their
+steps that way, our two soldiers were quickly at its base. As is usual,
+the summit of this fragment of rock was covered with bushes; others
+shooting out, also, from the rich, warm earth at its base, or, to speak
+more properly, at its junction with the earth.
+
+Joyce ascended first, leaving his rifle in the captain's charge. The
+latter followed, after having passed up his own and his companion's
+arms; neither being disposed to stir without having these important
+auxiliaries at command. Once on the rock, both moved cautiously to its
+eastern brow, care being had not to go beyond the cover. Here they
+stood, side by side, gazing on the scene that was outspread before
+them, through openings in the bushes.
+
+To the captain's astonishment, he found himself within half musket shot
+of the bulk of the hostile party. A regular bivouac had been formed
+round a spring in the centre of the clearing, and bodies of trees had
+been thrown together, so as to form a species of work which was rudely,
+but effectually abbatied by the branches. In a word, one of those
+strong, rough forest encampments had been made, which are so difficult
+to carry without artillery, more especially if well defended. By being
+placed in the centre of the clearing, an assault could not be made
+without expensing the assailants, and the spring always assured to the
+garrison the great requisite, water.
+
+There was a method and order in this arrangement that surprised both
+our old soldiers. That Indians had resorted to this expedient, neither
+believed; nor would the careless, untaught and inexperienced whites of
+the Mohawk be apt to adopt it, without a suggestion from some person
+acquainted with the usages of frontier warfare. Such persons were not
+difficult to find, it is true; and it was a proof that those claiming
+to be in authority, rightfully or not, were present.
+
+There was something unlooked for, also, in the manner in which the
+party of strangers were lounging about, at a moment like that,
+seemingly doing nothing, or preparing for no service. Joyce, who was a
+man of method, and was accustomed to telling off troops, counted no
+less than forty-nine of these idlers, most of whom were lounging near
+the log entrenchment, though a few were sauntering about the clearing,
+conversing with the wood-choppers, or making their observations
+listlessly, and seemingly without any precise object in view.
+
+"This is the most extr'or'nary sight, for a military expedition, I have
+ever seen, your honour," whispered Joyce, after the two had stood
+examining the position for quite a minute in silence. "A tolerable good
+log breast-work, I will allow, sir, and men enough to make it good
+against a sharp assault; but nothing like a guard, and not so much as a
+single sentinel. This is an affront to the art. Captain Willoughby; and
+it is such an affront to us, that I feel certain we might carry the
+post by surprise, if all felt the insult as I do myself."
+
+"This is no time for rash acts or excited feelings, Joyce. Though, were
+my gallant boy with us, I do think we might make a push at these
+fellows, with very reasonable chances of success."
+
+"Yes, your honour, and without him, too. A close fire, three cheers,
+and a vigorous charge would drive every one of the rascals into the
+woods!"
+
+"Where they would rally, become the assailants in their turn, surround
+us, and either compel us to surrender, or starve us out. At all events,
+nothing of the sort must be undertaken until we have carried out the
+plan for the rescue of Major Willoughby. My hopes of success are
+greatly increased since I find the enemy has his principal post up
+here, where he must be a long half-mile from the mill, even in a
+straight line. You have counted the enemy?"
+
+"There are just forty-nine of them in sight, and I should think some
+eight or ten more sleeping about under the logs, as I occasionally
+discover a new one raising his head.--Look, sir, does your honour see
+that manoeuvre?"
+
+"Do I see what, serjeant?--There is no visible change that I discover."
+
+"Only an Indian chopping wood, Captain Willoughby which is some such
+miracle as a white man painting."
+
+The reader will have understood that all the hostile party that was
+lounging about this clearing were in Indian guise, with faces and hands
+of the well-known reddish colour that marks the American aborigines.
+The two soldiers could discover many evidences that there was deception
+in these appearances, though they thought it quite probable that real
+red men were mingled with the pale-faces. But, so little did the
+invaders respect the necessity of appearances in their present
+position, that one of these seeming savages had actually mounted a log,
+taken the axe from the hands of its owner, and begun to chop, with a
+vigour and skill that soon threw off chips in a way that no man can
+successfully imitate but the expert axe-man of the American interior.
+
+"Pretty well that, sir, for a red-skin," said Joyce, smiling "If there
+isn't white blood, ay, and Yankee blood in that chap's arm, I'll give
+him some of my own to help colour it. Step this way, your honour--only
+a foot or two--there, sir; by looking through the opening just above
+the spot where that very make-believe Injin is scattering his chips as
+if they were so many kernels of corn that he was tossing to the
+chickens, you will get a sight of the Hut."
+
+The fact was so. By altering his own position a little on the rock,
+Captain Willoughby got a full view of the entire buildings of the
+Knoll. It is true, he could not see the lawn without the works, nor
+quite all of the stockade, but the whole of the western wing, or an
+entire side-view of the dwellings, was obtained. Everything seemed as
+tranquil and secure, in and around them, as if they vegetated in a
+sabbath in the wilderness. There was something imposing even, in the
+solemn silence of their air, and the captain now saw that if he had
+been struck, and rendered uneasy by the mystery that accompanied the
+inaction and quiet of his invaders, they, in their turns, might
+experience some such sensations as they gazed on the repose of the Hut,
+and the apparent security of its garrison. But for Joel's desertion,
+indeed, and the information he had carried with him, there could be
+little doubt that the stranger must have felt the influence of such
+doubts to a very material extent. Alas! as things were, it was not
+probable they could be long imposed on, by any seeming calm.
+
+Captain Willoughby felt a reluctance to tear himself away from the
+spectacle of that dwelling which contained so many that were dear to
+him. Even Joyce gazed at the house with pleasure, for it had been his
+quarters, now, so many years, and he had looked forward to the time
+when he should breathe his last in it. Connected with his old commander
+by a tie that was inseparable, so far as human wishes could control
+human events, it was impossible that the serjeant could go from the
+place where they had left so many precious beings almost in the keeping
+of Providence, at a moment like that, altogether without emotion. While
+each was thus occupied in mind, there was a perfect stillness. The men
+of the party had been so far drilled, as to speak in low voices, and
+nothing they said was audible on the rock. The axes alone broke the
+silence of the woods, and to ears so accustomed to their blows, they
+offered no intrusion. In the midst of this eloquent calm, the bushes of
+the rock rustled, as it might be with the passage of a squirrel, or a
+serpent. Of the last the country had but few, and they of the most
+innocent kind, while the former abounded. Captain Willoughby turned,
+expecting to see one of these little restless beings, when his gaze
+encountered a swarthy face, and two glowing eyes, almost within reach
+of his arm. That this was a real Indian was beyond dispute, and the
+crisis admitting of no delay, the old officer drew a dirk, and had
+already raised his arm to strike, when Joyce arrested the blow.
+
+"This is Nick, your honour;" said the serjeant, inquiringly--"is he
+friend, or foe?"
+
+"What says he himself?" answered the captain, lowering his hand in
+doubt. "Let him speak to his own character."
+
+Nick now advanced and stood calmly and fearlessly at the side of the
+two white men. Still there was ferocity in his look, and an indecision
+in his movements. He certainly might betray the adventurers at any
+instant, and they felt all the insecurity of their situation. But
+accident had brought Nick directly in front of the opening through
+which was obtained the view of the Hut. In turning from one to the
+other of the two soldiers, his quick eye took in this glimpse of the
+buildings, and it became riveted there as by the charm of fascination.
+Gradually the ferocity left his countenance, which grew human and soft.
+
+"Squaw in wigwam"--said the Tuscarora, throwing forward a hand with its
+fore-finger pointing towards the house. "Ole squaw--young squaw. Good.
+Wyandotte sick, she cure him. Blood in Injin body; thick blood--nebber
+forget good--nebber forget bad."
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXV.
+
+  "Every stride--every stamp,
+  Every footfall is bolder;
+  'Tis a skeleton's tramp,
+  With a skull on its shoulder!
+  But ho, how he steps
+  With a high-tossing head,
+  That clay-covered bone,
+  Going down to the dead!"
+
+  Coxe.
+
+Nick's countenance was a fair index to his mind; nor were his words
+intended to deceive. Never did Wyandotte forget the good, or evil, that
+was done him. After looking intently, a short time, at the Hut, he
+turned and abruptly demanded of his companions,--
+
+"Why come here? Like to see enemy between you and wigwam?"
+
+As all Nick said was uttered in a guarded tone, as if he fully entered
+into the necessity of remaining concealed from those who were in such a
+dangerous vicinity, it served to inspire confidence, inducing the two
+soldiers to believe him disposed to serve them.
+
+"Am I to trust in you as a friend?" demanded the captain, looking the
+Indian steadily in the eye.
+
+"Why won't trust? Nick no hero--gone away--Nick nebber come ag'in--
+Wyandotte hero--who no trust Wyandotte? Yengeese always trust great
+chief."
+
+"I shall take you at your word, Wyandotte, and tell you everything,
+hoping to make an ally of you. But, first explain to me, why you left
+the Hut, last night--friends do not desert friends."
+
+"Why leave wigwam?--Because wanted to. Wyandotte come when he want; go
+when he want. Nick go too.--Went to see son--come back; tell story;
+eh?"
+
+"Yes, it has happened much as you say, and I am willing to think it all
+occurred with the best motives. Can you tell me anything of Joel, and
+the others who have left me?"
+
+"Why tell?--Cap'in look; he see. Some chop--some plough--some weed--
+some dig ditch. All like ole time Bury hatchet--tired of war-path--why
+cap'in ask?"
+
+"I see all you tell me. You know, then, that those fellows have made
+friends with the hostile party?"
+
+"No need know--see. Look--Injin chop, pale-face look on! Call that
+war?"
+
+"I do see that which satisfies me the men in paint yonder are not all
+red men."
+
+"No--cap'in right--tell him so at wigwam. But dat Mohawk--dog--rascal--
+Nick's enemy!"
+
+This was said with a gleam of fierceness shooting across the swarthy
+face, and a menacing gesture of the hand, in the direction of a real
+savage who was standing indolently leaning against a tree, at a
+distance so small as to allow those on the rock to distinguish his
+features. The vacant expression of this man's countenance plainly
+denoted that he was totally unconscious of the vicinity of danger. It
+expressed the listless vacancy of an Indian in a state of perfect
+rest--his stomach full, his body at ease, his mind peaceful.
+
+"I thought Nick was not here," the captain quietly observed, smiling on
+the Tuscarora a little ironically.
+
+"Cap'in right--Nick no here. Well for dog 'tis so. Too mean for
+Wyandotte to touch. What cap'in come for? Eh! Better tell chief--get
+council widout lightin' fire."
+
+"As I see no use in concealing my plan from you, Wyandotte,"--Nick
+seemed pleased whenever this name was pronounced by others--"I shall
+tell it you, freely. Still, you have more to relate to me. Why are
+_you_ here?--And how came you to discover us?"
+
+"Follow trail--know cap'in foot--know serjeant foot--know Mike foot--
+see so many foot, follow him. Leave so many" holding up three fingers
+"in bushes--so many" holding up two fingers "come here. Foot tell
+_which_ come here--Wyandotte chief--he follow chief."
+
+"When did you first strike, or see our trail, Tuscarora?"
+
+"Up here--down yonder--over dere." Captain Willoughby understood this
+to mean, that the Indian had crossed the trail, or seen it in several
+places. "Plenty trail; plenty foot to tell all about it. Wyandotte see
+foot of friend--why he don't follow, eh?"
+
+"I hope this is all so, old warrior, and that you will prove yourself a
+friend indeed. We are out in the hope of liberating my son, and we came
+here to see what our enemies are about."
+
+The Tuscarora's eyes were like two inquisitors, as he listened; but he
+seemed satisfied that the truth was told him. Assuming an air of
+interest, he inquired if the captain knew where the major was confined.
+A few words explained everything, and the parties soon understood each
+other.
+
+"Cap'in right," observed Nick. "Son in cupboard still; but plenty
+warrior hear, to keep eye on him."
+
+"You know his position, Wyandotte, and can aid us materially, if you
+will. What say you, chief; will you take service, once more, under your
+old commander?"
+
+"Who _he_ sarve--King George--Congress--eh?"
+
+"Neither. I am neutral, Tuscarora, in the present quarrel. I only
+defend myself, and the rights which the laws assure to me, let
+whichever party govern, that may."
+
+"Dat bad. Nebber neutral in hot war. Get rob from bot' side. Alway be
+one or t'oder, cap'in."
+
+"You may be right, Nicholas, but a conscientious man may think neither
+wholly right, nor wholly wrong. I wish never to lift the hatchet,
+unless my quarrel be just."
+
+"Injin no understand _dat_. Throw hatchet at _enemy_--what
+matter what he say--good t'ing, bad t'ing. He _enemy_--dat enough.
+Take scalp from _enemy_--don't touch _friend_"
+
+"That may do for _your_ mode of warfare, Tuscarora, but It will
+hardly do for _mine_. I must feel that I have right of my side,
+before I am willing to take life."
+
+"Cap'in always talk so, eh? When he soldier, and general say shoot ten,
+forty, t'ousand Frenchmen, den he say; stop, general--no hurry--let
+cap'in t'ink.' Bye'm-by he'll go and take scalp; eh!"
+
+It exceeded our old soldier's self-command not to permit the blood to
+rush into his face, at this home-thrust; for he felt the cunning of the
+Indian had involved him in a seeming contradiction.
+
+"That was when I was in the army, Wyandotte," he answered,
+notwithstanding his confusion, "when my first, and highest duty, was to
+obey the orders of my superiors. Then I acted as a soldier; now, I hope
+to act as a man."
+
+"Well, Indian chief alway in army. Always high duty, and obey
+superior--obey Manitou, and take scalp from enemy. War-path alway
+open, when enemy at t'other end."
+
+"This is no place to discuss such questions, chief; nor have we the
+time. Do you go with us?"
+
+Nick nodded an assent, and signed for the other to quit the rocks. The
+captain hesitated a moment, during which he stood intently studying the
+scene in the clearing.
+
+"What say you, Tuscarora; the serjeant has proposed assaulting that
+breast-work?"
+
+"No good, cap'in. You fire, halloo, rush on--well, kill four, six,
+two--rest run away. Injin down at mill hear rifle; follow smoke--where
+major, den? Get major, first--t'ink about enemy afterwards."
+
+As Nick said this, he repeated the gesture to descend; and he was
+obeyed in silence. The captain now led the way back to his party; and
+soon rejoined it. All were glad to see Nick, for he was known to have a
+sure rifle; to be fearless as the turkey-cock; and to possess a
+sagacity in the woods, that frequently amounted to a species of
+intuition.
+
+"Who lead, cap'in or Injin?" asked the Tuscarora, in his sententious
+manner.
+
+"Och, Nick, ye're a cr'ature!" muttered Mike. "Divil bur-r-rn me,
+Jamie, but I t'inks the fallie would crass the very three-tops, rather
+than miss the majjor's habitation."
+
+"Not a syllable must be uttered," said the captain, raising a hand in
+remonstrance. "I will lead, and Wyandotte will march by my side, and
+give me his council, in whispers. Joyce will bring up the rear.
+Blodget, you will keep a sharp look-out to the left, while Jamie will
+do the same to the right. As we approach the mills, stragglers may be
+met in the woods, and our march must be conducted with the greatest
+caution. Now follow, and be silent."
+
+The captain and Nick led, and the whole party followed, observing the
+silence which had been enjoined on them. The usual manner of marching
+on a war-path, in the woods, was for the men to follow each other
+singly; an order that has obtained the name of 'Indian file,' the
+object being to diminish the trail, and conceal the force of the
+expedition, by each man treading in his leader's footsteps. On the
+present occasion, however, the captain induced Nick to walk at his
+side, feeling an uneasiness on the subject of the Tuscarora's fidelity
+that he could not entirely conquer. The pretext given was very
+different, as the reader will suppose. By seeing the print of a
+moccasin in company with that of a boot, any straggler that crossed the
+trail might be led to suppose it had been left by the passage of a
+party from the clearing or the mill. Nick quietly assented to this
+reasoning, and fell in by the side of the captain without remonstrance.
+
+Vigilant eyes were kept on all sides of the line of march, though it,
+was hoped and believed that the adventurers had struck upon a route too
+far west to be exposed to interruption. A quarter of a mile nearer to
+the flats might have brought them within the range of stragglers; but,
+following the summit of the ridge, there was a certain security in the
+indolence which would be apt to prevent mere idlers from sauntering up
+an ascent. At all events, no interruption occurred, the party reaching
+in safety the rocks that were a continuation of the range which formed
+the precipice at the falls--the sign that they had gone far enough to
+the south. At this period, the precipice was nearly lost in the rising
+of the lower land, but its margin was sufficiently distinct to form a
+good mask.
+
+Descending to the plateau beneath, the captain and Nick now inclined to
+the east, the intention being to come in upon the mills from the rear.
+As the buildings lay in the ravine, this could only be done by making a
+rapid descent immediately in their vicinity; a formation of the ground
+that rendered the march, until within pistol-shot of its termination,
+reasonably secure. Nick also assured his companions that he had several
+times traversed this very plateau, and that he had met no signs of
+footsteps on it; from which he inferred that the invaders had not taken
+the trouble to ascend the rugged cliffs that bounded the western side
+of the glen.
+
+The approach to the summit of the cliff was made with caution, though
+the left flank of the adventurers was well protected by the abrupt
+descent they had already made from the terrace above. This left little
+more than the right flank and the front to be watched, the falling away
+of the land forming, also, a species of cover for the rear. It is not
+surprising, then, that the verge of the ravine or glen was attained,
+and no discovery was made. The spot being favourable, the captain
+immediately led down a winding path, that was densely fringed with
+bushes, towards the level of the buildings.
+
+The glen of the mills was very narrow; so much so, as barely to leave
+sites for the buildings themselves, and three or four cabins for the
+workmen. The mills were placed in advance, as near as possible to the
+course of the water; while the habitations of the workmen were perched
+on shelves of the rocks, or such level bits of bottom-land as offered.
+Owing to this last circumstance, the house of Daniel the miller, or
+that in which it was supposed the major was still confined, stood by
+itself, and fortunately, at the very foot of the path by which the
+adventurers were descending. All this was favourable, and had been
+taken into the account as a material advantage, by Captain Willoughby
+when he originally conceived the plan of the present sortie.
+
+When the chimney of the cabin was visible over the bushes, Captain
+Willoughby halted his party, and repeated his instruction to Joyce, in
+a voice very little raised above a whisper; The serjeant was ordered to
+remain in his present position, until he received a signal to advance.
+As for the captain, himself, he intended to descend as near as might be
+to the buttery of the cabin, and reconnoitre, before he gave the final
+order. This buttery was in a lean-to, as a small addition to the
+original building was called in the parlance of the country; and, the
+object being shade and coolness, on account of the milk with which it
+was usually well stored at this season of the year, it projected back
+to the very cliff, where it was half hid in bushes and young trees. It
+had but a single small window, that was barred with wood to keep out
+cats, and such wild vermin as affected milk, nor was it either lathed
+or plastered; these two last being luxuries not often known in the log
+tenements of the frontier. Still it was of solid logs, chinked in with
+mortar, and made a very effectual prison, with the door properly
+guarded; the captive being deprived of edged tools. All this was also
+known to the father, when he set forth to effect the liberation of his
+son, and, like the positions of the buildings themselves, had been well
+weighed in his estimate of the probabilities and chances.
+
+As soon as his orders were given, Captain Willoughby proceeded down the
+path, accompanied only by Nick. He had announced his intention to send
+the Tuscarora ahead to reconnoitre, then to force himself among the
+bushes between the lean-to and the rocks, and there to open a
+communication with the major through the chinks of the logs After
+receiving Nick's intelligence, his plan was to be governed by
+circumstances, and to act accordingly.
+
+"God bless you, Joyce," said the captain, squeezing the Serjeant's hand
+as he was on the point of descending. "We are on ticklish service, and
+require all our wits about us. If anything happen to me, remember that
+my wife and daughter will mainly depend on you for protection."
+
+"I shall consider that as your honour's orders, sir, and no more need
+be said to me, Captain Willoughby."
+
+The captain smiled on his old follower, and Joyce thought that never
+had he seen the fine manly face of his superior beam with a calmer, or
+sweeter expression, than it did as he returned his own pressure of the
+hand. The two adventurers were both careful, and their descent was
+noiseless. The men above listened, in breathless silence, but the
+stealthy approach of the cat upon the bird could not have been more
+still, than that, of these two experienced warriors.
+
+The place where Joyce was left with the men, might have been fifty feet
+above the roof of the cabin, and almost perpendicularly over the narrow
+vacancy that was known to exist between the rocks and the lean-to.
+Still the bushes and trees were so thick as to prevent the smallest
+glimpse at objects below, had the shape of the cliff allowed it, while
+they even intercepted sounds. Joyce fancied, nevertheless, that he
+heard the rustling bushes, as the captain forced his way into the
+narrow space he was to occupy, and he augured well of the fact, since
+it proved that no opposition had been encountered. Half an hour of
+forest silence followed, that was only interrupted by the tumbling of
+the waters over the natural dam. At the end of that weary period, a
+shout was heard in front of the mills, and the party raised their
+pieces, in a vague apprehension that some discovery had been made that
+was about to bring on a crisis. Nothing further occurred, however, to
+confirm this impression, and an occasional burst of laughter, that
+evidently came from white men, rather served to allay the apprehension.
+
+Another half-hour passed, during which no interruption was heard. By
+this time Joyce became uneasy, a state of things having arrived for
+which no provision had been made in his instructions. He was about to
+leave his command under the charge of Jamie, and descend himself to
+reconnoitre, when a footstep was heard coming up the path. Nothing but
+the deep attention, and breathless stillness of the men could have
+rendered the sound of a tread so nearly noiseless, audible; but heard
+it was, at a moment when every sense was wrought up to its greatest
+powers. Rifles were lowered, in readiness to receive assailants, but
+each was raised again, as Nick came slowly into view. The Tuscarora was
+calm in manner, as if no incident had occurred to disconcert the
+arrangement, though his eyes glanced around him, like those of a man
+who searched for an absent person.
+
+"Where cap'in?--Where major?" Nick asked, as soon as his glance had
+taken in the faces of all present.
+
+"We must ask that of you, Nick," returned Joyce. "We have not seen the
+captain, nor had any orders from him, since he left us."
+
+This answer seemed to cause the Indian more surprise than it was usual
+for him to betray, and he pondered a moment in obvious uneasiness.
+
+"Can't stay here, alway," he muttered. "Best go see. Bye'm-by trouble
+come; then, too late."
+
+The serjeant was greatly averse to moving without orders. He had his
+instructions how to act in every probable contingency, but none that
+covered the case of absolute inaction on the part of those below.
+Nevertheless, twice the time necessary to bring things to issue had
+gone by, and neither signal, shot, nor alarm had reached his ears.
+
+"Do you know anything of the major, Nick?" the serjeant demanded,
+determined to examine the case thoroughly ere he came to a decision.
+
+"Major dere--see him at door--plenty sentinel. All good--where cap'in?"
+
+"Where did you leave him?--You can give the last account of him."
+
+"Go in behind cupboard--under rock--plenty bushes--all right--son
+dere."
+
+"This must be looked to--perhaps his honour has fallen into a fit--such
+things sometimes happen--and a man who is fighting for his own child,
+doesn't feel, Jamie, all the same as one who fights on a general
+principle, as it might be."
+
+"Na--ye 're right, sairjeant J'yce, and ye'll be doing the kind and
+prudent act, to gang doon yersal', and investigate the trainsaction
+with yer ain een."
+
+This Joyce determined to do, directing Nick to accompany him, as a
+guide. The Indian seemed glad to comply, and there was no delay in
+proceeding. It required but a minute to reach the narrow passage
+between the cliff and the lean-to. The bushes were carefully shoved
+aside, and Joyce entered. He soon caught a glimpse of the hunting-
+shirt, and then he was about to withdraw, believing that he was in
+error, in anticipating orders. But a short look at his commander
+removed all scruples; for he observed that he was seated on a
+projection of the rocks, with his body bowed forward, apparently
+leaning on the logs of the building. This seemed to corroborate the
+thought about a fit, and the serjeant pressed eagerly forward to
+ascertain the truth.
+
+Joyce touched his commander's arm, but no sign of consciousness came
+from the latter. He then raised his body upright, placing the back in a
+reclining attitude against the rocks, and started back himself when he
+caught a glimpse of the death-like hue of the face. At first, the
+notion of the fit was strong with the serjeant; but, in changing his
+own position, he caught a glimpse of a little pool of blood, which at
+once announced that violence had been used.
+
+Although the serjeant was a man of great steadiness of nerves, and
+unchangeable method, he fairly trembled as he ascertained the serious
+condition of his old and well-beloved commander. Notwithstanding, he
+was too much of a soldier to neglect anything that circumstances
+required. On examination, he discovered a deep and fatal wound between
+two of the ribs, which had evidently been inflicted with a common
+knife. The blow had passed into the heart, and Captain Willoughby was,
+out of all question, dead! He had breathed his last, within six feet of
+his own gallant son, who, ignorant of all that passed, was little
+dreaming of the proximity of one so dear to him, as well as of his dire
+condition.
+
+Joyce was a man of powerful frame, and, at that moment, he felt he was
+master of a giant's strength. First assuring himself of the fact that
+the wounded man had certainly ceased to breathe, he brought the arms
+over his own shoulders, raised the body on his back, and walked from
+the place, with less attention to caution than on entering, but with
+sufficient care to prevent exposure. Nick stood watching his movements
+with a wondering look, and as soon as there was room, he aided in
+supporting the corpse.
+
+In this manner the two went up the path, bearing their senseless
+burden. A gesture directed the party with Jamie to precede the two who
+had been below, and the serjeant did not pause even to breathe, until
+he had fairly reached the summit of the cliff; then he halted in a
+place removed from the danger of immediate discovery. The body was laid
+reverently on the ground, and Joyce renewed his examination with
+greater ease and accuracy, until perfectly satisfied that the captain
+must have ceased to breathe, nearly an hour.
+
+This was a sad and fearful blow to the whole party. No one, at such a
+moment, thought of inquiring into the manner in which their excellent
+master had received his death-blow; but every thought was bent either
+on the extent of the calamity, or on the means of getting back to the
+Hut. Joyce was the soul of the party. His rugged face assumed a stern,
+commanding expression; but every sign of weakness had disappeared. He
+gave his orders promptly, and the men even started when he spoke, so
+bent on obtaining obedience did he appear to be.
+
+The rifles were converted into a bier, the body was placed upon it, and
+the four men then raised the burthen, and began to retrace their
+footsteps, in melancholy silence. Nick led the way, pointing out the
+difficulties of the path, with a sedulousness of attention, and a
+gentleness of manner, that none present had ever before witnessed in
+the Tuscarora He even appeared to have become woman, to use one of his
+own peculiar expressions.
+
+No one speaking, and all the men working with good will, the retreat,
+notwithstanding the burthen with which it was encumbered, was made with
+a rapidity greatly exceeding the advance. Nick led the way with an
+unerring eye, even selecting better ground than that which the white
+men had been able to find on their march. He had often traversed all
+the hills, in the character of a hunter, and to him the avenues of the
+forest were as familiar as the streets of his native town become to the
+burgher. He made no offer to become one of the bearers; this would have
+been opposed to his habits; but, in all else, the Indian manifested
+gentleness and solicitude. His apprehension seemed to be, and so he
+expressed it, that the Mohawks might get the scalp of the dead man; a
+disgrace that he seemed as solicitous to avoid as Joyce himself; the
+serjeant, however, keeping in view the feelings of the survivors,
+rather than any notions of military pride.
+
+Notwithstanding the stern resolution that prevailed among the men, that
+return march was long and weary. The distance, of itself, exceeded two
+miles, and there were the inequalities and obstacles of a forest to
+oppose them. Per severance and strength, however, overcame all
+difficulties; and, at the end of two hours, the party approached the
+point where it became necessary to enter the bed of the rivulet, or
+expose their sad procession by marching in open view of any who might
+be straggling in the rear of the Hut. A species of desperate
+determination had influenced the men in their return march, rendering
+them reckless of discovery, or its consequences; a circumstance that
+had greatly favoured their object; the adventurous and bold frequently
+encountering fewer difficulties, in the affairs of war, than the
+cautious and timid. But an embarrassment now presented itself that was
+far more difficult to encounter than any which proceeded from personal
+risks. The loving family of the deceased was to be met; a wife and
+daughters apprised of the fearful loss that, in the providence of God,
+had suddenly alighted on their house.
+
+"Lower the body, men, and come to a halt," said Joyce, using the manner
+of authority, though his voice trembled "we must consult together, as
+to our next step."
+
+There was a brief and decent pause, while the party placed the lifeless
+body on the grass, face uppermost, with the limbs laid in order, and
+everything about it, disposed of in a seemliness that betokened
+profound respect for the senseless clay, even after the noble spirit
+had departed. Mike alone could not resist his strong native propensity
+to talk. The honest fellow raised a hand of his late master, and,
+kissing it with strong affection, soliloquized as follows, in a tone
+that was more rebuked by feeling, than any apprehension of
+consequences.
+
+"Little need had ye of a praist, and extreme unction," he said. "The
+likes of yerself always kapes a clane breast; and the knife that went
+into yer heart found nothing that ye need have been ashamed of! Sorrow
+come over me, but yer lass is as great a one to meself, as if I had
+tidings of the sinking of ould Ireland into the salt say, itself; a
+thing that niver _can_ happen, and niver will happen; no, not even
+at the last day; as all agree the wor-r-ld is to be burned and not
+drowned. And who'll there be to tell this same to the Missus, and Miss
+Beuly, and phratty Miss Maud, and the babby, in the bargain? Divil bur-
+r-n me, if 't will be Michael O'Hearn, who has too much sorrow of his
+own, to be running about, and d'aling it out to other people. Sarjeant,
+that will be ver own jewty, and I pities the man that has to perform
+it."
+
+"No man will see me shrink from a duty, O'Hearn," said Joyce, stiffly,
+while with the utmost difficulty he kept the tears from breaking out of
+a fountain that had not opened, in this way, for twenty years. "It may
+bear hard on my feelings--I do not say it will _not_--but duty is
+duty, and it must be done. Corporal Allen, you see the state of things;
+the commanding officer is among the casualties, and nothing would be
+simpler than our course, were it not for Madam Willoughby--God bless
+her, and have her in His holy keeping--and the young ladies. It is
+proper to deliberate a little about _them_. To you then, as an
+elderly and experienced man, I first apply for an opinion."
+
+"Sorrow's an unwelcome guest, whether it comes expected, or without any
+previous knowledge. The hairts o the widow and fairtherless must be
+stricken, and it's little that a' our consolations and expairiments
+will prevail ag'in the feelin's o' natur'. Pheeloosophy and religion
+tall us that the body's no mair than a clod o' the valley when the
+speerit has fled; but the hairt is unapt to listen to wisdom while the
+grief is fraish, and of the severity of an unlooked-for sairtainty.
+_I_ see little good, therefore, in doing mair than just sending in a
+messenger, to clear the way a little for the arrival of truth, in the
+form o' death, itsal'."
+
+"I have been thinking of this--will you take the office, Jamie, as a
+man of years and discretion?"
+
+"Na--na--ye'll be doing far better by sending a younger man. Age has
+weakened my memory, and I'll be overlooking some o' the saircumstances
+in a manner that will be unseemly for the occasion. Here is Blodget, a
+youth of ready wit, and limber tongue."
+
+"I wouldn't do it, mason, to be the owner of ten such properties as
+this!" exclaimed the young Rhode Islander, actually recoiling a step,
+as if he retreated before a dreaded foe.
+
+"Well, sairjeant, ye've Michael here, who belangs to a kirk that has so
+little seempathy with protestantism as to lessen the pain o' the
+office. Death is a near ally to religion, and Michael, by taking a
+religious view o' the maither, might bring his hairt into such a
+condition of insensibility as wad give him little to do but to tell
+what has happened, leaving God, in his ain maircy, to temper the wind
+to the shorn lamb."
+
+"You hear, O'Hearn?" said the serjeant, stiffly--"Everybody seems to
+expect that you will do this duty."
+
+"Jewty!--D 'ye call it a jewty for a man in my situation to break the
+hearts of Missus, and Miss Beuly, and phratty Miss Maud, and the babby?
+for babbies has hearts as well as the stoutest man as is going. Divil
+bur-r-n me, then, if ye gets out of my mout' so much as a hint that the
+captain's dead and gone from us, for ever and ever, amen! Ye may send
+me in, for ye 're corporals, and serjeants, and the likes of yees, and
+I'll obey as a souldier, seem' that he would have wished as much
+himself, had the breat' staid in his body, which it has not, on account
+of its l'aving his sowl on 'arth, and departing with his corporeal part
+for the mansions of happiness, the Blessed Mary have mercy on him,
+whether here or _there_--but the captain was not the man to wish a
+fait'ful follower to afflict his own wife; and so I'll have not'in' to
+do with such a message, at all at all."
+
+"Nick go"--said the Indian, calmly--"Used to carry message--carry him
+for cap'in, once more."
+
+"Well, Nick, you may do it certainly, if so disposed," answered Joyce,
+who would have accepted the services of a Chinese rather than undertake
+the office in person. "You will remember and speak to the ladies
+gently, and not break the news too suddenly."
+
+"Yes--squaw soft heart--Nick know--had moder--had wife, once--had
+darter."
+
+"Very well; this will be an advantage, men, as Nick is the only married
+man among us; and married men should best understand dealing with
+females."
+
+Joyce then held a private communication with the Tuscarora, that lasted
+some five or six minutes, when the last leaped nimbly into the bed of
+the stream, and was soon concealed by the bushes of one of its reaches.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVI.
+
+  "Heart leaps to heart--the sacred flood
+  That warms us is the same;
+  That good old man--his honest blood
+  Alike we fondly claim."
+
+  Sprague.
+
+Although Nick commenced his progress with so much seeming zeal and
+activity, his speed abated, the moment he found himself beyond the
+sight of those he had left in the woods. Before he reached the foot of
+the cliff, his trot had degenerated to a walk; and when he actually
+found he was at its base, he seated himself on a stone, apparently to
+reflect on the course he ought to pursue.
+
+The countenance of the Tuscarora expressed a variety of emotions while
+he thus remained stationary. At first, it was fierce, savage, exulting;
+then it became gentler, soft, perhaps repentant. He drew his knife from
+its buckskin sheath, and eyed the blade with a gaze expressive of
+uneasiness. Perceiving that a clot of blood had collected at the
+junction with the handle, it was carefully removed by the use of water.
+His look next passed over his whole person, in order to ascertain if
+any more of these betrayers of his fearful secret remained; after which
+he seemed more at ease.
+
+"Wyandotte's back don't ache now," he growled to himself. "Ole sore
+heal up. Why Cap'in touch him? T'ink Injin no got feelin'? Good man,
+sometime; bad man, sometime. Sometime, live; sometime, die. Why tell
+Wyandotte he flog ag'in, just as go to enemy's camp? No; back feel
+well, now--nebber smart, any more."
+
+When this soliloquy was ended, Nick arose, cast a look up at the sun,
+to ascertain how much of the day still remained, glanced towards the
+Hut, as if examining the nature of its defences, stretched himself like
+one who was weary, and peeped out from behind the bushes, in order to
+see how those who were afield, still occupied themselves. All this
+done, with singular deliberation and steadiness, he arranged his light
+dress, and prepared to present himself before the wife and daughters of
+the man, whom, three hours before, he had remorselessly murdered. Nick
+had often meditated this treacherous deed, during the thirty years
+which had elapsed between his first flogging and the present period;
+but circumstances had never placed its execution safely in his power.
+The subsequent punishments had increased the desire, for a few years;
+but time had so far worn off the craving for revenge, that it would
+never have been actively revived, perhaps, but for the unfortunate
+allusions of the victim himself, to the subject. Captain Willoughby had
+been an English soldier, of the school of the last century. He was
+naturally a humane and a just man, but he believed in the military
+axiom that "the most flogging regiments were the best fighting
+regiments;" and perhaps he was not in error, as regards the lower
+English character. It was a fatal error, however, to make in relation
+to an American savage; one who had formerly exercised the functions,
+and who had not lost all the feelings, of a chief. Unhappily, at a
+moment when everything depended on the fidelity of the Tuscarora, the
+captain had bethought him of his old expedient for insuring prompt
+obedience, and, by way of a reminder, he made an allusion to his former
+mode of punishment. As Nick would have expressed it, "the old sores
+smarted;" the wavering purpose of thirty years was suddenly and
+fiercely revived, and the knife passed into the heart of the victim,
+with a rapidity that left no time for appeals to the tribunal of God's
+mercy. In half a minute, Captain Willoughby had ceased to breathe.
+
+Such had been the act of the man who now passed through the opening of
+the palisade, and entered the former habitation of his victim. A
+profound stillness reigned in and around the Hut, and no one appeared
+to question the unexpected intruder. Nick passed, with his noiseless
+step, round to the gate, which he found secured. It was necessary to
+knock, and this he did in a way effectually to bring a porter.
+
+"Who dere?" demanded the elder Pliny, from within.
+
+"Good friend--open gate. Come wid message from cap'in."
+
+The natural distaste to the Indians which existed among the blacks of
+the Knoll, included the Tuscarora. This disgust was mingled with a
+degree of dread; and it was difficult for beings so untutored and
+ignorant, at all times to draw the proper distinctions between Indian
+and Indian. In _their_ wonder-loving imaginations, Oneidas,
+Tuscaroras, Mohawks, Onondagas, and Iroquois were all jumbled together
+in inextricable confusion, a red man being a red man, and a savage a
+savage. It is not surprising, therefore, that Pliny the elder should
+hesitate about opening the gate, and admitting one of the detested
+race, though a man so well known to them all, in the peculiar situation
+of the family. Luckily, Great Smash happened to be near, and her
+husband called her to the gate by one of the signals that, was much
+practised between them.
+
+"Who you t'ink out-dere?" asked Pliny the elder of his consort, with a
+very significant look.
+
+"How you t'ink guess, ole Plin?--You 'spose nigger wench like Albonny
+wise woman, dat she see t'rough a gate, and know ebbery t'ing, and
+little more!"
+
+"Well, _dat_ Sassy Nick. What you say _now?_"
+
+"You sartain, ole Plin?" asked Mistress Smash, with a face ominous of
+evil.
+
+"Sartain as ear. Talk wid him--he want to come in. What you t'ink?"
+
+"Nebber open gate, ole Plin, till mistress tell you. You stay here--
+dere; lean ag'in gate wid all you might; dere; now I go call Miss Maud.
+She all alone in librarim, and will know what best. Mind you lean ag'in
+gate well, ole Plin."
+
+Pliny the elder nodded assent, placed his shoulders resolutely against
+the massive timbers, and stood propping a defence that would have made
+a respectable resistance to a battering-ram, like another Atlas,
+upholding a world. His duty was short, however, his 'lady' soon
+returning with Maud, who was hastening breathlessly to learn the news.
+
+"Is it you, Nick?" called out the sweet voice of our heroine through
+the crevices of the timber.
+
+The Tuscarora started, as he so unexpectedly heard those familiar
+sounds; for an instant, his look was dark; then the expression changed
+to pity and concern, and his reply was given with less than usual of
+the abrupt, guttural brevity that belonged to his habits.
+
+"'Tis Nick--Sassy Nick--Wyandotte, Flower of the Woods," for so the
+Indian often termed Maud.--"Got news--cap'in send him. Meet party and
+go along. Nobody here; only Wyandotte. Nick see major, too--say
+somet'ing to young squaw."
+
+This decided the matter. The gate was unbarred, and Nick in the court
+in half-a-minute. Great Smash stole a glance without, and beckoned
+Pliny the elder to join her, in order to see the extraordinary
+spectacle of Joel and his associates toiling in the fields. When they
+drew in their heads, Maud and her companion were already in the
+library. The message from Robert Willoughby had induced our heroine to
+seek this room; for, placing little confidence in the delicacy of the
+messenger, she recoiled from listening to his words in the presence of
+others.
+
+But Nick was in no haste to speak. He took the chair to which Maud
+motioned, and he sate looking at her, in a way that soon excited her
+alarm.
+
+"Tell me, if your heart has any mercy in it, Wyandotte; has aught
+happened to Major Willoughby?"
+
+"He well--laugh, talk, feel good. Mind not'ing. He prisoner; don't
+touch he scalp."
+
+"Why, then, do you wear so ominous a look--your face is the very
+harbinger of evil."
+
+"Bad news, if trut' must come. What you' name, young squaw?"
+
+"Surely, surely, you must know that well, Nick! I am Maud--your old
+friend, Maud."
+
+"Pale-face hab two name--Tuscarora got t'ree. Some time, Nick--
+sometime, Sassy Nick--sometime, Wyandotte."
+
+"You know my name is Maud Willoughby," returned our heroine, colouring
+to the temples with a certain secret consciousness of her error, but
+preferring to keep up old appearances.
+
+"Dat call you' fader's name, Meredit'; no Willoughby."
+
+"Merciful Providence! and has this great secret been known to
+_you_, too, Nick!"
+
+"He no secret--know all about him. Wyandotte dere. See Major Meredit'
+shot. _He_ good chief--nebber flog--nebber strike Injin. Nick know
+fader, know moder--know squaw, when pappoose."
+
+"And why have you chosen this particular moment to tell me all this?
+Has it any relation to your message--to Bob--to Major Willoughby, I
+mean?" demanded Mauo, nearly gasping for breath.
+
+"No relation, tell you," said Nick, a little angrily. "Why make
+relation, when no relation at all. Meredit'; no Willoughby. Ask moder;
+ask major; ask chaplain--all tell trut'! No need to be so feelin'; no
+you fader, at all."
+
+"What _can_ you--what _do_ you mean, Nick? Why do you look so
+wild--so fierce--so kind--so sorrowful--so angry? You must have bad
+news to tell me."
+
+"Why bad to _you_--he no fader--only fader friend. You can't help
+it--fader die when you pappoose--why you care, now, for dis?"
+
+Maud now actually gasped for breath. A frightful glimpse of the truth
+gleamed before her imagination, though it was necessarily veiled in the
+mist of uncertainty. She became pale as death, and pressed her hand
+upon her heart, as if to still its beating. Then, by a desperate
+effort, she became more calm, and obtained the power to speak.
+
+"Oh! is it so, Nick!--_can_ it be so!" she said; "my father has
+fallen in this dreadful business?"
+
+"Fader kill twenty year ago; tell you _dat_, how often?" answered
+the Tuscarora, angrily; for, in his anxiety to lessen the shock to
+Maud, for whom this wayward savage had a strange sentiment of
+affection, that had grown out of her gentle kindnesses to himself, on a
+hundred occasions, he fancied if she knew that Captain Willoughby was
+not actually her father, her grief at his loss would be less. "Why you
+call _dis_ fader, when _dat_ fader. Nick know fader and
+moder.--Major no broder."
+
+Notwithstanding the sensations that nearly pressed her to the earth,
+the tell-tale blood rushed to Maud's cheeks, again, at this allusion,
+and she bowed her face to her knees. The action gave her time to rally
+her faculties; and catching a glimpse of the vast importance to all for
+her maintaining self-command, she was enabled to raise her face with
+something like the fortitude the Indian hoped to see.
+
+"Trifle with me no longer, Wyandotte, but let me know the worst at
+once. Is my father dead?--By father, I mean captain Willoughby?"
+
+"Mean wrong, den--no fader, tell you. Why young quaw so much like
+Mohawk?"
+
+"Man--is captain Willoughby killed?"
+
+Nick gazed intently into Maud's face for half a minute, and then he
+nodded an assent. Notwithstanding all her resolutions to be steady, our
+heroine nearly sank under the blow. For ten minutes she spoke not, but
+sat, her head bowed to her knees, in a confusion of thought that
+threatened a temporary loss of reason. Happily, a flood of tears
+relieved her, and she became more calm. Then the necessity of knowing
+more, in order that she might act intelligently, occurred to her mind,
+and she questioned Nick in a way to elicit all it suited the savage to
+reveal.
+
+Maud's first impulse was to go out to meet the body of the captain, and
+to ascertain for herself that there was actually no longer any hope.
+Nick's account had been so laconic as to leave much obscurity, and the
+blow had been so sudden she could hardly credit the truth in its full
+extent. Still, there remained the dreadful tidings to be communicated
+to those dear beings, who, while they feared so much, had never
+anticipated a calamity like this. Even Mrs. Willoughby, sensitive as
+she was, and wrapped up in those she loved so entirely, as she was
+habitually, had been so long accustomed to see and know of her
+husband's exposing himself with impunity, as to begin to feel, if not
+to think, that he bore a charmed life. All this customary confidence
+was to be overcome, and the truth was to be said. Tell the fact to her
+mother, Maud felt that she could not then; scarcely under any
+circumstances would she have consented to perform this melancholy
+office; but, so long as a shadow of doubt remained on the subject of
+her father's actual decease, it seemed cruel even to think of it. Her
+decision was to send for Beulah, and it was done by means of one of the
+negresses.
+
+So long as we feel that there are others to be sustained by our
+fortitude, even the feeblest possess a firmness to which they might
+otherwise be strangers. Maud, contrary to what her delicate but active
+frame and sweetness of disposition might seem to indicate, was a young
+woman capable of the boldest exertions, short of taking human life. Her
+frontier training had raised her above most of the ordinary weaknesses
+of her sex; and, so far as determination went, few men were capable of
+higher resolution, when circumstances called for its display. Her plan
+was now made up to go forth and meet the body, and nothing short of a
+command from her mother could have stopped her. In this frame of mind
+was our heroine, when Beulah made her appearance.
+
+"Maud!" exclaimed the youthful matron, "what has happened!--why are you
+so pale!--why send for me? Does Nick bring us any tidings from the
+mill?"
+
+"The worst possible, Beulah. My father--my dear, dear father is hurt.
+They have borne him as far as the edge of the woods, where they have
+halted, in order not to take us by surprise. I am going to meet the--to
+meet the men, and to bring father in. You must prepare mother for the
+sad, sad tidings--yes, Beulah, for the worst, as everything depends on
+the wisdom and goodness of God!"
+
+"Oh! Maud, this is dreadful!" exclaimed the sister, sinking into a
+chair--"What will become of mother--of little Evert--of us all!"
+
+"The providence of the Ruler of heaven and earth will care for us. Kiss
+me, dear sister--how cold you are--rouse yourself, Beulah, for mother's
+sake. Think how much more _she_ must feel than we possibly can,
+and then be resolute."
+
+"Yes, Maud--very true--no woman can feel like a wife--unless it be a
+mother--"
+
+Here Beulah's words were stopped by her fainting.
+
+"You see, Smash," said Maud, pointing to her sister with a strange
+resolution, "she must have air, and a little water--and she has salts
+about her, I know. Come, Nick; we have no more time to waste--you must
+be my guide."
+
+The Tuscarora had been a silent observer of this scene, and if it did
+not awaken remorse in his bosom, it roused feelings that had never
+before been its inmates. The sight of two such beings suffering under a
+blow that his own hand had struck, was novel to him, and he knew not
+which to encourage most, a sentiment allied to regret, or a fierce
+resentment, that any should dare thus to reproach, though it were only
+by yielding to the grief natural to their situation. But Maud had
+obtained a command over him, that he knew not how to resist, and he
+followed her from the room, keeping his eyes riveted the while on the
+pallid face of Beulah. The last was recalled from her insensibility,
+however, in the course of a few minutes, through the practised
+attentions of the negresses.
+
+Maud waited for nothing. Motioning impatiently for the Tuscarora to
+lead the way, she glided after him with a rapidity that equalled his
+own loping movement. She made no difficulties in passing the stockade,
+though Nick kept his eyes on the labourers, and felt assured their
+_exeunt_ was not noticed. Once by the path that led along the
+rivulet, Maud refused all precautions, but passed swiftly over it,
+partially concealed by its bushes. Her dress was dark, and left little
+liability to exposure. As for Nick, his forest attire, like the hunting
+shirt of the whites, was expressly regulated by the wish to go to and
+fro unseen.
+
+In less than three minutes after the Indian and Maud had passed the
+gate, they were drawing near to the melancholy group that had halted in
+the forest. Our heroine was recognised as she approached, and when she
+came rushing up to the spot, all made way, allowing her to fall upon
+her knees by the side of the lifeless body, bathing the placid face of
+the dead with her tears, and covering it with kisses.
+
+"Is there no hope--oh! Joyce," she cried, "_can_ it be possible
+that my father is actually dead?"
+
+"I fear, Miss Maud, that his honour has made his last march. He has
+received orders to go hence, and, like a gallant soldier as he was, he
+has obeyed, without a murmur;" answered the serjeant, endeavouring to
+appear firm and soldier-like, himself. "We have lost a noble and humane
+commander, and you a most excellent and tender father."
+
+"No fader,"--growled Nick, at the serjeant's elbow, twitching his
+sleeve, at the same time, to attract attention. 'Serjeant know
+_her_ fader. He by; I by, when Iroquois shoot him."
+
+"I do not understand you, Tuscarora, nor do I think you altogether
+understand _us_; the less you say, therefore, the better for all
+parties. It is our duty, Miss Maud, to say 'God's will be done,' and
+the soldier who dies in the discharge of his duty is never to be
+pitied. I sincerely wish that the Rev. Mr. Woods was here; he would
+tell you all this in a manner that would admit of no dispute; as for
+myself, I am a plain man, Miss Maud, and my tongue cannot utter one-
+half that my heart feels at this instant."
+
+"Ah! Joyce, what a friend--what a parent has it pleased God to call to
+himself!"
+
+"Yes, Miss Maud, that may be said with great justice--if his honour has
+left us in obedience to general orders, it is to meet promotion in a
+service that will never weary, and never end."
+
+"So kind; so true; so gentle; so just; so affectionate!" said Maud,
+wringing her hands.
+
+"And so brave, young lady. His honour, captain Willoughby, wasn't one
+of them that is always talking, and writing, and boasting about
+fighting; but when anything was to be _done_, the Colonel always
+knew whom to send on the duty. The army couldn't have lost a braver
+gentleman, had he remained in it."
+
+"Oh! my father--my father,"--cried Maud, in bitterness of sorrow,
+throwing herself on the body and embracing it, as had been her wont in
+childhood--"would that I could have died for you!"
+
+"Why you let go on so," grumbled Nick, again. "_No_ her fader--you
+know _dat_, serjeant."
+
+Joyce was not in a state to answer. His own feelings had been kept in
+subjection only by military pride, but they now had become so nearly
+uncontrollable, that he found himself obliged to step a little aside in
+order to conceal his weakness. As it was, large tears trickled down his
+rugged face, like water flowing from the fissures of the riven oak
+Jamie Allen's constitutional prudence, however, now became active,
+admonishing the party of the necessity of their getting within the
+protection of the Hut.
+
+"Death is at a' times awfu'," said the mason, "but it must befall young
+and auld alike. And the affleection it brings cometh fra' the heart,
+and is a submission to the la' o' nature. Nevertheless we a' hae our
+duties, so lang as we remain in the flesh, and it is time to be
+thinking o' carryin' the body into some place o' safety, while we hae a
+prudent regard to our ain conditions also."
+
+Maud had risen, and, hearing this appeal, she drew back meekly, assumed
+a manner of forced composure, and signed to the men to proceed. On this
+intimation, the body was raised, and the melancholy procession resumed
+its march.
+
+For the purpose of concealment, Joyce led the way into the bed of the
+stream, leaving Maud waiting their movements, a little deeper within
+the forest. As soon as he and his fellow-bearers were in the water,
+Joyce turned and desired Nick to escort the young lady in, again, on
+dry land, or by the path along which she had come out. This said, the
+serjeant and his companions proceeded. Maud stood gazing on the sad
+spectacle like one entranced, until she felt a sleeve pulled, and
+perceived the Tuscarora at her side.
+
+"No go to Hut," said Nick, earnestly; "go wid Wyandotte."
+
+"Not follow my dear father's remains--not go to my beloved mother in
+her anguish. You know not what you ask, Indian--move, and let me
+proceed."
+
+"No go home--no use--no good. Cap'in dead--what do widout commander.
+Come wid Wyandotte--find major--den do some good."
+
+Maud fairly started in her surprise. There seemed something so truly
+useful, so consoling, so dear in this proposal, that it instantly
+caught her ear.
+
+"Find the Major!" she answered. "Is that possible, Nick? My poor father
+perished in making that attempt--what hope can there be then for
+_my_ success?"
+
+"Plenty hope--much as want--all, want. Come wid Wyandotte--he great
+chief--show young squaw where to find broder."
+
+Here was a touch of Nick's consummate art. He knew the female bosom so
+well that he avoided any allusion to his knowledge of the real relation
+between Robert Willoughby and Maud, though he had so recently urged her
+want of natural affinity to the family, as a reason why she should not
+grieve. By keeping the Major before her eyes as a brother, the chances
+of his own success were greatly increased. As for Maud, a tumult of
+feeling came over her heart at this extraordinary proposal. To liberate
+Bob, to lead him into the Hut, to offer his manly protection to her
+mother, and Beulah, and little Evert, at such an instant, caught her
+imagination, and appealed to all her affections.
+
+"Can you do this, Tuscarora"--she asked, earnestly, pressing her hand
+on her heart as if to quiet its throbbings. "Can you really lead me to
+Major Willoughby, so that I may have some hope of liberating him?"
+
+"Sartain--you go, he come. I go, he no come. Don't love Nick--t'ink all
+Injin, one Injin--t'ink one Injin, all Injin. You go, he come--he stay,
+find more knife, and die like Cap'in. Young squaw follow Wyandotte, and
+see."
+
+Maud needed no more. To save the life of Bob, her well-beloved, he who
+had so long been beloved in secret, she would have gone with one far
+less known and trusted than the Tuscarora. She made an eager gesture
+for him to proceed, and they were soon on their way to the mill,
+threading the mazes of the forest.
+
+Nick was far from observing the precautions that had been taken by the
+captain, in his unfortunate march out. Acquainted with every inch of
+ground in the vicinity of the Dam, and an eye-witness of the
+dispositions of the invaders, he had no occasion for making the long
+_detour_ already described, but went to work in a much more
+direct manner. Instead of circling the valley, and the clearing, to the
+westward, he turned short in the contrary direction, crossed the
+rivulet on the fallen tree, and led the way along the eastern margin of
+the flats. On this side of the valley he knew there were no enemies,
+and the position of the huts and barns enabled him to follow a path,
+that was just deep enough in the forest to conceal his movements. By
+taking this course, besides having the advantage of a clear and beaten
+path, most of the way, the Tuscarora brought the whole distance within
+a mile.
+
+As for Maud, she asked no questions, solicited no pauses, manifested no
+physical weakness. Actively as the Indian moved among the trees, she
+kept close in his footsteps; and she had scarcely begun to reflect on
+the real nature of the undertaking in which she was engaged, when the
+roar of the rivulet, and the formation of the land, told her they had
+reached the edge of the glen below the mills. Here Nick told her to
+remain stationary a moment, while he advanced to a covered point of the
+rocks, to reconnoitre. This was the place where the Indian had made his
+first observations of the invaders of the valley, ascertaining their
+real character before he trusted his person among them. On the present
+occasion, his object was to see if all remained, in and about the
+mills, as when he had last left the spot.
+
+"Come"--said Nick, signing for Maud to follow him--"we go--fools sleep,
+and eat, and talk. Major prisoner now; half an hour, Major free."
+
+This was enough for the ardent, devoted, generous-hearted Maud. She
+descended the path before her as swiftly as her guide could lead, and,
+in five more minutes, they reached the bank of the stream, in the glen,
+at a point where a curvature hid the rivulet from those at the mill.
+Here an enormous pine had been laid across the torrent; and, flattened
+on its upper surface, it made a secure bridge for those who were sure
+of foot, and steady of eye. Nick glanced back at his companion, as he
+stepped upon this bridge, to ascertain if she were equal to crossing
+it, a single glance sufficing to tell him apprehensions were
+unnecessary. Half a minute placed both, in safety, on the western bank.
+
+"Good!" muttered the Indian; "young squaw make wife for warrior."
+
+But Maud heard neither the compliment nor the expression of countenance
+which accompanied it. She merely made an impatient gesture to proceed.
+Nick gazed intently at the excited girl; and there was an instant when
+he seemed to waver in his own purpose; but the gesture repeated, caused
+him to turn, and lead the way up the glen.
+
+The progress of Nick now, necessarily, became more guarded and slower.
+He was soon obliged to quit the common path, and to incline to the
+left, more against the side of the cliff, for the purposes of
+concealment. From the time he had struck the simple bridge, until he
+took this precaution, his course had lain along what might have been
+termed the common highway, on which there was always the danger of
+meeting some messenger, travelling to or from the valley.
+
+But Nick was at no loss for paths. There were plenty of them; and the
+one he took soon brought him out into that by which Captain Willoughby
+had descended to the lean-to. When the spot was reached where Joyce had
+halted, Nick paused; and, first listening intently, to catch the sound
+of noises, if any might happen to be in dangerous proximity, he
+addressed his companion:
+
+"Young squaw bold," he said, encouragingly; "now want heart of
+warrior."
+
+"I can follow, Nick--having come so far, why distrust me, now?"
+
+"'Cause he here--down dere--woman love man; man love woman--dat right;
+but, no show it, when scalp in danger."
+
+"Perhaps I do not understand you, Tuscarora--but, my trust is in God;
+he is a support that can uphold any weakness."
+
+"Good!--stay here--Nick come back, in minute."
+
+Nick now descended to the passage between the rocks and the lean-to, in
+order to make certain that the major still remained in his prison,
+before he incurred any unnecessary risk with Maud. Of this fact he was
+soon assured; after which he took the precaution to conceal the pool of
+blood, by covering it with earth and stones. Making his other
+observations with care, and placing the saw and chisel, with the other
+tools, that had fallen from the captain's hand, when he received his
+death-wound, in a position to be handy, he ascended the path, and
+rejoined Maud. No word passed between our heroine and her guide. The
+latter motioned for her to follow; then he led the way down to the
+cabin. Soon, both had entered the narrow passage; and Maud, in
+obedience to a sign from her companion, seated herself on the precise
+spot where her father had been found, and where the knife had passed
+into his heart. To all this, however, Nick manifested the utmost
+indifference. Everything like ferocity had left his face; to use his
+own figurative language, his sores smarted no longer; and the
+expression of his eye was friendly and gentle. Still it showed no signs
+of compunction.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVII.
+
+                   "Her pallid face displayed
+  Something, methought, surpassing mortal beauty.
+  She presently turn'd round, and fixed her large, wild eyes.
+  Brimming with tears, upon me, fetch'd a sigh,
+  As from a riven heart, and cried: He's dead!"
+
+  Hillhouse.
+
+Maud had been so earnest, and so much excited, that the scarcely
+reflected on the singularity and novelty of her situation, until she
+was seated, as described at the close of the last chapter. Then,
+indeed, she began to think that she had embarked in an undertaking of
+questionable prudence, and to wonder in what manner she was to be
+useful. Still her heart did not fail her, or her hopes altogether sink.
+She saw that Nick was grave and occupied, like a man who intended to
+effect his purpose at every hazard; and that purpose she firmly
+believed was the liberation of Robert Willoughby.
+
+As for Nick, the instant his companion was seated, and he had got a
+position to his mind, he set about his business with great assiduity.
+It has been said that the lean-to like the cabin, was built of logs; a
+fact that constituted the security of the prisoner. The logs of the
+lean-to, however, were much smaller than those of the body of the
+house, and both were of the common white pine of the country; a wood of
+durable qualities, used as it was here, but which yielded easily to
+edged tools. Nick had a small saw, a large chisel, and his knife. With
+the chisel, he cautiously commenced opening a hole of communication
+with the interior, by removing a little of the mortar that filled the
+interstices between the logs. This occupied but a moment. When
+effected, Nick applied an eye to the hole and took a look within. He
+muttered the word "good," then withdrew his own eye, and, by a sign,
+invited Maud to apply one of hers. This our heroine did, and saw Robert
+Willoughby, reading within a few feet of her, with a calmness of air,
+that at once announced his utter ignorance of the dire event that had
+so lately occurred, almost within reach of his arm.
+
+"Squaw speak," whispered Nick; "voice sweet as wren--go to Major's ear
+like song of bird.--Squaw speak music to young warrior."
+
+Maud drew back, her heart beat violently, her breathing became
+difficult, and the blood rushed to her temples. But an earnest motion
+from Nick reminded her this was no time for hesitation, and she applied
+her mouth to the hole.
+
+"Robert--_dear_ Robert," she said, in a loud whisper, "we are
+here--have come to release you."
+
+Maud's impatience could wait no longer; but her eye immediately
+succeeded her mouth. That she was heard was evident from the
+circumstance that the book fell from the Major's hand, in a way to show
+how completely he was taken by surprise. "He knows even my whispers,"
+thought Maud, her heart beating still more violently, as she observed
+the young soldier gazing around him, with a bewildered air, like one
+who fancied he had heard the whisperings of some ministering angel. By
+this time, Nick had removed a long piece of the mortar; and he too, was
+looking into the buttery. By way of bringing matters to an
+understanding, the Indian thrust the chisel through the opening, and,
+moving it, he soon attracted Willoughby's attention. The latter
+instantly advanced, and applied his own eye to the wide crack, catching
+a view of the swarthy face of Nick.
+
+Willoughby knew that the presence of this Indian, at such a place, and
+under such circumstances, indicated the necessity of caution. He did
+not speak, therefore; but, first making a significant gesture towards
+the door of his narrow prison, thus intimating the close proximity of
+sentinels, he demanded the object of this visit, in a whisper.
+
+"Come to set major free," answered Nick.
+
+"Can I trust you, Tuscarora? Sometimes you seem a friend, sometimes an
+enemy. I know that you appear to be on good terms with my captors."
+
+"Dat good--Injin know how to look two way--warrior _must_, if
+great warrior."
+
+"I wish I had some proof, Nick, that you are dealing with me in good
+faith."
+
+"Call _dat_ proof, den!" growled the savage, seizing Maud's little
+Land, and passing it through the opening, before the startled girl was
+fully aware of what he meant to do.
+
+Willoughby knew the hand at a glance. He would have recognised it, in
+that forest solitude, by its symmetry and whiteness, its delicacy and
+its fullness; but one of the taper fingers wore a ring that, of late,
+Maud had much used; being a diamond hoop that she had learned was a
+favourite ornament of her real mother's. It is not surprising,
+therefore, that he seized the pledge that was thus strangely held
+forth, and had covered it with kisses, before Maud had presence of mind
+sufficient, or strength to reclaim it. This she would not do, however,
+at such a moment, without returning all the proofs of ardent affection
+that were lavished on her own hand, by giving a gentle pressure to the
+one in which it was clasped.
+
+"This is so strange, Maud!--so every way extraordinary, that I know not
+what to think," the young man whispered soon as he could get a glimpse
+of the face of the sweet girl. "Why are you here, beloved, and in such
+company?"
+
+"You will trust _me_, Bob--Nick comes as your friend. Aid him all
+you can, now, and be silent. When free, then will be the time to learn
+all."
+
+A sign of assent succeeded, and the major withdrew a step, in order to
+ascertain the course Nick meant to pursue. By this time, the Indian was
+at work with his knife, and he soon passed the chisel in to the
+prisoner, who seized it, and commenced cutting into the logs, at a
+point opposite to that where the Tuscarora was whittling away the wood.
+The object was to introduce the saw, and it required some labour to
+effect such a purpose. By dint of application, however, and by cutting
+the log above as well as that below, sufficient space was obtained in
+the course of a few minutes. Nick then passed the saw in, through the
+opening, it exceeding his skill to use such a tool with readiness.
+
+By this time, Willoughby was engaged with the earnestness and zeal of
+the captive who catches a glimpse of liberty. Notwithstanding, he
+proceeded intelligently and with caution. The blanket given him by his
+captors, as a pallet, was hanging from a nail, and he took the
+precaution to draw this mil, and to place it above the spot selected
+for the cut, that he might suspend the blanket so as to conceal what he
+was at, in the event of a visit from without. When all was ready, and
+the blanket was properly placed, he began to make long heavy strokes
+with the tool, in a way to deaden the sound. This was a delicate
+operation; but the work's being done behind the blanket, had some
+effect in lessening the noise. As the work proceeded, Willoughby's
+hopes increased; and he was soon delighted to hear from Nick, that it
+was time to insert the saw in another place. Success is apt to induce
+carelessness; and, as the task proceeded, Willoughby's arm worked with
+greater rapidity, until a noise at the door gave the startling
+information that he was about to be visited. There was just time to
+finish the last cut, and to let the blanket fall, before the door
+opened. The saw-dust and chips had all been carefully removed, as the
+work proceeded, and of these none were left to betray the secret.
+
+There might have been a quarter of a minute between the moment when
+Willoughby seated himself, with his book in his hand, and that in which
+the door opened. Short as was this interval, it sufficed for Nick to
+remove the piece of log last cut, and to take away the handle of the
+saw; the latter change permitting the blanket to hang so close against
+the logs as completely to conceal the hole. The sentinel who appeared
+was an Indian in externals, but a dull, white countryman in fact and
+character.
+
+"I thought I heard the sound of a saw, major," he said listlessly; "yet
+everything looks quiet, and in its place here!"
+
+"Where should I get such a tool?" Willoughby coolly replied; "and what
+is there here to saw?"
+
+"'Twas as nat'ral, too, as the carpenter himself could make it, in
+sound!"
+
+"Possibly the mill has been set in motion by some of your idlers, and
+you have heard the large saw, which, at a distance, may sound like a
+smaller one near by."
+
+The man looked incredulously at his prisoner for a moment; then he drew
+to the door, with the air of one who was determined to assure himself
+of the truth, calling aloud as he did so, to one of his companions to
+join him. Willoughby knew that no time was to be lost. In half-a-
+minute, he had passed the hole, dropped the blanket before it, had
+circled the slender waist of Maud with one arm, and was shoving aside
+the bushes with the other, as he followed Nick from the straitened
+passage between the lean-to and the rock. The major seemed more bent on
+bearing Maud from the spot, than on saving himself. Her feet scarce
+touched the ground, as he ascended to the place where Joyce had halted.
+Here Nick stood an instant, with a finger raised in intense listening.
+His practised ears caught the sound of voices in the lean-to, then
+scarce fifty feet distant. Men called to each other by name, and then a
+voice directly beneath them, proclaimed that a head was already thrust
+through the hole.
+
+"Here is your saw, and here is its workmanship!" exclaimed this voice.
+
+"And here is blood, too," said another. "See! the ground has been a
+pool beneath those stones."
+
+Maud shuddered, as if the soul were leaving its earthly tenement, and
+Willoughby signed impatiently for Nick to proceed. But the savage, for
+a brief instant, seemed bewildered The danger below, however,
+increased, and evidently drew so near, that he turned and glided up the
+ascent. Presently, the fugitives reached the descending path, that
+diverged from the larger one they were on, and by which Nick and Maud
+had so recently come diagonally up this cliff. Nick leaped into it, and
+then the intervening bushes concealed their persons from any who might
+continue on the upward course. There was an open space, however, a
+little lower down; and the quick-witted savage came to a stand under a
+close cover, believing flight to be useless should their pursuers
+actually follow on their heels.
+
+The halt had not been made half-a-dozen seconds, when the voices of the
+party ascending in chase, were heard above the fugitives. Willoughby
+felt an impulse to dash down the path, bearing Maud in his arms, but
+Nick interposed his own body to so rash a movement. There was not time
+for a discussion, and the sounds of voices, speaking English too
+distinctly to pass for any but those of men of English birth, or
+English origin, were heard disputing about the course to be taken, at
+the point of junction between the two paths.
+
+"Go by the lower," called out one, from the rear; "he will run down the
+stream, and make for the settlements on the Hudson. Once before, he has
+done this, as I know from Strides himself."
+
+"D---n Strides!" answered another, more in front. "He is a sniveling
+scoundrel, who loves liberty, as a hog loves corn for the sake of good
+living. I say go the _upper_, which will carry him on the heights,
+and bring him out near his father's garrison."
+
+"Here are marks of feet on the upper," observed a third, "though they
+seem to be coming _down_, instead of going _up_ the hill."
+
+"It is the trail of the fellows who have helped him to escape. Push
+_up_ the hill, and we shall have them all in ten minutes. Push
+_up_--push _up_."
+
+This decided the matter. It appeared to Willoughby that at least a
+dozen men ran up the path, above his head, eager in the pursuit, and
+anticipating success. Nick waited no longer, but glided down the cliff,
+and was soon in the broad path which led along the margin of the
+stream, and was the ordinary thoroughfare in going to or from the
+Knoll. Here the fugitives, as on the advance, were exposed to the
+danger of accidental meetings; but, fortunately, no one was met, or
+seen, and the bridge was passed in safety. Turning short to the north,
+Nick plunged into the woods again, following the cow-path by which he
+had so recently descended to the glen. No pause was made even here.
+Willoughby had an arm round the waist of Maud, and bore her forward,
+with a rapidity to which her own strength was altogether unequal. In
+less than ten minutes from the time the prisoner had escaped, the
+fugitives reached the level of the rock of the water-fall, or that of
+the plain of the Dam. As it was reasonably certain that none of the
+invaders had passed to that side of the valley, haste was no longer
+necessary, and Maud was permitted to pause for breath.
+
+The halt was short, however, our heroine, herself, now feeling as if
+the major could not be secure until he was fairly within the palisades.
+In vain did Willoughby try to pacify her fears and to assure her of his
+comparative safety; Maud's nerves were excited, and then she had the
+dreadful tidings, which still remained to be told pressing upon her
+spirits, and quickening all her natural impulses and sentiments.
+
+Nick soon made the signal to proceed, and then the three began to
+circle the flats, as mentioned in the advance of Maud and her
+companion. When they reached a favourable spot, the Indian once more
+directed a halt, intimating his own intention to move to the margin of
+the woods, in order to reconnoitre. Both his companions heard this
+announcement with satisfaction, for Willoughby was eager to say to Maud
+directly that which he had so plainly indicated by means of the box,
+and to extort from her a confession that she was not offended; while
+Maud herself felt the necessity of letting the major know the
+melancholy circumstance that yet remained to be told. With these widely
+distinct feelings uppermost, our two lovers saw Nick quit them, each
+impatient, restless and uneasy.
+
+Willoughby had found a seat for Maud, on a log, and he now placed
+himself at her side, and took her hand, pressing it silently to his
+heart.
+
+"Nick has then been a true man, dearest Maud," he said,
+"notwithstanding all my doubts and misgivings of him."
+
+"Yes; he gave me to understand you would hardly trust him, and that was
+the reason I was induced to accompany him. We both thought, Bob, you
+would confide in _me_!"
+
+"Bless you--bless you--beloved Maud--but have you seen Mike--has
+_he_ had any interview with you--in a word, did he deliver you my
+box?"
+
+Maud's feelings had been so much excited, that the declaration of
+Willoughby's love, precious as it was to her heart failed to produce
+the outward signs that are usually exhibited by the delicate and
+sensitive of her sex, when they listen to the insinuating language for
+the first time. Her thoughts were engrossed with her dreadful secret,
+and with the best and least shocking means of breaking it to the major.
+The tint on her cheek, therefore, scarce deepened, as this question was
+put to her, while her eye, full of earnest tenderness, still remained
+riveted on the face of her companion.
+
+"I have seen Mike, dear Bob," she answered, with a steadiness that had
+its rise in her singleness of purpose--"and he _has_ shown me--
+_given_ me, the box."
+
+"But have you understood me, Maud?--You will remember that box
+contained the great secret of my life!"
+
+"This I well remember--yes, the box contains the great secret of your
+life."
+
+"But--you cannot have understood me, Maud--else would you not look so
+unconcerned--so vacantly--I am not understood, and am miserable!"
+
+"No--no--no"--interrupted Maud, hurriedly--"I understand _all_ you
+have wished to say, and you have no cause to be--" Maud's voice became
+choked, for she recollected the force of the blow that she had in
+reserve.
+
+"This is so strange!--altogether so unlike your usual manner, Maud,
+that there must be some mistake. The box contained nothing but your own
+hair, dearest."
+
+"Yes; nothing else. It was _my_ hair; I knew it the instant I saw
+it."
+
+"And did it tell you no secret?--Why was Beulah's hair not with it? Why
+did I cherish _your_ hair, Maud, and your's alone? You have not
+understood me!"
+
+"I have, dear, dear Bob!--You love me--you wished to say we are not
+brother and sister, in truth; that we have an affection that is far
+stronger--one that will bind us together for life. Do not look so
+wretched, Bob; I understand everything you wish to say."
+
+"This is so very extraordinary!--So unlike yourself, Maud, I know not
+what to make of it! I sent you that box, beloved one, to say that you
+had my whole heart; that I thought of you day and night; that you were
+the great object of my existence, and that, while misery would be
+certain without you, felicity would be just as certain with you; in a
+word, that I love you, Maud, and can never love another."
+
+"Yes, so I understood you, Bob."--Maud, spite of her concentration of
+feeling on the dreadful secret, could not refrain from blushing--"It
+was too plain to be mistaken."
+
+"And how was my declaration received? Tell me at once, dear girl, with
+your usual truth of character, and frankness--_can_ you, _will_
+you love me in return?"
+
+This was a home question, and, on another occasion, it might have
+produced a scene of embarrassment and hesitation. But Maud was
+delighted with the idea that it was in her power to break the violence
+of the blow she was about to inflict, by setting Robert Willoughby's
+mind at ease on this great point.
+
+"I _do_ love you, Bob," she said, with fervent affection beaming
+in every lineament of her angel face--"_have_ loved you, for
+years--how could it be otherwise? I have scarce seen any other to
+love; and how see you, and refrain?"
+
+"Blessed, blessed, Maud--but this is so strange--I fear you do not
+understand me--I am not speaking of such affection as Beulah bears me,
+as brother and sister feel; I speak of the love that my mother bore my
+father--of the love of man and wife"----
+
+A groan from Maud stopped the vehement young man, who received his
+companion in his arms, as she bowed her head on his bosom, half
+fainting.
+
+"Is this resentment, dearest, or is it consent?" he asked, bewildered
+by all that passed.
+
+"Oh! Bob--Father--father--father!"
+
+"My father!--what of him, Maud? Why has the allusion to him brought you
+to this state?"
+
+"They have killed him, dearest, dearest Bob; and you must now be
+father, husband, brother, son, all in one. We have no one left but
+you!"
+
+A long pause succeeded. The shock was terrible to Robert Willoughby,
+but he bore up against it, like a man. Maud's incoherent and unnatural
+manner was now explained, and while unutterable tenderness of manner--a
+tenderness that was increased by what had just passed--was exhibited by
+each to the other, no more was said of love. A common grief appeared to
+bind their hearts closer together, but it was unnecessary to dwell on
+their mutual affection in words. Robert Willoughby's sorrow mingled
+with that of Maud, and, as he folded her to his heart, their faces were
+literally bathed in each other's tears.
+
+It was some time before Willoughby could ask, or Maud give, an
+explanation. Then the latter briefly recounted all she knew, her
+companion listening with the closest attention. The son thought the
+occurrence as extraordinary as it was afflicting, but there was not
+leisure for inquiry.
+
+It was, perhaps, fortunate for our lovers that Nick's employment kept
+him away. For nearly ten minutes longer did he continue absent; then he
+returned, slowly, thoughtful, and possibly a little disturbed. At the
+sound of his footstep, Willoughby released Maud from his arms, and both
+assumed an air of as much tranquillity as the state of their feelings
+would allow.
+
+"Better march"--said Nick, in his sententious manner--"Mohawk very
+mad."
+
+"Do you see the signs of this?" asked the major, scarce knowing what he
+said.
+
+"Alway make Injin mad; lose scalp. Prisoner run away, carry scalp with
+him."
+
+"I rather think, Nick, you do my captors injustice; so far from
+desiring anything so cruel, they treated me well enough, considering
+the circumstances, and that we are in the woods."
+
+"Yes; spare scalp, 'cause t'ink rope ready. Nebber trust Mohawk--all
+bad Injin."
+
+To own the truth, one of the great failings of the savages of the
+American forests, was to think of the neighbouring tribes, as the
+Englishman is known to think of the Frenchman, and vice versa; as the
+German thinks of both, and all think of the Yankee. In a word, his own
+tribe contains everything that is excellent, with the Pawnee, the Osage
+and Pottawattomie, as Paris contains all that is perfect in the eyes of
+the _bourgeois_, London in those of the cockney, and this virtuous
+republic in those of its own enlightened citizens; while the hostile
+communities are remorselessly given up to the tender solicitude of
+those beings which lead nations, as well as individuals, into the sinks
+of perdition. Thus Nick, liberalized as his mind had comparatively
+become by intercourse with the whites, still retained enough of the
+impressions of childhood, to put the worst construction on the acts of
+all his competitors, and the best on his own. In this spirit, then, he
+warned his companions against placing any reliance on the mercy of the
+Mohawks.
+
+Major Wilioughby, however, had now sufficient inducements to move,
+without reference to the hostile intentions of his late captors. That
+his escape would excite a malignant desire for vengeance, he could
+easily believe; but his mother, his revered heart-broken mother, and
+the patient, afflicted Beulah, were constantly before him, and gladly
+did he press on, Maud leaning on his arm, the instant Nick led the way.
+To say that the lovely, confiding being who clung to his side, as the
+vine inclines to the tree, was forgotten, or that he did not retain a
+vivid recollection of all that she had so ingenuously avowed in his
+favour, would not be rigidly accurate, though the hopes thus created
+shone in the distance, under the present causes of grief, as the sun's
+rays illumine the depths of the heavens, while his immediate face is
+entirely hidden by an eclipse.
+
+"Did you see any signs of a movement against the house, Nick?" demanded
+the major, when the three had been busily making their way, for several
+minutes, round the margin of the forest.
+
+The Tuscarora turned, nodded his head, and glanced at Maud.
+
+"Speak frankly, Wyandotte--"
+
+"Good!" interrupted the Indian with emphasis, assuming a dignity of
+manner the major had never before witnessed. "Wyandotte come--Nick gone
+away altogeder. Nebber see Sassy Nick, ag'in, at Dam."
+
+"I am glad to hear this, Tuscarora, and as Maud says, you may speak
+plainly."
+
+"T'ink, den, best be ready. Mohawk feel worse dan if he lose ten,
+t'ree, six scalp. Injin know Injin feelin'. Pale-face can't stop red-
+skin, when blood get up."
+
+"Press on, then, Wyandotte, for the sake of God--let me, at least, die
+in defence of my beloved mother!"
+
+"Moder; good!--Doctor Tuscarora, when death grin in face! She _my_
+moder, too!"
+
+This was said energetically, and in a manner to assure his listeners
+that they had a firm ally in this warlike savage. Little did either
+dream, at that instant, that this same wayward being--the creature of
+passion, and the fierce avenger of all his own fancied griefs, was the
+cause of the dreadful blow that had so recently fallen on them.
+
+The sun still wanted an hour of setting, when Nick brought his
+companions to the fallen tree, by which they were again to cross the
+rivulet. Here he paused, pointing to the roofs of the Hut, which were
+then just visible through the trees; as much as to say that his duty,
+as a guide, was done.
+
+"Thank you, Wyandotte," said Willoughby; "if it be the will of God to
+carry us safely through the crisis, you shall be well rewarded for this
+service."
+
+"Wyandotte chief--want no dollar. Been Injin runner--now be Injin
+warrior. Major follow--squaw follow--Mohawk in hurry."
+
+This was enough. Nick passed out of the forest on a swift walk--but for
+the female, it would have been his customary, loping trot--followed by
+Willoughby; his arm, again, circling the waist of Maud, whom he bore
+along scarce permitting her light form to touch the earth. At this
+instant, four or five conches sounded, in the direction of the mills,
+and along the western margin of the meadows. Blast seemed to echo
+blast; then the infernal yell, known as the war-whoop, was heard all
+along the opposite face of the buildings. Judging from the sounds, the
+meadows were alive with assailants, pressing on for the palisades.
+
+At this appalling moment, Joyce appeared on the ridge of the roof,
+shouting, in a voice that might have been heard to the farthest point
+in the valley--
+
+"Stand to your arms, my men," he cried; "here the scoundrels come; hold
+your fire until they attempt to cross the stockade."
+
+To own the truth, there was a little bravado in this, mingled with the
+stern courage that habit and nature had both contributed to lend the
+serjeant. The veteran knew the feebleness of his garrison, and fancied
+that warlike cries, from himself, might counterbalance the yells that
+were now rising from all the fields in front of the house.
+
+As for Nick and the major, they pressed forward, too earnest and
+excited, to speak. The former measured the distance by his ear; and
+thought there was still time to gain a cover, if no moment was lost. To
+reach the foot of the cliff, took just a minute; to ascend to the hole
+in the palisade, half as much time; and to pass it, a quarter. Maud was
+dragged ahead, as much as she ran; and the period when the three were
+passing swiftly round to the gate, was pregnant with imminent risk.
+They were seen, and fifty rifles were discharged, as it might be, at a
+command. The bullets pattered against the logs of the Hut, and against
+the palisades, but no one was hurt. The voice of Willoughby opened the
+gate, and the next instant the three were within the shelter of the
+court.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXVIII.
+
+  "They have not perish'd--no!
+  Kind words, remembered voices, once so sweet,
+  Smiles, radiant long ago,
+  And features, the great soul's apparent seat;
+
+  "All shall come back, each tie
+  Of pure affection shall be knit again;
+  Alone shall evil die,
+  And sorrow dwell a prisoner in thy reign.
+
+  "And then shall I behold
+  Him, by whose kind paternal side I sprung,
+  And her, who still and cold,
+  Fills the next grave--the beautiful and young."
+
+  Bryant's Past.
+
+The scene that followed passed like a hurricane sweeping over the
+valley. Joyce had remained on the ridge of the roof, animating his
+little garrison, and endeavouring to intimidate his enemies, to the
+last moment. The volley of bullets had reached the palisades and the
+buildings, and he was still unharmed. But the sound of the major's
+voice below, and the cry that Miss Maud and Nick were at the gate,
+produced a sudden change in all his dispositions for the defence. The
+serjeant ran below himself, to report and receive his orders from the
+new commander, while all the negroes, females as well as males, rushed
+down into the court, to meet their young master and mistress.
+
+It is not easy to describe the minute that succeeded, after Willoughby
+and Maud were surrounded by the blacks. The delight of these untutored
+beings was in proportion to their recent sorrow. The death of their
+master, and the captivity of Master Bob and Miss Maud, had appeared to
+them like a general downfall of the family of Willoughby; but here was
+a revival of its hopes, that came as unexpectedly as its previous
+calamities. Amid the clamour, cries, tears, lamentations, and bursts of
+uncontrollable delight, Joyce could scarce find a moment in which to
+discharge his duty.
+
+"I see how it is, serjeant," exclaimed Willoughby; "the assault is now
+making, and you desire orders."
+
+"There is not an instant to lose, Major Willoughby; the enemy are at
+the palisades already, and there is no one at his station but Jamie and
+young Blodget."
+
+"To your posts, men--to your posts, everybody. The house shall be made
+good at all hazards. For God's sake, Joyce, give me arms. I feel that
+my father's wrongs are to be revenged."
+
+"Robert--dear, dear Robert," said Maud, throwing her arms on his
+shoulders, "this is no moment for such bitter feelings. Defend us, as I
+know you will, but defend us like a Christian."
+
+One kiss was all that the time allowed, and Maud rushed into the house
+to seek her mother and Beulah, feeling as if the tidings of Bob's
+return might prove some little alleviation to the dreadful blow under
+which they must be suffering.
+
+As for Willoughby, he had no time for pious efforts at consolation. The
+Hut was to be made good against a host of enemies; and the cracking of
+rifles from the staging and the fields, announced that the conflict had
+begun in earnest. Joyce handed him a rifle, and together they ascended
+rapidly to the roofs. Here they found Jamie Allen and Blodget, loading
+and firing as fast as they could, and were soon joined by all the
+negroes. Seven men were now collected on the staging; and placing three
+in front, and two on each wing, the major's dispositions were made;
+moving, himself, incessantly, to whatever point circumstances called.
+Mike, who knew little of the use of fire-arms, was stationed at the
+gate, as porter and warder.
+
+It was so unusual a thing for savages to attack by daylight, unless
+they could resort to surprise, that the assailants were themselves a
+little confused. The assault was made, under a sudden feeling of
+resentment at the escape of the prisoner, and contrary to the wishes of
+the principal white men in the party, though the latter were dragged in
+the train of events, and had to seem to countenance that of which they
+really disapproved. These sudden outbreakings were sufficiently common
+in Indian warfare, and often produced memorable disasters. On the
+present occasion, however, the most that could occur was a repulse, and
+to this the leaders, demagogues who owed their authority to the
+excesses and necessities of the times, were fain to submit, should it
+happen.
+
+The onset had been fierce and too unguarded. The moment the volley was
+fired at the major, the assailants broke cover, and the fields were
+alive with men. This was the instant when the defence was left to Allen
+and Blodget, else might the exposure have cost the enemy dear. As it
+was, the last brought down one of the boldest of the Indians while the
+mason fired with good will, though with less visible effect. The yell
+that followed this demonstration of the apparent force of the garrison,
+was a wild mixture of anger and exultation, and the rush at the
+palisades was general and swift. As Willoughby posted his
+reinforcement, the stockade was alive with men, some ascending, some
+firing from its summit, some aiding others to climb, and one falling
+within the enclosure, a second victim to Blodget's unerring aim.
+
+The volley that now came from the roofs staggered the savages, most of
+whom fell outward, and sought cover in their usual quick and dexterous
+manner. Three or four, however, thought it safer to fall within the
+palisades, seeking safety immediately under the sides of the buildings.
+The view of these men, who were perfectly safe from the fire of the
+garrison so long as the latter made no sortie, gave an idea to those
+without, and produced, what had hitherto been wanting, something like
+order and concert in the attack. The firing now became desultory and
+watchful on both sides, the attacking party keeping themselves covered
+by the trees and fences as well as they could, while the garrison only
+peered above the ridge of the roof, as occasions required.
+
+The instant the outbreak occurred, all the _ci-devant_ dependants
+of captain Willoughby, who had deserted, abandoned their various
+occupations in the woods and fields, collecting in and around the
+cabins, in the midst of their wives and children. Joel, alone, was not
+to be seen. He had sought his friends among the leaders of the party,
+behind a stack of hay, at a respectful distance from the house, and to
+which there was a safe approach by means of the rivulet and its fringe
+of bushes. The little council that was held at this spot took place
+just as the half-dozen assailants who had fallen within the palisades
+were seen clustering along under the walls of the buildings.
+
+"Natur' gives you a hint how to conduct," observed Joel, pointing out
+this circumstance to his principal companions, as they all lay peering
+over the upper portions of the stack, at the Hut. "You see them men
+under the eaves--they're a plaguy sight safer up there, than we be down
+here; and; if 'twere'n't for the look of the thing, I wish I was with
+'em. That house will never be taken without a desperate sight of
+fightin'; for the captain is an old warrior, and seems to like to snuff
+gunpowder"--the reader will understand none knew of the veteran's death
+but those in the house--"and won't be for givin' up while he has a
+charge left. If I had twenty men--no, thirty would be better, where
+these fellows be, I think the place could be carried in a few minutes,
+and then liberty would get its rights, and your monarchy-men would be
+put down as they all desarve."
+
+"What do then?" demanded the leading Mohawk, in his abrupt guttural
+English. "No shoot--can't kill log."
+
+"No, chief, that's reasonable, an' ongainsayable, too; but only one-
+half the inner gate is hung, and I've contrived matters so, on purpose,
+that the props of the half that isn't on the hinges can be undone, all
+the same as onlatching the door. If I only had the right man here, now,
+the business should be done, and that speedily."
+
+"Go 'self," answered the Mohawk, not without an expression of distrust
+and contempt.
+
+"Every man to his callin', chief. My trade is peace, and politics, and
+liberty, while your's is war. Howsever, I can put you, and them that
+likes fightin', on the trail, and then we'll see how matters can be
+done. Mortality! How them desperate devils on the roof do keep blazin'
+away! It wouldn't surprise me if they shot somebody, or get hurt
+themselves!"
+
+Such were the deliberations of Joel Strides on a battle. The Indian
+leaders, however, gave some of their ordinary signals, to bring their
+'young men' more under command and, sending messengers with orders in
+different directions, they left the haystack, compelling Joel to
+accompany them.
+
+The results of these movements were soon apparent. The most daring of
+the Mohawks made their way into the rivulet, north of the buildings,
+and were soon at the foot of the cliff. A little reconnoitring told
+them that the hole which Joel had pointed out, had not been closed
+since the entrance of Willoughby and his companions. Led by their
+chief, the warriors stole up the ascent, and began to crawl through the
+same inlet which had served as an outlet to so many deserters, the
+previous night, accompanied by their wives and children.
+
+The Indians in front had been ordered to occupy the attention of the
+garrison, while this movement was in the course of execution. At a
+signal, they raised a yell, unmasked them, fired one volley, and seemed
+to make another rush at the works. This was the instant chosen for the
+passage of the hole, and the seven leading savages effected their
+entrance within the stockade, with safety. The eighth man was shot by
+Blodget, in the hole itself. The body was instantly withdrawn by the
+legs, and all in the rear fell back under the cover of the cliff.
+
+Willoughby now understood the character of the assault. Stationing
+Joyce, with a party to command the hole, he went himself into the
+library, accompanied by Jamie and Blodget, using a necessary degree of
+caution. Fortunately the windows were raised, and a sudden volley
+routed all the Indians who had taken shelter beneath the rocks. These
+men, however, fled no further than the rivulet, where they rallied
+under cover of the bushes, keeping up a dropping fire at the windows.
+For several minutes, the combat was confined to this spot; Willoughby,
+by often shifting from window to window along the rear of the house,
+getting several volleys that told, at the men under the cover.
+
+As yet, all the loss had been on the side of the assailants, though
+several of the garrison, including both Willoughby and Joyce, had
+divers exceedingly narrow escapes. Quite a dozen of the assailants had
+suffered, though only four were killed outright. By this time, the
+assault had lasted an hour, and the shades of evening were closing
+around the place. Daniel, the miller, had been sent by Joel to spring
+the mine they had prepared together, but, making the mistake usual with
+the uninitiated, he had hung back, to let others pass the hole first,
+and was consequently carried down in the crowd, within the cover of the
+bushes of the rivulet.
+
+Willoughby had a short consultation with Joyce, and then he set
+seriously about the preparations necessary for a light defence. By a
+little management, and some persona, risk, the bullet-proof shutters of
+the north wing of the Hut were all closed, rendering the rear of the
+buildings virtually impregnable. When this was done, and the gates of
+the area were surely shut, the place was like a ship in a gale, under
+short canvass and hove-to. The enemy within the palisades were
+powerless, to all appearance, the walls of stone preventing anything
+like an application of fire. Of the last, however, there was a little
+danger on the roof, the Indians frequently using arrows for this
+purpose, and water was placed on the staging in readiness to be used on
+occasion.
+
+All these preparations occupied some time, and it was quite dark ere
+they were completed. Then Willoughby had a moment for reflection; the
+firing having entirely ceased, and nothing further remaining to do.
+
+"We are safe for the present, Joyce," the major observed, as he and the
+serjeant stood together on the staging, after having consulted on the
+present aspect of things; "and I have a solemn duty, yet, to perform--
+my dear mother--and the body of my father--"
+
+"Yes, sir; I would not speak of either, so long as it was your honour's
+pleasure to remain silent on the subject. Madam Willoughby is sorely
+cut down, as you may imagine, sir; and, as for my gallant old
+commander, he died in his harness, as a soldier should."
+
+"Where have you taken the body?--has my mother seen it?"
+
+"Lord bless you, sir, Madam Willoughby had his honour carried into her
+own room, and there she and Miss Beulah"--so all of the Hut still
+called the wife of Evert Beekman--"she and Miss Beulah, kneel, and
+pray, and weep, as you know, sir, ladies will, whenever anything severe
+comes over their feelings--God bless them both, we all say, and think,
+ay, and pray, too, in our turns, sir."
+
+"Very well, Joyce. Even a soldier may drop a tear over the dead body of
+his own father. God only knows what this night will bring forth, and I
+may never have a moment as favourable as this, for discharging so
+solemn a duty."
+
+"Yes, your honour"--Joyce fancied that the major had succeeded to this
+appellation by the decease of the captain--"yes, your honour, the
+commandments, that the Rev. Mr. Woods used to read to us of a Sunday,
+tell us all about that; and it is quite as much the duty of a Christian
+to mind the commandments, I do suppose, as it is for a soldier to obey
+orders. God bless you, sir, and carry you safe through the affair. I
+had a touch of it with Miss Maud, myself, and know what it is. It's bad
+enough to lose an old commander in so sudden a way like, without having
+to _feel_ what has happened in company with so sweet ladies, as
+these we have in the house. As for these blackguards down inside the
+works, let them give you no uneasiness; it will be light work for us to
+keep them busy, compared to what your honour has to do."
+
+It would seem by the saddened manner in which Willoughby moved away,
+that he was of the same way of thinking as the serjeant, on this
+melancholy subject. The moment, however, was favourable for the object,
+and delay could not be afforded. Then Willoughby's disposition was to
+console his mother, even while he wept with her over the dead body of
+him they had lost.
+
+Notwithstanding the wild uproar that had so prevailed, not only
+without, but within the place, the portion of the house that was
+occupied by the widowed matron and her daughters, was silent as the
+grave. All the domestics were either on the staging, or at the loops,
+leaving the kitchens and offices deserted. The major first entered a
+little ante-chamber, that opened between a store-room, and the
+apartment usually occupied by his mother; this being the ordinary means
+of approach to her room. Here he paused, and listened quite a minute,
+in the hope of catching some sound from within that might prepare him
+for the scene he was to meet. Not a whisper, a moan, or a sob could be
+heard; and he ventured to tap lightly at the door. This was unheeded;
+waiting another minute, as much in dread as in respect, he raised the
+latch with some such awe, as one would enter into a tomb of some
+beloved one. A single lamp let him into the secrets of this solemn
+place.
+
+In the centre of the room, lay stretched on a large table, the manly
+form of the author of his being. The face was uppermost, and the limbs
+had been laid, in decent order, as is usual with the dead that have
+been cared for. No change had been made in the dress, however, the
+captain lying in the hunting-shirt in which he had sallied forth; the
+crimson tint which disfigured one breast, having been sedulously
+concealed by the attention of Great Smash. The passage from life to
+eternity had been so sudden, as to leave the usual benignant expression
+on the countenance of the corpse; the paleness which had succeeded the
+fresh ruddy tint of nature, alone denoting that the sleep was not a
+sweet repose, but that of death.
+
+The body of his father was the first object that met the gaze of the
+major. He advanced, leaned forward, kissed the marble-like forehead,
+with reverence, and groaned in the effort to suppress an unmanly
+outbreaking of sorrow. Then he turned to seek the other well-beloved
+faces. There sat Beulah, in a corner of the room, as if to seek shelter
+for her infant, folding that infant to her heart, keeping her look
+riveted, in anguish, on the inanimate form that she had ever loved
+beyond a daughter's love. Even the presence of her brother scarce drew
+a glance away from the sad spectacle; though, when it at length did,
+the youthful matron bowed her face down to that of her child, and wept
+convulsively. She was nearest to the major, who moved to her side, and
+kissed the back of her neck, with kind affection. The meaning was
+understood; and Beulah, while unable to look up, extended a hand to
+meet the fraternal pressure it received.
+
+Maud was near, kneeling at the side of the bed. Her whole attitude
+denoted the abstraction of a mind absorbed in worship and solicitation.
+Though Willoughby's heart yearned to raise her in his arms; to console
+her, and bid her lean on himself, in future, for her earthly support,
+he too much respected her present occupation, to break in upon it with
+any irreverent zeal of his own. His eye turned from this loved object,
+therefore, and hurriedly looked for his mother.
+
+The form of Mrs. Willoughby had escaped the first glances of her son,
+in consequence of the position in which she had placed herself. The
+stricken wife was in a corner of the room, her person partly concealed
+by the drapery of a window-curtain; though this was evidently more the
+effect of accident, than of design. Willoughby started, as he caught
+the first glance of his beloved parent's face; and he felt a chill pass
+over his whole frame. There she sat upright, motionless, tearless,
+without any of the alleviating weaknesses of a less withering grief,
+her mild countenance exposed to the light of the lamp, and her eyes
+riveted on the face of the dead. In this posture had she remained for
+hours; no tender cares on the part of her daughters; no attentions from
+her domestics; no outbreaking of her own sorrows, producing any change.
+Even the clamour of the assault had passed by her like the idle wind.
+
+"My mother--my poor--dear--heart-broken mother!" burst from Willoughby,
+at this sight, and he stepped quickly forward, and knelt at her feet.
+
+But Bob--the darling Bob--his mother's pride and joy, was unheeded. The
+heart, which had so long beaten for others only; which never seemed to
+feel a wish, or a pulsation, but in the service of the objects of its
+affection, was not sufficiently firm to withstand the blow that had
+lighted on it so suddenly. Enough of life remained, however, to support
+the frame for a while; and the will still exercised its power over the
+mere animal functions. Her son shut out the view of the body, and she
+motioned him aside with an impatience of manner he had never before
+witnessed from the same quarter. Inexpressibly shocked, the major took
+her hands, by gentle compulsion, covering them with kisses, and
+literally bathing them in tears.
+
+"Oh! mother--dearest, dearest mother!" he cried, "_will_ you
+not--_do_ you not know _me_--Robert--Bob--your much-indulged,
+grateful, affectionate son. If father is gone into the immediate
+presence of the God he revered and served, I am still left to be a
+support to your declining years. Lean on me, mother, next to your
+Father in Heaven."
+
+"Will he ever get up, Robert?" whispered the widowed mother. "You speak
+too loud, and may rouse him before his time. He promised me to bring
+you back; and he ever kept his promises. He had a long march, and is
+weary, See, how sweetly he sleeps!"
+
+Robert Willoughby bowed his head to his mother's knees, and groaned
+aloud. When he raised his face again, he saw the arms of Maud elevated
+towards heaven, as if she would pluck down that consolation for her
+mother, that her spirit was so fervently asking of the Almighty. Then
+he gazed into the face of his mother again; hoping to catch a gleam of
+some expression and recognition, that denoted more of reason. It was in
+vain; the usual placidity, the usual mild affection were there; but
+both were blended with the unnatural halo of a mind excited to disease,
+if not to madness. A slight exclamation, which sounded like alarm, came
+from Beulah; and turning towards his sister, Willoughby saw that she
+was clasping Evert still closer to her bosom, with her eyes now bent on
+the door. Looking in the direction of the latter, he perceived that
+Nick had stealthily entered, the room.
+
+The unexpected appearance of Wyandotte might well alarm the youthful
+mother. He had applied his war-paint since entering the Hut; and this,
+though it indicated an intention to fight in defence of the house, left
+a picture of startling aspect. There was nothing hostile intended by
+this visit, however. Nick had come not only in amity, but in a kind
+concern to see after the females of the family, who had ever stood high
+in his friendship, notwithstanding the tremendous blow he had struck
+against their happiness. But he had been accustomed to see those close
+distinctions drawn between individuals and colours; and, the other
+proprieties admitted, would not have hesitated about consoling the
+widow with the offer of his own hand. Major Willoughby, understanding,
+from the manner of the Indian, the object of his visit, suffered him to
+pursue his own course, in the hope it might rouse his mother to a
+better consciousness of objects around her.
+
+Nick walked calmly up to the table, and gazed at the face of his victim
+with a coldness that proved he felt no compunction. Still he hesitated
+about touching the body, actually raising his hand, as if with that
+intent, and then withdrawing it, like one stung by conscience.
+Willoughby noted the act; and, for the first time, a shadowy suspicion
+glanced on his mind. Maud had told him all she knew of the manner of
+his father's death, and old distrusts began to revive, though so
+faintly as to produce no immediate results.
+
+As for the Indian, the hesitating gesture excepted, the strictest
+scrutiny, or the keenest suspicion could have detected no signs of
+feeling. The senseless form before him was not less moved than he
+appeared to be, so far as the human eye could penetrate. Wyandotte
+_was_ unmoved. He believed that, in curing the sores on his own back
+in this particular manner, he had done what became a Tuscarora warrior
+and a chief. Let not the self-styled Christians of civilized society
+affect horror at this instance of savage justice, so long as they go
+the whole length of the law of their several communities, in avenging
+their own fancied wrongs, using the dagger of calumny instead of the
+scalping-knife, and rending and tearing _their_ victims, by the
+agency of gold and power, like so many beasts of the field, in all the
+forms and modes that legal vindictiveness will either justify or
+tolerate; often exceeding those broad limits, indeed, and seeking
+impunity behind perjuries and frauds.
+
+Nick's examination of the body was neither hurried nor agitated. When
+it was over, he turned calmly to consider the daughters of the
+deceased.
+
+"Why you cry--why you 'fear'd," he said, approaching Beulah, and
+placing his swarthy hand on the head of her sleeping infant.--"Good
+squaw--good pappoose. Wyandotte take care 'em in woods. Bye'm-by go to
+pale-face town, and sleep quiet."
+
+This was rudely said, but it was well meant. Beulah so received it; and
+she endeavoured to smile her gratitude in the face of the very being
+from whom, more than from all of earth, she would have turned in
+horror, could her mental vision have reached the fearful secret that
+lay buried in his own bosom. The Indian understood her look; and making
+a gesture of encouragement, he moved to the side of the woman whom his
+own hand had made a widow.
+
+The appearance of Wyandotte produced no change in the look or manner of
+the matron. The Indian took her hand, and spoke.
+
+"Squaw _berry_ good," he said, with emphasis. "Why look so sorry--
+cap'in gone to happy huntin'-ground of his people. All good dere--chief
+time come, _must_ go."
+
+The widow knew the voice, and by some secret association it recalled
+the scenes of the past, producing a momentary revival of her faculties.
+
+"Nick, _you_ are my friend," she said, earnestly. "Go speak to
+him, and see if _you_ can wake him up."
+
+The Indian fairly started, as he heard this strange proposal. The
+weakness lasted only for a moment, however, and he became as stoical,
+in appearance at least, as before.
+
+"No," he said; "squaw quit cap'in, now. Warrior go on last path, all
+alone--no want companion.--She look at grave, now and den, and be
+happy."
+
+"Happy!" echoed the widow, "what is _that_, Nick?--what is
+_happy_, my son? It seems a dream--I _must_ have known what it
+was; but I forget it all now. Oh! it was cruel, cruel, cruel, to stab a
+husband, and a father--wasn't it, Robert?--What say you, Nick--shall I
+give you more medicine?--You'll die, Indian, unless you take it--mind
+what a Christian woman tells you, and be obedient.--Here, let me hold
+the cup--there; now you'll live!"
+
+Nick recoiled an entire step, and gazed at the still beautiful victim
+of his ruthless revenge, in a manner no one had ever before noted in
+his mien. His mixed habits left him in ignorance of no shade of the
+fearful picture before his eyes, and he began better to comprehend the
+effects of the plow he had so hastily struck--a blow meditated for
+years, though given at length under a sudden and vehement impulse. The
+widowed mother, however, was past noting these changes.
+
+"No--no--no--Nick," she added, hurriedly, scarce speaking above a
+whisper, "do not awake him! God will do that, when he summons his
+blessed ones to the foot of his throne. Let us all lie down, and sleep
+with him. Robert, do you lie there, at his side, my noble, noble boy;
+Beulah, place little Evert and yourself at the other side; Maud, your
+place is by the head; I will sleep at his feet; while Nick shall watch,
+and let us know when it will be time to rise and pray"
+
+The general and intense--almost spell-bound--attention with which all
+in the room listened to these gentle but touching wanderings of a mind
+so single and pure, was interrupted by yells so infernal, and shrieks
+so wild and fearful, that it seemed, in sooth, as if the last trump had
+sounded, and men were passing forth from their graves to judgment.
+Willoughby almost leaped out of the room, and Maud followed, to shut
+and bolt the door, when her waist was encircled by the arm of Nick, and
+she found herself borne forward towards the din.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXIX.
+
+  "O, Time and Death! with certain pace,
+  Though still unequal, hurrying on,
+  O'erturning, in your awful race,
+  The cot, the palace, and the throne!"
+
+  Sands.
+
+Maud had little leisure for reflection. The yells and shrieks were
+followed by the cries of combatants, and the crack of the rifle. Nick
+hurried her along at a rate so rapid that she had not breath to
+question or remonstrate, until she found herself at the door of a small
+store-room, in which her mother was accustomed to keep articles of
+domestic economy that required but little space. Into this room Nick
+thrust her, and then she heard the key turn on her egress. For a single
+moment, Wyandotte stood hesitating whether he should endeavour to get
+Mrs. Willoughby and her other daughter into the same place of security;
+then, judging of the futility of the attempt, by the approach of the
+sounds within, among which he heard the full, manly voice of Robert
+Willoughby, calling on the garrison to be firm, he raised an answering
+yell to those of the Mohawks, the war-whoop of his tribe, and plunged
+into the fray with the desperation of one who ran a muck, and with the
+delight of a demon.
+
+In order to understand the cause of this sudden change, it will be
+necessary to return a little, in the order of time. While Willoughby
+was with his mother and sisters, Mike had charge of the gate. The rest
+of the garrison was either at the loops, or was stationed on the roofs.
+As the darkness increased, Joel mustered sufficient courage to crawl
+through the hole, and actually reached the gate. Without him, it was
+found impossible to spring his mine, and he had been prevailed on to
+risk this much, on condition it should not be asked of him to do such
+violence to his feelings as to enter the court of a house in which he
+had seen so many happy days.
+
+The arrangement, by which this traitor intended to throw a family upon
+the tender mercies of savages, was exceedingly simple. It will be
+remembered that only one leaf of the inner gate was hung, the other
+being put in its place, where it was sustained by a prop. This prop
+consisted of a single piece of timber, of which one end rested on the
+ground, and the other on the centre of the gate; the last being
+effectually prevented from slipping by pins of wood, driven into the
+massive wood-work of the gate, above its end. The lower end of the prop
+rested against a fragment of rock that nature had placed at this
+particular spot. As the work had been set up in a hurry, it was found
+necessary to place wedges between the lower end of the prop and the
+rock, in order to force the leaf properly into its groove, without
+which it might have been canted to one side, and of course easily
+overturned by the exercise of sufficient force from without.
+
+To all this arrangement, Joel had been a party, and he knew, as a
+matter of course, its strong and its weak points. Seizing a favourable
+moment, he had loosened the wedges, leaving them in their places,
+however, but using the precaution to fasten a bit of small but strong
+cord to the most material one of the three, which cord he buried in the
+dirt, and led half round a stick driven into the earth, quite near the
+wall, and thence through a hole made by one of the hinges, to the outer
+side of the leaf. The whole had been done with so much care as to
+escape the vigilance of casual observers, and expressly that the
+overseer might assist his friends in entering the place, after he
+himself had provided for his own safety by flight. The circumstance
+that no one trod on the side of the gateway where the unhung leaf
+stood, prevented the half-buried cord from being disturbed by any
+casual footstep.
+
+As soon as Joel reached the wall of the Hut, his first care was to
+ascertain if he were safe from missiles from the loops. Assured of this
+fact, he stole round to the gate, and had a consultation with the
+Mohawk chief, on the subject of springing the mine. The cord was found
+in its place; and, hauling on it gently, Joel was soon certain that he
+had removed the wedge, and that force might speedily throw down the
+unhung leaf. Still, he proceeded with caution. Applying the point of a
+lever to the bottom of the leaf, he hove it back sufficiently to be
+sure it would pass inside of its fellow; and then he announced to the
+grave warrior, who had watched the whole proceeding, that the time was
+come to lend his aid.
+
+There were a dozen reckless whites, in the cluster of savages collected
+at the gate; and enough of these were placed at handspikes to effect
+the intended dislodgement. The plan was this: while poles were set
+against the upper portion of the leaf, to force it within the line of
+the suspended part, handspikes and crowbars, of which a sufficiency had
+been provided by Joel's forethought, were to be applied between the
+hinge edge and the wall, to cast the whole over to the other side.
+
+Unluckily, Mike had been left at the gate as the sentinel. A more
+upfortunate selection could not have been made; the true-hearted fellow
+having so much self-confidence, and so little forethought, as to
+believe the gates impregnable. He had lighted a pipe, and was smoking
+as tranquilly as he had ever done before, in his daily indulgences of
+this character, when the unhung leaf came tumbling in upon the side
+where he sat; nothing saving his head but the upper edge's lodging
+against the wall. At the same moment, a dozen Indians leaped through
+the opening, and sprang into the court, raising the yells already
+described. Mike followed, armed with his shillelah, for his musket was
+abandoned in the surprise, and he began to lay about him with an
+earnestness that in nowise lessened the clamour. This was the moment
+when Joyce, nobly sustained by Blodget and Jamie Allen, poured a volley
+into the court, from the roofs; when the fray became general. To this
+point had the combat reached, when Willoughby rushed into the open air
+followed, a few instants later, by Nick.
+
+The scene that succeeded is not easily described. It was a _melee_
+in the dark, illuminated, at instants, by the flashes of guns, and
+rendered horrible by shrieks, curses, groans and whoops. Mike actually
+cleared the centre of the court, where he was soon joined by
+Willoughby, when, together, they made a rush at a door, and actually
+succeeded in gaining their own party on the roof. It was not in nature
+for the young soldier to remain here, however, while his mother,
+Beulah, and, so far as he knew, Maud, lay exposed to the savages below.
+Arnid a shower of bullets he collected his whole force, and was on the
+point of charging into the court, when the roll of a drum without,
+brought everything to a stand. Young Blodget, who had displayed the
+ardour of a hero, and the coolness of a veteran throughout the short
+fray, sprang down the stairs unarmed, at this sound, passed through the
+astonished crowd in the court, unnoticed, and rushed to the outer gate.
+He had barely time to unbar it, when a body of troops marched through,
+led by a tall, manly-looking chief, who was accompanied by one that
+the young man instantly recognised, in spite of the darkness, for Mr.
+Woods, in his surplice. At the next moment, the strangers had entered,
+with military steadiness, into the court, to the number of, at least,
+fifty, ranging themselves in order across its area.
+
+"In the name of Heaven, who are you?" called out Willoughby, from a
+window. "Speak at once, or we fire."
+
+"I am Colonel Beekman, at the head of a regular force," was the answer,
+"and if, as I suspect, you are Major Willoughby, you know you are safe.
+In the name of Congress, I command all good citizens to keep the peace,
+or they will meet with punishment for their contumacy."
+
+This announcement ended the war, Beekman and Willoughby grasping each
+other's hands fervently, at the next instant.
+
+"Oh! Beekman!" exclaimed the last, "at what a moment has God sent you
+hither! Heaven be praised! notwithstanding all that has happened, you
+will find your wife and child safe. Place sentinels at both gates; for
+treachery has been at work here, and I shall ask for rigid justice."
+
+"Softly--softly--my good fellow," answered Beekman, pressing his hand.
+"Your own position is a little delicate, and we must proceed with
+moderation. I learned, just in time, that a party was coming hither,
+bent on mischief; and obtaining the necessary authority, I hastened to
+the nearest garrison, obtained a company, and commenced my march as
+soon as possible. Had we not met with Mr. Woods, travelling for the
+settlements in quest of succour, we might have been too late. As it
+was, God be praised!--I think we have arrived in season."
+
+Such were the facts. The Indians had repelled the zealous chaplain, as
+a madman; compelling him to take the route toward the settlements,
+however; their respect for this unfortunate class of beings, rendering
+them averse to his rejoining their enemies. He could, and did impart
+enough to Beekman to quicken his march, and to bring him and his
+followers up to the gate at a time when a minute might have cost the
+entire garrison their lives.
+
+Anxious as he was to seek Beulah and his child, Beekman had a soldier's
+duties to perform, and those he would not neglect. The sentinels were
+posted, and orders issued to light lanterns, and to make a fire in the
+centre of the court, so that the actual condition of the field of
+battle might be ascertained. A surgeon had accompanied Beekman's party,
+and he was already at work, so far as the darkness would allow. Many
+hands being employed, and combustibles easy to be found, ere long the
+desired light was gleaming on the terrible spectacle.
+
+A dozen bodies wexre stretched in the court, of which, three or four
+were fated never to rise again, in life. Of the rest, no less than four
+had fallen with broken heads, inflicted by O'Hearn's shillelah. Though
+these blows were not fatal, they effectually put the warriors _hors
+de combat_. Of the garrison, not one was among the slain, in this
+part of the field. On a later investigation, however, it was
+ascertained that the poor old Scotch mason had received a mortal hurt,
+through a window, and this by the very last shot that had been fired.
+On turning over the dead of the assailants, too, it was discovered that
+Daniel the Miller was of the number. A few of the Mohawks were seen,
+with glowing eyes, in corners of the court, applying their own rude
+dressings to their various hurts; succeeding, on the whole, in
+effecting the great purpose of the healing art, about as well as those
+who were committed to the lights of science.
+
+Surprisingly few uninjured members of the assaulting party, however,
+were to be found, when the lanterns appeared. Some had slipped through
+the gate before the sentinels were posted; others had found their way
+to the roof, and thence, by various means to the ground; while a few
+lay concealed in the buildings, until a favourable moment offered to
+escape. Among all those who remained, not an individual was found who
+claimed to be in any authority. In a word, after five minutes of
+examination, both Beekman and Willoughby were satisfied that there no
+longer existed a force to dispute with them the mastery of the Hut.
+
+"We have delayed too long relieving the apprehensions of those who are
+very dear to us, Major Willoughby," Beekman at length observed. "If you
+will lead the way to the parts of the buildings where your--_my_
+mother, and wife, are to be found, I will now follow you."
+
+"Hold, Beekman--there yet remains a melancholy tale to be told--nay,
+start not--I left our Beulah, and your boy, in perfect health, less
+than a quarter of an hour since. But my honoured, honourable, revered,
+beloved father has been killed in a most extraordinary manner, and you
+will find his widow and daughters weeping over his body."
+
+This appalling intelligence produced a halt, during which Willoughby
+explained all he knew of the manner of his father's death, which was
+merely the little he had been enabled to glean from Maud. As soon as
+this duty was performed, the gentlemen proceeded together to the
+apartment of the mourners, each carrying a light.
+
+Willoughby made an involuntary exclamation, when he perceived that the
+door of his mother's room was open. He had hoped Maud would have had
+the presence of mind to close and lock it; but here he found it,
+yawning as if to invite the entrance of enemies. The light within, too,
+was extinguished, though, by the aid of the lanterns, he saw large
+traces of blood in the ante-room, and the passages he was obliged to
+thread. All this hastened his steps. Presently he stood in the chamber
+of death.
+
+Short as had been the struggle, the thirst for scalps had led some of
+the savages to this sanctuary. The instant the Indians had gained the
+court, some of the most ferocious of their number had rushed into the
+building, penetrating its recesses in a way to defile them with
+slaughter. The first object that Willoughby saw was one of these
+ruthless warriors, stretched on the floor, with a living Indian,
+bleeding at half a dozen wounds, standing over him; the eye-balls of
+the latter were glaring like the tiger's that is suddenly confronted to
+a foe. An involuntary motion was made towards the rifle he carried, by
+the major; but the next look told him that the living Indian was Nick.
+Then it was, that he gazed more steadily about him, and took in all the
+horrible truths of that fatal chamber.
+
+Mrs. Willoughby was sealed in the chair where she had last been seen,
+perfectly dead. No mark of violence was ever found on her body,
+however, and there is no doubt that her constant spirit had followed
+that of her husband to the other world, in submission to the blow which
+had separated them. Beulah had been shot; not, as was afterwards
+ascertained, by any intentional aim, but by one of those random
+bullets, of which so many had been flying through the buildings. The
+missile had passed through her heart, and she lay pressing the little
+Evert to her bosom, with that air of steady and unerring affection
+which had marked every act of her innocent and feeling life. The boy
+himself, thanks to the tiger-like gallantry of Nick, had escaped
+unhurt. The Tuscarora had seen a party of six take the direction of
+this chamber, and he followed with an instinct of their intentions.
+When the leader entered the room, and found three dead bodies, he
+raised a yell that betokened his delight at the prospect of gaining so
+many scalps; at the next instant, while his fingers were actually
+entwined in the hair of Captain Willoughby, he fell by a blow from
+Wyandotte. Nick next extinguished the lamp, and then succeeded a scene,
+which none of the actors, themselves, could have described. Another
+Mohawk fell, and the remainder, ailer suffering horribly from the keen
+knife of Nick, as well as from blows received from each other, dragged
+themselves away, leaving the field to the Tuscarora. The latter met the
+almost bewildered gaze of the major with a smile of grim triumph, as he
+pointed to the three bodies of the beloved ones, and said--
+
+"See--all got scalp! Deat', nothin'--scalp, ebbery t'ing."
+
+We shall not attempt to describe the outbreaking of anguish from the
+husband and brother. It was a moment of wild grief, that bore down all
+the usual restraints of manhood, though it was such a moment as an
+American frontier residence has often witnessed. The quiet but deep-
+feeling nature of Beekman received a shock that almost produced a
+dissolution of his earthly being. He succeeded, however, in raising the
+still warm body of Beulah from the floor, and folding it to his heart.
+Happily for his reason, a flood of tears, such as women shed, burst
+from his soul, rather than from his eyes, bedewing her still sweet and
+placid countenance.
+
+To say that Robert Willoughby did not feel the desolation, which so
+suddenly alighted on a family that had often been quoted for its mutual
+affection and happiness, would be to do him great injustice. He even
+staggered under the blow; yet his heart craved further information. The
+Indian was gazing intently on the sight of Beekman's grief, partly in
+wonder, but more in sympathy, when he felt an iron pressure of his arm.
+
+"Maud--Tuscarora"--the major rather groaned than whispered in his ear,
+"know you anything of Maud?"
+
+Nick made a gesture of assent; then motioned for the other to follow.
+He led the way to the store-room, produced the key, and throwing open
+the door, Maud was weeping on Robert Willoughby's bosom in another
+instant. He would not take her to the chamber of death, but urged her,
+by gentle violence, to follow him to the library.
+
+"God be praised for this mercy!" exclaimed the ardent girl, raising her
+hands and streaming eyes to heaven. "I know not, care not, who is
+conqueror, since _you_ are safe!"
+
+"Oh! Maud--beloved one--we must now be all in all to each other. Death
+has stricken the others."
+
+This was a sudden and involuntary announcement, though it was best it
+should be so under the circumstances. It was long before Maud could
+hear an outline, even, of the details, but she bore them better than
+Willoughby could have hoped. The excitement had been so high, as to
+brace the mind to meet any human evil. The sorrow that came afterwards,
+though sweetened by so many tender recollections, and chastened hopes,
+was deep and enduring.
+
+Our picture would not have been complete, without relating the
+catastrophe that befell the Hutted Knoll; but, having discharged this
+painful duty, we prefer to draw a veil over the remainder of that
+dreadful night. The cries of the negresses, when they learned the death
+of their old and young mistress, disturbed the silence of the place for
+a few minutes and then a profound stillness settled on the buildings,
+marking them distinctly as the house of mourning. On further inquiry,
+too, it was ascertained that Great Smash, after shooting an Oneida, had
+been slain and scalped. Pliny the younger, also, fell fighting like a
+wild beast to defend the entrance to his mistresses' apartments.
+
+The following day, when light had returned, a more accurate idea was
+obtained of the real state of the valley. All of the invading party,
+the dead and wounded excepted, had made a rapid retreat, accompanied by
+most of the deserters and their families. The name, known influence,
+and actual authority of Colonel Beekman had wrought this change; the
+irregular powers that had set the expedition in motion, preferring to
+conceal their agency in the transaction, rather than make any hazardous
+attempt to claim the reward of patriotic service, as is so often done
+in revolutions, for merciless deeds and selfish acts. There had been no
+real design on the part of the whites to injure any of the family in
+their persons; but, instigated by Joel, they had fancied the occasion
+favourable for illustrating their own public virtue, while they placed
+themselves in the way of receiving fortune's favours. The assault that
+actually occurred, was one of those uncontrollable outbreakings of
+Indian ferocity, that have so often set at defiance the restraints of
+discipline.
+
+Nick was not to be found either. He had been last seen dressing his
+wounds, with Indian patience, and Indian skill, preparing to apply
+herbs and roots, in quest of which he went into the forest about
+midnight. As he did not return Willoughby feared that he might be
+suffering alone, and determined to have a search made, as soon as he
+had performed the last sad offices for the dead.
+
+Two days occurred, however, before this melancholy duty was discharged.
+The bodies of all the savages who had fallen were interred the morning
+after the assault; but that of Jamie Allen, with those of the principal
+persons of the family, were kept for the pious purposes of affection,
+until the time mentioned.
+
+The funeral was a touching sight. The captain, his wife, and daughter,
+were laid, side by side, near the chapel; the first and last of their
+race that ever reposed in the wilds of America. Mr. Woods read the
+funeral service, summoning all his spiritual powers to sustain him, as
+he discharged this solemn office of the church. Willoughby's arm was
+around the waist of Maud, who endeavoured to reward his tender
+assiduities by a smile, but could not. Colonel Beekman held little
+Evert in his arms, and stood over the grave with the countenance of a
+resolute man stricken with grief--one of the most touching spectacles
+of our nature.
+
+"_I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord_," sounded in
+the stillness of that valley like a voice from heaven, pouring out
+consolation on the bruised spirits of the mourners. Maud raised her
+face from Willoughby's shoulder, and lifted her blue eyes to the
+cloudless vault above her; soliciting mercy, and offering resignation
+in the look. The line of troops in the back-ground moved, as by a
+common impulse, and then a breathless silence showed the desire of
+these rude beings not to lose a syllable.
+
+A round red spot formed on each of the cheeks of Mr. Woods as he
+proceeded, and his voice gathered strength, until its lowest
+intonations came clear and distinct on every ear. Just as the bodies
+were about to be lowered into their two receptacles, the captain, his
+wife and daughter being laid in the same grave, Nick came with his
+noiseless step near the little group of mourners. He had issued from
+the forest only a few minutes before, and understanding the intention
+of the ceremony, he approached the spot as fast as weakness and wounds
+would allow. Even he listened with profound attention to the chaplain,
+never changing his eye from his face, unless to glance at the coffins
+as they lay in their final resting-place.
+
+"_I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto me, write, From henceforth
+blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; even so saith the Spirit, for
+they rest from their labours_," continued the chaplain, his voice
+beginning to betray a tremor; then the gaze of the Tuscarora became
+keen as the panther's glance at his discovered victim. Tears followed,
+and, for a moment, the voice was choked.
+
+"Why you woman?" demanded Nick, fiercely. "Save all 'e scalp!"
+
+This strange interruption failed to produce any effect. First Beekman
+yielded; Maud and Willoughby followed; until Mr. Woods, himself, unable
+to resist the double assaults of the power of sympathy and his own
+affection, closed the book and wept like a child.
+
+It required minutes for the mourners to recover their self-command.
+When the latter returned, however, all knelt on the grass, the line of
+soldiers included, and the closing prayers were raised to the throne of
+God.
+
+This act of devotion enabled the mourners to maintain an appearance of
+greater tranquillity until the graves were filled. The troops advanced,
+and fired three volleys over the captain's grave, when all retired
+towards the Hut. Maud had caught little Evert from the arms of his
+father, and, pressing him to her bosom, the motherless babe seemed
+disposed to slumber there. In this manner she walked away, attended
+closely by the father, who now cherished his boy as an only treasure.
+
+Willoughby lingered the last at the grave, Nick alone remaining near
+him. The Indian had been struck by the exhibition of deep sorrow that
+he had witnessed, and he felt an uneasiness that was a little
+unaccountable to himself. It was one of the caprices of this strange
+nature of ours, that he should feel a desire to console those whom he
+had so deeply injured himself. He drew near to Robert Willoughby,
+therefore, and, laying a hand on the latter's arm, drew his look in the
+direction of his own red and speaking face.
+
+"Why so sorry, major?" he said. "Warrior nebber die but once--
+_must_ die sometime."
+
+"There lie my father, my mother, and my only sister, Indian--is not
+that enough to make the stoutest heart bend? You knew them, too, Nick--
+did you ever know better?"
+
+"Squaw good--both squaw good--Nick see no pale-face squaw he like so
+much."
+
+"I thank you, Nick! This rude tribute to the virtues of my mother and
+sister, is far more grateful to me than the calculating and regulated
+condolence of the world."
+
+"No squaw _so_ good as ole one--she, all heart--love every body,
+but self."
+
+This was so characteristic of his mother, that Willoughby was startled
+by the sagacity of the savage, though reflection told him so long an
+acquaintance with the family must have made a dog familiar with this
+beautiful trait in his mother.
+
+"And my father, Nick!" exclaimed the major, with feeling--"my noble,
+just, liberal, gallant father!--He, too, you knew well, and must have
+loved."
+
+"No so good as squaw," answered the Tuscarora, sententiously, and not
+altogether without disgust in his manner.
+
+"We are seldom as good as our wives, and mothers, and sisters, Nick,
+else should we be angels on earth. But, allowing for the infirmities of
+us men, my father was just and gocd."
+
+"Too much flog"--answered the savage, sternly--"make Injin's back
+sore."
+
+This extraordinary speech struck the major less, at the time, than it
+did, years afterwards, when he came to reflect on all the events and
+dialogues of this teeming week. Such was also the case as to what
+followed.
+
+"You are no flatterer, Tuscarora, as I have always found in our
+intercourse. If my father ever punished you with severity, you will
+allow, me, at least, to imagine it was merited."
+
+"Too much flog, I say," interrupted the savage, fiercely. "No
+difference, chief or not. Touch ole sore too rough. Good, some; bad,
+some. Like weather--now shine; now storm."
+
+"This is no time to discuss these points, Nick. You have fought nobly
+for us, and I thank you. Without your aid, these beloved ones would
+have been mutilated, as well as slain; and Maud--my own blessed Maud--
+might now have been sleeping at their sides."
+
+Nick's face was now all softness again, and he returned the pressure of
+Willoughby's hand with honest fervor. Here they separated. The major
+hastened to the side of Maud, to fold her to his heart, and console her
+with his love. Nick passed into the forest, returning no more to the
+Hut. His path led him near the grave. On the side where lay the body of
+Mrs. Willoughby, he threw a flower he had plucked in the meadow; while
+he shook his finger menacingly at the other, which hid the person of
+his enemy. In this, he was true to his nature, which taught him never
+to forget a favour, or forgive an injury.
+
+
+
+
+
+Chapter XXX.
+
+  "I shall go on through all eternity,
+  Thank God, I only am an embryo still:
+  The small beginning of a glorious soul,
+  An atom that shall fill immensity."
+
+  Coxe.
+
+A fortnight elapsed ere Willoughby and his party could tear themselves
+from a scene that had witnessed so much domestic happiness; but on
+which had fallen the blight of death. During that time, the future
+arrangements of the survivors were completed. Beekman was made
+acquainted with the state of feeling that existed between his brother-
+in-law and Maud, and he advised an immediate union.
+
+"Be happy while you can," he said, with bitter emphasis. "We live in
+troubled times, and heaven knows when we shall see better. Maud has not
+a blood-relation in all America, unless there may happen to be some in
+the British army. Though we should all be happy to protect and cherish
+the dear girl, she herself would probably, prefer to be near those whom
+nature has appointed her friends. To me, she will always seem a sister,
+as you must ever be a brother. By uniting yourselves at once, all
+appearances of impropriety will be avoided; and in time, God averting
+evil, you can introduce your wife to her English connections."
+
+"You forget, Beekman, that you are giving this advice to one who is a
+prisoner on parole, and one who may possibly be treated as a spy."
+
+"No--that is impossible. Schuyler, our noble commander, is both just
+and a gentleman. He will tolerate nothing of the sort. Your exchange
+can easily be effected, and, beyond your present difficulties, I can
+pledge myself to be able to protect you."
+
+Willoughby was not averse to following this advice; and he urged it
+upon Maud, as the safest and most prudent course they could pursue. Our
+heroine, however, was so reluctant even to assuming the appearance of
+happiness, so recently after the losses she had experienced, that the
+lover's task of persuasion was by no means easy. Maud was totally free
+from affectation, while she possessed the keenest sense of womanly
+propriety. Her intercourse with Robert Willoughby had been of the
+tenderest and most confidential nature, above every pretence of
+concealment, and was rendered sacred by the scenes through which they
+had passed. Her love, her passionate, engrossing attachment, she did
+not scruple to avow; but she could not become a bride while the stains
+of blood seemed so recent on the very hearth around which they were
+sitting. She still saw the forms of the dead, in their customary
+places, heard their laughs, the tones of their affectionate voices, the
+maternal whisper, the playful, paternal reproof, or Beulah's gentle
+call.
+
+"Yet, Robert," said Maud, for she could now call him by that name, and
+drop the desperate familiarity of 'Bob,'--"yet, Robert, there would be
+a melancholy satisfaction in making our vows at the altar of the little
+chapel, where we have so often worshipped together--the loved ones who
+are gone and we who alone remain."
+
+"True, dearest Maud; and there is another reason why we should quit
+this place only as man and wife. Beekman has owned that a question will
+probably be raised among the authorities at Albany concerning the
+nature of my visit here. It might relieve him from an appeal to more
+influence than would be altogether pleasant, did I appear as a
+bridegroom rather than as a spy."
+
+The word "spy" settled the matter. All ordinary considerations were
+lost sight of, under the apprehensions it created, and Maud frankly
+consented to become a wife that very day. The ceremony was performed by
+Mr. Woods accordingly, and the little chapel witnessed tears of bitter
+recollections mingling with the smiles with which the bride received
+the warm embrace of her husband, after the benediction was pronounced.
+Still, all felt that, under the circumstances, delay would have been
+unwise. Maud saw a species of holy solemnity in a ceremony so closely
+connected with scenes so sad.
+
+A day or two after the marriage, all that remained of those who had so
+lately crowded the Hut, left the valley together. The valuables were
+packed and transported to boats lying in the stream below the mills.
+All the cattle, hogs, &c., were collected and driven towards the
+settlements; and horses were prepared for Maud and the females, who
+were to thread the path that led to Fort Stanwix. In a word, the Knoll
+was to be abandoned, as a spot unfit to be occupied in such a war. None
+but labourers, indeed, could, or would remain, and Beekman thought it
+wisest to leave the spot entirely to nature, for the few succeeding
+years.
+
+There had been some rumours of confiscations by the new state, and
+Willoughby had come to the conclusion that it would be safer to
+transfer this property to one who would be certain to escape such an
+infliction, than to retain it in his own hands. Little Evert was
+entitled to receive a portion of the captain's estate by justice, if
+not by law. No will had been found, and the son succeeded as heir-at-
+law. A deed was accordingly drawn up by Mr. Woods, who understood such
+matters, and being duly executed, the Beaver Dam property was vested in
+fee in the child. His own thirty thousand pounds, the personals he
+inherited from his mother, and Maud's fortune, to say nothing of the
+major's commission, formed an ample support for the new-married pair.
+When all was settled, and made productive, indeed, Willoughby found
+himself the master of between three and four thousand sterling a year,
+exclusively of his allowances from the British government, an ample
+fortune for that day. In looking over the accounts of Maud's fortune,
+he had reason to admire the rigid justice, and free-handed liberality
+with which his father had managed her affairs. Every farthing of her
+income had been transferred to capital, a long minority nearly doubling
+the original investment. Unknown to himself, he had married one of the
+largest heiresses then to be found in the American colonies. This was
+unknown to Maud, also; though it gave her great delight on her
+husband's account, when she came to learn the truth.
+
+Albany was reached in due time, though not without encountering the
+usual difficulties. Here the party separated. The remaining Plinys and
+Smashes were all liberated, handsome provisions made for their little
+wants, and good places found for them, in the connection of the family
+to which they had originally belonged. Mike announced his determination
+to enter a corps that was intended expressly to fight the Indians. He
+had a long score to settle, and having no wife or children, he thought
+he might amuse himself in this way, during a revolution, as well as in
+any other.
+
+"If yer honour was going anywhere near the county Leitrim," he said, in
+answer to Willoughby's offer to keep him near himself, "I might travel
+in company; seein' that a man likes to look on ould faces, now and
+then. Many thanks for this bag of gold, which will sarve to buy scalps
+wid'; for divil bur-r-n me, if I don't carry on _that_ trade, for
+some time to come. T'ree cuts wid a knife, half a dozen pokes in the
+side, and a bullet scraping; the head, makes a man mindful of what has
+happened; to say nothing of the captain, and Madam Willoughby, and Miss
+Beuly--God for ever bless and presarve 'em all t'ree--and, if there was
+such a thing as a bit of a church in this counthry, wouldn't I use this
+gould for masses?--_dat_ I would, and let the scalps go to the
+divil!"
+
+This was an epitome of the views of Michael O'Hearn. No arguments of
+Willoughby's could change his resolution; but he set forth, determined
+to illustrate his career by procuring as many Indian scalps, as an
+atonement for the wrongs done "Madam Willoughby and Miss Beuly," as
+came within his reach.
+
+"And you, Joyce," said the major, in an interview he had with the
+serjeant, shortly after reaching Albany; "I trust _we_ are not to
+part. Thanks to Colonel Beekman's influence and zeal, I am already
+exchanged, and shall repair to New York next week. You are a soldier;
+and these are times in which a _good_ soldier is of some account.
+I think I can safely promise you a commission in one of the new
+provincial regiments, about to be raised."
+
+"I thank your honour, but do not feel at liberty to accept the offer. I
+took service with Captain Willoughby for life; had he lived, I would
+have followed wherever he led. But that enlistment has expired; and I
+am now like a recruit before he takes the bounty. In such cases, a man
+has always a right to pick his corps. Politics I do not much
+understand; but when the question comes up of pulling a trigger
+_for_ or _against_ his country, an _unengaged_ man has a
+right to choose. Between the two, meaning no reproach to yourself,
+Major Willoughby, who had regularly taken service with the other side,
+before the war began--but, between the two, I would rather fight an
+Englishman, than an American."
+
+"You may possibly be right, Joyce; though, as you say, my service is
+taken. I hope you follow the dictates of conscience, as I am certain I
+do myself. We shall never meet in arms, however, if I can prevent it.
+There is a negotiation for a lieutenant-colonelcy going on, which, if
+it succeed, will carry me to England. I shall never serve an hour
+longer against these colonies, if it be in my power to avoid it."
+
+"_States_, with your permission, Major Willoughby," answered the
+serjeant, a little stiffly. "I am glad to hear it, sir; for, though I
+wish my enemies good soldiers, I would rather not have the son of my
+old captain among them. Colonel Beekman has offered to make me
+serjeant-major of his own regiment; and we both of us join next week."
+
+Joyce was as good as his word. He became serjeant-major, and, in the
+end, lieutenant and adjutant of the regiment he had mentioned. He
+fought in most of the principal battles of the war, and retired at the
+peace, with an excellent character. Ten years later, he fell, in one of
+the murderous Indian affairs, that occurred during the first
+oresidential term, a grey-headed captain of foot. The manner of his
+death was not to be regretted, perhaps, as it was what he had always
+wished might happen; but, it was a singular fact, that Mike stood over
+his body, and protected it from mutilation; the County Leitrim-man
+having turned soldier by trade, re-enlisting regularly, as soon as at
+liberty, and laying up scalps on all suitable occasions.
+
+Blodget, too, had followed Joyce to the wars. The readiness and
+intelligence of this young man, united to a courage of proof, soon
+brought him forward, and he actually came out of the revolution a
+captain. His mind, manners and information advancing with himself, he
+ended his career, not many years since, a prominent politician in one
+of the new states; a general in the militia--no great preferment, by
+the way, for one who had been a corporal at the Hut--and a legislator.
+Worse men have often acted in all these capacities among us; and it was
+said, with truth, at the funeral of General Blodget, an accident that
+does not always occur on such occasions, that "another revolutionary
+hero is gone." Beekman was never seen to smile, from the moment he
+first beheld the dead body of Beulah, lying with little Evert in her
+arms. He served faithfully until near the close of the war, falling in
+battle only a few months previously to the peace. His boy preceded him
+to the grave, leaving, as confiscations had gone out of fashion by that
+time, his uncle heir-at-law, again, to the same property that he had
+conferred on himself.
+
+As for Willoughby and Maud, they were safely conveyed to New York,
+where the former rejoined his regiment. Our heroine here met her great-
+uncle, General Meredith, the first of her own blood relations whom she
+had seen since infancy. Her reception was grateful to her feelings;
+and, there being a resemblance in years, appearance and manners, she
+transferred much of that affection which she had thought interred for
+ever in the grave of her reputed father, to this revered relative. He
+became much attached to his lovely niece, himself; and, ten years
+later, Willoughby found his income quite doubled, by his decease.
+
+At the expiration of six months, the gazette that arrived from England,
+announced the promotion of "Sir Robert Willoughby, Bart., late major in
+the ---th, to be lieutenant colonel, by purchase, in His Majesty's
+---th regiment of foot." This enabled Willoughby to quit America; to
+which quarter of the world he had no occasion to be sent during the
+remainder of the war.
+
+Of that war, itself, there is little occasion to speak. Its progress
+and termination have long been matters of history. The independence of
+America was acknowledged by England in 1783; and, immediately after,
+the republicans commenced the conquest of their wide-spread domains, by
+means of the arts of peace. In 1785, the first great assaults were made
+on the wilderness, in that mountainous region which has been the
+principal scene of our tale. The Indians had been driven off, in a
+great measure, by the events of the revolution; and the owners of
+estates, granted under the crown, began to search for their lands in
+the untenanted woods. Such isolated families, too, as had taken refuge
+in the settlements, now began to return to their deserted possessions;
+and soon the smokes of clearings were obscuring the sun. Whitestown,
+Utica, on the site of old Fort Stanwix, Cooperstown, for years the seat
+of justice for several thousand square miles of territory, all sprang
+into existence between the years 1785 and 1790. Such places as Oxford,
+Binghamton, Norwich, Sherburne, Hamilton, and twenty more, that now dot
+the region of which we have been writing, did not then exist, even in
+name; for, in that day, the appellation and maps came after the place;
+whereas, now, the former precede the last.
+
+The ten years that elapsed between 1785 and 1795, did wonders for all
+this mountain district. More favourable lands lay spread in the great
+west, but the want of roads, and remoteness from the markets, prevented
+their occupation. For several years, therefore, the current of
+emigration which started out of the eastern states, the instant peace
+was proclaimed, poured its tide into the counties mentioned in our
+opening chapter--_counties_ as they are to-day; _county_ ay,
+and fragment of a county, too, as they were then.
+
+The New York Gazette, a journal that frequently related facts that
+actually occurred, announced in its number of June 11th, 1795, "His
+Majesty's Packet that has just arrived"--it required half a century to
+teach the journalists of this country the propriety of saying "His
+_Britannic_ Majesty's Packet," instead of "His Majesty's," a bit of
+good taste, and of good sense, that many of them have yet to
+learn--"has brought _out_," _home_ would have been better
+"among her passengers, Lieutenant-General Sir Robert Willoughby, and
+his lady, both of whom are natives of this state. We welcome them back
+to their land of nativity where we can assure them they will be
+cordially received notwithstanding old quarrels. _Major_
+Willoughby's kindness to American prisoners is gratefully remembered;
+nor is it forgotten that he desired to exchange to another regiment in
+order to avoid further service in this country."
+
+It will be conceded, this was a very respectable puff for the year
+1795, when something like moderation, truth, and propriety were
+observed upon such occasions. The effect was to bring the English
+general's name into the mouths of the whole state; a baronet causing a
+greater sensation then, in America, than a duke would produce to-day.
+It had the effect, however, of bringing around General Willoughby many
+of his father's, and his own old friends, and he was as well received
+in New York, twelve years after the termination of the conflict, as if
+he had fought on the other side. The occurrence of the French
+revolution, and the spread of doctrines that were termed Jacobinical,
+early removed all the dissensions between a large portion of the whigs
+of America and the tories of England, on this side of the water at
+least; and Providence only can tell what might have been the
+consequences, had this feeling been thoroughly understood on the other.
+
+Passing over all political questions, however, our narrative calls us
+to the relation of its closing scene. The visit of Sir Robert and Lady
+Willoughby to the land of their birth was, in part, owing to feeling;
+in part, to a proper regard for the future provision of their children.
+The baronet had bought the ancient paternal estate of his family in
+England, and having two daughters, besides an only son, it occurred to
+him that the American property, called the Hutted Knoll, might prove a
+timely addition to the ready money he had been able to lay up from his
+income. Then, both he and his wife had a deep desire to revisit those
+scenes where they had first learned to love each other, and which still
+held the remains of so many who were dear to them.
+
+The cabin of a suitable sloop was therefore engaged, and the party,
+consisting of Sir Robert, his wife, a man and woman servant, and a sort
+of American courier, engaged for the trip, embarked on the morning of
+the 25th of July. On the afternoon of the 30th, the sloop arrived in
+safety at Albany, where a carriage was hired to proceed the remainder
+of the way by land. The route by old Fort Stanwix, as Utica was still
+generally called, was taken. Our travellers reached it on the evening
+of the third day; the 'Sands, which are now traversed in less than an
+hour, then occupying more than half of the first day. When at Fort
+Stanwix, a passable country road was found, by which the travellers
+journeyed until they reached a tavern that united many of the comforts
+of a coarse civilisation, with frontier simplicity. Here they were
+given to understand they had only a dozen miles to go, in order to
+reach the Knoll.
+
+It was necessary to make the remainder of the journey on horseback. A
+large, untenanted estate lay between the highway and the valley, across
+which no public road had yet been made. Foot-paths, however, abounded,
+and the rivulet was found without any difficulty. It was, perhaps,
+fortunate for the privacy of the Knoll, that it lay in the line of no
+frequented route, and, squatters being rare in that day, Willoughby
+saw, the instant he struck the path that followed the sinuosities of
+the stream, that it had been seldom trodden in the interval of the
+nineteen-years which had occurred since he had last seen it himself.
+The evidences of this fact increased, as the stream was ascended, until
+the travellers reached the mill, when it was found that the spirit of
+destruction, which so widely prevails in the loose state of society
+that exists in all new countries, had been at work. Every one of the
+buildings at the falls had been burnt; probably as much because it was
+in the power of some reckless wanderer to work mischief, as for any
+other reason. That the act was the result of some momentary impulse,
+was evident in the circumstance that the mischief went no further. Some
+of the machinery had been carried away, however, to be set up in other
+places, on a principle that is very widely extended through all border
+settlements, which considers the temporary disuse of property as its
+virtual abandonment.
+
+It was a moment of pain and pleasure, strangely mingled, when
+Willoughby and Maud reached the rocks, and got a first view of the
+ancient Beaver Dam. All the buildings remained, surprisingly little
+altered to the eye by the lapse of years. The gates had been secured
+when they left the place, in 1776; and the Hut, having no accessible
+external windows, that dwelling remained positively intact. It is true,
+quite half the palisadoes were rotted down; but the Hut, itself, had
+resisted the ravages of time. A fire had been kindled against its side,
+but the stone walls had opposed an obstacle to its ravages; and an
+attempt, by throwing a brand upon the roof, had failed of its object,
+the shingles not igniting. On examination, the lock of the inner gate
+was still secure. The key had been found, and, on its application, an
+entrance was obtained into the court.
+
+What a moment was that, when Maud, fresh from the luxuries of an
+English home, entered this long and well remembered scene of her youth!
+Rank grasses were growing in the court, but they soon disappeared
+before the scythes that had been brought, in expectation of the
+circumstance. Then, all was clear for an examination of the house. The
+Hut was exactly in the condition in which it had been left, with the
+exception of a little, and a very little, dust collected by time.
+
+Maud was still in the bloom of womanhood, feminine, beautiful, full of
+feeling, and as sincere as when she left these woods, though her
+feelings were tempered a little by intercourse with the world. She went
+from room to room, hanging on Willoughby's arm, forbidding any to
+follow. All the common furniture had been left in the house, in
+expectation it would be inhabited again, ere many years; and this
+helped to preserve the identity. The library was almost entire; the
+bed-rooms, the parlours, and even the painting-room, were found very
+much as they would have appeared, after an absence of a few months.
+Tears flowed in streams down the cheeks of Lady Willoughby, as she went
+through room after room, and recalled to the mind of her husband the
+different events of which they had been the silent witnesses. Thus
+passed an hour or two of unutterable tenderness, blended with a species
+of holy sorrow. At the end of that time, the attendants, of whom many
+had been engaged, had taken possession of the offices, &c., and were
+bringing the Hut once more into a habitable condition. Soon, too, a
+report was brought that the mowers, who had been brought in
+anticipation of their services being wanted, had cut a broad swathe to
+the ruins of the chapel, and the graves of the family.
+
+It was now near the setting of the sun, and the hour was favourable for
+the melancholy duty that remained. For bidding any to follow,
+Willoughby proceeded with Maud to the graves. These had been dug within
+a little thicket of shrubs, planted by poor Jamie Allen, under Maud's
+own directions. She had then thought that the spot might one day be
+wanted. These bushes, lilacs, and ceringos, had grown to a vast size,
+in that rich soil. They completely concealed the space within, an area
+of some fifty square feet, from the observation of those without. The
+grass had been cut over all, however, and an opening made by the mowers
+gave access to the graves. On reaching this opening, Willoughby started
+at hearing voices within the inclosure; he was about to reprove the
+intruders, when Maud pressed his arm, and whispered--
+
+"Listen, Willoughby--those voices sound strangely to my ears! We have
+heard them before."
+
+"I tell ye, Nick--ould Nicky, or Saucy Nick, or whatever's yer name,"
+said one within in a strong Irish accent "that Jamie, the mason that
+was, is forenent ye, at this minute, under that bit of a sod--and, it's
+his honour, and Missus, and Miss Beuly, that is buried here. Och! ye're
+a cr'ature, Nick; good at takin' scalps, but ye knows nothin' of
+graves; barrin' the quhantity ye've helped to fill."
+
+"Good"--answered the Indian. "Cap'in here; squaw here; darter here.
+Where son?--where t'other gal?"
+
+"Here," answered Willoughby, leading Maud within the hedge. "I am
+Robert Willoughby, and this is Maud Meredith, my wife."
+
+Mike fairly started; he even showed a disposition to seize a musket
+which lay on the grass. As for the Indian, a tree in the forest could
+not have stood less unmoved than he was at this unexpected
+interruption. Then all four stood in silent admiration, noting the
+changes which time had, more or less, wrought in all.
+
+Willoughby was in the pride of manhood. He had served with distinction,
+and his countenance and frame both showed it, though neither had
+suffered more than was necessary to give him a high military air, and a
+look of robust vigour. As for Maud, with her graceful form fully
+developed by her riding-habit, her soft lineaments and polished
+expression, no one would have thought her more than thirty, which was
+ten years less than her real age. With Mike and Nick it was very
+different. Both had grown old, not only in fact, but in appearance. The
+Irishman was turned of sixty, and his hard, coarse-featured face, burnt
+as red as the sun in a fog, by exposure and Santa Cruz, was getting to
+be wrinkled and a little emaciated. Still, his frame was robust and
+powerful. His attire was none of the best, and it was to be seen at a
+glance that it was more than half military. In point of fact, the poor
+fellow had been refused a reinlistment in the army, on account of his
+infirmities and years, and America was not then a country to provide
+retreats for her veterans. Still, Mike had an ample pension for wounds,
+and could not be said to be in want. He had suffered in the same battle
+with Joyce, in whose company he had actually been corporal O'Hearn,
+though his gallant commander had not risen to fight again, as had been
+the case with the subordinate.
+
+Wyandotte exhibited still greater changes. He had seen his threescore
+and ten years; and was fast falling into the "sere and yellow leaf."
+His hair was getting grey, and his frame, though still active and
+sinewy, would have yielded under the extraordinary marches he had once
+made. In dress, there was nothing to remark; his ordinary Indian attire
+being in as good condition as was usual for the man. Willoughby
+thought, however, that his eye was less wild than when he knew him
+before; and every symptom of intemperance had vanished, not only from
+his countenance, but his person.
+
+From the moment Willoughby appeared, a marked change came over the
+countenance of Nick. His dark eye, which still retained much of its
+brightness, turned in the direction of the neighbouring chapel, and he
+seemed relieved when a rustling in the bushes announced a footstep.
+There had not been another word spoken when the lilacs were shoved
+aside, and Mr. Woods, a vigorous little man, in a green old age,
+entered the area. Willoughby had not seen the chaplain since they
+parted at Albany, and the greetings were as warm as they were
+unexpected.
+
+"I have lived a sort of hermit's life, my dear Bob, since the death of
+your blessed parents," said the divine, clearing his eyes of tears;
+"now and then cheered by a precious letter from yourself and Maud--I
+call you both by the names I gave you both in baptism--and it was, 'I,
+_Maud_, take thee, _Robert_,' when you stood before the
+altar in that little edifice--you will pardon me if I am too familiar
+with a general officer and his lady"
+
+"Familiar!" exclaimed both in a breath;--and Maud's soft, white hand
+was extended towards the chaplain, with reproachful earnestness;--"We,
+who were made Christians by you, and who have so much reason to
+remember and love you always!"
+
+"Well, well; I see you are Robert and Maud, still"--dashing streaming
+tears from his eyes now. "Yes, I did bring you both into God's visible
+church on earth, and you were baptised by one who received his
+ordination from the Archbishop of Canterbury himself,"--Maud smiled a
+little archly--"and who has never forgotten his ordination vows, as he
+humbly trusts. But you are not the only Christians I have made--I now
+rank Nicholas among the number"--
+
+"Nick!" interrupted Sir Robert--"Wyandotte!" added his wife, with a
+more delicate tact.
+
+"I call him Nicholas, now, since he was christened by that name--there
+is no longer a Wyandotte, or a Saucy Nick. Major Willoughby, I have a
+secret to communicate--I beg pardon, Sir Robert--but you will excuse
+old habits--if you will walk this way."
+
+Willoughby was apart with the chaplain a full half-hour, during which
+time Maud wept over the graves, the rest standing by in respectful
+silence. As for Nick, a stone could scarcely have been more fixed than
+his attitude. Nevertheless, his mien was rebuked, his eye downcast;
+even his bosom was singularly convulsed. He knew that the chaplain was
+communicating to Willoughby the manner in which he had slain his
+father. At length, the gentlemen returned slowly towards the graves;
+the general agitated, frowning, and flushed. As for Mr. Woods, he was
+placid and full of hope. Willoughby had yielded to his expostulations
+and arguments a forgiveness, which came reluctantly, and perhaps as
+much for the want of a suitable object for retaliation, as from a sense
+of Christian duty.
+
+"Nicholas," said the chaplain, "I have told the general all."
+
+"He know him!" cried the Indian, with startling energy.
+
+"I do, Wyandotte; and sorry have I been to learn it. You have made my
+heart bitter."
+
+Nick was terribly agitated. His youthful and former opinions maintained
+a fearful struggle with those which had come late in life; the result
+being a wild admixture of his sense of Indian justice, and submission
+to the tenets of his new, and imperfectly-comprehended faith. For a
+moment, the first prevailed. Advancing, with a firm step, to the
+general, he put his own bright and keen tomahawk into the other's
+hands, folded his arms on his bosom, bowed his head a little, and said,
+firmly--
+
+"Strike--Nick kill cap'in--Major kill Nick."
+
+"No, Tuscarora, no," answered Sir Robert Willoughby, his whole soul
+yielding before this act of humble submission--"May God in heaven
+forgive the deed, as I now forgive you."
+
+There was a wild smile gleaming on the face of the Indian; he grasped
+both hands of Willoughby in his own. He then muttered the words, "God
+forgive," his eye rolled upward at the clouds, and he fell dead on the
+grave of his victim. It was thought, afterwards, that agitation had
+accelerated the crisis of an incurable affection of the heart.
+
+A few minutes of confusion followed. Then Mike, bare-headed, his old
+face flushed and angry, dragged from his pockets a string of strange-
+looking, hideous objects, and laid them by the Indian's side. They were
+human scalps, collected by himself, in the course of many campaigns,
+and brought, as a species of hecatomb, to the graves of the fallen.
+
+"Out upon ye, Nick!" he cried. "Had I known the like of that, little
+would I have campaigned in yer company! Och! 'twas an undacent deed,
+and a hundred confessions would barely wipe it from yer sowl. It's a
+pity, too, that ye've died widout absolution from a praist, sich as
+I've tould ye off. Barrin' the brache of good fellieship, I could have
+placed yer own scalp wid the rest, as a p'ace-offering, to his Honour,
+the Missus and Miss Beuly----"
+
+"Enough," interrupted Sir Robert Willoughby, with an authority of
+manner that Mike's military habits could not resist; "the man has
+repented, and is forgiven. Maud, love, it is time to quit this
+melancholy scene; occasions will offer to revisit it."
+
+In the end, Mr. Woods took possession of the Hut, as a sort of
+hermitage, in which to spend the remainder of his days. He had toiled
+hard for the conversion of Nick, in gratitude for the manner in which
+he had fought in defence of the females. He now felt as keen a desire
+to rescue the Irishman from the superstitions of what he deemed an
+error quite as fatal as heathenism. Mike consented to pass the
+remainder of his days at the Knoll, which was to be, and in time,
+_was_, renovated, under their joint care.
+
+Sir Robert and Lady Willoughby passed a month in the valley. Nick had
+been buried within the bushes; and even Maud had come to look upon this
+strange conjunction of graves, with the eye of a Christian, blended
+with the tender regrets of a woman. The day that the general and his
+wife left the valley for ever, they paid a final visit to the graves.
+Here Maud wept for an hour. Then her husband, passing an arm around her
+waist, drew her gently away; saying, as they were quitting the
+inclosure--
+
+"They are in Heaven, dearest--looking down in love, quite likely, on
+us, the objects of so much of their earthly affection. As for
+Wyandotte, he lived according to his habits and intelligence, and
+happily died under the convictions of a conscience directed by the
+lights of divine grace. Little will the deeds of this life be
+remembered, among those who have been the true subjects of its blessed
+influence. If this man were unmerciful in his revenge, he also
+remembered my mother's kindnesses, and bled for her and her daughters.
+Without his care, my life would have remained unblessed with your love,
+my ever-precious Maud! He never forgot a favour, or forgave an injury."
+
+
+
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